Chasing His Kickass Luna Back

"Get back to work,” I tease, nudging him back with a grin.

The morning progresses with a lively buzz after that. There's an influx of new volunteers for the project, which means more food to prepare and more mouths to feed; but I don't mind. It's nice to be back with my team, doing what we do best. Despite Chloe's coldness, it's a good day. It makes me wish that the week could stretch on forever.

However, throughout the day, I can't help but glance over at Karl. He's immersed in the construction work, his muscles rippling as he lifts heavy beams and drills in screws. It's amazing to think that the library is already almost completed—well, the exterior, at least. Our eyes meet occasionally, a silent communication that sends a tingle down my spine.

Eventually, the sun begins to dip below the horizon, marking the end of the fourth day. My team and I are packing up when I look up to see a local news photographer, a young man with a camera slung over his shoulder, approaching the tent with Karl.

"Abby," Karl says as they approach, “this photographer works for the local newspaper. He wants to get a picture of us.”

“Yes,” the photographer says with a smile. “We'd like a picture of our Alpha Karl and Luna Abby for our front page. We're writing a piece on community spirit.”

I nod, though a bit reluctantly, then an idea strikes me as I glance around at the other volunteers and my staff. “Could we include everyone?” I ask. “It is a team effort, after all.”

Karl's gaze softens, a hint of admiration in his eyes. “I like that idea,” he says.

We gather everyone in front of the nearly-finished library for the photo. The photographer directs us to get closer. Karl's arm slides around my waist, pulling me gently against him. The warmth of his touch sends a flush to my cheeks, and my heart flutters uncontrollably.

“Perfect! Hold that smile,” the photographer calls out as he snaps several pictures.

Once the photo session ends, the day winds down. With the tent closed up and our feet sore from a hard day's work, we turn to head home. The chatter of my friends fills my ears as we walk, but I'm lost in my own little world, walking alongside Leah. Chloe is walking up ahead, her arms folded across her chest.

“She'll come around,” Leah whispers, wrapping her arm around my shoulder. “Don’t worry.”

I let out a soft sigh. “I hope you're right,” I answer; and it's the truth. I hate being at odds with my friend, especially over a man. But at the end of the day, I can’t make all of my decisions based off of what Chloe wants. I made my decision to stay in this arrangement with Karl, and I think I have the right to hold my ground.

Suddenly, as we're meandering down a side street, Ethan stops and points to the sign for the local pub up ahead. “Drinks, anyone?” he asks, turning to look at the rest of the group. “I think we've all got reason to celebrate, don't we?”

The rest of the group chimes in eagerly—even John, who no longer drinks due to his past with alcoholism, but he’s never one to turn down a cold soda and a good talk with friends. Even Karl agrees; and then everyone's eyes shift to me.

I hesitate at first, aware of the tension with Chloe. “I dunno, guys,” I mutter, scratching my head. “I'm pretty tired—"

“Boo!” Daisy chimes in, cupping her hands around her mouth.

"Yeah, c'mon, Abby,” Leah says. “It's just one drink.”

I let out a soft sigh. Chloe's eyes meet mine for the briefest of moments, and her gaze shoots daggers. But the excitement of the rest of the group is contagious, and so is the encouraging look from Karl, who is standing off to the side with his hands in his pockets.

“Alright, alright,” I say, giving in to their enthusiasm. “But just one drink.”