I'm Not Like Him [boyxboy]

Chapter 4

Apart from singing in here, I've never actually gotten drunk in Eddie's Bar. It isn't local and nobody I know like Sam or Nate has actually been in here. For all they know, it doesn't even exist. Sure, that won't help me excel my music career but I like it like that.

It's best if nobody knows as there are fewer questions and they can't laugh.

I'm told that I can go on to sing so I do, taking my precious guitar with me. I sit on the stool and take in the crowd like I've been doing for the past two weeks.

Some regulars, a few unfamiliars.

“I'm sure some of you know me, I'm Alex Jackson.” I introduce myself and strum the first note on my instrument. A girl at the front cheers and I smile, playing a short melody. Some people know it.

As I play, I get really lost into the music to the point where I don't feel anything else. My eyes survey the crowd and I see a familiar face looking at me with beautiful curiosity. His mouth hangs open and I nearly choke on my words but I recompose myself and finish my set as fast as possible, making a quick exit.

I pack my guitar away but get stopped by a few girls, wanting to talk to me. I look over my shoulder to see if he's here and he's not so I speak to them, crossing my arms and answering their questions with haste.

“Alex!” I turn around towards the voice instinctively and he's there with the staff uniform on; a black shirt with an open collar. His hair is gelled back, giving him a younger appearance.

He told me he got a job but here out of all places? Here, in my bar?

The girls disperse and I'm left on my own with him.

He's always where I am.

“Alex.” He breathes heavily like he's been running to catch up with me, like I'd leave before he talks to me.

“River.” I reply dismissively but it doesn't faze him, he's got an astonished look on his face.

“I didn't know you sing. Or play guitar.” He says, a small smile on his face.

“There's a lot you don't know about me.” I'm tense, nobody's meant to know about this.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. But you're good. Really good.” He compliments. I smile briefly at that, accepting his words.

“So, you work here now?” I ask, shifting the subject away from myself.

“Yeah, man. It's not the best but it's a job.” He shrugs, looking behind his shoulder. “I have to go, I don't want to get fired for not doing my job properly. I'll see you around.” River walks off and I watch him leave, a disapproving feeling of his new knowledge settling in my stomach.

Nothing remains a secret forever.

*

I'm drunk.

Again.

For the third night in a row and I've been going to work hungover but they don't care anymore. That's when I know it's gotten bad.

I don't know how to not be drunk anymore. I'm not even drinking with someone; I'm just on my Jack Jones.

Taylor's gone to visit her parents for a week which means I have nobody to entertain me for seven days.

I need physical contact.

There are loads of girls who want to sleep with me but I want Taylor. The way she tastes, the way her body feels. I didn't think I'd ever say that.

God, what is our relationship?

My thoughts are interrupted by a voice I'd heard many times.

“Yeah, come in.” My voice doesn't sound like my own but I shrug and lift the vodka bottle to my lips. The door shouldn't be open...