I hear my phone ringing angrily on my bed side table. I roll over, only slightly aware that it is in fact morning despite the darkness still in my room. I glance at the alarm clock and see that it is 8.13. God damn it! So much for my lie in! I had no plans of rejoining the living until at least 10. Still not entirely back with the real world I answer my phone without looking at the caller id. "Hello?" my voice is still thick with sleep.
"Charlie! I'm sorry to ring you this early hun...I need a huuuge favour". Obviously my boss, Jazz, is an early riser. The bar doesn't even open for another 11 hours.
"Jazz, do you really think it's a good idea asking for a favour bearing in mind you have just woken me up from a very pleasant dream?" I try to add a slightly pissed of tone to my voice but I don't pull it off. Jazz has been my friend and boss for a very long time and he knows it too.
He laughs his warming laugh "dreaming about me again Charlie...now what have I told you...it would never work babe!"
Deciding it's too early to play along with his flirty and harmless banter I encourage the call along. "What can I do for you jazz?" "I know you worked last night and it's you day off today but-"
I cut him short..."you have to be kidding...who called in sick?"
"Beth...said that she has been signed off by the docs for 3 weeks...doctor note and all. Please Charlie". I sigh loudly. "Before you say no...let me beg, gracefully of course....please, please. It's going to be quiet, there won't be that much for you to do, just covering the bar. I'll even throw in a cup of coffee". "Fine. What time do you want me there...6?"
"Um better make it 5..." his pause alerts me that I have been done over.
"Its open mic night isn't!"
"Thanks Charlie. I knew I could count on you. See you at 5". And before I could protest he had hung up.
"Damn you to hell and back!" I shout throwing my phone on the bed. A gesture that I admit is very childlike but somehow comforting. Deciding that I should make the most of what time I still had free, I drag myself out of bed and head towards the bathroom. One quick glance in the mirror and I see that it might take me a while to make myself at least half presentable. My usually smooth brown hair is completely out of control and my eyes don't have the sparkle they usually do. I can see that it is going to take more that a shower to fix this mess. A strong, make that a very strong cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin is defiantly called for. I step into the shower allowing the hot water to wake me up. I step out, wrap a towel around me and begin to get to work. After a long hour I look somewhat more human. Not completely how I usually look but it will have to do...I can practically here the coffee calling me.
RPOV
Walking down the road with my iPod blaring into my head phones, I try and forget the colossus rant my mum had thrown at me this morning. We were always close when I was growing up but recently, since filming harry potter things had changed. Her comments regarding my not so welcome company from the previous night was probably not the best way to start our morning. A question that has been coming up more and more recently from my mum raised its ugly head again. "When are you going to slow down Robert?"- I hate the way she calls me Robert; I know then that she is not happy. "I understand that you are young, and trying to enjoy yourself, especially since you got that new role...but a different girl, again? I know that when Melissa left-"It is at this point that I decided to leave. I couldn't deal with another lecture, even though I know she is right. I was rarely at home anymore, which mum believed was half of the problem. From meetings with my manager and auditions, flying here and there, I don't have as much free time as I used to. I am barely beginning to understand what this lifestyle holds for me and if I even want it. The last thing I need is her keeping on. She was the one who encouraged me to following acting instead of music. She would just have to learn to live with the early mornings, the late nights, the constant phone calls to and from my agent and of course, the occasional extra body for breakfast. This was for her and the rest of the family. I can feel that my anger is just building more and more so I turn down the next road and head towards the coffee shop. Coffee has always been a great hangover cure and I hope it will erase my memory of waking up next to a young and not so beautiful girl. What was I thinking? I don't remember much about last night. Yesterday I finally got the call I had been waiting for. I had got the role I auditioned for last month. I wasn't going to go for it initially, but Mark my agent, would not let this one go. I'm glad he pushed me to be honest. The script was a lot deeper than I thought it would be. I hadn't read anything like it in any of my other auditions. I left this audition with the feeling that I just had to get that role. There was a drawback however. How on earth was I going to play this character? I shake my head and try not to think about it. I will deal with it when I need to. The first script reading will be next week where my worries can begin. For now I can enjoy what free time I have. And last night was just the beginning. After many phone calls, the cast and director decided to go out and celebrate. It was a messy night. A lot of alcohol, cigarettes, and drunken women. Usually this would have been my ideal combination for a good night but once I woke up, my arm having gone numb from the girl leant on it, I feel nothing but empty. Mum was right. This has to change. Starting today. I'm soon brought out of myself wallowing when I walk straight into someone. All I see is a very unhappy and coffee soaked young lady now sat on the floor. "As if this day couldn't get any worse" the girl mumbled to herself. She looks up at me. I smile my most sorry looking expression but it soon turns into a full genuine grin. I think to myself "as if this day could get any better".
