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

perfect, he’s an important part of

I say, extending my hand across the desk. “Apology accepted. Let’s

for everyone.

he agrees, shaking my

Let’s get back out there; dinner service won’t prep itself,” I say, and we both stand to head

to the kitchen.

him, I can’t help but feel a small

so many more

…

bustling around the

John’s tone is softer, more instructive, less caustic.

the finer points of sauce reduction

and he gives me a

rush kicks in, and everyone springs into high gear. Plates are flying, stoves are

air is thick with the tantalizing smells of grilled meat,

the chaos, there’s an underlying current of teamwork

out, sliding the

everything looks

I yell, and servers swoop in to

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

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

so much that

listen, holding my

adjusts the

a garnish of parsley providing the

and Karl beams,

it feels like a giant leap forward