The bar was buzzing with music and laughter as your colleagues celebrated your successful project. You were perfectly happy enjoying your cocktail until Nessa decided to ruin your peace.
"You're singing karaoke. Come on!"
"Absolutely not. I'm not embarrassing myself in front of everyone."
"Too late. You're already embarrassing yourself by refusing!"
Before you could protest, your colleagues dragged you towards the little stage. Laughing nervously, you picked up the microphone and began to sing. Within seconds, the conversations around the bar started fading.
For one brief, terrifying second, nobody moved. You blinked at the crowd.
Oh, God. You've actually embarrassed yourself.
Then the room exploded.
"What the hell was that?!"
One of them shot out of his seat, both hands on his head.
"Two years you have been working with us and not once did you tell us you could sing like that?!"
"I—"
"No! Don't speak! I need a moment!"
"Oh, my God. Please stop!"
"Stop? I am not letting you live this down!"
The noise inside the bar had become overwhelming, so you slipped outside for some fresh air, grateful for the cool breeze against your skin. You had barely leaned against the railing when the door opened behind you.
"Escaping the attention already?"
You turned to find him standing beside you, his hands tucked into his trouser pockets, that faint, confident smile playing on his lips.
"Just needed some air."
"Mind if I join you?"
"You're already here, aren't you?"
He chuckled softly, seemingly amused by your response.
"What's your name?"
You glanced at him, then straightened your jacket.
"Enjoy your evening."
Before he could respond, you walked back towards the entrance, leaving him standing beneath the streetlights, watching you disappear inside.
For the first time in a long while, someone had walked away from Melchiore Corardi without giving him a second thought.
"Get her name."
"Whose name, sir?"
His eyes returned to the entrance, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"The woman who just walked away from me."