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theelizamanelli · 3 months
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Delphin Enjolras (French, 1857–1945)
Le parfum des roses
Oil on canvas
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theelizamanelli · 7 months
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theelizamanelli · 7 months
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Usually it’s video games instead of music but this is pretty much accurate hehe
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pretty pretty girls whose minds go blank when you run your thumb over their lips
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theelizamanelli · 7 months
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theelizamanelli · 7 months
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theelizamanelli · 7 months
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theelizamanelli · 7 months
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Me, trying to write some sweet, fluff story with a happy ending to heal my soul: and then they hugged and-
My brain:
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theelizamanelli · 7 months
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Time Heals All Wounds
Chapter Four: Porch Light
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Joel Miller x female reader; pre-raider
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Previously on:
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Summary: Joel accidentally cuts himself while working in the shop. You stitch him up but not before Sarah insists on going to the Farmer's Market and bringing him with. Louise forgets her phone when she goes to Sarah’s for a sleepover that night, you bring it over and get invited to stay for dinner and a movie. The porch and a lonely Joel call to you - a call you welcome with open arms.
Warnings: mature content, no minors, age gap, cuts, blood, bleeding, swearing, kissing, grinding
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AN: Wow wow wow. I wrote this chapter so early on to this fic. I kept writing and re writing the timeline until it fit perfectly. Two ideas I had collided to be one chapter so this may be longer than usual. Prepare for a bit of contact to tide you over.
Side note: there was a bit of a blunder on my part for timeline. I went back to a previous chapter to change a comment about “FaceTime”. Anywho. That’s all.
Enjoy.
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The first day off that you've had in a long time is greeted with a flurry of texts from Sarah.
Are you home?
Yes!
You're a nurse, right?
Almost, what's up?
Dad cut himself and he's refusing to go to the hospital.
On my way.
Heading downstairs you search the garage for the medical supplies you've always kept in the house - in case Louise ever hurt herself or for when Dad would fall down while drunk and you had to clean him up.
You finally find it in the corner of one of the shelves. Snatching the bag up you walk to the door.
You were in the middle of getting ready for the day, planning to go downtown to a coffee shop and then off to the Farmer's Market.
You’re hardly dressed for playing medic - sporting a crop top and overalls.
The last place you expected to be was on Joel's front porch.
You hesitate before knocking on the door, realizing this is the first time you’ve seen him since the slow dance.
You have taken every opportunity since to not think about your feelings - extra shifts at the hospital or hanging out with Louise.
Anything but Joel Miller.
Sarah answers and leads you to the kitchen where he is leaning over the sink letting his hand sit under the running water.
He's wearing a white t-shirt that is riding up, exposing the small of his back. You can see his muscles flexing and the top of his underwear peaking through.
He glances up with a furrowed brow, “Whaddya doin’ here?”
"Here to fix the cut on your hand. As requested." You say with a smile, placing the bag on the table.
He winces, "Who requested that?"
"Your concerned daughter," chimes in Sarah from the doorway. "Let her fix your hand, Dad."
Walking over to the sink you reach your hand out to see the damage. Joel looks up at you for a second with hesitation before removing it from the water.
A deep laceration to his thumb.
“Ouch, how’d you manage that?” You ask as you press the gauze you had removed from the bag to the cut.
“Messin’ around in the shop,” he hisses as you hold pressure.
“Sorry, are you up to date on tetanus?” You tease before you guide him over to the table.
Leaving him with instructions to hold pressure you lay out a semi-sterile field and get your sutures ready.
“I may have lidocaine in here,” you say rifling through the bag.
“Just do it,” he grunts as he averts his gaze.
“Suit yourself.” You begin working diligently, you’ve nearly forgotten who you’re suturing until he speaks up.
“Where’d ya learn to do this?” He asks, his eyes drifting to you.
“I got my medic license and got close with some ER doctors. They taught me in preparation for residency one day.” You finish up the last stitch and sanitize with betadine.
He lifts his hand and admires your work, “You going back to school already? Ain’t ya about to finish?”
“Ain’t no rest for the committed,” you laugh and begin to clean up. He places his good hand on yours, pushing it down slightly.
Your breath hitches, feeling the tingle in the spot he’s touching.
“Don’t worry about this, I’ll clean it up,” he says quietly.
You swallow hard before nodding, his hand lingers on yours for a second when Sarah barges through the entryway.
“Looking good! What were you up to today?” She asks as she walks to the fridge pulling out a soda.
