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 season’s

the article. “You

was sourcing ingredients

at the mention of Adam’s name. Every memory of

reminder of not only the breakup, but the fact that Karl played a

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

If you let me, I can try

stomach. Can I trust him? Should I? But

the dire straits I’m in. “Fine,” I

waiting for this tiny chance

number. I can hear the

Karl. Listen, I need a

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

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

upon a time, the same confidence that

feels like an eternity, Karl hangs up and looks at

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

market right now.”

invisible wave of defeat. “So that’s

“I’m really on

away and gazes at me, a mixture of

know you have

when the odds are against you, you can

at him, then back at the article about black truffles

say, my voice tinged with an

do.”

we just sit in silence. But the room

I can’t hold it in anymore. Tears spill down my cheeks like a

that has finally burst.

startled, his eyes widening as he takes in my sudden emotional collapse.

wrong?”

taking a deep breath before I let

out. And Leah sided with

my friends,

the air. The fact that I let it all out like that takes

seat. “I’ll talk to her. I’ll

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