Today was Eli and I's coffee date. I had set my alarms extra early, not wanting to wake up late again, especially for something so exciting. We had been texting every day since we exchanged numbers. I loved talking to him.
I picked out a long blue skirt with white flowers on it and paired it with a white tank top. I grabbed my white Converse - my go to shoes. I brushed my straight brunette hair and threw a headband on. I grabbed my tote bag and headed out the door.
It was yet another hot day in New York City, and I was already sweating by the second block. The coffee shop was midway between our apartments, and it was about a 10 minute walk from mine. Fortunately, it wasn't too humid so once my body acclimated to the heat, it became slightly more bearable.
The bells rang on the coffee shop door as I stepped inside the blissfully air conditioned building. My eyes scanned the area, so prepared to not see Eli and be disappointed. Much to my delight, I saw him at a table, waving at me with a goofy grin on his face. My face broke into a smile. He got up and joined me on the line.
"Hi." He said, grinning.
"Hello Eli. Have you ordered yet?"
"Of course not! I waited for you." This made my insides turn melty. I had never met with such a gentleman. We talked about the hot weather and annoying tourists as we inched closer to the counter.
I ordered an iced chai and he ordered a black coffee with whole milk and sugar. I fished around in my bag for cash, but he was too fast and already paid for my drink.
"Eli! You didn't have to."
"No, no, I insist. My mother raised a gentleman after all."
We sat at the table but found it was too busy and loud to carry on a conversation. "Central Park?" He asked once we got out onto the street.
I nodded my head and we walked a couple blocks towards the park. It was nice to be met with partial shade once we got into the park. We found a shady picnic table under the trees and sat down.
"Were you born in New York?" He asked.
"Yeah, I grew up in Brooklyn though. My parents moved up North a couple years ago, so now it's just me. You?"
"If you couldn't tell, I was born in Ireland."
"Oh really? I thought your accent was Australian."
He laughed in reply. "I moved to New York last year, I'm really trying to make it in the music industry. It's been a bit of a challenge though. I just can't seem to take off."
"Are you a solo act or in a band?"
"A band. We're called Inhaler. We're actually performing Friday night at Patsy's Bar in SoHo."
"Oh really? I love Patsy's! I'd love to come. If you want me to of course. Otherwise I won't." I rambled awkwardly, hoping I didn't just invite myself to something he didn't want me at.
He smiled, easing my fears. "Good. I was hoping you'd say that." I blushed a little bit and smiled back at him.
We continued to chat about the music scene in the city and we exchanged stories about different bars and venues. We were so lost in conversation that I didn't even realize what the time was. I checked my phone and my heart dropped.
"Shit. Eli I am so sorry but I have to run. I really feel terrible, I don't want you to think the company is boring or anything like that at all."
"Where are you off to?"
"I have to meet my band in the studio in 20 minutes."
"Oh shit. I'll see you around."
I hugged him and he held onto me, giving me a warm hug back. "Friday. I'll be there - promise."
He smiled in return and I went rushing out onto the street to hail a taxi. I sunk into the backseat of a taxi feeling alive for the first time in a while. I couldn't wipe the grin off my face. Talking to Eli felt like the most natural thing in the world. And I couldn't wait for Friday.
Eli's POV:
I lingered at the table for a little while after Scarlett left. Song ideas just kept flowing from me about her. She was one of a kind, so unlike everyone else. I craved being around her like nicotine. Every time she came into the music shop my heart raced a little bit faster. And I finally took her on a date. I couldn't wipe the grin off my face.
This show on Friday was going to be the most important show I've played in my life. I just hope she felt the same way about me. What would I do if she didn't show up on Friday? I couldn't let myself think about it.
The next few days went so slow, as though the world was dragging its feet through mud. We texted every day, just stupid little things. She sent me a photo of her cat, who resided in her apartment. I would send her photos of new guitars we got in shipments that day.
Friday morning my phone pinged with a text notification. I almost made myself sick thinking that it was her canceling.
S: i am so excited to see u perform tonightttt
E: I hope I live up to your expectations
S: u will
I felt as though I was floating all day. The venue was small, more of a bar/lounge with a platform-like stage than a real venue. My bandmate Bobby, also had someone in the audience, so the anxiety backstage was through the roof. Ryan's girlfriend, Angie, was backstage with us trying to reassure us that we were going to be fine.
As soon as we got onto the platform and the lights flooded my face my worries eased. This was my natural habitat. We played a fantastic gig that night. One of our bests. I could see Scarlett vibing to our music with her friend. She looked ethereal in the dim lights and my head was spinning thinking of her. I needed her so badly.
After the set was done, we all gathered backstage pumped up on adrenaline. The crowd was into our music tonight which really helped us.
"I saw those girls you two were talking about." Angie said. "They get the seal of my approval."
We all laughed. She had been dating Ryan for 2 years and was considered the band "mom". I had told Scarlett to meet me backstage so I was nervous to see her face turn the corner. She came through the doorway and her face was enveloped in a grin. Relief coursed through me quickly followed by a shot of adrenaline.
We chatted for a little bit and then went our separate ways. Scarlett's eyes were devious and hungry. We got out onto the street and she raised herself up on her toes and kissed me. It took me off guard for a moment, but I pressed my lips to hers and wrapped my arms around her.
"Your place or mine?" She whispered in my ear.
A shiver ran down my spine at her boldness. "Mine."
We stumbled down the streets, drunk on lust. I couldn't get enough of her. I had never felt this way about someone. I fumbled my way into my apartment building, tripping over myself. Kissing her, touching her, consuming myself with the thought of her.
Her hands were in my hair, up and down my arms, on my face, everywhere. There was a fever running through the both of us. We crashed into the bedroom and were a tangle of limbs and mouths. It was everything I had dreamed of.
