Something Sweet

Chapter 04

Warning; Mentions of alcohol.

UGH! It had been a full week since Nalani last saw Samuel, and the longing inside her was almost unbearable. Despite him reprimanding her about her feelings for him, it only intensified her affection. The way his eyebrows furrowed and his voice turned stern had an irresistible effect on her, leaving her feeling utterly helpless. She was a lost cause.

Perhaps calling him "honey" was excessive, even though it felt good to say that. However, if it only made him uneasy, what was the point?  Nalani released a heavy sigh. She should apologize to him.

It was past eight, and Nalani had completed preparing and packaging all the cake orders for the day. As she sought some clarity, she ended up outside the local karaoke bar. As she walked into the vibrant karaoke bar, the lively music and cheerful atmosphere immediately lifted her spirits. Since it was a weekday, the bar was relatively empty, with fewer than eleven people inside.

Nalani settled into a snug corner of the bar and requested a sweet cocktail, realizing it had been a while since her last drink. It's not that she disliked alcohol; she occasionally enjoyed a glass of wine, but she didn't consider herself an avid drinker.

While savoring her cocktail and observing individuals from diverse backgrounds performing on stage, she began to sense the subtle buzz from her drink, which came with a boost of self-confidence.

Feeling the energy of the place, Nalani decided to step out of her comfort zone. Boosted by her third cocktail, she mustered the courage to venture onto the open stage, gripping the microphone firmly.

Nalani did not have any public singing experiences. Nalani had only ever sung in the privacy of her showers and bakery. Tonight will be her first, after all, no one would remember this in five years right? She had chosen a classic love song, and as the music started, she closed her eyes and sang with all her heart. Her sweet and melodic voice filled the room, and the audience that was left was captivated by her performance. The applause and cheers made her feel like a star for the night.

As Nalani belted out the song, she couldn't help but notice a commotion in the corner of the bar. A guy hovering a little too close to another woman whose face showed obvious discomfort. Nalani's empathetic nature kicked in, and after her song ended, she decided to intervene. With a sense of purpose and the lingering effects of the alcohol, she walked over the scene.

"Hey! I've been looking everywhere for you!" Nalani said firmly, placing herself between the man and the girl. The Woman's face glimmered with a smirk and Nalani mirrored it. Before Nalani could say anything else, the man clearly intoxicated and irate, turned his attention toward Nalano. He sneered, "Mind your own business."

Unknown to Nalani, Captain John was just a couple of seats away watching the entire thing unfold. He calculated whether he should step in or see what Nalani had up her sleeve. But one thing led to another and Nalani had a chair. John sighed and pulled out his phone.

Samuel was in his apartment watching an old Star Wars movie when John called.

"Come get your girlfriend! She's making a complete fool of herself," the captain's voice blasts through Samuel's phone, accompanied by the clamor of furniture being moved. Samuel tries to interject, immediately knowing who she is, "What? She's not—" but his words are abruptly drowned out by the chaotic noise in the background. "Where is she?" he groans into the phone, feeling a headache creeping in.

By the time Samuel arrived at the bar, Nalani was lying in her hands with another girl rubbing her back.

"Real shame your boyfriend isn't here to witness this," The girl sighed with a weary expression, "I never wanted him to feel that way, I just want to love him and take care of him, share a part of me with him," Nalani's heart warmed at those final words as she went to grab another drink, Samuel caught her hand. "I think you've had enough,"

"Another one, please!" Nalani pleaded, plopping into the chair with a thud. "I'm not even tipsy!"

"How many fingers am I holding?" Nalani brushed Samuel's fingers aside. "Eleven, silly!"

Samuel slammed his hand on the table in defeat. "You've got no tolerance, love."

As Samuel attempted to persuade Nalani to return home, she interrupted with a pout, declaring, "I have a boyfriend!" Caught off guard, Samuel struggled to compose his expression, unable to deny that her words had a slight sting.

"He's tall, handsome, and he's a firefighter," Nalani continued, causing Samuel to pause. Could she be referring to him? Nah—tall was a little overboard, he's average height. It seemed unbelievable. Nevertheless, Nalani's radiant smile was so immense that Samuel was certain her cheeks must have been aching. "I love him so much," she gushed, and he couldn't help but find her adoration utterly endearing.

"You must be Samuel," Samuel's focus shifted to the girl who had been standing with Nalani. He barely paid her mind. "I'm Jess. Nalani gave me a hand earlier," Samuel only nodded until he realized Nalani was about to slip from her chair and caught her just in time.

Samuel swiftly gathered Nalani's legs in a bridal hold, and as she nestled into his chest, his heart swelled with affection. "Say goodnight," Samuel prompted, gently tapping the side of Nalani's thigh. Nalani waved her hand awkwardly at Jess and whispered, "Goodnight Jess."

Jess returned the gesture with a chuckle.

As Samuel buckled Nalani's sleeping body in his car he couldn't help but take in her beauty. He knew he was stuck. The line he'd drawn between them was starting to blur. Yet one thing remained clear in his mind: Nalani can always find better.

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