Chapter 45

The next morning, I woke up to the soft light filtering through my bedroom window, Billie still curled up beside me, her arm draped loosely over my waist. The warmth of her presence made it difficult to get up, but today was important. It was Thursday, the day before my album listening party, and I had one last song to finish.

Stretching slightly, I turned to find Billie watching me, a lazy smile on her lips. "hey baby" she murmured, her voice still laced with sleep.

"Morning," I replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You ready for a day at the studio?"

Billie smirked, her fingers trailing gently along my arm. "Always. Especially if I get to watch you work your magic."

Reluctantly, we got up and got ready, the smell of coffee and toast already drifting through the apartment as we stepped into the kitchen. Ivy and Aidan were sitting at the counter, sipping their drinks and chatting in low voices. Ivy glanced up, her brow raised as she took another sip. "Big day today, huh? Last song on the album?"

I nodded, grabbing a piece of toast and leaning against the counter. "Yep. Almost there. You guys coming with?"

Aidan grinned. "Of course. Wouldn't miss it."

"Yeah," Ivy added. "We've been here for all the chaotic brainstorming sessions and voice notes at two a.m. Might as well see how it all ends."

I chuckled, grateful for their support. Billie, standing beside me, nudged my side gently. "It's gonna be perfect."

A little while later, the four of us piled into a car and headed to the studio. The energy was high, a mix of excitement and anticipation hanging in the air. Billie played music from her phone, a mix of our favourite songs filling the car as Ivy and Aidan bickered over who got to pick the next track. It felt easy, familiar-like a perfect moment before something big.

When we arrived, Danny was already there, setting things up. He barely looked up as we walked in, his fingers flying over the soundboard. "Look who finally decided to show up," he teased.

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just get to it. One more song and we're done."

I stepped into the recording booth, adjusting the headphones as I glanced at the lyrics in front of me. This song was the final piece, the last note in a project that had consumed my life for months. As the track started, I closed my eyes and let the music guide me, my voice weaving through the melody with raw emotion.

From the other side of the glass, I could see Ivy and Aidan nodding along, Billie perched on the couch with a soft smile, her gaze locked onto me. I could feel her energy, steady and reassuring, grounding me as I poured everything I had into the final chorus.

When the last note faded, I exhaled slowly, the weight of it settling in. Danny pressed the talk button. "That's it. That's the one. Album's officially done."

A rush of emotions hit me all at once. Relief, excitement, a little disbelief. Billie, Ivy, and Aidan erupted into cheers, Billie practically bouncing on her feet. As soon as I stepped out of the booth, Billie wrapped her arms around me, pressing a quick kiss to my temple. "You did it. I'm so proud of you."

Ivy and Aidan piled on, hugging me tightly. "This is huge," Ivy said. "Tomorrow's going to be insane."

I nodded, still processing it all. "Yeah... it really is."

Danny clapped me on the back. "This whole album is something special, Ember. People are going to feel it."

We all sat back as Danny played the final mix of the song, the room filled with the sound of my voice, the beat pulsing through the speakers. I let myself sink into the moment, the reality of it settling in. Months of late nights, writing sessions, self-doubt, and breakthroughs had led to this.

As the song played, Ivy and Aidan whispered excitedly to each other, pointing out moments in the track they recognized from earlier versions. Billie, however, was quiet. I glanced at her and found her watching me, her eyes soft, filled with something that made my stomach flip. She reached for my hand, lacing our fingers together, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"This one," she murmured, nodding toward the speakers. "It's my favourite."

I swallowed, my heart hammering. "Yeah?"

She nodded. "Yeah. It feels... like you. Every part of you is in this album. I can hear it. And tomorrow, everyone else will too."

Her words settled deep in my chest, leaving me feeling warm, grounded. I didn't have to say anything in response; she already knew.

Tomorrow, I would be sharing what I had been working on for so long with my closest friends and family at the listening party. But right now, surrounded by the people who meant the most to me, I let myself just be. I let myself enjoy the fact that I had done it.

As the final song faded out, leaving a heavy but satisfying silence in the studio, Ivy stretched her arms above her head. "Okay, this calls for a celebration. We need food. Like, real food, not just coffee and granola bars."

Aidan nodded enthusiastically. "Agreed. Let's go out-somewhere nice. Ember, you just finished your album. That's huge."

I hesitated for a second, still riding the emotional high of the day. Going out sounded nice, but my mind was still processing the fact that this chapter was officially closed. Billie must have noticed because she gave my hand a squeeze, bringing me back to the moment. "You in?" she asked softly.

I looked around at everyone, their faces expectant, excited. I let out a breath and nodded. "Yeah, let's do it. But if we're celebrating, I want my mom and Danny there too. They've been part of this just as much as any of us."

Danny, still sitting at the soundboard, turned in his chair and smirked. "Oh? I get an invite to the victory lap?"

"Obviously," I said, rolling my eyes. "You produced the whole thing."

Danny chuckled and stretched. "Alright, I'm in. But only if we go somewhere that serves good whiskey."

I pulled my phone out and quickly shot a text to my mom, letting her know we were all going out to celebrate and asking if she wanted to join. She responded almost immediately.

Mom: Of course! I wouldn't miss it. Where are we going?

That was the next question. I turned to the group. "Where to?"

Billie tapped her chin in thought before her face lit up. "What about that little Italian place you love? The one with the amazing pasta?"

Ivy gasped. "Yes! Their ravioli is life-changing."

Aidan nodded. "And they have that fancy wine list for Danny."

Danny gave a satisfied nod. "I like where this is going."

Decision made, I sent my mom the details, and we packed up, heading out of the studio, laughter and excitement following us. Tonight wasn't the big moment the world would hear my album-that was coming soon. But tonight was about celebrating with the people who had been there for me every step of the way.

And that was more than enough.