1
June 2014
Ashley
Ashley looked towards the hectic bar area. The chances of getting served were slim to none. That was unless you knew the bar manager—having friends in the hospitality industry had its perks. Jason had been trying so desperately to acquire her services in recent months, but the tips at her current place of work were the only reason she could afford to live in Manhattan at all.
Jason nodded in her direction, a signal that meantI will have someone with you shortly. It was a Saturday and a rarity that Ashley was not working herself. The tips were substantial on a weekend, so rarely would she take time off. It was the first weekend she had booked off in almostsix months.
Within minutes, Jason appeared with a pitcher of beer in one hand and a tray of shots in the other. His dark brown skin looked flawless as always, Ashley was instantly jealous. His curly hair was slightly shorter than when she’d last seen him, but the half-grown beard and his lanky frame would never change. He insisted his beard was his most attractive feature, so Ashley dare not disagree, despite the fact it didn’t quite join up, which she often teased him about.
“Girls, this one’s on me.”
They had an enviable position, the glares from the bustling bar area came one after another. Ashley looked enthusiastically towards her friends—it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. That was more apparent in the state of New York than anywhere else in the world.
“Jason, you’re the best. I owe you one.”
“Darling, please. What are friends for? You know I would love to stop and chat, but I am slammed tonight. If you’re still around later, let’s catch up.”
“Sure, sounds great. Thank you so much forthe drinks.”
Jason had already made his way speedily towards the bar, collecting glasses and bottles as he went. It was only her second night off and she already missed the fast-paced buzz that came with the job. Regardless of the fact it was only a stepping stone until she became a fully fledged writer, she had surprisingly grown to love the job as she entered her third year in the industry.
Midtown 101 had been in business for ten years. A bar accustomed to regulars with the occasional tourist. It was seen as a hidden gem by many who lived in the area and often the spot that Ashley and her friends found themselves frequenting whenever they had the time. Ashley scanned the bar; she noticed one or two familiar faces. The DJ nervously tugged at the wires of his equipment, preparing for his set that was due to start in less than five minutes; being unprepared would be an instant calamity. The people of New York liked to voice their opinion—it was eat or be eaten. A new server dropped an empty glass, the bar exploded with cheers. Panic overwhelmed her, causing a further glass to fall. Jason rolled his eyes; another one bites the dust.
Ashley’s attention was drawn to a familiar stature, a figure that her eyes had observed the night before. She was there again, the girl with no name. The occupier of her dreams the previous night. There was something different about the way she looked this time. Her long brown hair was down as opposed to up and she wore a tight, white dress that proudly displayed her figure, complemented by a pair of low, black kitten heels and a matching bag—an outfit choice unbefitting the dingy bar they found themselves in. Opting for the low heels had been a solid choice, the extra height wasn’t something she needed. She had donned a more casual outfit the previous evening. The same group from the night before crowded her. They moved in and out with the rhythm of the music, partially blocking the mystery girl from view.
Ashley watched in awe; discretion was altogether lost on her. The one dominant intention she had went against every characteristic she usually possessed—make her notice me.
The unknown figure spun to the left, briefly removing her from the blockade her friends had inconveniently created. It put her in plain sight and within seconds, they caught one another’s stare. Ashley smiled uncontrollably and was met with the ultimate reciprocation. Mystery girl’s eyes crinkled; the corners of her mouth grew wider, exposing an almost perfect set of teeth. Her grin caused small dimples in her cheeks; the smile was infectious and captured the moment perfectly. Ashley could only assume that the girl in white had likewise felt the connection the night before.
The opportunity she had previously missed presented itself once again. The thrill proving more powerful than either could have anticipated.Was this really happening? What are the odds?Ashley thought. The smile they shared lasted until the DJ introduced the next track and the spell broke all at once. Ashley turned back towards her friends. Unbeknownst to her, they had both witnessed her trance-like state.
“She’s still looking at you.”
Ashley could now only rely on her friends’ interpretation of the scenario that played outbehind her.
“Shit, really? What do I do?”
Emily handed Ashley a shot of tequila to calm the nerves, which she didn’t hesitate to accept. Emily Baker was a couple of years older than Ashley, a blonde-haired, green-eyed PA from The Big Apple. She met Ashley at the bar she worked in three years prior; they instantly hit it off. Emily’s refusal to settle down left a string of broken-hearted women wherever they went, which meant she was more comfortable and accustomed to the dating scene.
“She keeps glancing over. She 100% wants your attention.” Emily grinned.
The excitement was building. Emily couldn’t hide her approval of the situation. The group of friends immediately became aware that the connection in the room was unique and thrilling.
“Shall I go over? Or is thata bad idea?”
Ashley looked to her friends for assurance. The thought of approaching the girl made her stomach churn. Even more so than the time she ate eight doughnuts and rode The Cyclone at Coney Island.
“You have to goover, Ash!”
Emily jumped up and down like an excitable child. Madison took a calmer approach, as she often did; observing the scene as it unfolded. Madison Roberts was the same age as Ashley, with cropped blonde hair and blue eyes. They had grown up together, living in the same neighbourhood in Jericho, Long Island for ten years before taking the plunge from suburban to city life at the age of twenty-two. A year later, they met Emily. The three were nowinseparable.
“I’m nervous. Have you seen her? She’s insanelyattractive.”
“She’s probably thinking the same about you. The smile was mutual.” Madisonpointed out.
“If you don’t go over to her, I will. Connection or not.” Emily winked.
