"He was exactly that bad. And look at you now—engaged, moving in together, planning a future." She sighs happily. "Your mother hasn't stopped crying, you know. Happy tears. She's been waiting for this forever."
"That's what Gunnar said."
"Because it's true. We all have been. Waiting for you to find someone who sees you properly. Someone who stays." Her eyes meet mine. "Gunnar's that person. He always has been. It just took you both a while to figure it out."
"Better late than never?"
"Much better." She glances at her phone, then stands. "Speaking of late—I need to get going. Runes wants to grab an early dinner before the evening rush."
"Hot date?"
"Something like that. Even after thirty years, we still try to make time for each other." She winks. "You'll understand soon enough."
I walk her to the front of the spa, checking the schedule on the way.
One more client.
A four o'clock massage.
Then I can close up and head home to Gunnar.
Home.
Our home.
The word still makes me giddy.
"Are you sure you'll be okay closing up alone?" Fern asks, pausing at the door. "I can stay if you need?—"
"Go. Enjoy your dinner. I've got this."
"Just one more client?"
"Just one. A new booking—" I check the name on the schedule. "William Smith. Four o'clock deep tissue. I'll be done by five, closed by five-thirty."
"Okay." She still looks hesitant. "Text me when you lock up?"
"I will. Now go. Runes is waiting."
She hugs me—quick but warm—and then she's gone.
The spa settles into silence around me.
Peaceful.
Calm.
The ambient music playing softly through the speakers, the scent of eucalyptus and lavender in the air.
This is my sanctuary.
My space.
The one place where I feel completely in control.
I check the time.
Almost four o’clock now.
