5

5

BAR

Elena's POV

I looked around the bar my eyes catching every bit of the neon rotating lights. As music blared around me, my eyes drifted over the room— Men and women dancers, all stripping each other in too much noise and too little space. A place like this was exactly where I didn’t want to be, but Samantha was adamant. She caused it though! And here I was, trying to make the best of it.

"Sam, are you sure about this place?" I asked in disgust as I could see ladies being fucked around the corners.

Samantha was happily sipping a colorful cocktail.

"Come on, Elena! You need this. It’s time to let go, especially after everything that jerk put you through!” Samantha shouted over the music, lifting her glass toward me with a sly smile.

I sighed, swirling my drink absentmindedly. “I know, Sam, but… I just never thought we’d end like this. It feels like a hole I can’t climb out of.”

“Hey, cheer up!” Samantha clinked her glass against mine. “It’s his loss, girl. You're free now! And trust me, you’re way better off without that cheating scumbag.”she laughed, her voice warm and coaxing.

I managed a small smile. I took a deep breath, then raised my glass. "To freedom, I guess."

"That’s the spirit!" Samantha laughed, clinking her glass against mine, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Now, go get yourself another drink," Samantha urged with a playful push. "Let’s celebrate tonight!”

As I left for the bar, a man—already visibly drunk—stumbled over to Samantha, trying to grab an arm around her shoulders. He was staggering Instinctively, I turned back, and rushed to them.

“Hello, beautiful ladies. Got room for one more drinking buddy?” he slurred, his eyes glassy and unfocused.

“Get off me!” Samantha shoved him, her jaw clenched. But the drunk lost his balance and stumbled backward, crashing into someone.

It was a tall, guy holding a drink, probably one of the bartenders in the bar. Which splashed onto the drunk’s shirt. For a moment, all three of us froze as the drunk held his collar, he was furious.

“Hey, watch it, buddy!” the drunk spat, grabbing the man by his collar.

The guy barely flinched, meeting his stare with a calm but intense look. “You bumped into me,” he said evenly.

“Do you know how much this shirt cost?” the drunk growled.

The stranger gave a cold smile. “I wouldn’t. I don’t wear cheap clothes.”

The drunk’s face reddened in anger, and he looked ready to throw a punch. I need to act quickly, I stepped between them, and I opened my purse and brought out some money.

“Look, here’s five grand,” I said, flashing the money before his face. “That should more than cover your shirt. Now leave him alone.”

The drunk blinked at the cash, dumbstruck, before snatching it with a greedy hand. “Lucky break for you,” he muttered before staggering away.

Once he was gone, I exhaled, catching Samantha’s smirk as she nudged me. The stranger turned to us with a bemused smile.

“Thanks. That was… impressive, you're a lifesaver.” he said, running a hand through his dark hair, his eyes gleaming with amusement. Even though the crowd and dimmed lights, I could see his beautiful gray eyes.

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. “Well, glad to be of assistance, Mr. Lucky Day.”

He chuckled, extending a hand. “I’m Jason, by the way.”

“Elena,” I replied, shaking his hand, his grip warm and firm.

“Samantha,” Sam piped in beside me, sizing him up. “So, Jason, what’s your story? You work here?”

Jason laughed. “Not exactly. Just filling in for a friend. I’m, uh… in between jobs right now.” He looked sheepish, rubbing the back of his neck, and I felt a twinge of sympathy.

“Are you… looking for something, like a job?” I asked cautiously.

Jason nodded. “Marketing, mainly. I’ve been trying my luck, but no luck yet.”

“Actually, I think Brook’s company is hiring,” Samantha chimed in.

Jason’s face brightened, though he quickly shook his head. “That place is impossible to get into. I’ll just keep looking, though.”

I hesitated, the words spilling out before I could stop myself. “If you’re interested, I could… refer you. I know some people.”

His eyes widened, his surprise genuine. “You would do that for me?”

Samantha gave me a knowing look as I shrugged. “Sure. Consider it a thank you for being the only decent guy here tonight.”

Jason laughed, lifting his glass. “Well, here’s to that.” We clinked glasses, and for the first time tonight, I felt a hint of excitement. He's truly handsome.

As we finished our drinks, Jason excused himself, saying he’d be back soon. 

Samantha’s eyes sparkled as she leaned closer, her voice dropping to an excited whisper. “Elena, you saw him just now,” she sighed, practically swooning. “Jason has the most adorable smile. And those eyes—don’t even get me started. He’s got that perfect mix of cute and handsome, like he walked right out of a movie.”

I raised an eyebrow, trying to stay unimpressed, though a tiny smirk tugged at my lips. “Sam, please,” I replied, waving her enthusiasm aside. “I’m not getting tangled up with any guy, especially after what my last marriage put me through.” My voice had that hardened edge I couldn’t shake, but I meant it. I had no interest in letting someone close again, not after how things turned out before.

Samantha pouted at me, clearly unconvinced, her eyes widening. “But, Elena, he’s not like that! Jason’s got… I don’t know, that something special. He’s different!”

I just chuckled, shaking my head. “You go right ahead with your daydreams, Sam. But I’m not getting pulled into it.” I lifted my glass, clinking it against hers as we both took a long sip, yet I could still feel her gaze on me, almost challenging me.

The conversation moved on, but somehow, my mind drifted. I couldn’t help it; an image of Jason’s face appeared, his easygoing smile, the way his gaze…I couldn't help it.

 It was ridiculous, but something about him lingered in the back of my mind, no matter how much I tried to ignore it.

But God knows how much I suffered in the house of the Brown's.

I caught myself sighing softly, and quickly shook my head, hoping Samantha didn’t notice. “Oh please, Elena Focus,” I told myself. 

But no matter how many times I tried, that picture of him, with that confident grin, stayed with me, making my heart race just a little faster.

***

Later that night, He didn't later come back so I dropped Samantha off and drove home, my mind replaying the evening over and over. The mysterious stranger, his smirk, the promise in his eyes… something told me this wasn’t the last I’d see of him.

When I arrived home, Grandpa was in his armchair, his usual spot in the living room, the evening paper folded neatly in his lap.

“Elena, how was your night out with Sam?” he asked, his gaze warm.

I shrugged, smiling as I sat beside him. “Surprisingly… fun. How about you, Grandpa?”

“I’m just fine, sweetheart,” he said, patting my hand. Just then, Vincent appeared at the top of the stairs, straightening his jacket.

“I’m heading out, Grandpa. I’ll be back soon,” he called, brushing a hand through his hair.

Grandpa raised an eyebrow. “To the casino, no doubt? Why not take Elena with you? Let her have some fun.”

“Oh, Grandpa,” I groaned, laughing. “I’ve had my fill of excitement for one night. And besides, I'm very tired from the party”

“Nonsense! Go, get changed. You’ll have fun, I promise.” His voice was gentle but firm, and despite my exhaustion, I relented, knowing there was no talking him out of it.

And as I got ready, my thoughts drifted back to Jason, will I get to meet him again?