Open Mic Night
"Uhh, hey Doc." I put my left hand behind my neck and rubbed it, not knowing what to do with my hands. I shoved the other one in my front pocket. She rubbed her eyes a few times and yawned once.
"Can we go inside?" I nodded and jogged up the few steps to the door. I held it open for her and she came down and sat on my couch.
"Uh, do you want something to drink? I don't have much, just beer?" I offered, not knowing what to do when she didn't say anything.
"Sure, a beer sounds good." She accepted and I got two from the fridge. So much for sleeping tonight…
"Listen, Doc, I'm sorry to hear about your mom…"
"How'd you know?" She asked me as she leaned back and rested her head back on the couch.
"Word travels fast in Bluebell." I was embarrassed to admit that I had been listening to her conversation.
"Yeah, that's one thing I didn't miss," she cracked a half smile before continuing, "but thank you, it's just tough, knowing you have zero family left."
"That's not true at all Zoe Hart. All of Bluebell is your family."
"They certainly have a funny way of showing it." She laughed and wiped some of her tears away.
"They were just shocked, I think. We all were. We weren't expecting you to come back."
"I had no reason to stay anymore." She shrugged and took a sip of her beer.
"How long ago?" I asked vaguely, not wanting to pry too much incase it made her more upset.
"She was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in late May. It was too far progressed though, they couldn't do anything. So I just had to sit there and watch her die for three months. I was praying that she would just die already because by the end of it, she couldn't talk or eat, she was in so much pain. It was terrible to watch. She finally passed last week. The funeral was yesterday, but my apartment was all but packed, ready to come home. All I had to do was sort through her things." There was a steady stream of tears coming now and that broke my heart that I couldn't comfort her anymore. I could only watch.
I couldn't handle just sitting by and doing nothing though, so I scooted over on the couch and put my arm around her and pulled her in close. I held her for a few minutes while she cried. That would explain the puffy eyes.
"Sorry, this is stupid, I don't know what I was thinking, you probably hate me." She pulled away and wiped her nose after she had calmed down.
"I could never hate you Zoe." I used her full name again so she got the point. I still loved her, but I didn't have the privilege to tell her that anymore.
"I'm sorry for the way we left things. I'm sorry that I just left and didn't say a proper goodbye. I'm sorry for everything, for pushing you, and-"
"Stop." I interrupted her and she shut up.
"I'm not mad Doc, at all. I mean, yeah these past six months have sucked, but it's not like you had no reason to leave, and stay there. It's my fault that you felt that you needed to leave, and I'll live with that forever. I chased you out of Bluebell because I'm a dick. I was a dick." I emphasized the was because I wanted her to know that I was trying to be a better person for her.
"Well I've had six months to think about all of that, and I've gone over it time and time again in my head. And I forgive you for what you did. And I hope you forgive me."
"Of course I do Zo." I grabbed her hand and rubbed small circles on it.
"And before I left, I wanted to tell you that I loved you too, but I couldn't admit it to myself that I was completely in love, head over heels, for a guy who didn't feel the same way. I was embarrassed, that I wasn't good enough for you." That one hit home and made me feel really guilty.
"The reason I did it was because I knew I didn't deserve you. And I'm sorry for making you feel that way, but you have to understand that I was thinking the same thing. I was embarrassed because I was head over heels in love with a New York doctor, and I was a bartender. I didn't want to hold you back." I shrugged again and she let her head roll back. She took a deep sigh, pondering what to respond with.
"Can we just call it even? We both screwed up, and I just to have at least two friends in Bluebell." I could work with friends for now, even if it wasn't what I hoped for, it was a step.
"Yeah, friends." I gave her a half hug as she stood up and stretched.
"Well, I should get back, I don't want to keep you up all night." She grabbed her glasses off the coffee table, which had been discarded while she was crying.
"Okay," I said as I walked her to the front door. She turned around and smiled before walking out the door.
"Hey Doc!" I called out and she whipped around, "it's good to have you back!" She let a grin spread over her face for the first time since she arrived home. She turned back around and headed to her house. I shook my head and turned the lights off and climbed into bed, even though I knew that I wouldn't be sleeping much tonight.
