Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

Chapter 114
Abby

The clock on the wall reads 11:30 PM, its ticking slicing through the quietness of my office like a knife.

I’m engrossed in the sea of paperwork in front of me when there’s a knock on the door—soft but

persistent. My eyes dart up, half-expecting to see Chloe or maybe Leah, but it’s Karl leaning against

the doorframe.

“Hey,” he says, his eyes not quite meeting mine as he studies the pile of papers on my desk. “Am I

interrupting?”

His sudden appearance sets off a chorus of conflicting emotions inside me. Part of me wants to put up

the barriers again, but another part is surprised and, dare I admit, pleased to see him. It’s late, and I

thought that I was the only one left in the restaurant. As it turns out, I was wrong.

“No, not really,” I reply, setting aside my pen. “Just wrapping up some payroll stuff. What are you still

doing here? It’s late.”

“I wanted to stay late to prep the kitchen for tomorrow.” He pauses, his eyes now finding mine. “Saw

the light on under your door on my way out. Figured I’d check on you.”

The sincerity in his voice is disarming, but there’s a moment of hesitance between us, thick and almost

tangible. Finally, I break the silence. “Oh. Well, I’m fine,” I say, managing a stiff smile. “Thanks.”

Karl stands there for a few moments longer. It’s clear that he’s not planning on leaving, and I sigh,

setting my pen down again. Last night, he helped me with the souffle recipe again. But tonight, I have

other work to do. I can’t focus 100% of my time on preparing for the cook-off.

“What is it?” I ask, glancing up at him.

He shrugs. There’s an almost mischievous look in his eyes, like there’s something that he wants to say

but isn’t saying it. “Bar’s still open,” he says, glancing at his watch. “I was thinking of grabbing a drink.

Wanna join me?”

by surprise. All this time, I’ve tried to contain our interactions

and the restaurant only. It’s easier that way. But then, at the same time, it is late. I’ve

that the numbers are starting to dance on

with a resolved

drink. But just

a subtle lifting of the corners of his mouth that used to

can live with

locking up the restaurant, we head to the bar down the street. The

the late-night setting feels almost

atmosphere, creaky wooden floors

takes the seat beside me. The bartender comes up

this bar on Friday nights over the years since I

restaurant.

bartender says, nodding politely to Karl in turn.

but before I can, Karl

raise my eyebrow at

let me order

“Like you wouldn’t have ordered the same thing

me. Too well, in fact. The bartender pours us a couple of

me, the lines between past and present blur a bit. I find myself

instinct of our bond, but

whiskey and some

nervously circling the rim of

thought that Karl’s reconciliation with Chloe yesterday was enough of an

the time being. “Apologize?” I mutter. “Why? For

being supportive of the competition. I know it’s important to you and to the

a jerk about it. I was…” He

front of him.

charged and filled

But something tells

means a lot to me, Karl,” I murmur.

night.”

soft sigh escapes Karl’s lips. “I know. But I don’t feel as though

“Enough? I—”

filled with sincerity. “I’m so proud of you, Abby. And…

throughout all of this. So whatever you need,

you win this competition.”

feel my heart swell a little at his offer. The man I used to love—the man I still