The Man with a Guitar

Chapter 7: Sam

After dancing for a while, I grew tired and joined Anna at the bar. She was looking ravishing in that black knee-length dress. She also looked flushed, her red cheeks made her look more beautiful than ever. I know that I shouldn't get carried away but I couldn't help myself. 

"What's up?" I asked her while taking a seat beside him.

"Nothing. It looks like you were having quite fun at the dance floor." She said with a smile.

"Not after my date left me alone." 

"Your date?"

"Yeah, you of course"

"I know that smarty pants, what I am asking is since when am I your date?"

"Because you're not into guys I guess."

"Hey I am perfectly straight!" She sounded a bit offended which was kind of a fun sight.

"Then how come you don't like guys buying you a drink and taking you to the dance floor?" I asked with a smirk.

"It's not just any guy, it is YOU!" 

"So you don't like me?"

"Isn't it clear?"

"No, what is clear is that you are drooling all over me. I look exceptionally handsome in this tux and when I have a guitar in my hand to perform, you are mesmerized." I said holding her gaze and moving closer to her. She was clearly dumbstruck and looked like she almost agreed with me. But she shook her head to knock herself out of my spell.

"You are too ahead of yourself! Unbelievable! There are a lot of other guys who are hotter than you."

"I don't see you flirting with anyone else."

"That's because I am not interested."

"Why so? You don't want to get laid?"

"You don't have any filter on that big mouth of yours, do you?" She looked annoyed.

"Nope, now tell me. Is it that or you don't want to date at all?"

"I just want you to leave me alone." She got up and turned to leave.

"Whoa, where are you going?" I asked.

"To eat. All this dancing and your stupid chatter has made me hungry."

"I am coming with you." I got up and joined the walk towards the food tables. There was a big turkey and a guy was standing behind the table to cut it. There was yams, cranberry sauce, sweet potato dishes, beans and a pumpkin pie as well. We took a little of everything on our plates. We saw an unoccupied table at the corner and took a seat.

"The food is amazing!" I said.

"Yes, it is yum." She said while digging in.

"So, where are you from?" 

"Horton Bay, Michigan. I know, it is quite a travel from here."

"Wow. That's why you aren't home for thanksgiving I am guessing."

"Usually I would but I am going to my cousin Margot's wedding next week, so technically it is just a week's delay. Which brings me to wonder, are you free next week?"

"Let me think, on Monday it's Olivia, Tuesday it's Emma, Wednesday Sophia..."

"You know what never mind. You are disgusting. And then you say why I am so prejudiced and judgy." She looked so mad that I couldn't stifle my laughter and I burst out laughing.

"I was just messing with you. Just look at your face for once. And to answer your question, I would be pleased to be your wedding date." I gave her my best smile.

"Thank you. I wouldn't have bothered to have a date at the wedding if it wasn't for my mum. She just keeps naggin' me about having a boyfriend."

"Well, isn't she sweet."

"Yes she is." And her lips broke out into a smile. "Where are you from?"

"I am an LA guy, right from my birth."

"Wow, it must be great growing up, with your dad owning a music company and all."

"Yeah we aren't close. I spend most of my time with my grand mum. She was the one to teach me music." 

"She sounds great." She smiled.

"Yes she was great."

"Listen, I am sorry that you lost her. I am sure she is in a better place now feeling nothing but proud of you." She leaned forward and kept her hand on mine.

"Thank you Anna. It means a lot." I held her gaze. Our eyes stayed locked until she pulled hers away while retreating her hand.

"I am done with the dinner. I am gonna go and grab a drink. You want something?" She asked.

"Yeah, a beer would be great, thanks." 

She nodded and walked away towards the bar. While she was gone, I thought about everything that she said. She was very compassionate and warm. It looked like she knew how it feels to lose somebody you love. I also thought about going with her to Michigan. From the looks of it, she surely hadn't taken a guy home to meet her family before. 

She came back holding a glass and a can. She again had a diet coke for herself.

"You don't drink?" I asked curiously.

"I have to drive back home." I said. 

"You need to learn how to loosen up a little." I said.

"Well, now is not the time."

"You don't loosen up in a party. I am guessing you do that at your miserable job then."

"Very funny. I don't loosen up there and my job isn't miserable. It was my dream job and I have it now."

"It was your dream job. Now it isn't."

"Yeah because I already have it now."

"No, even if you have it, you still would have used a present tense."

"Fine, whatever. It isn't what I thought it would be. My work is shitty, my boss is shittier and my colleagues are the worst, except for Bernie of course."

"I know, I know. I had opted out of that kind of life long ago. The last thing I want is to become a corporate slave."

"You are the heir of your father's company. You have to run it someday."

"I don't think he will make me his successor. He knows better than that."

"Good for you." She said in a low voice.

"Yeah" I looked at my watch. It was past ten thirty. I had another show at eleven nearby. "Excuse me, one second." I said to Anna and went inside to get my guitar. When I came back she was saying goodbye to Melanie.

"Leaving already?" I asked her.

"She is a dork. Of course she is leaving." Melanie said.

"Hey! Your not-so-dork friend is leaving too." She said looking at my guitar.

"I have a performance miss analyst." I said with a smile. Even Melanie couldn't help but smile.

"Yeah, whatever." Her cheeks turned red again.

"Let me walk you to your car." I said to Anna and I started walking. I overheard Melanie whispering into Anna's ears, "Don't forget to kiss him goodnight." I couldn't see Anna's reaction as my back was turned but I am sure her cheeks were still red. 

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Hello lovely readers! I hope you are doing well! Here's the next chapter from Sam's POV. Tell me how you like Sam and Anna's cute bickering in the comments. Do not forget to Vote, share and comment if you're liking the story, your love and support is everything!! I will keep updating.