Sway

Patty Reilly

Patty Reilly's was the complete opposite of Sidewalk, and not just because they sold coffee rather than booze.

It was well lit and vibrant, giant murals covered the walls almost like a knock off art museum. Tables and chairs were strewn throughout the underground brick space. It was nowhere near as dark and musty as Sidewalk, instead it smelled like roasted beans.

I had decided to dress casual today, skinny blue jeans and a cotton grey v-neck. Phineous had also toned down his typically radical attire, this evening he had on some white wash jeans and a tight red shirt. The other patrons were all wearing similar things, each of them enjoying a crumpet or a freshly brewed coffee.

We had never been to this place before, so once the cab dropped us off on the corner, it took awhile to find the hidden staircase that led into the building. Now it was getting close to 9:45 PM and according to Charlotte, the open mic would start pretty soon.

Phineous led me up to the counter where a young female smiled brightly. "Is this you're first time at Patty Reilly's?"

We both nodded, "What's your best seller?" Phineous asked her.

She took no time pointing out a cold brew coffee soda float and we both decided to order one. She took our names and asked that we step aside while the drinks were made. We moved off into a corner and then my phone rang.

It was Charlotte and my pulse immediately sky rocketed. I had no idea why, it wasn't like we hadn't just talked earlier. I pressed the answer button and her chirpy voice sounded through, "Hey, it's Charlotte."

I smiled at her innocence, "I know who you are."

She laughed nervously, "Oh right, of course. I was just wondering if you guys were gonna make it." Just as she said that, I saw a flash of blonde on the other end of the café. I knew it was her because of the platinum blonde bob and pale skin. She didn't see me because she was looking down while pressing the phone to her ear.

"You know I'm not sure, I don't think I'm interested in hearing you sing again." I knew my words were cruel and it was probably wrong of me to play with her like that, but I wanted to see her reaction.

There was a silence on the other end of the line and I could see her bitting her fingernails across the room, "Oh, well, alright then." The disappointment in her voice was obvious and I immediately regretted what I said.

Our names were called and Phineous went to grab the drinks, I pointed towards Charlotte so he knew where I was going. Then I continued talking into the phone,

"Charlotte I was just kidding," my legs continued moving until I was standing in front of her, "I'm here."

She must've saw my shoes because she looked up and her eyes brightened. I had never felt so blissful before, but the look she had on her face was mesmerizing. "Why would you do that to me? I was literally heart broken."

I didn't know if laughing would make her feel worse so I settled on a little shrug, "I wanted to see your reaction!"

She rolled her giant blue eyes and I almost melted, "That's actually really cruel Talia!"

Now I couldn't suppress my laughter, "I was only joking Charlotte, of course I want to hear you sing." She literally had no idea how it made me feel whenever I heard her sing. It was like, swimming in a lake full of loons while they whispered their bird song.

"Good, well I have to go back and get ready but... I'll talk to you after?"

I nodded and she hurried off somewhere behind a wall. I remained where I was for a moment, thinking about the first time I had heard Charlotte sing. She did an original and I was a little tipsy, but with every lyric that left her lips... I sobered just a tad more. I couldn't help but wonder if tonight was going to bring about the same feelings, or if I had really only felt like that because I was drunk? I pulled myself towards the front of the room in front of the stage where Phineous had found new seats. He smiled and pushed me the delicious looking coffee float.