Page 22 of Safe With You

“...Okay, maybe a little.”

“A little?” She stood, brushing her hands together. “Luna, you’ve checked those chairs four times.”

“They’re uneven.”

“They’re chairs.”

“They’re uneven chairs.”

Before she could respond, the bell above the front door chimed.

A few guests wandered inside, immediately slowing as they took in the string lights stretched across the ceiling and the rows of chairs waiting near the front of the store.

That never got old.

A young woman lingered just inside the entrance, clutching a black notebook to her chest.

She couldn’t have been much older than twenty-two.

She looked toward the stage, then the rows of chairs before glancing back at the front door like she was already considering turning around. I recognized that look immediately.

I made my way over before she could change her mind.

“Hi.”

She looked up, almost startled.

“Hi.”

“You here for open mic?”

She nodded once.

“It’s my first time.”

“I can tell.”

Her brows pulled together.

“Was it that obvious?”

“Only because I’ve seen that look before.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.

“I’m Luna.”

“Rachel.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Rachel.”

She shifted the notebook in her hands.

“I almost turned around.”

“I know.”

“You...know?”