25
It was a Saturday, and his 25th Birthday. Issak whistled as he drove the 35mins to the Bar.
When Liv and Tyler had suggested a night of Celebratory drinks he had quickly accepted. His work colleagues had become fast friends in the last month, and he was keen for a night of fun.
Would that guy appear tonight? Now that he had moved away, was that even possible?
The tiny niggle of doubt in the back of his mind, he pushed aside. He wouldn’t let anything dampen his enthusiasm tonight!
Finding a park a few meters up the road, he was thankful to be lucky enough to find one so close. He stepped out into the crisp night air and drew in a deep breath.
Issak, tucked the car keys into his jacket pocket as he entered the bar.
The music hit him first, the popular modern beats bringing a smile to his face. The lowered lighting, had him squinting as he panned the room and tried to make out his friends.
Tables of chattering and laughter, as friends jostled from seats to bar. Clinking of glasses, and partially intoxicated guys flirting with unsuspecting girls, made him chuckle.
All was as to be expected, except for one thing, and Issak couldn’t help the feeling of disappointment by the absence of the stranger.
A grab at his arm had him looking down into the smiling face of Liv.
‘Hey you! We just got here too!’ - She started to pull Issak along and he let himself be led. - ‘I’ve baggzed us a table over here!’
Issak gave her a quick hug, and Tyler a handshake before plonking down on a seat.
‘Happy Birthday buddy!’ - Tyler grinned - ‘Drinks are on us tonight! Beer?’
‘How was your day?’ - Liv quizzed him as Tyler headed for the bar.
‘Just like any other day, except the long phone call from my Mum!’- He cringed then laughed.
She grinned - ‘Good old Mum, Hey?’
‘Things definitely started looking up, as soon as I walked in here!’
‘Of course!’ - She hugged his arm. - ‘I hope you like a dance!’
He shrugged - ‘Yeah, I don’t mind, just might need a couple of drinks to warm up!’
Tyler returned then with a tray of drinks, handing a beer to Issak. - ‘Drink up!’
Clinking glasses, his friends toasted his Birthday. Downing the first few mouthfuls a warm buzz filled him, he was happy.
Conversation flowed easily with these two friends, and true to his word he let himself be dragged to the floor for a dance. It was crowded, the mass of bodies jostling for a spot.
Liv held his arm for balance, but she was bumped away by a large handsome guy. She smiled at him with a shrug and a laugh and disappeared into the throng.
Issak stopped still in the middle of the dance floor, he had been deserted without a second thought. - ‘She’s a bugger!’ - He laughed shaking his head.
Turning he looked for Tyler, who seemed to be missing too. Feeling a little embarrassed to be dancing on his own, he tried heading out.
A shove at his side, had him careening forward to be caught up in strong arms. A tall man steadied him.
‘Shit, sorry!’
‘No problem!’ - The deep voice held a hit of amusement.
Hands still warm at his waist, Issak was suddenly aware that he was clutching two handfuls of shirt. And raised his eyes, meeting two more slightly above his.
He froze as recognition hit. The only movement, a buzzing in his brain, and leap and thumping in his chest.
The face he had been waiting for, smiled at him, then the mouth spoke - ‘Happy Birthday!’
Issak’s eyes widened in surprise, tongue tied for a moment, then slowly replied. - ‘Um Thanks!’
‘Are you OK?’ - Selyn quizzed, without loosening his grasp on Issak. He was enjoying every expression that flashed across that face. He began to sway, taking Issak with him. Their bodies pressed close as the crowd became thicker.
Issak wasn’t sure if it was the fact that they were conversing, or the firm grip on his waist, that was making him feel dizzy. On second thought It could have been the few drinks, or the lack of oxygen in this enclosed space.
Or it could have been the effects that this attractive guy was having on his racing heart. The closeness, the wonderful scent as his body was nudged even closer and he was pulled in tight; his face pressed into a warm neck.
Blood Hell! What is going on? Issak didn’t understand the reaction his body was having as he swayed in the arms of this stranger. No! He Isn’t a stranger!
Pulling away, he hurriedly pushed his way to the edge of the Dance floor without a backward glance. Sat at his table and took several huge gulps of his Beer.
Selyn swayed for a moment longer, staring after the retreating Issak, bereft at the departure. He had been enjoying their brief connection. He held a hand up against his racing heart, puzzled at the feeling. A feeling like nothing he had ever felt before.
