Sunshiny Things (Original)

Ch. 36 Tempting Offers

Freya

The lights around the bar suddenly go dim, being left with only florescent lighting to set the mood. I push my way through the tiny crowd that has now formed around the stage as I follow Cole. I hear a voice speak through the vintage microphone set upon the stage, their tone making it sound like an announcement instead of a song.

    "Welcome everyone to Djs' Karaoke night!" the announcer voices to the crowd, a few people clap and cheer. Others walk over to a little table next to the stage, looking like they're writing something down. I watch as the announcer, who I just realized is a drag queen, scan her eyes over a clipboard that she is now carrying in their hand. "Our opening act tonight is one of Djs' fine favorites." The crowd breaks out into the whisper, but I just look around at everyones faces, including Coles who is just staring up at the stage with a smirk. "Everyone please welcome...Mr. Cole Sanders." I almost can't believe my ears as his name leaves the drag queens full painted lips. I look over at Cole, my neck almost snapping at how fast my head turns in his direction.

Cole looks down at me, smirk still on his face before giving me a wink and quickly heading off towards the stage. I'm too bewildered to move though, I just turn my head, following his movements as he climbs up on stage. I see him and the drag queen exchange a few whispered words, nothing that anyone can make out though. The drag queen soon leaves the stage, levin only Cole up alone, displayed for the crowd to examine.

He takes off his leather jacket, leaving in him only a fitting white t-shirt, showing off his muscles and arm tattoos. The illuminating, moody stage lights shine down on him as he pushes back he's curls from off his forehead. Suddenly, the music comes on out of the speakers next to the stage, a very familiar music. And it's not too long until I realize what it is. The long intro to the song plays out, leaving everyone in suspense and longing for Coles voice. Until...he finally starts. His voice was just a beautiful as I remember it, the words smooth and clear. And his choice of song only warms my heart even more. Livin' On a Prayer. The crowd cheers like it an actual, live concert, making me giggle slightly at the scene. But that then only causes my body to turn on, dragging my phone out of my pocket to record the sight before me. I raise my phone up and click record, now watching close through the screen of my phone as I video. Cole continues to sing, getting near to the second round of the chorus. But when I see him look over in my direction through my phone screen, I see him give off a slight smirk and hand motion. I lower my phone to get a better look at him, slightly confused by his gesture. He does it again, and that when I realize he directing me to come onto the stage with. I reluctantly shake my head no, though, knowing that if I get up on that stage, my dinner from earlier would come to greet me again. But Cole is very persistent, like always.

    "Come on, Annie," Cole speaks through the microphone in my direction, causing peoples head to turn my way. I glare at Cole, but he just holds his smirk before saying, "what are you so afraid of, princess?" It's not long until hear the crowd cheer Annie over and over again, Cole making them think that that's my actual name. Knowing Cole, I know that he won't back down. And with the entire crowd now joining the campaign for me to go up there, I guess I have no choice.

"Excuse me," I say to an old gentleman in a fedora that's sitting at one of the round tables that I'm standing next to. "Do you mind recording this for me?" I quickly hand him my already recording phone, not giving him time to answer yes or no. I make my way to the stage, each of my steps sounding like thunder in my ears over the loud music and crowd. Cole bends down slightly, reaching out his hand for me to help me up onto the stage.

I stare at his hand for a second, imaging it on my waist again like it just was moment before. But being the midget that I am, there's no way that I'm going to be able to get on that stage without assistance. So, I grab ahold of his large hand, the drastic size difference of the two causing my hand to almost look as if I was a small child compared to him. I climb up, allowing Cole to drag my body along with ease. And once I do, I come standing face to face with Cole, the space between us only being about three inches. Cole immensely starts singing again once the lengthy guitar solo comes to a close, his voice and words causing me to shutter as he looks directly into my eyes in the process.