CPOV
Coffee and muffin in hand begin to feel more human. I open the door of the coffee shop, carefully balancing my coffee (milk, no sugar) and begin to walk back to my humble one bed flat. I begin to list what I need to do with the rest of my day. I really need to put on a load of washing. I'm slowly beginning to run out of clean clothes. Oh, and I must call Hannah. It's been way too long since I spoke to her last. Some best friend I am! Getting some food in might be a good idea too... The next thing I know I'm on my arse with my coffee all over me. Good thing the coffee place never makes their coffees too hot! I sit there for a few a seconds slightly sulking at my bad luck. It always happens to me!
"As if this day couldn't get any worse" I mumble to myself.
I look up at the traitor ready to give him a mouthful but his smile leaves me almost as breathless as when he knocked into me. He nervously runs his hand through his hair before holding out his hand to help me up. I think I can see him trying to stifle his laughter. This really is not funny. My coffee...the one fix that would make me feel better.
"I am so sorry. Are you okay?" his voice is smooth and soft and full of regret.
I finally catch my breath and smile.
"Uh...yeah I think so. Oh my coffee."
My voice sounds strangely sad about the unfortunate outcome of my coffee, like a lament for a lost loved one. I was really looking forward to it. I take his warm hand in mine as he helps me up.
"My god, I really need to start looking where I'm going" he chuckles slightly. Now standing, I see him blush but his eyes look directly into mine.
"Please let my buy you another coffee. I'm Rob by the way."
Only now do I really look at him. His brown hair is a complete mess, almost as bad as mine was this morning, yet he manages to pull off the look. His huge smile reaches his greeny-grey eyes and I suddenly feel very self conscious in his presence.
"No its okay" I say looking away from him, feeling the heat begin to hit my cheeks. "I really should just go home. It seems that I woke up cursed this morning. I wouldn't get too close, if I was you. It might be contagious" I say half believing it myself. No point in making his day cursed too.
His bellowing laugh makes me look up at him suddenly. I try and glare at him but end up falling into fits of laughter myself. My sides hurting from my random outburst, I finally introduce myself.
"I'm sorry. I'm just having a really bad morning. I'm Charlie by the way".
"Well Charlie my day seems to be getting better".
I frown, not understanding how my misfortune with the coffee could make his day better. His brief confidence seems to disappear, now becoming lost in his thoughts. I stand there, unsure as to whether I should leave or wait for him to come back from his time with the fairies. I decide to wait. Something about this man draws me in. His face is somewhat familiar, but I can't place how I know him. He brings me back from my visit to the fairies.
"Charlie...I don't usually do this..." he runs his hand through his hair again.
My eyes drift down slowly to his light grey sweater. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, showing off his smooth skin. My eyes come back to his sweater, which clearly conceals a very toned body. God he's hot. Focus Charlie! I force myself to look at his face. This takes more will power than i thought.
"Well...since you won't let me buy you a coffee, maybe you would let me buy you a drink. Sometime, if you want to? And I promise not to throw it all over you this time".
His crooked smile stirs something in me. I pause for a few short seconds and think to myself...what's the worst that could happen? After not much deliberation, I reach into my bag and pull out a pen. Not knowing where my sudden confidence has come from, I softly take his hand and begin to write my number down. I chuckle to myself as I do this and realise how cliché it is; like something you would see in the movies. Only we're not in the movies and for some reason, unknown to me, he wants to see me again. I heart picks up pace at this thought. Shhh I tell it mentally. My heart feels like it's going to jump out of my chest! I take a deep breath before speaking again and suddenly feel light headed. Get yourself together Charlie...he's just a man!
