Chapter 10 #3
We are chasing dreams as time goes by,
With every heartbeat, a brand-new start,
Whispers of hope in our beating hearts.
The tempo starts slow but speeds up at the chorus, sending the pub into a whizz of people dancing around and drinking.
Let us dance in the light of a new dawn,
With every step, we’re where we belong.
Together we’ll rise, like the sun in the morn,
In this love, we are reborn.
Sam keeps his eye contact with me. His gorgeous emerald eyes captivate me, his voice a mixture of softness like silk and ruggedness like the man he is.
His fingers continue to strum the guitar in perfect time to the song he is singing.
This man is talented. So talented. And I am not even saying that because I am falling for him. Oh shit. I really am falling for him.
Underneath the endless stars,
We find a way, no matter how far,
The world fades away, but here we stand,
Bound by love, hand in hand.
Let us dance in the light of a new dawn,
With every step, we’re where we belong.
Together we’ll rise, like the sun in the morn,
In this love, we are reborn.
Through the storms, we will find our way,
Side by side, no matter what happens,
With every challenge, we will take it on,
In this journey, we will carry on.
Let us dance in the light of a new dawn,
With every step, we’re where we belong.
Together we’ll rise, like the sun in the morn,
In this love, we are reborn.
Sam plays a few more original songs and a few covers. His Kings of Leon “Sex on Fire” gets everyone rowdy. The whole time he is up there I can’t take my eyes off him. He is amazing. Once he finishes and after the huge round of applause from the semi-drunk locals he joins us back at the table.
“Bravo, bravo,” Hannah squeals, clapping her hands like a crazed seal.
“You’re wasted as a butcher, Sam. Honestly, so good as always!” Lois hands him another pint as a few others pat him on the back as he comes to sit back down.
He turns his attention to me. He takes a long drink of his beer. “So, London? What did you think?”
I feel speechless. He awaits nervously for my opinion.
“So, I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t that.” My body is still fluttering from listening to him.
“Is that good or bad?” He looks puzzled.
“You are incredible, Sam! I don’t know why you have not been signed up! You are amazing,” I screech slightly in excitement to tell him how amazing he is.
He laughs. “I was offered, but it wasn’t a good time. Lola was still so small, and Nana needed help. Still needs help. Just wasn’t to be.”
“Well, I hope one day you are again. That voice should be out there.” I’m partially drooling over the talent of this man.
He blushes and rubs the back of his neck. “Thanks, Harri.” We hold our gaze a little too long before Lois interrupts.
“Right then, who is up for shots?” Lois slams her glass easily on the table before pointing to the bar area of the pub. “To the bar!”
We carry on drinking all night, laughing, telling stories about Brindlewood and its inhabitants.
They are such a close group of friends. You can tell they all mean a lot to each other and the rest of the village.
My heart sinks a little at never having that feeling of belonging and knowing that even though I want to, I probably won’t.
Hannah ends up being sick in the toilet, so Lois decides to take her home.
“I best get sleeping beauty home.” She laughs as Hannah is curled up on a pub booth seat snoozing away. “She’s not used to this much drink. You guys wanna come back with us?” Lois asks, grabbing the coats.
“I might go get some food before home. Fancy a kebab, Harri?”
Lois gives Sam a look and Sam just smirks. I pretend that I don’t see it and that I am too busy finishing my wine.
“Sure, I’d like to try a kebab.” I wipe my mouth on my sleeve and set the glass on the table. I feel pretty tipsy.
Lois and Sam stare at me like I have just told them I am an alien.
“Try? You have never tasted the sweet euphoria of a post-piss up kebab?” Lois stares at me dead pan.
“Honestly, not having a kebab in your life is just… Well, I’m sad for you!” he jokes and then looks at Lois. “We’ll get a taxi back after.”
“You need to get this girl a kebab stat!” Lois winks. “Can you help me with Han?”
“Sure.” He gently picks up Hannah so easily in his arms like a baby and follows Lois outside to a line of local taxis. He carefully puts Hannah in the back with Lois and walks to the driver’s window.
“Evening, Ted, she’s had a bit too much. Get them both home safe, yeah?”
“Of course, Sam. Say hi to your nana for me,” he chimes in his cheery accent.
Lois rolls down the window. “See you tomorrow, you two. Oh and, Harri, if he tries anything, punch him in the face.” She sticks her tongue out and waves as the taxi drives off. “Love you, guys!” she shouts out of the window.
“I’m not trying anything and love you both too!” he shouts back at her. He shakes his head and turns back to me. “Ignore her.” The smile and dimples bring butterflies to my stomach. “So, Harri, kebab?”
“Lead the way.”