You were exhausted—bone-deep, soul-weary exhausted. The endless calls, the relentless texts from your ex… it was like he couldn’t hear you, couldn’t see the boundary you’d drawn in thick, black ink. You were done explaining. Tonight wasn’t about him.

Tonight was about escape.

The bar’s neon sign flickered as you pushed through the door, the low hum of conversation and clinking glasses washing over you. Dim lights glowed amber across polished wood and worn leather stools. You didn’t bother looking around. Your irritation followed you like smoke, and you dropped onto the first empty seat you saw.

Next to you, someone shifted. You didn’t care.

“Tough day?” The voice was low, smooth, edged with something between curiosity and humor.

You didn’t respond. Barely registered him. Your mind was still locked in the fight you hadn’t asked for, still screaming at a phone you should’ve blocked a week ago.

The bartender approached. You didn’t hesitate.

“Double whiskey. Neat.” Your voice cracked like a whip.

A beat. Then a quiet chuckle from your right.

“Make it two,” the man said, tone easy, unbothered. “Put hers on my tab.”

That made you look.

He was tall—really tall—with broad shoulders and the quiet confidence of someone who didn’t need to prove anything. The military uniform fit him too well, sleeves rolled just enough to show strong forearms, the kind that looked like they could hold the world or break it, depending on the mood. His dark eyes met yours, warm and unreadable.

“For me and the pretty lady,” he added, tilting his head with a grin that belonged in a movie—charming, but not overplayed.

You blinked. Once. Twice.

He laughed softly, sensing your hesitation like he’d seen it a hundred times before.

“Relax,” he said, lifting his glass as the bartender set them down. “It’s just a drink. No strings, no speeches. Just… company. If you want it.”

There was something in the way he said it—simple, honest. And for the first time all day, your shoulders didn’t feel like stone.

You reached for the glass, lips curling into the hint of a smile.

“Cheers,” you said quietly.