“MONICA, OPEN THE FREAKING DOOR!”

“I’M COMING!”

A young girl of about twenty came rushing down the stairs that led to her front door; hurriedly opening it to cease the incessant banging that was coming from her friend standing outside.

“Where’s the fire?” Monica demanded. “I was in the middle of a MCR concert on MTV2!”

“What I have to say is A LITTLE BIT more important than MCR.”

Monica rolled her eyes. “As if that’s possible.”

“Shut up and listen.”

“Yes Mam!”

“Would you cut it out? I’m wasting valuable time!”

“Okay, gosh, what’s the big news?”

“MONICA! I HAVE A DATE WITH A GUY IN A BAND! HE’S WEARS CHUCKS, HE’S IN A BAND, AND HIS HAIR, OH MY GOSH HIS HAIR! AND GREEN EYES! GREEN EYES!”

“Slow down! What the crap are you talking about?”

“There was this guy—Gabriel—in the shop this morning, and he’s in a rock band, and he saw my sketch book and he wants to meet me tonight to consult with his band mates about possibly designing the art for their album! Me! I’m going to design the artwork for their album!”

“Are you shitting me?”

“NO! OHMYGOSH, MONICA HE’S BEAUTIFUL! HE’S A PUNK KID! OHMYGOSH, AND I’M SUPPOSED TO MEET HIM AT THE GREEN TAVERN IN AN HOUR AND FORTY FIVE MINUTES!”

“Did you say the Green Tavern?”

“YES!”

“You are shitting me.”

“No I’m not, and you, you’re going too!”

“Wait, what?”

“You’re going with me! There will be four other guys there, I don’t want to go alone, plus you have your pick of like four scene kids, and THEY’RE IN A BAND!”

“I told you to stop binging on the free coffee.”

“MONICA! I’M SERIOUS!”

“Okay. Whatever. So what time are we supposed to meet these freaks?”

“At six! We have to hurry! What am I going to wear? Ohmygosh what should I wear?”

“Girl, you need to chill. Let’s just take a calm look in my closet...”

Before Monica could finish her sentence, Lindsey was flying up the stairs and into her friend’s bedroom dramatically tossing clothing across the room.

“You’re not going to help me clean this up are you?”

“MONICA! DO YOU REALIZE WE HAVE DATES WITH GUYS IN…”

“In a band, that want to see if you would be interested in making designs and whatever for them. Yes, I think I know what you’re talking about, but you’ve got to get a grip and calm down. You go get started on your hair and makeup and I’ll find the appropriate clothing.”

Lindsey gave her friend a fearful look. “Oh, girl don’t you even start doubting my taste in clothing. I’ll make you straight up damn sexy.”

Lindsey shot her friend a glare for her choice of wording.

“Oh please. Ugh, just what am I getting myself into, going with you to meet some emo teenyboppers.”

“Fine, think what you want. You’ll see when we get there.”

“I’m sure I will.” She huffed, before diving into the depths of her closet.

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“Damn.” Gabriel cursed, his hands shaking too much to allow his fingers to fix the black tie around his neck.

“Woah. Need a little help bro?”

Gabriel shrugged; his nerves were getting the better of him. “Must be a pretty hot chick you met this morning, you never get this nervous when meeting women.”

“I don’t know Noah. I know it sounds cliché but she’s amazing. She’s the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met, and I mean that. I don’t want to mess this up.”

Noah shrugged. “Does she know that you’re considering this a date?”

“Probably not. I mean, what would a girl like that see in me? She’s an incredibly talented artist, and she’s beautiful. I’m just a college drop out in a band, with emo hair. The only reason she’s meeting us tonight is her hope for a job, that’s it.”

“HEY! DON’T DISS THE EMO HAIR. I rather like it.” Noah said while pretending to fix his long blonde tipped black hair in his brother’s mirror.

“No, it’s just...she seems so classy…and me…I’m just a dead beat in a band.”

“You are my big brother and all, and usually I wouldn’t say this but dude cut yourself some slack here. You must really have it bad for this chick. AND I AM NO DEAD BEAT.” He said while examining his lack of eyeliner.

