Chapter Sixty-Four
Chapter Sixty-Four
I burst into applause, cheering like an over-enthusiastic groupie as Irina finishes debuting the first song from her very first album. My cheeks hurt from smiling as she takes her bow and throws an excited wave our way that I eagerly return.
“I knew she’d make it here,” Áine declares, cheering beside me.
I smile and nod in agreement, clapping with all the other guests. I quickly glance around, realising Áine is now standing alone.
“Where did your guy vanish off to?” I query.
“Bathroom,” she answers, getting that same adorable flush in her freckled cheeks whenever I call her boyfriend ‘her guy’.
I can’t believe how much has changed in a year.
My life has improved in ways I never expected. I absolutely love my job and as it turns out, I am really good at baking. I always liked to dabble, but it was never something I did outside of a sweet craving or wanting to do something for someone’s birthday. In the past year, I’ve gone from working front of house at the bakery to being one of the bakers. I still do front of house stuff, but now I actually get to be part of creating beautiful and delicious desserts for people’s special occasions. Being able to master new skills and embrace my creative side has been wonderful for my healing journey and I couldn’t be more grateful that such a job fell into my lap. I was even able to make the cake for this party.
Irina – as of tonight – has officially released her first album and I couldn’t be prouder. She gave Áine and me exclusive access prior to tonight and I’m not lying when I say I have already listened to every single song multiple times. Irina put her blood, sweat and tears into this album – literally.
Just as I was healing from my ordeal, Irina ended up going through her own hell. It was hard seeing her in such a bad place, especially because I’m so used to having her be the strong protector. The production of this album brought out a side of her that I had never seen and never want to see again. I was glad I was able to be there for her and get her through the rough times the same way she got me through mine and in the end, it wasn’t all for nothing. Her debut single ‘Who Was She?’ is already climbing the charts and getting rave reviews. I’m not remotely surprised but I can’t begin to describe how happy I am for her.
“I’m going to go grab us some champagne while we wait for Irina to be done schmoozing big wigs and her boyfriend,” Áine chirps.
I chuckle, “Sounds good.”
As Áine saunters off I look over at Irina talking with a few guests, all the while her boyfriend’s arm is wrapped securely around her. I can’t help but smile at them. That man has been by her side through thick and thin and has proved there is nothing he wouldn’t do for her. She was pretty slow to reciprocate his feelings, but I’m glad she got her act together. She deserves to be happy, and they really do look adorable together.
I make my way through the crowd and manage to find an empty table. I walk over and place down my purse and gift bag, giving myself a chance to go through it. Inside is a signed CD album – something I didn’t think they did anymore, but I love. There’s also a few treats, a luxurious-looking dedication card and a little photobook. I open the photobook and admire all the pictures depicting the process of getting the album made. I think it’s such a lovely touch and really demonstrates how much work Irina put into it. There are also a few gift certificates for some place I’ve never heard of, but I think they’re the ones sponsoring this event.
“Got our drinks!” Áine announces, weaving through people as she comes over to the table handing me a glass of champagne.
I eagerly take the glass from her and examine it. “How much do you think this cost?”
“Who cares? It’s free!” she dismisses enthusiastically, taking a sip of her drink.
I laugh and join her, taking a sip of the champagne as it tickles my nose. I glance up and see Áine’s boyfriend behind her, placing a finger to his lips encouraging me to remain silent as he creeps up behind her. I smile into my glass as I happily oblige. He reaches her in no time at all, wrapping his arms around her waist and smothering her neck in kisses.
Áine almost chokes on her drink as she laughs. She puts her glass down and smacks his arms, looking back at him in an attempt to look stern but fails miserably.
“Don’t sneak up on me like that!” she scolds him.
“How can I resist when I get to hear that beautiful laugh of yours?” he replies unashamedly, a grin plastered on his chiselled features.
Áine pouts at him. “Stop that, I’m trying to be mad at you.”
He throws his head back and laughs, tightening his arms around her. “You couldn’t be mad at me if you tried. You love me too much,” he teases, leaning down and brushing his nose against her. Don’t let the tattoos fool you, this guy is a world-class charmer, and he knows the way to Áine’s heart.
Áine’s cheeks turn scarlet as she buries her face in his chest. “Now I’m going to look all sunburned,” she grumbles against his chest, though I’m just able to hear her.
“Good thing red looks so good on you,” he counters, placing a tender kiss on top of her head.
Áine has also had one hell of a year since going back to art school. It seemed like the universe was determined to put me, Irina and Áine through our paces, but we’ve all come out the other side stronger and happier, and to top it all off both my best friends have found love, and I am overjoyed for them, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a pang of envy when I see them so happy with their partners.
Dating hasn’t been a priority for me this past year. I kept my head down and focused on me and my work – which I suppose is nothing new – but for the sake of healing, it was what I needed.
Deciding to give Áine and her beau a moment alone, I grab my drink and make my way out to the terrace to get some air. Taking a sip, I lean against the railing and admire the beautiful, warm night and the glittering lights of LA that truly make it a city of stars. In this moment, I have so much to be happy about and thankful for and just knowing I made it this far fills me with pride.