Without You

Chapter 3

"Would you like a drink pretty lady?"

I looked up to see a large man with tattoos covering his arms and a missing tooth staring down at me. He was wobbling in his drunk state and even when I tried moving my chair away from him he continued leaning towards me. Frightened that he might fall on to me in the next 10 seconds I politely declined and waited for him as he grunted at me, said 'snobby whore' under his breathe, and wobbled off. I looked around the bar for Karen, and saw her leaning against a bar talking to a man who very much resembled George Clooney, in that attractive-older-man kind of way. Of course Karen was going to get lucky tonight, and I would have to find my way back home all alone. This is exactly why I hate going out. The only men who show any interest are either old, drunk, or married. And there is no way I would get involved with a married man.

I look down at my now empty cocktail glass and run my finger around the rim. If I just get up and walk out then no one will notice me right? Or i could pretend to get an emergency phone call and run out, without looking back. Or maybe a cyclone will appear right now and tear this bar apart and then I would definitely have a reason to leave...

Suddenly, I hear a loud noise, and for a second wonder if my cyclone idea had come true, but it's only a couple of guys play wrestling on the ground. People start cheering them on, and soon the whole bar is in on it. "I'm gonna hurt you SO bad you will NEVER be able to shag a lady again!", the smaller of the two guys shouts. The crowd erupts in drunken laughter. I roll my eyes at the scene, Only intoxicated people would find this entertaining,

"I reckon the smaller guy will win for sure, especially with those threats."

I hear a sarcastic voice from next to me. I look around to see a young man, in a very nice sweater with short dark blonde hair, watching the scene with a smirk on his face. He has his hands in his pockets and a very steady stance. He is obviously sober. He turned his eyes towards mine, a smile still playing on his lips. 

"I'm guessing you aren't really into the bar scene?" He asked.

"What makes you say that?" I reply, trying to sound nonchalant, but really trying to hold myself together at the sight of this handsome young man standing merely one metre away.

"Well, firstly, you are sitting alone." He gestured at the table I was sitting at.

"OK... and secondly?" I ask

"Secondly, you look like you've had one drink and cannot be bothered to make the effort to get a second. And before you ask, thirdly; you are pretty much the only person at this bar not blind drunk and enjoying the free entertainment."

He slowly raises one eyebrow and points to the two guys who have now stopped wrestling and are enjoying a round of shots with most of the other men in the room. I giggle and look back down at my glass.

"You are very observant." I say, chancing another glance at him.

He is looking at me, his eyes dark yet kind. He gestures towards the chair across from me and I nod. He sits down and crosses his arms on the table, leaning across the table towards me. Should I say something? Should I smile? I have little experience in this area.

"Hmm..." He starts to say. "I like observing people. Trying to deduct as much information as possible before they even open their mouths. It's quite rewarding when you're right about something." He flashed me a smile.

"And what have you observed about me?" I ask, leaning slightly forward towards him.

"I have observed that you are absolutely beautiful." He says without any hesitation.

"Oh..." I am very shocked at this statement but I can feel butterflies in my stomach, "Is that all?!" I say with a laugh.

He starts laughing, leaning back in his chair for a moment, eyes still on me. he leans forwards again.

"No, that is not all. However, I would love to tell you more over a drink. Can I get you another cocktail?" 

What a line. He is smooth.

"That would be lovely." I hand him my empty glass as he stands up.

A couple of minutes later he comes back with the drinks. I notice he has a Gin and tonic, and am glad he's a little bit sophisticated. Well with his drinks at least. He sits down and takes a sip of his drink. 

"So, lonely bar girl, do you have a name?" He asks.

A playful smile on his face, his eyebrows rise as he waits for an answer.

"Zoe." I reply.

"Lovely name." He quickly says as I sip from my drink.

"How about you, Mr Observant?" I ask.

"Josh. My name is Josh."

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Oooooh who could this Josh be!?

Ok so I know this may not be fantastic but this is my first proper story. Any feedback would be great! Don't hesitate to give me any tips on how this could could improve, or if my chapters should be longer or shorter :)

I hope you're enjoying it so far though, I am aiming to put up one chapter every one or two days.

Thank you for reading, I really appreciate it! xxx