“Actually I was about to head out to the farmers market downtown.” You say, turning towards her and holding your hand closer to your body. Tracing your fingers on the part he touched.
Sarah’s eyes bulge in excitement, “Dad, we have to go!”
She turns towards you with a start, “You don’t mind, do you?”
“No, of course not! You don’t have to come, though, if you don’t want!” You say, looking towards Joel.
“Don’t be silly, of course he does,” exclaims Sarah, grabbing you by the arm leading you quickly towards the front door.
She whispers, “Don’t ruin this! How else do you expect me to get anything?”
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The bustle of the market greets your ears the moment you step out of the truck. With your tote bag swung over one arm and your other wrapping around Sarah, you stride towards the entrance.
Joel insists on walking a few steps behind, his eyes darting around.
There are stands ranging from honey vendors to butchers to artisans. You’re drinking all of it in before stopping to get coffee.
You notice that Sarah breaks off for a smaller group, you assume it’s someone from school.
“I bought you a coffee.” You hand it over to Joel while sipping on your iced latte.
“Thanks,” he says as he takes a drink. His eyebrows raise and he nods before saying, “S’good.”
You smile before walking through the surrounding shops, you notice that Joel has decided to follow you around instead of waiting around for Sarah.
Finding a few articles of clothing you like you’ve started to gather an armful. You’ve picked up yet another item and before you can add it to the pile it’s being lifted from your arms.
Joel places the clothes in his arms without meeting your eyes.
You stare at him, unmoving. His eyes dart down to meet yours and he nods his head back towards the racks.
“Keep looking,” He insists.
“Yes, sir,” you laugh before continuing through the aisles.
You’re in the last store in the area. Hoping you haven’t bored or tired out Joel who is still behind you holding whatever you pick out.
Playing with a few necklaces you see one that catches your eye - gold fine link chain with a flower pendant.
You flip it through your fingers for a while before deciding that the price is a bit steep especially considering the damage you’ve already done.
Making your way up to the counter Joel sets down what you’ve picked out - you smile at him with a thank you.
He nods at you before stepping behind.
“Wish I had a man like that,” the sales girl whispers to you. Not nearly quiet enough as you hear Joel chuckle.
“He’s a good one, for sure,” you say handing over you card to her with a smile.
Joel grabs the bags from the counter before you’re able to and you leave the store together. He gestures to a table and you have a seat, admiring the various bags you have collected since this morning.
He excuses himself while you’re busy looking through the things, Sarah sidles up next to you and begins to tell you where she’s been.
“Y’all ready?” Says Joel from behind.
The windows are down and the radio is louder than normal.
Sarah is dancing slightly in the backseat and the wind is blowing through Joel’s hair, rustling it perfectly.
He glances over at you and you flash him a smile before busying yourself with the view.
They drop you off in the driveway, you manage to get all the way inside without dropping a bag - a feat.
You’re unpacking your finds carefully before coming upon a box you can’t place.
Staring quizzically at it you open to see a necklace - the flower pendant.
Your heart quickens - did Joel buy this for you?
When?
It must have been when he excused himself at the tables.
Maybe he didn’t, though, why would he?
For a moment you dare to think that - maybe - Joel Miller feels the same way.
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“Louise forgot her phone,” you’re standing in the doorway holding onto her pink case. Admiring the muscles in Joel’s arms as he leans against the frame.
“I can see that.” He holds the door open, gesturing for you to come in.
Louise races down the stairs after seeing you through the window.
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” She hugs you before swiping the phone out of your hand and climbing the steps two at a time.
“Not even a hello? Rough crowd.”
“You've been used, hate to break it to ya,” Joel chuckles as he closes the door. He leads you towards the kitchen.
You follow him to the doorway, he opens the fridge and rummages around.
“Well, I don’t want to bother you again.” You say, turning on your heels, “Already took up your morning.”
“You’re here, might as well stay,” Joel’s hand grabs your arm before you’ve made it a step.
You freeze, his fingers tighten slightly. You can feel the stitches against the inner corner of your elbow.
“If you want, that is,” Joel clears his throat before releasing your arm. “I’m orderin’ pizza.”
You turn slightly, meeting his eyes. “If you insist. I’m sure you would miss my company if I left anyways,” you tease. “Who else is going to beat you at Mario Kart?”
He hands you a drink with a smirk, “We’ll see about that.”
