Chapter 71

CHAPTER 71

RYLEE

T he beginning of December came with a cold bite in the air that was a little unusual for Dallas. I told myself it was because last week had been unseasonably warm and I needed to get acclimated. I hoped it didn't get so cold I would have to scrape my windows when I got off work at two in the morning. That would suck.

I was hoping it would be a busy night. The Christmas season was just around the corner, and I needed every shift to cover my growing shopping list. The thought of buying gifts for my expanded family, now including Simon, filled me with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Every dollar counted, and I had budgeted meticulously to make sure I could afford everything. I needed some good tips.

When I got to the bar, my manager was leaning against the counter, looking more disinterested than usual. I clocked in and went to grab my apron, but before I could tie it on, he called me over.

"Rylee, you're not on the schedule tonight," he said.

I blinked in confusion. "What do you mean? I was on the schedule yesterday."

"You're not now." He shrugged.

I was stunned. "Am I fired?"

"No."

"Phil, Christmas is around the corner. I need these shifts."

He shrugged. "Can't be helped."

I felt a wave of confusion shift to anger. "Why? Have I done something wrong?"

"You're not on the schedule," he repeated, not meeting my eyes. "Permanently."

I stood there, stunned. My mind raced through the past few weeks, trying to pinpoint any mistake I might have made. But nothing stood out. I had been a good employee—reliable, hardworking. I was everyone's favorite bartender and that wasn't just me tooting my own horn. This couldn't be happening. "Am I fired?" I asked again, my voice barely above a whisper. That was the only explanation for being off the schedule permanently. Obviously, I was fired. I just couldn't get my head around the idea.

"Phil, talk to me," I said. "What the hell is going on?"

He didn't answer, just turned away to help another employee. I was devastated. With Christmas coming up and so much at stake, losing my job now felt like a cruel joke. My school was a long way from getting off the ground and making money. Everyone was working the part-time jobs at the other bars right now for the season. Then January would be the typical slowdown and I would struggle to get a job. I didn't know what I was going to do. I knew Simon would take care of me, but that wasn't what I wanted. I needed to work.

I walked out of the bar in a daze, wondering how I was going to tell Simon I got fired. Again, I knew he would be supportive, but I felt like I failed in some way. I looked up and saw a fancy black sedan parked at the curb. Simon was in the backseat with his window down. I stopped and looked around, wondering what the hell he was doing.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Rough day?" he asked as I approached, without answering my question.

"I think I just lost my job," I said, trying to hold back tears.

"Ah, screw it. Who needs it?" he replied, waving his hand dismissively. He got out of the car and pulled me into his arms.

"I need it!" I said incredulously, pushing him away. "I have Christmas shopping, bills, everything!"

Simon gently guided me into the car. "Just trust me," he said as he got in behind me. He reached for a bottle of champagne and poured me a glass. "Everything's going to be fine."

I took the glass, still confused, and sipped the champagne as the car started moving. "Simon, what is this? Where are we going?"

He just smiled, a mysterious glint in his eyes. "You'll see."

"Simon, I'm sorry, but I'm really not in the mood for this," I said with a sigh.

"You will be."

"Why were you at the bar anyway?" I asked, starting to get suspicious.

He just flashed me a grin. "You'll see."

"You keep saying that," I muttered. "I really appreciate all this, but this really isn't the time for games. Did you hear what I said? Phil said I'm off the schedule permanently. He fired me and won't even tell me why! I've done nothing wrong. I know I'm the best damn bartender he has!"

He just sipped his champagne with a shit-eating grin on his face. My level of frustration was growing by the second. I understood he didn't understand what it meant to be broke or to have to sling drinks for a living, but this was very serious.

"Simon, I—" My protest was cut off as the car slowed to a stop in front of the airport.

I turned toward Simon, confusion etched on my face. He handed me a ticket—an international flight to Edinburgh.

"Simon, I don't understand," I said, looking at him in disbelief.

"We're going to stay in Edinburgh for a while, come home for Christmas and Lauren and Jameson's wedding, and then, come the new year when Karen moves out, I'm going to help you open your mixology school," he explained, his eyes shining with excitement.

I was overwhelmed with joy and disbelief. "Are you serious?"

He nodded, grinning. "Dead serious."

"I don't have my passport or bags or anything," I gasped.

"Your friends helped me pack your bags. Everything you might need or want is already in the trunk."

The back door opened, and we both climbed out. I was still in shock. I didn't know what to think. He unloaded the suitcases and that was when I realized this was actually happening. I could barely contain my emotions. "Simon, I don't even know what to say."

