The place was the most crowded I had seen it since the first time I'd been there. Mason was talking to Jim outside while people were pouring in. The band had set up on stage and everything was ready to go so I ducked my head outside the door and gave Mason a thumbs up to let him know it was time. He flashed his intoxicating smile and I felt my face flush. I hate that he can make me feel that way with just a few movements of his lips.

I ran to the stage and motioned for everyone to calm down and pointed to the door where Jim was set to walk through any minute. The crowd of volunteers, band groupies and loyal drinkers backed up a bit to give Jim some room when he hesitantly made his way inside . The room dulled to quiet conversations between a few groups when he stepped through the door. The old man stood there, his eyes were as wide as saucers, turning to the left then to the right trying to take in what was now his tavern. His hand came up to scratch his silvery hair and he began laughing. Tears started streaming down his full cheeks while he made rounds hugging every person in sight on his way to the bar. The crowd cheered his name, clapping and whistling. The energy in the room was gratifying, seeing everyone happy for Jim.

He ran has hand over the new smoothed out bar and smiled, shaking his head.

"Jimmy, congratulations. No one could think of anyone better deserving of this than you. On behalf of everyone here we'd like to say thank you." Mason spoke into the microphone, pointing to Jim. The way his face lit up as everyone made their motions, agreeing with Mason made Jim look like he'd come alive.

Mason looked over at me as I started making my way down the stage steps to start mixing the sound for them like I had been for the past few weeks. I felt his warm hand clasp my wrist and pull me back towards him. I gave him a puzzled look not knowing why he wanted me up on stage for. I hadn't been practising and felt so ill prepared.

Mason grabbed a chair, set it down near me and waved his hand motioning me to sit. He mouthed something to the guys as I sat cautiously in the chair. My fingers dug deep into the sides as if it was going to fly out from underneath me. It practically felt like it was since my stomach was now up in my throat and my heart basically fell out of my ass.

The guitars began to sound and Mason turned around to face me, taking one of my hands in his. I noticed that I hadn't taken a breath since the music started so I inhaled deeply like I'd just run 2 miles.

His light blue eyes struck me down to my core, undoing me as he sung the words. I could feel all my fear melt away with the way he looked at me. He pulled my arm up and twirled me around, drawing me close to him. He angled his microphone off to the side so he could sing closer to my face. His fingers entwined with mine, his breath hot on my lips as he sung. A lump started to form in my throat as I realised this man, this perfectly incredible man in front of me wanted me to love him. Does he love me?

This was the only guy that had ever made me feel the way he does. He made me feel beautiful... enough. He made my life happier, fuller when he was in it. But

because he means that much to me I can't be selfish with him. I can't promise him a future, so I don't want to give him hope. I wish I could tell him how much I want him, how much I want to spend forever in his arms, how I want to kiss his lips and his lips only for the rest of my life... but I cant. I can't give him hope. It's not fair to him. He's lost every single person he's loved in his life. I can't do this to him.

Guilt stricken, my stomach drops at the thought of what I need to do.