A Place We Once Knew

Have We Met Before?

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Have We Met Before? - Sarah Barrios

I sat down right at the corner of your table
For some reason, I thought maybe we had been right here before
Can't concentrate, I just keep reading the same pages
And I don't know how to say it but I wanna know you more
Swear I feel you in my memory
I think I've seen you in my dreams
Maybe you and I have history
But I don't think you know me
Have we met before?
Maybe in another life I knew you
Maybe if I try I'll see right through you
And I'll remember who we were
Have we met before?
Maybe in another time I loved you
Maybe you're the one that I would run to
Don't know why it's all a blur
I think I know you

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The man standing in front of her had dark hair and dark brown eyes and a brooding demeanor. His five o'clock shadow was apparent on his strong jawline.

"Hi", she responded.

"I'm so sorry if I startled you. I've never really approached a woman like this before... especially in a bar. I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way. But I was eating my dinner over there when I saw you come in, and well, quite frankly, I haven't been able to take my eyes off of you since."

She blushed slightly. She wasn't sure if it was sincere or if it was a well-rehearsed line, but something about this man intrigued her. Maybe it was the wine but her inhibitions were slightly lowered and she didn't really mind it.

"Wow, well that's quite an introduction." She motioned for the man to have a seat beside her at the bar. It was the least she could do after he so boldly approached her. "So, do you have a name?" she asked.

"Oh, uh, yes, sorry. Elliot. My name is Elliot. I was so nervous. I forgot that part." He fumbled with his words but his eyes kept her gaze. She somehow recognized in that moment that there was a sincerity behind them. He had the kind of face that stopped you in your tracks. There wasn't one specific feature that made Elliot so attractive, though his eyes came close. They were dark brown, but they would be beautiful in any color - it was the intensity that they held, that exuded a gentleness and an honesty all at the same time.

"It's nice to meet you, Elliot. I'm Rachel."

"Rachel..." he said with a smile. "I'd offer to buy you a drink but I see that you already have one."

"Oh, no I'm alright. Thank you though." she smiled at him, hoping he wouldn't take it the wrong way. "Your accent tells me you aren't from around here. Do you live here?"

"No, no. I'm actually from New York City. I'm just here on a whim."

She stared at him blankly. "What? How crazy is that? I'm from the city too! Wait, you're not stalking me, are you?"

He chuckled. His smile lit up his face as he laughed. He had really nice teeth - she loved that.

"No, no. I promise. I'm here on a trip that was supposed to be with my wife... well, my ex-wife. We planned it over a year ago. It's a long story..." he trailed off. "How about you? What brings you to Athens?"

She smiled at him. "Also a very long story.." she didn't even know how to begin to explain how she ended up there, and deep down, she didn't want to. The way he smiled at her made her weak in the knees. She tried to over compensate with a nonchalant gaze and a weak smile... but the blush in her cheeks was a dead giveaway