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

“But they’re rare, expensive, and the

the article. “You know, I

was sourcing

the mention of Adam’s name. Every memory of that whole debacle

of not only the breakup, but the fact

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

who specialize in rare ingredients. If you let me, I can try to

churns my stomach.

I’m in. “Fine,” I finally say. “Give

been waiting for this

phone and dials a number. I can hear the phone ring, then someone

Karl. Listen, I need a

pounds in my chest as I listen to him speak to

I remember all too well.

the same confidence that I’ve been trying to protect

eternity, Karl hangs up and looks at me,

but even my supplier can’t get them. There are none available on

market right now.”

invisible wave of defeat. “So that’s it, then,” I say softly,

“I’m really on

his phone away and gazes at me, a mixture of emotions swirling

of genuine concern. “Abby, I know you have no

odds are against you, you

at the article about black truffles on my screen, then back

voice tinged with an exhaustion I can no longer hide.

do.”

room feels like it’s closing in

then, without warning, I can’t hold it in anymore. Tears spill

that has finally burst.

he takes in my sudden emotional collapse.

wrong?”

hiccup between so bs, taking a deep breath before I let it all spill out. “It’s Chloe,” I manage to say,

sided with

lose my friends, Karl. I

hangs heavy in the air. The fact that I let

his seat. “I’ll talk to her.

another step, I’m on my feet too, rushing to stand between him