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, and the

his eyes scanning the article. “You know, I might be able to help

was sourcing ingredients for

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

but the fact that Karl played

himself, shaking his head. “But Abby, the point is, I have

me,

churns my stomach. Can I trust him? Should I? But

the dire straits I’m in. “Fine,”

light up, almost as if he’s been waiting for this

and dials a number. I can hear the phone

he says. “It’s Karl. Listen, I need

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

also a smooth confidence that I remember all too

same confidence that I’ve been trying

looks

my supplier can’t get them. There are none

market right now.”

wave of

on my own

his phone away and gazes at me, a mixture of emotions swirling in his eyes—guilt,

even a flicker of genuine concern. “Abby, I know you have no reason to trust me.

sometimes, even when the odds are against you, you

at him, then back at the article about black

were that easy, Karl,” I say, my voice tinged with an exhaustion I can no longer hide. “I

do.”

we just sit in silence. But the room feels like it’s closing

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

that has finally burst.

his eyes widening as he takes in my sudden

wrong?”

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

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

my friends,

own words hangs heavy in the air. The fact

surprise. Karl jumps up from his seat. “I’ll talk to her.

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