Chapter 0122


    “Are you sure?” I ask, stunned. “I wouldn’t want to impose.”


    “It’s not an imposition,” the woman assures me. “It’s about time they learn a good lesson. You can’t go


    around causing trouble and not expect to deal with the consequences.”


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    Just then, Karl emerges from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel. His eyes meet mine,


    questioning. I nod subtly, a smile breaking through my fatigue.


    “Karl, these are the parents,” I exin. “They agree with your punishment. Actually, they want to extend


    it for an entire week.”


    Karl grins, extending a hand to each parent. “I appreciate your understanding. Trust me, there’s a lot to


    be learned in a kitchen. I would know.” He nces at me, winking subtly. My face flushes red, and I


    avert my gaze to my apron.


    “Then it’s settled,” the man says, shaking Karl’s hand firmly.


    As the parents walk toward the kitchen, presumably to have a serious chat with their demented


    offspring, I lean against the bar, suddenly drained but also immeasurably lighter.


    Karl leans next to me, his shoulder barely touching mine. “Not what you expected, huh?”


    “Not at all,” I say softly, a slightugh escaping my lips. “But these past couple of days have been


    chock full of surprises.”


    He nces at me, his eyes warm andforting. “Some surprises are good, don’t you think?”


    “Yeah,” I murmur, realizing the truth in his words. Maybe it’s the parents owning up to their kids’


    behavior, or maybe it’s the simple fact that for once, something has gone right amidst all of this chaos.


    Whatever it is, I’m grateful. It could have been a lot worse.


    The rest of the day is a blur. I feel as though I’m on autopilot, mechanically checking off tasks, my mind


    drifting. Even when the dinner rush starts and the restaurant fills with the sound of chatter and


    ttering dishes, I feel detached, like I’m observing it all from a distance.


    Finally, the clock nears closing time, and I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.


    The lights are dimmer now, casting a warm glow over the worn wooden tables and chairs. Thest few


    patrons file out, murmuring their goodbyes, leaving behind the scent of lingering coffee and dessert.


    I spot Karl at the far end of the restaurant, flipping chairs onto tables, readying the ce for the night.


    Our eyes meet, and he starts walking over.


    “Long day,” he says, as he reaches me.


    “You could say that again,” I reply, a weary smile tugging at my lips.


    “Look, Abby,” he begins, his voice tentative. I know where this is going. “About my offer—”


    “I already told you,” I interrupt, “I can’t go. I need to be here.”


    Karl puts a hand up. “Just… hear me out?”


    I’m a bit surprised, and almost consider reiterating my statement. But for some reason, I let him


    continue.


    “Listen,” he says, “I know why you really don’t want to go. I know you’re afraid that it’ll make things


    But that’s not it.”


    He pauses, licking his lips. “I just worry about you, Abby. You work so hard, and it shows. I just want to


    help you get away for a couple of days, go somewhere familiar andfortable. Somewhere that’s…


    not this city.”


    Karl’s words throw me for a loop. He looks sincere, and before I can even give myself a chance to


    really consider it, I find myself nodding as though I’m still on autopilot. It’s almost as though my wolf is


    slipping through for just a moment, pushing me toward him.


    “Okay,” I say, surprising even myself. “I’ll go with you.”