It Started With 'I Do' (A Creatures/Dexter Manning fanfic)

Chapter 2: Accidentally in Love

"So," he sighed. "You're not ready to go back to the hotel, are you?"

I shook my head no. This city is too big and I'm having too much fun with Dex to go back already. "That is, if you're not."

"Definitely not. Want to take a walk and see what we can find?"

I smiled and nodded, and he gave me his arm to wrap mine in, like what we did for the wedding. Together, we walked down the road and managed to find a coffee shop. 

We went in and had a couple drinks, all while he insisted on paying for that too, and we chatted about everything under the sun: our favorite music, what it was like growing up, and working with The Creatures. In the middle of our chat, I paid extra attention to the shop radio and I heard a familiar song.

The next time that I caught my own reflection
It was on its way to meet you
Thinking of excuses to postpone
You never looked like yourself from the side
But your profile could not hide
The fact you knew I was approaching your throne 

I began to sing along passionately, much to Dex's confusion. I love the Arctic Monkeys, and "Crying Lightning" happens to be my favorite of theirs.

"Wow, you really do like music, don't you?" Dex chuckled.

I shied away a little bit. "Yeah. Sorry that you have to hear me singing every time something comes on."

"I don't mind at all. You seem pretty passionate about it."

"I always have been. I've wanted to be a singer for years."

"Oh really? You should go for it. You have a great singing voice."

I turned to face the other way. "I did. Something you should know about me, I've always been pretty skittish around people. When I was 15, I auditioned for both the school chorus and the school play. Their criticism was... well, in the best sense of the word, harsh. I know it's something to expect in the music industry, but it really hurt. I just shrugged it off and prepared for the talent show a couple weeks later." I stopped to take a deep breath.

"If you don't mind me asking, what happened after that?"

I turned to face him and teared up thinking about it. "I did another Monkeys song, 'Mardy Bum'. I got less than a minute into my performance before I had everyone turned against me. Way before it was over, I ran off the stage in tears. Half the audience booed. The other half laughed. I haven't performed in front of people since, especially not a group of strangers."

Dex's jaw dropped as he listened to my story. I had never told it to anyone, especially not someone I'd just met a couple days before. The whole ting still made me sick to my stomach to this day. "That's awful, Rachel. I'm so sorry you had to go through that."

I smiled a little bit and swallowed hard. "Thanks, Dex. It's nothing to worry about anymore, it's in the past."

"And that's all that matters. Those people who judged you so harshly had no idea what they were talking about, if you ask me. Well, you were having fun last night at the wedding dancing in front of a large group, then you were having fun jamming out to your music this morning all alone, then you were having fun singing in front of me. You are having fun with all of it, aren't you?"

I thought about it for a second, then I smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I guess I am."

"See? Now, all you have to do is get over that skittishness. You already have the 'having fun' part down, and I think you sound amazing. If you still want to do that, go for it. Might I make a suggestion?"

"Go for it."

"Have you considered YouTube. I know it's no big record deal, but it's a good place to get started. You know, just to get your name out there."

I thought about it for a second. "That sounds like a good idea! But, how would I get it started?"

"Don't worry, I'll help you out with that part. Tonight, I'll help you get one set up. The rest will be up to you."

I smiled and hugged him. "Thanks, Dex."

"Anytime, Rach."

We stayed at the coffee shop and chatted for a few more minutes, then we took a walk around Grant Park. The park was so big that we ended up spending the whole day there sight-seeing, taking pictures, and just enjoying each other's company. At the end of the day, I went back with him to his room where he pulled out and helped me set up my channel, RachelMaySings.

It was 12:05 by the time I looked at the clock. "Shoot," I mumbled to myself, "I have a flight at 11 tomorrow."

"Yeah, same," Dex answered through a yawn. "Ready to call it a day?"

"Yes, and no."

"Yes and no? And why's that, Rachel May?"

"Yes because I'm tired and I have a flight tomorrow. No because I had too much fun with you."

'Well that last part's a given," he joked as he rolled his eyes. "But I don't want to hold you up anymore. I know you have to go."

"Do you think I'll be able to see you again?"

"I don't see why not. That is, if you actually want to see my mug again."

"Of course I do."

"Then I guess we'll be seeing each other again." He winked and we both sat up on the bed for a hug. Next thing I knew, my lips were pressed against his and he pulled me closer. "Then again," he continued with a raspy voice. "I wouldn't mind if you stayed a couple more minutes."

"I wouldn't mind if I stayed a couple more minutes either." We chuckled and he threw off his blazer, the kisses increasing and growing more intense. I've never had another guy make me feel this loved before. After today, I already know what I want. I want to see him again. I have to see him again. Before this weekend, I had no idea that I would meet a guy like him and... dare I say it... fall in love with him so quickly. But that all changed quickly.

We're accidentally in love.

(Song: Accidentally in Love, Counting Crows.)