"Okay, so that is my phone number. Just let me know when and where, and I'll see if I'm free".
Don't want to seem too keen. I allow myself one more glance of his toned body, and the amazing smile that has now graced his face before I turn and leave. I find it extremely difficult to walk away looking sexy, being covered in cold coffee and all, but I hope it is enough that he would call me soon. I smile to myself and think that my day may have just got a lot better.
RPOV
I can't help but smile as I get my coffee and begin to head home. The look of Charlie sat on the floor, covered in her coffee will definitely get me through my day. Who would have thought someone could look so amazingly sexy covered head to toe with coffee. I laugh out loud, surprised slightly at the ease of my laugh. It's something that has been missing in action for a long time. I get to the front door of my mum's house and hesitate, my handing hovering over the handle. I realise that I do not want to go inside. I can picture the next round of our discussion and how it would end...my mum looking at me, her face covered with disappointment...me, shouting at her that she doesn't understand...me leaving the house heading towards the nearest pub and drowning myself with stupid amounts of alcohol. I do not want to head there again and have the same problem tomorrow morning. As if someone was hearing my thoughts, my phone rings, breaking me out of myself hating mood. The caller id says Kellan. Kellan is another actor that I will be working with on this new movie. We had clicked straight away last night, when we first met. Kellan is what I would class as a typical lad. His jokes are crude and his behaviour often matched that, but my god, he is the funniest person I have met in a long time. I answer the phone eagerly, hoping that he would bring me back to my earlier happy mood.
"Kellan! What can I do for?" I realise that my voice is slightly off.
"Well Rob, I just missed you so much that I had to ring!" his laughter echoed down the phone.
"I leave you for a few hours and you miss me already! I guess it's a good thing that we are filming for long time. What would you do without me!?" I find it so easy to fit in with his crazy banter.
"I would have to surround myself with lots of hot women just so I don't think about you! Hey, that's not a bad idea. What you up to tonight? We are still celebrating after all!"
"Not much sadly". I realise how pathetic I sound. Another night out is exactly what I need. "What time?"
"WOOOO! I'll text you the details. See you later bud!"
I dread to think where we will end up. Some of the stories Kellan was telling me last night would have most people frozen with shock. The bars that could barely be described as a bar and more like a person's run down flat that needed more than a lick of paint to make it livable! I made a promise to myself there and then that I would have to show Kellan what a decent bar looks like. Kellan had never been to the UK until now, just like most of the other cast. I heard that Catherine, the director, had insisted on coming to England. I have to say I was slightly disappointed that I wasn't going to be flown to some other exotic location. I say the term 'exotic' loosely. The first time I went on set for harry potter I was majorly shocked. A big warehouse with a massive blue screen used for CGI. So much for the world of fantasy. The outcome was obviously much better than I could have imagined.
A few minutes later my phone beeps. God Kellan was keen! I flip open my phone to see what hell hole he would be subjecting me to this evening. Somewhere called 'The furnace'. I rack my brains, trying to work out if I have ever been there before. The name doesn't ring a bell, but then a lot of the other places I have stumbled out of I wouldn't be able to name. The directions seem simple enough. I decide to text the other cast members I met last night. Kristen I had already met at my audition. She seems very laid back and fairly quiet. After I left the audition, I thought about how we would interact on screen if I got the role. There was definitely some chemistry in the audition but there was something about here that had me concerned. I eventually shook the doubt out of my head. We are all professionals so I knew that when it came to filming, nothing but the longing and passion that our characters had for one another would show. I type my message and hit the send button to a number of people. As I do this I see Charlie's number. Would it be too soon to call her? I only met about an hour ago. But the idea of hearing her voice and making her laugh fills me with a warm feeling that I cannot describe. It only takes a few seconds for me to make up my mind. I save her number in my phone book, knowing that I would kick myself if I washed it off of my hand without saving it. A deep breath is needed before I hit the dial button. As the phone rings, I'm shocked to feel nervous. What was it about this girl that my stomach doing somersaults? After the fourth ring, she answers.
"Hello?" she answers sounds slightly wary about who is on the other line. I suddenly panic and wonder if she is even going to remember me. Come on Pattinson! It's only been an hour!
