Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 293

Abby

The morning sun warms my tired body as I step out of my apartment. Chloe and Leah are waiting outside so we can all walk to work together, leaning against the wrought iron fence outside my apartment.

“There’s the star chef,” Chloe says, pushing away from the fence as I approach. She’s wearing her all-black work uniform consisting of a short skirt, a button-up top, and a pair of tights and heels, a stark contrast from Leah’s neat and tidy sweater vest and slacks.

It was all I could do this morning to put on something neat, though. I’m still exhausted after last night, so all I could manage was a clean long-sleeve top and some jeans.

I join them, a smile on my face as I jog down the steps. “I don’t know about ‘star’ chef,” I say with a chuckle, “but last night did go pretty well, if I’m being honest.”

Leah’s eyes go a little wider, her curiosity piqued. “Tell us everything.”

We begin walking toward the cafe where we normally stop before work, and that’s when I launch into the story about last night: the kind words from Vanessa and Xavier, the delicious three-course meal, the perfect setting. Everything except Karl. And Logan’s comment, of course.

But as I talk, I can’t help but feel a little guilty for leaving Karl out of the picture.

I do appreciate everything that he did for me by showing up last night, but I just can’t bring myself to mention it. Not after the way things ended. It’s still too raw, too painful to talk about, and I know that my friends will want every little detail.

“That’s amazing!” Chloe exclaims as we approach the cafe. “Abby, I’m so happy. I think you’ve got this in the bag.”

“I hope so,” I answer, biting my lower lip slightly.

Finally, we stop at the cafe. There’s a long line, and Chloe is dancing a little in her spot as she waits.

“God, I need to pee,” she finally blurts out. “Can you guys order for me? I’ll give you cash.”

“Oat milk latte as usual?” I ask.

She nods, already a few steps on her way toward the bathroom. “With vanilla, please!”

With that, Chloe is gone in a flash. Now it’s just Leah and I, and Leah wastes no time with her interrogating.

“Well? Did Karl call you back?”

My heart skips a beat, and I glance at her, searching her eyes for any sign of judgment or curiosity. I can’t hide the truth, but I can choose how much to share. After a moment of silence, I decide to be honest without revealing too much.

“He… did call,” I reply, trying to keep my tone neutral. “He called to congratulate me on the second chance and nothing more.”

Leah nods, her expression thoughtful. “That’s good to hear. I know things have been complicated between you two.”

I feel a little guilty for lying, because the truth is, Karl didn’t just call. He showed up at my apartment in a tuxedo, flowers in hand. And he had left a luncheon where he was supposed to be picking out a new date for the Alpha party, all just to see me.

And yet, at the end of the night, we still parted ways; our romance has run its course. It’s about time for us to move on.

But, before I can confess the truth, Leah speaks. “Abby, I heard a rumor that Karl is looking for a new Luna. Is that true?”

Her words pierce through me like a dagger, and for a moment, I feel as if the air has been sucked out of the room. So she knows. I swallow hard, trying to keep my composure. “Yes, it’s true,” I admit, my voice trembling slightly. “He told me.”

Leah’s eyes widen a little bit, and she reaches out to place a comforting hand on my shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Abby. I know how much he meant to you.”