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

from perfect, he’s an important part of this restaurant’s

my hand across the desk. “Apology accepted. Let’s

for everyone.

agrees, shaking

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

to the kitchen.

behind him, I can’t help but

so many

…

begins like any other, the staff bustling

atmosphere. John’s tone is softer, more instructive,

points of sauce reduction

a moment, and he gives me

everyone springs into high gear.

tantalizing smells of grilled meat,

chaos, there’s an underlying current

six is ready to go, Abby,” Ethan calls out, sliding the plates

everything

let’s move, people!” I yell, and servers swoop

John’s voice, commanding but not overbearing,

balance.

so much that it’s

pause to listen,

earnest. He adjusts the angle of his tongs and the

garnish of parsley providing

comments, and Karl beams,

interaction, but it feels like a giant leap forward for both of them—and for me. As