Page 82 of Beauty Of Her

Amelia was the first to respond. She reached across the table, placing her hand over mine and gently squeezing it. "Julia," she began softly, "we know you've been through a lot. You don't have to feel pressured to jump into anything."

"But also," Bridgette interjected, sipping the last of her martini before she continued, "don't deny yourself happiness because you're scared. Brett isn't your ex-husband. You deserve to be happy."

The heavy silence blanketing our table half sucked. Their words hung in the air, tangible and raw.

Amelia gave Bridgette an approving nod in the corner of my eye. “Why do I feel like I’m at a love intervention?”

“That’s the best kind of intervention.” Amelia winked.

“Look, we’ll see each other eventually. It’s like we’ve fallen into a pattern of talking easily about little things throughout our day, keeping it light. And it’s nice. But now, when do we jump to the next step of seeing each other? You know what I mean?” I asked the women. “It’s hard to explain. It’s like we’re almost stuck. You’re right. We should just see each other already. Why wait anymore?” I wasn’t sure if the lingering effects from my first drink filled me with courage or if this was all raw and real, but my fingers itched to call Brett and insist on seeing him.

Bridgette smiled, nodding, and it appeared she was trying not to laugh or choke. It was hard to tell, but her eyes were glued to the bar across the room. “I don’t think you’ll have to wait much longer.”

Amelia joined Bridgette’s gaze, and her mouth fell ajar. And then I saw Brett, sitting at the bar, looking handsome and sexy as ever, wearing… a tuxedo? My heart fluttered at the sight of him. The light from the overhead lamps glinted off his dark hair and the crisp lines of his tuxedo, making him look like a character from a romance novel. He lifted his gaze, meeting mine across the crowded bar. His lips curled into a soft smile that sent shivers down my spine.

"Is he... is that..." I stumbled over the words, my heart lurching into my throat.

"Yes," Bridgette confirmed, lightly slapping my arm. "He’s waiting for you."

“Why is he wearing a tuxedo?” Amelia blurted, breaking the spell.

The girls broke out in buzzed giggles while I stared at Brett from across the room, our eyes never leaving the others. When I thought this moment couldn’t be more of a bizarre fairytale, Brett reached behind him, pulling out a ruby rose. That was it. I couldn’t just go to him. I had to.

“Did you have any idea Brett was coming tonight?” I asked Bridgette, whose guilty expression said it all.

“I didn’t want to spoil the surprise.” Bridgette winced.

“I’ll be right back,” I announced to Amelia and Bridgette, never looking at either of them as I glided away from the table.

“Don’t worry about us,” called Amelia. “Go get your man.”

Bridgette’s cackle was the last thing I heard from the table until I was toe to toe with Brett.

“Hi,” I managed to say. My eyes dropped to the flower in his hand. “Is that for me?”

Brett’s eyes found the rose before shifting back to my face.

“Indeed, it is,” he replied, holding the stem to me. His smile was casual yet warm, his eyes reflecting a kind of honesty I found myself drawn to. "I thought you might like it," he explained further, his gaze never leaving mine.

Accepting the flower, I brought it up to my nose and inhaled its sweet scent. The petals were soft and plush against my skin. “It’s beautiful, thank you,” I replied, looking back at Brett. There was a moment of silence before I addressed the elephant in the room; “So… why are you all dressed up?”

He shrugged lightly. "Thought I'd make an impression," he admitted. A playful smirk curved his lips as he added, “Seems like it’s working.”

“It’s really nice to see you. The texting was fun, but…” I trailed off, my eyes darting to the crowd around us.

“In person is always better.” Brett guided my chin with a single finger until we faced each other again. “Why did we wait so long?”

“I’m sorry for ever doubting us.” My hands cupped his face, drowning out everyone and everything around us.

“Stop. You don’t have to say that.” He placed his hands over mine.

“No, but I need to. You were always ready. Always waiting for me. I’m not sure why I couldn’t decide like you.”

“Julia, it’s okay. Really. There always needs to be one in the relationship who overthinks life.” He flashed a brilliant smile. The one I fell in love with.

“Thanks.” I threw Brett a sheepish grin.

“Anytime, babe.” He winked, snaking his arm around my waist and pulling me in.

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