Escape

Chapter Six

I wake up, book on the floor. I must have dozed off. I check the time: 5:30 pm. Wow, I dozed off for a few hours. I must be more exhausted than I thought. I guess after two weeks of doing close to nothing, starting a new job and meeting new people takes its toll. I walk over to the kitchen and start to boil water for my dinner. Once the water begins to boil, I empty the small box of elbow pasta into the water. I grab the wine off the counter and pour myself a glass.

It doesn't take long for the pasta to cook, and I strain it out and dump the red sauce over the noodles and mix it around. I eat at the counter as I people watch outside of my window.

As I finish dinner along with my second glass of wine, I get a text.

NOAH: Live music at the pub tn, care to join? 

I sigh heavily as I contemplate going out again versus staying in. As much as I'm leaning towards staying in, it's all I've done since I arrived here.

ME: Im in  what time?

NOAH: 8pm. See you there!

8:00 pm, that's only an hour and a half from now. I finish up dishes, put my leftover food away, and head upstairs. I decide to keep my low bun but end up putting on some mascara and lip gloss. Olivia will be there and she is so put together, she makes you want to look put together. I add some small gold hooped earrings and thin necklace to match. I walk over to my closet and stare inside. I really don't have much to choose from. When I moved here, I only came with what would fit in a backpack and a small suitcase. I've been slowly adding things since I got here, but there's still little to choose from. I decide to swap out my converse for my black boots and my jean jacket for a light black jacket.

I leave the apartment with 15 minutes to spare for the walk there. I hear the echo of Samuels voice telling me I shouldn't walk alone at night in the city. I hold my bag closer to me and begin to walk faster.

I arrive at the pub and start to scan for Noah and Olivia. I see both of them waving their arms around trying to get my attention. My cheeks flush as I see some of the patrons give them a funny look. I walk over to them and greet them both with a quick hug, leaving one hand in my jacket pocket.

"So, who's supposed to play?" I ask, having to yell over the sound of the full bar.

"Not sure, it's usually the same three bands that rotate different nights." Noah explains.

"Live music means I need a drink." I joke as I step away from the table and walk over to the bar. I've never been a fan of live bar music. Having to yell at those around you just to communicate. Even worse if the band is terrible.

I order a beer off the "Specials" list and watch the bartender disappear momentarily. He returns from the back with my drink. As I dig my wallet out of my bag to pay the bartender, I hear the full bar start to cheer. I place the money on the bar, grab my drink and turn around. It's hard to get a good look at the band with all these people shuffling in front of the bar. I'm walking back towards the table with Noah and Olivia when I notice the four-person band on the stage in front. The singer has his back to the crowd at first, and when he turns around my eyes widen.

It's Samuel. And he looks straight at me. He smiles ear to ear when he sees me, and I offer a small smile and nervous wave.

He swings a guitar strap over his neck as he looks at me, counts to four out loud, and begins to play while belting out lyrics at the same time, finally breaking eye contact.

I know this song. This Charming Man, by The Smiths. Samuel is wearing his leather jacket with a black t-shirt underneath. He's strayed far from his typical black jeans and is wearing red plaid pants with a chain hanging off his hip. He has his signature boots with silver jewelry covering his neck and his fingers. His black hair rests on his forehead as he sings with his eyes closed.