HOURGLASS (The Story Of Us)

The Bar/Meeting Him

Ring! The shift bell sounds. "Marie sweetheart!" my boss shouts at me across the counter, "your shift is over. You can go home now!"
I worked at a local bar here in town. It was okay at times, that is except for when some of the drunks started to pour in at the later hours. They would try to whisper perverse comments to you and when you didn't acknowledge them, then they'd get all pissy and try to start trouble.
Although tonight, it was rather quieter here than usual. We had an open mic night here at the bar on Tuesday's and i enjoyed seeing the new talent around.
Since i had finished my shift and didn't have any leftover customers, i figured I'd hang around a bit, listen to the live music and do some of my work for my studies at the uni. I studied photography and I really had a nac for it. Thats another reason why i liked the bar aswell. My boss Mrs. Vega, i called her Mrs. V for short, she didn't mind me bringing in my camera to take some shots of the acts that would perform. Some of the bands were a bit smaller, but i was familiar with most of them since they often played at our bar. Most were bands such as Interpol and the Killers. Once we even had the Arctic Monkeys to come down and play. It was absolutely mad!

While i was waiting on the next band preparing to play, i sat down by a window at one of the booths alone, i began to spread out all of my homework on the table. Shit, i have some serious catching up to do! Work has had me so busy lately that I've just about forgotten about school. Bleep. My phone buzzes. I reach down to check it.
You have one unread message from Mary.

*Mary*
"hey Marie! Are you still coming over tonight after work?"

"Ah, for fucks sake." I mumble to myself, i had forgotten all about going to hang out with my friend Mary. She wanted me to come over and we watch movies. She mostly like horror movies, which was cool because i enjoyed a good scare every now and then.

"Ello, how's everyone doing tonight?" a unfamiliar voice asks from up on the stage. I glance up to see who it could be and i couldn't help myself but stare. Wow. Im almost in awe of how gorgeous this guy is. Ive never saw him around before. Jeez Marie stop staring why dont ya?! I picked up my phone to distract myself from staring at the guy, he was wayyyy out of my league.
Checking my phone i noticed i still hadn't messaged Mary back yet. I wasn't sure if i really did want to go over tonight. I had a lot of work to do and i was a bit tired. Not to mention the fact that there was a insanely attractive guy here at the bar. Bleep. You have two unread messages. Both being from Mary.

*Mary*
"helloooo?! Ya coming or not?" she asks.

*Me*
"um, dont think i can tonight. Got something to do. Maybe tomorrow? "

I send the message and I try to start back on my course work while waiting on the reply. Trying intensely not to look up at the guy on stage, i fumble around with my things. I even called Mrs. V over and tried to have a little chat with her. She glares at me. She knew i was up to something, she practically knew me better than anyone considering how much time i spent at the place. Bleep. My phone buzzed again. "Ah, must be Mary." i announce trying to get her away from my table realizing I'd made a mistake calling her over. I smiled at her, hoping she wouldn't notice the way i was acting.
Thank goodness, Mary saved me from the heep of questions Mrs. V was about to ask. Pwew.

*Mary*
"awe c'mon! You never blow me off. This must be real important, huh? I'll find out all about it when you come over tomorrow!"

Ha! She knew me well, I'd typically never cancel on Mary but i just felt the need to see what was making me so anxious about this guy. I needed to find out about him before i told her, so stopping her before she pushed further, which i knew she would if given the opportunity, i send a thumbs up emoji and say "promise." I set back in the booth now that i can relax since everyone is off of my case. I check the time, its 11:40 p.m. 20 mins until closing time. I start to pack my things that way when the band finishes up, i can scootch on out of here without anyone noticing.
I watch him for a long while. Taking him in. The way he moves, the way he sings, he surely was something nice to look at. Before i know it, the twenty minutes are up and the band is closing. Have i really sat here watching him for twenty minutes? Hadn't felt that long.

"okay everyone, i hope yous all enjoyed our set! Have a great night!" he says. Ha, he was British. I could tell from the accent. I loved it.
I look up once more, but this time only to find him staring back at me and with a smirky little smile. My heart starts to flutter and my knees begin to tremble. What is going on with me?!
I quickly grab my things, jetting for the door.

"Um Marie? Are you leaving?" Mrs. V calls out to me. Oh no! Not tonight Mrs. V, please just let me go home! I think to myself, but just my luck of course she isn't going to let me leave so quickly. "Come here sweetie, there's someone i want you to meet." she says grinning and nodding towards the guy. I shoot her a look. She smirks at me.
I start to make my way over cautiously, i felt as it i could fall over at any second. My heart feels like its trying to beat out of my chest.
"Hi Mrs. V, um did you need me?" i ask with my voice shaking.

"Nope. He did." she says pointing at the guy and walking off.

I look up to him surprised. Wow, he's tall. Fucking gorgeous too. My face goes red. The first thing i noticed was his eyes. They were the lightest shade of blue I'd ever saw. Perhaps the most beautiful I'd ever saw too.
My mind goes blank. Ugh, think of SOMETHING to say!

"hi." i say. It's all i could manage.
"Hello, love. My name is Van. May i ask yours?"