"Where you going, sweetheart?" Hunter asked as I tried to slip out the front door unnoticed.

"Out with Sky." I said in a duh tone.

"With a guitar?" He laughed walking up to me, "You've been leaving every week at the same time, dressed up nicely and I've never asked till now."

I smirked at him, "You think I look nice?"

"You're avoiding my question," He came closer to me, "I could just message Sky and ask her?"

"You have Sky's number?"

"Jealous?" He leaned his arm against the wall.

"It's just that you're not roommates and I don't even have your number." I tried to cover my slight jealousy.

He held his hand out. "Pass. I'll put it in for you."

I handed Hunter my phone, "Still haven't changed your password?" He smirked.

I ignored him, "Don't save your name as anything stupid. And pass me your phone too," he obeyed, "No password?"

"Nothing to hide, sweetheart."

I decided to save my name as ❤️ on Hunter's phone. He took it back and laughed, typing something in then showed me his phone: 🙄💩

"Thanks Hunt. Real nice." And I looked down to see what Hunter saved his name as: 👉🏻👌🏻

"Hunter." I groaned and changed it, showing him his new name: 🤓

"No. Pass here." And he took my phone back. I played with my skirt as Hunter thought about what he'd type. Eventually he made up his mind and he smiled at me when he handed it back: 🤗❤️

I smiled when I saw it and pretended to change it but I kept it as it was.

"Just letting you know sweetheart, I don't have Sky's number." He winked.

I sighed and then left, tipping my hat at him, "Bye, Hunt."

-

The bar seemed busier tonight than usual. It made my nerves worse and I felt uncomfortable in my boots and skirt. The hat also made me feel a bit silly.

"Hi Em!" Dave greeted me, "You wanna put your name on the list this time?" He joked his thick southern accent coming through.

I took a deep breath and walked up to the sign up sheet, "I'm doing it tonight Dave! I can't keeping dragging this thing along and not use it," I held my guitar bag up.

"Well I'm glad you decided not to hide at the back anymore." He chuckled, "What inspired you perform tonight?"

I rubbed my neck, "I found the perfect song."

"Well you go knock 'em dead sugar." He gave me a big toothy grin and cleaned a few more tables before stepping onto the stage.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the weekly Open Mic night. We have our usuals performing for us tonight but we also have a newcomer who is very dear to my heart. My little granddaughter."

The crowd cheered loudly for the few of them that were there. Next thing I knew my granddad was back by my side, "The locals love me, they're kinda forced to love you too. No matter how crappy you are."

I laughed at the old man, "I'm assuming your old man told you about the wedding."

I sighed.

"I'll take that as a yes then." He joked, "Sugar, I'm not happy with his choice of girls because the age is too close to what Jaimie would have been."

"You thought about that too, huh?" We both laughed.

"You know Em, I learned to love Jade like a daughter or granddaughter," he nudged me and I smiled, "because my son loves him and nothing makes a father happier than when his broken son learns to smile again."

A single tear slid from my eye and I stopped it before it could ruin my make up and I gave the old man a warm hug.

-

Since I was the last performer of the evening I had to wait a long time before I could go up on stage so instead of just sitting around, I helped serve drinks and clean up.

"One beer please." My head shot up at the familiar voice.

"Hunter... How did you find me?"

"I installed a tracker on your phone."

My eyes widened, "You what!?" I whispered, trying not to distract the performer on the stage.

"Just kidding sweetheart. I asked Sky." I smiled.

"Hunter, please leave." I said sternly, "I'm performing next and it's my first time." He didn't budge, "Plus my nerves are sky high." I showed him with my hands.

"But I want a beer." He retorted.

"Well then go somewhere else."

"Emilia Anderson! You cannot tell customers to go to another bar." My granddad grumbled from behind me.

"But Dave..." I sang.

"Keep the singing for the stage."

Hunter laughed, "It's a pleasure to meet you sir." He held out a hand for Dave. Dave looked confused at the gestured but shook Hunter's hand anyway.

"So which beer you want sonny? Oh wait sorry, I've got to introduce my little girl here." He clapped me on my back and went to the stage.

"You know him?" Hunter asked, clearly amused.

"He's my granddad."

"Bad girl has some southern blood in her." He laughed.

"And now ladies and gentlemen. The one. The only. Emilia Anderson." The crowd cheered loudly.

"Good luck sweetheart." Hunter called to me as I climbed onto the stage.

The bright lights blinded me and I squinted, trying to adjust my eyes, "Hi, umm, thanks for the great introduction granddad," I smiled, seeing the figures of people but no faces, "For any of those who missed it, my name is Emilia Anderson." The crowd laughed which eased my nerves slightly, "So I'll be singing Lost Stars from the movie Begin Again."

I cleared my throat and started singing.

-

The crowd erupted and I felt as if it wasn't just because I'm Dave's granddaughter.

People clapped me on my back and congratulated me as I walked off the stage towards Hunter.

"Sweetheart, that was brilliant!" Hunter cheered when I walked up to him. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and took me to the bar, "A drink on me?"

I shook my head, "I'm good thanks."

"Cupcake, you have to come here every week." Granddad joked.

I blushed and I couldn't stop smiling, pride written across my face.

"So this is Hunter, huh?" Dave asked from opposite the bar.

"You know about him?" I asked.

"Your dad won't stop gushing about this one." He pointed to Hunter with his thumb, "He's a fine ass man."

Hunter and I laughed.

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