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ANYA

COLLAPSING INTO THE BOOTH, I can’t wipe the smile from my face. All night I’ve been on cloud nine. My first art show was a success. My painting was one of the first to sell, and I’ve been invited to create a few pieces for the next show in a couple of months.

To celebrate, Zayden suggested we have dinner and drinks at the new bar that’s just opened up near Stratton. It’s ultra-modern, with black furniture, plush pink booths and neon-pink lights lining the skirting boards. An upbeat pop song blasts almost too loudly from the speakers, and the place is growing steadily busier with each passing minute. It’s already become the most talked about bar, as it’s quickly becoming known for its incredible cocktail selection.

‘What would you like, sis?’ Zayden asks, sliding the menu across the table. ‘My shout.’

‘Ohh.’ I grin, perking up a little as I quickly flick over the menu.

‘This looks good,’ Nora says, pointing to the ‘Princess Treatment’, a vodka cocktail with baby-pink fairy floss in the shape of a crown.

‘Done,’ I say. ‘One Princess Treatment for me.’

‘I’ll order one, too,’ Nora says.

‘Me three,’ Cami pipes up.

‘And you, Princess?’ Zayden asks sweetly, smiling at Mason.

Mason pretends to consider this. ‘Hmm. Not right now. Maybe later.’

‘Okay, sweetie, just let me know.’

Cami snickers at their exchange. The waitress appears, taking our order.

I’m not sure when it happened, but our group seemed to form overnight, and I am loving every moment of it. The easy-going smile is back on my brother’s face, and Mason’s eyes don’t seem as tormented and haunted as they used to. Cami and Nora have become as important to me as sunshine in my day.

The waitress returns, placing a tray on the table before handing out our drinks. We each reach for the drink we ordered.

‘Here’s to Anya, and all the success coming her way.’ Nora smiles, holding her drink in the air.

‘Here, here!’ Zayden says.

‘And to all of you who stand by me each day. My best friends in the entire world.’ I turn my eyes to Zayden, nodding at him. ‘My family.’

Tipping his head in my direction, he smiles.

‘Cheers!’ We collectively say. Leaning forward, we clink glasses.

Turning to face Mason, I place a hand on his arm. He smiles at me, those handsome smile lines appearing around the corners of his mouth. Those whisky eyes meet mine, soft and comforting.

For so long, my heart bled for him, and here we are at last. After all this time, and everything that’s happened, I thought Mason and my story was over. Finished. All in the past.

But here we are together, happier than ever.

It’s only the beginning.