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Louise is dominating Joel at Mario Kart. Annihlating him with red shells until he’s swearing at her - attempting to knock the controller out of her hand.
“I believe that’s called cheating.” You say, shoving him back to his side.
“She started it,” he mutters under his breath.
The doorbell rings and you volunteer to get it. The pizza delivery man stands there waiting for his cash and for you to take the heavy boxes out of his arms.
You reach out to take them from him when Joel appears from behind you - grabbing them before you have a chance.
He takes them into the living room and you sigh before handing over the cash he left on the entryway table.
You tell him to have a good night before returning to the couch, the only spot open now is next to Joel.
You settle in, leaning forward to grab some pizza before joining the next game.
Joel has nearly lapped you despite every effort to thwart him.
“You little fuck,” you laugh and push his controller slightly forcing his character to sway.
“I believe that’s called cheating,” he teases before shoving you with his shoulder - laughing.
“Sarah, control your father. He’s a menace,” you smile.
“Oh, don’t I know it.” Sarah says with a giggle.
The girls decide to put on a movie, you lean forward to grab another piece of pizza and your jewelry falls from your shirt, dangling beneath you.
“That’s a nice necklace,” Joel murmurs.
You grab the pendant between your fingers, pulling it to the front.
“Thank you,” you say shyly.
Sarah overhears and chimes in, “I love it, who got it for you?” She leans in to get a better look.
“A good man who shouldn’t have.” You state before turning the attention back to the movie.
The girls are arguing about what to put on next as you begin to clean up. Gathering the empty pizza boxes before heading into the kitchen.
You’re breaking down the boxes when you hear slow footsteps behind you, “Shouldn’t have, huh?”
“Yes,” you busy yourself with the dishes, “Shouldn’t have.”
“Sure looks pretty on you, though.” Joel says with a smirk. He puts his dishes in the sink before heading back into the living room.
You watch in the reflection of the window as he looks back at you before opening the door.
Your cheeks burn.
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The lightning streaks across the sky and illuminates the living room in a flash. The thunder strike startles you awake.
Sitting straight up on the couch you realize you must have fallen asleep somewhere between La La Land and Never Been Kissed.
A blanket was strewn over you haphazardly and as you stand it falls to the ground.
The porch light gleams from the back window, beckoning you closer.
You peer through to see Joel sitting on the couch, sipping a whiskey absentmindedly.
The good half of your conscience urges you to go lay back down on the couch. To ignore the callings of the porch and the lonely looking Joel.
The bad half tells you to hurry up before he decides it’s time for bed.
You slide the porch door open and slip outside.
“The storm wake you up?” He asks as his gaze lifts lazily towards you.
“Nah, it was you making all of this racket out here,” you laugh before stepping forward, “mind if I join you?”
He smiles, gesturing to the seat next to him.
You sit down, careful to leave an appropriate amount of space between the two of you.
“How did you know it was me walking out here?” You ask, realizing he didn’t seem surprised when you stepped outside.
“Saw ya peekin’ through the window,” he chuckles before taking a sip of the whiskey.
“I have many strengths but subtlety is not one of them,” you laugh before pulling one leg to your chest.
You stare at the landscape noticing how things have changed since the last time you had been here.
“When did you get a pool anyways?”
“S’pose it was about three years ago. Sarah asked for one so I built it.” He says nonchalantly.
As if the idea of building a project that expansive was nothing. Recreational, at best.
“That must have taken a lot of time and effort.” You say in awe.
“Not really, worth it to see the smile on her face.” He says, his eyes soften as if he’s remembering when she first saw the pool.
“You’ve raised a pretty incredible daughter all by yourself,” You lean your head back against the couch before turning to face him. “You should be proud.”
He reaches out a hand and places it on your knee, “I could say the same to you.”
His gaze hasn’t averted as it usually does. The typical behavior of busying himself with a drink or an easy diversion.
Anything but you.
Now it’s nothing but you.
He hasn’t moved that hand from your knee and it’s burning a hole straight through.
Your neck is on fire and your head is light. You’re staring at his lips.
Just the thought of them has driven you crazy since the moment you came back to this town.
Surely one taste wouldn’t kill you.
You lean to the side, putting your hand on the couch merely inches from his leg - leverage so that in case your body gives out your arm will catch you.
You haven’t taken even a second to look in his eyes, preoccupied with everything else. The things you want to touch - to taste.
Your mouth is moments from touching his when he moves his hand from your knee and uses the other to grab your waist, pulling you closer.
