Epilogue
Dylan
“Okay, no pressure, but there’s a lot riding on this going well. So, if you could just be cool, then I think we’ll both get through this, all right,” I say, pleading with her.
Her eyes narrow on mine in the rearview mirror. Fuck, she’s going to be a problem. I reach around the headrest of the passenger seat, shifting in the driver’s seat so I can look at her directly.
“I got everything you need. Dee doesn’t know you’re coming, so if you could maybe work on a smile or something not like a glare before we get to the apartment, that’d be wonderful.”
Nerves twist further into a knot in my stomach as I stare at the cat in her carrier in the backseat. Bec and Abby met me at the shelter and assured me this cat had the perfect temperament for Dee and me.
But I think they sent me home with Dee in a cat’s body.
Stevie continues to stare at me, distrust in her eyes, but I know that’ll change with time.
“Let’s go, girl.” I climb out of the car, heaving the bag of essentials Bec and Abby told me to bring to the shelter. I guess she’s been in the shelter for months. We all agreed after a quick meet and greet that it was time to give her a forever home.
I enter our apartment as quietly as I can, dropping the bag of supplies next to our door, and place the carrier on the ground. Dee must be in her room; her door is cracked, and I hear music playing softly.
It’s been six months since I moved back into Dee’s apartment and we made things official, much to our friends and families’ joy. I’ve been subletting my apartment for the last few months, and I won’t be renewing my lease when the time comes. There’s nowhere I want to be if Dee isn’t there too.
Ed and I had a long talk after he attended the kids’ concert, and he agreed to sell the Bridge to me. It was terrifying, and everything I’ve ever wanted, finally signing on the dotted line.
With Dee’s help, I have a solid plan to make it through these first few years as we find our footing, still being profitable while beginning to invest back into the community, uplifting artists and musicians every chance we get.
We even have some local drama clubs interested in the venue for their performances.
This dream of mine would have slipped through my fingers if not for Dee’s levelheaded thinking and generosity, dedicating the time and her experience to working through the nitty-gritty details with me during many late nights.
Most of which I ended by distracting her in other, more fun ways, which she happily allowed.
Dee and Vicki continue to be my dynamic duo behind the bar at the Bridge during shows, but Dee has also taken up consulting work on the side, doing for others what she’s done for me.
Dee was offered the job after her last interview.
I have no doubt she could have done incredible things if she had decided to jump back into that kind of work environment.
But seeing the relief on her face after she called back to decline the position was all the confirmation needed to know she was making the right call. For herself and her future.
The growth I see in her, watching her gain confidence with every job, working for herself, and getting to invest her energy in causes and people she believes in.
She’s living her dream by helping others attempt to make their own a reality as well.
There never was a better hype woman or someone more deserving of finding the flexibility, freedom, and power in her choices as Dee.
“Your mom’s in there. Want to surprise her?”
As if she knows exactly where she’s meant to go, Stevie prances out of her carrier and makes a beeline to Dee’s door, through the crack, into the room.
I hear Dee singing along to the song before she gasps. I pause, my heart thudding in my chest before I hear her scream. “Oh my god, you perfect baby angel! Where did you come from?”
Two seconds later, Dee is racing out of her room, the cat in her arms, looking all-around pleased. Dee’s eyes are glittering when she spots me. “Dylan, what the actual fuck?” She can’t contain her laughter.
“Oh, that cat you mentioned? I found her,” I say with a shrug. “Took a while, but we’re both back where we belong.”
Dee gently rubs soft circles into Stevie’s fur, and the cat leans into her chest. Dee’s jaw drops and she rests her head onto the cat’s ears, whispering, “Oh, you’re just the most perfect girl, aren’t you?”
“Stevie,” I offer her name, unable to contain my joy seeing Dee so enamored with our newest family member.
“Oh my god, I saw you on the website. You were meant to come home with us. I love her,” she whispers. “Thank you.” She steps against me, the cat between us, looking less excited about me joining the party, but she allows it. “This is seriously so crazy.” She laughs. “I love you.”
“And I love you,” I say, dropping a quick kiss against Dee’s lips, paying the cat tax and giving Stevie a good pet behind the ear as well. Appeased, she settles again, closer to Dee’s chest, leaning in comfortably.
Something notches into place, looking down to find these two wrapped in my arms. And I know that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.