Chasing His Kickass Luna Back Chapter 287

Abby

There’s no time to waste; I need to write this email to my staff so I can invite them to come for this catering event. However, as I sit down at the kitchen island with my laptop in front of me, I can’t help but feel my heart pound as I begin typing out the invitation.

I’ll admit that this was a brilliant idea on Karl’s part. This could be great, not just for the community, but for my staff. I feel bad leaving them out of work while the Alpha party debacle is under investigation, but this will be a great chance for them to earn some money.

And besides, I’m looking forward to seeing them. I miss my staff; they’re not just my staff, but my friends. It’ll be nice to have them all together, assuming they even accept. I guess I’m getting ahead of myself, though.

With a determined click of the send button, the invitation is on its way, and there’s no turning back now. I know that Chloe, at the very least, will be perturbed, but it’s too late now. I close my laptop and head up to my room, hoping that this will turn out in the way that Karl and I hoped.

But I can’t deny that I’m still a bit taken aback by Karl’s eager willingness to speak with Chloe and Leah, just as he promised. I hate to say it, but I didn’t fully expect him to actually go through with that stipulation of our agreement, and it makes me wonder…

Maybe this arrangement of ours won’t end in flames like I initially thought?

But again, I’m getting ahead of myself.

I step into my bedroom and toss my phone down on the bed. As I’m getting ready for my shower, though, my phone starts dinging. I’m sure the responses are rolling in, and I can’t wait to see what everyone says.

Crossing the room, I pick up my phone and open my email app. Daisy, always quick with her replies, is the first to accept the invitation with enthusiasm. “Sounds like a great opportunity, Abby! Count me in!” she writes.

Ethan’s response comes next, a simple “I’m in,” without much elaboration. I can’t help but wonder what’s going through his mind right now, but I don’t dwell on it for long. What matters is that he’s coming, and I’m glad to have him.

A few moments later, John, ever the practical one, writes, “I’ll be there, Abby. Let me know what you need me to do.”

And then, finally, there’s Anton’s reply: short and sweet. “I can’t say no! See you soon!”

As I read through their acceptances, I feel a mix of relief and apprehension. It’s good to know that my staff is willing to participate, but I can’t shake the feeling that this event will be a challenge on many levels. Karl promised he’d handle the rest, though, so I decide to let him handle it for once.

But just as I’m about to head for the shower, my phone starts buzzing. I turn slowly, feeling my heart sink as I see an incoming FaceTime call from none other than Chloe and Leah. Their names flash on my screen, a reminder of the tension that might arise from this whole ordeal.

I still don’t know how they’ll take it when Karl and I tell them what’s going on. I just hope they’re supportive.

I let out a quiet curse under my breath as I accept the call. The video call connects, and the screen splits into two, revealing Leah and Chloe’s concerned faces staring back at me.

“Hey, guys,” I say with a tense smile. “I take it you got my email?”

“We did,” Leah says cautiously. “And Abby—”

“Abby, where are you right now?”

Chloe doesn’t mince words. Her tone is a bit harsh, although not necessarily in a mean way. I can tell she’s concerned, which I of course expected.

I hesitate for a moment, my mind racing for an explanation that won’t cause even more concern. “I’m staying with Karl,” I finally admit. “I needed to leave the city.”

Leah’s brow furrows. “Why?” she asks. “Is everything okay?”

I let out a sigh, realizing that there’s no point in hiding the truth any longer. “The restaurant case escalated,” I admit. “The detective working the case said that I should probably go somewhere that’s a bit safer. Away from the press and angry citizens, you know?”

Chloe’s eyes widen in shock, and Leah’s expression mirrors her surprise. “So you’re staying with Karl?” Chloe exclaims. “Why didn’t you tell us? You could have stayed with one of us, not with him.”

I bite my lip, feeling their disappointment emanating through the screen. “I didn’t know how to tell you,” I confess. “I thought it would only be for a few days, but now it might be longer.”

“Well, as long as you’re safe,” Leah says slowly, even though I can tell she’s restraining some of her concern.

But Chloe’s frustration is evident. “Abby, have you been sleeping with him this whole time?”

Her words tumble out like an avalanche, and I can tell that it perturbs even Leah. Chloe has never been one to mince words, but it still hurts sometimes. I can tell that this is going to be no small feat to make Chloe understand why Karl and I are doing what we’re doing. I can’t even begin to imagine what she’ll think when we announce our fake relationship.

My cheeks burn with embarrassment, and I clear my throat nervously. “Look, it’s not like that,” I lie, even though I know I shouldn’t. The truth is that Karl and I are sleeping together, casually, but I just can’t bring myself to admit it. I keep telling myself that it’s just because it’s personal, but I don’t think that’s the only reason.

Leah’s voice is more measured as she chimes in, which is a welcome relief. “Abby,” she says, “we’re just worried about you, that’s all. You have to be careful. Karl has his own agenda, and we don’t want you getting hurt, you know?”

I appreciate their concern, even if it's mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. “I know,” I say, my voice softening. “I’ll explain everything, but for now, I could really use your support. Do you guys wanna come, or…?”

Leah nods, her expression more understanding. “Even though I don’t officially work for the restaurant, I’d love to come and visit, help you out if you need it,” she says. “Besides I took this week off of work, so it’ll be nice to get out of the city.”

I can’t help but smile at Leah’s willingness to lend a hand. “Thank you, Leah,” I murmur. “That means a lot. But don’t feel bad if you change your mind.”

Chloe, however, doesn’t seem quite as convinced. “I’ll come, but you had better have a good explanation, Abby,” she warns. “We’ll talk more when we get there.”

As the FaceTime call ends, I’m left feeling a strange mixture of emotions: embarrassment, guilt, maybe even a little hope. I don’t know what will happen when Karl and I explain everything to Chloe and Leah—for all I know, it might even end in flames—but soon, it’ll be all out on the table. What they do with that information is up to them, but I’ve made my decision, and I’m not backing out now.

Now, all I have to do is wait for the day they arrive, and for the hammer to fall.