The kiss sends tingles down your spine, you close your eyes and soak it in. Leaning deeper into it, tilting your head to the side and reaching your hands up to place on either side of his face.
You feel his other hand move to your free hip. That’s all the invitation you needed.
You hitch your leg over his lap and prop yourself up on your knees. Angling yourself slightly above him as you kiss.
You feel his hands slide down your thighs and back up to your hips.
You let your tongue slip into his mouth and you sit yourself back down onto his lap - grinding slightly against him.
The lights flick on upstairs, illuminating the corner of the dark backyard.
You freeze, the realization that it’s the middle of the night and you’re on Joel Miller’s patio hits you hard.
Better yet, you’re on his patio attempting to suck the color out of his lips.
His hands slide up your thighs slowly and settle at your lower back.
You sigh, running your fingers through the top of his hair before caressing his face.
“Thank you for the necklace,” you say sweetly before sliding off of his lap and walking to the patio door.
You grab the handle and hesitate to open - looking back towards him.
He smiles softly at you before leaning forward, both forearms placed on his knees.
“Goodnight, Joel.”
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The rain is pelting your face, soaking into your clothes.
Why did you just leave? This is what you wanted!
Your thoughts are racing, you can feel your heart in your ears. The logical side of your mind is ruling over the emotional.
You’ve convinced yourself that you will complicate his life. That he doesn’t want it as much as you do. That even though Joel bought the necklace and slid his hands sweetly up your thighs he wouldn’t want to be with you.
That he doesn’t want to be with the girl he would watch out for to make sure her alcoholic Dad wouldn’t beat her. The one who is slowly watching that same man die in front of her eyes. The girl who is going to become an orphan and the guardian of a teenager all in the same moment.
The neighbors would have a field day. You and Joel would be the talk of the town.
Your thoughts have been screaming loud enough you hadn’t noticed the footsteps behind you.
“Where ya goin’?” Joel asks as he grabs your hand, pulling you to face him.
“Home.” You say, avoiding eye contact. Using your free hand to wipe the rain from your eyes.
He goes to speak but you interrupt him, “You don’t have to do this, Joel.”
You look down at the ground, watching the rain trickle through the grains of the concrete.
“It’s a lot. I’m a lot. My fathers dying. I’m younger than you. The town would talk.” You blurt out before looking up.
He stares down at you, his brown eyes soften. He hasn’t let go of your hand.
“Ya done?” He asks, a smirk threatening to expose itself at the corner of his lip.
You nod, glancing back down at the concrete before looking back up.
“I was gonna ask - why’d ya stop?”
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On next week’s episode:
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theelizamanelli · 7 months
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🖤.
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I am nothing if not someone who is constantly thirsting over a man who is double my age
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Time Heals All Wounds
Chapter Three: Honky Tonk
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Joel Miller x female reader; pre-raider
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Previously on:
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Summary: Old friends from high school invite you out to the bar. You’re reluctant to go but decide it wouldn’t be the worst idea. While you’re there you see Joel out with friends. He buys you a drink, you shoot some pool, and have a deep realization.
Warnings: mature content, no minors, age gap, alcohol, swearing, alcohol, alcoholism, fighting
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AN: Listening to this song is the reason I even came up with this chapter. Tell me this isn’t Joel Miller coded. I double dog dare you.
Also, no action but I can tell you we’re getting close. I’m a slow burn lover, can’t help it.
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Three Years Ago
Nothing has changed since you left for college, in your absence you thought your friends would grow out of old habits.
Instead you’re driving them all home from a party.
Nina has her head hanging out the window, threatening to puke between barely audible mumbles.
Josh is next to her, his head bobbing as he dozes off - drool sliding down his chin.
You smile to yourself before dropping them off at their apartment. They stumble inside and you put them both to bed, placing a cup of water on each nightstand.
Locking the door behind you, you make your way to the car and drive through your neighborhood.
You notice Mr. Miller’s porch light is on, but his truck is missing - you find yourself always looking to his driveway.
The house is quiet when you enter, the soft hum of the TV and the blue light illuminating your Dad sleeping on the couch.
Sliding your shoes off, you toss them by the door with your purse.
You’ve made it up three steps before there’s a soft knock, your Dad doesn’t even stir.
Cracking it slightly you peer through, Mr. Miller is standing on your porch.
You extend the door open, “Hey, Mr. Miller, is everything okay?”
You notice he moves himself to where he can see inside, takes note of your Dad asleep on the couch.