I woke the next morning with a bit of a headache. I knew it was from the two hours of sleep I managed to get last night. I glanced at my clock and saw that it was 9. I had to be at the Rammer Jammer by 10, so I hopped in the shower and got dressed. I rubbed my hair with my towel and jogged to Lavon's. I ran in the back door and ran to the cabinet with the Poptarts. I picked out Brown Sugar Cinnamon, my favorite, and put them in the toaster. I was grabbing a cup of coffee when I heard Lavon coming down the stairs.
"Morning sunshine." I greeted him when he rolled his eyes. He wasn't a morning person to say the least.
"Why are you so cheery?" He grumbled, pouring himself a cup of coffee while I grabbed my Poptarts from the toaster.
"Why not? It's a beautiful day, the band's coming in soon, which means I'll be making tons of cash!" I took a few bites of my breakfast and he rolled his eyes again.
"Lavon Hayes thinks it's because a certain doctor is back in town."
"That might be a part of it too," I winked at him just as Zoe came bursting through the door. She was back to her normal attire, wearing a red sundress, strappy heels, and a face full of makeup.
"Lavon! Thank God I caught you! So since you're mayor and all, what are the chances that you can convince Brick to give me my old job back?"
"Probably pretty good, you know he secretly loves you Big Z." He smiled and she ran to the coffee machine.
"Hey! You guys drank all of the coffee!"
"Sorry Doc, that's what happens when you're the last to breakfast!" I laughed as she pouted.
"But I'm heading out, you can finish off my cup for me." I handed it too her and she happily accepted. I pulled my flannel on over my white t-shirt and tied my boots.
"If you want a proper breakfast, you can come to the finest establishment in Bluebell. We serve a great breakfast. And we have plenty of coffee," I winked at her before heading out the door. I knew the wink was suggestive, but it worked to my advantage because she smiled and blushed.
"I might just do that." She called after me.
I opened the Rammer Jammer happy as a clam, which didn't surprise Shelley, who was opening with me. She knew the reason for my happiness, as I assume the rest of the town did. Before any customers came in, we set up the tables with ketchup, salt and pepper, and the cook arrived. I turned the coffee on, but after that, there wasn't much for me to do. I picked up my guitar, which I often kept in the backroom. I didn't mind messing around with just Shelley. She was busy working anyway.
I strummed the guitar, not sure what to play. My heart had a million songs in mind, so I couldn't just pick one. One came to my mind that fit my situation, so I played without thinking.
I wanna watch you undress
I wanna watch you glow
Let your hair down
All around, cover us both
You come in a wave
We crash and we roll
You surround me, pull me, drown me, swallow me whole
You turn, turn, turn, turning me on
Like a slow fire burn
Know that it's wrong
Still I run, run, run, run right into you
Yeah, I run, run, run, run right into you
You pull me in close
You buckle my knees
I shake and I shiver just to feel you breathe
You trace my lines
Stirring my soul
Shoot sparks at the heart of the world and I watch it explode
You turn, turn, turn, turning me on
Like a slow fire burn
Know that it's wrong
Still I run, run, run, run right into you
Yeah, I run, run, run, run right into you
I'm amazing when you're beside me
I am so much more
And I feel your fingers
Pound like thunder
I am so much more
So much more
Turn, turn, turn, turning me on
Like a slow fire burn
Know that it's wrong
Still I run, run, run, run right into you
Yeah, I run, run, run, run right into you
Turn, turn, turn, turning me on
Like a slow fire burn
Know that it's wrong
Still I run, run, run, run right into you
Yeah, I run, run, run, run right into you
Still I run, run, run, run right back to you
Turning me on
Like a slow fire burn
"Wade Kinsella you keep singing like that and you're going to get yourself in trouble." Shelley yelled from the other end of the bar.
"I'm just messin' around Shel!"
"So ya gonna sing her a love song next Friday?" She mocked me and I rolled my eyes.
"I guess you're gonna have to wait and see like everyone else, huh?" I laughed, but she had a good point, that was my usual thing to do, but now that she would be present, I was a bit nervous. But she had seen my last performance, so who knows?
