Rock ‘n Roll: Part two
It was a year later when Aria nervously clutched the paperback copy of “Feeling Unsure” to her chest. The book launch evening was bustling, a sea of eager readers all vying for a glimpse, a word, and, hopefully, a signature from Daisy Moore, Aria’s favourite novelist. The air crackled with excitement, the scent of fresh ink and anticipation hanging heavy.
Then, she saw him.
Jaxson King stood across the crowded room, leaning against a bookshelf lined with Moore’s past works. Jaxson King, the rock god whose posters had adorned her teenage bedroom walls, the voice that had soundtracked her highs and lows.
Aria’s breath hitched. She hadn’t seen him since… well, since that fleeting, almost surreal encounter at the concert. She’d chalked it up to a strange dream ever since.
Now, here he was.
He seemed impossibly taller; His dark hair was artfully dishevelled, and his eyes, the same stormy grey she remembered, were scanning the crowd. And then they landed on her.
Aria froze. He’d spotted her. She felt a blush creep up her neck, prickling her skin. Jaxson King was looking at her.
He watched her for the entire evening, a subtle, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips. Aria felt like a character in one of Daisy Moore’s novels, caught in a whirlwind of emotions. She desperately wanted to approach him, reignite that tiny spark that had flickered a year ago. But a wave of self-doubt crashed over her.
Why would he remember her? He was Jaxson King. He met thousands of people, each one vying for his attention. She was just… Aria. A nobody, clutching a romantic novel at a book launch. If she went over there, she was convinced she would just feel stupid, a fumbling fan girl making a fool of herself in front of her idol.
She debated fleeing the room, disappearing back into the anonymity of the city streets. But her feet were rooted to the spot, her gaze locked with his.
Then, he moved. He disentangled himself from the bookshelf and began to navigate the crowd, his path directed towards her. Aria’s heart hammered against her ribs, threatening to burst free. This couldn’t be happening.
He stopped before her, his presence radiating a warmth that seemed to melt away her anxieties. His eyes held a spark of amusement.
“Are you not going to say hi?” he asked, his voice a low, husky rumble that sent shivers down her spine.
Aria stammered, “I… I wanted to, but I didn’t think I should.”
“Why?” The question was simple and genuine.
“I Dunno,” she mumbled, hating how flustered she sounded. “I would have felt silly.”
He chuckled, a sound that was both disarming and utterly captivating. He gently took her hand, sending a jolt of electricity through her.
“Let us get a drink and go somewhere a little quiet,” he suggested, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Aria’s head was spinning. This couldn’t be real. Jaxson King held her hand, offering to take her away for a private conversation. Was this happening? Was she dreaming?
She nodded, unable to find her voice. He led her through the bustling crowd towards the drinks table overflowing with sparkling water and wine. He poured each a glass of sparkling water, his hand brushing hers as he handed it over.
Then, he led her away from the noise to a small, secluded balcony overlooking the city. The night air was cool against her skin, a welcome contrast to the heat radiating from within her.
As they stood side by side, the city lights twinkling below them, Aria finally found her voice. But even she didn’t know where this unexpected, improbable encounter would lead.
Thank You for Reading
Deborah C. Langley
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