"Hello?" she asks again. Speak you bumbling idiot!
"Oh hi...um...is this Charlie?"
"Um yes...who is this?" all I can see in my head is the image of her walking away. The jeans she wore hugged in all the right places and her white, strappy top makes her look casual but so hot.
"It's Rob. From earlier. The one who stupidly wasn't watching where he was going and threw your coffee all over you".
"Oh hey!" is it just me or does she seem excited?
"So I was wondering...well..." I run my free hand through my hair. God I'm nervous! I chuckle to myself, hoping that she hadn't heard me. "Well I thought, if your aren't busy of course, maybe you would like to meet up later. Me and few of my mates are meant to be meeting in this bar later. I can buy you that drink I promised".
There is a long pause. I begin to think that she might have hung up on me where I hear her bang into something.
"Ouch...crap...hello? You still there?"
I laugh out loud this time. So she is one of those clumsy types. Cute.
"Are you okay?" I actually feel worried for her. I hope, only in a very small way that she is in fact injured and needs me to come over to where ever she is and help.
"Oh yeah...fine. I'm really sorry but I have to work. "
"Oh". I can't help feeling disappointed.
"Well I might be able to get off early. It's meant to be really quiet anyway. Leave it with me. I can call you if I manage to get away?"
I can't help but smile. "That would be great. I'll speak to you later, I hope".
"Okay. Bye Rob".
The rest of the day was spent wondering when I would hear from her or whether I was going to see her again. She seemed happy to meet up but I can't help but feel that maybe her having to work was just a nice way of saying no. I really hope that I'm wrong.
CPOV
I have to sit down on my bed after almost tripping and throwing myself head first towards the wardrobe. Luckily I think I managed to get away pretty unscathed. Just a small graze on my arm. I've known this guy for an hour and already he has me falling over myself when I speak to him. I really need to get a grip! I'm actually beginning to feel rather bitter toward Jazz for getting me to work tonight. He owes me big time. Sighing heavily, I resound myself to the endless list of things I have to do today before heading to the bar. The only thing that will keep me going is the small chance of me seeing rob later. My phone goes off again and I jump and am sadly mistaken that I thought it was Rob calling back. The phone seems to get more and more impatient the longer I leave it unanswered. Eventually it stops ringing. I look down at the screen feeling a little sick. 1 missed call from Jack. Not tonight...not any other night for that matter. Tonight I'm going to let my hair down and go wild!
----------------------------------------
I never really make much of an effort to look good at work. After all, most of the people who drink there have been drinking there for years. But tonight, with the small possibility of seeing rob; I made more of an effort. Actually that is a bit of an understatement. It took me a total of three hours and forty minutes to get myself ready. From the numerous outfit changes to the endless task of fixing my thick hair, I finally left my flat wearing my skinny jeans and a sky blue silk top that wraps around the neck and then the bottom, leaving my back exposed. My hair set in loose curls, all completed with a pair of black heels. Admittedly, the heels are probably not the best shoes to be wearing behind the bar, but even if I do say so myself, I look good.
Leaving the flat fifteen minutes later than I should have, I pick up my pace, hoping to get to the bar on time. It's quite a warm evening even though it is April. The weather man suggested taking an umbrella but how often are they right?! The warm air has put me surprisingly in a good mood considering that it is open mic night. It was an idea of Jazz's to start it. In his opinion, there was nowhere for amateur singer/songwriters to perform. I had to remind him that we were in London. All you have to do is pick a street and you can almost be certain there will be a bar with an open mic. Credit to Jazz though; it was a success to begin with. The bar has a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, the type of place where you know that you would find a happy face to talk to. And it brought in the crowds. People who were keen to listen to upcoming artists and appreciate the music. Most of the recent open mic nights haven't been as successful. It went from having some really good performers to having people who would fit in better belting out some sorry tune in a tacky karaoke bar. A lot of the 'performers' struggle to stand up straight let alone remember the words to their favourite song. I wonder what songs will be murdered tonight as I walk through the front door and head to find Jazz. He needed to know how much he owed me!
"And there she is! My little life saver! I will make it up to you" Jazz shouted across the bar. I see that he is already beginning to set up for the evening's events, clearly excited that the next big thing could walk through his doors.