He hesitates before saying, “Uh,” he clears his throat. “Did Sarah leave anything here?”
“Oh, Louise didn’t mention anything.” This strikes you as an odd request for one in the morning. Why it couldn’t wait until the next day, you’re unsure.
“No worries,” he begins to turn away before stopping. “Late night, huh?”
“Yeah, a few friends from high school wanted to go out. Had to make sure they all got home. Safety first, ya know?”
He nods, “Goodnight,” and turns to walk to his truck.
For a second you let yourself think that, maybe, Mr. Miller was worried about you.
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Present Day
“Come with us!” Urges Nina.
You’ve refused her invitation twice since running into her at the grocery store but she doesn’t seem to take no for an answer.
“I don’t know, Nina, I can’t remember the last time I went out with those people.”
She insists on following you around, leaving her cart at the beginning of the aisle.
“It’ll be just like old times! Josh will be there. Oh, and, Grace as well! You love them!” She exclaims, attempting to catch your eye.
You grab a box of Captain Crunch, throw it in the cart, and wander down the aisle.
“Used to. I haven’t seen them in three years! They probably don’t even like me anymore.” You’ve moved on to the bread aisle and take note that Nina has left her cart completely behind.
“They love you, they’ve always loved you! Come on!” She pleads.
Taking your hesitation as approval she states, “I’ll pick you up at eight!” Turning on her heels before you can say no.
“Nina, wa-“
The only proof she was ever next to you is the smell of her perfume lingering in the aisle.
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Between the sound of the band and the voices of the dozens of strangers crowding you, you can’t make out what Josh is saying.
You smile and nod before turning towards the bar, trying desperately to get the attention of the bartender - you’re in need of a drink. A strong one.
“A beautiful lady like you shouldn’t buy your own drinks,” slurs a man that has sidled up next to you.
You can smell the whiskey clinging to his breath and you lean away from him.
“I’m okay, thank you.” You don’t make eye contact and continue to ignore him - attempting to catch the bartender again as he whisks by.
“Aw, come on, baby! Just trying to be a gentleman here! No need to be shy.” He touches your arm.
You pull away and stare at him coldly, “Again. I’m okay. Thank you.”
The bartender finally walks up to your part of the bar but before you can ask for your drink he makes eye contact with someone behind you.
“Miller Light,” Joel slides next to you, occupying the space between you and the man, “and whatever she wants” he nods his head in your direction.
“Amaretto sour,”
The bartender nods before busying himself with the next order.
The drunk guy scoffs, “Bitch.”
He stumbles towards you but Joel puts his hand to his chest, keeping him in place.
“She’s already told you nicely to fuck off twice, buddy, I’d take the loss and go.”
“You her boyfriend or something?” He says, “Why the fuck do you care?”
“Just a concerned citizen.” He says cooly before lowering his voice, “turn around and walk away.”
His words drip with intimidation, the guy stares for a second before retreating.
The bartender sets your drink down on the counter and you turn for a second.
When you look back Joel is gone and so is his beer.
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Thwap
Your dart hits the middle target, your friends cheer in response.
“Don’t remember you being so good at this,” teases Josh.
“Maybe I’ve gotten better over the years or maybe the cocktails gave me confidence.” You laugh before sitting back down at the table with Nina.
“I saw you talking to that guy over there,” she says glancing over at Joel. He’s shooting pool with two guys who you assume are his friends.
Reasonably in their thirties, wearing jeans and boots like everyone else in this Texas town.
“Yeah, he lives down the street,” you say back. Unsure why you’re so reluctant to mention anything else about him.
There’s a feeling of frustration that he didn’t stay long enough to talk with you when he bought the drink and stopped the guy from harassing you.
Or maybe disappointment.
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“I’ll take winner,” you say as you grab a cue.
Joel looks up at you, a hint of surprise on his face.
“That would be me,” he smirks as you re-rack the match.
“Your break,” you say steadying yourself against the cue before taking a swig of your drink.
“Solids or stripes?” He leans down to ready his shot, his eyes never leaving yours.
“Stripes.” You say as the ball hits. The break is good and leaves you in a better position than him.
You’re grateful you decided to wear your tight jeans out as you lean over the table to take your first shot.
When you turn around, Joel averts his gaze quickly and busies himself with his drink.
“You know, I was beginning to think that you never left the house. I’m actually surprised you have friends.” You tease.
He was about to take a shot when he straightens up, feigning hurt, “Ouch. You think the only friend I have is Sarah?”
