The Music or the Misery (Book 2)

Why Can You Read Me Like No One Else?

For the next couple of days, I helped my boss fix Patrick's guitar. We removed the broken string and restrung it with precision. When I say 'we' I mean that I got to pass my boss the things he needed in order fix it. That didn't mean that I wasn't interested, in fact I paid close attention, wishing I really could fix it myself. To my surprise I actually enjoyed it. Having something intricate to focus on, took my mind off the fact that I had no idea what to say to him when he came back. Oh and working so close with something that belongs to him made me feel very strange. I just haven't worked out if it's a good or bad feeling yet. I'm struggling a little with the feelings inside me because it's now very obvious that I want to see him, for whatever reason.

I spoke to both Riddly and Sophie about everything and of course they told me I should just wait and see what happens.

By Thursday, I'd come to a conclusion I didn't like. I enjoyed fixing his guitar because it was part of him. I tried to convince myself I just enjoyed the task itself but when my boss gave me another guitar from the back of the store, to practise some mending skills myself, it didn't feel the same.

So, as I placed his guitar in its case, I let go of the guilt and decided that when he arrived I'd just go with it. It didn't mean that I was going to jump into his arms, it just meant I'd feel more at ease around him, instead of battling myself. Maybe it would be better, maybe I'd realize that he doesn't have a hold on me, maybe...

Fluttering my fingers over the newly fixed guitar one last time, I take a deep breath before taking it out to the front of the store.

There can't be much time left until he arrives and I don't feel even a little prepared... I feel weak and vulnerable.

Just like before, I hear the sound of the shop door opening followed by the immediate shift in the atmosphere. I take a yet another deep reassuring breath before I allow myself to look up. This time when I see him I'm prepared for the attack on my senses. My eyes scan him head to toe without regret and I take in his casual attire. He's wearing a red shirt today with his skinny jeans and fedora. Just like the colour of his shirt, his expression is bright too.

He hits me with his huge welcoming grin, while my cheeks hurt from holding my smile in. He takes up all of my focus as he gets closer, so much so that I can't think of anything else.

"You're here" is the first thing he says when he's close enough. The joy in his voice is obvious and I must admit, I'm definitely feeling joy too. What is he doing to me?

"Turns out I am working today" I smile, keeping my anxiety hidden.

"I'm glad, I was worried I wouldn't get to see you again" he explains, smiling shyly.

"It's good to see you too" I tell him, shocking myself a little. It's the truth of course but I'm trying not to wear my heart on my sleeve. Although I notice the joy in his eyes, as he hears my words.

"Do you want to see your guitar?" I ask hopefully, gesturing to the case in front of me.

"Absolutely, I know it's only been two days but I've missed it" he laughs then tilts his head. " Is that weird?"

"No, it's not weird" I say and click open the case. As soon as he sees it, he grins wider, his eyes flying over the instrument. Maybe it's not weird that he's missed his guitar but it's definitely weird that I miss him looking at me with the same passion.

Pushing that thought away, I watch him reach out and touch it. The very same way I did, his fingers fluttering over the strings. I swallow, imagining fingers all over me again. This is ridiculous really.