As I stood there, finishing the last notes of Weak, I couldn't help but feel the energy in the room shift. My eyes met Tyler's, and for that brief moment. The connection was palpable, something unspoken crackling between us in the air. It was the kind of moment that made my heart race, the kind that made me wonder what was really going on beneath the surface of the man behind the bar.
I saw it in his eyes.. like something stirring deep inside him. His gaze, intense and searching. It was like he was trying to find his place, and for some reason, I wanted to help him do that.
When the applause rolled in, I flashed a smile at the crowd, but my mind stayed focused on Tyler. He stood there, frozen and conflicted. I could see it—he was torn. And it intrigued me. There was something more to him than just the bartender with the quiet demeanor. Somehow, I could feel the weight of his past hanging on him, and somehow, it felt like it was tied to music. To the saxophone, maybe.
Bernard, being the instigator, had caught onto my curiosity and was already making his way toward me. He leaned in, his voice low but filled with mischief. "Tyler actually plays the saxophone. It would be great if you two could perform together. He might be hesitant, but I'm sure he'd surprise you."
His words were a challenge, a nudge in the right direction. I hadn't known Tyler played the sax, but somehow, it made sense. Music had always felt like a way to speak when words couldn't quite capture everything.
I raised an eyebrow at Bernard, intrigued but not letting him see how quickly I was jumping at the idea. "What's the hold-up then?" I asked, curious.
His grin widened as he shrugged, a knowing look in his eyes.
As I wrapped up the song and the applause died down, I wasn't quite ready to let the moment slip away. There was something special about tonight, something that felt like a turning point. And I was going to make sure it counted.
Grabbing the mic, I scanned the room, letting my gaze linger on Tyler, my heart thudding in my chest. This was it.
"Thank you, everyone," I said, my voice bright and full of energy. "Tonight's been wonderful, and as a special treat for all of you, we're not done just yet. Since we have a very special couple here celebrating their birthdays tonight.. yes, you two," I gestured toward the birthday couple, their faces lighting up with excitement. "I thought it would be the perfect time to serenade you all with a few more songs. But, there's a little twist."
I let the words hang in the air, teasing them, before turning slightly toward Tyler, letting my eyes meet his. This was the moment.
"Now, I've been told that we have a very talented musician with us tonight. I hear the man behind the bar isn't just good at making drinks, but he also plays the saxophone. Tyler, why don't you join me and show everyone your skills?"
The crowd's gaze shifted, all eyes on him now. I could feel the anticipation building, but Tyler didn't move. I watched him freeze, his face a mask of uncertainty. The hesitation was clear, his internal struggle written all over his face.
I could almost hear the thoughts racing through his mind. The last thing he wanted was to be exposed, to open up in front of a crowd. But I wasn't going to let him off the hook that easily. He needed this, I could tell. I could see the man he used to be, buried beneath layers of fear and regret.
"Tyler," I called again, my voice clear, teasing, but gentle. "I know you're a little shy, but trust me, the crowd is dying to hear you play. What do you say? We'll be waiting for you on stage."
I saw him freeze again, his body tense with hesitation, but there was something different this time. Something shifted in his eyes. It was like he was hearing me, really hearing me, for the first time. And for that split second, I knew I'd pushed the right button.
Bernard, ever the observant one, whispered just loud enough for me to catch, "You know, he really does play the saxophone. He's just not ready to show it again... yet. I think he needs a little nudge."
I turned my attention back to Tyler, my smile softening. This was about more than just the performance—it was about him facing something inside himself. I wasn't going to let him back out.
Taking a deep breath, I called out to him once more, my voice filled with warmth and encouragement. "Come on, Tyler. I know you can do it. Just once. For the crowd. For us."
The room seemed to hold its breath as Tyler slowly, almost reluctantly, stood from behind the bar. He walked toward the stage with a deliberate pace, his fingers grazing the saxophone as if he was unsure whether it still belonged to him. But as his eyes met mine, something in him shifted.
There was that vulnerability again, but this time, it wasn't just about fear. It was about reclaiming something lost. Something he was ready to find again, even if just for this moment.
As he picked up the sax, I saw his hesitation, his deep breath, and I knew it wasn't just about playing an instrument. It was about confronting his past. And I was right there, ready to share that moment with him.
"I don't really play in front of people," he admitted, his voice low and vulnerable. "Especially not after... everything."
I nodded, my gaze softening. "What happened in the past stays there. But right now, I'm asking you to play with me, Tyler. For the crowd. For us. Just once. What do you say?"
There was a long pause. I could see the weight of his decision, the battle between his past and his present. But then, he gave a small nod.
"Okay, just once," he agreed.
Great!
And just like that, something shifted between us. Something I knew would change everything.