The atmosphere of Laney's newly opened restaurant surrounds us as we settle into a cozy corner leather booth, the soft glow of candlelight dancing in shadows across the table.
Laney has outdone herself once again, creating a space that is both elegant and inviting. Plush velvet chairs and gleaming brass accents add an air of sophistication to the room.
It is hard to believe that just a few months ago, this place had been nothing more than a vacant storefront, a blank canvas waiting to be brought to life by Laney's vision and expertise.
I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for my dear friend.
"Laney, this place is incredible," I say, turning to her with a smile. "I'm so proud of everything you've accomplished."
Laney beams, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Thanks, Aza. "It's been a labor of love, but seeing it all come together like this makes it all worth it."
I have known Laney since she opened her first restaurant nine years ago, and I have watched in awe as she has built her empire from the ground up. Now, with three successful restaurants under her belt, she was a force to be reckoned with in the culinary world, and I couldn't be happier for her.
Soft strains of jazz music fill the air as Laney pours us each a glass of wine.
"To new beginnings," she said, raising her glass in a toast.
"To new beginnings," I echoed, clinking my glass against hers.
"So, spill," Laney demands, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. "What's going on with you? And don't try to tell me everything's fine—I can see right through that fake smile."
I sigh, knowing I couldn't hide the truth from Laney even if I tried. "It's Hudson," I admit, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. "Coco is back in town."
Laney's expression darkened, her usually warm eyes clouded with disbelief. "You can't be serious," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "When? Why? What did he say?"
"He made it clear," I began, the words tasting bitter as they left my lips. "He doesn't plan to end things with her, nor does he intend for us to separate right now."
Laney's jaw tightens, her fists clenching. "He said that?" she practically yells. "He honestly thinks he can get away with this?"
I nod, my own frustration mirroring hers. "I wish I could say I was joking, but I'm dead serious," I admit. "I thought he loved me, Laney. I truly believed he did. But it was all just a lie—a twisted game he was playing to keep me under his thumb."
Laney's gaze softens, sympathy flickering in her eyes as she reaches across the booth to take my hand in hers. "I'm so sorry, Aza," she whispers. "No one deserves to be treated like that, especially not someone as kind and loving as you."
I squeeze Laney's hand, grateful for her unwavering support. "Thank you, Laney," I mumur. "I don't know what I would do without you."
"You aren't going to go through this alone, Aza," she says. "We'll get through this together. I promise."
Laney takes a lengthy sip of her wine and continues, "You deserve so much better than him, Aza," her voice fierce with conviction. "You're smart, talented, beautiful—you have the world at your feet."
"You're right, Laney," I answer. "I don't plan on allowing Hudson's betrayal to define me. I'm done playing by his rules—it's time to take back control of my life."
Laney raises her eyebrow, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "You have a plan, don't you, Aza?" she teases, her eyes twinkling. "Just tell me what you need from me, and it's yours."
I return her smile, grateful for her unwavering support. "Thanks, Laney," I say, raising my glass in a silent toast. "To new beginnings."
But before we can take a sip, a manager approaches our table, his expression nervous. "I'm sorry to bother you, Laney, but we have a situation in the kitchen," he informs her.
Laney rolls her eyes before turning to me.
"Go ahead, Laney," I say, "You go work your magic. I'll wait for you at the bar."
With a nod of thanks, she slides out of the booth and makes her way across the busy restaurant.
Finding an empty seat at the end of the polished oak bar, I signal the bartender for another glass of wine.
As I wait, my mind drifts back to Hudson and our plans to celebrate Laney's restaurant's opening this weekend.
The bartender sets my wine down in front of me, and I savor the rich aroma before taking a sip. The wine is warm and soothing, a welcome distraction from the chaos swirling around me.
Suddenly, a voice from behind me startles me out of my reverie. "Aza? Aza Samson?"
I freeze, hardly daring to believe my ears. No one has called me by my maiden name in years, and the sound of it makes me uncomfortable.
Slowly, I turn on my barstool, my heart pounding. And then, I see him—Stephen Barlowe, my high school sweetheart, standing before me with a smile that sends my heart racing. "Stephen?" I breathe, hardly daring to believe my eyes. "Is that really you?"
He grins, pulling me into a tight hug. "It's me," his voice is warm and familiar. "God, it's been what, ten years?"
I laugh, the sound ringing out across the bar. "More like fifteen," I correct him, my heart fluttering as I take in the sight of him after all these years.
Stephen slides onto the barstool beside me, his hand lingering on mine for a second. "You look amazing. You haven't changed a bit."
I can feel the warmth of my blush spreading across my cheeks. Stephen looks fantastic as well. "What are you doing here?" I eagerly ask.
"I know Laney," he replies. His warm brown eyes never leave mine, heating my body.
"Really," I ask, brushing my knee gently against his. "Small world." My voice betrays the rush of electricity I feel when my knee touches his.
"Ah, Aza, I see you met Stephen," I faintly hear Laney say as she walks up behind us. She tilts over and nabs a fast kiss from Stephen.