AN: I'm not so sure about this story now. Oh well. This part's written, so I may as well see what people think.

I'm not sure what made me notice her. Maybe it was the awkward way she perched on the bar stool, gripping her glass tightly, as though she were afraid of it being spiked. Maybe it was the clothes, far too business-like for a place like this. Whatever the reason, she caught my attention, and continued to hold it throughout the night. Dedicating a song to her was a spur of the moment decision, especially for it to be that particular song. "Twilight Dreams" was written for my ex-girlfriend, before we broke up. I've never dedicated it to anyone else, and didn't ever expect to do so. She, however, was something special, and I wanted to know more about her. Otherwise, I wouldn't have introduced myself. She was as shy as I'd somehow suspected she'd be, and it was her friend who persuaded her. Doing so gave me a name to put to the face. Riona. Sounds exotic, and I like that.

"First time here?"
"In the club, or LA in general?"
"I meant the club, actually, but either will do."
"It's yes to both, as it happens."
"I've not been here long myself. Moved here from the East Coast to start a band, and here I am, six months later." The bartender slid our drinks across the counter, and I handed hers over. "So, how about you?"
"I'm here as part of my job. There's a conference this week that my boss thought I should attend. Five more days and I'll be on a plane back home."
"Which is...?"
"London."
"Only five more days here? I should show you the sights. If that's ok with you, of course."
She didn't answer straight away, and I cursed the clumsy way I'd phrased the question. She seemed to be considering my offer, but I didn't seriously expect her to say yes, even though that's what I wanted. Eventually, she smiled and nodded.
"I'd like that, thank you, Aiden."
It was the first time she'd used my name, and I liked the way it sounded coming from her lips.
"My pleasure, Riona."

We talked for a while, nothing too personal, just chatting. The more time I spent with her, the more I liked her. And then Rafe showed up. My best friend for as long as I can remember, and the guy who will do anything possible to embarrass me in front of girls. He's always been the same, and that night was no exception.

"What's a girl like you doing with ol' Aiden? Especially when you could have someone much better."
"Like you, you mean?" I've heard it said that the English are great at sarcasm. Riona certainly was, but Rafe paid no attention to her tone of voice.
"Of course, babe."
What happened next was priceless. I wish I'd been able to catch it on camera. She picked up my drink, still almost a full pint, and poured it, slowly and deliberately, into Rafe's lap as he sat on the bar stool. He squealed, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Anyone who shows off like that, or tries to, as I should say, doesn't interest me in the slightest. And don't call me babe."
She stood up then, ready to leave. "Are we still meeting tomorrow?"
"I'll be there, Riona."
She waved to me as she walked out. Rafe, now having mopped up most of the beer with a pile of napkins, watched in amazement.
"She's really something."
"Not used to being rejected, are you?"
"You can say that again. I'm not used to it."
I laughed again, but we both knew that girls nearly always ignored me in favour of Rafe. I've never understood what they like about him so much. Still, Riona hadn't been impressed with him, which made a change. I was looking forward to meeting up with her again. It was a shame she was leaving so soon, but maybe I could be her summer fling - the one she'd always remember fondly. Then again, a girl like her probably had a guy back home.