Learn To Love Again

CHAPTER 4 (Ryan Fletcher)

It’s nearly 8 in the evening and going back to the flat seemed like a bad idea. I guess I’ll just go to David’s tonight. David’s is a jazz bar that is home to great wine and damn great music. I used to have solo gigs here before we were signed.

 I was taken aback the moment I entered the bar. My vision narrowed to the girl that fell on my arms this morning. There she was, sitting on my usual seat by the counter, with five bottles of Blue Moon piled in front of her. I opted for the booth on the far corner of the room, to have a clear view of her profile. She was gorgeous. She had beautiful burnt-auburn hair that had varying shades of red and gold under the bar’s pendant lighting. Added with rich brown eyes and lush lips.

 She downed a bottle in one go then poured it to the brim. A smirk crept my lips. What woman in her right mind would drink beer straight from the bottle? Odd lass.

Tonight’s performer announced an open mic throughout the night. To my surprise, the girl stood up from the stool and made her way to the stage. How many times has this girl taken me by surprise today? She was walking towards the black piano on the stage but abruptly stopped and grabbed the acoustic guitar instead. I noted that this was her first time. Because usually on open mics like this one, she should first introduce herself and the song she prepared.

She crossed her legs as she sat on the chair in the middle of the stage. She strummed the strings twice, shifted on her seat and started playing. Once again, I was left with my jaw dropped open. Damn, this lass could’ve given Joel a run for his money. I closed my eyes as I listened to her sad melody. Her music was an open book, she conveyed her feelings well. She missed someone or lost someone. I couldn’t tell which.

I opened my eyes and stared at her. With the dim surroundings and the spotlight focused on her, she looked like a lamenting fallen angel. For a moment, our eyes met and in that short period of time, I wanted to lunge myself at her and comfort her.

Her song ended and everyone inside the room applauded. The girl hurriedly went back to her bar stool and poured another glass. I think I should go and say hi. I made my way to the bar but was stopped halfway by a group of girls asking for a picture and an autograph. I took the vacant seat next to the girl and asked the bartender for a J.D.

The girl had her head bowed and her auburn locks covering her face.

“That was impressive.” I said to her. No answer, not even any indication that I caught her attention. Nobody does that to me. “Hello, Earth to the girl seating beside me, do you copy?” I asked in a louder voice.

Jumping in her seat, the girl turned to face me with a surprised look. The bartender then came with my J.D.

“Your performance was great.” I said.

“Um… Thanks.” she forced a smile.

“Would you like some company?” I asked. “You see, I don’t have a drinking buddy and I figured that, like me, you’re by yourself. So, what do you say?”

“Oh… Sure, why not?” she said.

A couple of minutes passed and an awkward silence started to grow between us. For the first time in my life, I didn’t know what to say to a person of the opposite sex.

Before the awkward air eats us, the lamest question came out of my mouth. “So, what’s your name?”

“Mia, Mia Hart.” she answered. “You?” Her question stunned me. For the hundredth time.

“Don’t you recognize me?” I asked. Everybody in this bar recognized me the moment I stepped in. How can she not know who I am? Lawson is hot right now!

“No. I wouldn’t ask for your name if I did right?” she shook her head. What planet is she from?

“Seriously?” I asked.

She nodded.

“Chapman Square?” I gave out a clue. This is kinda irritating.

“Nope, doesn’t ring a bell.” she shook her head.

I ran a hand through my hair. I can’t believe this.

“Why are you getting so worked up?” she asked. “Are you supposed to be popular or something?”

“Me? Popular? Not in this lifetime.” I lied.  “Ryan Fletcher, by the way.” I reached my hand out and she shook it. The moment our hands touched, the strangest thing happened. Electric current flowed from the palm of her hand to mine. She pulled out her hand as if she felt it too.

I was staring at my hand when I felt her eyes on me. She was examining my face closely with her eyebrows furrowed. “Now that I look closely, you kinda look familiar.” she said.

Uh-oh. “We met this morning.” I said. “You stumbled on the sidewalk and I caught you.”