Page 114 of Billion Dollar Revenge

They slide their card to me and stand to leave. Summer and I walk them out. Closing the door, I turn around with my head full of confusion. I wasn’t expecting that. But I’m glad it happened. I haven’t heard from Bobby, but I wanted to press charges against him. Now I have.

“Are you okay?” Summer asks, touching my shoulder.

“I think so…”

“At least Evan pressed charges too. It’ll help build a case against him.”

“He was stalking and harassing me. They have that on film,” I say, needing to hear it out loud to believe it’s true.

“He probably realized what he lost when Evan came into the picture.”

When I hear Evan’s name, it hurts. I thought by now the pain would have lessened. It’s not like I was with him for a long time. But it seems he made a huge impact on me in such a short period.

“I doubt Bobby could see past his own reflection.”

“Touché.” Summer sets the table for dinner.

“But why didn’t you tell me he was still calling you?”

“I didn’t think it was important.”

She walks up and wraps her arms around me, holding me tight. “You can tell me anything. I’m here for you.”

“I love you, Summer.”

“I love you, too.”

We pull back from our hug and her eyes are watery. “Go get on the sofa. I'll clean up and bring us wine.”

“I’ll put onLove Actually.”

The corners of my lips lift, and I set up the movie on autopilot, grateful for her company. The police, Bobby, and Evan are weighing heavily on me, but I need to push it aside and focus on all the good things in my life. Like my friends, family, and my studio opening.

Chapter 33

Chelsea

Today is the day.I take a deep breath and blow it out slowly, ready for the grand opening of my studio.

This week has flown by. I haven’t had enough time to sit and reflect. I’ve been in and out of meetings. The walk into the office is hard now that I know Bobby has been here. But it’s not just that. The anticipation of bumping into Evan is the main reason for the turmoil running my nerves ragged.

I haven’t seen him despite being at the studio on Friday and Saturday. Friday, I had a staff meeting/get-to know-each-other day. And yesterday, I organized and prepared for today. Not once did I see him. And I have to admit it burns a hole in my heart.

Summer insisted she would pick up my family, arguing with me about how I should be here in case anyone turns up early.

I pace back and forth, ensuring that every spring, weight, band, and box is in order. Glad that the deliveries all made it in time, including the one Bobby tried to sabotage. I shudder at thelengths he went to just to hurt me. But I won’t let him take this moment away from me.

When the first buzz sounds, I see the food is here. I can’t help the stupid grin that transforms on my face.

I open the door and let them in, showing them the table I want it set up at.

Once they leave, the balloons arrive, and I arrange them around the signs. Then the DJ comes in and sets up in the corner of the room.

The sounds of my favorite 90s pop songs play through the speakers at a soft volume.

Next, my family and Summer enter. Their lit-up faces and proud expressions make my eyes misty, and the hugs from my parents and sister fill my heart. For some reason, I shake, but it’s not from nerves anymore, it’s with relief.

The studio begins to fill with instructors, my old colleagues and boss come to celebrate too. It’s nice to have their support.

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