Back to You

by Annie Brewer

  “Isn’t this a nightclub of some sort?” I ask, worried we would get kicked out.

  “Your dad knows the owner. He pulled some strings and we’ll be fine. After all, it’s your birthday and I have a few surprises for you tonight.” He swoops in and kisses my ear, making my body tingle. “I can’t wait! I love your surprises!”

  “Oh, you’ll love this one!” He assures. We walk in and the man at the door, greets us. “Hello, can I help you?” Lucas starts to speak but is interrupted by my father, who walks comes over to us.

  “Abby, Lucas.” Then he turns to the guy and whispers something in his ear. The guy looks at me and smiles. He holds his hand out for me to shake and says, “Oh Abby it is. Happy birthday!” I shake his hand and my dad turns to us. “This is Mark; a former client of mine. He is allowing us to be in here, for this night only, since it’s for your special occasion. Our group is over there.”

  He points to a big, party table close to the stage, actually off to the right side in the front row. There are a lot of people there and at that moment I feel overwhelmed. It’s just a birthday, why the fuss? It’s my last night with my family and friends before we leave, so I guess I can understand the significance of tonight. My dad thanks Mark and Lucas shakes his hand then grabs my hand and we follow my father to our table. Brooke and Brady greet me first. “Happy Birthday bestie!” Brooke yells and throws her arms around my neck. I hug her back and thank her for being here. “Hey, old lady happy birthday!” Brady says and he gives me a quick peck on the cheek. I hug him as well. We’ve been through a lot together and I’m glad we can still be close after all that’s happened.

  “Abby! Happy birthday big sis!” Sarah runs up to me and picks me up. I’m taller than her but not by much so it’s not surprising she can lift someone of my size. After I acknowledge everyone else including, my step family, as well as Lucas’s family, Lucas and I take our seats, so we can order food.

  This restaurant has a wide variety of food. I scan my menu, my stomach growls as if it knows it’s about to be fed. Lucas leans over and asks “What are you getting?” I look over the menu again and decide on a steak for dinner.

  “I think I’m getting this juicy steak with mashed potatoes. What about you?” He considers for a moment and then softly says “I think I want you for breakfast, lunch and dinner.” I kiss him on his inviting mouth and pull back to say, “Wow, that was lame.” He puts his hand to his heart, in a dramatic gesture and retorts “I’m offended. I was being serious, but I guess I’ll have to settle for a cheeseburger and fries for now. But I have a feeling I’ll be getting plenty of dessert later.” He grins and returns to his menu.

  After everyone has ordered food and drinks, we all sit and talk. It’s pretty crowded, but the bar is really nice. It has a homey feel to it. Sarah sits besides me and puts her arms on my leg. “How are you doing?” I can see that she’s been emotional and I reach out and hug her. “I’ve been great. This place is really lovely.”

  “Yeah, Lucas had a big thing planned and had dad’s help arranging it. But you aint seen nothing yet honey.” I look over at Lucas, who is engrossed in a conversation with Brady. It dawns on me that they’ve never been too close before but it really makes me happy to see them getting along. I smile at the view. Sarah nudges my arm, interrupting my thoughts. “What is his brother like? He’s hot.”

  “Ashton?” She nods her head eagerly. “He’s really nice. He’s 21 though.” She leans back in her chair. “So? I’m 16 now. Age is but a number to me.” She stares at him and I can almost see drool seeping out of her pursed lips. “Wow, you’re that into him huh? Why don’t you go talk to him?” She practically flies out of her chair and says, “I think I’m going to. Wish me luck.” I lean back and watch everyone engaging in conversation.

  “Isn’t this a lovely birthday honey?” My mother sits down next to me and puts her hand on my shoulder. “Everyone together for the last night before you go off on your own.”

  “Yeah, it’s wonderful. Thanks for being here with me.” I put my head on her shoulder and she takes my hand and holds it.

  “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. You’ve got yourself a great guy Abby. I’m so glad you two made up.” Oh, and made up we did.

  It was the perfect way to say I’m sorry. After our night of blissful intimacy, we lied in his bed for hours just talking, cuddling. It was better than any prom in the world and I wasn’t the least bit sad to miss it. It was beyond perfect.

