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 season’s

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

was

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

not only the breakup, but the fact that Karl

he catches himself, shaking his

you let me, I can try to secure these

of accepting Karl’s help churns my stomach. Can I trust him? Should I?

“Fine,” I finally say. “Give

been waiting for this tiny chance at redemption. He

a number. I can hear

he says. “It’s Karl. Listen, I

pounds in my chest as I listen to him speak to the supplier.

that I remember all too well. It’s the same

upon a time, the same confidence

hangs up and looks

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

market right now.”

of defeat. “So that’s

really on my own with

phone away and gazes at me, a

genuine concern. “Abby, I know you have no reason to trust me. And I

are against you, you can still turn

him, then back at the article about black truffles

that easy, Karl,” I say, my voice tinged with an exhaustion

do.”

silence. But the room feels

hold it in anymore. Tears spill

that has finally burst.

eyes widening as he takes in my sudden emotional collapse.

wrong?”

deep breath before I let it

out. And Leah sided with

friends, Karl.

in the air. The fact that I let it

his seat. “I’ll talk

before he can take another step, I’m on my feet too, rushing