“I don’t know Noah. I’ve never felt like this before.”

“Oh shit. My big brother is falling in love.”

Gabriel’s face flushed. “Oh crap, you really do dig this girl don’t you?”

“I…I don’t know.” Gabriel collapsed onto his bed. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”

Noah seated himself across from his brother. “Look bro, just calm down. Maybe she’s feeling the exact same thing you are right now. It’s very likely that she’s nervously pacing around her room saying the exact same thing about herself. You said she was an art school graduate that works at Starbucks now, right? Yeah, I’m pretty sure she doesn’t find that impressing to a guy who’s in a signed band now.”

Gabriel gave his brother a questioning stare. “What?”

“Dude if I know one thing, it’s girls, and I’m pretty sure she’s into you or she wouldn’t have automatically agreed to meet up with five guys she’s never properly met before. Most girls would have screamed stalker and ran away, not this one though. Stop beating yourself up and see how things go tonight, besides I think you’re pretty hot.”

Gabriel shot his brother a disgusted look.

“Whatev, just trying to boost your bravado!” Noah threw his hands up in the air and left the room.

Could his brother be right? He prayed to God that he wasn’t, how could a girl so beautiful and artistically talented like her feel anything less than amazing? What if she had a boyfriend? What if he said the wrong thing tonight? What should he say? What if she didn’t show?

Gabriel’s past history with the female society hadn’t been the best experience. His last girlfriend had left his heart in shambles and it had taken a year for him to completely heal from the break up. Kelly was her name and he was certain that they were going to get married. They had been together for two and half years and he had already bought the ring, planned the proposal, and asked her father for his approval. Little did he know the night he stopped by her apartment, (their three year anniversary from when they had actually met) he would find her in bed with another guy, and not just any guy, but one of his good friends from the local radio station where they both worked as Dj’s.

Music had been his only escape from the heart wrenching pain he experienced day by day; sadly their breakup had been the force behind the record the band had just put the finishing touches on. Gabriel’s four band mates had been there for him through it all and he owed them more than he could ever offer. Therefore he dedicated himself solely to this record and aspiring to make it the best it could be. This band was all he had and he wanted it to go somewhere, and according to the response from the label the guys were headed for stardom.

Sighing and trying to rid himself of more depressing thoughts, Gabriel stood up and went to find Noah; he was going to need help with this tie before he tried to choke himself with it.

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“I don’t know about this.” Lindsey mumbled standing outside the doors of the Green Tavern, watching the many bigwigs of New York City enter and exit the elaborate restaurant.

“Girl, you look fiiiiiine.”

“I don’t know.”

“You have it bad for this guy don’t you?”

“What do you mean?” Lindsey nervously scratched the back of her neck.

“You’re doing the neck thing.”

“What?”

“You always scratch the back of your neck when you’re nervous.”

“Oh.” Lindsey frowned, cementing her hand to her hip. “Yeah, that.”

“Awww, you like him!”

“Stop that. I don’t know. I barely know him. I dunno. He just seemed really sweet, and was definitely cute. He probably didn’t struggle with trying to decide what to say or wear tonight. He’s just offering me a job, besides what would an accomplished artist see in a lowlife art grad that can’t even get a real job?”

“Hey Starbucks is better than flipping burgers at Burger King my dear.”

“Monica!”

“Don’t get frustrated with me! You’re starting the whole ‘I think I suck at life and that no guy will ever care about me’ crap and I won’t tolerate it. Not tonight, because tonight you look hot.”

“I must agree with your friend.”

Lindsey’s eyes shot up from the ground to be met with those deep green irises from earlier. “Although I prefer beautiful to that.” He grinned.

Lindsey’s brain muddled; she was lost in the delectable picture before her. Gabriel’s skin glowed beneath a black button up and slacks, complimented by a black tie. His hair was parted to the left; softly spiking atop his head, but as if on instinct there were still a few stray locks hanging ever so strategically over his left eye. A small bit of eyeliner and a trace of black eye shadow made his eyes shine more than before.

Could this boy be any more gorgeous?

