A/N: This is my last update EVER on Working Girls. I have been working on this story for so long that I never thought it would happen! I am so sorry for all the stops and starts but I have to say some of them may have made this story better. This story challenged how I wrote and forced me to grown and learn so much. I believe you can see the difference if you read chapter one and then read this chapter. It's crazy how much I've developed as a writer since I started. This is very emotional for me because I just loved this story so much. I loved all of these couples and this universe I created where Camp Rock never existed. I am so happy to close out this story with happy endings all around! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing over the years! I know it's been hard given how inconsistently I update. I will miss these people and my readers on this story so much! Thank you for everything!

Happy Reading

angellwings

PS - The epilogue was inspired by a request made in a review! I wasn't planning on writing one till I saw that. Hope it does the request justice!

Chapter Thirty-Seven

The press release had done what Caitlyn had hoped it would do. It calmed the urgent curiosity about Ella and the gossip rags lost interest. Us Weekly and People Magazine had run short pieces about her, but they had said surprisingly little about Nate. They'd mostly discussed E. People had even done a spread of various celebrities wearing Ella's designs and how well she merged classic and fashion forward to create broadly appealing wearable fashions.

The night had come for the first red carpet event she was attending with Nate and Ella was nervous. She wasn't scared, which surprised her. She was just nervous. Nate found her in the bathroom putting on her jewelry and gently kissed her neck as he wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"You are gorgeous," he told her.

She blushed and shivered at the feeling of his breath and her neck and the words he'd uttered.

"You don't look so bad yourself," she said as she took in his reflection in the mirror.

"Yeah, you know, since we're all dolled up we should go out some place," Nate said with a teasing smirk.

"You think so?" Ella asked with a chuckle as she played along.

"For sure, how about a movie?" He asked her with a wink.

She shook her head at him and kissed his cheek. She reached up immediately afterward and wiped away her lipstick. "Woops."

He chuckled and then kissed her hand as she continued to wipe the lipstick away. "The cars here. You ready?"

"As I'll ever be," she answered.

Nate took her hand and led her out of the apartment. They met the car at the entrance to Nate's building and found Jason and Shane waiting on them inside the limo.

"Welcome to the party, kids," Shane said with a grin as he and Jason slid over to let them in.

"How are we doing?" Jason asked Ella with a supportive smile.

"I'm good," Ella answered as she took a deep breath. "Just a little nervous."

Nate grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. "You'll be fine. Just stick close to me."

"Oh trust me," Ella told him with a chuckle. "I have no plans to wander off."

They arrived nearly forty-five minutes later thanks to traffic. Nate stepped out first and then held out a hand to help Ella out of the car. She was wearing a twist on the little black dress that she'd designed herself. It was a one shoulder cocktail dress with a fashion forward bow on the shoulder of the gown. The skirt was a tight pencil skirt with a sheer flowing overskirt that just barely dragged the red carpet they'd stepped out onto. With her hair pinned up and her make up done in a dramatic fashion, Nate was right. She looked gorgeous. Nate took her hand and then looped her arm through his as he escorted her down the carpet. Shane and Jason followed closely behind. They stopped to pose for photos before reaching the reporters. Ella had been shaking just slightly at the start but by the end of the photo spray, filled with yelling photographers, she'd steadied. Thanks mostly to Nate's never wavering strength, Jason's easygoing support, and Shane's never ending jokes.

They reached the reporters and were told what order to go in as the Connect Three's publicist led them down the line. Ella mostly stood back and smiled and waited patiently, which she was totally okay with. So far, only two reporters had acknowledged her. One from Vanity Fair, who was dying to know who she was wearing and another from People who had guessed the dress was of her own design before she'd even said a word.

They were two reporters from the end of the line when someone tall and imposing bumped her as he passed.

"Oh, sorry, little lady, did I step on you?" A gruff voice asked in concern.