Our first customers were coming in for the day, so I grabbed my notepad and a pen. I took their order and we got progressively busier.
"All out of sorts today Wade?" Brick joked as I took his order.
"Nope, same old Wade. Didn't even see her yet much." I lied, even though he knew better. He just nodded and ordered. I could hear her coming in by the clacking of her heels against the hardwood floor. She sat at the bar.
"What can I get for ya Doc?" I leaned over the bar, resting my elbows down.
"Just two scrambled eggs por favor." She smiled, not even looking at the menu.
"You sure? You haven't even looked at the new menu."
"I don't need to look at the menu to know what I want Wade. But I do like what you've done with the place. It's really nice in here." She was getting her first look around when it wasn't dark and crowded.
"Well thanks, it's kinda my pride and joy." She smiled and I went back to put her order in. I poured her a coffee and placed it in front of her. I got her eggs about two minutes later.
"Not service like that in New York, huh Doc?" I smirked and walked to greet some people who had just come in the door. She just shook her head.
"So Wade, you wanna serenade us again this morning? Your voice is something else, I could listen to you sing all day." Shula Whitaker shouted across the restaurant when she spotted me.
"Well thank you Ms. Whitaker, but I don't want you all to go thinking I'm some pop star like Tucker over here." I motioned the George and Tansy, who had just walked in. I walked back behind the bar and Zoe waved me over to her.
"You know, I could listen to you sing all day too. You've got some real talent Kinsella." She winked at me and now I knew how she must've felt this morning when I winked at her. My knees were weak and shaking. I took all I had to muster a response.
"Oh, gee, well thanks Doc. I don't do much, just Friday's Open Mic Night. It's nothing special."
"I thought it was." She gave me another sad smile and grabbed her purse from the floor. She handed me a ten dollar bill.
"Keep it, well for now at least. I have to go beg for my job back, so I might come back needed that money later when Brick says no." She sarcastically said and hopped off the barstool. I smirked and watched her leave. Maybe she could listen to me sing all day, but I could definitely watch her walk away all day.
Lavon came in around noon for lunch and informed me that he was planning a bit of a welcome home dinner for Zoe tonight at his place, and that I should come by. I told him I would be there and he nodded. Now my mind was racing of what I should wear tonight. We would undoubtedly be heading back to the Rammer Jammer after dinner to see the band play, so it had to be a bit nicer. I stopped myself mid-thought and automatically scolded myself. Why in the world was I worrying about what to wear. I shook my head at myself and went back to work. I left around 2, once Wanda came in. I stopped at the Dixie Stop before heading home.
I took another shower and shaved. I actually brushed my hair and put on cologne. Next, I got dressed. I had decided on my best jeans and a light blue button down. By the time I was done, it was 5, so I headed over to Lavon's, but not before grabbing my purchase from the Dixie Stop.
"Hey guys," I greeted as I saw Annabeth, Lavon, and Zoe outside. Lavon was standing at the grill, while Annabeth and Zoe were seated at the table near the pool, drinking wine. They all looked up.
"Hi Wade!" Annabeth was the first to greet me, and she stood and saw the flowers I was holding. She gave me a slight smile and told us she'd be right back.
"These are for you Doc, I uh, I just thought, since it's your welcome home dinner that these would show you I really am glad you're home." I said awkwardly, but she smiled and Lavon just shook his head and laughed to himself. I casually stepped forward and gave them to her and she smelled them.
"Well thank you, they're beautiful!" Just then, Annabeth came out with a vase filled with water.
"Here ya go Zoe," Zoe put the flowers in the vase and placed them on the table to take home with her later. Annabeth went back inside to check on the pie that was in the oven and the macaroni and cheese in the crockpot.
"So, how did it go with Brick?"
"It went as well as could be expected, he wasn't thrilled about having to clear out his workout room, but he was glad I was back I guess. I start Monday."
"Well congratulations. It was kinda weird having Brick stitch me up, but he sure wasn't as rough with me as you were." I clicked my tongue and she giggled.