Gabriel took in a deep breath, trying to maintain his calm demeanor. He knew he should continue trying to make conversation but his eyes were lost in the beauty before him. Lindsey’s brown hair cascaded down her back in small ringlets, setting off her black off the shoulder dress, hugging her curves ever so gracefully. The skirt of the dress flowed out from her knees, leaving a short train behind her. Her almost sapphire eyes contrasted with the black dress in a hypnotic manner. Gabriel lost himself in her eyes; all he could see was her tantalizing smile and his lips softly caressing hers. How would he ever get through the night? This girl was more than he could handle.

“Wow, so um…the guys are waiting inside.”

“Oh, oh yeah, we should go in.” Lindsey blushed. Her brain refused to function correctly. There was no way she’d make it through the night.

Gabriel led the way through the monumentally adorned restaurant. The player of the grand piano supplied beautiful music while groups waited to be seated. Women in their evening gowns, men in their Sunday best, and children in their darling attire swam before them; mixing with the elaborate maze of white tablecloths and fine china.

Gabriel stopped amidst the crowd of elegance; the fellow band members were seated at a table underneath a brilliantly lit chandelier. Lindsey’s breath caught in her chest as her eyes took in the scene before her. The room where they were being seated bellowed of extravagance. A small-scale stage was set up behind them, where yet another piano player played softly. The lights began to dim as a middle-aged woman dressed in a sparkling crimson dress waltzed across the stage. Her bright red hair gleamed under the spotlight, her porcelain face aglow. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen.” She voiced seductively. “Hope you’re enjoying your evening.” She smiled. “I’m Roxanne and I will be providing your entertainment this evening.”

“Would you like to sit?”

Lindsey jerked her head away from the stage to see everyone else seated and Gabriel standing behind her, chair pulled out waiting for her to sit. “Oh…yeah.” She blushed, completely embarrassed at her state of awe. Gabriel’s face lit up. She’s so cute when she’s embarrassed. He guided her chair back to the table, and set quietly across from her. Monica shot her friend a goofy smile, knowing that she was dying on the inside. Her friend was on pins and needles and it was so evident. She has it bad for him. Oh yes.

The singer belted out the lyrics to an old Patsy Cline song. Ironically it was one of her favorite songs.

Crazy, I'm crazy for feeling so lonely
I'm crazy, crazy for feeling so blue

Lindsey could not look away from the stage, there was no way she could stand to attempt a glance at her item of interest, not after just acting like a complete moron so taken in by the gorgeous beauty of the building.

I knew you'd love me as long as you wanted
And then someday you'd leave me for somebody new

So true.

Lindsey sighed, memories of her last boyfriend floating through her mind.

Worry, why do I let myself worry?
Wond'ring what in the world did I do?
Crazy for thinking that my love could hold you
I'm crazy for trying and crazy for crying

Gabriel took notice of her attentiveness to the performer. With her eyes alighted on the stage and turned away, he was able to take in more of her. He loved the way her skin glowed in the dim light, and how her dark hair flowed beautifully down around her shoulders. He felt an odd sensation in the pit of his stomach. Butterflies. Are you freaking kidding me? What is this, junior high? He momentarily looked away trying to pull himself together. What was going on? He couldn’t make sense of what he was feeling at the moment and wasn’t sure he wanted to admit to what he was feeling or thinking for that matter. I’m not so sure I want for this to happen again. Then again why did you ask her out tonight? Gabriel, she doesn’t even consider this a date, get it together. But she looks so beautiful, and she’s so quiet. You think that means anything? She’s probably freaked out by your gay smile; you haven’t stopped shooting it at her since she arrived. Oh…Yeah, you’re totally sending stalker vibes right now. Shut up. Ugh.

And I'm crazy for loving you
Crazy for thinking that my love could hold you
I'm crazy for trying and crazy for crying

Her voice began to crescendo and a hush fell over the audience, as she belted out the heartbreaking words with a strong finish.

And I'm crazy for loving you.

“Thank you.” She whispered and the stage went dark. The room began to light up again as she exited the stage.

“Well, that was interesting.” One of the guys mused.

“Yeah.”

“So.”

“Yeah.”