Ella turned to tell him not to worry but froze as she faced the man. Standing in front of her in his tall, muscle bound, tattoo covered glory was Van Kingsley, her father. He froze when he saw her as well. They locked eyes and neither could seem to move, speak or breathe.

Finally, he took a breath and smiled affectionately at her. "Ella Bell. Look at you."

She swallowed thickly and blinked rapidly. There were tears just behind her lids that were begging to fall. She refused to let them. She took a steadying breath and nodded politely. "Hello."

"You look beautiful," he said hesitantly. "Just like your mother."

"Thank you," she said softly.

Ella felt a hand touch her arm and turned to see Nate giving her a concerned look. She smiled weakly at him and then motioned to Van Kingsley. "Nate, this is Van Kingsley. Van, this is—"

"I know who he is," Van said with a polite nod. "I got a call about him from Brown Cesario not long ago."

"Yeah, you did," Nate said as Ella felt his body tense next to hers. "But I'm almost certain that phone call was about more than just me."

She could hear thinly veiled anger in Nate's tone. It was anger she shared but this wasn't the time or the place.

"Nate," Ella said firmly. "Don't you have two more interviews?"

"Yes, I—I was just checking on you," Nate said as he glanced between her and Van. "Are you okay?"

She nodded and briefly caressed his cheek affectionately. He was so concerned for her. It was written all over his face. God, she loved him. "I'm fine. Go."

He kissed the palm of her hand as it stopped on his cheek and then nodded. "If you say so. But I'm just a few feet away if you need me."

She smiled after him serenely as he left and then turned back to Van. "I should probably go. I'm supposed to be keeping up with him. They're afraid I'll get lost."

"I've missed you, Ella Bell," Van told her. "Whether you believe me or not."

"I believe you," Ella told him. "But if I'm honest, I haven't really missed you. Mom was more than enough for me. It was good to see you though. Have a good night."

She turned and returned to Nate and his brothers. She took a deep calming breath as she willed herself to get passed the interaction with the father she barely knew. It hadn't been as bad as she always imagined. It had been awkward, yes, but she didn't crumple. She didn't let him see how growing up with out him had hurt. She didn't beg him to tell her what she did wrong.

Because the truth was, she hadn't done anything wrong. He left because he was a self centered man. It had nothing to do with her. It seemed Nate repetitively telling her Van lost out, and she didn't, had finally sunk in. It really was remarkable how much Nate had done for her self esteem. Just knowing him and having him there to encourage her had opened her eyes to so much. She would never know exactly what she did to deserve him.

The interviews were finally over and the guys surrounded her almost immediately.

"What happened?" Nate asked in concern.

"Nothing," she assured him. "He was perfectly polite. Promise."

"Are you okay?" Shane asked worriedly.

She smiled at him and Jason and was struck with how grateful she was to have them in her life as well. She'd never had brothers but now she had two. She loved it.

"I'm fine, I promise," she told them. To her surprise, she found it was the truth. She was totally fine. "So, what's next?"

"The movie," Jason told her with a grin.

"Wait, seriously?" Ella asked. "That was it? It's over?"

Nate laughed and kissed her cheek. "That's it. You survived."

She was immensely relieved. Red Carpets weren't so bad, she thought. It was mostly standing and waiting. She could do that. In fact, her worst fear had been running into her father and she'd done that. That wasn't as bad as she thought it would be either. Her nerves eased and she beamed at Nate. She wasn't completely over her fears but she was more confident than ever that she could overcome them.

The more days that passed, the more Ella was discovering that she was going to have to let go of the shop, which was disappointing, but she was discovering there was a whole world of options out there she'd never considered. Before she'd gotten offers from various retailers, she'd contacted Nordstrom's to discuss a deal. It was appealing she had to admit. They wanted her to design a high end line that was still manageably affordable for most women. The line would include clothes, accessories, handbags, shoes. She wouldn't have to defer to any other designer. She would be in complete control of the brand and the styles.

