Blinding Lights - Jan Peteh

I

"Abbie I'm not fucking going. It's a stupid idea, some boring shitty man will not help me feel any less stressed." I bleakly groan out as I slump back in the sofa.
"Come on its just a bit of fun. Free drinks aswell" Abbie exitedly replied as she poked my ribs repeatedly.
"That's so mean. I'm not expecting the man to pay. It's rude Abbie" I say trying to get out of the idea but she just shrugs.
"Your so boring nowadays~. Even If it does go bad we can gossip over some drinks that I'll pay for. The free drinks will be endless tonight" she argued back, slightly convincing me with the idea of new gossip. I hum slightly in thought.
"The gossip has been dry recently. I could do with some fresh healthy tea to wet the pallet"  Feeling more optimistic about the idea I ask Abbie about when I have to go
"You expect me to go on a blind date that starts in about an hour that is a 30 minute drive away......are you insane" displeased I slump back down
"Drinks started to sound nice" I mumble under my voice
"You can get ready in time....I can help" slightly disappointed in herself she looks down at there feet.
"Don't look at the floor like that" I said as I rolled my eyes
"But I want you to go and have fun, your so happy when you get good......men?" She started of with a sad tome to convince me but slowly got more unconvinced herself. It was never really about the whole man when I was happy. We both knew that.
"It's nice that your trying, I appriciate it but it's not gonna happen" i reply to her crap attempt at convincing
"Just let yourself go for a bit. Please for me" Abbie whined out and grabbed my hand trying to pull me of the sofa. I let out a gutteral groan and stand up.
"Fuck it. I'll go" I sigh out displeased that I've given in to her again. Abbie squeals and claps her hands in my face making em flinch. I roll my eyes and go to get ready.

∆∆∆∆

Abbie pulls up to a bar with harsh pink and purple lighting. A halve fallen of sign. Half empty tables. A bad sign. A bar with no energy is a bit sad but atlest I can get wasted.
"This is the place babes. Table 7 is where all your dreams will come true
" Abbie sounds more exited than she should be.
"This isn't the most intresting bar, no dreams can come true here." I sternly reply. Abbie rolls her eyes at me which I choose to pretend didn't happen for her own good.
"If this goes bad I blame you" I sigh and get out of car.
"I'll be down the road text me if he's either creepy or your done talking"
"I know I will, be quick if-" I sigh not being able to finish mys sentence since she's already flew off.

I turn towards the doors and walk into the bar. I weave through the tables looking for number 7. Almost stacking it because some dickhead thought it would be cute to leave his bags in the walkway. I find my way to table 7 after a short while. A tall man stands to greet me. He gives me a gentle hug. His body warm and soft. Nothing special. I'm only here to get Abbie of my back. As much as his brown features draw me in. I have to draw myself out. I know I can.

We both take a seat and he slides a drinks menu over to me with a sweet smile.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Jan" he spoke in a melodious voice.
"Nice to meet you to, I'm Delilah" I reply and smile back to him.
He makes a little convo about the drinks. He's a self proclaimed beer conessure. I was getting red wine vibes but I suppose beer makes sense to. I got a sweet and fruity cocktail. He naturally got himself some beer.

"So Jan what do you do for work" I ask, intently looking into his brown eyes.
"I'm a guitarist in a band called Joker Out, nothing exciting" he answered while maintaining eye contact. His eyes slightly lighting up upon mentioning his band. I ask him a few questions about his band and other hobbies. Jans band seems pretty intresting. He described it as shagadelic rock, I haven't a clue what that means but it's definitely something to Google when I get home. I'm kinda shocked that I haven't heard of them since he made them sound pretty famous but mabey he's just proud. I would be to. Hes got a cat called Igor. Definitely a reason keep talking to him. His cat is very cute.

"Enough about myself. Tell me about yourself, what is your job" He inquired.
"I own a tattoo business with my friend Abbie" I reply
"That explains your amazingly decorated arms and neck. " He compliments as he gently grazes his fingertips over my hand tattoo. He asks many questions about my tattoos and how I find running my bussines. Jan slides in little touches on my body and compliments as he asks about my tattoos. Jan knows how to flirt. He makes me blush every now and again. After awhile we get lost in conversation. Somewhere along the line I mentally say 'fuck it' and start flirting back. I'm a bit rough around the edges but I get Jan to let a small shy smile creep out that he quickly covers with his hand.
"Your so cute when you smile Jan" I praise and gently push his hand down from his face.
"I'm not cute" he protests but dosent sound convinced himself.
"Well I think you are" I reply still holding his hand.

The waitress comes over. I quickly retract my hand as she asks us to pay and exit for the next date. Rude. We were having a moment but okay. Jan sighs. Shockingly I was disappointed that it was all over. I get over myself trying to ignore my feelings. I go to present my card out to pay but Jan pushes my card away. Before I can protest he pays for the drinks with the same sweet smile from earlier in the day.

We exit to outside the bar and stop infornt the doors
"I really enjoyed talking to you Delilah, could I mabey get your number and you could text if you'd like to see me again?" He inquired as he nervously avoided eye contact.
"I really enjoyed talking to you to Jan" i responded as I took his hand holding his palm out and writing my number on his hand. He smiled shyly again and looked down at his feet. Then back up at me.
"Do you have a ride home or would you like me to walk with you" he asked
"Abbie is picking me up, if you live near by I can walk back with you though" I said and placed a hand on his arm
"Nah im gonna get a taxi. I'll wait with you until your friend gets here" he replied

Awhile after I text her Abbie arrives. I hug Jan closely this time taking in his earthy sent and say goodbye. I get in the car and wave goodbye. As I drive away I can already feel myself missing his voice. His smile. His smell. His face. His presence. Fuck. Didn't take me long to fall head over heels in love.