“So, guys this is Lindsey.” Gabriel jumped in with introductions. “She’s the artist I was telling you about.”

“Are you serious? I had no idea that’s who she was.” One of the younger guys replied sarcastically, getting a laugh from Monica. Oh Monica, always falling for the sarcastic jerks.

“Noah…”

“Yes my dear brother?”

Gabriel was about to say something when he stopped and began to shake his head. “It’s not worth the effort.”

“Ahhh yes you’ve learned well.” He quipped, going back to making interesting creations with his napkin.

Lindsey laughed. She was already in love with these guys and she barely knew them, in fact she knew nothing about the four other guys seated around her.

“The annoying one is my younger brother Noah.”

“Hi! Nice to meet you oh glorious artist.” He smiled. “Don’t be offended, I mean no harm.”

Lindsey smiled, two complete opposites or so it seemed. Noah had semi long black hair with blonde tips falling across his face. He was a few inches shorter than his brother and owned a more animated appearance. He seemed the oddball of the group, wearing a light blue suit, complete with a white tie.

“The Asian sitting beside my brother is Chiyo.”

“Nice to meet you.” He nodded, his voice deep and booming across the table. He was much taller than the rest of the guys. He had short brown hair that he wore parted to the right, sweeping across his face. His make up really brought out his dark and gigantic eyes. He’s probably the most hilarious guy in the band. There was something about him, that Lindsey found amusing.

“Chiyo is our drummer.”

Lindsey laughed. Yes, this guy would definitely be someone she could become very close with. He reminded her of so many of her friends from high school, goofy and crazy.

“Damien is our lead guitarist, and Ray is our bassist.”

The two guys nodded from across the table. Upon locking eyes with Damien, Monica almost fainted. He was beautiful. Whoa! He had semi long brown hair that crept over his right eye slightly, and beautiful pouty lips. He’s…wow. Wow.

“And you are?”

Monica kept her stare fixated on the boy sitting diagonally across from her.

“Excuse me?”

“Monica!” Lindsey whispered, viciously kneeing her friend.

“Owww.” Monica cried. “What’s your deal?”

“They’re speaking to you.”

“Oh.” Monica blushed.

“Oh, this is my friend Monica. We’ve been together since sixth grade. It’s a love hate relationship.” She threw her friend a dirty look.

“Wow, that long?” Gabriel questioned, seeming somewhat surprised.

“Sadly.” Monica grinned.

The guys laughed. It’s going to be a very interesting night.

The night continued on with much conversation and laughter. Lindsey found herself playing a game with Gabriel throughout the night. They both kept meeting each other’s gazes, but would quickly look away when they both realized they had caught one another staring. Lindsey felt herself go warm when locking eyes with him. I could get lost in those eyes for the rest of my life.

The lights dimmed again and the woman from earlier was taking her place on the stage. “Don’t be afraid to dance.” She laughed. The music began to play and sure enough a few couples took to the floor and began to dance across the room.

Monica noticed Noah and Damien grinning at one another. “So umm….Damien…come with me I have someone you need to…ummm….talk with.”

“What are you talking about man?”

Noah shot him an angry look. “You know, the guy, with the stuff, yeah that guy, you know.”

Damien continued to blankly stare at Noah. “Oh, oh! OH! THAT GUY! OH YEAH!”

So much for not being obvious.

“Yeah. Let’s go.” Noah angrily pulled his friend from his chair.

“That was odd.” Gabriel commented.

“I think I’m going to take a look around.” Chiyo announced and quickly left the table.

“Yeah me too, hey Chiyo wait up!” Ray hurriedly rushed after the drummer.

That left Gabriel, Lindsey, and Monica seated at the table in an awkward silence.

“Well, I think I’m going to go mingle. So many men, so little time.” Monica smirked as she hurried away towards a group of men standing in the back of the room.

“She is such a tease.”

Gabriel smiled his brilliant smile. “She’s very…unique.”

“Yeah, that’s what I like to call it.”

“So, I think we’ve been set up.” He chuckled.

Oh. Thank God.

“Yeah, it seems so.”

“I believe the guys really liked your sketches, by the way.”

“Oh, thanks. They’re not much…but.”

