Page 184 of Grand Love

“Here.” She holds out another envelope. “I’m not allowed in. I’ll wait downstairs, okay?”

She leaves the room and I chuckle as I take it all in, my eyes not knowing where to look. What on earth? My gaze falls on the bay that once housed Ellis’s piano. It feels cold and empty without it. I miss the days—and the nights—I spent here.

I tear open the envelope with shaking hands, unsure where this is going.

With so much regret came new beginnings.

A new space to find her passion.

But first, she deserved one last dance.

A tear slides down my cheek. I always knew Mason was sorry about the studio. It wasn’t ever his fault; he just didn’t handle the situation right in the moment. So much happened here, so much I will never ever forget. I’m proud of what I achieved in these four walls. Everything I built for me.

Looking around the room, I spot a speaker in the corner. Dropping my head back, I inhale a deep breath, trying to stop the emotions from spilling out of me. Sliding out of my shoes, I pick a song and let it drift into me. I take the closure I never knew I needed as tears pour down my face, hope and excitement driving me to move not only around the studio, but forward, towards a new beginning.

* * *

I feel lighterwhen we step out the doors and onto the street. I let the fresh air blow through my hair, whipping away the last of my ties to the building at my back.

“Do you know where you have to go next?” Lucy asks, looking over at me.

I squint my eyes as I think, then check the note again. “A new space to find her passion.” I look at Lucy, her brows popping as if it’s obvious.

“Come on.” She grabs my arm and tugs me towards the Audi. “You can figure it out on the way.”

Five minutes later, we’re pulling up outside of the gym. “Here?” I smile.

“Yep. Here.” Lucy snorts, climbing from the car.

Vinny chuckles in his seat, not looking at me. “What?” I ask.

He looks at me then away again, focusing on the windscreen. “I’ve said enough.”

I’m not as slow with my steps as I head towards L&M, linking my arm with Lucy’s and pushing into the reception.

“Hello, ladies!” Gemma greets us with a face-splitting grin.

“Hey!” I go to stop and chat, but Lucy forces me past her. “We can catch up after. Sorry, Gem!” I yell around the staircase. “Luce! What’s the rush?”

“I’m excited,” she admits, quite literally buzzing at my side.

I shake my head, following her through the gym and over to Logan’s office. “Ahh, here she is.” Henry’s smirk is arrogant and knowing.

“You’re in on this too, aren’t you?” Is there anyone who doesn’t know what’s going on besides me?

“Maybe.” He chuckles.

“Is it safe yet?” Lucy asks Logan who’s leant back in his office chair.

“Sure is!” He nods to me, a pleased look on his face.

“You ready?” Lucy asks, her shoulders bunched.

“No,” I say, honestly. We’re going upstairs, and the thought of what he’s done terrifies me. Lucy guides me from the room and lines me up in front of the stairs that lead to the room above the gym.

“Go for it,” she tells me.

I pull open the door and instantly notice the light that shines in the stairwell. “Lights!”

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