Chapter 4: The Brickhouse

No.

No.

No.

I toss a fourth outfit into my bed after I decide that one is also a no.

“We are literally going to a bar to watch a band. You’re not Cinderella going to the ball. Just put on some jeans and a T shirt.”

I flop onto my bed and let out a sigh of exasperation. I don’t know why I’m suddenly so worked up about going out for a night of fun. It’s just Simon. We have done this dozens of times.

I end up putting on my favorite dark wash skinny jeans and fitted black tee. I decide against heels and go for my white Chucks.

Even though it’s nothing fancy, my outfit choice compliments my figure well; hugging all the right places to give the illusion I have more curves than I really do.

I’ve always had a thin, willowy figure. I’ll take what I can get.

I finish my make up, then let my hair free from the jaw clip and shake out my soft, loose curls.

My iPhone lets out a chime. I see it’s a text message from Simon saying he’s on his way.

I let out an anxious sigh as I glance in the mirror one more time. I shake my head at myself and grab my jacket and purse as my phone chimes with a message from Simon letting me know he’s here.

I lock the door behind me and make a quick little jog to his red Impala. I open the door and climb in.

I buckle my seatbelt and look up to see he’s looking at me with an odd look on his face.

“What?” I ask softly.

“You… um… look nice.” Simon says as he quickly shakes his head to snap himself back into reality. He shifts the car into reverse and backs out into the street.

When we arrive at The Brickhouse, the bar is packed with people. I grab us a table adjacent to the stage where the band is setting up and Simon grabs us a couple drinks from the bar.

The band starts playing. It’s a cover band and they’re actually pretty good.

We are each about 4 Long Islands deep when the band starts playing one of my favorite songs- Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer.

“Dance with meeeeeee!” I plead, dragging Simon to the dance floor.

I wrap my arms behind his neck as he gently places his hands on my hips. We sway to the music and halfway through the song, he pulls me closer so my head leans into his chest. I close my eyes and breathe in his smell. It’s woodsy, spicy, and brings me an overwhelming calming feeling. He feels like my safe place.

As the song nears the end, I look up at him and he’s staring down at me. I have no idea what I’m even thinking as I suddenly stand up on my tip-toes and press my lips gently against his.

As soon as I do, it feels like a thousand butterflies suddenly take flight and electricity charges through my body.

I start to pull away to take a breath and as my lips part he pulls me back, parting my lips further with his tongue, deepening the kiss.

He wraps his arms tighter around me and when the song ends I pull away and gaze up at him, feeling my face is flushed and I’m out of breath.

“Do you want to stay a little longer?” He asks me, not breaking eye contact with me.

“If you want. Or do you want to go back to my apartment?”

“That sounds good.”

We head toward the exit and he orders a cab once we are outside.

I can’t decide if it’s the alcohol or that kiss, but my head is floating on the clouds and I don’t want it to stop.