Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 48

Karl

Surrounded by the familiar hustle and bustle of the restaurant, I steal glances at Abby from behind the dishwashing station. She’s busy overseeing the lunch rush, offering a smile to a customer here and a kind word to an employee there. From the outside, she appears so composed, as if nothing could break her stride.

My source had informed me earlier: Adam kept his word and broke up with Abby after all.

If that’s true, Abby seems to be hiding it well. Or maybe she doesn’t feel as upset as I thought she would.

This could be a good thing. Maybe I won’t need to wait as long to make my move.

Lost in thought, I find myself wandering to her office during a slow point in the evening, just before the dinner rush. The door is ajar, and I can see her leaning over some paperwork. Summoning some courage, I push it open fully and walk in.

She looks up, momentarily startled. “Karl? What are you doing here?”

“Checking on you,” I answer with a smirk, trying to inject some flirtation into my voice. “Heard you’re single again.”

Her brows furrow, and she immediately stiffens. “And what if I am?” she challenges, her tone sharp. “It’s none of your business.”

I lean against the doorway, trying to appear casual. “Thought maybe...” I trail off suggestively, tilting my head and attempting a playful grin. “Maybe this is our chance.”

She pushes herself away from the desk, standing up abruptly. “Don’t, Karl. Just because I’m single now doesn’t mean I’m open to... whatever it is you’re suggesting.”

Abby’s words are harsh, but I can see right through them. The way that her cheeks turn red when she looks at me, the way her chest heaves ever so slightly. “C’mon, Abby,” I murmur, striding toward her. “We’ve missed each other for so long. You know it’s inevitable that we get back together. Why not now?”

For a moment, Abby and I are standing incredibly close. She smells like cinnamon, and she’s got a fine layer of lipgloss on. I could kiss her right now.

But before I can, she shoves me away. “Fuck off, Karl. I’m not interested.”

Stung, I straighten up. “How will I ever get you to love me again, Abby?” The vulnerability in my voice catches even me by surprise.

She sighs, seemingly torn between anger and understanding.

“Honestly, Karl? I don’t think it’ll ever happen. But if you’re so desperate for an answer…” She pauses, taking a deep breath. “Start by apologizing to Daisy, the waitress you belittled. And maybe, just maybe, change the way you view women who don’t fit into your mold of ‘modesty’.”

My cheeks burn, a combination of shame and frustration. “Is that what it’ll take?”

She shrugs. “It’s a start.”

Suddenly, a figure appears in the doorway. Chloe, her face pinched with concern. “Is everything okay in here?”

“Actually,” Abby begins, her tone firm, “Karl was just about to apologize to Daisy for his inappropriate comments. Weren’t you, Karl?”

Feeling cornered, I groan inwardly but nod. “Yeah, I was.”

Chloe arches an eyebrow, clearly surprised. “Alright then,” she says, leading the way. “Follow me.”

Daisy is in the front, wiping down tables. As we approach, she looks up, her gaze immediately wary. She clearly wasn’t expecting this.

Clearing my throat awkwardly, I start, “Daisy, I... I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you. It was inappropriate and out of line.”

She smirks, clearly amused. “Got a good scolding from Abby, did you?”

My face turns a deeper shade of red. “It’s not about that. I genuinely am sorry.”

Daisy tilts her head, looking me up and down. “Well, thanks for the apology, I guess. But maybe think before you speak next time, yeah?”

I nod, thoroughly chastised. “I will.”

Chloe hides a chuckle, her eyes dancing with mirth. She’s clearly enjoying this a bit too much. “You good here, Karl?”

“Yeah,” I mutter, still embarrassed. “I’m good.”

Biting back a retort, I head straight for the dishwashing station, rolling up my sleeves. But it’s hard to concentrate with John hovering, always ready with a sarcastic comment.

When I accidentally drop a plate, it shatters with a loud crash. The entire kitchen falls silent for a split second before the noise picks up again. But John doesn’t miss the opportunity to make a jab.

“This is why Abby only lets you wash dishes. Can’t trust you with anything more,” he jeers, laughing along with a few others.

Heat rises to my face, and I’m about to snap back with a sharp retort when I catch sight of Abby by the entrance. Her arms are folded, and her gaze is fixed on me, waiting to see my reaction.

Taking a deep breath, I decide that for her sake, I’ll grit my teeth and bear it. “Accidents happen,” I reply as calmly as I can manage. “I’ll clean it up.”

John smirks, clearly enjoying my embarrassment, but moves on, barking orders to someone else.

Abby watches for a moment longer before turning away, but not before I see the faintest hint of approval in her eyes. It’s not much, but it’s enough to keep me grounded.

The evening continues in a blur. Despite the chaos of the dinner rush and the constant jibes from John, I work diligently, my thoughts centered on Abby’s words and the hope of redemption.

I’m determined to show her and everyone else that I’m more than just my past mistakes. I want to be a better man, and I’ll do whatever it takes.

Once the rush subsides and the last order is out, I take a moment to catch my breath. The kitchen slowly empties, with staff trickling out one by one, but not before John gives me one last smirk on his way out.

I’m about to leave when Abby approaches me. “Good job tonight,” she says, her tone neutral.

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. “Just doing my job.”

She smirks, her gaze penetrating. “Keep it up, Karl. Maybe one day, you'll convince me you’ve changed.”

I can’t help but smirk back. “And then you’ll admit that you miss me? That you miss us?”

Abby’s face darkens, the smirk fading from her lips. “Goodnight, Karl.”