“I’ll play something a little different this time,” I smiled to myself as I glanced up at Nancy and Soph “I promise,” I giggled again and heard a rumble of quiet laughter from around the room.
My fingers played through a cover of an Old Arctic Monkeys song ‘Do I wanna know’ along with a few of my usual ones and everytime I did the room fell silent. “Last one for the night, or you’ll get fed up with me I feel,” there was a tiny rumble of laughter and a few whistles. I stretched my neck and cracked my fingers before I pulled myself closer. The familiar sound of ‘This is a Man’s World flew across the keys and there was an explosion of cheers and whistling from around the room. I closed my eyes as I sang through the song. There was a buzz in the air and I placed my fingers down on the keys before I stood to swop over with the next young lad who trembled in his shoes. I placed my arm on his for reassurance.
“You’ve made it ridiculous to follow now.” He smiled at me from underneath his dark grey eyes and floppy looking blonde hair. He clutched his guitar in his hand and I smiled back at him.
“Thank you,” I made my way down the few steps to hit the floor and turned to face him again “honestly you’ll do great.” I ran my fingers down my dress and felt two sets of arms fly at me.
“Oh my fucking god that was the best I’ve ever heard you!” Nance was beaming. She was kissing my cheeks and Soph was pointing towards me screaming.
“That’s my best friend!” I instantly went read and shoved her softly. I watched as my mum came down to where we were standing and she was crying. I shook my head at her and held my finger up to point.
“Don’t start,” I opened my mouth to continue but she threw her arms around me and squeezed tightly.
“You are absolutely wonderful. I’m so proud of you sweetheart.” I cuddled her softly and glanced towards where I knew Conway was standing. He was no longer there but Alfie was ushering me towards him. I left my mum in the capable hands of my best friends and stood opposite the bar watching Alfie.
“That last one is my favourite I think.” He beamed at me and I smiled to myself.
“Yeah one of mine too.” He lifted his hand up to high five me and I smiled widely before giving him one back. I heard the guy up on the stage's voice run through the pub.
“I’m not as good as she was,” I flushed red as I nodded in his direction and he smiled widely at me “but to pay homage to her theme I’ll be singing a classic.” He strummed his guitar and started to play Let’s Stay Together by Al Green and the room almost lit up again.
“I love this one too.” Alfie nudged me and I smiled to myself before feeling a hand against my arm. The smell of him hit me before anything else. It was rich and sweet but so fucking masculine. I inhaled deeply.
“Nice choice of songs.” His eyes wandered over me and I froze.
“I thought so too.” My voice had turned into a whisper and I turned to face him. His hair was roughly styled and the scruff on his chin was more full. I bit down on my lip so that I didn’t smirk and examined him. His hand was still placed on my arm and there was that electricity pulsing between us again. I glanced toward his white shirt which was pulled more taught against his large chest and gulped. His mouth turned upwards on one side as he let my arm go. He pulled me closer towards where he was sitting, his hand was resting on the top of my thigh and I knew my face was growing more red with colour with every passing second.
“Are you going to play tonight Mr Vens?” I raised my eyebrow at him and he simply laughed. It sent shivers through my body.
“I couldn’t possibly.” His teeth were nearly as white as his shirt and I pushed my long hair from my face behind my ear. I realised my hand was resting against his shoulder. I squeezed slightly and felt the tension in his muscles flex beneath it.
“Where did Conway go?” I questioned quickly trying my hardest not to get lost in his big blue eyes.
“He’s had to run some errands we can go and meet him afterwards if you’d like?” I felt his hand pull me closer towards him so that I was practically sat in his lap and inhaled sharply. I found myself staring in his eyes. I heard a woman laughing next to us and tried to concentrate on breathing.
“Why didn’t you say you knew him?” I searched his eyes for some give away and he simply shrugged.
“I didn’t have a clue you knew him when we danced at the wedding. I only found out after the fact. If he knew I’d got my hands on you here,” He squeezed where his hand was just underneath my arse and my heart began to pound “he’d probably kill me.” He flashed a wicked grin at me and I cleared my throat.
“Then why is your hand there?” His eyes danced as I asked him the question and I watched as he leant back against his stool not moving his hand. An uncomfortable dig landed in my back.
“Oh I’m sorry love, I didn’t see you there.” I glanced towards the younger lad whose hair was ruffled and a soft dark blonde colour. His eyes darkened as he examined me. His eyes ran down the length of my body until he spotted Haz’s hand.
“Don’t worry, it’s fine.” I lied and cleared my throat. Haz leant closer towards me, his face brushed past
