Same Streets

Chapter Three

The band finished moving their gear off stage and the bar finally went back to buzzing music from the stereo and dull conversations filling the air. I sat at the table alone looking at my pack of cigarettes. I really wanted to quit smoking but there really wasn't anything else to do. I didn't know where Candice was or anyone that looked familiar for that matter. I gave in to the urge. I grabbed my cigarettes and walked out side. It was so dark outside; the one street light on the corner didn't help either. But I lit up and enjoyed the fresh burst of menthol. I took it in and reminded myself that I was quitting..one of these days.

"So did you enjoy the show?" I was so caught off guard I almost choked. I looked around and saw what was crimson red. He peered out of the dark alleyway from behind the bar. "My name is Geoff," he said extending his hand. "Hi, I'm Hannah". I shook his hand; it was soft but strong at the same time. "The show was really good". I didn't know what else to say. I must have been crazy to be such a bitch about him before because up close he was pretty attractive, minus his bright red hair, but I think I could get used to it. There was a pretty awkward lull as I looked away and kept smoking. "Well.." he said lighting up his own. "Were playing again the next few weekends, you should come". I nervously accepted the invite and thanked him again. "Well, I have to go find my friend, I am pretty sure she left" trying to smile off the fact that I really thought I was ditched at 2 am in downtown Chelsea. "Oh, are you talking about your black haired friend? I know where she is come with me," he said stomping out his half smoked cig.

I followed him to the back entrance of the bar only to find Candice cozied up with a good-looking tattooed fellow. "Are you ready to go?" I asked. Candice shot me such a glance- I couldn't even describe it. It was almost like a "Wake up I am canoodling with this REALLY hot guy here is some cab fare" look. "Well hey I can give you some cab fare, me and Jacob are having a good time" she smiled as she reached for her purse. I guess it was cute seeing him have his arm around her, and I for sure did not want to be the one to break it up. "No its okay I can hang" I reluctantly agreed as I plopped myself on the love seat. There was so much alcohol and guitars and drugs. I was nervous at first, I just hated being around that shit, but alas I am a great friend.

I spent the rest of the night talking to Geoff. He was actually really funny, and as It turns out he is a huge fan of Robert Smith...what do you know. "So.. I have told you all about me. Who is Hannah?" He said turning to me.

Maybe it was my anxiety or maybe my buzz was dying but I just didn't want to talk about me, I hate where I am in my life why on earth would I want to talk about it? "Okay.. Well my name is Hannah.. I was raised in New York but I've lived in Seattle for the last five years. I have a degree in merchandising from WSU and now I'm back in the city, hopefully for good because moving really sucks," I said with an awkward smile.

See I hate talking about my past because it hasn't been the best. I moved back to NY because of a really bad break up. I'm almost positive that break up is what has caused me to have such social anxiety, I figure why give anyone the time of day because eventually they with screw you over. "Well that's cool", he said exhaling a big cloud of smoke."I went to Seattle once but I was five so I don't remember much" he said breaking my train of thought. I smiled. "Yeah Seattle is cool If you like Starbucks fanatics and rain everyday" that didn't sound bitter at all.

"Anyway, So now I work at a magazine sorting clothes. It sounds weird but its pretty cool." He smiled. "Do you want another drink?" I nodded yes and he politely grabbed me a beer.

"So the other night.." he started as he opened the beer. "I was trying to be nice and buy you a drink. I think your pretty, but I guess I got it wrong?"

Oh how I felt like bitch. I waited.

"No, I would have drank it, it was really nice of you but I just moved here and it was literally my second night in the city, I was tired. Plus I had a bad break up so I just want to be alone". I could not believe I just said that, could I be more transparent?

He nodded his head in agreement. "Just because I think your pretty doesn't mean I don't want to just be friends. I have had some bad break ups in my time so I understand". He was really sweet about it, and I think him acknowledging my pain and actually understanding it made hanging out with him a lot less stressful.

It was time to leave, and I was actually excited for the next time I got to hang out with Geoff. Candice managed to swipe a kiss from her "date", and Geoff and I hugged goodbye. We exchanged numbers, and I went home happy for a change. It was a good night.

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A few weeks had passed by and I was texting Geoff like crazy. I wasn't able to attend his next few shows because of over time at work, so we both made up for it via texting. It felt like I had been in such a long relationship before that it was hard for me to tell if he was flirting with me but whatever he was doing I didn't mind it. We had only known each other a few weeks and already he would tell me how beautiful I was or how interesting I was, stuff that really makes a girl happy. Ah, there was a concept! "Happy". I'm not saying I wasn't happy in my last relationship...at some point, but that is what is scary. Being happy with someone and then one day it's like a switch that shuts off and your relationships turn into fighting matches. But Geoff was different. We are just friends! Friends that like each other a lot and that's really it.

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Finally a night off. I managed to get my boss to let go home early on a Friday. That's unheard of around here but I'll take it. I arrived at my favorite Sushi place from when I was in High School. It's crazy how nostalgic a person can get just from being in a building. I met up with Geoff, Jacob and Candice. That's right, we were on a double date. D A T E. I couldn't comprehend it myself, I thought I had sworn off all males. But these two were very, very cute. Jacob was no taller than about 5'5 and played guitar. He had dark hair that fell to his eyes. Oh his eyes? Hazel as a mother. I wasn't into him but wow. He had his lip pierced which probably should have been taken out after high school but he is in a band so it slides. And he was covered in tattoos, even on his neck. He was with Candice and pretty much has been since that night at the bar. And Geoff, how can I describe him? Geoff had bright red hair which was pretty short as well. He had nice hazel eyes and he was so pale white-out was darker then him, but it suites him just fine. He is very polite; pulling my chair out, holding doors and compliments. And me? Just eating it up. We talked and laughed all night, drinks after drinks and real good food. He showed me some of his art work and I think that's when I knew I really liked him. He asked to see some of my designs and we just talked artist to artist. I watched Candice and Jacob flirt with each other and how sweet he was to her and it just made me happy inside. I couldn't believe how well the night was going.

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The cab rolled up to my building and I could feel anxiety creeping up on me again. "This is my place" I said looking up at the brick complex. "Let me walk you up" he said unbuckling his seat belt to get out. Like a true gentleman he opened my door and held my hand guiding me out of the cab. I slowly and anxiously walked up the steps to the door and turned to look at him. I smiled and he smiled back. "Can I give you a kiss?"

I didn't speak I just nodded.

He leaned in and gently kissed my lips. That's it. Just a sweet kiss that felt like it lasted forever. I could feel my heart rate jump, and my legs start to tingle. I kissed back. Our lips locked for a good 5 seconds. He pulled away and we both smiled. "I'll call you tomorrow" he said as her turned and walked down the steps.

The cab drove away and I stood leaning on my front door biting my lip, playing over in my head a thousand times what had just happened.

I embraced the moment in solidarity for as long as I could, then I immediately texted Candice. She was going to DIE!