She'd also been approached by investors who wanted her to design a line of wedding dresses to release to bridal boutiques all across the nation. Mitchie was right, a broad reach across America would give her so many more opportunities to be a part of people's special moments. She could make people all over the nation very happy as opposed to the few people who could travel to her shop.

The greatest advantage to all of this was that she could still design on a small scale for a select clientele. She would have plenty of time for all of it…without the shop. It was painful but growing often was. She'd had one last blow out sale for her remaining stock and then closed up the shop just a month after the press release. She was on to bigger and better things.

All with Nate by her side.

And he was more than worth it.

Mitchie closed her eyes as she took her position on the dark stage. She took a deep long breath and put her guitar strap around her. The curtain opened and the first person she saw was Shane. He was smiling broadly and he looked so damn proud. The rest of the table was filled with her other new friends as well Ella and Connie. She strummed the first note and wished this place had a piano. She wasn't used to playing this song on guitar.

This performance felt huge because it was only her second performance ever, but it was really a small open mike night at a local bar. She was only going to be paid in tips, provided she got any. But that was okay with her. She'd been selling a lot of songs to Crow Records lately. Brown and Caitlyn were trying to convince her to record an album of her own, but she was still unsure.

Shane's encouragement to try performing though had remained with her. He believed in her ability so much that she found herself wanting to prove him right. To show him that she could do it. That's what led her here tonight.

No big deal, she told herself, just sing like you do when you're alone. Easy.

"I've always been the kind of girl
That hid my face
So afraid to tell the world
What I've got to say
But I had this dream
Right inside of me
I'm going to let it show
It's time
To let you know
To let you know

This is the real, this is me
I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be now
Gonna let the light
Shine on me
Now I found
Who I am
There's no way to hold it in
No more hiding who I want to be
This is me…"

She finished the song to loud applause and cheers and the adrenaline that filled her was more than she'd ever felt. She looked out into the audience and saw people she didn't know applauding her ability and enjoying her music. Some hole inside of her, that she didn't know was there, began to fill and she knew Shane was right. She belonged on a stage. Performing was a part of her now and there was no way she could go back. She smiled at the table full of her friends and then left the stage to let the next person have their turn. Before she could reach Shane, Ella had rushed her with a hug.

Mitchie chuckled and returned the hug before giving the smaller girl a high five as well.

"Shane's going to gloat," Mitchie told her.

"Why?" Ella asked.

"Because he was right. I'm addicted."

Ella laughed and led her friend over the table where Shane and the others were waiting. Shane wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

"Never been prouder, Mitch. You were amazing."

She blushed and kissed him quickly. "Thank you for pushing me. I never would have gotten up there without you."

He winked at her. "Anything for you, Torrey."

Caitlyn unpacked her last box in her new office and moved over to her large window. She had a great view of the city. She couldn't believe this had happened. She'd gone from assistant to executive when just a few months ago she wasn't even sure that was possible. She'd gone from a small desk in an open public space to a huge private office. It was everything she never knew she wanted.

Jason wheeled a large plushy chair through her office door and Caitlyn gave him a curious look.

"What's that?" She asked him.

"An office warming gift," he told her with a bright smile. "A fancy new job title means you need a fancy new chair."

She kissed him soundly before jumping into the chair and spinning it around impossibly fast. "This…is a great chair," she told him. "I love how it spins!"

"Yeah? Just wait till you see the one I bought you for the house," he told her with a wink. "Big and plushy with a huge ottoman."

"Oh, you do know all my weaknesses, don't you?" Caitlyn asked as she rolled her new chair closer to him.

"I know all your strengths too," he told her seriously.

"You're my biggest strength," she said as she stood and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You know that, don't you?"

He grinned and then kissed her slowly. He pulled away from the kiss and then pressed his forehead to hers. "I know that now."

She chuckled and then ran her hand through his curls. "So, I thought we could go to the Humane Society after work."

"You did? Why?" He asked.

"Well, since I'm moving in I figure I should find that small feisty dog we talked about," she reminded him. "The one that won't be scared of Herc."

