Adele stepped into the dimly lit bar, the scent of aged whiskey and polished leather wafting toward her. She did a routine round at every session of the hotel before she called it a day, and she could say the once famous bar of the Hastings Hotel had seen its better days.
Now it had fewer customers, lesser sales.
The low hum of conversation, soft jazz music, and the soft clink of glassware created a comforting backdrop as she stepped inside. The familiar scent of aged wood and leather greeting her like an old friend.
Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the familiar faces and the flickering glow of candlelight reflecting off the mahogany surfaces. She hadn't expected to find anyone she knew here, let alone Derek. Her eyes widened in surprise as she spotted him sitting on one of the high stools, a glass of whiskey in hand. He looked up just as she approached, a slow smile spreading across his face.