“Why do you do that?” He interrupted.

“Excuse me?”

“Why do you shoot yourself down like that? I’ve known you for a little over nine hours and every time we talk I catch you making yourself out to be less than you are.”

“Well, I….”

“No. You are going to restrain from saying anything negative about yourself for the rest of the night.” He placed his hand atop hers. Electricity seemed to rush through her body as soon as their hands connected. “You are extremely talented.” Lindsey let her eyes fall to the floor. She couldn’t believe this man she had known for a little over nine hours was complimenting her, and to such degree. He hadn’t stopped since the beginning of their evening. He was too good to be true.

“Don’t you believe me?”

“You’re being nice. It’s common courtesy.”

Gabriel softly lifted her chin so that she would face him. “Look at me.” He whispered. A strange force seemed to pull her to him. She wanted to keep her eyes on the floor, extremely terrified of what she would see reflecting in his. However, she felt compelled to meet his request. Without flinching her eyes instantly met his. “You are talented Lindsey. You have a beautiful gift and you need to believe that.” She felt herself melt at his words. Tears stung at the tips of her eyelids. He’s amazing.

She’s amazing.

Without giving her a chance to deny his very words, he countered by asking her for a dance. “I would be honored if I could have this dance.”

Unable to manage words he took her hand and led her to the middle of the floor. He pulled her close to his body, placing one hand on her waist, and holding her hand with the other. Lindsey carefully wrapped her arm around his waist, nerves wracking her body.

“I’m not that great…”

“You’re doing it again.”

“I’m sor….”

“Sssh. Don’t worry, just follow my lead.” He smiled down at her. Letting herself go, she lost herself in the depths of his green eyes.

Monica beamed watching her friend from the back of the room. They’re so cute together. Lindsey looked absolutely captivated by him, and Gabriel seemed to be completely enamored with her. They were perfect for each other. He’s exactly what she needs, a boy who worships the ground she walks on.

Lindsey unconsciously pulled herself closer to him, his scent intoxicating and his arms warm and welcoming. Gabriel held her, wanting nothing more than for the night to not end. Nothing had felt so right until this night, he had never felt this way about someone before. Could it be possible that he really was in love with this girl?

The song ended and Gabriel knew all too soon that it was almost time for them to part. The band had an early meeting with press and several radio interviews to conduct the next day.

“You need to leave don’t you?” Lindsey could see it in his expression. In all honesty she needed to head home as well, she had another early shift to pull in the morning.

“I wish I didn’t.”

“No, I need to as well. There is always coffee waiting to be served early in the morning.” She sighed.

“Well, if all goes according to plan you won’t be doing that much longer.”

Lindsey looked up to him. “You really think so?”

“I know so. I’ll be meeting with management tomorrow and I know they’ll love the sketches. Do you have any idea when you would be able to submit some possible sketches for the album?”

“It would help if I could listen to it. So I can sort of get a feel for your sound.”

“I can drop a tape by tomorrow evening, if that would be okay.”

“That would be wonderful. In that case I can have a few sketches done by Thursday, Friday at the latest.”

“That’s excellent.”

“Hey man we’ve got to hit the road.” Ray announced coming up behind the two.

“Yeah, I know.” Gabriel noted with some hostility in his voice.

“I should let you go.” She smiled.

“It was so nice to meet you.”

“Thank you so much for the invitation and job offer. It’s really amazing. I can’t thank you enough just for the opportunity.”

“Oh don’t worry, I’m sure by the end of the week you’ll be apart of the team.”

“I honestly hope so.”

“Have a good evening.” He lifted her hand to his lips, leaving a soft kiss there.

With this he left her one more smile and slowly walked away to find the rest of the guys. “Until tomorrow.”

Until tomorrow.

A/N: Okay so….I was reading through this laughing at how much more I’ve progressed as a writer since I wrote this. However, if I receive reviews I will continue writing (I have four chapters already written from two years ago when I started this piece, and with reviews I will actually finish the story) and I can promise the writing will be a bit better. This is a gift for my friend Lindsey anyway, she’ll understand: P Plus there’s always editing this Summer. Thanks for reading.