He beamed at her. "Yeah?"

"Yeah," she said with a nod. "Herc needs a sibling to keep him company when we're not at home. Don't you think?"

"I like it when you talk about our home," Jason said as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Me too," she told him with a beaming smile. "It's still amazing to me how things came together so quickly after waiting so long. It was like there was a key piece of the puzzle missing and once we found it the puzzle solved itself."

"I'm just glad it finally happened," Jason admitted. "This is everything I ever wanted."

Caitlyn sighed happily and glanced around her office before resting her head on Jason's shoulder.

Great career? Check. Loving boyfriend? Check. Unbelievable happiness? Double check.

"Me too, Jason. Me too," Caitlyn told him as she closed her eyes and let her contentment fill the space around her.

"I love you, Caity."

Her smiled widened and once again, she couldn't believe her luck.

"I love you too, Jase."

Epilogue

It was three months later and Ella was waiting in a pew for Dana's wedding to begin. Nate, Shane, and Jason were back with the groomsmen and Caitlyn was helping Dana get ready in the bride's room in the back of the church. Mitchie and Connie walked down the isle, led by Dana's teenage cousin, who sat them both next to Ella.

"Oh," Connie said as she hugged Ella. "Aren't you gorgeous. But what am I expecting? Designer for the Hollywood elite."

Ella laughed as Connie released her and then nodded to Mitchie. "Me? What about her? So many of the songs she wrote for Tess have been hits that Brown's already given her a record deal."

"That's just a record deal. You're the one with a line of clothes, shoes, and accessories in every Nordstom's across the country," Mitchie told her with a pointed glance.

"Well, if I can't have my shop then affordable department store fashions are the way to go," Ella told them with a sad smile. "I've got a line of wedding and bridesmaid dresses debuting in bridal boutiques across the nation next month. I forgot how much I missed designing wedding dresses."

Connie reached over and squeezed her hand. "You're happy, though, aren't you?"

Ella nodded quickly and beamed at the both of them. "Definitely! I mean I miss my shop and my little studio above it but what I loved most about it was being a part of people lives and special moments and having practical fashions real people would wear and I'm still doing all of that. In fact, I'm doing more of it. I'm in more people's lives. My clothes reach more people and make more people happy. It's different, yes, but the same in all the ways that matter. Plus, I have gotten to work with some amazing people. And then on top of all of that there's…there's Nate." She beamed at the mother-daughter pair seated next to her and sighed contentedly. "I don't know what I would do without him."

"I know the feeling," Mitchie said with a blush of her own. "I'd still be struggling with stage fright if it wasn't for Shane and I'd never know how much I absolutely love performing."

"Who'd have thought this would be us three months ago?" Ella asked Mitchie curiously.

"Me," Connie answered with a beaming smile. "I always knew you girls had this in you. And I always knew you'd both find someone great. Here we are. I was right. I'm always right."

Ella and Mitchie laughed but conceded her point.

Brown came up the other side of the isle and sat down next to Ella. She turned and gave him a surprised look. "You didn't want to let them seat you?"

"And risk them sitting me behind Axel? No, absolutely not," Brown told her.

Ella laughed. "Good point."

"So, I heard Van's been trying to reach out to you," Brown asked Ella softly, not wanting other people to hear.

"And I've been refusing him each time," Ella answered with a nod. "A phone call here and there just isn't enough considering how long he's been gone."

Brown smiled gently at her and nodded. "Good for you. You have the spirit and heart of Leslie, that's for sure. It's no wonder Nate fell in love with you. No one ever could resist Leslie. She was absolutely charming. Like you."

Ella looped her arm through Brown's and squeezed. "And it's no wonder the boys love you so much. With you as an example I am not surprised at how wonderful of a man Nate is."

"Flattery will get you every where, Ella love," Brown said with a laugh. He squeezed her hand before meeting her eyes. "I just want you to know, that whatever family you were lacking, you're not going to miss now. You're a part of our family. You're one of us and we're a hard crew to get out of."

