Page 117 of Bleeding Hearts

I look like a mess with stains all over my white chef’s uniform, my hair in two French braids that get looser by the second and sweat coating my forehead.

Yet, he looks at me like he always has, like I’m the most beautiful woman in the world.

He makes me feel that way too.

“There’s my chef.” He smiles at me, pulling me into his arms and kissing me.

“Hi, handsome.” I smile against his lips, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“How’s cooking in the kitchen of your very own restaurant going?” he asks.

“Exhausting.” I laugh lightly. “But also, really fucking amazing. It’s fun and thrilling, and chaotic in the very best way. I love it.” I smile. “How’s everything going out there?” I ask, nodding my head toward the main dining room.

“It’s incredible,” he says, a big smile on his face. “Everyone’s in awe of your food. They love everything, just like I knew they would.”

“Really?” I ask, my voice full of hope.

“Really.” He nods. “Come see for yourself.” He grabs my hand in his, pulling me out into the overly packed dining room.

I look around, watching people eat my food, cleaning their plates. I see them smiling and laughing, not a frowning face in sight and my heart feels like it’s overflowing.

This moment right here, watching people enjoy my food, enjoy the place that I created, is everything I’ve ever wanted.

“Demi.” I hear my name shouted and look over to the right to see Kaden and Logan sitting at a table together, empty plates in front of them. Logan jumps up from her chair, pulling me into a hug as I walk over to the table.

“Hi, best friend of mine.” I laugh as she pulls away, smiling as she plops back down into her chair.

“Hi, best friend.” She laughs back before gesturing to the room. “Demi, this is incredible. I mean, the food is amazing, but I already knew it would be. Look at this place, though. You did this.”

“Stop it. You’re going to make me cry,” I say, feeling a surge of confidence shooting through me at her words. “And you’re giving me goose pimples.” I laugh, holding out my arm for her to see.

“What the fuck are goose pimples?” Kaden asks, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

“Ya know, goose pimples.” I shove my arm into his face, showing him the bumps covering it.

“Goose bumps?” he asks, a sliver of a smirk forming on his face.

“So boring.” I roll my eyes before turning back to Logan. “Thank you, though, Lo. And thank you both for coming. It means a lot.”

“Of course, we came,” Logan says. “This place is about to be the best place in the city. We’d be crazy not to.” She winks at me, and I smile softly at her.

“She’s right, Dem,” Kaden adds. “This place is really amazing. I’m proud of you, little sister,” he says, and I feel tears poking at my eyes.

“Thanks, big brother.” I nod. “Okay, I need to get away from you two before you actually make me cry. Find me before you leave,” I say before walking back over to stand by the bar, Asher following me.

I look around, seeing who all else is here, and toward the center of the room, I see Theo and Gabby sitting together a couple tables away. I lift my hand to wave to them as they see me, both of them smiling as they wave back.

And then I turn to the right, seeing the table filled with Asher’s parents, Lydia, my grandparents, who I haven’t seen in years, but still made the drive out for the opening, and someone who I never thought would be here for this day. My mother.

After the trial for Alexander, where he was found guilty of every charge against him, he was locked away, and my mom went back to stay with her parents.

The two of us saw each other during the days of the trial but never spoke.

I was hurt at first that she didn’t say anything to me, but I understood that she needed more time to heal herself before she could focus on healing with me.

She finally reached out about three months ago. The two of us started slowly talking again and meeting for coffee every now and again.

Our relationship still isn’t perfect, but it’s probably the best it’s ever been, and it will get better with time.

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