Stuck in the Middle of it

Part 1

Your eyes scanned the bar as your friend talked your ear off about her latest work drama, unable to help feeling stuck in a rut at the fact you did this every Friday. This bar was your bar though and the familiarity of it gave you comfort. Things had happened here.

"Are you even listening to me?" She snapped, grabbing your attention again.

"Sorry." You replied with a wince and she sighed dramatically.

"What's up with you tonight?"

"Just distracted I guess." You replied, shrugging as you turned to take a sip of your drink.

"Oh shit."

"What?" You sighed, taking another long pull of your drink.

"Ben's here."

Your head snapped up at that. Your eyes mapped the bar until they finally fell on the man you had once thought was it for you. Breath catching in your throat when his gaze fell on you also.

"Shit." You mumbled when he started to make his way over and you cursed your hands when they started to shake.

"Hi, stranger." Came a soft, sweet voice and you looked over your shoulder to see him smiling sweetly at you.

"Hi, Ben." You replied, giving him a small smile back in return.

"How have you been?" He asked as he pulled you into a friendly hug.

"So so." You replied with a shrug "Career took off which is good I guess."

"That's awesome." He gushed "You seeing anyone?"

"Nah. Still the girl no one wants." You chuckled and Ben's brows drew together.

"That's not true." He said softly and you sighed.

"Agree to disagree." You stated, desperate to move on from the subject "What are you doing here?"

"Here with friends." He replied simply "My buddy Fish needed a night out!"

"Needed?" You pushed and he chuckled.

"Still nosey I see." He chuffed "His girlfriend walked out on him and his baby a few months back. Baby's with grandparents and we dragged him out to cheer him up."

"That's terrible." You said, your eyes drifting to his table and studying each of its occupants.

You recognised Will instantly but the other guy was new to you. He looked sad and your heart ached for him. As if feeling your eyes on him his own drifted up and locked you in an intense gaze. He was handsome. Dark eyes and chocolate curls that poked out from beneath a well-loved cap. You smiled and he returned it, eyes softening into something a little less lost.

"Well, I should get back to my friends." Ben piped up, pulling your attention back to him "Was good seeing you Moonshine."

"Ugh Ben, don't call me that." You groaned and he chuckled.

"Sorry sweet. Always gonna be Moonshine to me."

He gave you a peck on the cheek before making his way back to his table and Lizzie practically screeched.

"Well, that was awkward." She chuckled and you nodded in agreement "He looked good though."

"He always does." You shrugged "Both those brothers are pretty blessed in that department."

"Their friend seems interested." She stated which pulled your gaze back over to the man Ben had referred to as 'Fish'.

He looked away as soon as your eyes caught him looking at you and you smiled.