This book is almost over.
Chatter was low, but somewhat chaotic.
Everyone was discussing Leigh-Ann's performance and praising how well it was conducted.
The tan skinned girl was long gone when she spotted one of her friends across the room, leaving me in my own thoughts.
She thanked me for keeping me company and wished me well before she disappeared in the crowd.
The room was now cozy, the heat wasn't overbearing and I was thankful I didn't have to remove my trench coat and relieve my blue and white flannel.
I guess Harry was beneficial in a way.
Leigh-Ann had a wine glass in her hand, but not once did I see her take a sip. She simply let the liquid dance around its confinement.
When my eyes met hers however, she did.
One sip ended up turning into a gulp as she engaged in a conversation with a couple, a warm smile on her face after she swallowed down the beverage.
I licked my lips before chewing the inside of my cheek and continued to stare at her awkwardly.
My mocha was gone and I still held it in my hand.
Knowing she'd keep an eye on me, I headed towards the counter and threw away my cup.
After I did so I found myself grabbing a glass of wine, where there was a small group of people doing the same. I felt a pair of judgmental eyes lay upon me and I took the chance to make note of who it could possibly be. Bill was sending dangers my way causing me to squint my eyes at him.
"Can I help you?" I questioned somewhat hostile as I moved along the counter. He simply stared at me and I could only flare my nostrils at him. I didn't want to cause a scene, so I didn't. He was easy to ignore and even though, this was his place of ownership, I wasn't going to show him any respect, considering the fact that he wasn't showing any in response. When I turned back around the couple was gone and Leigh-Ann was laughing it up with the same girl that shot her two thumbs up. Soon the girl clung onto Harry who was cleaning off the stage and I found myself drifting closer to Leigh-Ann. I gulped when I saw her up close.
My Leigh-Ann, my pure Leigh-Ann who I simply corrupted.
"Hi." I greeted nervously, clearing my throat in the process. She eyed me for a moment before speaking.
"Hello." Well dang.
"Your performance was really good. I've never heard you live before even after all those poems you used to send me." I swallowed.
"Thank you. I appreciate you coming." She stated a smile on her face. The same smile she had given everyone else.
"No problem. I think it's great that you're doing this. You seem to be doing well."
"I am." She nodded, her eyes searching the room. I frowned slightly before chewing my lip.
"Look, I'm sorry for putting you through that. I had no-"
"Justin, sometimes when a person finally decides to apologize for something, that apology is no longer needed or wanted." She stated sternly as she made eye contact with me. She was completely serious and nothing in her eyes stated that she was anything other than that.
"I just-" She scoffed lowly before shaking her head.
"I appreciate you coming and actually letting me know that you listened, but I don't want to do this. There's no need for it." She stated giving me a half small smile. I felt my heart drop and my lungs instantly felt tight. I swallowed once more and nodded, my lips parted slightly.
"I hope you have a wonderful night. Thanks for coming again. Tell Santiago and your mom I said hi." With that she stalked off, greeting other people and making sure they were enjoying themselves. I even saw her sit down for a Q&A which was insisted upon her. I saw Harry record and I assumed it was for one of their vlogs.
I felt so out of place and I couldn't wash away the guilt I was beginning to feel. My hands were shaking and I found myself placing the my half empty glass on the table, before leaving. From outside I gave Ann one last look before taking a long shaky breath of the icy air.