Chasing His Kickass Luna Back

Abby

The pub, with its warm, amber lighting and the gentle hum of conversation, feels like a haven after the long day of work. Outside, it's nearly frigid, but it's as warm as can be in here thanks to the flickering fire in the fireplace. I can already picture a tall glass of beer in my hand to ward away the cold that has seeped into my bones.

I hate to admit it because of Chloe's cold shoulder, but I'm glad I came. It brings me back to the days when Karl and I were married, and we would head to the local pub for a drink and a game of billiards on a Friday night.

Even though it's been over three years, everything looks exactly the same; even the pictures on the walls, Polaroids of various patrons in funny outfits, are still hanging exactly where they were before. It's comforting, in an unexpected sort of way.

We gather around a large, worn wooden table in the corner and take our seats. The sound of classic rock music playing over the speakers combined with the sound of other patrons chatting and clinking their glasses fill my ears, and I can't help but let out a soft sigh of contentment.

“I haven't been here in ages,” I say, leaning closer to Leah and Chloe as we settle in. “It feels like forever.”

"Remember when the three of us won that trivia tournament?” Leah chimes in. “That table of guys was so pissed that they lost to a bunch of girls. It was hilarious.”

I let out a soft chuckle, but Chloe doesn't utter a word. She's scowling, her arms folded across her chest. I want to say something to her, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea. Maybe it's best to just let her fume for a while until she’s ready to talk.

A few minutes later, eight pints of beer are laid out in front of us. Raising my glass, I catch everyone's attention.

“I just want to say thank you, all of you, for being here,” I begin as I look around at all of my friends. "And... I know it's been tough lately with the restaurant closing, and I'm sorry for the stress it has caused all of you.”

Daisy, without skipping a beat, is the first to respond. “Abby, don't be like that,” she says. “We're all here for you, no matter what. We're your team, through thick and thin.”

Ethan, usually quiet, adds, “Yeah, Abby. We know you're doing everything you can. We believe in you. That restaurant is going to reopen, and we'll all be there to see it.”

Their words are a relief, although I just hope they're right. “Thank you,” I say, raising my glass a little higher. “It means the world to me.”

We all clink our glasses together—even Chloe joins in—and the night unfolds with an easy rhythm, laughter and stories flowing freely. I find myself momentarily lost in the camaraderie, the worries about the restaurant and our collective future momentarily forgotten.

Feeling a bit tipsy, I excuse myself to the bar for another drink. The bartender, a middle-aged man with a friendly face, greets me with a knowing smile as I slide onto a chair and order another pint. "So, I hear you're the Luna again?” he asks. “It's Abby, right?”

I chuckle, a bit louder than intended. “No, that's not me,” I say, crinkling my nose a bit. “I'm not the Luna.”

The bartender gives me a puzzled look. “Really? But I heard you two got back together. It's been the talk of the town.”

My cheeks flush with embarrassment. In my tipsy state, I guess I let slip my true feelings. “Oh, um, yes. I misspoke,” I stammer, trying to correct myself before it's too late. “Yes, I am the Luna again, and Karl and I are together. Sorry, it's just... I'm not used to being called that anymore.”