Page 196 of New Growth

He chuckled. “So stubborn. Let the lady do her job.”

I rolled my eyes, even though I was smiling. “Fine. I’ll be there soon.”

“I love you, Elliot,” he said quietly.

“Love you too, baby.” My heart softened. “See you in a minute.”

When I walked into the restaurant, I paused just inside the entrance, smoothing a hand over my dress and adjusting one of my earrings.

A hostess in a sleek black dress stepped forward, tablet in hand. “Good evening. May I help you?”

“Yes,” I smiled. “I’m meeting someone. Table for Elliot Greene.”

She glanced down at her tablet and then back up at me with a gentle smile. “Of course, Ms. Sawyer. We’ve been expecting you. Please, follow me.”

I followed her through the softly lit dining room, my heels clicking against the hardwood floor. I noticed something strange—there was no jazz band tonight. Even though it was Monday, and Tony’s never missed a jazz night. The stage was empty. I frowned a little but kept walking.

Instead of heading toward the back like usual, the hostess veered left—toward the private elevator I didn’t even realize they had. My steps slowed.

“Um… what’s going on?” I asked. “Where are we going?”

“I’m sorry,” she replied smoothly. “The first floor is packed tonight, so we’ve reserved a table for you upstairs.”

“You have a second floor?”

She nodded politely. “Mostly for private events.” She tapped the elevator button, and I stepped in beside her, still unsure of what was happening. When the elevator dinged, she stepped out and guided me to a pair of grand double doors.

She paused, then turned to me with a smile. “Your table’s just inside. Enjoy your evening.”

I blinked. “Wait, how am I supposed to find it?”

Her smile deepened as she stepped back toward the elevator. “You’ll find it. You look gorgeous, by the way. Have a goodnight, Ms. Sawyer.”

Before I could ask another question, the elevator closed behind her, leaving me alone in front of the doors.

I pushed them open slowly, revealing a narrow, dimly lit hallway. Candlelight flickered along the walls, guiding me forward like stars lining a quiet path. The scent of sandalwood and something sweeter—jasmine maybe—floated through the air. At the far end, a single door stood slightly ajar, and the warm sound of jazz music slipped through the crack, pulling me in.

I took a tentative step forward, then another, heels echoing softly against the polished wood floor. As I moved, I noticed the walls lined with framed portraits. Not just any portraits.

They were of us. Me and El.

Candid moments frozen in time. I stopped in front of one. It was my favorite—him kissing my temple while I was turned away.

“El?” I called aloud.

“Hi, baby.” His voice floated out from behind the single door.

I stepped closer, hand on the knob. “What’s going on?”

“Come see.”

My eyes pooled, and I bit my lip to stop the tears. Johanna would kill me if she knew I messed up the makeup she and London fought over. But I couldn’t help it. My shaky hand extended over my core, crawling at my stomach to keep me standing.

One foot after another.One last time.

I pushed the door open slowly.

Inside, the room was bathed in golden light as the jazz band played in the corner. A low table sat in the center of the room, surrounded by myfavorite combination of flowers. In the middle of the floor, just beyond the flickering candles, stood El.