Today is my last day at 'The Bookcase' I am excited about what lies ahead but I am also sad, I don't want to say goodbye. It feels like the end of an era. I got lucky in my audition, they loved me and offered me understudy for the leading role in the revival of 'Sweet Charity'. That's right I'm finally going to be on the West End stage. We close up and everyone rushes off except Jeff, we are meeting the rest of the gang for dinner. Well actually they have thrown me a surprise party with all the people I work with in my favourite Italian restaurant.
The food is sublime, everyone is having a good time, I couldn't have asked for a better send off. Jeff stands up, clinking his glass to get everyone's attention "Four years ago, I was interviewing for staff to join this fantastic company, I had a horrendous morning, meeting complete twats and was ready to give up, when this young vibrant girl full of life burst into my office. She had purple hair and the biggest brightest smile I had seen. I thought 'oh god not another one' but I couldn't have been more wrong. She was smart, articulate and above all she could actually read" he pauses for the laughter "She was passionate and I knew she would be perfect for the job. She proved me right over the years and became an integral part of my team. I couldn't have got to where I am now without her help and encouragement, she is hard working, determined and ambitious. It has been a privilege to work with you Emily, I know I speak for both myself and Kelly when I say we are so proud of you. I may be losing a member of my team but I have gained a friend and family member in the process. I would like you all to raise your glasses to Emily" he finishes. I am not the only one trying to wipe away tears.
Next to speak is my Nan, I don't know if I can take this "My darling Emily, you are the light of my life. From the moment you came into my world I knew you would change it for the better, I have watched you grow into a beautiful, smart, caring young woman. Words can't begin to describe how proud I am of you, I always knew you were destined for great things, I know this is just the beginning so here's to you my sweetheart, I love you" Everyone cheers, Evie hands me a wad of tissues; I am laughing through my tears, I managed to get myself under control at one point but lost it again when the girls did their speech. I know that there is still one last speech to come and I know it will be the hardest to hear. Nathan stands up next to me and the room falls so silent, you could hear a pin drop. "The first time I saw Emily, she was reading to a bunch of kids, pulling funny faces and putting on silly voices, she was mesmerising. I couldn't keep my eyes off her, she radiated this kind of beauty that I hadn't come across before; she came up to me and was so cheeky and sassy. The insults began flying back and forth and as crazy as it sounds I knew I had just met the girl I was going to spend the rest of my life with. There was something special between us instantly and she became my best friend. We lost each other for a while but now here we are, ridiculously happy, I have my best friend back and am even lucky enough to now call her my girlfriend. Emily, I will be by your side for all that's coming your way, I am always proud of you and I will always love you" I stand up and kiss him as the room goes wild. Once I have composed myself, they all shout for me to get up and say something.
"Thank you all for coming here tonight to wish me well, the amount of warmth and love you have all shown me is overwhelming, I'm not very good at expressing how I feel, my family will vouch for that so I will express myself the only way I know how but before I do that I would just like to thank my Nan for raising me and making me the woman I am today, my family and friends for never giving up on me and most of all my boyfriend Nathan for coming back into my life and making it better in every way. I have had the best time working with you all and I promise I will stay in touch, it feels like the end of an era but I know this is just the beginning" Angelo the owner of the restaurant comes over and hands me a guitar, this is the only way I know how to let everyone know what I am feeling. I sing 'Walking on sunshine' by Katrina and the Waves. I spend the rest of the night dancing, drinking and talking to everyone. I got lots of flowers, cards and gift vouchers but the best gift of all was from the owners of 'The Bookcase' Dave and Barbra, they let me keep my 20% discount and insisted I could come back anytime. I can't help but shed more tears when I am finally in bed; they are happy tears of course. I feel like another part of my cold heart has melted tonight, maybe there is hope for me yet.
YOU ARE READING
The Sweetest Feeling
Romance"You look good, I've missed your face" he says. "I've missed you too" I say daring to look up at him. He is staring right at me. He touches my hand and a spark surges through me, by the look on his face I know he felt it too. It's a tight space an...
