Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 49

Abby

The morning sun bathes my office in a gentle glow as I dial Leah’s number, eager to discuss Chloe’s upcoming birthday.

The phone rings a few times before Leah’s raspy voice picks up on the other end.

“Abby? That you?”

“Leah, hey,” I greet, trying to hide my concern. “You sound terrible. What’s up?”

She lets out a congested laugh. “Caught a nasty cold. I’m in bed, sipping on some horrid chicken soup. Can’t believe I’m missing all the action.”

“That’s terrible,” I answer. “I was hoping you could help with Chloe’s party prep.”

A pause ensues, and I hear Leah sigh. “I wish I could, Abby. I had so many ideas, but right now I can barely lift my head off the pillow.”

I let out a quiet chuckle, trying to keep the mood light. “Don’t worry about it. Just rest up and get better, okay? We’ll need you at the party in top form.”

“What about the cake? I know you were keen on baking Chloe’s favorite, the red velvet one.”

“I’ve got it covered,” I assure her. “And the party details too. It’s a lot, but I can handle it.”

“You sure?” Leah sounds skeptical.

“It’s no big deal,” I reply, although a nagging feeling at the back of my mind suggests otherwise.

“Alright, if you say so. Just promise you won’t burn out.”

“I promise,” I say, although the weight of responsibility is already settling in my chest. “Oh, and I’ll be over later to bring you some chicken soup that’s not horrid, okay?”

After ending the call, I immediately switch tasks, reaching for my phone again to book a karaoke place for the party.

The man on the other end, Mr. Lin, sounds elderly, his voice raspy but jovial.

“Lin’s Karaoke. How can I help you?”

“Hello, Mr. Lin, I’d like to rent one of your rooms for a private party,” I begin, but before I can finish, the door to my office swings open, revealing Chloe, looking puzzled.

“Abby, do you have a minute?” she asks, her eyes darting to the various party notes strewn across my desk.

“Um,” I falter, my attention divided between Chloe and Mr. Lin. “Just a sec,” I tell him and turn my attention to Chloe. “What’s up?”

She hesitates, her gaze fixed on my flustered expression. “I had a question about the bar, but if you’re busy—”

Panicking, not wanting to raise her suspicions further, I quickly interrupt Mr. Lin, “I’m sorry, can I call you back?” I hang up without waiting for his reply.

Chloe narrows her eyes, her curiosity evident. “Who was that?”

I attempt a casual shrug, trying to push down the guilt. “Oh, just a supplier. Nothing urgent. What did you need?”

She looks unconvinced, but she proceeds with her query about the bar. As we talk, I can’t help but feel her eyes on my desk, scanning the various notes and lists. Her eyes stop on the corner of a sketch peeking out from under a pile of papers—the design for her birthday cake.

“What’s that?” she asks, pointing at the sketch.

Without thinking, I grab the paper and stuff it into my pocket. “Oh, just some doodles. You know how I get when I’m brainstorming.”

Chloe squints, clearly skeptical but doesn’t press further. “Alright. Well, I’ll leave you to your... brainstorming.” She smirks, retreating from my office.

As the door shuts behind her, I sink into my chair, heart pounding. I pull out the cake sketch, staring at the intricate design I’d spent hours perfecting. The close calls are becoming too frequent, and the risk of Chloe discovering everything grows with each passing moment.

Letting out a deep sigh, I consider my options. There’s no way I can continue planning during regular hours with Chloe around. Every single detail could potentially blow the surprise.

Decision made, I grab my bag and start stowing away the various party-planning materials. If I’m going to pull off this surprise, I’ll have to stay late, work in the quiet hours when there’s less chance of Chloe walking in on me.

Gazing at the darkening sky outside, I steel myself for the long night ahead. The task seems daunting, but for Chloe’s smile on her birthday, it’ll be worth it.

We lapse into silence, the soft hum of the refrigerator filling the void. Karl’s eyes scan the room, taking in the scattered ingredients, the party planning notes, and finally resting on me. “You’re doing this for Chloe, aren’t you? The whole surprise birthday bash?”

My eyes widen. “How did you know?”

He chuckles. “You think you’re the only one who noticed the extra glitter on the napkins and the overabundance of party supplies? Plus, I caught Chloe snooping around the back earlier. Had to divert her attention with some made-up tale about a corporate event next week.”

My heart sinks. “She was that close to finding out?”

“Yep,” Karl confirms. “She’s clever. You’ve got your work cut out for you.”

Overwhelmed, I slump into a nearby chair. “This is all becoming too much. Between managing the restaurant and planning this, I’m running on empty.”

Karl studies me for a moment, concern evident in his gaze. “You know, Abby, you don’t have to do it all by yourself.”

“It’s Chloe’s birthday,” I retort, defensive, “I want it to be perfect. She’s my best friend.”

“And it will be," he assures. “But sometimes, seeking help can make things even better. And well... healthier for you.”

I frown, not liking the implication. “Are you saying I can’t handle it?”

He holds up his hands, placating. “Not at all. Just... you should take a break.”

I sigh and run a hand through my hair. “Thanks, but I’m good,” I finally say. “See you tomorrow.”

I turn to leave, but before I can, Karl’s hand wraps itself around my arm and stops me. There’s a tense silence as I slowly turn back to face him, my cheeks flushing red as I realize how close we’re standing to one another.

Karl finally breaks the silence. “Let me help, Abby.”

I look up, taken aback. “You… want to help?”