Journey

JOURNEY

The bar is extra busy tonight. Seems everyone in town enjoyed Under Rhaps so much they're back for more. It's great news for Butch, and for me as my tips are growing, but I'm tense with Freddie around. It isn't until I see Faith enter the front door that my anxiety lightens.

She spots me immediately and comes running. We meet at the end of the bar, wrapping each other up in a hug.

"I'm so happy to see you. Butch! Come meet my sister!" Butch has a smile that spreads across his face the closer he gets.

Extending his hand, Faith meets him but yelps as Butch pulls her in close, enveloping her in his big bear arms. She laughs and I hear them murmuring to each other.

"Hey, I'm standing right here!" I yell out as Faith pulls me into their circle, putting her arm around me. The three of us stand close.

"Sorry, sis. I needed to meet the man that's been taking care of my girl."

"She's a handful, I think ya owe me, Faith." Butch grumbles but it's all for show as his joyful bellow follows.

"Oh, don't I know it! But oh my goodness, your accent!" Her eyes are wide and incredulous. "Do all the guys around here sound like that?" Her voice trails as her gaze passes over my shoulder, to the stage. "That's him, isn't it?"

I don't even have to turn around and look. The fact that she picked Freddie out of the crowd, lets me know there really is something different about him.

Butch answers when I don't. "That's him. She's been talking about him, huh?" He's got a smart ass tone about him that makes me want to grab a beer and dump it over him. He eyes me with that same twinkly look he gets when he talks about this band. And I have no idea why he's so fascinated with them.

The three of us face the stage as Freddie takes the mic.

"Good evening everyone! I'm so happy to be back here. I have to say, last week's gig will go down as one of my favorite shows ever." The crowd cheers and Freddie raises his beer to them. "The journey here has been outstanding, I can't wait to see where it goes next."

My sister nudges me and when I look at her, her lips twist to the side. "Oh, that voice. He's smooth."

"Please." I say and roll my eyes. "He's a songwriter for Christ's sake and that's all he can come up with? Dropping my very popular name into his intro?"

"Ya know," Freddie continues, "y'all are like friends now. So I'll let ya in on a secret. I've been alone for a while. I never knew what a good bar could do. Then, we sang, we laughed, we moved and grooved and if that's the way you need it, I want to give it to y'all." He has a boyish charm about him and his smile only creates more cheers from the crowd. His play on words lets the audience know what song is coming up.

"You were saying? Seems he's been thinking about his monologue all week." My sister snarks out, elbowing me as I catch eyes with Freddie. He gives me a wink and continues.

"I'm just a city boy who never stopped believin'." The band hits the opening notes to ‘Don't Stop Believin'' and the bar goes wild. I can't contain my smile and have to turn away before he sees me enjoying his playful flirting.

", I'm not hating this guy."

I let out a sigh. "You've seen him for three minutes and heard two sentences. He's a typical rock star trying to flirt his way into a one night stand."

"So, let him. You deserve some fun, too."

"Faith. Don't go there." I warn her.

"I don't think he's going anywhere, anytime soon." Butch replies, not looking at me, but wiping down the bar to avoid my stare.

"Not good enough for you, Butch?" I ask.

He shakes his head. "Oh, he's plenty good. I could make a call tonight for them. But I dont think they're ready to move on just yet. I think he's got a little more work to do first." I don't miss the quick side eye he and my sister give each other.

I ignore the questions that want to fall from my lips asking Butch for insight. He'll continue to be elusive until the time is right. He keeps his emotions close to the cuff.

My sister grabs a seat at the bar and settles in for the music. Butch places a wine glass in front of her and fills it, while I grab my tray and do my best to avoid the heartbreak that is sure to be looming over me.

It's almost one in the morning. My sister left about an hour ago, saying she'd meet me at home while I finished closing up for the night. Butch and his barbacks have restocked for tomorrow's opening and I've just sat with a well deserved glass of Savvy B while I count out my receipts.

"I don't think we've been properly introduced. My name is Freddie and ya are …" He approaches the back booth I'm sitting in and waits, allowing me to give my name.

"." I reply without looking up.

". Did ya like our song set tonight?" He slides into the seat opposite me and his manly scent surrounds me. His presence is overwhelming yet calming at the same time and it confuses me. I feel like I know this guy. I feel safe. And as dumb as it sounds, that sets me on edge.

"The crowd sure did. They love anything to sing with. And eighties rock usually does it."

"They did enjoy it. But that wasn't my question." He leans back against the booth, laying his arm on the table. His long fingers tap the table and I watch them, thinking about how they may feel on my skin.

"Yes, the set was good." I reply nonchalantly with boredom in my voice.

"Which was ya favorite?" He leans in close and when I glance up, his dazzling blue eyes hold me hostage.

"Freddie, please. I'm trying to close out here and get home to my sister who is in town. I'd like to spend time with her."

"Okay, I get it." He leans back in the booth creating distance. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to take your time. Maybe tomorrow night I'll come in for that wine ya owe me." His immediate response by backing away from me, has me feeling lost. He‘s very quick to oblige any request I have, leaving me wondering what else he would readily give to me.

"Are you on the schedule for tomorrow? I don't remember seeing Under Rhaps listed."

"You've been checkin' up on me?" His upturned lip makes my stomach flutter.

"I was looking to take a night off but thinking I'll save it for…" I let my voice wander. "When's your next gig? Friday?" When he nods with a smirk, I reply, "Yeah, Friday sounds like a good day to take off."

But he's quick to fire back. "It does. You could come hang out with us backstage instead of running drinks."

"Nah, I think I'll stay home and wash my hair that night."

He chuckles and I can't help but laugh along with him. This back and forth banter is kind of fun. And I'm let down when he stands.

"Oh, just . You're gonna make me work for this, aren't ya?" and before I can ask what he means, he says, "It's okay. I work well under pressure ." He winks and knocks on the table before walking away, calling out to his band.

I don't miss the play on words and I definitely don't miss the disappointed feeling I get seeing him walk away.