"Just say yes," he said, winking.

We checked in and headed to the first-class lounge area to pass the time. "Wait, did you get me fired?" I asked when my brain was able to start processing everything.

"I wouldn't say you're fired." He shrugged.

"You talked to Phil?"

"I did." He nodded. "I needed to make sure you could make the trip."

I shook my head, still dumbfounded by all of it. It wasn't long before it was time to board our flight to Scotland. The whole experience felt surreal. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. But Simon was there, steady and reassuring, holding my hand and whispering sweet reassurances.

"First class," I said. "I'm surprised you didn't charter a jet," I teased.

"Trust me, I would have if I could have found one on such short notice." He chuckled.

"When did you plan all of this?" I asked.

"This morning." He shrugged. "I was going to surprise you tomorrow, but the red eye was available, and I figured why not."

"Why not," I echoed, looking at him in awe. "Simon, this is too much."

"There's no such thing as too much when it comes to you," he said sincerely, squeezing my hand.

I couldn't help the tears pooling in my eyes at his words. I had no idea how I got so lucky. Every worry, every apprehension I had about my future had been wiped away all because of Simon's unbelievable surprise. He had turned my worst day into the most memorable one of my life. I knew I would treasure this moment forever.

Our first-class seats were more like a luxury hotel room than an airplane cabin, snuggled under a warm blanket and sipping expensive champagne, I felt content for the first time in a long while. The flight was smoother than any I'd ever experienced before. My eyelids grew heavy, and I rested my head against Simon's shoulder, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

I was awakened a short time later by the flight attendant bringing our dinner.

"We have a choice of salmon with dill sauce or lamb chops with mint jelly," she said in a smooth, practiced voice. Simon glanced over at me, raising his eyebrows in question.

"The salmon," I muttered, somewhat groggily. He relayed my choice and chose the same for himself before the flight attendant moved away.

I sat up straighter in my seat, taking a moment to look around the cabin. It was dimly lit and quiet, the only sounds being the low hum of the engines and the occasional clinking of glassware from the galley. A hot towel was offered to me, and I accepted it gratefully, wiping my hands and face in an attempt to wake myself up.

When the meal was delivered, once again my mind was boggled. "Damn," I whispered. "This is airplane food?"

Simon chuckled. "Enjoy."

We dined on the extravagant meal. I felt like I was in someone else's life. We finished eating and the flight attendant took away our trays. Simon inhaled deeply, that familiar smile back on his face as he filled two crystal glasses with more champagne. He gently clinked his glass against mine, "To new beginnings," he said, looking deep into my eyes.

"To new beginnings," I agreed softly, taking a sip of the crisp bubbly liquid.

Simon reclined his seat while I kept mine upright, flicking through movie options on the personal entertainment screen. After my nap, I was good to go. I put on a movie and glanced over at Simon who had closed his eyes. I stared at his face for several minutes, smiling at him. He looked so relaxed. I couldn't help but think back to the first few times we interacted. He often had a scowl and looked tense. Not now. He looked like he was content and at peace. That's what really made me happy. I liked that I was partly responsible for that.

When we landed in Edinburgh, the cold, crisp, wet air hit me as soon as we left the airport. It was refreshing, like a new beginning. Simon had arranged for a car to take us to our hotel. As we drove through the city, I marveled at the beautiful architecture and festive decorations. Yes, I had seen it before, but it felt like our stay wasn't nearly long enough.

The hotel was a charming old building, full of character and warmth. Our room was cozy and inviting, with a view of the city that took my breath away. I stood by the window, taking it all in, feeling a sense of peace and excitement wash over me.

"Thank you," I said, turning to Simon. "This is more than I ever could have imagined."

He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. "You deserve it, Rylee. You've worked so hard, and you've always been there for everyone else. It's time for you to have something just for you."

Tears of happiness filled my eyes. "I can't believe you did all this for me."

He kissed my forehead. "I'd do anything for you."

"Ditto," I replied.

"So, do you want to sleep for a bit or get right out there and start exploring?" he asked.

I grinned. "You know me so well."

"I know you've been talking about Edinburgh for weeks," he replied.

"We can sleep for a bit," I said, knowing he was probably tired.

"Let me take a quick shower, get some coffee, and I'll be good to go," he assured me.

I clapped my hands, feeling giddy. "Perfect!"

I unzipped my suitcase and quickly changed while he showered. I couldn't believe I was back in Edinburgh. I truly believed it would be years before I made it back, but Simon was determined to make all my dreams come true.