Page 16 of Bella and Her Beast
“They named me after my great-great-great-great grandmother, Isa. My mom added Bella because she said I was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen.”
“I agree with your mother,” Greyson says.
My heart flutters and I turn and see Joy just swooning over us like some tv reality couple.
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming out to our Love is Blind poetry night. I’m your host for the evening. Just a few things, we will not tolerate hecklers. Our performers are here to give you their best pieces in the category of amore so show them some appreciation. If you are disrespectful, we will toss you out of here, no questions asked. Be sure to tip your servers. Our first poet has been up here before and is a house favorite. Please welcome Sam Michaels to the stage.
The roar of claps from the crowd along with whistles leads us to believe he must be fantastic, although we’ve heard nothing of his.
“Thank you, thank you. I see we have a few regulars and a few newcomers. I hope you all enjoy my piece... especially, one in particular.”
He begins his poetic work, keeping his focus on my friend the entire time. The words seem like they were written for her ears only. Joy is taken aback by his wordy affection.
Our server returns with our order, and we all take a savor. Joy checks hers first before she pulls her straw to her lips.
After a few sips of my very strong beverage, that feeling I usually get when I leave the job comes over me. The one where the hairs stand on my arms and nape, because someone is casting their gaze upon me. Only this time, it’s true.
Greyson can’t keep his eyes off me. He takes my hand and places a kiss on the back of it, showing me his gentle affection.
I blush only to have our moment interrupted with the sound of snaps and applause from the crowd when Sam finishes his poem. To be honest, I couldn’t even tell you what it was about. I’ve been in a trance since he finished the first stanza.
“Wow, that was great, wasn’t it?” Joy asks.
“Uh-huh, sure was.”
She looks at me with pressed lips. “Did you even hear what he said about the library?”
“No. Sorry. I was otherwise preoccupied.”
She looks over to Greyson who is signaling for the server to bring him another.
“So, Devereaux, Bella tells me you are an aspiring writer which is why you’re always at the library.”
He takes a pull from his amber colored bottle before speaking. “That’s my goal. Just a lot of research before I feel comfortable enough to put pen to pad.”
“I’m sure she would be happy to help you get organized and all your facts together. Even staying up late nights with you,” she laughs at her own play on sexual innuendo.
“Forgive her. She’s not good with alcohol. It just makes her even more loud and obnoxious.”
“It’s okay. She’s funny. I like her. She’s one reason I continue to do my research. She has a warm spirit about her.”
“Oh. I thought it was me that kept you coming,” I say.
Meanwhile, Joy bursts out into laughter, disrupting the performer on stage. She waves her off and points to us as the cause of her amusement.
“Wow, she must’ve made sure I got all the liquor and no tea in my drink. Or, she put something in it,” Joy slurs.
“I’m sorry. I think I need to get Joy home. If she’s like this after one drink, she shouldn’t be tempted to have another. She’s always been a lightweight, but nothing like this.”
“I can take her home and bring you back here to get your car if you like.”
“Uh, okay. That’s fine. Besides, I can’t carry her out or even attempt to carry her out with these heels on.”
Greyson stands and I coerce Joy out of her seat. He takes her by her hand and guides her toward the entrance.
“Bella, what’s wrong with Joy?” Sam asks, when he sees us leaving.
“Well, Sam, the drink is a little strong for her and she’s already getting wasted. I’m gonna see her home. Your performance was outstanding, and she enjoyed it very much.”