Ella smiled warmly at him and then leaned up to kiss his cheek. "Thank you, Brown. I'm grateful to be a part of your family."

Cailtlyn suddenly came rushing down the isle in her bridesmaids dress and pointed to Ella. She motioned her toward her urgently. Ella gave her a confused look but made her way toward her, excusing herself as she nearly stepped on Connie and Mitchie's toes.

"What's up?" Ella asked.

"Dana's dress ripped," Caitlyn said with a sigh. "In the back. One of the other bridesmaids stepped on the skirt by accident and it tugged and ripped just below the bodice in the back"

Ella nodded and her expression turned serious and determined. "Don't worry. I've got this." She reached across Mitchie and Connie for her shoulder bag. "Lead the way, Cait."

They reached the hallway outside the Bride's Room and found Dana and Andy talking. Ella gasped and pointed at them accusingly. "This is not supposed to happen until the wedding."

"I panicked! I needed him!" Dana said defiantly.

Andy chuckled at her and then gently kissed her temple. "It's not a sign or an omen, Dana. It's just an accident."

"You're sure?" She asked him with a slight pout.

"Positive," Andy told her with a nod and a grin. "I should go before Jason finds out I'm gone. He's a stickler for tradition."

Caitlyn laughed. "Yes, he absolutely is. You know, we aren't married but when I moved in he insisted on carrying me across the threshold. Dork."

"But he's your dork," Ella pointed out.

"Yes, he is, and god do I love him," Caitlyn said with a warm glowing smile.

"I'm going now before this conversation becomes much too girly for me," Andy told them before he kissed the top of Dana's head. "See you at the alter."

She beamed at him and nodded. "See you at the alter." Dana sighed happily as she watched Andy walk away. "Oh god, I need to marry that man right now."

Caitlyn laughed. "We're working on it."

"Come on," Ella said as she took Dana's hand and led her into the privacy of the room. "Let me get a good look at this rip."

Caitlyn closed the door behind them and Ella knelt down to get a close look at the torn portion of the dress.

"Oh, this is nothing," Ella said dismissively. "I'll have this stitched up in no time. Caitlyn had me thinking this was something serious." Ella stood and then reached into her bag for her travel sewing kit. She pulled out her white thread and threaded the needle before she got to work.

"Sorry to drag you back here, Ella, I know this isn't your job anymore," Dana said apologetically.

"No worries, it seems fitting actually being that you were my last official bride," Ella said with a wistful smile. "And the day you walked in my shop actually changed my life."

"I don't know about that," Dana said with a shake of her head.

"No, it did, Dana," Ella assured her. "Without you and Nate and Caitlyn and everyone else I'd still be hiding in my little shop. Just me and Mitchie and Connie. You made my life bigger. I could never thank you enough for that," she said honestly as she continued to stitch.

"Just be good to Nate and that'll be thanks enough," Dana told her. "He's crazy about you."

"I'm crazy about him too," Ella answered. "There," Ella said as she closed the stitch and put away her needle and thread. "All done."

"Ready?" Caitlyn asked Dana with a bright warm smile.

"As I'll ever be," Dana answered.

"You'll be fine," Ella assured her. "Meeting you changed my life so now I'm happy to be here for you as yours changes. You and Andy are adorable and today is just the beginning."

Caitlyn nodded her agreement. "Let's go out there and change your life, Dana. It's your turn."

Dana smiled and nodded confidently. "Right, let's do this."

Ella watched Dana and Caitlyn leave the room with a bright smile. There were only a few moments in life where things felt like they'd come full circle and this was one of them. She planned to enjoy it for all it was worth. These were her friends, her family, and this was her life.

It was so much bigger than it used to be and she felt so much more love from so many more people. She'd spend the rest of her life letting them know just how grateful she was to have them because even though these friendships were new she had no doubt she'd keep them forever.