It was an extra chilly night in the city of New York and the leaves were turning crispier by the day. The winter weather had definitely made an appearance this year but it didn't stop anyone who was willing to go out and enjoy their Saturday night with a real drink. 'Repulse' was one of the most popular bars in the city at this time of year having opened only two years ago. It had incredible huge floors to fit a large amount of people, the modern style of the bar was stylish and chic, they had a pretty good music host or DJ every day of the week and the carefree vibe that everyone seemed to have while being there was amazing. Other than that, most people around the city knew that half the customers (mainly women) were there for one reason and one reason only - the barmen. The bar was pretty huge and consisted of a large staff increase who were mostly guys simply because of good bar skills. Many of them would be giving women the cold shoulder throughout their entire shift trying not to lose their jobs. As for others, when their shift had finally finished and they were ready to go home, they'd bring one of the customers who had taken their fancy back home with them.
"Ricky! Throw me a shaker!" One of them bellowed over the music. It was Merle - about mid 30's, very rugged and looked like he hadn't had a shave in 4 months. Ricky was tanned and muscular and had a sexy mop of black hair pushed back from his face. He threw him the object from the edge of the bar to where Merle was stood. It was a busy night tonight and the guys were swept off their feet.
"How you doing, baby brother?!" Merle shouted again only this time it was from the other end of the bar. Daryl Dixon - Merle's 'baby brother' as he calls him. Daryl had only started at the bar two weeks ago and he was finally getting the hang of it. He was a good looking guy no-one could deny that but the female attention he'd received on the first couple of nights had been shocking. Merle was the love em' and and leave em' type but as for Daryl - he was surprisingly completely the opposite. He'd had a few relationships come and go and they all ended rather quickly but the last few years he decided he was just better on his own.
"I'm fine!" he yelled back pouring in a mixture of liquids and finally shaking the container to create the perfect blend.
The night had expectingly gone quite quickly and it had finally calmed down. Daryl swept the back of his hand across his forehead swiping the built up sweat from rushing around like a headless chicken for most of his shift. It was at least 3am by now and his feet were aching horrifically. He didn't know how most people could stay in a place like this for too long - the loud music, the fighting and the constant stench of cigarette smoke lingering through the air was nauseating. He had noticed one woman who had been sat at the end of the bar for the longest time ever - she was hard not to notice with her dark curls pinned back from her face and her natural and pretty complexion made her glow. Her white sheer blouse was inviting and you could see a small amount of cleavage spilling from the neckline. She must have arrived about 11ish and was still sat there now surprisingly with her head stuck in a book. Wasn't exactly what you came to a bar to do. He must admit he was a huge book lover and loved to unwind with a good read before bed sometimes. He tipped his head to the side slightly to try and catch the title. Marcel Proust. Good choice. he thought. She had the continuous order of red wine throughout the night and she held a cigarette in her hand as she flipped through the pages.
"I didn't want to order another drink." Daryl broke out of his deep thought by the woman in question now staring up at him from her seat with a rather confused look on her face. He blinked and just stared. Had he been staring? Oh fuck. he thought. "Well I'm guessing that's why you are staring at me unless you wanted something else?" she smirked.
Daryl blushed. "Oh, um.. shit. I'm sorry. I was just lost in thought and didn't realising I was staring at you. Im really sorr-"
She interrupted him. "It's fine sugar! Calm down.." she smiled up at him and went on to carry her read.
"Whatcha reading there?" Daryl couldn't stop the words falling from his lips. He wanted to continue the conversation and he didn't know why.
She looked up at him in one shot and was surprised at his sudden interest. "Proust." she replied.
"What's it about?" he asked already knowing the answer.
"It's about a man who can't have what he wants." she said smiling at him.
This woman was fascinating. Daryl thought.
"You read?" she asked.
"A little yeah." he replied. She shot him another sweet smile and it was quiet for a second. "So, why haven't I seen you here before?"
"I'm usually down at Plaza which is only a few blocks from here but my friend told me to try out this place. It's pretty snazzy." she said closing her book shut and putting out her cigarette.
"Can I ask why you read here? This is the last place I could imagine someone reading such an interesting book like Proust." he said trying not to offend her.
She gathered her cigarettes and purse and carefully collected any other belongings. "The noise. I like loud noise. It helps me read.. don't ask me why." she giggled. "I know it's weird but I guess I'm just unique.. or something like that." she said and finally she stood from her stool and took her purse within her hands. "Night Ricky." she gestured to the other barman who was inches away from Daryl cleaning up some of the glasses and with that said and done - she was gone. The stool was empty and it was as if no-one was ever sat there in the first place.