by Emily Hayes
Arriving at Chloe’s apartment, she took a deep breath and rang the bell.
12
Vienna opened the door and was surprised, to say the least, to find Ashley in front of her.
“Oh, Ashley, what.. What are you doing here?” She stuttered, unable to recover from her shock.
“I came to see you, V, I had to see you,” Ashley replied.
“What do you want, Ash? Why are you making this more difficult than it already is?” Vienna began after she gathered herself, anger lacing her tone.
“And besides, won’t being seen with a whore like me, damage you?” She continued.
“I came all this way just for you, Vienna. Can I please just come inside and talk to you? Just listen to me once. Please?” Ashley said softly.
Vienna looked at her for a few moments longer before letting out a sigh and inviting her in.
“Thank you so much, V,” Ashley said to her.
“Don’t. Don’t call me that.” Vienna turned to her, pain visible on her face.
“Who is it, V?” Chloe asked while walking towards the lounge.
“Hi. I am Ashley, Ashley Davidson. Vienna’s gir-... um, client. Um. I don’t know what.” Ashley hurriedly spoke before Vienna could tell Chloe.
“Oh, hey. Vienna didn’t tell me you were coming through. How are you? It’s really good to finally meet you. Please come in, make yourself at home.” Chloe greeted her cheerfully, making Vienna frown.
“Er. Thanks.”
“Why don’t you two talk and I’ll see you in a while.” Chloe moved away, sensing the situation but not before giving a reassuring hand on Vienna’s back and a whisper in her ear,
“You’ll be alright. Just hear her out. I have a feeling it’ll be good in the end. She loves you. I can tell.”
“Well, okay! If you guys need anything, I’m just a few meters away in the kitchen.” Chloe told them one last time before disappearing.
“Do you not miss me?” Ashley asked Vienna as Chloe left.
“It is not relevant anymore.” Vienna was still cold and hurt.
“You could have talked to Trisha, at least if not me. We’ve been really worried.” Ashley told her softly.
“I just wanted to get away from anything that reminded me of you.” Vienna’s voice had more emotion as she looked ahead, trying not to meet Ashley’s warm eyes. Because Vienna knew if she did, she’d melt.
“I am so sorry, V, I just freaked out. I should have told you myself.” Ashley began,
“Please, come back home with me.”
“And what after that? Wouldn’t it ruin everything if you are seen with me again?” Vienna asked, her voice bitter.
“Yes, I acted selfishly earlier. I wanted to save everything I built, but I realized that there is no point in having all this if the only person I cherish more than anything, isn’t there with me to share it.” Ashley’s voice filled with emotion as Vienna listened silently.
“I was worried about what would happen if all those people found out I was lying. But I don’t care anymore, V. It doesn’t matter if they think I am a cheat or a liar, but it does if you think so. I’ll tell them all the story of how we met. I love you. I’m not ashamed of you. You are what I am most proud of.” She finished with a sigh, running a hand through her, now mostly disheveled hair.
“I didn’t want you to choose between your career and me. I value your hard work as much as you do. Besides, love is meant to lift up and empower, not ruin and destruct. But I just wanted you to share your heart with me, be honest with me.” Vienna replied, calmer than before, as she looked at Ashley’s defeated form.
“I know, I messed up, but I want to fix this.” Ashley pleaded.
“I called Paul before coming here and told him, he could tell anyone whatever he liked, I don’t care about what happens next. I never would judge you on your career. I am nothing but impressed by you. I don’t need you to be a secret in any way. I want you, V, I need you by my side. God knows how I’ve spent this past week without you. I’m a wreck without you. I adore you, V. I love you more than anyone. More than anything. More than everything I have built.” Ashley looked to Vienna, her eyes filled with tears.
“I liked your old haircut better.” Vienna smiled at her. The two shared a hug, and needless to say, it was tight and long.
As they pulled back, Ashley cradled Vienna’s face in her hands.
Vienna looked into her eyes, “I love you too. I’m scared, but I do love you.”
