𝑴𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒍𝒆 𝑨𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒆𝒓 . alex turner

The Element Of Suprise

Alex's POV

───

It didn't take me long to arrive at the pub. Practically sprinting in, I spot Mickey raising a chair off a table. "Mickey?" I call with uncertainty. His head shoots in my direction. Upon seeing me, a blinding smile envelops his face and I nearly spin back out the door. "Alex Turner!" He shouts and I immediately recoil. Realizing his mistake of announcing my name, he slaps a hand over his mouth. "Sorry," he apologizes in a muffle, stalking towards me.
"It's alright mate." We both then stand there awkwardly, unspeaking.
"The guitar Mick," I voice plainly, snapping him out of whatever trance he's in.
"Shit sorry!" He gestures widely, pivoting away from me.

When he returns, handing me the guitar, I don't move. Mickey gives me a once-over quickly. "Uh- can I have your number?"
"No."
"Thought so." He pouts. "So why're you still here?" I frown at his words and he lifts his hands in protest, waving them. "Not trying to be rude, just like, why?"

"Is Jennie here?" I pronounce while looking over both of Mickey's shoulders. He stares at me, looking puzzled, before clearly grasping my motives. He smirks. "No. Should I leave a message for you?" I ignore his mocking tone.
"When's she in?"
His face twists, "Not sure I can give out that kind of information buddy." His previous smirk creeps onto his face, "Unless there was a specific reason I should?" Mickey states suggestively. I roll my eyes and click my tongue. "No reason," I spit out.

Obviously regretting his decision to provoke me, Mickey sighs deeply. "I'm joking." Patting my forearm he admits, "But seriously, I legally can't give out staff member's information to customers, even if they're Alex Turner." My temper eases when I survey his honest and sullen expression. Thinking, I rotate my head, taking in the pub's interior. Did I really come to this shithole last night?

"Does this place sell anything edible?" I doubtfully ask. Mickey visibly loosens. "Yes, we do." He pulls out a chair for me, "Take a seat and I'll fetch you today's special." I barely nod in affirmation before he speeds off to the kitchen.

...

[ Two days later ]

Growing tired of checking my phone's clock for the seventh time tonight, I shove it back into my jacket pocket. Rising from my chair, I adjust my cap, dejected for the third time this week. Red was a no-show again.

"Leaving so soon?" Mickey exclaims from behind the bar. I swivel my neck and reply with a shrug, "I'm not really interested in finding out Friday's special, sorry Mick." He snickers.
"It's not like you to give up so soon. I almost have the urge to give her a call." At this, I nearly flung my body over to Mickey. "You would do that?" I ask in disbelief.

"You've been here for the past three days." He laughs, "Some may find it creepy, maybe she'll find it charming."
"Why haven't you offered to do this before." I snap back.

"You never asked." He states plainly. I almost lay one on him then and there, but the promise of a call stops me from punching him. "Well?" I implore him, clasping my hands together in a plea. He nods meekly.
"My phone's in the locker room, wait here if you can," he teases, making his way to the back room.

Five minutes later he returns, phone in hand, ringing her up. I glance at the screen which reads Rogen. "Rogen?"
"Last name." He replies fleetly before the ringing ceases. "Heyyy J." The compulsion to snatch the phone from his hands rises expeditiously when he has the nerve to look at me and grin. "Yeah. He's here, again." He taunts. I nearly snarl.