14. Holly

14

HOLLY

T he soft buzz of jazz music filled the Indigo Lounge, creating an ambiance of warmth that seemed to envelop every corner of the room. It was a Saturday evening, and the lounge was alive with a sense of anticipation for the night ahead.

Holly stood near the entrance, her heart racing as she glanced around the room. Tonight, it was the stage for a new chapter in her life, and she felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness.

Deborah, dressed in a simple yet elegant dress, walked in just behind Holly. Their eyes met, and the connection between them was instantaneous. It was as if time had stood still, and every shared moment from their past came rushing back in a wave of emotion. They exchanged a glance that spoke volumes, a silent acknowledgment of their journey and the love they still held for each other.

The two of them made their way to the back of the lounge, where their closest friends and family were having a catch-up. As Esme, Nora, Cam, and Harper caught sight of them, their faces lit up. The air was filled with a palpable sense of support.

“Holly, Deborah!” Esme greeted them with open arms. “It’s so wonderful to see you both here.”

Nora added, “We’ve been looking forward to this for days. It’s great to have everyone together.”

Deborah leaned over and whispered in Holly’s ear, “Do you want to go somewhere private? And talk this through?”

“No,” Holly replied. “How about we just be ? Let’s just be here. Together.”

“That’s not a problem at all. I wrote notes and everything, but I think your idea is better,” Deborah said, grinning.

The group exchanged hugs and pleasantries before settling into their seats. The atmosphere was lively, filled with the sounds of clinking glasses and laughter. The menu was a feast of culinary delights as always, and the conversation flowed as freely as the drinks.

As the evening progressed, Holly and Deborah found themselves surrounded by their supportive friends. Each person shared heartfelt words, offering their love and encouragement. Cam raised her glass in a toast, her voice filled with genuine warmth. “To Holly and Deborah—Now, I was hoping you two wouldn’t get back together because I’ve been after Debs for years, as she well knows. And as for hot Holly… let’s say I was prepared to give her a whirl.”

Harper chimed in, “What sort of speech is that, Cam? Here’s to new beginnings. We’re all here for you.”

Deborah looked around at her friends, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. She knew that their support was invaluable.

As the celebration continued, Holly and Deborah found a quieter moment to talk privately. They moved to a more secluded corner of the lounge, where the soft glow of a single lamp created an intimate setting. The noise of the party faded into the background, leaving them in a bubble of tranquility.

Holly reached out and took Deborah’s hand; her touch was gentle and reassuring. “I’m happy we’re here together, Deborah.”

Deborah squeezed Holly’s hand in return. “Me too. Jesus, I’ve missed you so much. I’m so sorry, Holly. I’m so sorry about everything.”

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the rest of the world seemed to fall away. Holly took a deep breath, her gaze filled with emotion. “I’ve been thinking a lot about everything we’ve been through. I know we have a lot to work through, but I want to rebuild what we had and make it even stronger.”

“I want that too,” Deborah’s voice was tinged with both relief and determination. “I’ve realized how much you mean to me, and I’m committed to making things right. I should have opened up to you, it would’ve explained my actions.”

Deborah’s phone buzzed on the table, breaking the moment. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from Jenny. Her stomach flipped.

She read the message to herself: You have no idea what’s coming. Don’t underestimate me.

Deborah’s grip on the phone tightened, and she glanced at Holly, her face reflecting a mix of concern and resolve. “Jenny just sent me a message. She’s threatening me again. ”

Holly’s expression hardened. “Are you going to answer her?”

Deborah took a deep breath, her fingers flying over the screen as she typed her reply.

brING. IT. ON.

Holly’s eyes met Deborah’s, and a sense of solidarity passed between them. They knew that Jenny’s threats were serious, but they also knew that they were stronger together.

“Whatever she wants to do to me, it’s going to better than losing you. I’ll never let anything get in the way of us again. Jenny can try whatever she wants, but I know the best PR company in the city, and the best legal team,” Deborah vented, tapping her hand on the phone.

“Fuck yeah. We got this and i’ve got you,” Holly replied, ready to take on anything.

As the evening drew to a close, Holly and Deborah decided to step outside onto the terrace. The night air was cool and refreshing, a perfect counterpoint to the warmth of the lounge. The balcony overlooked the city, and the twinkling lights created a magical backdrop for their private moment.

They leaned against the railing; their fingers entwined. The silence between them was comfortable, a space where they could reflect on the events of the evening and the journey that lay ahead. Deborah took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp night air, and looked over at Holly.

Holly stood beside her, her eyes tracing the glittering panorama of the cityscape. The scene felt both familiar and foreign—a surreal mix of memories and new beginnings. Her gaze was steady, filled with a quiet resolve and a touch of vulnerability. The soft rustle of her dress in the breeze seemed to echo the fluttering of her heart as she contemplated their conversation.

“I understand you so much better now. Shall we start all over again?” Holly’s voice was gentle, almost hesitant, yet laced with an underlying strength. The question carried the weight of their shared past and the potential of their future.

Deborah turned to face Holly, her eyes reflecting a deep, genuine warmth. “Let’s,” she replied, her tone imbued with a sense of both finality and hope. There was a moment of stillness between them, where the world seemed to hold its breath, acknowledging the significance of what was about to unfold.

With a soft chuckle, Holly broke the silence, her expression brightening with a mix of playfulness and sincerity. “Hi, I’m Holly. I just moved over here from Australia. I’m Esme’s daughter.”

Deborah’s eyes lit up with recognition and a touch of amusement. “Hi! Wow. You’re all grown up!”

“And you are?” Holly inquired, her tone warm and inviting.

“I’m Deborah. A good friend of your mother’s,” Deborah responded, her smile widening.

Holly’s lips curved into a mischievous grin. “Don’t worry about her. I’ve checked. She’s fine if I want to seduce her friends. Even the ancient ones.” Her eyes sparkled with playful defiance and a glimmer of the adventurous spirit everyone knew her for.

Deborah’s laughter was soft but genuine, carrying a sense of both amusement and admiration. “Oh, that’s good news. By the way, I’ve got a psycho ex who might try to ruin your life if you so much as even lay a finger on me.”

Holly’s gaze grew serious for a moment. “Shame. Because I was thinking of laying all my fingers on you.” Her voice was laced with a mix of longing.

“And I was hoping you would,” Deborah replied, bursting into a fit of laughter .

As they stood together on the terrace, the city lights shimmering around them, their connection stronger than ever, a blend of past experiences and future possibilities. As they faced each other, it was clear that they were ready to embrace the journey ahead—together.