The city buzzed with life, voices, honking horns, and the distant wail of sirens. At the heart of it all stood Dan Sutton, a striking figure in a tailored suit. As a lawyer at one of the top firms in the city, he thrived in the spotlight, relishing the admiration of his peers. He was well aware of his allure, the way his hair fell perfectly into place, and how his piercing dark eyes held the gaze of anyone who dared to cross his way. But every evening, after the last echoes of the courtroom faded, Dan found himself drawn to a dimly lit jazz bar. The vibrant energy of the place called to him, but it wasn’t the smoky atmosphere or the clinking of glasses that held his attention. It was her. Ellie Taylor stood at the center of the stage, a vision that seemed to transcend the ordinary. With raven-black hair cascading over her shoulders and a sultry red lipstick accentuating her full lips, she captivated him. Her voice was soft and rich, weaving through the air like a gentle breeze. Despite her blindness, Ellie commanded the stage. Each time he settled into his usual corner table, Dan watched her, entranced. The way she swayed to the rhythm of the music, her clouded light eyes gazing beyond the crowd, stirred something deep within him. And it wasn’t just desire. Ellie stepped closer to the microphone, her fingers lightly brushing the stand. She began to sing, a sultry melody of love and loss, her voice wrapping around him like a warm embrace. He was mesmerized by the way she brought emotion to every lyric, her essence alive with every breath. He imagined approaching her, sharing laughter over drinks after the show. But the thought of stepping into her world, of shattering the boundary that separated them, made him hesitate. Ellie finished her set, and the room erupted into applause, but Dan didn’t want to be just one of them; he wanted to be the one who saw the woman behind the music. Tonight, he decided, would be different. Dan stood, a rush of determination propelling him forward. He reached the edge of the stage just as Ellie gathered her cane, her fingers brushing against the wooden edge. “You were incredible,” he said, careful not to startle her. Ellie turned in his direction, her head tilted. “Thank you,” she smiled, her voice as smooth as the melodies she’d just finished singing. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” Dan took a breath, willing himself to keep going. “I’m Dan. Dan Sutton. I—uh, would love to get you a drink.” “A drink?” she echoed, her tone playfully curious. “You’re bold, Dan Sutton.” He laughed, running a hand through his hair. “I figured I might as well go for it. Besides, it’s the least I can do after you blew everyone away up there.” Ellie giggled. “I don’t usually take offers like that, but I’ll make an exception if you promise not to be one of those people who ask me what it’s like to be blind.” Dan blinked, taken aback by her straightforwardness. “Deal,” he replied. “I’d much rather spend the night talking about you—your music, your inspiration, why you chose jazz… anything but that.” She grinned. “I need a Negroni first. Lead the way?” Without missing a beat, Ellie extended her hand, her palm open in his direction. For a second, Dan hesitated, caught off guard by the simple gesture. But then, understanding, he gently took her hand, her skin soft and warm against his. There was a certain trust in the way she allowed him to guide her, and he felt an unexpected sense of responsibility to make this night something memorable. “Right this way, Miss Taylor,” he murmured, squeezing her hand before leading her toward the bar.
© Felicitas_Bariello 2024-09-24