Chasing His Kickass Luna Back novel Chapter 56

The restaurant buzzes with an energy that I haven’t felt in a long while. Streamers hang from the ceiling, twinkling fairy lights wrap around the bar, and the laughter of friends and colleagues fills the air.

Tonight is more than just another party; it’s a celebration of someone I hold dear, and I can’t help but get swept up in the excitement.

“So,” Ethan says as we complete the finishing touches on some balloons. Leah is on her way with Chloe, who thinks that it’s just going to be the three of us girls going out for drinks. She has no idea. “You hear anything yet about the cook-off?”

Instinctively, I lower my voice and shoot Ethan a wary look. Karl is floating around here somewhere, and I haven’t mentioned the cook-off to him yet.

I’m not entirely sure why, other than the fact that I did promise that I would go to the Alpha party with him, and potentially catering it would get in the way of that.

“Not yet,” I answer as I tie an intricate knot on one of the bundles of balloons. “Still waiting to get the details.”

“Well, either way, I’m excited for you,” Ethan says gently. His leg seems to be hurting him, and he takes a moment to lean on the bar. “If you need any help, let me know.”

I can’t help but smile. Ethan has always been one of my most faithful employees, and I’m glad to have made him the new restaurant manager. He deserves it.

“Thanks, Ethan.”

Just then, a voice cuts through the room.

“Everyone get ready! Chloe is coming!”

In an instant, the room falls into a hush. People dart behind tables, the lights go off, and Ethan and I duck down behind the bar with smirks on our faces. I can hear the sound of the door opening, followed by Chloe’s confused voice.

“What the hell? Why is it so dark in here?”

The lights flick on. Everyone jumps out from their hiding places, yelling “Surprise!” at the top of our lungs. Chloe gasps and claps her hand over her mouth.

“You guys!” she shrieks, spotting me and closing the distance between us to throw her arms around my neck. “This is so nice!”

“It’s the least we could do,” I say into her ear, hugging her tight. “Happy birthday, Chlo.”

…

Chloe, radiant in a simple yet elegant dress, floats around, chatting with everyone. Her joy is palpable, and seeing her this happy makes every ounce of effort worth it.

I survey the room from behind the bar, a contented smile tugging at my lips. But amid the thrum of celebration, my eyes catch a familiar figure.

Karl leans against the far wall, nursing his drink. Our eyes lock for a fleeting moment before he looks away, and a mixture of emotions churns within me.

Soon enough, the smell of delicious food wafts through the air as waiters begin to bring out platters filled with mouthwatering dishes: lobster tails, crab cakes, rice pilaf and asparagus.

As the food lands on the table, Chloe’s eyes light up like a kid on Christmas morning. She claps her hands together and squeals with delight.

“Oh my God, Abby, you made my favorite!”

“The chef aims to please,” I reply, sharing a knowing smile with her.

Chloe stands up, raising her glass. “I just want to say, I have the best friends in the entire world. Abby, Leah,” she scans the room, locking eyes with each of us, “you two are the best anyone could ask for. To friendship and fabulous food!”

Glasses clink, and for a moment, all is right with the world.

“We should capture this,” Chloe declares, her eyes scanning the room. “I want a picture with everyone!”

I grab my phone and start fiddling with it, trying to find the perfect spot where we can all fit in the frame. I prop it against a glass, angling it just so.

But after a few failed attempts—it slips, tips over, or just gives a skewed angle—I sigh in frustration.

“That’s not going to work, is it?” Chloe notes, sensing my minor struggle.

Before I can answer, her eyes land on Karl, who’s leaning against the wall, sipping his drink. “Hey, Karl.”

“What’s up?” he says, taking another sip of his drink.