"Your damn right you will" I reply, not trying to hide the sour tone to my voice.
"Oh Hun, you know you love to spend time with me! No point in denying it. It's not like you would have had anything else to do other curling up on the sofa in your pj's, with a bottle of white wine and watch city of angels...again".
I have to smile at how well Jazz knows me. Quite often he has called me up on a Thursday night and dragged my sorry arse away from Nicholas cage and join him for a drink. How wrong was he this time though.
"Actually, Jazz..." my voice is embarrassingly too high, giving away my excitement. "I did have plans. I was meeting a friend". I don't think that Rob technically qualifies as a friend just yet as I know absolutely nothing about him. Not that Jazz needs to know that.
"A friend other than me? I'm curious. Who is it?" Jazz asked almost bouncing where he stood. He knew that there was gossip and I was way too excited to try and hide it. I gave him a very quick edition of what had happened this morning with rob and how I ended up with my coffee all over me and my number written on him. I suddenly become very self conscious as Jazz just stands and stares at me. Slowly a huge grin spreads across his face, making him look 25 rather than 45. I feel my cheeks getting hot so I look away quickly to disguise it. However, Jazz does not miss a thing.
"My god...you really like him don't you? Trust you to meet your dream man covered in coffee. Only in London!"
"Whoa, hang on a sec. I think you're getting ahead of yourself. I met him once and spoke to him for no more than 5 minutes. Not at any point did I say he was my dream man so I have no idea where you got that one from. I mean, he's hot, there's no denying that..."I look up at Jazz, his eyes hinting at the fact that I am rambling.
"Breath Charlie!" he chuckles. "He's done a number on you, this one. Well he can't be any worse than Jack".
"Oh please do not mention his name!" I groan, my hands covering my now shaking head. "He tried ringing earlier" I say quietly. I can feel my eyes begin to water and it takes all of my effort to keep them from spilling over.
"I hope you told him to go fuck himself. Who does he think he is?! After what he did to you!"
"I know, I know" my voice almost giving away how upset I am. "I didn't speak to him. I just let the phone ring".
"Do you know what you need? A stiff drink and a strong man...okay you might have to wait for the strong man part. Maybe that's where Rob comes in?" he swooned when he said Robs name, just like a teenage girl with a crush. His attempt to make me smile has worked.
I look up and quietly say "thank you Jazz".
"For what?" he asked sounding a bit confused.
"For listening".
"Oh you soppy cow, come here". I move over to him for one of his fatherly hugs. Before the tears can begin to flow he grabs my hand and shouts "TO THE BAR!"
The night began quietly as usual. After many drinks with Jazz I begin to think that tonight might actually be fun. The first few singers to grace the small, yet charming stage were what you would call average. To my surprise, it doesn't take long for the bar to get busy. Lots of new and fresh faces line the bar waiting to be served. It doesn't take much to get swept up in the excitable atmosphere. I feel my phone, now placed in my jeans pocket, vibrating. A quick glance at it I see that I have had seven missed calls from Jack. When will he get the message? The sick feeling returns in the pit of my stomach, threatening to take over. I'm soon brought out of my thoughts and discomfort but the crowd demanding more drinks. Most of the tables had been filled long before now, making the bar seem very crowded. I love when the bar is like this. It is how a good bar should be. Time passes quickly, never giving me a chance to stop, let alone worry about my unwanted caller.
"Have a drink on me, lovely. Looks like you need one" some man who I have never seen before offers. One of the perks of working a busy bar is the amount of drinks you get bought.
"Thank you, I could really do with one actually".
Just as I begin to pour myself a vodka and coke I hear Jazz take the mic. Jazz was never one to perform. I had heard him singing on many occasions when he thought no one was listening. I love him like a brother, but I would not want to put these customers through that! I finish pouring my drink and drink it eagerly. I didn't realise how thirsty I was.
"Hello! Welcome to open mic night here at the furnace. I hope you are all having a great time. If not, then get yourself to the bar and get another drink! Now I see a lot of new faces in here tonight and I don't I have a treat for you!" A slight glance in my directions gives away what Jazz has planned.
Oh crap! Not again.
"The next artist is a very good friend of mine, very talented and gorgeous! You might recognise her..."
