Dirty Gold ✓ [bxb]

Epilogue

Songs - New Year's Day - Pentatonix / Dirty Gold - Angel Haze

*One year later*

"I can't believe that I let you idiots talk me into this." Axel said pretending to be sullen but I could see how excited he actually was.

"Stop pretending that you're not as giddy as we are." I scolded my boyfriend of one year and three months as I grabbed the bottle of champagne and carried it over to where he, Martin, Spencer and Shorty were all seated on the roof.

"I'm not giddy beginning my career as a truant." He tried to argue as though that would convince anyone. It reminded me of myself about a year ago.

It was the 31st of December and we along with our friends had been giddy and drinking all through the night to remember the events of the previous year and precisely about an hour to midnight, Shorty came up with the brilliant idea that we should all go out to the roof of mine and Axel's new house to scream Happy New Year as soon as the fireworks began.

Buzzed out of our minds, we agreed. So that's how we all stumbled here at 11:45 on the roof overlooking the west side of the city where all the parties weren't slowing down at all.

I sat criss cross apple sauce inbetween Axel and Shorty. We weren't actually on the roof, just the outer balcony of the highest floor of the house. I called it the roof because when we freshly moved, Axel had pointedly refused to place any plants or decorations out there. He claimed that the beauty came out bare and that anything would just clutter it up. It was pretty much one of the few ideas he had to add to our new house so I just let him be.

"This reminds me so much of my childhood. I used to spend lots of time sitting on roofs and thinking." Martin said sounding more sober than the rest of us.

"You still do darling." Spencer said with a fond smile.

"Now it had more to do with challenging my creativity." Martin replied.

There was a snort from their side shortly.

"Whatever you say dear."

"Better be careful or I swear that you'll go this coming year without getting any at all." Martin threatened his husband which got Spencer smiling sheepishly. That's right.

They had tied the knot sometime in May and became Mr & Mr Hale. The wedding was wonderful and spectacular courtesy of Mrs. Hale's extensive planning. She was a pretty bossy lady and none of us were spared from her wrath of we didn't deliver on time, even the Spencer and Martin. But we all knew that she loved her son and was eager to welcome Martin to the family with all the pomp and splendour he deserved.

"Alright it's five to midnight. Everyone take a swig and say all you're most grateful about in the past year." Shorty announced after checking the time.

"I'll go first." Spencer said drinking his champagne. "I'm most grateful about marrying the most amazing person in earth." Martin cooed and kissed him for that. We all knew it was sappy as hell but didn't comment because it never got old seeing those lovebirds together.

"I'm also grateful for making it to senior partner at the law firm and also enjoying a healthier and better lifestyle this year." He said. We were all glad there were no more health scares.

"Me next." Martin said. He took a huge full of his drink, the proceeded to take a deep breath. "I'm grateful that I managed to sell out another gallery this year. And that I've learned to appreciate all I have and not take anything for granted." He kissed Spencer after the last line.

"My turn." Shorty said. She only took a sip of her champagne "I'm grateful that this year I got a job." The news had taken us by surprise when she told us in February. She now works full time at a PR agency in Manchester. The change made her a lot more steady and grounded than she was before when she remained partying around and spending her trust fund. But being Shorty, she never loses her touch of eccentricity.

"I'm also grateful for learning that life can be fun, but sometimes you need to take a reality check or else you'll get caught up in it all." She said. We all nodded as they were words of wisdom also.

I took a sip of my drink "Guess it's my turn now. I'm grateful for improving my relationship with my Mom." After the incident with Mara (who was given 15 years for her crimes), mom and I began to renew our relationship so that we were much closer and never kept secrets any longer. Axel also played a huge role and I'm sure that Mom likes him a lot better than she let on.

"I'm also grateful that I took a chance and sent my manuscript to a publisher." Axel gave me a loving squeeze because that part had not been easy. I had been initially low on confidence and generally the will to let anyone see my manuscript because I didn't think it would be good enough. But with lots of persuasion (and tearful nights with my wonderful Axel) I had sent my book to a publisher who determined that it would hit bookshelves by the end of the coming January.

"And I'm glad that despite all, you remained with me and now we have a dull life and house together." I said to only Axel with my heart bursting with love. He kissed me deeply before muttering "I love you."

"What a time to be single. Thank goodness there's always 2017." Shorty muttered bitterly.

"What about you Axel?" Martin asked.

Axel placed his hand over my shoulder "I could give you a list of everything I'm grateful for. But it's right here."

I smiled knowing he was referring to me. Normally I'd call him a cheater for not going through like us, but I was obviously to endeared to really give a fuck.

"It's almost time! Five seconds!"

We all counted down together to the New Year.

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!!" we all screamed.

"When they come to arrest us for noise pollution, I'm hiding in the closet." Axel said.

I rolled my eyes and kissed his cheek "As if you'd let me go alone. We're in this together."

"Yeah." He said quietly holding my hand "We're definitely in this together."

And four years later, I found a way to get him a green card forever so security checks weren't a problem anymore.

I honestly can't believe this book is over. My first finished work ever. I'm so grateful to all my readers and everyone who took the time to click on the Start Reading button in the first place. I adore you all and want to say thank you for everything. I hope that you remain loyal and love my other stuff as much as you've loved Dirty Gold.

Have a great 2016 everybody.

Zoe.