Overjoyed

Chapter 9 - You always take it further

Dan came up to me after the meet and greet and asked if I wanted to get something to eat. Gees he liked to eat. I accepted eagerly, partially from hunger and partially because I wanted to spend more time with him.

It was 12:30 and we stopped at an all-night restaurant called ‘The Bears’. We got a booth and I eased my way in and instead of taking the seat opposite me, Dan scooted in next to me.  Our waitress looked about 20, with lovely blonde hair and luscious lips. I guessed an aspiring actress or model.  “What can I get you?” she asked, giving Dan an extra toothy grin. The grin widened and she twirled a loose strand of hair around her finger when she heard his accent but he remained oblivious. She looked considerably less enthusiastic about taking my order. I looked at Dan in wonderment as she sashayed off to the kitchen. “What?” he asked, puzzled.  “You didn’t notice that shameless flirting?” I asked. A mixture of amusement and embarrassment crossed his face, “No” he said and looked down at his hands. I placed my hand on his shoulder and softly said, “You were fantastic tonight.” He looked at me and said, “So were you.” I was slightly bewildered. “What did I do?” I queried. “You came out to see us. I appreciate that” he said. I smiled at him. “Eliza” he began hesitantly, “we’re leaving tomorrow.” Fuck. I had completely forgotten he was a touring musician. I had these little ideas in my mind of spending time with him every weekend, seeing their concerts and it just slipped my mind that he doesn’t actually live here. My heart sunk.

“Hey” Dan said and grasped my hand as the beginnings of tears stung my eyes. “I’m being retarded aren’t I?” I mumbled quietly. “No, not at all, I feel the same way. You’ve managed to impact me so greatly in twenty four hours” he said sincerely. “Will you come back?” I asked, slightly more optimistic. “Every chance I get” he said, and grinned.

Our food arrived and we began eating, deciding that he was leaving and I might as well be honest, I said, “I was afraid I’d really pissed you off this afternoon.” Dan sighed, “You did, sort of. All the attention, already, just makes me uncomfortable.” “You seemed fine tonight” I hissed. Dan raised an eyebrow comically, “Are you jealous Eliza?” he asked, amused. I gazed at him with feigned impassiveness as I’d realised just how absurd I was being. His fingertips grazed my hand as he softly said, “It’s my job.” I smiled at him and said, “I know, and I wasn’t jealous. I was quite proud actually.” “Of me?” he asked, his expression changed to one of uncertainty. “Yes…” I began hesitantly, “You’re really good Dan.” He smiled shyly and said “Yeah?”