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 important part of this

across the desk. “Apology accepted.

place for everyone.

he agrees, shaking my

won’t prep itself,” I

to the kitchen.

him, I can’t help but feel a small sense of

so many more

…

like any other, the staff bustling around the kitchen as orders

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

reduction to Karl,

moment, and he gives me a

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

with the tantalizing smells

the chaos, there’s an underlying current

Ethan calls out, sliding the plates onto the counter. I do

everything looks

servers swoop in to

I hear John’s voice, commanding but not overbearing, instructing

it’s all about balance. You want enough sauce so it’s flavorful

much

to listen, holding my

his tone earnest. He adjusts the angle of his tongs and

on the plate, a garnish

and Karl beams, clearly pleased by

like a giant leap forward