Page 78 of Midnight Whispers

She nods, looking as though she’s trying to bite back her excitement. “We slipped off to Atlanta and got married at the same city hall we originally intended to be married in. It was just the two of us.”

I lean over on my stool and draw her into a hug. “That’s amazing. Congratulations! I can’t believe you were going to hide it from me.”

When I pull away, she shrugs and looks a tad embarrassed. “I just didn’t want to make you feel any worse, that’s all.”

“Ladies, any good news you two have will actually make me feel better. Trust me.”

“Okay,” Rapsody says.

“Are you going on a honeymoon or anything?” I ask her.

For the next while, we chat about what’s going on in Anabelle and Rapsody’s lives. It feels good to not be solely focused on how I’m feeling about the end to Nero’s and my relationship. I know that as soon as I lie down in my bed tonight, he’ll be at the top of my mind again.

“How are things going at the studio?” Anabelle asks.

“I’m almost ready to go. My heart wasn’t in it. I just couldn’t get motivated to finish everything before the original open date. But I think it’s time I just get on with it.”

Nero already hates me. The last thing I want is for him to think I’m not going to make good on my promise to pay him back for the money he lent me to renovate the place.

“That sounds like a good idea. It will help get your mind off things,” Rapsody says.

“That’s what I’m hoping.” I give her a weak smile.

Regardless of whether my heart is fully in it, the show must go on, as they say. So I promise myself right then and there that next Saturday will be my grand opening celebration.

I worked my ass off, but I made it happen somehow. Tomorrow morning is the grand opening, and I’m so nervous. It’s late Friday night, and I’m just double-checking everything so it’s perfect and ready to go for the morning. The decorations are up. I’ve sent the reminder emails to everyone who expressed interest in coming. I checked with the bakery that my platter of goodies will be ready for me to pick up first thing in the morning. And my playlist is all cued up and ready to go. I have infographics taped up throughout the studio explaining the different types of dance and the benefits of each, and my point-of-sale system is in working order so I can sign people up for classes.

I’m good to go.

With one last look around the space, I turn off the lights and lock the door before I set off down the sidewalk toward my car.

I’m still driving the fancy car Nero bought me, though I wish I could trade it in for my old car. I don’t feel right driving it knowing how much he hates me now, but at the moment, I don’t have a choice.

For some reason, Magnolia Bend was busy this morning, and I had to park down the road. When my vehicle comes into view, I sigh, happy to be able to go to bed soon. I’m so tired from this week, but I also know that the second I drive past Midnight Manor’s iron gates, I’ll be flooded with memories and regret.

My hand reaches for the car door, but I’m yanked back. My purse drops to the ground as the smell of alcohol floats to my nostrils.

“You ruined my life, you fucking cunt. Time for me to ruin yours.”

I stiffen at the sound of Freddie’s voice and wiggle in his hold, struggling to get free, but he’s too strong. I fight him as he drags me into a nearby alley.

Chapter

Thirty-Three

NERO

Ihead into the dining room for breakfast on Friday morning and almost turn around when I see Sid’s the only one in the room.

Great. Just what I’m in the mood for.

But I’m starving, so I enter the room. I sit and dish out my meal without saying a word. We continue like that in awkward silence for at least five minutes before Sid breaks the silence.

“Did you hear the news about Kol and Rapsody?”

I look up from my phone at him. “No. Everything okay?” After everything that went down with those two last year, it’s a valid question.

“They flew to Atlanta last week and tied the knot. They’re married.”

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