Near to You.

“I feel like a creep man,” Zacky laughed as he took a seat on a metal bar stool. Matt just ignored his friend as his eyes scanned the entire room, looking and waiting for Asher to arrive.
“I see you’re back again,” The bartender from the night before smirked and leaned against the counter. “What can I get you guys?”
“Jack and coke.” Zacky nodded and slid him a ten dollar bill. “What about you Matt?”
“Nothing,” He kept his attention on the dressing room door.
“She’s running late,” The bartender wiped his hands on a cotton cloth and handed Zacky his drink. “I’m Kyle by the way.” Matt quickly turned, flashed Kyle a small smile and shook his hand. Zacky did as well. “I really love your guys’ band.” He grinned and turned to help another customer. Matt just shook his head and stared out into the large room. The walls were dressed in black and red wall paper, crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the floor was a dark oak, the same as the stage.
“Speaking of your girl,” Kyle walked over to the side of the bar they were sitting at and threw the cotton towel over his shoulder. Matt’s eyes shot directly to the glass doors just as Asher pushed them open. A gust of wind blew her marvelous hair back and the dim lighting accented her ocean eyes. With a confident strut, she made her way over to the bar.
“Hey Kyle,” She hugged him and slowly turned to face Matt and Zacky. “Why are you here?” Her voice was harsh and cold, causing a slight knot to twist in Matt’s stomach.
“Like I said before,” Matt smirked, regaining a bit of his confidence. “I want to get to know you.”
“Like I said before,” She mimicked. “You had that chance five years ago, now if you’ll excuse me, I need to get changed and perform.” Asher bit her lower lip and made her way over to the dressing room, slamming the door shut behind her. Matt had enough, this grudge she was holding against him was starting to wear on him. He grabbed Zacky’s arm causing him to nearly spill his drink and pulled him to the black door that sat right next to the stage.
“Asher,” He knocked on the door but there was no answer. “Asher,” He repeated.
“Go away,” He heard her yell.
“Just open the door,” Zacky shook his head and took a long swig of the jack and coke. Matt carefully twisted the knob, hoping that she wasn’t undressed.
“What the-get out!” She yelled and stumbled pulling up her tights. Matt reached his arms out and steadied her. Asher felt his warm hands secure her in her spot, it made her heart beat just a little bit fast.
“Calm down,” Matt released her and took a seat on the black love seat. “I just want to talk.” Asher began to open her mouth but Matt quickly cut her off, “And I know I had that chance five years ago but I’m trying to make up for it now.” This silenced her.
“What do you want M.Shadows.” She said his stage name like it was a disease and laughed. “Just tell me what you want.”
“I want to make everything up to you. All the shit I did to you. I want to be friends.”
“You make me laugh,” Sarcasm spilling through her teeth like venom. Asher moved quickly, grabbed her shoes that sat just behind Zacky. “I need to go on,”
“Not now,” Matt stepped closer toward her. “Listen, come out with me this weekend.”
“You’re asking me out?” She burrowed her eyes brows and smirked. “I would totally go out with you!” Matt could easily pick up on her voice still full of sarcasm. “No, Matt, I will never go out with you.”
He could feel his stomach drop but for a reason he couldn’t full understand. He never thought anyone would deny a date with him, but this stubborn girl he once knew refused. What a blow to his ego that was.
“It’s not a date,” He paused. “Do you have a boyfriend?”
“First of all, that is none of your business-“
“You don’t have one.” Matt smiled, feeling somewhat relieved.
“Second, even if I did I would never “hang” out with you.” She air quoted and slipped each high heel on carefully.
“Look, Asher,” Zacky stood up. “I’m sick of hearing you guys go back and forth, I just want to go home and fall the fuck asleep but you’re preventing that. Just say yes and come to a god damn barbecue I’m having. It’s not a date, it’s not anything, it’s just me asking you to come to my get together.” He huffed and sat back down, finishing off his drink with one fluid chug.
“Whatever,” Asher glared at him. “Tell me where it is.”
“I’ll write down the address for you,” Zacky pulled out a pen and sloppily wrote it down on a napkin.
“I’ll see you there,” Matt smirked and pressed a hand on her shoulder as she took the paper and stuffed it into her duffel bag.
“Shut up Matt,” She barked.
“Come on, let’s go home now,” Zacky made his way out the door and waved a goodbye to Asher.
“Listen, I’m sorry.” Matt spoke gently, for the first time that night. “I’m sorry about everything. I really hope I can make it up to you.” His hazel eyes connected with her baby blues and she couldn’t help but shutter. The sincerity in his voice, the sadness molded to his lips, she couldn’t help but crack a small smile.
“I’m sorry about Jimmy.” She motioned to his hand and bit her lower lip. “It was a beautiful ceremony.”
“You went?” He froze. The reminder of Jimmy made his stomach turn and his eyes glaze over with sorrow.
“Have a good night Matt.” She whispered and carefully walked on stage. The spot light was brought to her and that beautiful sultry voice flooded his ears. He couldn’t shake the feeling that overcame him. He wanted to punch something, kiss her, cry, and scream.