This was completely out of his element and Jack probably looked exactly how he felt. He kept reminding himself that the fundraiser was for a good cause but continued sticking out like a sore thumb. Most of the men wore tuxedos while he wore a suit. His stature didn't help him blend in any. So when the captivating woman who had been singing walked straight up to him, it didn't surprise him in the least that she only wanted the food behind him.
"Aye," he uttered with an uncomfortable smile, dipping his head in an apologetic manner and stepping out of her way.
His hands slipped into the pockets of his dress pants to hopefully avoid looking even more awkward. Jack hadn't noticed individuals, only how different he appeared compared to everyone else. He had yet to eat or drink. Not that he was much of a drinker. However, he had noticed her singing which was what prompted the slight surprise on his features when she mentioned being uncomfortable.
"You very comfortable to me." The words left him sooner than they should've. Jack shook his head at himself. "I mean, beautiful." Even worse. And then he wondered why his romantic life was nearly non existent. "I mean that you don't seem uncomfortable. You sung beautifully and you look it as well." As if looking like a fish out of water wasn't enough, his Scottish accent came in thicker whenever he was flustered.
His face turned a light shade of red at her return compliment. Jack had mucked up speaking to the singer but she didn't seem put off. However, he couldn't think of anything else intelligent to say and found himself silent until she extended a hand.
"Jack. Jack Flanagan. If it makes you feel any bettah, I'm nowhere in the one percent. I doubt I'm even in the top twenty. The suit kind of speaks for itself," he offered while only returning the shake as strong as Addie took his hand.
Now he had to chuckle at her comment about insulting people. "I suppose that could be worse than bumbled compliments."
Jack took a step toward Addie, reaching for a sandwich but holding it in hand as they spoke. "Aye, it is Scottish. Tends to get the better of me when I'm out of sorts. ...I was born here but raised by Scots and spent the better of two decades there. I think it's gotten muddled with my time abroad." He took a bite, finding himself easily able to devour the poor excuse for a sandwich in one mouthful but forcing himself to make it at least two.
"How about you? You don't carry the Bostonian in your words," he inquired after taking one bite.
He gave a nod of acknowledgment as she spoke of her upbringing. Jack knew nothing of Nebraska but he knew The Big Apple. "I'm glad this is working out for you. In my experience, Boston isn't much different than New York. It's a bit less overwhelming here though you might not agree after a function like this."
Jack flashed a warm smile then finished off the sandwich and gave his mouth a run over with his thumb before dropping his hand. "You've been?" he questioned, a curious grin tugging his lips.
"Lovely architecture and much history," he replied about Boston. "Good food as well. I'm certain you'll enjoy the day." Jack was tempted to ask about her show but waited his turn.
She mentioned her visit to the UK and he gave that conversation a chance out of courtesy. "I spent a year of Mastery in Oxford," he confessed. "Home was Glasgow for most of my time in Scotland but I did spend a year or two in Edinburgh. As well as Sydney and more recently, New York."
Jack gave an inquisitive gaze with his smile as he returned the subject back to Addie. "I hope I'm not being too forward but might I ask about your performance tomorrow?"
His mouth was dry but he didn't want any alcohol. Jack gave the server a nod in greeting and quickly returned his attention back to Addie. "Actually, the company I work for divides my time between here and New York. I'd gladly catch more of your singing there on my next stay. I wouldn't turn down making a new friend. One can never have too many."
Jack gave her his most confident smile yet. He was starting to warm up as their conversation progresses. They seemed to have much in common. "I have meetings that can't be rescheduled or I'd offer to play your guide tomorrow. I'll give you my number and send advice via text messages at a minimum. Then maybe catch your show after work."
( ... )
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"Aye," he uttered with an uncomfortable smile, dipping his head in an apologetic manner and stepping out of her way.
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
"You very comfortable to me." The words left him sooner than they should've. Jack shook his head at himself. "I mean, beautiful." Even worse. And then he wondered why his romantic life was nearly non existent. "I mean that you don't seem uncomfortable. You sung beautifully and you look it as well." As if looking like a fish out of water wasn't enough, his Scottish accent came in thicker whenever he was flustered.
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
"Jack. Jack Flanagan. If it makes you feel any bettah, I'm nowhere in the one percent. I doubt I'm even in the top twenty. The suit kind of speaks for itself," he offered while only returning the shake as strong as Addie took his hand.
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
Jack took a step toward Addie, reaching for a sandwich but holding it in hand as they spoke. "Aye, it is Scottish. Tends to get the better of me when I'm out of sorts. ...I was born here but raised by Scots and spent the better of two decades there. I think it's gotten muddled with my time abroad." He took a bite, finding himself easily able to devour the poor excuse for a sandwich in one mouthful but forcing himself to make it at least two.
"How about you? You don't carry the Bostonian in your words," he inquired after taking one bite.
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
Jack flashed a warm smile then finished off the sandwich and gave his mouth a run over with his thumb before dropping his hand. "You've been?" he questioned, a curious grin tugging his lips.
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
She mentioned her visit to the UK and he gave that conversation a chance out of courtesy. "I spent a year of Mastery in Oxford," he confessed. "Home was Glasgow for most of my time in Scotland but I did spend a year or two in Edinburgh. As well as Sydney and more recently, New York."
Jack gave an inquisitive gaze with his smile as he returned the subject back to Addie. "I hope I'm not being too forward but might I ask about your performance tomorrow?"
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
Jack gave her his most confident smile yet. He was starting to warm up as their conversation progresses. They seemed to have much in common. "I have meetings that can't be rescheduled or I'd offer to play your guide tomorrow. I'll give you my number and send advice via text messages at a minimum. Then maybe catch your show after work."
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
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