Tears were now streaming down Vienna’s face as she joined their lips in a sweet and tender kiss. The two stayed that way before Ashley pulled back to look at her.
“I’ll look after you now. I’ve got you. We face everything together now.” Ashley replied slowly, a smile forming on her face.
A cough resounded in the back, and the couple turned to face the culprit.
“Ahem, so the lovebirds are back together in the city of romance. Oh my. I swear you two make me miss love, sex, and all the drama.” Chloe’s voice filled the background, a warm smile on her face, but also a few tears in her eyes as she shook her head.
“Not as the warm as this moment, but would anyone like a coffee?”
“Doesn’t she remind you of Trisha?” Ashley and Vienna both said at the same time, and the two laughed at a rather clueless Chloe and a coffee mug in her hand. Poor Chloe.
“Speaking of Trisha, she is kind of mad at both of us.” Ashley said to Vienna after they introduced the concept of Trisha to Chloe.
“We did kind of ruin her wedding week. But when I go back, I am going to blame it all on you.” Vienna announced with a childlike charm.
“Okay, okay. I kind of deserve that.” Ashley replied with a smile.
“The wedding is in three days, and it isn’t completely ruined if we fly home tomorrow.” Vienna exclaimed as she clapped her hands.
It’s so good to have her back. Ashley thought to herself as she admired this exquisite creature she had come to love.
“I wish Chloe could come with us too.” Ashley suggested, looking at Chloe, hopefully.
“Oh, listening to all these stories, I want to hop on that plane too. I’ll be at your bloody wedding when you two get married. You two can leave without me tomorrow, but you are my guests tonight.” Chloe said.
“Of course you will be in our wedding! Who else is going to be my bridesmaid and tell me to shut up and that my jokes are inappropriate?” Vienna looked to Chloe.
Chloe laughed with them both.
Ashley looked at Vienna, imagining her in a wedding dress. She would be the most stunning bride, of course she would.
I love you so much. I cannot believe I almost lost you.
The day of Trisha’s wedding arrived, and everyone was beyond excited. They had arrived at the hotel for the wedding.
Ashley was in charge of the wedding preparations, and even though she was the best woman, it still didn’t mean she was let off her duties as a best friend.
The wedding was held in Sand Castle. A beautiful resort inspired by the Chateaux in Europe, it offered classical ambiance, service, and sophistication.
There were acres of landscaped gardens set with outdoor benches and cocktail tables, as well as an outdoor marble top bar with a waterfall background.
Ashley ran through last-minute preparations.
“Joanna, I’d like you to go through the caterer’s list again. Make sure the menu is not altered in any way. Oh, and make sure the security checks are back on all the workers for tonight.”
Ashley ordered the utmost perfection for this day, and everyone did their best to deliver.
“How is my best friend doing. She ready yet?” Ashley asked as soon as she entered the dressing room.
“Are you kidding me! Of course, I’m not ready yet. I will be late. As usual! Oh, I hope I don’t trip on my way to Kevin.” Trisha rambled on.
“Hey, hey. Calm down. You’ll be fine. It’s normal to freak out like this before your wedding.” Ashley put a hand on
Trisha’s shoulder, meeting her eyes through the mirror.
Trisha smiled at her while the make up artist worked on Trisha’s face.
Ashley was wearing a three-piece suit and looked dapper, her hair in its new sleek shorter cut, looking dark and slicked back. Her wing tips shined to their maximum.
She looked around the room to find Vienna, at a dressing table, her hair being styled to beautiful waves with braids at the top. She looked like a mythical princess. The most stunning woman Ashley had ever seen.
Sensing someone looking at her, Vienna turned her head to look at Ashley and smiled, her perfect teeth gleaming. Ashley smiled back.
“You look incredible.”
Trisha was finally ready. Gasps sounded throughout the room as Ashley’s eyes filled with tears at the sight of her best friend, so beautiful in the big white dress with white lace around her collarbone. Her hair was pinned up in loose curls.
