AllFreeNovel
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Nodding, we get out of the truck, and together we make our way to the back of the line. We are almost immediately recognized and instantly phones are up taking pictures of us. A few people approach us, but we politely decline, stating we just want to spend New Year’s Eve as regular people.
Well, as regular as we can be.
Eventually the line does move, but in front of me, Emma shivers, so I step close and wrap my arms around her, pulling her back against me.
Lavender.Sweet lavender surrounds us.
She tilts her head to look at me and smiles. “Thank you.”
I’m certain people are getting pictures of this too, but it doesn’t matter. They can post whatever they want, and the media will create the narrative. We’re either the new it music couple, we’re secretly married, or we’re standing here not facing each other while ignoring and fighting. It is what it is.
More people join us in the line, and when I hear a familiar voice call out my name, we turn to find Rich. Rich is one of the owners of Smokey’s, and he’s who gave Ash and me our first break. He waves us over, and I’m all smiles as we go greet him.
“It’s so good to see you,” he says as he wraps me up in a hug and says hello to Emma.
“Y-You have a line,” I say proudly as I point over my shoulder. People are watching us, but I don’t care. I suppose I would be curious too if someone who was “famous” was standing just a few feet away from me.
“Yeah, we sold tickets for tonight. Sometimes too big of a crowd just isn’t a good time, and we want everyone to have fun. The cost of the tickets offset the bar total from keeping the crowd smaller.”
“Smart, but we don’t have tickets,” I tell him, and he gives us both a flat look.
I can’t help but chuckle. I’ve known this guy for years, he’s like an uncle, and he wouldn’t have come out here if he wasn’t taking us in with him.
“Come on, we’ll head in through the back,” he says as a piercing cold breeze whips by us.
“Thanks, man,” I tell him and mean it.
Without looking down, I take Emma’s hand, and she twines her fingers through mine. I don’t know why I feel the need to hold her hand, but tonight I just want to, so I’m going to. Tonight I want to do my best to forget what is actually going on with us and just be with her, and as we follow him in, I’m instantly transported back to a time that’s simpler and to a place I love.
Smokey’s is exactly the way it always is: country roots, polished floors, rustic décor, and whiskey barrels for tables. Nothing has changed except for the New Year’s decorations they have hanging from the ceiling. Coming here feels like coming home. Coming here also reminds me of the last time I was here, the night I met Emma. She was so tiny next to her two friends, and I only had eyes for her. Who am I kidding—I’ve only had eyes for her since that night, at this place, where we danced and laughed.
“Well, here I am. What are your other two wishes?” Emma says, pushing up on her toes and holding on to my arm so I can hear her.
I look at her strangely, but one side of my mouth quirks up. Rich led us straight to the bar where he’s pouring me a tall glass of whiskey and grabbing her a glass of Prosecco.
“What?” I bend closer so she doesn’t have to strain.
“Are you a magician? Because when I’m looking at you, you make everyone else disappear.”
This time I throw my head back and laugh.
“All right. I get where this is going.” I feel a blush burn into my cheeks and then say what I said to her that night. “I’m sorry, were you talking to me? No? Would you like to?”
Of course she responds with her line of, “You’re crazy,” but as her eyes lock with mine and happiness shines out of them, she also says, “Yes, I very much would like to talk to you.”
My heart thumps, hard. This girl makes me insane.
“Here you go, kids.” Rich places our drinks in front of us. “I wish I could stay and chat, but duty calls.” He pats me on the arm.
“It’s good to see you,” I tell him, and then he’s off to serve the next customer.
Emma picks up her glass and takes a sip. The red on her lips doesn’t leave a mark; it’s piqued my interest. I’m not oblivious to the fact that the pinnacle moment of the evening is the midnight kiss. Would I have kissed her at home? Doubtful, but here, I just might. For some reason here just feels safer and also like a reprieve. We’ve stepped out of our lives for the night, and we’re here to forget about it all and just have a good time. After all, it is tradition and who am I to break them?
The lights slowly brighten, and together we turn to lean against the bar and face the stage. There are three guys and a girl settling in and strapping up, and they look so young, green, excited. I remember those days. It’s funny how as well known and sought out as we are now, it isn’t the big venues and large shows I remember most. If anything, those have all kind of blurred together. It’s these nights that stick with me.
“All right, ladies and gentlemen.” The taller of the two guys speaks into the microphone. “We’re back for our next set and find this next song perfect for the crowd tonight.” He grins.
When the opening rift to “Hot Highway” reverberates off the walls, Emma starts laughing, and I just shake my head. A lot of people turn to look at us, but they’re all smiles as they’re having a good time and for the most part not staring too much.
