After my third drink, I finally get a buzz. The bartender lifts his eyebrows at me as I nod for more, but pours me a rum and coke anyway. I hear the door open and look over. A bunch of guys probably around 25 walk in, and my eyes lock with one in particular. He's got really defined muscles, tall, slight stubble, and a warm appearance. I smile, wondering why he's at the bar 30 minutes before it closes. We break contact when a guy from across the bar makes his way over to me and I sigh, annoyed at the attention. Sawyer. He slides money on the table towards him to pay for my drinks.
"Monica. How have you been?" He says leaning into my neck. I close my eyes, frustrated. "Sawyer, I told you to leave me alone." He sits beside me, one hand on my thigh. I quickly remove it to his dismay. "Freckles, you and I both know, you want me."
"Actually you're wrong kid. I'd advise you to leave before I break that hand," the same stranger who just came in points to the fingers Sawyer soon moved up my body. I've never seen him before, but his eyes are shining like we've known each other for years. "And who are you, Mr. Tall dark and handsome?" Sawyer stands, moving towards the man. "Listen, it's in your best interest to back off. Monica really doesn't like you. She told me, so you should just go." He looks at me shocked. "You dating this loser?" I nod, and say, "Just leave Sawyer." He rolls his eyes, grumbling before he walks away and out the door.
"Vodka on the rocks," mystery guy tells the bartender. I decide to put money down for him and pay for his drink. His hand closes over mine as he shakes his head. "No, trust me I've got it." I shrug my shoulders, too tired to fight. "Listen, I don't know if you felt that earlier, but I swear it felt like we saw each other. I don't know I had to talk to you. To miss a chance to talk to you seemed impossible. I'm sorry if I overstepped or anything. I'm not trying to be that guy. " When I don't respond, he says, "Actually maybe I should just leave now..." I push a hand through my hair, glad it's straight and not unruly with curls. Honestly he's really hot and he feels genuine.
"How do you know me?" I ask, actually wanting him to stay. I am definitely prepared for the worst. I wouldn't say I'm popular around these parts because of the low profile I need to attain, but still. People love to talk. He sits on the stool next to me, and I find myself leaning in. "Everyone in this bar knows you, Monica. The bad girl with a past who doesn't want a relationship. Literally every guy here wants to be with you." He surveys the room, and I join him taking a peek. Most of the people drinking are tuning into me and this guy. I feel my face get hot. "You don't know that." I mumble. His brows furrow and he's in deep thought.
"How many guys have been trying to take you home tonight?" I roll my eyes, deciding not to answer. "So what do you want," I ask instead. He takes a sip of his drink, his hazel eyes finding mine. "A conversation. I don't know you but I want to." He grins, trying to gauge my reaction. I move in, to ask the bartender for another drink when he stops me. "How are you getting home?" "Cab maybe. My friend." I point to my friend talking to one of his friends. "I want to talk to you. Not a drunk version of you." I roll my eyes. "Never got your name." He looks nervous, unsure almost.
"Jack. Jack Shephard." I nearly spit out my drink. "The hotshot surgeon Shephard? Are you kidding?" Jack holds his face in his hand shaking his head. "Don't let your view of me change." I laugh. "Why does some spinal fixer want to know me?" His eyes widen, and he is awestruck. "God you really don't know do you you are-"
"Hey, Monica you ready to go?" Claire asks, leaning on some guy because she is drunk. "Charlie, you're leaving?" Jack asks the guy. "Yeah, closes in 5." I bite my lip, crazy for saying this, but, "I think I have plans." He looks at me shocked. "You don't have to-" "I want to." I take a chance, and sliding my hand up to his neck kiss him finally. It's better than I could have ever even thought. His arm instinctively comes up behind my back gently pulling me to him. When we come up for air, he doesn't say anything just gazes into me. "Are you sure?" he asks. "Yes," I smile nodding to Claire. "You go, I will see you tomorrow." Jack takes my hand as we make our way to a taxi.