  “I know, Lucas is one of a kind. I’m so lucky to have him mom. You will find the man of your dreams one day too. And we’ll be doing this again and it will be perfect.” She gives a small smile, which tells me she doesn’t see it happening or maybe she doesn’t want it?

  “What about Brooke and Brady? They seem so happy. I’m glad for them.” I nod and look in their direction, watching them sitting so closely, holding hands and smiling. “I am too.”

  “I’m proud of you. You’ve really grown and matured. Thank you for giving your father a chance.”

  “He’s really changed. He’s turned into a great man. I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you guys.” Lucas walks up to me and gives me a kiss.

  “Hey, I’ll be back.” I frown at him for leaving me.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Something came up. But I’ll be back very soon. Promise.” He kisses me again, lingering longer this time. He let’s go and walks away.

  After everyone has eaten and the dishes have been cleared, my father stands up, as if to make a speech. Lucas still has not come back and I start to panic, looking all over the club for him. I tap on Brooke’s shoulder. “Hey, where’s Lucas?”

  “Um, I don’t know. He should be back soon.”

  “Can I have everyone’s attention please?” I look around as all eyes are on my dad. I realize he’s actually gotten everyone’s attention and they are staring at us. “It’s my daughter’s birthday today and she’s leaving tomorrow to go to New York. I wanted to make this night special. Well, her boyfriend and I planned this night and want it to be amazing.” Soon people are shouting “happy birthdays” to me and I can feel my face heat up in embarrassment. I nod in response to be polite. Then the owner comes to the front of the stage.

  “Hey everyone, we are having karaoke tonight. Let us introduce you to our first singer.” I look around again, no sign of Lucas. Where could he be? Just then Mark says Lucas’s name and I look up. He walks out on the stage with a microphone in hand. Lucas sees me and gives me a wink, making me blush from head to toe, and my mouth is hanging open in shock. Oh my God, what is he doing? He used to tease me about singing in public but only because he was scared to do it himself, and admired me for being so brave. I’ve always loved his voice. He puts the mic to his mouth and says “How’s everyone doing tonight?”

  The crowd goes wild. “Well, it’s my girlfriend’s birthday today and I wanted it to be special. This is one of the many things on my gift list for her and I hope you all enjoy this. And Abby, I love you and love the way you smile at me.” I blow him a kiss as I bring my chair to the very front by the stage. As soon as the music starts, I know instantly what he’s singing and my heart skips a million beats. Our song, “When I See You Smile” by Bad English. We used to sing it to each other when we were young. My eyes start watering and I don’t bother to wipe the tears.

  When I see you smile

  I can face the world

  You know I can do anything

  When he gets to the second verse:

  Baby there’s nothing in this world

  that could ever do

  What a touch of your hand can do

  He comes up and takes my hand, staring into my eyes. I’m crying tears of happiness and surprise. I had no idea he had planned this. I can only imagine what other surprises he has up his sleeve. Everyone is in awe of his performance but he pays them no attention. He continues to serenade me and I feel like I’m living someone else’s life.

  Once he finishes the
song, everyone stands and claps and I hug him tight. “Thank you. That was so beautiful.” He grabs me by the waist and whispers, “It’s our song because when I see you smile, I can face the world. I know I can do anything.” I kiss him deeply, and the whole room disappears leaving only me and Lucas. It is the best birthday a girl could ask for.

  “I have another big one. Sit.” As I sit slowly, I wonder what he’s doing next. My heart speeds up and I feel anticipation so fierce, I feel as if I may faint. Yep this adventure we are going on is going to be great! Suddenly he gets down on one knee. And, I just about lose it, cause, I know what he is going to ask. In my mind I had played out this moment over and over again, and never in a million years did I realise that it would come true. He looks me in the eye, and all I can do is nod my head. My answer is, Yes!

  Epilogue

  4 Years Later

  As I stare at myself in the mirror, the girl looking back at me can’t believe this day has finally come. A girl dreams of this day forever and sometimes, it doesn’t ever come but then there are those that are fortunate to find that special someone. I thank my lucky stars for sending me my angel whom I’ve loved for such a long time. We’ve come so far and overcame so many obstacles, I was afraid my dream would never come true. But I realized after all this time that if you have faith and believe in miracles, anything is possible. But, you need to believe in yourself above all.

