Wheel You Marry Me?

CHAPTER 15.

"Oh my God! Aurora, is that really you?" Skylar gasped as she stepped into the hallway.

"Yeah, it's me," I said softly.

She ran to me and pulled me into a tight, warm hug. I felt her heartbeat against mine.

"I missed you so much," she whispered. "Why did you leave without a word?"

I pulled away slowly, meeting her eyes. "I'm sorry, Sky. I was going through a lot... I didn't know how to explain."

She studied my face for a moment, then smiled. "It's okay, hey. I'm just glad you're back. We've got so much to catch up on."

"Girls, dinner is ready," her mum called from the dining room.

We exchanged a smile and walked in together.

Dinner went smoothly. The food was delicious, but more than that, it felt comforting—like coming home.

Afterward, we headed upstairs to her room and collapsed on the bed, talking about everything and nothing. I finally said, "Tomorrow, I'm meeting Sandy Barton. She wants to talk business."

Skylar's eyes lit up. "That's my girl! I bet it's about a record deal. 'Queen of Shadow' is still trending!"

I shrugged. "I don't know... maybe. She said she wanted to discuss something important."

Skylar grinned. "We'll see. You better keep me posted."

I chuckled, then nudged her. "So... how's Douglas?"

Her cheeks turned pink. "Why are you asking with that look?"

"Aww, is my best friend blushing?" I teased, nudging her again.

She laughed, hiding her face in a pillow. "He's great!"

"I'm happy for you, Sky," I said sincerely.

"Thanks, sweetie. What about you? Anyone in your life?"

"Nope. Just me, myself, and I," I replied, stretching.

"What about Ryan?" she asked slyly.

I rolled my eyes. "No! There's nothing going on between me and Ryan."

"Okay, okay, relax," she laughed. "Just asking."

We stayed up a little longer, chatting and giggling until sleep crept over us.

The next morning, I woke up early. Skylar was giving me a ride to MetroMix. My appointment with Sandy Barton was at 8 AM sharp, but I made sure I was there by 7:30. I always got nervous around important people.

By 7:50, I was taking the elevator to the 14th floor. Her PA greeted me with a forced smile.

"Hey... Aurora, right? Please have a seat," she said, pointing to a sleek couch.

I nodded and sat down, my fingers playing with the zipper of my bag.

"You can go in. She's ready," the PA said moments later.

I stood up, smoothed my clothes, and stepped into Sandy Barton's office.

"Aurora! Welcome. Please, take a seat," Sandy greeted me warmly from behind her massive glass desk. Her office overlooked the city skyline, it was breath taking.

"I'm really happy you came," she continued. "I remember meeting you at City Nights and giving you my card. I waited for your call."

"I'm sorry. Things got... overwhelming," I said quietly.

She gave me a soft, understanding look. "It's okay. I also wanted to say—I'm so sorry about your mum."

I swallowed hard. "Thank you."