“You look amazing, Trish. So, so gorgeous.” Ashley told her as Trisha’s own eyes filled with tears. “Don’t cry! This poor girl hasn’t worked so hard on your eye makeup to have you cry it all off!”
Ashley then moved out of the room to oversee the preparations one more time before the music sounded off, and the wedding ceremony began.
Everyone moved to take their places as guests took their seats.
Trisha walked down the aisle with her father as Kevin smiled warmly at her from the altar. He was wearing a grey suit with lavender flowers tucked neatly into the front pocket of his jacket.
Ashley stood next to Vienna, who was striking in red silk. She held her hand as they watched the ceremony. The emotion of the wedding just made her want it all for herself and Vienna.
Trisha and Kevin sealed their wedding with a kiss, and the crowd erupted to cheers, celebrating the union.
Everyone moved towards the open yard where the rest of the party was to be continued, and Ashley and Vienna made their way towards Kevin and Trisha.
“Congratulations, you two!” Vienna and Ashley exclaimed together as they took their turns, hugging the bride and groom.
“Thank you so much. I am so glad you guys made it in time and together. This is all I needed.” Trisha was as happy as she could be seeing her best friend and Vienna together again.
“Thank you for making me go and do it, but now your maid-of-honor is back and at your service.” Ashley said to her, mocking a salute to which they all laughed.
Ashley immediately snapped her attention to Joanna as she passed by, and told her to oversee the food again.
“Relax, now that you are here, everything will turn out just perfect.” Trisha told her, smiling.
“Yeah, sorry I went away without telling you. But what’s important is now we are back and ready to make this the best wedding ever.” Vienna said, hugging Trisha as the two talked a while.
“But Ash, what about that blackmailer guy.” Trisha asked curiously as Kevin asked the same.
“Don’t worry, I have thought of something.” Ashley replied confidently, her hand holding Vienna’s.
Kevin nodded his head and said,
“Well, if there’s anything you need help with, just let me know. You know we’re here for you guys.” Ashley and Vienna smiled at him as Trisha couldn’t help but admire her husband.
“Thank you, Kev.” They replied unanimously.
“You two look gorgeous, but my wife has stolen the show today, guys.” He focused on Trisha, giving her a kiss, which she happily returned.
“She definitely has. And you treat her well, or she will run off to lesboland with us.” Vienna chipped in as the four laughed heartily.
It was then time for the first dance, as Trisha and Kevin made their way to the center of the floor.
Have I told you lately by Rod Stewart, started as Kevin wrapped his arms around Trisha, and they danced.
Ashley stood next to Vienna, her hand loosely draped around Vienna’s hip as they watched the couple staring at each other lovingly.
The song came to an end, and the crowd clapped as Trisha and Kevin moved to let the other couples join them on the floor.
Ashley took this as a cue, and the sound of a champagne glass clinking caught everyone’s attention.
“Excuse me, If I could have everyone’s attention, please. Before we all resume with the wedding party, there is something I need to say.” Ashley announced as the chatter in the party gradually turned into silence.
“I want to tell everyone that Vienna was not my real girlfriend.” hushed murmurs filled the place as Vienna’s hand tightened around Ashley’s, urging her on.
“I, in fact, hired her to pretend to be one, to attend all these events with me.” She said as the murmurs died down, people eager to know more.
“She kept it professional, and I got away from all questions asking if I was single and lonely, so it worked for both us. But eventually, we fell in love.” She paused, looking at Vienna with a small smile.
“We fell in love because she is the most amazing woman I have ever met. I apologize to all my clients because I lied to you. I know this may color your opinion of me, and make me lose a lot of work, but I felt it was easier to lie and hide my loneliness. I felt like people wouldn’t care, or they won’t understand. So, I took that shortcut too. I am human and full of flaws, but eventually, I have realized that truth is the best way out. Vienna wasn’t my real girlfriend. But, she absolutely is now.” She said with another pause, looking around at the people who surprisingly offered her smiles instead of disapproving looks.
