The Music We Make

I had a little less than an hour to get ready to hang out at the bar. I couldn’t decide whether just to play it cool and wear what I wore to work today, or if I should change and fix myself up. I decided on the latter, wanting to show off how cute I could really be. Thoughts of Brian drifted through my brain again as I decided this, thinking that maybe I could prove to him that I am not only awesome at my job, but I can be sexy too.

I laughed at myself, knowing the thought was somewhat silly, but decided to change anyways. Regardless of how Brian would feel about it, I liked dressing up and using make up; it made me feel good about myself. So, I decided on my black leggings with the leather panels down each side, a violet lacy tank, my leather jacket, and combat boots. I took my white-blonde hair out of its bun and tamed the waves, then fixed my makeup and I was ready to go. I would be a little late, but oh well.

Johnny’s Bar was only two blocks from my apartment, so it was a quick walk. It was chilly out, which I loved and was glad I grabbed the jacket.

When I got to the bar, I spotted Jimmy right away. He was much taller than everyone around him and he was chugging a beer while everyone chanted. I laughed at the scene, which reminded me of my college days, and knew I was in for a fun night.

“ROSIE!” I heard Johnny yell. He was waving me over to their group of friends.

“Hey!” I said, feeling nerves in the pit of my stomach. I hated meeting new people and there were a few I did not recognize here. I walked towards Johnny and Zack, who were talking with two other guys.

Zack put his arm around me when I got to him and introduced me to Matt and Jason Berry, who worked with the band when they were on tour. He then led me around the group and introduced me to everyone else I didn’t know. By the time we were done, I only remembered the Berry’s, Matt’s girlfriend Val, and her sister.

Zack left me then, going to get me a drink at the bar. I couldn’t wait for him to get back as I stood there awkwardly next to the group of friends. They were all enjoying each other’s
company, but I just stood out of the edge, not knowing what to do. Social anxiety, here I am!

I jumped a little bit when I felt a hand on my arm, and was more shocked when I realized it was Brian’s.

“Hey,” I said to him, looking him in the eye.

He had a drink in his hand, but didn’t seem drunk. He said, “Hey Rose. Glad you’re here.”

“Rosie,” I reminded him.

“I like Rose.”

I laughed. “Well, OK. You can call me that if you want. Just not Rosemary.”

“Don’t tempt me now,” he said with a smirk. He took a sip of his drink then said, “But seriously, I’m glad you came.”

“I’m surprised to hear you said that,” I told him before I could help myself. Before I could say anything else, Zack showed up with my drink.

“Jack and Diet Coke for the lady,” he slurred. He was drunk already and I could help but laugh. As I took the drink, I glanced at Brian, who had a small scowl on his face. I had offended him, and though I shouldn’t have cared, I felt bad.

“Thanks, Zack,” I said, taking a sip. My favorite drink slipped down my throat and I immediately felt calmer. I just needed a few more of these.

“ZACHARY!” we heard Jimmy yell. “Get your ASS OVER HERE!” Zach ran off, leaving Brian and I alone again.

“Listen,” I started, feeling like I needed to apologize. “About what I said before...”

He put up his hand. “I get it, I’ve been an ass. I’m normally wonderful, really.”

I chuckled. “I’d like to see that.”

We started talking more then, just small talk, and it was actually pleasant. He was being really kind, asking me questions, and really listening to me. We didn’t get too far into the conversation when one of the twin sisters came up to us. I couldn’t tell which sister it was.

“Brian,” she started, placing her hand on his arm. “Come dance.”

“No, Michelle.”

Ah, so it was Michelle. I felt awkward watching the exchange between the two; should I still stand here or should I sneak away?

“Come on, Bri,” she pleaded. She stumbled a little as she tried to pull him towards an empty space in the middle of the bar.

“No one else is dancing. I need a smoke,” he stated, brushing her off. He walked away then, leaving me there with the slightly intoxicated twin.

“I miss him,” she sighed, not really looking at me. I wasn’t sure if she was talking to me or herself.

“Well, he just went outside,” I offered.

“I dumped him, you know? But now I miss him.”

So, there it is. The ex-girlfriend. No wonder it felt so awkward a moment before.

“That’s reasonable. How long did you date?” I asked.

“Too long, I guess,” she said, laughing and putting her hands on my shoulders. “You’re pretty!”

“Uh, thanks,” I said.

Michelle grabbed my hand then and drug me towards their other friends. She kept asking people to dance with her, but no one accepted the invitation. We weren’t at a club after all.
Eventually she paraded me over to Matt and Val. Her sister stopped her before she continued, leading her to the bathroom to chat. Matt just laughed and rolled his eyes.

“She’s sad about Brian,” I told him.

Matt rolled his eyes. “She’s just drunk. She won’t be sad about it in the morning. They needed to break up.”

“What happened?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“They didn’t really date that long. It was just about sex. They didn’t see eye to eye on anything else,” he told me, shrugging. “I love her and she’ll be my sister in law someday, but
she is just not compatible with my best friend.”

I smiled at the mention of his intentions to marry Val. Matt was such a sweet guy.

“Come on,” he said, “Let me buy you another drink.”

Notes

Shorter chapter, I know, but I wanted to update it for y'all. Let me know what you think :)