Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

Chapter 0159
Abby

The weight of the world feels like it’s pressing down on my shoulders like a leaden weight, and just

when I think it can’t get any heavier, Karl appears in the doorway of my office.

“Is everything okay, Abby?” he asks, and there’s a genuine concern in his eyes that almost—almost—

makes me want to believe in him again.

I hesitate, my eyes darting to my phone with Chloe’s unsent text. But there’s also a cook-off I need to

win, friendships to mend, and a restaurant to run. “I’m fine,” I lie, although my voice betrays me,

cracking slightly.

“Come on, Abby.” He steps into the room, closing the door behind him. “You and I both know that’s not

true.”

I sigh, shifting my gaze to my computer screen where an article on black truffles glares back at me. I

already promised to myself that I wouldn’t let Karl get closer, and everything in my body is screaming at

me right now to send him away.

But before I can stop him, Karl moves closer, leaning on the edge of my desk. “Look, if you don’t want

to talk about it, fine. But if there’s any way I can help—”

“Help?” I snort, incredulous. “You’ve done enough, don’t you think?”

He winces, stung by the harshness of my words.”Alright, fair point,” he concedes, pausing. “But let’s

not pretend that I’m the only complicated thing in your life right now.”

His eyes flicker to my computer screen, then back to me. “Now, what’s this about black truffles?”

I exhale deeply, a mixture of relief and frustration swirling within me. As much as it pains me to admit it,

he’s right; I’m in desperate need of help. “I need them for a dish I’m working on for the cook-off,” I

they’re rare, expensive,

the article. “You know, I might be able

I was

Every memory of that whole debacle

the fact that Karl played a

know,” he catches himself, shaking his head. “But Abby, the point is, I have

let me, I can try to

Karl’s help churns my stomach. Can

“Fine,”

waiting for this

phone and dials a number. I can

he says. “It’s Karl. Listen, I need

I listen to him speak to the supplier. There’s a hint

a smooth confidence that I remember

confidence that I’ve been trying to

eternity, Karl hangs up and looks at me, his eyes

even my supplier can’t get

market right now.”

an invisible wave of defeat. “So that’s it, then,”

really on my

and gazes at me, a mixture of emotions

genuine concern. “Abby, I know you have no

are against you, you can still turn things

at the article about black truffles on my screen, then

voice tinged with an exhaustion I

do.”

silence. But the room feels like it’s closing in on me with each

in anymore. Tears spill down my

that has finally burst.

startled, his eyes widening as he takes in

wrong?”

hiccup between so bs, taking a deep breath before I let it all

quit, stormed out. And Leah sided with her; she said it’s either you

my friends, Karl.

my own words hangs heavy in the air. The fact that I let it all out like that takes even

seat. “I’ll talk to

take another step, I’m on my feet