Stolen Paradise

Chapter 3

"Todo lo bueno de mí, florece, eres tú
Ese imán de una preciosa energía
Es tu alma que envía, señales a mi cuerpo"
Eres tú – Carla Morrison

Another Friday night had come and gone. I could hear the stragglers outside, still striking up a ruckus with their laughter. It was at the point in the night where everyone was too gone to cause a fuss if I changed the music inside the bar. I grabbed my phone, plugged it into the stereo system, and pressed shuffle on my personally curated playlist.

I grinned to myself, bopping along. I spun the volume dial until I drowned out the noise from outside. I grabbed the edge of the counter and pulled myself back up. I whipped out my rag and began wiping down all the tables, systemically putting the chairs up as I went. After a few minutes, I paused, fanning myself with my hands.

I didn't mind hot weather but being cooped inside without proper air conditioning and serving bar made things a bit sticky. I wiped the back of my arm across my forehead with a small chuckle. I didn't have much to worry about, I was alone in here anyways. No one to impress or scare away with sweat. I went about my cleanup when an old song faded on.

I froze, remembering what this song used to mean to me. Us. I sagged against the table behind me, catching myself with my free hand. I closed my eyes, letting the mellow guitar guide me along. I nodded my head, the nostalgia raising within me. Letting go, I pushed off the table, swaying in tune with the music.

I murmured out a few lyrics, imagining myself a partner before performing a simple turn. I swallowed as the feeling of his hands on my body felt too real. I bowed forward, squeezing my eyes shut. A frog growing in my throat, my tongue drying completely. My stomach dropped, and I clutched at the emptiness. A fist forming in my shirt. Emotion thrumming through me. I pursed my lips together, willing myself to keep the sob inside.

The doors to the bar squeaked open and I turned my head immediately, hoping that whoever it was hadn't seen my near breakdown.

"You gonna spend all night in here?" Angel's deep cadence asked.

I licked my lips, and let out a shaky laugh, "Still cleaning up."

"Hmm," He hummed.

Before I knew that was happening, the rag in my hand was being tugged out and his fingers were prying open my fist. He folded his hand around mine and spun me around, before catching me. I let out a startled breath, grabbing his shoulder for support. I gazed up at him to see him smiling down at me.

He stepped to the left, carrying me along with him. His body swaying in beat with the song. I clenched my teeth and gave him a strained smile. I wasn't sure if he knew that he was making my situation even more real by his actions. I followed for a few steps before stopping and trying to pull away. He loosened his grip, allowing me room but kept his hand held in mine.

"Dance with me," He insisted, an encouraging smile on his face.

I scoffed, wiping at my eyes as discreetly as possible. A tiny sniffle made its way through and I felt Angel's hand squeeze lightly, reminding me that he was right there.

"I have a bar to clean, Reyes," I tried, giving him the only excuse I could think of.

He made a show of looking around, "I don't see Bishop anywhere, do you?"

Unable to hold it back, I let out a quiet chuckle.

"You're a bad influence, Angel Reyes." I shook my head in amusement.

He shrugged, unoffended. He took a step closer, his voice lowering, "C'mon ma."

I rolled my eyes, hiding the way his words set my entire body on fire. I was emotionally vulnerable right now and couldn't trust myself not to jump him just to feel something. He tugged at my hand again and I met his eyes. His expression was sincere, he just wanted to dance. Nothing more, nothing less. I sighed, giving in and swinging into him.