"Well maybe if you were a little more careful you wouldn't need stitched up in the first place." She tilted her head, in an 'I win' kind of way. I just enjoyed seeing her smile again.
"So are you gonna come with us to see the band tonight?"
"Of course, I wanna see you work your magic behind the bar too." She raised an eyebrow at me.
"Well you might just be surprised Doc." I played along with her banter until Annabeth joined us.
"So Big Z, when is the rest of your stuff coming?"
"It should be here in a few days. They're driving it down, so sometime soon, I hope. I slept in a sleeping bag on my bed last night because my sheets are with my other stuff. It was like my first night in Bluebell." She laughed at the memory and caught my eye, both of us having kept the secret of our indiscretions her first night here.
"So Wade, what's this band like tonight?"
"They're not a huge time band, but I've heard some of their stuff, it'll be fun I think." I responded to Lavon, who was getting to steaks off the grill. Zoe and I followed Annabeth inside to help her bring out all of the other dishes. I grabbed the crockpot, which was the heaviest, Annabeth had the pie, and Zoe was carrying the salad bowl.
"This looks so good guys, thank you. I can't tell you the last time I had a home-cooked meal." Zoe said as she filled her plate. She piled on more than I've ever seen before.
"Of course, we're just happy to have you home!" Annabeth responded in her usual cheery tone. I filled my plate, but before digging in, I looked around quickly. I wanted to remember this, how this moment felt. It's been six months before I've had the comfortable company of Zoe, Annabeth, and Lavon. The sun was still pretty bright in the sky, but I knew it would be dark in only a few hours. We ate and talked, and drank, of course. After dinner, Zoe helped Annabeth clean up.
"So, what's the Zoe/Wade status?" Lavon questioned as he sipped his beer.
"Friends. For now."
"For now?"
"I'm workin on it, alright?" I half smiled and looked out on the plantation. I thought about all of the memories I had here, not just with Zoe, but with Lavon, and Tucker. I noticed the end of the lake far off in the distance and remembered how long it's been since I've been down to that part of the lake.
"Hey Doc, wanna take a walk?" I held my hand out towards her when she returned from inside.
"Sure." She took my hand and looked back at Annabeth, who I could've sworn gave her a thumbs up.
"I forgot how beautiful it is down here, even if it is hot." She looked down at her tank top and shorts.
"Yeah, I guess I kinda forgot too. Haven't been down here in awhile." We finally reached the lake and she sat on the small bank. I took the spot next to her.
"So…" I trailed off and she smiled.
"So…" She repeated, looking down at the sand.
"I really did miss you Doc. Six months is a long time."
"I missed you too Wade. A lot." She looked up at me, but I couldn't meet her gaze.
"So I've got a question for you," she started and I nodded, "last night, when I came into the Rammer Jammer, you were singing, and I know this is going to sound completely egotistical, but I couldn't help but feel that it was about me…" She trailed off. Again, I could feel the heat climbing up my neck to my face. I awkwardly tugged at the bottom of my shirt.
"Yeah, I guess you could say that." I laughed awkwardly, obviously embarrassed.
"That's sweet. I wish I could hear you sing more often." She squeezed my hand, but I still didn't want to look at her. I knew if I did, then I wouldn't be able to stop.
"Shoulda heard me this morning at the Rammer Jammer." I confessed.
"Wade, I just want you to know-"
"I've been singin' bout you every Friday for the past six months, actually." I cut her off and she seemed surprised. I knew that could've been a bad move, saying that. I stood up from the sand and she did the same.
"Really?" She asked and I nodded, finally meeting her eyes. Her eyes looked happy again, different from last night. They were the eyes I was used to. She was searching my eyes for some sort of clue as to how I was feeling. I couldn't take it anymore and was about to tear my eyes away. Before I could though, she launched herself against my body and crashed her lips onto mine. My eyes closed, and my mind was a blur. It all happened so fast, but I held the back of her head as she kissed me and I kissed her back. The past six months, this was what I longed for. Her lips on mine again, and finally, they were.
A/N: Song – Run by Matt Nathanson and Jennifer Nettles. Every chapter is going to have a song featured in it, and that song will be the title. I don't own the song or the show.
