Before The Angels Fell

Rileys POV

I think I cried the whole 4 hour drive over to Los Angeles. I hated my life. I had no family, no close friends, nothing. I was a ghost. No one even had to know I existed.
Which is why I was going to start over. New town, new life.
I exited off the last highway and I could see the skyline of LA in the night lights.
I looked at my phone on the seat beside me and it read 6:00 am. I still hadn't slept yet.
As I entered the city streets, it was silent. The city was still asleep.
I was dying for a drink though... I suppose I sleep in my car for a little bit...
I pulled into a curb and killed the engine. I turned my back towards the drivers door, but before I closed my eyes I noticed an open sign on the building I was parked next to.
It appeared to be a bar.
"Well, I could use a drink" I said to myself.
I checked my make up in the mirror, it was all smeared and runny from all the crying. I wiped it as best I could and left my car.
Upon entering the bar, their was faint music in the background, but it was empty aside from the bartender.
The floorboards squeaked as I walked across them, making the bartender look up.
"Hi, how's it going?" He said in a friendly tone. He had a tall and broad frame. His hair was a light hazelnut brown that was messy and tousled. He also wore thick black glasses.
"Uhh, hi, umm pretty shit. Can I get a whiskey on the rocks?" I said sitting on one of the bar stools.
"Rough night?" He asked.
"You wouldn't imagine" I said leaning on the bar.
He handed me my drink with a smile.
"Thanks."
"So your not from here I'm guessing."
"Nope. From Las Vegas."
"Sin city. Nice. So what's bring you to the land of dreams?" He asked sarcastically.
"Nothing in particular. Just looking for a change" I said casually.
"Well, you come to the right place" He said.
I smiled at him, then we both cocked our heads when we head a loud thump and the shattering of glass.
"Are other people here?" I asked.
"Yeah, I have some people having a small party up there. I'll be right back" he said running off through the bar.
I looked down at my drink, swirling the ice around. I felt another onset of tears brewing.
For the moment I was left alone I loudly said to sing.
"PROUD IN ALL YOU ARE, SHOWING EVERY SCAR AS YOUR BADGE OF HONOUR , WHEN YOU CAN'T TAKE ANYMORE OF WHAT THEIR LIVING FOR, SET THE WORLD ON FIRE!" I huffed a sigh as a wave of relief came over me.
I heard footsteps coming towards me and I assumed it was the bartender returning, but it wasn't. It was Ashley Purdy from Black Veil Brides.
"Holy shit! I'm so sorry, I thought there was no one else down here" I explained.
Ashley laughed, "No, no. Don't apologise. Your singing is amazing, plus I'm in that band" He smirked and left the bar.
I was in awe. I couldn't believe what just happened.
Soon after the bartender returned and gave me an odd look.
"You okay?"
"I just saw Ashley Purdy of Black Veil Brides!" I said excitedly.
"Yeah, they come in here on occasion. Great guys."
"Hey, umm I know this seems out of the blue, but are you hiring?" I asked batting my lashes.
He laughed. "Umm I suppose. You done any study? Or courses?"
"Just graduated from business college, top five in my class" I said proudly.
"I'm Noah" he said extending a hand to me.
"Riley" I said shaking it.
"Well Riley, report here at 6:00 pm and we'll talk more" he said grabbing something from near the register and handing to me.
I looked down at the card he placed in my hand.
'The Roof'. Owner: Noah Aimes.
"Thank you. I seriously can't thank you enough! Umm question, you wouldn't know any cheap motels in the area would you?" I asked.
"You haven't got anywhere to stay?" He said almost shocked.
"I just got into LA. I've got nothing."
"How about you crash on my couch for a few days till you find a place?" He offered.
"A-are you sure? You barely know me. I can stay in a motel" I explained.
"There's no such thing as cheap in LA. You're better off staying with someone who at least knows the city."
"Wow... Thank you. You are way too generous."
"Look, I've just got to quickly clean up then we can head off, okay?"
"Okay" I said smiling.

When Noah finishing up he took me to his apartment. It was a small one bedroom place, but it was comfortable.
"Nice place" I commented as we entered.
"It's alright. Close to the bar, so I'm happy" he said going into another room.
I walked over to the window looking out at his view. The sun was threatening to rise and give the city life. I felt dead. My life was hollow and now was my time to rebuild.
"Here is a pillow and a blanket, do you need anything else?" He asked putting the stuff on his couch.
"No. You are way too kind. Are you sure you want me to stay here?" I said starting to feel uncomfortable.
"Riley, it's fine. Honestly. I can tell when a poor lost soul comes into my bar and needs help. I've worked there long enough to know. And you... Well, you've ran from something" he said staring at me with a calmed look on his face. "I'll let you sleep. Do you want me to come back at 5:30 for your shift?"
"Uhh, sure. Thank you again" I said again.
Noah just smiled and left his apartment.
I felt bad for taking over his apartment, but he offered it and I needed sleep.
I kicked off my shoes and opened up the blanket.
His couch was just long enough for me to stretch out my body, thank God I wasn't tall.
I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep in hope that the old me was dead and the new me would rise.

Notes

Just a re cap of chapter 4 in 'is he for me' in more detail of what happened and what she actually did when she arrived in LA.
Again, it's a building chapter. Just trying to establish her life before BVB and what happens during the time she is with and without Andy.
I'm still working out what I'm going to do with Noah cause we all know Riley ends up owning The Roof, so I'm trying to figure out the best way for that hand over so stay tuned!
Thank you for the votes and subscribers! It means so much to me!
-Tina xx