Here we go...
"She has been serving you drinks all night. Please welcome to the stage Charlie Bennett"! Suddenly he was pointing to where I stood and most of the heads in the bar to look at me. My cheeks automatically burn. Even though the bar is filled with cheers and words of encouragement, my earlier confidence takes a nose dive right into the floor. I'm going to kill Jazz when I get my hands on him.
My heart feels like it is about to jump out of my rib cage as I slowly, and resentfully, walk towards the stage. I step up the small ledge, wipe my now clammy hands on my jeans and pick up the guitar that has been left. I throw a quick glare directly at Jazz that is simple answered by the grin on his face. After many deep breaths I begin to play.
RPOV
I mentally make sure I have everything I need before heading to meet Kellan. Kristen texted about an hour ago with her apologises about not coming out tonight. Something about getting a head start on learning her lines. I wish I was that dedicated! At least I am not the only one not being responsible. Ashley called, sounding way too excited about going out again. Had she not been listening to Kellan's 'favourite' hang outs!? I have a feeling that I'm going to get on well with Ashley. Her energy is what kept most of us going last night when we had all but given in and gone home.
Happy that I have not left anything behind, I jump in back seat of the taxi.
"Where to mate?"
"Um I hope you know where this place is cause I have no idea...The Furnace?"
"Yeah I know it. No problem".
It doesn't take long to get there. I almost feel embarrassed at how close it was. I could have easily walked there if I had known where it was. I promise myself, to make up for the beer that I would be drinking, that I would walk back. As long as I could still walk, that was. If Kellan has anything to do with it, I imagine I will be crawling home or end up wake up in a hedge! I know that Mark would not be happy if that photo ended up in tomorrow's newspaper.
As I step out of the taxi I see that Kellan and Ashley are already outside waiting for me. The sound of a song coming to an end can be heard from the bar. This place didn't look half bad, not that I would ever admit it to Kellan. It is the sort of place I would have chosen to drink in myself. Not too classy but low key and dark enough to keep three actors identities hidden. Before I can say a word Ashley throws her arms around my chest, being too short to reach any higher.
"Rob! It's really good to see you again!"
"Uh...can't...breathe...!" I half joke. She lets go, quickly followed by a playful punch on my arm.
"I know you missed me!" Ashley chuckled as she linked her arm through mine.
"What is it with you guys? Only a few hours ago, Kellan was practically declaring his love for me and now you missing me!" speaking with as much of a serious tone as I could manage.
It was Kellan's turn to join in. "well Rob, you're just so god damn sexy!" and that did it. My serious face had now completely shattered as we all laughed, my sides beginning to hurt at Kellan's comment. After a few seconds, I compose myself enough to speak.
"So this is the dump you're subjecting me to!?"
"What do you mean dump? I think it's cute!" Ashley retaliated.
The sounds from the bar die down as another voice echoes over the mic.
"Hello! Welcome to open mic night here at the furnace. I hope you are all having a great time. If not, then get yourself to the bar and get another drink! Now I see a lot of new faces in here tonight and I don't I have a treat for you!"
I try and ignore what the guy is saying and finally pay for my taxi, the driver having waited patiently for his money. I give him a tip, as I know that most London cabbies have as much patience as child on Christmas day.
The next song starts up in the bar as the taxi drives away.
"So are you ready?" Kellan asked with not as much patience as the driver.
Just as I was about to reply I'm stopped dead in my tracks by the most angelic voice I had heard in a long time.
"Wow, she's good. Maybe we should go inside and get a drink or would you rather stand outside all night?" Ashley's voice dripped with sarcasm, a tone that you wouldn't expect from someone so small.
"Yeah alright" I laugh, still mesmerized by the unknown voice.
Kellan opens the door and we all go inside. I'm slightly shocked at how busy the place is. It looks so small from the outside. You wouldn't think that it could hold this many people. At a quick glance I can see there is no hope of getting a table and begin to head for the bar.
"Rob, what you having?" Kellan asks as we push our way to the front of the bar.
"Just a beer, thanks mate". After I answered him I turned to look for the first time, my eyes having adjusted to the dark room, at who was singing. I froze where I stood, hardly able to believe my eyes.
"No-fucking-way".