Finding My Muse - Nicholas Galitzine

Chapter Thirteen: Calling It

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--Esmerelda's POV--
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Kylie asks as I nod my head taking the last sip of my drink. Her laughter is contagious as it spreads through our small group. Some of our friends from last year texted us and asked if we wanted to get drinks. How could I refuse even though I swore off alcohol like a day ago?

"Girl, what has gotten into you?" Dante asks as he leans over the bar with a rag across his shoulder. Our friends cheer me on as I blink a few times and head on stage. I grab the microphone and introduce myself before turning to the songbook. I ask for a classic from Carrie Underwood. The first couple of notes start playing of Before He Cheats as the bar becomes quiet.

When I get to the bridge I run my hand through my hair as my cheeks feel like they are on fire. I finish the song and take the shot off the little table to the side, "Tip your bartenders," I mumble before walking back over to the group.

"You sounded so good. Why don't you sing more?" Jennifer asks as I sit down with a smile. Everyone else says basically the same thing and I can't lie it feels kind of good.

"How come I wasn't invited?" Harry asks leaning down to give Kylie a kiss. My eyes look to his right seeing Nick holding a container of wings , "Don't want to interrupt girls night but," he says before turning to me, "that was incredible," he tells me.

"I think I'm going to be sick," I whisper before quickly jogging to the bathroom. Kylie is hurrying after me as I lean over the sink, baring my weight on the cold ledge.. The hair on my neck is sticking to my skin as sweat builds up from the drinks and embarrassment.

"Alright. What the fucks going on with you?" She asks standing in front of the door after checking all the stalls. I splash cold water on my face as she stares me down, "Every time you see Nick or god forbid we mention his name, you get all weird? Do you really hate him that much?" She asks as she walks over and pulls my hair out of my face.

I close my eyes before standing up straight, "We made out at the frat party," I tell her. She wants to smile but the look on my face makes her refrain from showing any emotion, "Its fine, really it's not that I'm sad he did it," I tell her before correcting myself, "I'm just upset he hasn't tried to talk about it. Like we were kind of becoming friends...but now he's quiet and all we do is make the same old comments," I explain.

"Why don't you just beat him at his own game?" She asks as I stare at her through the mirror, "Just be overly nice to him so he feels bad," she explains.

"I think I'd rather die," I tell her as she rolls her eyes laughing, "But maybe," I whisper with a small smile.

"Good , now sober up and gain some self respect. You sounded great and even tall, dark, and mysterious can't take that away from you," she says making me let out a genuine laugh. I grab a paper towel and dry my face before walking back out with her. Thankfully the guys left with their food before we got back out here.

"Were those double date guys?" Dante asks as we sit back down. He slides me a a ginger ale and I thank him as Kylie smiles.

"The amazingly handsome one is my boyfriend," she says. Dante side eyes me as she starts going on and on about he's the best guy she's ever talked to. Oh to be in the honeymoon phase.

"What about the other one? You?" He asks pointing at me. I shake my head as I put the glass back down on the bar, "He seemed pretty interested in your performance," he says making Kylie smirk.

She leans closer and asks for the details. Thankfully another customer walks up and interrupts the conversation. I'm not in the mood to hear about Nicks reaction to my drunk performance, "hey, I might call it a night. I think with school and the internship....I need some rest," I tell the group. Kylie tries to get me to stay but understands. I give everyone a hug after closing out my tab. Dante waves at me as I start walking out pulling a beanie down my head. I swear it couldn't get any colder out here even if it tried. It's like if Antarctica got lost and came to New York.

I just need this week to end.