Love after loss

Chapter 20 - The End

I was at Heathrow airport waiting for my flight after being in London for 3 weeks. 

“Meg, stop” I said laughing into the phone

“I can’t help it. I’m just so excited” she replied 

“Well don’t be, after the way I left I’ll be surprised if he ever speaks to me again”

I sighed. I hadn’t spoken to Garret since I walked out of the office after we kissed. 

“Don’t worry Elle. You haven’t seen the way he’s been moping around the place. This will work, I know it” 

“I have to go, I’m about to board. I hope you’re right” I hung up the phone and got on the plane with my stomach in knots. 

I went straight to the Roadhouse from the airport after not so classily changing my outfit and having a quick wash and reapplying my make up in the airport restrooms. It’s was nearly 9pm on Saturday night by the time my cab had pulled up in front of the bar and the place was packed.

Meg had made sure Garret would be working and there was an open mic night tonight.

I ducked in the bar carefully mingling with the crowd so I wouldn’t be spotted. I sent a quick text to Meg who found me by the stage quickly and passed me a microphone. She got up on stage after the current act finished up singing a Dolly Parton song and introduced me. “This next show is really something special so make sure you’re all paying attention”

I got up on to the low stage but I was so short I couldn’t see Garret over the top of the crowd. I got down walked over to a booth that was occupied but a group of guys in their 20s who wolf whistled as I stood on their table wearing the skimpy red dress I had worn to Garrets engagement party.

“Ladies and gentlemen” I looked around the room and saw Garret stop in his tracks of preparing drinks when he heard my voice and look over at me.

Good I had his attention. 

“For those who don’t know me, my name is Elle and I am the owner of the Roundhouse”. There were claps and cheers around the crowd.

“Thank you” I laughed “A few weeks ago I made the biggest mistake of my life”

I locked eyes with Garret.

“A few weeks ago my best friend and co owner of Roadhouse told me something important. And I ran away” A few ‘awws’ sounded out. I continued “Garret, I’m sorry I left. I have regretted it ever since. And if you can forgive me and give me another chance, I will spend every day making it up to you and loving you with everything I have because that is exactly what you deserve and more. I love you Garret. Give me a chance” I used his words.

He came out from behind the bar and walked towards me. The bar was silent as people moved to let him through. He lifted me off the table with his strong arms and put me on the floor. 

“You walked away from me” he sighed angrily

“I was scared” I admitted

“You haven’t spoken to me since, not one phone call” again he sounded angry and I couldn’t blame him.

“I figured I owed you this conversation face to face” I said as I reached up to stroke his cheek.

He caught my wrist in his hand and pulled me flush against his body “Say it again” he whispered into my ear.

“I love you” no sooner had I finished saying the words that his lips were on mine. The bar erupted into cheers as I dropped the microphone to the floor and wrapped my arms around him.  

He pulled back giving me his most charming smile “Its about damn time”