I couldn’t help but widened my eyes. This man certainly had a way of getting what he wanted and he really got me this time. I took a deep breath, directed myself toward the stage and stood in front of the remaining people awaiting my performance. My heart was pounding fast as my gaze and his met subtly. I really wasn’t prepared for this. When I left my room, I was planning to enjoy my diner peacefully and leave soon after for a good night sleep. But somehow this man managed to put it all upside down yet in a pleasant way, I must admit.
I took the microphone and the music started playing as I felt embarrassment coursing through my vein. I think it would’ve been nice if I had a few drink before stepping on stage, even though I was aware of my low alcohol tolerance. Anyway, the lyrics started coming out of my mouth and it was Texas’s I don’t want a lover. Yes, I admit the song had nothing to do with my current situation, but it was the only one that has popped in my head. Standing behind the counter with his arms crossed, I saw him broke into a wide smile as my voice got effortlessly even more powerful. Maybe adrenaline took control of my whole being from that moment. The remaining staff, the few people left in the room and even the chef - who rushed out – all of them had their eyes fixed on me. The embarrassment I felt initially faded as the song progressed and their voices became one with mine along with the rhythmic hand clapping. Then suddenly, the chef stepped on stage next to me and we both started sharing the microphone. He knew the song so well that it happened I let him sing some parts for me. When the song came to its end, the room erupted in applause as I gave the chef a hug to thank him for his unexpected yet vigorous intervention. I stepped down from the stage and on my way toward Cole some of the waitresses gave me direct compliments and even offered me high-fives.
"Well, is monsieur happy now?" I asked, proud of the courage it took me to perform on stage without being drunk or slipping on this time or singing off-key. I think I deserved a medal for that.
"Very happy. You should’ve seen yourself. Mesmerizing."
“Don’t ever make me do that again, okay?" I replied, ignoring his embarrassing compliment.
"I can’t promise you that, but I’ll try to refrain myself."
"Not reassuring at all. So how much for the bottle of water?"
"A deal is a deal!" he stated before we settled everything.
"Well, it’s been a pleasure..."
"Collin." he finally introduced himself. "Collin the Bartender. But you can call me Cole, that’s fine as well."
“I think, I’d stick for Collin.” I replied, pleased to meet him. “Or boss. Yeah, boss is quite nice.”
"Never forget rule number one.” he chuckled.
"I’m Jamie. Jamie the Newcomer." I offered my hand.
“I’d just stick for Jamie, I think.” he teased using my own words back. “It’s a pleasure."
"Likewise." I replied with a shy smile, feeling redness going up on my cheeks.
My hand still in Collin’s, we exchanged a brief glance that to me, appeared like an eternity. That handshake wasn’t awkward at all; quite the opposite, it felt warm. Like some result of a pure and natural chemistry that just bonded the both of us. It was like a mixture of attraction but mostly above all a sense of belonging. I wished he had felt it too, this energy that connected us through this simple physical touch. A handshake that seemed to suspend time, isolating us from our surroundings, leaving just the two of us in our own world. Realizing that we had been holding hands for a moment too long, Collin quickly let go and apologized for his brief trance.
"Oh really sorry..."
"No, it’s fine."
"It’s getting late and I’m starting to… well, you know feeling dizzy.”
"You’re a bartender, it makes sense." I sarcastically added, referring to the massive tone of alcohol bottles arranged on the shelves behind him.
"Yeah...Well not really but…"
"I’ll be off, Collin the Bartender." I teased again, emphasizing the word bartender as I backed away from the counter. "And thanks for...the free meal."
"At your service, ma’am." he mimicked the military salute as we both snickered. "Good night!" he called out.
As I was about to disappear down the stairs, I just waved back, my lips curving unwillingly into a light smile.Though it was only our first meeting, I really was looking forward to discovering more - not just about my future adventures, but especially about this intriguing bartender. Chaston wasn’t just a simple, lost little town. Its charm extended far greater than its size and probably beyond the limits of my imagination.
YOU ARE READING
See You Again
ChickLitIt's an excerpt from Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables". He says: "The power of a glance has been so much abused in love stories, that it has come to be disbelieved in. Few people dare now to say that two beings have fallen in love because they have loo...
