The Salvatore Girl

Chapter 18

November 28, 1895

It was late at night, probably around one or two in the morning. There was still many people around in 'The Lonely Sailor' , drinking and having fun. Some were even making out, and others were having their alone time, wondering about things in life.

"So, Torianna, why are you alone? Aren't you thinking of getting a boyfriend, eh? " asked Rick, the bartender, while placing out a huge jug of beer in front of Tory. "A face like yours would be stealing probably every man's heart in the place. "

Tory smiled and took the jug up, "I'll keep that in mind, " then took a huge gulp of beer. The liquid that trickled down her throat gave her warmth and a sense of comfort, but it lasted only a few seconds, then her heart continued to ache. Her smile was turned into a frown, and she let out a heavy breath.

"Oh, I think I see a new comer! " said Rick, in a singing tone, while his eyes were fixed at the entrance. Almost everyone turned to see who was most likely to become a new member of The Lonely Sailor 'squad'. However, Tory on the other hand, did not bother to look who was that person, instead she just stared into her drink, which was so calmed, even though it was in a very noisy place.

Then, an unfamiliar voice came from behind, "So, The Lonely Sailor, what an interesting name to call a bar this crowded! " A man came and sat beside Tory, Tory could smell a scent of lemon and mint coming from him.

"Exactly! People always do the opposite, like how one tells the other not to do something, but the other person always ended up doing it? Which I believe that the reason why people come here is because of the name of this lovely bar! The Lonely Sailor. " said Rick, with full of joy and was opening out his arms, gesturing this whole bar, while emphasizing on the name.

"What a genius! " said the man, "What do you have here..." pausing for awhile, signaling Rick to give him is name.

"The name is Rick, and since you are new here, why don't I give you a try on own very own 'Lonely Sailor' drink! It's on the house! "

"Sounds great to me! " the man sounded pleased, because he did not have to think about what to drink, plus it was free. He looked around the area, observing the interior of the place, then he set his eyes on the girl beside him. "Why would a beautiful lady like you be sitting here all alone? "

"Sorry, but the seat that you are on now is already taken," said Tory, in a monotone manner, not looking at the man.

"Oh is it?" He asked, in a surprised tone, and was about to get up.

That's right. Now off you go, I want to have some time to myself. Said Tory in her heart.

"Ah, don't listen to Torianna, there is no one sitting there. Ever since the first day she sat here, it became like her seat, and I don't understand why nobody wants to take the seat beside her, " Rick sighed while making the special drink.

Thanks, Rick. Very helpful of you.

"Oh, that's quite sad for you. Guess I'll be your only sitting buddy, be grateful, Torianna. " the man said, smiling while Rick handed him the special drink.

"Well, I prefer being alone, so no, I won't be grateful, " Tory said, turning her gaze from her beer to the man, wondering what kind of man with such confidence and a chattering mouth looked like. His hair was brown and was combed nicely to the side, with simple yet neat and expensive clothing, and a ring in his left middle finger while holding up his drink and taking a sip.

"Excellent, Rick! I really do like this! " he said, taking a couple more sips of the drink, and place the glass down and turned his gaze back to Tory. His eyes were brown and was looking back at Tory's hazel green eyes. When Tory realized that she was somehow staring at him, she quickly broke the stare and took another big gulp of her drink, and looked somewhere else other than the man.