“And now finally, not that I am jealous of you, Trisha, for getting married before me despite being a good three years younger, but I want to make this day even more special.” Ashley turned to Trisha as Trisha laughed at her calculations of their age.
She then turned to Vienna and moved to stand in front of her,
“Vienna Rhodes.. lovely, beautiful, incredible, funny, Vienna.” Ashley began as she pulled out a blue velvet box, she had been hiding in her pocket and opened it to reveal the most beautiful diamond ring.
Vienna gasped as she stared between the ring and Ashley, tears threatening to fall,
“Will you do me the honor of marrying me?” Ashley finished, her heart beating loudly as Vienna finally nodded and then let out a sob,
“Yes. Yes! Yes! Yes! Oh my God, yes! I will. You are the only one I want to spend the rest of my life with. Of course, I’ll marry you!” Vienna said, as she let Ashley slip the ring on her finger and then jumped to hug her, the people clapping in the background.
“The gap is five years, by the way.” Trisha yelled as everyone laughed.
Vienna sat across from Meredith Bowes in the Black Label NYC offices.
“My darling,” began Meredith, fine lines on her face beginning to tell her age. “Nothing good lasts forever. You have been my best girl for some time now. I doubt I will ever have a girl like you again. But, now, you must go. I’m so happy to see you happy and in love. Love is the most valuable thing we have, you know. I have loved you since you were a screwed up teenager, rough around the edges, but so beautiful, even then. You just needed an opportunity to make something of yourself, and you grasped it with both hands.” Meredith reached across the table and squeezed Vienna’s hand. Her hands were aged too, Vienna thought. She wondered again how old Meredith was.
“Meredith, I will always be grateful to you. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the opportunities you have given me. You saved me from the gutter and gave me a life and a future. But, it is time for a new chapter in my life- with Ashley. I want to do more art. I want to exhibit. I want to sell my paintings. I’ve had the opportunity with Black Label to make a lot of money. I want to use some of that money to help underprivileged young people. I want to set up a charity and do what I can to help troubled teenagers in the dark places I once was.”
“My darling, you are a warm and giving soul, and the world is lucky to have you. Please, I will always be here for you. There will always be a home for you at Blac
k Label. Do let me know if I can help you financially or otherwise with your charity.” Her bright blue eyes burned intensely. “And, my darling, when I retire, I would like to offer you the opportunity to take over Black Label for me. There is no rush, you just think it over. But, Vienna, you are like a daughter to me. All the Black Label girls are my family, but you are my special one. Think about it, Vienna. Think about it, my darling.”
Epilogue
One Year Later
“I cannot believe we are getting married today,” Ashley said to Vienna as the two had a rare moment alone, amongst all the hustle and bustle of the wedding morning. “I absolutely adore you. I always have since I first met you. You are an incredible woman, and watching your success in taking over Black Label from Meredith has made me so proud. I can’t wait to be your wife.”
“Yeah, it kind of all happened gorgeous, didn’t it.” Vienna’s voice was dipped in sweet nostalgia as she put a hand on Ashley’s cheek.
“Maybe all that blackmailing and things that happened were actually good. They acted as a catalyst, and now here we are.” She continued.
“Well, at my age, I can’t afford to waste any time!” Ashley chuckled as she bent down slightly to put her forehead against Vienna’s.
“Ash, honey, I love how you proposed to me and the grand romantic gesture, but the age jokes are still bad, once again, leave them to Trisha.” Vienna shot back as both laughed.
“Where is Trisha anyway?” Ashley inquired.
“Yeah, I don’t see Chloe, either,” Vienna added, equally clueless about her best woman.
The momentary silence was broken as a cheerful voice called out to the two,
“Congratulations, ladies!”
“Shweta! It’s so good to see you. I’m so glad you made it.” Vienna let go of Ashley and hugged the older Indian woman.
She was dressed in a beautiful baby pink sari, her shining hair resting on her shoulders.
