Page 54 of Beauty Of Her

“Cheers, babe.” Bridgette clinked her Vodka soda with a twist of fresh lime juice with mine, and we drank.

“Am I part of this toast?” Brett asked, his dark ale still hanging in the air.

"Of course you are," I responded, clinking my glass with his and kissing his warm, stubbled cheek.

While sipping our drinks, the bar's atmosphere seemed to change around us. The dim lighting cast a golden glow over the marble countertops, creating an intimate ambiance that mirrored Bridgette's newfound connection with me. We drank again, the hushed sounds of the bar wrapping around us like a comforting blanket. The room was dimly lit by an ornate chandelier that hung from the ceiling, its delicate crystals twinkling in the soft light. Bridgette's decor reflected her bold, sophisticated, and unapologetically luxurious personality.

“I still can’t get over what you went through, Bridge.” My hand fell onto her exposed sun-kissed forearm sprinkled with white-gold bangles. “How did you come back from that?”

“Well, I’m still a work in progress.” She motioned to her effortless look and pushed a rogue lock of hair behind her multi-pierced ear. “I mean, I haven’t really dated since it happened.”

“I keep telling her she should just do it. It doesn’t have to be anything serious. All it takes is one person,” said Brett, holding a steady finger.

Bridgette squinted into the light, thinking as she ran her bottom lip along the rim of her glass. “I guess sometimes I miss the companionship.”

"That's natural, Bridge," I said softly, reaching over to give her hand a comforting squeeze. "But take your time. There's no rush." I looked at Brett, a flicker of doubt crossing my eyes. Was he the one? Was it too soon?

"Oh, I don't know, Jules," Bridgette drawled, swirling her drink with a thoughtful expression. "I think you and Brett are proof that love can happen when you least expect it. Maybe that's what I need, too."

"See?" Brett pointed at Bridgette with a triumphant grin. "She gets it."

"No," Bridgette corrected him. "You've been saying I should just get out there and date. Julia says I should choose wisely, not just go after anyone." She turned to look at me again with a renewed expression of determination. "I think I will take your advice to heart."

"That's my girl," Brett said softly, placing his arm around me.

I rolled my eyes at him but couldn't help the warmth that spread through me at his words, his faith in us—in me. It felt good to be seen, appreciated, and understood so completely. This was too good to be true for me on a personal level. All throughout my life, I never really had a true, raw love affair, not before or during my marriage. And now I was living in the after, which was all so unexpected. Brett, this new way of life, devotion, and love he showered upon me since day one. It was great but unsettling because the nagging thought of what if it didn’t last prodded the back of my mind.

Just then, Bridge’s phone erupted, buzzing across the table. She swiped to accept and held up a finger while sidling away from our table.

“Oh, my God. I love Bridgette.” I grabbed Brett’s forearm as he couldn’t stop the smile spreading across his face.

“I told you. She’s a gem. No one cannot love Bridgette.”

“Did you hear how I’m calling her Bridge, and she’s calling me Jules?” I gushed.

“Like the two of you have known each other forever.” Brett laughed at my girlish giddiness.

"Exactly!" I exclaimed, my heart fluttering with a peculiar happiness. “This might sound weird, but meeting genuinely good people feels refreshing, especially in this part of my life. I feel like I’m reinventing myself. And it’s because of you.” My eyes scanned Brett’s bottomless glowing orbs when the sensation of saying something hit me. “I love you.”

His eyes widened, the brown depths glowing in the dim light as he processed my confession. Then, slowly, a bright smile spread across his face, creasing his eyes at the corners.

"I love you too, Julia," he said, his voice a low rumble that sent pleasant shivers down my spine. His warm hand reached over to cup my cheek, pulling me closer to him until our lips were mere inches apart. “And might I add, finally?”

I laughed, running my nails along his cheek. “Sorry about that.”

“Nah. You’re worth the wait.”

Just as we were about to close the distance between us, Bridgette returned to our table. Her phone was back in her purse, and she seemed slightly flustered.

“Sorry, sorry,” she said with a slight grimace. “Designing emergency.”

I chuckled and leaned back into my seat, the warm bubble between Brett and me popping momentarily. "Everything okay?" I asked.

She nodded as she took her seat once more. "Just a client who can't decide between gold or silver fixtures for their bathroom."

"Sounds pretty dire," Brett joked as he picked up his ale again, his hand brushing against mine as he did so, sending a jolt of electricity down my spine. “While you were gone, I was about to bring up something big, but we got distracted.” Brett shot a wink at me, and I blushed. “The annual restaurant and wholesale food gala is coming up. Everyone in my industry goes, it’s a fun night. I’d like for you to be my date.”

“Me?” I squeaked.

---