I opened the doors. The bell that indicates that someone entered was out of order. It wasn't really one of those fancy bars. It was rather seedy, but somehow cozy. Neither was it very crowded. A few people was spread across the bar stools and a waitress was idly sweeping a wet cloth over the humble tables.
I approached the counter hesitantly. Several eyes were focused on me as I made my way past them. I took a seat by the narrow counter, and let my eyes roam the surroundings.
"A drink for the blonde" two sleepy gray eyes peered at me. His light blonde hair was meticulously pulled back, and he was wearing a quite neat vest. A close-fitting, waist-length, sleeveless garment that buttons down the front. Underneath, a white shirt, and dark gray denim jeans. All in all, he looked very tidy.
"No thank you, I don't drink" I uttered in a low tone, and steered away from his intense gaze.
"You don't drink" he said it like he didn't believe me.
"Well, okay. But just one" my change of mind caused him to smile broadly, as an indication of pleasure.
My eyes fell upon grandma's car outside. She was ardently talking on the phone, and wasn't paying any attention to me.
"So, what is your business here young lady?" he inclined from his vertical position and leaned closer to me. Tall. That's one word for him. He was immensely tall. Long legs, highlighted futures, and his cheek bones, almost perfectly shaped. He possessed qualities that gave great satisfaction for others to see. Much like Luke. But far from Luke. No one could compare to him.
"Business? I though this was just an ordinary bar?" an employee arrived at the counter with a glass and placed it in front of me. The guy payed her and gave her a small wink.
"You're right. Just an ordinary bar. I'm Sebastian by the way" he held one of his massive hands out to me, offering me to clasp it in greeting. I did.
"Well.. Sebastian. I'm actually looking for something, or someone. Here's the thing, my friend ran off. Or he's not really a friend, I don't know what he is. I was told that I might find a clue of where he had gone here. Maybe you know him?" I looked at him with eyes full of hope.
"You don't say" I can't explain the level of creepiness in his voice. His eyes was pierced on me, examining my reactions, my body, me.
"Luke, Lucas Legrand?" I swear that his jaw dropped a little. Just a little. Almost unnoticeable. The waitress who was cleaning the counter, eagerly peeked over at us, probably eavesdropping.
"Oh I see" he chuckled amusedly. "You're one of Lucas' toys".
I stared at him. "What did you just say?!".
He let out his breath audibly. "Look, Lucas is only playing you. I don't know what you see in him, but none of your feelings are real blondie. I suggest you forget everything about him and move on. Trust me, you don't want to go there" he unhurriedly got of the stool, and lurched over to the exit.
"You don't know him like I do!" he laughed at my remark.
"Blondie, you have no idea. But before I go, would you mind telling me who I just wasted five minutes of my miserable life on?" there was something about his accent. Something old fashioned, something solemn. A sense of serious formality.
I shook my head in despair. "Penny". He stopped. His head partly turned in my direction. Eyes scanning me a second time.
"For real?" he asked. It was more of a question for himself than for me. "You know. He doesn't really pick up the phone lately, but what the hell. It's the least I can do for you" he grabbed my hand and pulled a black ball-point pen out of his pocket. I flinched as the sharp tip met my skin. Bold numbers was imprinted.
"Who are you?".
"I told you" his slender and graceful frame towered over me, gray orbs looking down at my small figure.
"Miss, your drink" I turned to see the waitress, pointing to my glass of who knows what. But as I turned to look at Sebastian one last time, he was gone. Out of sight. But the group of numerals were still adorning the inner surface of my hand, from the wrist to the base of the fingers.
A loud honk made me jump. My grandma was impatiently waiting in the car. I walked back out of the pub, and over to her wreck of a car. As I reached to grab the handle, I took notice of my vigorously quavering hands. I had been too caught up in the moment to realize that I'd been shaking like an aspen tree.
"Are you okay honey?" she grabbed my quivering hand, and turned her eyes to my face.
"Your face is completely colorless darling" there was a concerned wrinkle between her eyebrows.
"Can you drive me to Evelyn's please?" I gazed fixedly at her with glassy eyes. "Please?" I repeated, and swallowed, trying not to show my trepidation.
"Evelyn? Did you two plan anything today? Does she know you're coming?" she asked while strumming her stubby fingers on the steering wheel.
"Just drive! Dive now!" she elevated her eyebrows at my sudden outburst of temper. But within a short time the engine was started, and we were back on the road.
"I just talked with your mother on the phone, she ran into Danielle at the mall today" I cast a brief look at her before making a slight, quick downward bending forward of the head, as in assent.
"She mentioned you" she sent me a grave look, causing my head to fall slightly forward with a sudden. A frantic feeling rolled over me. "You're seeing someone?" not a single sign of being happy for me at all. Surprisingly actually. She's the one person I thought would support me in this situation.
"No, I'm not seeing anyone" I uttered the words indistinctly.
"Did she lie then? Was that the boy you talked to inside there? The one who gave you a drink? Penny, he's probably in his twenties, and I could go on and on, he's not good for you".
"No, that was Sebastian, and I didn't drink any of it, for your information. And I am not seeing anyone. However, I did have an evolving relationship with someone who is long gone, so don't bother. Please, just leave me alone!" I moved in the direction of the window so as not to face her.
She left me alone for the rest of the car ride, and in no time, we parked outside Evelyn's house. I didn't say a word. I exited the car with speed, and literally banged the door in her face, before she got the chance to say something.
"Penny, what are you doing here? You can't come in right now, I'm in the middle of something" I ignored her protest and pushed her aside.
"Whatever it is, it can wait" I stopped to regain my breath. "I think I know how to contact Luke, I have his number" I took a break from talking to emphasize the meaning. Suddenly, something caught my eye. Larry was standing in the door way, with an embarrassed look on his face. His shirt, halfway ripped off.
"As you can see, we're kind of busy" she said while hustling me towards the door again.
"Please Evelyn. I don't want to be alone when I call him. I don't know what to say" I begged humbly. She didn't do a that good of a job to hide her disappointment.
"Fine, do it quick" she sent Larry an apologetic look before guiding me into the living room.
I sat down in an armchair, and rested my trembling elbows on the sidepieces. My phone in one hand, and the other one opened, making the black numbers visible. The phone was unlocked, and I prepared myself to enter the numbers.
Toot. Toot. Toot. I remained in a state of impatience, with an urge to cancel the call. But I kept myself from doing it. Toot. Toot. Toot. Seconds went by. There was a sound on the other line as the beeping ceased.
"Luke?".
