“Yeah,” I agree, then press my lips to his. “Together.”
EPILOGUE
CAESAR
One year later
The familiar soundsof Blade fill the shop, machines buzzing and loud metal music piping through the speakers. I finished up my appointment about an hour ago, and since then, I’ve been busy throwing the last of my stuff into boxes, pulling pictures down from the walls, and finding my own way to say goodbye to the place.
It’s my last day at this shop that has defined my life. There might have been a time I tried to act like that was no big deal, but since Drew came knocking, I’m a little more likely to slow down and acknowledge this kind of shit.
With a quiet grunt to myself, I say goodbye to the place my old man opened decades ago. Billie is taking over now, and she’ll make it her own. That gives me a deep sense of satisfaction and pride, almost enough to ease all the other emotions.
When I step to the front of the shop, though, I just about have a damn heart attack.
“Surprise!” everyone cheers, blowing on party favors. All the artists are here, crowded around with Drew, and a big “So long Caesar” banner hangs from the ceiling behind them.
I throw the cardboard box on the counter with a growl. “Fucking hell. Seriously?”
Drew laughs loudly, then throws himself toward me for a kiss. “See?” he tells all the artists. “I told you he’d love it.”
I grab his side and hitch him close. “You little shit,” I tease under my breath, then kiss him deeper.
All the other artists laugh and cheer again. I look up and see them, the team I carefully assembled over the years. Stone chills in the back, Joey and Billie blow those annoying party favors at each other, and Red has even swung by, posted up on a stool and sipping a can of beer.
“Can’t let you go without a little party,” Red deadpans.
“And we got a cake!” Rafael adds quickly, pulling a big sheet cake from behind the counter.
I glance at it. There’s a not-quite flattering picture of me drawn on in icing and the wordsDon’t Let the Door Hit Your Ass on the Way Outin curly red letters.
I grunt, then stick my finger in the cake to taste it. “Chocolate.”
Drew laughs. His hand slips into mine as he beams out at the artists. I hate the attention, and I know they all know that, but it is pretty nice to have my guy here.
And honestly, if the last day passed without a little of this sentimental bullshit, I might have regretted it.
Not that I’ll ever admit that.
“I know the big event is tonight,” Drew says sweetly, “but the end of something old is just as important as the start of something new, right?”
I squeeze his hand. “Whatever you say, kid.”
“Speech!” Billie calls out from the back.
“Yeah, Caesar,” Rafael jokes, wagging a finger at me. “No more cake until you give us a speech.”
I tighten my brow at him, trying to act mad, but I know he can tell I’m joking. Rafael is the only artist I’m dragging away from Blade with me to start at the new place. Billie will need Stone and Joey here to ease her through the transition, and it’s not like a total break anyway. The Joystick is going to be the sibling shop to Blade, a second location with its own flavor.
When I glance around at the artists, I realize the assholes really are expecting a speech.
I frown, ready to refuse, but Drew squeezes my hand, and I cave, just like I always do.
“You’re all a bunch of pains in my ass,” I tell them, “but you’re damn fine artists.” I swallow, my emotion stirring up again. “And you’re good people, too. My old man might not have thought that mattered for much, but I know it does.”
A hum goes through the group, everyone looking at me with respect in their eyes. I know they understand what I’m trying to say, even if my words fall flat.
“Billie.” I nod to her. “I made this shop what I could, but now it’s your turn. You’re a strong, smart woman, and I know you’re going to do things I never could.”
