5
Lisa
My feet carryme off the stage like someone is chasing me. In a way, I guess that's true. Devin told me when he saw me, he wanted to talk to me. I could have put a hold on that. Could have brushed it aside as something to do some other time.
But no...I had to go up on the stage while he was breaking down and tell him he did good tonight. He was better than good, though. The way he lit up the room on that stage was unreal. He had everyone hooked on every lyric. Even strum of his finger against the string. They got to feel the same emotion I did for so many nights.
That's why I approached him. His music has always had a way of pulling me toward him. A way of making me lose all reason and want to be in his presence. When he makes it big, I'm not sure where that will leave me. An ex-girlfriend thinking about all the good times? I hope not.
"Hey, Lisa." Eric calls from the bar as people file out of the building. "Are you okay?"
I don't miss the way his eyes cut to the stage where Devin is putting away his guitar. "Yeah. I'm good."
He nods and goes back to wiping down the bar as the other bartender’s finish closing out tabs. I think the conversation is over, but after a few moments, he asks a question. "When do you want to start moving in?"
Devin just happens to be walking in front of the bar, and I see him flinch at the question. Ugh. I can already tell I'll have to set boundaries with Eric. I appreciate the big brother act, but it's not something I need. "We'll talk about that later."
Devin passes the stand and I smile at him. "I'll see you in a bit. It shouldn't take us long to clean up."
He looks back at the bar and nods. "I'll get the truck warmed up."
As soon as Devin is out the door, I march toward the bar. "I know we work together, and we'll be rooming soon, but I don't need you to step in." He opens his mouth to speak but I hold up a finger. "I appreciate the help, but hold off on giving it until I ask for it."
"Understood." Eric puts his hands up in surrender. At least he has the sense not to argue with me.
I turn away from the bar and stop in my tracks to face him again. "We're going to have to put together a list of boundaries when we become roomies, aren't we?"
Carlos passes by and laughs. "You can try, but I doubt it will do any good with that one. He's nosy by nature."
"You should give me some credit," Eric scoffs. "I'm not that bad." He wipes the same spot on the bar again. "Y'all just have a problem with seeing what's right in front of your face. I happen to be the one who points it out."
They are both too nosy for their own good. I have a feeling I'll have to set boundaries with both of them butting into my business. "I'm perfectly capable of seeing things. I don't need help in that area."
With that last warning, I head to the dining area and help the waitstaff wipe down the tables. I missed this monotonous work. It's the same type of work I picked up while traveling, but doing it in this bar feels different.
Carlos's song playlist is playing through the sound system to make the work go by faster. Even though it's work...it feels like I'm with my family. Something I only feel here and have never felt with the people I share a blood relationship with. How is that even possible? I'm lucky to have found these amazing people and the fact they took me in when they didn't have to.
The tables and floors are clean. The only thing left to do is clock out and get my stuff. It's been a long and exhausting first day back. Now, on top of that, I have to talk to Devin.
I'm not sure what possessed me to approach him. My normal response is to run from things that scare me. Not anymore. If I want to make Asheville my home, I need to learn to coexist with Devin. Chances of avoiding him are slim since he's my best friend's brother, and also performing here. I mean, I could always ask for different shifts, but I'd be leaving money on the table. Weekends are the best time for tips and a lot of traffic in the bar. I won't allow my past with him to derail my future happiness.
Sliding my arms into my jacket, I head toward the door. "See y'all tomorrow."
"Sure thing," Carlos waves. "Be careful tonight." He nods toward the door. He's not exactly subtle in giving the warning against Devin, but he means well.
"Okay." I push the door open, and the waiting area fills with cold air.
"Lisa," Eric calls. "Don't forget we need to figure out a day for you to move in."
"I know." Shaking my head, I step into the frigid wintry night. Yep, definitely going to have to make rules with him. Despite that, I think he'll be a good friend to have in my corner.
A black truck with a lift pulls up in front of me. I move toward it to get in, but Devin gets out and rushes to my side. He opens the door, and holds my hand as I climb in. That's something I haven't done in six months. It should feel weird to me. It doesn't though. Accepting his hand for help feels as natural now as it did then.
He closes the door behind me and gets in on the driver's side. "Do you want anything to eat?"
In all honesty, I'm starving. The only problem is, I don't want this late-night drive to feel like a date. "I'm fine."
My stomach growls, betraying me. "I'll run through a drive thru. Where do you want to go?"
