Chasing His Kickass Luna Back

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.