I strolled into the bar.
It was my go-to spot when I needed a breather from life's mess. Just wanted to be miles away from Jason's lying ass and Amy's drama, you know?
The place had a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for folks lookin' to unwind in a healthier way. Those dim lights had me feeling some type of way, like I was in my own chill zone.
They had a dartboard on one wall, invitin' anyone to show off their aim, and a little stage in the corner that hinted at some live music now and then.
I snagged a seat at the counter, settlin' onto one of those plush barstools. My order? Sparkling water with a twist of lime, my non-alcoholic indulgence for nights like these.
Sippin' on that, I took a moment to appreciate my outfit—a dress that's got some serious style without tryin' too hard. It hugged my curves in all the right places. I'll be honest, I had this killer vibe goin' on, feelin' all confident and lookin' damn fine, even if it was just for myself.
Just as I was gettin' cozy in "me-time," who pops up? The hot bartender, makin' a return appearance. He was swapping shifts with the current bartender. I remembered the subtle flirtin' from our last encounter. Dude had these deep brown eyes, still flashin' that charming smile. "Hey there," he greeted. "Mind if I join you for a sec?"
I shrugged. "Sure, why not? No one else on my agenda anyway."
Leanin' against the counter, he glanced at the liquor bottles, doin' his thing while chattin'. "What's the deal tonight? Craving a little getaway?"
"Exactly. Needed a break, ya know? Just to unwind and forget about all the crap. I call it 'me-time'."
"I feel ya. Every now and then, we all need a break from this crazy reality stuff." He reached out his hand. "By the way, name's Adrian. Adrian Mitchell."
Shakin' his hand, I couldn't help but notice the roughness, a telltale sign of some serious hard work beneath his smooth charm. "Charlie," I introduced myself.
As we shot the breeze, I noticed that Adrian's perspective on love and relationships was different from mine. After Jason, I'd always been skeptical, thinkin' love only led to heartbreak and disappointment. Adrian, though, had a healthier take, seein' the beauty in connection and growin' together.
"You only say that 'cause you've never had your heart broken," I accused, a tinge of bitterness creepin' into my voice.
Adrian's smile wavered for a sec before he responded, "Actually, I've been heartbroken four times, and I'm only nineteen."
Damn, that surprised me. Leanin' in, I asked, "Four times? How the hell did that happen?"
He let out a sigh, his gaze wanderin' to some distant memory. "Well, back in high school, there was this girl I was convinced was 'the one.' But damn, she totally crushed me when she disappeared without a single word. And then, in college, I got caught up in this other girl who was all in for someone else. Talk about heartbreak. Hurt like a bitch, but it taught me a whole lot about myself."
Beneath Adrian's smooth exterior, I could sense some depth, the pain he'd been through shapin' him into someone who understood love's twists and turns.
He held it down behind the counter, his black skin exuding strength and confidence. He had this commanding presence, effortlessly serving the customers like a pro. Standing way above average height, he caught everyone's eye with his imposing figure. Dude was ripped, showing off those broad shoulders and toned arms as he did his thing.
As we kept chatting, Adrian let me in on some personal stuff. "You know," he said with a warm smile, "this place is actually a family gig. My old man owns the bar, and my big sis swings by every now and then to lend a hand. It's all in the family, you feel me?"
My curiosity piqued, and I couldn't help but ask, "That's pretty cool. Must be nice working with fam. What's your sister like?"
Adrian's eyes sparkled with pride. "Oh, she's a badass. Smart, talented, and knows how to make folks feel welcome. She's got mad skills when it comes to mixing killer cocktails too."
I was totally vibing with the low-key atmosphere and mellow vibes, seeing that it was more than just a business for Adrian. Underneath his smooth charm and captivating presence, there was this sense of family and belonging that added depth to his character.
As Adrian and I kept chattin', my phone buzzed, signalin' a message. Damn interruption got me irritated, so I checked the screen. Turns out, it was from Amy. I was both curious and annoyed, ya know? I wanted to stay present with Adrian, but damn, the thought of some juicy Jason gossip had me intrigued.
Letting out a sigh, I opened the message. My excitement levels went through the roof when I saw the words on the screen. "Let's meet at the park. I've got some dirt on Jason."
My mind went wild with possibilities. What the hell had Amy discovered? Did it involve his sketchy moves or some other dodgy shit? I couldn't resist the intrigue, even if it meant takin' my attention off Adrian for a bit.
I glanced up at Adrian. "Sorry, man, it's just my friend. She wants to meet up. Something about my ex."
Adrian's face showed a mix of understanding and disappointment. "I get it. Friends come first, especially when there's dirt on the ex." He tried to lighten the mood with a chuckle. "Go on, find out what she's spillin'. I'll be here when you're done. But remember, don't let the drama consume you. You're more than that."
"You're right. I won't let it mess with me. Plus, it might be nothin' important." I quickly fired off a reply to Amy and tossed my phone back on the counter.
As I got ready to split, a pang of longing hit me. I wanted to stay, keep our conversation goin' and explore the connection I was startin' to feel with Adrian. But duty called, and I couldn't ignore the mystery pullin' me in.
With a smile hangin' on, I said my goodbyes to Adrian, promisin' I'd be back soon, and set off to meet Amy, ready to uncover the secrets lurkin' in the shadows of Jason's past.