Jess wasn't actually a big fan of bars. She went out often with the guys, but that was only because she wanted them to see her like they would any other cop. So whenever they invited her to Sullivan's, she went along with a smile on her face.
But tonight it was just her. Breathing in the crisp autumn air, she decided to forego the cab, despite the fact that she had a decent walk ahead of her. The past few weeks she had felt trapped, as though her job and her life were caging her in. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply again. She just needed a break.
When she finally got to The Dahlia, it was almost nine o'clock. Someone was up on the small stage, lit by a dim light and playing the piano. Jess slid into a chair at an empty table and then shrugged her jacket off before ordering a hot chocolate and a muffin.
The music moved over her, and she closed her eyes for a moment. The Dahlia didn't have professional musicians for their music, but they had a few regulars who were really good. It had been months since she had managed to get over there, though, and she didn't recognize the voice that was reaching her now. But it was soft and sweet, with just a hint of gruffness – she decided that he could be behind a piano or at the front of a small band with equal ease.
It was then that she opened her eyes and really looked at him, and her breath caught. She stared in amazement as she watched Adam lean forward toward the mic and continue the song, his face soft in the warm light. Jess was vaguely aware that her mouth was hanging open, but she couldn't do anything but watch and listen.
And this is why my eyes are closed
It's just as well for all I've seen
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows
So I would choose to be with you
That's if the choice were mine to make
But you can make decisions too
And you can have this heart to break
And so it goes, and so it goes
And you're the only one who knows
The song came to a quiet close, and Jess found herself covered in goose bumps. She shivered slightly as Adam said thank you into the microphone and stepped down from the stage, weaving his way through the tables. Halfway across the room, his eyes landed on her and he stopped, staring in disbelief. He looked as though he wanted to turn around and go back, but eventually he came forward, his walk slower, and his hands twitching nervously.
"Jess?"
"Adam." She inwardly cringed at how breathy her voice sounded. "Hi."
"Hey. I, uh…I didn't expect to see you here."
"I used to come all the time," she explained, fighting against the dryness in her mouth. "I just haven't had the chance lately."
"Oh."
"I was surprised to see you," she continued, wishing she could come up with something more original to say. Then she nodded at the stage. "You're good," she said quietly. "Really good."
He ducked his head and blushed. "Thanks."
They stood there awkwardly for a moment and then Jess took a deep breath, telling herself she was being a fool. "Do you wanna sit down?"
Adam smiled, and the tension eased. "Yeah."
He took a seat next to her, his arm brushing against hers as they both faced the stage. The next performer was up, and as the notes drifted over to their table, Jess turned to look at the man next to her.
"Do you normally do this? I mean…sing?"
He shrugged. "I'm kind of a regular now. I usually do Monday nights, unless I'm working." He paused. "Please don't tell the others."
"I won't," she assured him. "But you have nothing to be embarrassed about, Adam. Like I said…you're really good." She paused. "I'd like…I mean…would it be okay if I came by again? To hear you sing?"
Adam smiled, and she was treated once again to his blush, the butterflies erupting in her stomach. "I think I'd like that," he said quietly.