The Truth About Him

The upper level of Salem’s Abbey was overflowing with the deep, warm sound of the attractive performer’s voice and accompanying acoustic guitar. Eilidh watched in awe with the rest of the room, taking in every detail of his husky singing voice as the sweet words rolled off his tongue in the most delectable manner. With his fingers effortlessly changing chords while his right hand did a mixture of strumming and plucking, the 22 year old couldn’t take her eyes off him.

She noticed how he sang with his eyes closed most of the time, and when he opened them, he would be looking at her with a shy smile which caused her heart to race faster every time. Eilidh felt ridiculous over the fact someone could make her feel like this, but she began to crave his eye contact as his performance went on.

Three songs later, he made his way off the stage and into the crowd of supporters where the young woman lost sight of him. A sense of disappointment washed over her, and even though she wanted to mope a little, she had customers waiting to be served.

“So, are you liking it here?” Ross asked when they had a minute to themselves.

“Yeah, it’s my kind of place,” she smiled, her nervousness from earlier in the evening long gone. “How long have you worked here?”

“Um, about 6 months, give or take. Charlie’s my brother’s fiancée, so I didn’t really have to try that hard to get a job,” he chuckled, running his hand through his styled ginger hair. “Where about are you from? The boss said you just moved here.”

It was a little unnerving to know people were speaking about Eilidh behind her back, but she knew it wasn’t in a malicious way and that it was obvious her co-workers would gossip about the new girl.

“Edinburgh. I only got here yesterday, so I still need to do a lot of unpacking.”

Ross almost spat out his mouthful of water when he heard her reply. “Are you serious?! Why didn’t you take a day or two to chill out and get used to the city?”

“I just…I don’t know, I just prefer to be busy,” she answered with a shrug of her shoulders. That was partially the truth, but she didn’t want to discuss how being occupied keeps her mind at ease and stops her thoughts drifting to her deceased family.

“Huh. Well, whatever floats your boat,” the redhead mused before stepping forward to serve someone. “What can I get you?”



By the time the last act had left the stage, the pub was dying down. The place was shutting in a half hour, and Eilidh couldn’t be more relieved. She started thinking that maybe she should have waited a couple days before getting a job. She couldn’t wait to get home and collapse on her bed with O’Malley snuggling up to her.

The bar was closed and Ross had been pulled away by Charlie to help her with kegs and crates, leaving the curvy brunette alone with the remaining customers. She grabbed one of the damp cloths and wiped the counter again, being as thorough as she could in her tired state.

“You’ve missed a spot,” someone pointed out from across the counter, their voice warm and soothing.

Glancing up at the stranger, Eilidh almost choked on the air she was breathing. The man who stood in front of her was the dapper yet quirky singer whose smile made her lose all train of thought. She noted that he looked more handsome up-close with his tousled hair, tidy beard, and deep, chocolaty brown eyes.

When she didn’t reply, the male spoke again. “I was kidding. You’ve wiped the bar down about 7 times throughout the night. I think you’ve got it all,” he smirked playfully, his tone friendly.

Closing her eyes and shaking her head in an attempt to clear it, she finally found her voice. “I’m sorry, I’m really not with it tonight.”

Eilidh looked back up at the man but found his eyes to be sad, confusing her a little. The look only lasted a moment before his charming smile was back in place. “No worries. So, how has your first shift been? Are you willing to return?”

“Wait…how did you…?” she drifted off, baffled at how he knew.

Leaning in across the counter, he replied, “Baby, you’re the talk of the town,” with a wink and a smirk, causing the girl to blush. Leaning back, he gazed endearingly at her, then continued. “Well, maybe not the whole town, just Salem’s.”

The brunette chuckled softly in relief and rolled her eyes at the man. “I was going to compliment you on your performance but now, after teasing me so, I don’t think I will.”

“So you remember my performance? I can't blame you; I am pretty memorable.”

“And very humble, it seems,” she retorted light-heartedly, causing the attractive male to laugh ardently; an intoxicating sound.

“Well, I do try.”

Just as Eilidh was about to speak, Ross returned. “Hey, boss wants to see you in the back room.” Nodding her head, the young woman turned back to the man, not really wanting to leave his company.

“I should let you get back to work. It’s been a pleasure, Miss…?” he announced while smoothly asking for her name.

“Eilidh.”

“A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. I’m Benjamin,” he smiled, making her heart race and cheeks flush.

“It’s been nice talking with you, Benjamin,” Eilidh stated, a smile of her own stretched across her face. The two brunettes looked fondly at one another for a moment longer until she really had to go meet Charlie.

As she stepped out from behind the bar and towards the spiral staircase, she realised something. Tonight had been the first time in months where she wasn’t consumed by thoughts of The Hacksaw Murderer. Eilidh just wasn’t sure if it had to do with working, or more to do with Benjamin.