He shouldn't have picked up the phone, he thought staring off into space as he recalled how he spent his evening earlier. He shuddered looking back on how his date with Ruby Thompson revealed details of the latest shopping spree she indulged in whilst in Italy. He was trying, honestly, he was. But there's only so much time one can spend talking about clothes.
Jack knew he shouldn't have allowed his mother to set him up on a blind date. But after the divorce with Lucille that took place due to her infidelity, his mother had taken it upon herself to provide him with assistance. Jack appreciated it and knew that due to him still being single though the divorce happened more than a year ago, his mother was simply worried.
Several people were worried, including his very own brother, Oscar who had been livid.
Details had been revealed to the public on just what led to the once happy couple falling apart It was painful knowing his now ex-wife gave birth to a child who was biologically connected to the man whom he'd once considered a friend.
He takes a sip of the scotch whilst his eyes casually roamed around the restaurant. Why he came here after his date is something he couldn't necessarily explain. But a part of him knew he wanted to hear her sing.
He wanted to get lost in the tune and not think at all. It had been more than a week since she started working at his aunt's restaurant and unsurprisingly the number of customers had increased. It seemed more people found an appeal to her voice and Jack grew excited once he caught sight of her take her place on the stage and leaned unconsciously closer, ignoring the drink on the table to listen.
Erica took a deep breath, calming her rapidly beating heart allowing the music to drift her away. This would be the first time she'd performed this song she wrote revealing her inner frustrations.
Past days I yearn for one glance,
A single hint I might have a chance.
To stop staring from a distance
And tell you, you're the piece missing.
In dreams, this I can easily say,
In reality the issue is not the same.
Do winds mention me in your ear?
Telling you all emotions, I fear.
Emotions that shouldn't be within me,
When you did nothing to earn me.
In dreams its all a different say,
In reality the issue is not the same.
Why do you seek comfort in others?
Making sure we are not near each other.
Should I change my walk, to see I'm there?
Should I change my laugh to get you to care?
In dreams, I'm perfect to you in every way,
In reality the issue is not the same.
Once she stepped off the stage graciously, he smiled at having his thoughts halted. He turned placing his elbows on the bar, using it as a form of support after the overwhelming sensation he felt. Just when he found himself relaxing slightly, the sound of the stool next to him scraping against the floor causes him to briefly glance up and find her taking a seat. She ordered lemonade leaning back into her seat looking at his stiff profile before taking note of the scotch sitting in front of him.
"Are you sure you want to be drinking hard liquor?" she asked suddenly. He looked up again to find her already observing him. Erica had to bite the inside of her cheeks to prevent herself from laughing. Seeing him again, the way he became easily disgruntled was fascinating. For a man who had power considering he owned an entire empire, act like an adolescent gratified her more than she knew was possible.
His brows furrowed in confusion before she continued," If you have a tendency of losing control of your mouth sober then I'd like to think you're prone to become reckless when drunk."
He coughed profusely as her smirk widened.
"I-I didn't m-mean it," he stated looking down.
"I'm not offended," she raised her hands in defence," What you said was... " she paused briefly contemplating her words," different. I've heard many things but I've never had my breasts being described as beautiful before."
He stood up abruptly not willing to deal with them reliving that experience together. What man would especially when it looked like she wanted to laugh at him?
"I always saw you... back at Monty's," her voice stopped him from moving further away.
Halting his pursuit in creating more distance between them. He glanced back to find her smiling.
"Many customers are drawn to that place. Masked in different shapes and sizes but I remember you."
"Well," he paused facing her fully," I love the food ther-"
"Jack," she further scrutinized him. She'd seen him enough times to know he didn't order food and hardly ordered drinks anytime he came. And whenever he was there, he was always alone. In a sea of couples and groups of friends he was conspicuous amongst them all.
"I'm not looking to invest in your company," she calmly said keeping a level gaze.
"Meaning?"
"Don't lie to me. Don't tell me what you think I want to hear."
He smiled taking a more relaxed stance knowing there was no point in hiding," Since I lie so much, I need something to help me escape from my conscious. Your voice, the words you sing... they're very calming. And if you really knew my life, you'd come to realise having something that soothes you, its equivalent to stumbling upon peace," he continued staring at the floor suddenly self-conscious of her gaze. That was partially the truth. He found her voice and her presence soothing such that when he was stressed her voice worked wonders.
"You're always by yourself," she responded.
"Don't want to share it with anyone."
He continued further taking a seat next to her," Can I ask you something?" She nodded her head intrigued at where this conversation was headed.
"Do you write some of those songs?"
She hesitated a second before eventually nodding her head to confirm. He had his suspicions, the way she fell aimlessly into the songs it almost felt like she was bearing a part of her soul.
"Experiences have proven to be the best aid."
"If you ever need some inspiration on heartbreak, let me know. I have plenty of experience in that," he chuckled past the pang of pain in his chest. She laughed though a part of her felt there was a lot more to the joke.
"May be that's why we humans easily fall prey to words spoken in songs. Putting a part of your story out into the open, people feel connected to it. Its... nice knowing this pain you feel or have felt is something others have gone through. I guess I consider myself a bit of a sadist when I find out people have gone through more pain than I have," she chuckled taking a sip of her beverage.
"You should hang around me then," he responded hoping his voice came off as playful when he was a bit serious. She looked at him in question. She never knew anything about him but from the custom made suit framing his body she knew the life Jack had was one some people would willingly sell their souls for.
"I doubt a man of your status would ever get his heart broken. If anything, it's the other way around."
"Don't let those books fool you," he replied dryly, she quirked her brow. And to think some time back she had the intention of sitting here for a few minutes. This man was proving to be full of more depth, more detail than she assumed of a successful businessman.
"I'm not basing-" she cut herself short at the look he gave her before she sighed breaking eye contact for a moment." Okay, fine. Maybe I am being biased," she held her hands up in mock surrender." So, tell me, Jack, what song do you have for me? What pain do you have to evoke the sadist in me?" she playfully asked.
She watched him expectantly, her full unwavering attention on him.
"Erica," she glanced to find Sabrina waiting for her, bag in hand, ready to go. She mentally chastised herself for forgetting she had made with plans with Sabrina to return home together.
She gave her an apologetic look before she turned to let him know they'd have to part ways.
"Looks like my story will just have to wait, huh?" he says watching her stand to leave.
As much as he refused to admit it, he was disappointed. It had been long since he enjoyed the company of a woman, but a surge of hope was felt when she said," Save it for our next talk."
Immediately eliciting a smile on his lips and he kept his eyes trained on her as she walked away. He couldn't see anything but her, even when Sabrina eyed him carefully, he couldn't look away from Erica. Her words still swirling around in his head.
"For our next talk."