“All that grumpiness?” You laugh. “I doubt it’s won you a lot of favor over the years.”
You lean to take the shot and Joel slides past you, grazing your side.
“You’re not wrong. Don’t have many friends.”
Watching him prepare to take his next move it’s hard not to think about his younger self. The one before Sarah came into the picture.
You wonder what his childhood was like, how were his parents, what was his favorite class.
What did little Joel worry about?
You realize that this version of him, the one that would drop anything to help his daughter or come over to fix his neighbors washer, is the one you prefer out of all of them.
How lucky you must be to live in a time where you get to know this Joel Miller.
The familiar tune of When You Say Nothing At All drifts into the air amongst the background noise.
You are unsure if it’s the song or the three cocktails you’ve consumed in the last hour but before you know it you’re moving towards him beckoning with your finger.
“Oh, lord,” he says, a smile threatening to take over his face as you beam, you start to sing along using your pool cue as a microphone.
Leaning on his cue he shakes his head at you with a small laugh.
For that brief moment he looks - happy.
“Dance with me, Joel.”
You’ve never used his name before, only Mr. Miller or avoiding it altogether. His eyes widen and his lips part for a mere second.
You are positive he’s going to refuse you; you’ve never seen him dance in your life and he doesn’t strike you as the type that would like it.
He’s quiet, staring at you with a soft look in his brown eyes. A sweet and devastating gaze.
He hasn’t moved an inch even though your hands have moved to his chest, clutching onto his shirt.
So close you can feel his breath on your face and smell his cologne.
His hand pulls up and touches yours.
“After you.” He gestures towards the dance floor, taking your hand fully in his.
You are in utter disbelief as you take the lead to the middle.
You glance back, thinking maybe you were mistaken - maybe he meant take me to the bar.
He’s staring directly at you with a soft smile on his face.
You jerk your head back to the front. Embarrassed at having looked back.
You feel him drift in front of you and he lets go of your hand, sliding his own to your waist. You haven’t moved a muscle.
“Now listen here, you asked me to dance. Ya gotta touch in order to do that.” He grabs your hands and places them on his shoulders.
You find it hard to look anywhere but his face. You have to be honest - you didn’t think you’d get this far.
You notice his lips start to mouth the words to the song, his eyes looking off towards the band.
“See? I knew there was something deep deep inside that heart.” You laugh, your hands sliding to the back of his neck.
“Nah, said so yourself that I’m nothin’ but a grump,�� He smirks and looks down at you.
“Those type of guys don’t know songs like this,”
He takes your hand and twirls you before pulling you back in.
“Thanks for telling that guy off back there,” You say quietly.
“You had it handled, just gave him a lil’ encouragement,” He hesitates before saying that last word. “He won’t be bothering ya again,”
He’s still holding your hand and you can feel rough cuts on his knuckles.
“What’s this?” You ask with concern. Rubbing your fingers along them.
“Like I said, he won’t be bothering ya again.” He says sternly.
“Joel, you didn’t.” You breathe before looking back at him. Focusing on whether or not he has injuries anywhere else.
He grabs your hand again, twirling you and pulling your body to his so your back is leaning against his chest.
He leans down to your ear, “Don’t worry about it.”
Before you have a chance to respond he spins you back to face him.
His eyes are on your lips and for a second you wonder what it would be like to get a taste.
Your arms pull up and wrap around his neck, your fingers twirling his curls absentmindedly.
His hands move to your lower back, pulling you in closer.
“You didn’t have to do all that for me,” You whisper, your eyes darting between his and the lips.
“I would do it again for less,” he says, leaning in.
The song ends. The band breaks but there the two of you are - standing in the middle of the dance floor.
Motionless.
Nina shouts, “Hey! You ready?” From the side, gesturing towards the door.
With the stupor broken you realize you’ve been staring at each other - not saying a word.
Your hands slide down his chest, lingering.
“Goodnight, Joel.” You smile and use one hand on his chest to push yourself away.
His hand catches yours for a fraction of a second as you turn.
You hope he’ll pull you back, ask you for another dance, offer you a ride home - anything.
“Goodnight.” He says, letting go of your hand.
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You haven’t heard a single word Nina has said since you left the bar.
You barely notice Louise in the living room calling after you to ask how your night was.
Throwing yourself down on the bed, you lay there staring at the ceiling.
Wondering how unlucky you must be to have fallen for Joel Miller.
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