Holly head Slopes

Epilogue

Six years later...

Abi

"We're going to be late," Mason shouted down the stairs for the hundredth time.

A lot had happened in four years. Mine and Mason's whirlwind romance hadn't slowed down for a second. And it couldn't have been going better.

I finally took my Grandma's advice and followed my love of cooking. I switched majors and worked in a prestigious five-star restaurant for two years!

Mason completed a business degree. He clearly couldn't live without me since he studied at MCU with me. My final two years were the best with him around. We decided to move in together, and I can confirm that college was much more fun without a weird dormmate.

Since his first win out of retirement, Mason has been fuelled by the thrill of competition. After college, he embarked on a year-long journey of victory, and I, his biggest fan, was beside him. Together, we explored more countries than I had ever imagined.

But I was most looking forward to our next chapter: We were returning to Hollyhead permanently!

Mason had finally taken the big chair, and while competing was still on his radar, his focus was making Hollyhead the place for future athletes. He had set up new training programs for kids, better funding for young talents struggling for sponsors, and much more to take Hollyhead to a new level.

My new path, you ask?

I had finally achieved my life ambition of owning my own restaurant.

'Amore Hughes.'

It was in Hollyhead Square and was everything I had ever dreamed of. I had gathered a collection of talented chefs from college and hired local teens as waiters. Hollyhead had grown rapidly, so the guest list for opening night was already overflowing.

"I'm going to be late for my own opening." I sighed as I rushed down the stairs.

"You're more than worth the wait," Mason said, almost struggling for breath. He looked my tight red dress up and down like I was his meal for the night. Even after six years, he made me blush like a giddy teen. He looked equally as delicious in his perfectly tailored suit.

He spun me around and whistled.

"Keep it together, Dugray. You'll get dessert later."

~~~

I had an hour till everyone arrived. The tables were perfect, with candle lighting and gorgeous tablecloths. The walls were covered in photo frames. They were a selection of family, competition, and Hollyhead photos. I wanted a personal, homely feel to the restaurant. After all, the menu was a collection of Hughes family recipes.

"How are you feeling, boss?" Harriet, my top sous chef, asked me as I rested against the kitchen side where the food would wait for the servers.

"I'm bricking it. You know me, I'd rather be cooking in there with you guys than be centre of attention."

"Tonight is about you and your achievement. You can join us tomorrow." She smiled before patting me on the shoulder and gathering our team for a pep talk.

An hour was rapid because the queue for the door was already piling into my restaurant. The servers handed them glasses of champagne upon their entrance, and the band wowed everyone with their live music. I wanted opening night to the party of a lifetime. I didn't hold back.

My menu was mouth-watering, and I had my love story with Hollyhead written on the back. I convinced an incredible mixologist that I met abroad to work for the night. A photographer was busy capturing every special moment of the night. And most importantly, I had my gorgeous friends and family as VIPs.