Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

Chapter 101
The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering tomato sauce fills the air as I sit at my desk,

reviewing the inventory for the week.

It’s still early in the day, but the restaurant has already started to come alive. My eyes flit over numbers

and figures, but my thoughts keep drifting to the chaos of last night—Karl, John, Ethan, and that cook-

off looming in the future like a beacon of both opportunity and uncertainty.

As I’m about to turn my attention to the newly arrived email from Calvin, there’s a soft knock on my

door. “Come in,” I call out, hoping it’s not another crisis that needs immediate attention.

The door opens, and it’s John, looking a little sheepish. “Hey, Abby, you got a minute?”

I nod, gesturing for him to take a seat. “Sure, what’s on your mind?”

He hesitates, choosing his words carefully. “Look, about last night—I lost my cool, and I shouldn’t have

said what I did. I was…riled up, and I didn’t mean it. It was a long evening.”

I eye him skeptically, remembering his cutting remarks and confrontational demeanor. “You think?”

He winces. “I do. And I’m sorry. If you’re willing to forgive an old dog for his foolishness, I promise I’ll

train Karl properly and be more respectful. To everyone.”

The sincerity in his voice tips the balance for me. We’ve been through a lot, John and I, and though

an

hand across the desk. “Apology

for

shaking my

dinner service won’t prep itself,” I say, and we both stand to

to the kitchen.

can’t help but feel a small sense of relief.

many more

…

staff bustling around the kitchen as orders start

a palpable change in the atmosphere. John’s tone is softer, more instructive, less

the finer points of sauce reduction

he gives

dinner rush kicks in, and everyone springs into high gear.

is thick with the tantalizing smells of grilled meat, sautéed

there’s an underlying current of

is ready to go, Abby,” Ethan calls out, sliding the plates onto the counter. I do a quick

everything looks

and servers

John’s voice, commanding but not overbearing, instructing Karl on the proper

the linguini. “Remember, Karl, it’s all about balance. You want enough sauce so it’s

so much

pause to listen, holding my

Karl replies, his tone earnest. He adjusts the angle of his

on the plate, a garnish of parsley providing

Karl beams, clearly pleased

giant leap forward for both of them—and for