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I take out my phone and look down at it, but no response shows up. Curious, I dial Bryn's number, then I listen.
"Silence your phone!" someone hisses upstairs.
I bite my lip, holding back a laugh.
Then I go upstairs.
As I quietly climb the stairs, I can hear voices drifting down from the club. My heart is pounding as I try to make out what they're saying, but the words are too muffled to understand. I tiptoe up the last few steps and peek around the corner, my eyes widening at what I see.
"Surprise!"
My eyes fill with tears as I take in the sight in front of me—all the staff and members from the White Oak standing in front of a big banner with my name on it in sparkling letters. I cover my mouth as I look at each of my friends. Ryan is at the center, a smile on his face.
I'm so taken aback that I can't even speak. I just stand there, staring at them, feeling my eyes fill with tears again.
"I... I don't know what to say, guys," I breathe.
My eyes widen when I see someone I haven't seen in years emerge from the crowd—the owner of the White Oak, Dominic Rockwell. He hasn't been around much since he started jet-setting around Europe ages ago, but he was the person who gave me this opportunity after I did some tailoring work for him...and now he's here.
He raises a glass of whiskey, and everyone else does, too, Ryan watching me with a smile.
"I was shocked when you put in your notice, Sophia," Dominic says. "But...I get it. You deserve to live your life. And I wanted to be here to bid you farewell, along with the rest of the staff."
"Oh my god..." I whisper. "Guys—you're going to make me sob."
Bryn laughs softly, Madison joining her.
"For years, you have been the beating heart of the White Oak Society," Dominic continues. "You have worked harder than anyone I've ever known, and we are all grateful for the dedication and passion you have brought to this club. We willnever forget the mark you've left on this place, and we wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors."
I can feel the tears streaming down my face now as I take in the scene in front of me. The people I've spent so much time with, the place I've called home for so long—it's hard to believe that I'm leaving it all behind. But I know that it's time for me to move on and start a new chapter in my life. And I'm so grateful to have these people, this community, in my heart forever.
"Thank you," I say, my voice choked with emotion. "Thank you all so much."
"To you, Sophia Lyonne, and to all your future endeavors," Dominic says.
Bryn suddenly shuffles forward, thrusting a glass into my hand. I give her a chastising glare as a reminder that I'm not allowed to drink, but she huffs out a laugh. "It's apple juice," she says. "Now toast with us."
She clinks her glass against mine with a big smile, and I even see tears in her eyes—when I don't think I've ever seen Bryn cry.
"To Sophia!" she says, and the rest of the group echoes her.
I'm fully sobbing when Ryan comes over to join us, wrapping me up in his arms and pressing a kiss to my forehead. Bryn takes my glass so I can bury my face in his shirt as he holds me. I feel Bryn gently rubbing my back.
"We didn't mean to hurt your feelings," she says.
"You didn't," I gasp, looking back at her. "It's just...a lot, and I'm hormonal and..."
"No one is judging you," Ryan laughs, tilting my chin up to gaze into my eyes. "This party is for you, Sophia. You deserve it."
I nod, feeling overwhelmed with love and gratitude. "I don't know what to say," I whisper.
"Just enjoy it," Madison says, coming up to wrap an arm around my shoulder. "Live in the moment."
I nod, feeling the love and support radiating from the group surrounding me. For a moment, I forget all the doubts and fears that have been plaguing me about my decision to leave—to move to Summerville with Ryan and restart my life somewhere I never imagined.
All that matters right now is the friends who have become family and the memories we've created together in this place.
As night wears on, we share stories, laughter, drinks, and hugs. I dance with Trip and Madison, and even Bryn gets me to join her in singing along to an old jazz standard as Kylie plays the piano, embarrassing us both. It feels like time is standing still like we could stay in this moment forever.
