Page 86 of Comeback
I stand and hug the traumatized giant. He looks like he needs it. Slade wraps his arms around my back in a bear hug and lifts me off the ground. I squeal, a lot like he had as he ran out of the bathroom earlier.
He finally sets me down and I can take a full breath again.
“The place looks great. Good luck with everything. Let me know when you’re open.”
“I will. Thanks.”
When the big guy leaves, it’s just me, Archer, and Brogan.
I collapse back onto a box next to Archer. My arms and legs are tired. I didn’t even do that much, but I am exhausted.
“Don’t say it,” Brogan says when I open my mouth to thank them again.
“Seriously, look at this place!” A renewed energy surges through me. I wave my hands around. It’s empty, but it’s clean and beautiful and ready for all the plans I’ve made over the years. “This would have taken me months. Maybe longer.”
Archer bumps his leg against mine. “You’re welcome.”
“We’re excited for you. When do you think you’ll be able to open?”
That brings on a whole new set of nerves. “I’m not sure. A month maybe? London offered to design some flyers and other graphics for my website so I can get the word out. Then I just wait and hope people show up.”
As if Archer can feel my anxiousness, he drapes an arm around my shoulders and pulls me into his chest. “They will.”
“You should have a grand opening. Food, music,” Brogan suggests.
“Dancing,” I add.
“Exactly.” Brogan points at me.
The more I think about it, the more I like it. “That’s actually a good idea.”
“Of course it is.” My brother makes a face like he’s offended I’d suggest he ever has anything but good ideas.
“More stuff to figure out,” I say, but my excitement grows. Archer drops a kiss to my forehead. It’s nice sitting here with these two, having their support. I never imagined this when I set out to find my brother, but it’s so much better than anything I could have dreamed up anyway.
“Okay,” Brogan says. “I’m going to head home and leave you two to…whatever.”
Archer’s chest shakes with laughter, and he lets his arm fall away from my shoulders so we can stand to say goodbye to Brogan. I hug him tightly, thanking him a dozen more times until he laughs.
Archer hugs him next in one of those side hugs where they slap each other’s backs.
“See you at home.” Brogan lifts a hand over his head to wave as he walks out of the studio.
I turn and place my arms on Archer’s shoulders. “I bet you’re anxious to get home too.”
“Nope. I’m exactly where I want to be.”
“Exactly?” I ask, leaning closer to brush my lips over his.
“You could have on less clothes, but otherwise, yeah.”
Laughing, I pull back. “I want to take some pictures of all the work we got done for my mom and then we can go.”
While I walk around with my phone, snapping photos from every angle, Archer stacks up the pizza boxes and cleans up allthe trash leftover from today. After the speakers went up earlier, Archer hooked up his phone to play music. Rock, of course.
I send my mom a text with all the photos attached and then put my phone in my purse. I’m standing with my back against the barre, still taking it all in, and completely in awe.
“Okay. I’m ready,” I say but don’t move.
