Bassist Wanted. (Nick Valensi Love Story)

10

Ladonna's PoV

"Thanks, come again." I said cheerfully, handing a customer her records.
Jackson hadn't come in yet, which was strange, because he was usually earlier than me by a significant amount of time. I didn't worry about it too much; the snow had piled up from the weekend's storm and was starting to harden and make everyone's lives a living hell.

The bell to the door jingled as it opened and let in a flurry of snow as a familiar person let himself into the shop.

"Morning, Laddie." Nick said, suspiciously cheerful, despite the previous night's events. I raised an eyebrow slowly, ringing up an item that had no label on it.

"Why are you here?" I asked curiously, watching as Nick placed his hands on the counter. They were fairly close to my own, and I couldn't help but feel tense.
I tried to ignore his clear blue gaze, but I saw through the corner of my eyes that his stare was burning a hole into my forehead.

He said nothing, yet his face seemed to have the makings of a smile etched onto it. I tried not to smile; his smile was too contagious.

I sighed deeply. Part of me felt kind of bad that I hurt Nick last night. Yes, he did put me on the spot, but I probably went a little overboard with payback.

"Okay. Listen, Nick. I'm sorry." I said, speaking clearly and looking him directly in his eyes.

Nick's face stayed the same, yet his smile began to evolve into a full fledged grin.

"I didn't come here for an apology." He spoke. I realized that nobody was in the store except a girl who was entering a practice room for piano lessons.

I looked towards Nick.

"What did you come here for?"

"Guitar string. It popped last night after you went home."

Now I felt incredibly dumb. I warily reached behind me to look at the shelves, and looked back at him. I caught him as soon as his eyes shot back up to my face.

"Were you just staring at my butt?"

"...N-"

I sighed, already knowing the answer.

"What string, and what brand?" I asked, crossing my arms in front of me.

"B String. D'Addario." Nick clarified. I quickly found the string, and set it on the counter. Nick laughed, and bit his lip as he took his wallet out of his back pocket and slid his credit card towards me.

I punched in the number and rang him up, then slid him the strings wrapped neatly in their bag. When I looked up at Nick, he was still flirtatiously biting his lip. I felt a bright red blush heat up my cheeks.

"Will you stop that?" I asked.

"Stop what?" He asked, letting go of his bottom lip gently, making my cheeks get redder.

"Doing that!" I said, not too loudly, after a customer dawdled into the shop.

"Doing what?" Nick teased. I sighed flatly, pointing to the door.

"Thanks for your business sir. Have a good day." I said, nodding towards the door. Nick shook his head and smiled.

I decided to ignore him as he rested his arms on the counter, watching me. I sighed, and tidied up behind the desk. I sat down in my chair, and occupied myself with an old rental saxophone. I dusted it off, and cleaned the condensation out with a cloth. Nick was still there.

"Whatcha doing?" Nick asked me.

I flicked the cloth at him, watching the condensation spray over him. He looked disgusted. I laughed.

"What the hell was that?" He asked me wiping off his face.

"Sax condensation."

"Which means?" Nick asked.

"Spit." I laughed, watching as Nick opened his mouth in shock. Then, he walked around the counter and came behind it, and I stood up in defense.

"You're not supposed to be back here."

"Well, I am." He said sassily, leaning down to me. Our noses were almost touching, and I watched in a daze as he leaned in to kiss me.

"Hello?" A slightly familiar voice asked. I sprang up, and heard Nick sigh deeply. I peered over the counter, and saw none other than Nikolai. He smiled charmingly at me, and I could feel Nick's glare.

"Hi, Nikolai!" I said, smiling.

"Hey, Lad. I didn't know you worked here. You too, Nick?" Nikolai asked. I could tell he was a bit bashful, but it was so funny that it was cute.

"He doesn't work here." I said, nudging Nick away playfully. Nick nudged me back. Nikolai chuckled.

"Ah. Well, all I came here for was just to buy a new tab book. Here," he said, pulling out his wallet and handing me the amount in cash. I gave him back the change, and put the book in a bag.

"Thanks, Lad. I'll see you." He said, winking before he left. Nick looked flatly after he left. I chuckled.

"He's cute." Nick said mockingly, resting his chin in the palm of his hand. I rolled my eyes.

"You're so jealous of nothing."

Nick looked at me, and rolled his eyes. He was acting like a little brat.

"I'm right." I said with a sneer.

Nick stayed silent, sticking his tongue out at me.

"Oh, that's mature." I said, playing with a lock of his hair.

"Why'd you come here in the first place, again?"

"For a string." He reminded me.

"Do you have your string now?"

"I've had it for a while. Are you implying that I should leave?"

"Yes, because I'll get in trouble. At least wait until my break, Nick." I said  standing up and ushering him from behind the counter. He stood at the door.

He grinned, and saluted to me.

"When's your break?"

"3:45."

"Okay, I'll be here to pick you up."

I nodded. Nick pulled me close, and engulfed me into a kiss. I sighed, and returned to work.

Suddenly, Nikolai came back from what I assumed where the tall stacks of albums were. I looked confusedly at him.

"Is he gone?" He asked dangerously, yet playfully.

"For now."