Page 7 of Conquering Oz

Elodie leaned across the small round table, angling her head to the side in hopes of hearing a little better.Oh my God, Madalyn’s right, I’m officially that old.

“What?”

Emma, one of her employees and a coordinator of this gathering, laughed. “Isn’t this the best?”

Oh, sweet Emma.Years ago, this would’ve totally been her scene. She and Madalyn would’ve partied and probably closed down the club. They’d been last-call kind of girls. Elodie scanned the scene, taking in the overcrowded, sweaty bodies on the dance floor. Bumping, grinding, laughing, which ultimately would lead to someone declaring it was the best night ever. And tomorrow? They’d be back at it trying to one up the night before, or at the very least recreate it.Ah, to be twenty-four again.But I’m not.

“We had to book this table three months ago.”

What did she say? Elodie knitted her brows and shook her head, screaming across the table. “What do you mean?”

Emma pointed to the table. “VIP. You have to book it in advance. There’s usually a waiting list, so Saylor booked it threemonths ago. We wanted it to be perfect for you. Do something really special.”

Oh, I feel like an asshole.While she’d known about the surprise celebration, Elodie had no idea this was months in the making. It wasn’t just a week’s work of planning for Emma, Saylor, and Isla to throw this together. It took thought, consideration, and as she looked around the table at the empty drink glasses, she realized a lot of money. The girls had insisted on paying for everything. Did that includethis?

“You didn’t have to pay extra for VIP, right?”

Emma stilled, staring back at Elodie. Isla and Saylor shared a look before grabbing their drinks.

“Girls?” Elodie cringed at her tone. She sounded like their mothers scolding them.I can’t help it.

“Please tell me you didn’t pay to be in the VIP section.”

“Okay.” Isla grinned, placed her glass on the table, and shrugged. “We didn’t pay for the VIP section.”

Liar!Elodie narrowed her gaze, eyeing the petite blonde when Saylor grabbed her hand.

“Even if we did pay” —She squeezed Elodie’s hand— “and I’m not saying we did, it would all be worth it to give you an amazing night. We love you, Elle, and no one deserves a celebration more than you, especially after the year you had.”

While she didn’t share intimate details about her business or her personal life, they knew some. It was impossible to keep the impending lawsuit a secret, especially when she’d been served papers at the boutique. They may have respected her privacy, but they knew the last couple years had been challenging.

I’m such an asshole!She internally groaned, juggling all her feelings. She’d spent the last two hours in the club mentally complaining only to find out this was the girls’ version of giving her the best night of her life.

Elodie mustered up a bright overzealous smile. She sucked in a breath, grabbed her exorbitantly priced drink, and raised it high.

“To the best fortieth birthday ever!”

Emma, Saylor, and Isla rushed to grab their drinks and clanked glasses.

“And this isn’t even the biggest surprise!” Isla cheered, sloshing her drink and practically falling off her stool, much to the amusement of the other two. Isla was feeling no pain. But she would the next morning. Or maybe she wouldn’t. There was beauty in youth and their ability to bounce back.

“Guess who—” Isla was quickly interrupted when Emma grabbed her arm and whispered something in her ear.

Emma turned back to the table. “We’re saving the best surprise for last.”

Elodie had no clue what they were referring to. It didn’t matter. Whatever it may be, she would welcome it with enthusiastic appreciation.I’m done being an asshole for the night.

Isla slammed her glass on the table, reaching out for Elodie’s hand.

“Let’s go dance.”

Oh, hell no.She may have just declared no more negative attitude or vibes, but that didn’t include dancing. As much as she adored these girls, Elodie wouldn’t budge. But that didn’t meantheyshould miss out. The girls spent half the night at the table bopping to the music, leaving no doubt they were eager to get on the floor.

“You all go. I’m going to sit this one out.”And the next one, and the next one.

As Emma and Isla jumped up from their chairs, Saylor stayed seated, losing a bit of her excitement. She folded her arms, resting her elbows on the table watching as Isla and Emmaweaved through the massive crowd. It was evident she wanted to go dance, but she remained at the table with Elodie. There was something to be said about people like Saylor, sacrificing their own joy to ensure Elodie wasn’t sitting alone by herself, especially on her birthday.You will make a fantastic ride or die, Say.It just wouldn’t be Elodie’s.

Elodie leaned close to Saylor and shouted over the music. “Go dance. I’m totally fine.”

---