Nightcall - Billie Eilish

4 -

The morning light slowly filled the city, casting a soft golden glow through the music shop. Dina pushed open the door, arms full with coffee and a croissant, ready to start a new day. As she turned on the store lights, her eyes landed on the counter, where the album ordered by the mysterious customer had finally arrived after four days. A smile spread across her face.

"Someone's gonna be happy," she murmured to herself, amused.

She picked up the store phone and dialed the number the young woman had written down in the notebook, letting her fingers linger on the paper a moment longer than needed. After a few rings, she reached the voicemail and left a professional message with a touch of natural warmth.

"Hi, this is Dina from the vinyl shop. Just letting you know your order has arrived, and you can pick it up whenever you like. I'll be here all day, so don't hesitate. Hope to see you soon."

She put down the phone, a strange sense of satisfaction washing over her. The idea of seeing this stranger again, with her amused smile and piercing blue eyes, made her feel almost impatient. The day went by quickly, with regulars and browsers coming in and out, Dina keeping her usual smile and passionate energy that seemed to give life to the small shop. On her break, she put on the album with the blue cover, the one her mysterious customer had urged her to listen to, curious about why the girl was so eager about it.

The record played smoothly, but something about it puzzled her. She mentally noted a few thoughts, wondering what she'd say if the girl asked her opinion.

The hours flew by, and as the store was about to close, Dina was alone. Frank Ocean's Channel Orange played softly, filling the shop with a nearly intimate ambiance, as if the music itself was settling down for the evening. She hummed along to the lyrics, moving gently, caught up in the final preparations for closing.

Suddenly, a simple "Hey" sounded from behind her, breaking her quiet solitude.

Dina spun around, startled, almost letting out a shout.

"Shit," she blurted before catching herself.

The stranger stood there, an amused smile on her lips, eyes glinting with laughter.

"Still not a robbery, don't worry honey" she joked, clearly pleased with Dina's reaction.

Dina shook her head, one hand over her heart as if to calm its racing.

"Sorry, that wasn't very professional," she murmured with an embarrassed smile.

"Not at all, it was completely traumatic. Just a reminder that I've still got a Google review to write," the stranger replied, pretending to be serious.

Feigning offense, Dina adopted a mock-serious expression and gave an exaggerated bow.

"I humbly beg your forgiveness, ma'am," she replied, lifting her gaze with a mischievous twinkle.

The stranger laughed, her laugh light and adding a touch of magic to the moment.

"You're forgiven," she finally said, a smile still lingering. "So, you were the sweet voice on the phone this morning, right?"

Dina felt her cheeks redden, a mix of embarrassment and pride filling her.

"That was me. If madam gives me a moment, I'll go grab the album from the back," she replied, her tone polite with a hint of playful mockery.

"I'll allow it," the stranger laughed, playing along.

Dina disappeared into the storeroom, leaving the stranger alone in the quiet shop. She took the chance to explore the space again, as if trying to understand Dina's world through her selection and arrangement of the vinyls. Her fingers ran over the album covers, stopping briefly at a particular shelf that seemed to hold Dina's personal picks.

The woman's tastes were clear in every choice, every detail of the layout. The stranger smiled quietly. It was like she was peeking into Dina's inner world, sensing her preferences and her unique take on music.

Dina finally returned from the back, an apologetic smile on her face.

"Sorry for the wait, my coworker had buried it at the back," she said, proudly holding up the record.

The stranger shrugged, amused.

"No worries. I got to analyze your taste," she said, eyeing Dina's personal shelf.

Dina blushed, looking a little shy but still smiling.

"Oh, that... I got so bored today, I just started organizing it randomly," she tried to downplay.

The stranger looked at her kindly.

"Well, I really like it. You've got damn good taste," she replied sincerely.

Dina smiled, pleased by the compliment. But before she could answer, the stranger continued, with a slightly hesitant tone.

"But it seems like the album you promised to listen to, the one with the blue cover, isn't here," she said, glancing at the shelf.

Dina raised her brows, clearly amused.

"Oh yeah, that one. I listened to it today," she replied.

The stranger looked surprised, her blue eyes widening slightly.

"And? what do you think ?"

Dina looked thoughtful, pressing her lips together as if weighing her answer, then finally said:

"Honestly, I hated it."

A flash of surprise, then disappointment, crossed the stranger's face.

"Oh no, really? That bad? Why?" she asked, her voice tinged with a bit of nervousness.

Dina shrugged, a teasing smile on her lips.

"I thought it was soulless. Empty. It felt like the singer was trying to tell the same story over and over, without ever really adding anything new."

The stranger's face fell a bit, as if Dina's words had hit deeper than expected. She looked both offended and unsettled, which Dina didn't fail to notice.

"I wouldn't recommend it. In fact, I put it way back there, where no one will ever find it," Dina added, pointing to the furthest corner, literally at the back of the shop.

The stranger gave a small nod, her brows furrowed as if something was bothering her. Dina decided to switch topics to lighten the mood.

"So here's your album. Hopefully, there won't be any issues this time," she said, handing her the Tyler record, her eyes looking for a reassuring smile in the stranger's troubled expression.

The woman looked at the album as if she'd just returned to reality and gave a gentle smile.

"Oh right, sorry. Thanks a lot," she murmured softly, her voice distant.

They locked eyes for a moment, and the stranger seemed lost in thought. She finally turned toward the exit, slowly walking to the door with a light step, leaving Dina alone in the shop's dim glow.

"Have a good night, Billie," Dina called out with a sly smile.

The stranger stopped but didn't turn back, only murmuring, "Good night," before stepping out. Dina watched her leave, her smile stretching a bit wider as she watched her fade into the night. She quietly closed the door, the store lights dimming behind her.

In her car, the stranger was about to start the engine when a thought hit her, making her eyes go wide.

"Wait... did she just call me Billie?"

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It hurt me to write all of that about HMHAS, don't blame me please