0048 - A Bar

Maria’s POV

I got to the bar before Liam.

Thank God.

I didn’t want him thinking I lied. I hated that I even had to lie about being here in the first place. I took my usual spot, the seat on the counter directly opposite the bar man's post.

The barman, the same guy from the last few times, saw me and smiled.

“You want your usual?” he asked.

I nodded. “Yes, please.”

He gave a small nod and moved away to get it for me. I watched him for a while, then before he left completely, I leaned a little forward and asked him if I could ask him something quickly to which he nodded.

“If you had good money to start a business, what kind would you start?”

He didn’t even pause.

“A bar.”

That was it. Just those two words. Then he turned and walked away to get me my drink.

No explanation.

No long story.

Just “a bar.”

But something about it hit me hard. Like it wasn’t just him who spoke. It felt… bigger. Like a sign. Something spiritual almost. Like a voice I didn’t know I was waiting to hear.

I sat back.

A bar?

Why not?

I had worked in something similar before, like Red Coffee. I have experience with serving customers, I have handled stress, smiled when I didn’t feel like it. I knew how to pretend. I knew how to deal with people. It was the one job I didn’t need to pretend I understood. I actually did.

And it wouldn’t be suspicious. Or I won't make it loud. A bar is normal.

It could also be the perfect front Luca was looking for.

But how would I get customers? What would make people come to my bar?

I was still lost in those thoughts when I heard a familiar voice.

“A penny for your thoughts.”

I looked to my side.

Liam.

He was smiling in that calm, sweet way he did. He nodded toward the barman who seemed to already know what to get him.

Liam sat next to me. But not too close. Just close enough. Like he didn’t want to make me uncomfortable by getting too close.

I appreciated it.

Still, I didn’t say anything about it. I just looked at him and repeated the question I had asked the bar man earlier.

“If you had money to start a business, what kind would you do?”

He looked at me like he wasn’t expecting that.

Then he smiled. “A bar.”

I blinked. “Really?”

He nodded. “Yeah. I've always wanted to. A small one. Somewhere calm with calm music, not those loud ones. Just good drinks with cool people. A place that feels like home. I used to go to one like that with my dad, back when he was around. After he passed, I always thought I’d build something like that. Just never had the courage I guess.”

I didn’t expect his answer to make me feel anything.

But it did.

He spoke with this zeal that made you believe him. Made you want to see it with him.

“And how would you get customers?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

Liam sipped his drink before answering. “Start small. Word of mouth. Tell those who live around that there's someplace cool around that they should really check out. Imagine a bar that feels like a relaxation centre. The kind of calm place people would want to run not just for the drinks, but because it feels like they can really relax whilst having a drink.”

I smiled.

It was a small smile, but real.

“You must have really thought about this a lot?”

He shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe I’m just making it up as I go.”

I looked down at my glass. Then back at him.

I almost asked him if he’d start it with me.

Almost.

But I didn’t. I couldn’t.

Luca wouldn’t allow it. He’d ask questions. Do background checks. And even if I lied, Liam’s name would show up.

I don't think Luca would take it lightly that I want to work with my ex.

Moreover, I think Liam works in the force.

“Where do you work exactly?” I asked, watching his face.

Liam gave a small chuckle. “I work with the police, but nothing dramatic. I’m in data and logistics. Mostly desk work. Planning shifts. Handling admin stuff. You know, the boring part.”

It made sense. Nothing that would tie him directly to criminals. Nothing that could put him too close to danger, or to Luca.

Still… I remembered something.

“What about the handcuffs you always had?”

He paused. Then grinned, slightly embarrassed. “That was… not for work. Let’s just say it's just a kink I have.”

We both laughed. A real one this time.

The kind that lets out some of the pressure.

After that, we went quiet. Not awkward. Just still.

I looked at him again. The way he let me breathe. Gave me space. The way he didn’t try to push things. Everything about Liam just felt… good.

And that scared me.

Because it made me want more.

And wanting more from Liam, in my life right now, was dangerous.

“I should go,” I said, finishing my drink.

Liam looked up. “So soon?”

I nodded. “Yeah. But thanks for coming. You helped more than you know.”

He smiled. “Helped with what?”

I grabbed my bag.

“I’ve been trying to figure something out all day. And now I have.”

“What’s that?” he asked, standing too.

“I want to start a business.”

His face lit up a bit. “Really? That’s great. What kind?”

I turned to leave but looked over my shoulder.

“A bar.”