  I look away afraid to get too emotional as my father enters the room, ready to walk me down the aisle to my future. A future that is uncertain, but one I’m willing to share to take. I sigh and smooth my hands over my long white gown. He takes a good look at me and smiles, running his fingers through my veil, which is keeping my hair swept up in a bun. My sister Sarah is my Maid of Honor and my best friend Brooke is a Bridesmaid. Their dresses are blue, which my lovely sister picked out. I didn’t care what they wore, so long as they both agreed. And they did.

  “You look beautiful!” My dad beams and I can see his eyes getting watery. He gives me a quick gentle hug. “I don’t want to get all sappy before you’ve even gotten to Lucas.” He lets go and steps back.

  “Thanks dad. You’ve been amazing!” I give him a sweet kiss on the cheek. He holds out his elbow for me to put my arm through. “Let’s do this baby.”

  As we enter the little church, in our home town of Green Acres, Colorado, the music begins to play and everyone stands. I look around at all the faces, to each side of me and then up at the front where my Groom awaits. He sees me and smiles. I can read what is written all over his face. He, standing before me is a man who loves and admires me completely.

  I look to his brother Ashton who is his Best Man and Brady his Groomsman, and they both smile. I smile back. Ashton and Sarah are an item now and I couldn’t be happier for them. They’ve been together since her senior year of high school. Brooke and Brady are engaged and plan to marry next spring. I’m so happy for them too. I look around and can’t believe how lucky I am to be surrounded by wonderful friends and family. I am truly blessed beyond words and I can feel my eyes getting teary.

  My father and I reach just before the front of the chancel steps, he lifts my veil and we exchange kisses. Lucas meets us there. Before my dad turns to sit down, he puts my hand in Lucas’s right hand. We then proceed to the steps and take our places. “You look gorgeous.” He whispers in my ear. Butterflies take flight in my belly and I blush a shade of red. “So do you.” I reply softly and smile. He looks good in anything to be honest. He’s wearing a black tux, with a white button down shirt underneath and really nice black shoes.

  We’ve come far alright. After spending two years in New York, we realized it wasn’t the place for us. We moved back and had our dream home built by our favorite river, so we can spend every day by the water. It was the perfect place for us to live. No matter what I did or where I was, as long as Lucas was beside me, nothing else mattered.

  And here we are now, with our future before us and I couldn’t picture a better ending. He leans in and says, “How are my girls?” I smile, gaze into his eyes and say, “Your girls are happy.” I gently rub my belly and think; Yes. we are the happiest girls in the world.

  Acknowledgments

  There are way too many people I want to thank for this incredible journey I have started on. First of all, I want to thank God for giving me this talent I never really took seriously. I loved writing as a kid and kept many diaries and journals, but never thought about writing and showing it off. Thank you God, for giving me a creative and crazy mind and a passion for reading I didn’t have in high school.

  Secondly, thanks to my family for their endless support. My mother, thank you for helping me with the girls when I needed quiet time to write, and for being patient with me through it all. Thanks to my daughters for trying to understand why I couldn’t play with you as often as I wanted. Love you girls!

  Thirdly, I want to say a BIG thank you to Jean and James. Jean, for your beautiful, kind heart and your encouragement that got me this far. You pushed and demanded that I finish writing after you read my first few chapters of my first book that still needs to be finished. Because of you, this is happening to me. Thank you so much for believing in me. I will be forever grateful. You’re one of my very best friends and I love you! James-thank you for putting so much effort, time and patience into my making my cover so amazingly gorgeous! I want you as my artist for future books, if you’re up for it. I just love your work and couldn’t imagine a better artist! You’re amazing!

  Thank you to Sylvia, who has been there with me every step of the way. Not only in my writing, but in my personal life as well. You’ve become one of my closest friends, whom I can always count on for anything, almost anything. Ha ha. At least to cheer me up and get me out of my funk. I love you very much and hope to always remain close, no matter how far we are. Laters baby!

  To all of my GR gals who’ve become my family: Mary, Shreya, Erin, Adriana, Brooke, Marni, Tara, Barbie, Stormy, Emily, Amina, Nicole and so many others that I probably left out. Just know, I love you all. Thank you for your love and amazing support in my writing, not just in my book but also in my reviews. I appreciate and love you all!

  And last of all, thank you to the readers for believing in my work. You’re the reason I write and I love every bit of it! I hope to never disappoint! Stay tuned for more books in the future.