I was at a bar from 3 PM to 9 PM, sipping drinks more to pass the time than to get a buzz. Eventually, I reached a state of mental blankness and physical lightness., The owner, James, knew me well enough to keep an eye out, ensuring my solitary drinking sessions didn't end in trouble.,

"When are you planning on heading out? Someone coming to pick you up?

" James had this fatherly concern about him, looking to be in his fifties, reminding me of what my dad would have been like had he still been around.,

"I guess now's good,

" I mumbled, not really wanting to leave., But, work awaited me tomorrow, and I needed to rest up. Tonight marked the definitive end of whatever was left of my connection with Conrad., I started to get up, but James intervened,

"I can't let you leave like this. I'll get someone to drive you.

", Over the years, James turned his bar, tucked away in a little alley, into a hotspot for regulars seeking a familiar haven., My first visit was during my school days, driven by jealousy and heartache after seeing Conrad dance with a girl who had a crush on him. I ended up here, drowning my sorrows., That night, I drank till I passed out, waking up to an empty bar and some soup prepared by James. He advised me then,

"Whenever you feel down and out, come here. It's not safe anywhere else. Bad things can happen.

", Since then, this bar became my refuge, my escape. James never stopped me from drinking my feelings away but made sure I was safe. His protective nature stemmed from a personal tragedy-his daughter, at 16, fell victim to abuse after seeking solace in alcohol over a heartbreak, leading to her untimely death., The bar became his mission to protect girls like me, offering a safe space amidst our heartaches.,

"Okay,

" I agreed, not wanting to worry him further.,

"Just wait here, don't go wandering off,

" he instructed before turning away.,

"James,

" a familiar voice called out., I looked over to find Dustin approaching., A smile crept onto my face.

"James, looks like I won't be needing that ride after all.

", Dustin was no stranger here. Our paths had crossed several times before under this very roof. Meeting him again tonight felt like more than a coincidence, but I knew better than to dwell on it.

"Let's settle the tab,

" I gestured towards James.,

"It's on me, next time,

" James refused, but Dustin, without a word, scanned a QR code, paying a generous 2000, much more than what my drinks cost., James wanted to protest, but Dustin cut him off,

"Keep the change for her future tabs.

", Next time? Did he think I was some kind of drunk?, But, letting him believe I was too tipsy to notice suited me just fine., Supported by Dustin, I stepped out into the cool night air, clearing my head slightly.,

"Do you prefer a drive, or we go old school with a bike?

" Dustin asked, throwing me back to a time before I even had my driver's license when bike rides were our thing after nights like these., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.