I slumped my body onto the bar after I ordered my food, tired from that days work. The cozy, bustling atmosphere of the north London pub sedated me, enough so that I could forget my worries. I tried to treat myself to a night out once a month or so as I couldn't afford to go out more than that.
I looked around at my fellow bar mates and saw someone that looked rather familiar, I squinted in the dim light as the guy knocked the last of his pint down and brushed a hand through his shaggy mop. I sighed inwardly, it'd been months since I'd had physical contact with the opposite sex.
The stranger ordered another pint and looked over towards me, clearly aware of my stare. That's when my blood ran cold. His icy-blue eyes locked with mine and my body froze. Even the waiter bringing my food couldn't knock me out of the trance I was in. He shot me a smile and cocked his head, as if to say can I come over. I nodded back in response. Not everyday you get to sit with the guy you've been crushing on for the last 4 years.
"i'ya, mind if I join you?" He brushed his hair off his forehead, still piercing me with his gaze.
"Yeah sure," I patted the seat next to me.
"What's y'name?" He asked as he sat down.
"Charlotte." I replied, my heart racing in my chest.
He nodded, taking another sip. "I'm N-"
"Already know." I tucked a strand of my long brown hair behind my ear as I sipped my cocktail.
"You ok love? I Recognised you from a couple of gigs and thought I'd say hi, could sense you weren't feeling great ." Noel's eyes met mine, piercing me with his baby blues.
I choked a little on my food, surprised that he'd even noticed me. ""Oh- yeah yeah. Just thinking, nice to know I'm not forgettable though."
"Far from it love." He said, his gaze piercing mine.
"Thanks." I felt my cheeks flush and turned away.
The pet name gave me butterflies as I realised it'd been so long since I sat next to a guy I actually wanted to.
"Boyfriend problems?" Noel asked, as my ex's number flashed up.
"You could say that." I sighed, letting the call ring out.
"What happened?" He mused, turning to look at me.
I took a long sip from my drink as I thought how to answer. A lot had happened. My ex Ethan, had been controlling and downright manipulative, convincing me to break up with my previous partner to be with him.
"Too much to discuss right now." I let out a deep breath.
Noel didn't push it any further, just sipped his beer and sat in silence.
After awhile he pulled a cigarette packet out of his pocket and handed me one.
"Thanks" I mused, lighting it as he held out a lighter.
"Why'd you care?" I broke the silence between us, unsure as to his response.
Noel had a puff on his cigarette before responding, running a hand through his hair.
"I jus' y'know, I hate seeing someone as pretty as you upset."
"Flattery will get you nowhere Mr Gallagher." I responded.
He shrugged it off, turning back to his beer.
"Aren't you married?" I asked
"Not anymore."
"Oh I'm s-"
"Don't worry about it love, I'm all the better for it." He sighed, taking a deep breath.
"Looks like we're both a little fucked up then..." I smiled at him, causing him to break out into laughter.
