Unpretty Me

Now Brewing #14: A Concert for One

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Isla stood outside That's So Brewed, her heart hammering in her chest. The café looked like something out of a dream. Soft fairy lights glimmered from the windows, casting a warm glow over the street. She could hear the faint murmur of music inside, and the air smelled of freshly brewed coffee and pastries, as if the café itself were holding its breath in anticipation.

Why did I come here? she thought, clutching the strap of her bag so tightly her knuckles turned white. She could still run away. Pretend she never got Luke's message. But something about the lights, the setup, and the tiny hope flickering inside her made her push the door open.

The soft chime of the bell above the door announced her arrival.

And then she saw it:

Marina, the plush mermaid, sat front and center on a chair facing a makeshift stage.

The sight hit Isla harder than she expected. A lump formed in her throat. He remembered. Luke had placed Marina right where she could see her, as if silently saying, This is for you.

Isla's gaze drifted around the room. The café had been completely transformed. The tables were cleared, chairs arranged in a cozy semi-circle around the small stage. The employees—Bea, Marco, and the rest—stood quietly in the background, casting curious but knowing glances in Isla's direction.

And then there was Luke, standing by the stage, his hands in his pockets, looking nervous but hopeful.

"Hi," he said softly, his voice cutting through the thick silence.

Isla's heart skipped a beat. "Hi."

Luke stepped forward, holding a microphone in his hand. He looked at her as if she were the only person in the world. "I, uh... I know this is probably a lot." He gave her a sheepish grin. "But I wanted to do something special—for you."

Isla stared at him, feeling overwhelmed. "Luke, I don't—"

Before she could finish, Luke gently handed her the microphone. "Sing for me."

Her breath hitched. "Luke, I can't—"

"Yes, you can," he interrupted, his voice steady but kind. "You've been singing for me all along, Isla. I just didn't know it was you." He smiled, and it wasn't the teasing grin she was used to. This one was softer. Sincere. "I've been listening, and I'm still here."

Isla's fingers trembled as they closed around the microphone. For a moment, she thought about running again—about disappearing into the night and avoiding this terrifying, wonderful moment.

But then she saw the way Luke was looking at her. Like she was the most beautiful woman in the world.

With a deep breath, Isla stepped toward the stage, her heart pounding in her chest. She glanced at Marina sitting front row, as if the mermaid plush were cheering her on. Slowly, hesitantly, she raised the microphone to her lips.

"I'm going to need some music," she whispered nervously.

Luke grinned, relieved that she hadn't bolted. "Already taken care of."

He reached behind the counter and pressed a button. The soft, opening chords of "Tadhana" by Up Dharma Down began to play, filling the café with its haunting, beautiful melody.

Isla closed her eyes, letting the music wash over her. The first few notes trembled, but then something shifted—the fear melted away, replaced by the pure love she had for singing.

And then she sang.

Her voice soared, raw and emotional, as if every word of the song was pulled from the depths of her heart. She sang about destiny, longing, and the ache of loving someone you're afraid to lose. The employees stood silently, mesmerized by her voice, as if witnessing something rare and magical.

Luke? He stood at the edge of the stage, transfixed. He knew Isla had a beautiful voice, but hearing her sing in person, with all her heart and soul, was something else entirely.

As the final note of "Tadhana" drifted into silence, the café seemed to hold its breath. Isla slowly opened her eyes, her heart pounding from more than just the song.

Luke took a step closer, his gaze never leaving hers. There was no teasing grin, no playful smirk—just quiet awe.

"That was..." He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Incredible."

Isla lowered the microphone, her hands trembling slightly. "I—" She started to speak, but Luke cut her off, gently placing a hand on hers.

"I need to say something," he said softly, his voice steady but full of emotion. "I didn't fall in love with SirenAngel or some online fantasy."

Isla's heart stopped. He said it.

"I fell in love with the woman who roasts me every day," Luke continued, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, "and makes my coffee taste like magic. The one who teases me about my terrible business names and sneaks pastries when she thinks no one is looking."

Isla felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes.

Luke took another step closer, until there was barely any space between them. "I fell in love with you, Isla. The real you."

Isla didn't think—she just acted. She threw her arms around Luke, burying her face in his chest.

Luke froze for half a second, stunned, and then wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. For a moment, they just stood there, tangled in each other, the world outside the café forgotten.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner," Isla whispered against his chest, her voice thick with emotion.

Luke chuckled softly, pressing his cheek against her hair. "I think I figured it out eventually."

The employees, still watching from the sidelines, exchanged delighted grins. Bea even wiped away a tear, nudging Marco. "I knew they were into each other," she whispered.

Marco smirked. "Took them long enough."

After a few moments, Luke pulled back slightly, just enough to look into Isla's eyes. "So... what now?" he asked with a playful grin.

Isla smiled, her heart lighter than it had been in weeks. "Well," she said, brushing a stray curl from her face, "I guess you'll have to find a new way to roast me every day."

Luke laughed, the sound warm and familiar. "I think I can manage that."

As the employees clapped and cheered, Isla and Luke stood in the glow of fairy lights, knowing that this—this messy, imperfect, wonderful connection—was just the beginning.

And for the first time in a long time, Isla felt like she belonged. Not just as SirenAngel, but as herself.

Andthat was more than enough.  

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