Page 51 of Together at Ruby's

Thinking of how it all happened, Tate shook her head. “I never got a chance to play it for him,” she said, feeling angry all over again. “It turns out that he and Aurora went to college together. That’s how she got the job so easily at the firm.”

“That explains a lot,” Nikki inserted. “I knew there had to be something for you to not get that promotion.”

Smiling again, Tate pointed at Nikki. “But maybe it is for the best,” she said. “Maybe it’s just what I needed to make a change.”

“So, what are you going to do now?” Liza asked. “Other than take the time off that you deserve.”

Her question was a good one. “I guess I’ll refresh my résumé and start making some phone calls,” Tate answered. “Chad will probably spread some rumors about me and make it harder for me to find another position as high up as I was there.” She looked into Liza’s eyes. “I might have to start back at the bottom. I’m sorry.”

Before Liza could respond, Nikki held up her good hand to get their attention. “That’s the last thing you should be doing,” she said. “What you should be doing is investing some capital with me and buying the gym.”

Tate felt a sliver of excitement at the idea of following her heart and owning the gym, but it was ridiculous to think she could do it. “I don’t know the first thing about running a gym,” Tate said. “I like your faith in me, but we have to be realistic.”

Liza touched Tate’s face, taking back her attention. “You are the smartest person I have ever met,” Liza said. “I know you could make any business a success. If you really want this, I will stand beside you.” She kissed her. “I just want you to be happy.”

For the second time that day, Tate decided to jump off the edge into the abyss of uncertainty. “Then let’s do it,” she said. “Let’s buy the gym.”

33

“You look so beautiful,” Allie said as Liza turned her body left and then right while looking in the full-length mirror.

She had to agree. The dress fit her like a glove and after all their searching, it seemed perfect. “I do like it,” she said. “And more importantly, I think Tate will like it.”

“How could she not?” Rey added from where she sat watching Liza on the bench seat in the bridal gallery’s dressing area. “You’ll take her breath away in that.”

Overall, that was what Liza wanted the most—to be a beautiful bride. Not only because it was a dream she had since she was a little girl, but because Tate deserved it. “Then this is the one,” Liza said. “I can put it on payments for the next couple of months.” She laughed, and it was filled with excitement but also nervousness. “I can’t believe the wedding is only three months away. There’s so much to do.”

Standing from where she sat beside Rey, Allie took Liza’s hands and kissed her on the cheek. “It’s been a long time in the making but will be perfect,” she said. “I’m so happy for you both.”

“Thank you,” Liza said. “And thank you and Rey for being a part of it.”

Rey stood and joined them until all three friends were reflected in the large mirrors. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said. “And the reception you’re planning too. It will be wonderful.” Liza had to agree. The decision to hold it at Ruby’s was an easy one. The place was as important to her as any person she invited. It was where she and Tate met, where they had so many memorable nights, and where they had foiled Aurora Price. There was nowhere she would rather celebrate her marriage to Tate.

Remembering they had someplace to be soon, Liza glanced around for her phone. “What time is it?” she asked, and Rey quickly checked her watch.

“Only four o’clock,” she answered. “We are fine on time. I’ve been keeping track.”

Liza smiled at her friend. “Perfect,” she said. “But help me get this dress off so I can go make arrangements. I definitely don’t want to be late for Tate’s grand reopening.”

“That is so exciting, too,” Allie said, unlacing the back of Liza’s dress. “I know Tate and Nikki will make it a huge success.”

Liza beamed with pride. “I agree with you,” she said. “Between them, they’ve made great plans and already implemented some. I think the regulars will love it, and the facelift will draw new clientele as well.” She looked over her shoulder at Allie. “Your design of the new logo and other suggestions around marketing were a big help too.”

“It was the least I could do,” Allie said. “Especially since I’ve never seen Tate look happier.”

Rey nodded. “She certainly seems to be,” she said. “I’ve never seen her talk so much about any topic. It’s great to see.”

“It’s true,” Liza said, stepping out of the dress. “Leaving the firm and buying the gym was the best thing that ever happened to her. I wish it happened earlier.”

“But you had no idea it would be this good,” Allie added, and Liza knew it was true. Her time with Tate was better and better every day. Even though she had been scared at first, the change was clearly the right decision. Although Tate being forced to quit was bad, the outcome was worth it.And now she’s fulfilled,Liza thought.And I have the Tate that I always wanted.

Admiringthe blue streamers and gold-colored balloons she and Marty put all around the gym’s foyer, Tate felt a satisfaction her old job never brought.Because it’s my gym,she thought.Something I can control, and all my hard work will be for the betterment of the business Nikki and I now own.She looked at the blonde woman in the wheelchair talking to Vivian at the mocktail table.Although one arm and one leg remained in a cast, it was good to see her friend out of her apartment.Because they had been meeting every day to go over plans for the gym, Tate saw some of the things her friend couldn’t hide. The last few weeks had been harder on Nikki than she let on, but Tate knew Nikki still suffered from a lot of pain caused by her injuries. Only the use of pain medication seemed to give her relief and keep her functional.

As Tate was about to check that everything in the weight room was ready for her demonstration later, her cell phone rang on the counter beside her. Looking, she saw it was from a number she recognized but never expected to see again—her old boss, Chad. Curious more than anything, she answered. “Hello.”

“Tate, how are you?” the man asked, making Tate lift her eyebrows.Why is he asking me that?she wondered.Or even calling at all?

“Never better,” she answered. “What is this about?”

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