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,

the screen again, his eyes scanning the article. “You

was

flinch at the mention of Adam’s name. Every memory of that whole debacle is a stab to the gut,

breakup, but the fact that Karl played a role in

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

let me, I can try to secure these

stomach. Can I

straits I’m in. “Fine,” I finally say. “Give it a

been waiting for this tiny chance at redemption. He

a number. I can hear the phone ring,

Karl. Listen, I need

heart pounds in my chest as I listen to him speak to the supplier. There’s

also a smooth confidence that I remember all too well. It’s the same

a time, the same confidence that

hangs up and looks at me, his eyes filled with a mix

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

market right now.”

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

really on my

and gazes at me, a

I know you have no reason to trust me.

But sometimes, even when the odds are against you,

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

easy, Karl,” I say, my voice

do.”

room feels like it’s closing in on

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

that has finally burst.

as he takes in my sudden emotional collapse. “Abby,

wrong?”

let

And Leah sided with her; she said it’s either you

friends, Karl.

weight of my own words hangs heavy in the air. The fact that I let it all

seat.

on my feet too, rushing to