Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 214

“Thank you,” I finally manage to say, my voice so low it’s almost a whisper. “I… I think I needed to hear that.”

“We all do, from time to time,” she says, her eyes softening as she reaches out to squeeze my arm. “So, whenever you find yourself doubting your worth or questioning your place in this world, remember this: You belong here, just as much as anyone else. And no amount of criticism, sabotage, or petty rivalry can take that away from you.”

I nod. “I’ll try to remember.”

Vanessa’s eyes then flit between me and Karl. “And, I must say, it’s a wonderful thing to have a boyfriend who stands up for you like that,” she says.

Both Karl and I sputter almost in unison. “Oh, we’re not—”

“—together. We’re not together,” Karl finishes, his eyes darting nervously over to me. I’m aware of how red my cheeks are, and I quickly look away.

Vanessa’s mouth twitches into a knowing smile, her eyes glinting with a kind of playful mischief. “My apologies, then. It’s not my place to make assumptions.”

“Still, it’s pretty awesome to have such a good friend,” she continues, looking squarely at Karl. “Someone like that is hard to come by. Hold onto him.” She winks at me, her eyes twinkling.

As Vanessa starts to drift away, I find myself looking up at Karl. He’s staring back, and there’s a softness in his eyes that makes my heart melt even though I was on the verge of scolding him for causing a scene like that.

“I’m sorry, Karl,” I find myself saying for reasons unknown to me.

He tilts his head, his eyes searching mine. “Why are you apologizing? You did an amazing job today, Abby. You were professional, articulate, and honest. Everyone at the restaurant was watching, and they’re just dying to see you.”

His words help to soothe away my unease. But still, I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve inconvenienced him—and everyone in this studio, for that matter.