Everly’s POV

My return to the real world came three days later. I took my time to let it all sink in. I mean I couldn’t just easily go back to everything, it all needed time…

While I started my work day with nervousness it had slowly subsided by the end of the work day – precisely when Melinda swung by my desk and set before me a chocolate cupcake with sprinkles on top of it. I stared at it for an awed second before looking up at my friend.

“Thought I’d forget?” She asked

“Hoped. But I pretty much knew better.”

“You should. Anyway, happy birthday. I’m sorry you chose this day to come back and I’m sorry I made you actually work”

“Trust me, I came back on this day for a reason.” I said plucking the cupcake into my hand and swiping a bit of frosting off with my finger. “It got my head back to feeling normal. Normal-ish, at least. All I need is another few work days and a few social outings and I will start forgetting about… everything.”

“Well, if you want to get a head start on social outings, I’m going to drinks right now with the new chick we get our floral arrangements from. Not for pleasure. Just trying to get her to lower the costs.” She winked at me. “Wanna join?”

“As much as you sold it, no. Not really”She laughed “Fine. Works better for me because I actually need you to drop this envelope off at the East side at the hotel-”

I stared at the envelope and then looked up at her “Are you kidding me?”

“I’m not. I know it’s where Brian’s bands is having this record label thing today, but it’s barley six in the evening and the party won’t start before eight and the staff is probably just leaving to get ready for the night. So I promise he is not there. In fact, I personally called and made sure of it, so I swear on my husband’s life that-”

“Okay that’s not necessary.” I took the envelope from her hands “I’ll go”

“While you are there and the catering is set up you could try and get some of the-”Walking out of the office I took a big bite from my cupcake, “I got everything that I need” I motioned towards the cupcake and quickly moved into the elevator and pushed the button to close the doors, hoping that she hadn’t heard the crack in my voice, my joke backfiring at me, who was I kidding, I didn’t have everything I needed – I was so far from that it hurt. But like the other bruise in my soul, I told myself this pain would eventually lessen. For the sake of moving on, it was all I could hope for.

At the hotel I sighed, just before walking in. The hotel was the biggest and most coveted party venue and it was generally booked year round with elegant wedding and important parties.It had become the most popular destination for celebrities, only waiting for the next scandal to happen

I imagined that Brian’s party for the label / band would be exactly that, but with a hundred times as much scandals. I knew Brian had hurt at least a little over me and considering how many women had hurt him in the past – somewhere around zero- I had little doubt he would use our clash as an excuse to make himself feel better.

And for Brian, feeling better at a party probably involved sleeping with all the prettiest girls in attendance and breaking his record for number of women in one night.

Masochist, I scolded myself, managing a smile at the man who opened the door for me. I just couldn’t stop. In the past week, I had done alright trying to think about other things but now, in the same building that Brian would be in two hours, I couldn’t stop picturing him. I saw him entering in the same casual but sexy outfit I had seen him in last. I saw him walking in joined by Matt, both of them striding first to the bar. Then with a drink in hand cradled by those long talented fingers, Brian would lean back, fully relaxed as his brown eyes scanned the crowd for long legs and skirts.

From there, my mind fast forwarded to the image of buttons flying as the lucky girl he picked yanked his shirt open and squealed at the sight of his ripped torso. Another flash and I saw Brian stretched out asleep on the bed I’d gotten my best nights slumber on.

Ugh.
I missed him. I’d faced enough deceit lately, so I really didn’t need to lie to myself. I missed Brian in a way that I had never missed Chris and on my birthday, the heartache was only that much worse.

“Miss Louis?”

Blinking, I looked up at a suited gentleman at the reception, grateful for his sudden greeting because I sorely needed distraction.

“Yes, hi. I’m here to drop off some paperwork from Melinda Jones” Would it be okay if I left it here?”
“Ah. I can’t accept that, but I would suggest you walk into the main event room and leave the envelope there.”I frowned.

“Oh sure.”I paused “There is no one in there right now, is there?” I asked unsure.

“No, Miss Louis, there is not.”

“Perfect. Thank you very much.” I said as I made my way toward the grand double doors that led into the massive event room. Considering he party was in two hours, I expected to see dozens of tables with decoration and buffet , staff members to be running around, trying to put the finishing touches on the party.
But when I walked into the empty room, what I saw snatched the breath from my throat.

Because there were no tables. There was no DJ booth or long buffet tables. Missing were the loads of glittery decorations. Instead, the décor was isolated to the very center of the sprawling room.

The sheer amount of white roses was the first thing I saw. There were hundreds of them arranged throughout the space. They were breathtaking beautiful but what my eyes settled on next, despite looking deeply mismatched in the elegant room was what took my breath away.

It was a tall, leafy green tree. I surprised myself because I burst out laughing right away and just as quickly, my feet rushed to the display, giving me the proximity to confirm the sight of an eight foot butterfly palm potted in an ornate vase.

“How the hell…?”
In my account of the magical place I wanted to transport to for my birthday, I had never reveled my favorite candy, yet next to the palm tree lay a bag full of brownies and chocolate chip cookies

“Oh my God, Brian” I murmured in disbelief as I ran my hands along the back of the plush leather section sitting just under the plant. Next to it was a side table on which there was a single crystal wine glass, a bottle of Cabernet and an extra box of chocolates.

I wondered again how Brian knew about my favorite and somewhat obscure sweets, but then I saw the antique shelf holding a carefully curated selection of books – all the ones in my apartment that I had started but not finished.

I was so struck by the unbelievable sight in front of me that it took agood ten minutes for me to notice the white envelope sitting on top of the couch.

Grabbing it off the pillow, I tore it eagerly open. Until this moment , my smile had been cautious. Upon skimming the next words typed inside the card, a huge grin burst like fireworks onto my lips.

“Open the envelope you brought,” I read aloud before dropping the card like a hot potato and grabbing the manila sleeve Mel had given me. Sliding the thick sheet of crisp white out of the envelope, my eyes settled upon Brian’s handwriting.

I couldn’t build you your own island to celebrate in peace and quiet so I did my best. This whole space is yours for the rest of the night.
I figured one bottle of wine would be enough for you but in case you are no longer a lightweight, a selection will arrive for you to choose from when dinner and dessert are served.
Happy Birthday Everly.

Love,
Brian

I breathedout hard, trying to hold back the tears from forming. I wasn’t sure how long I stood there holding the letter in my hand but on cue, the gentleman outside entered to wish me a happy birthday and show me just how to get his attention if I needed anything before dinner.

From there, I sunk into the couch, delighted by the blanket provided for me to wrap myself in. It was soft and oversized and it made me want even more to call Brian and ask him to join me on my little island. But I stopped myself.
I told myself that I needed time alone. But that I could see him soon. Right after.
So pouring myself a glass of wine, I grabbed the book I had been trying to finish for ages now and sunk cozily into the couch, flipping to where I had left off and finally starting my new chapter.

Notes

Soooo what do u guys say to this one?!
What will happen next? Will they finally get back together? Or will she back out again?!

ANND What did u think about Brian's idea?!

So it's really coming to an end soon, probably just one.. maybe two more chapters and it's all over and done!
So please let me know what u think about it :)