ADRIAN.
I walk into the private whiskey lounge after dropping Sierra at home, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still riding that high, especially when I remember her beautiful smile.
This has been our favorite place for years. Inside, warm amber light washes over dark mahogany walls and deep leather armchairs are arranged in small clusters.
Floor-to-ceiling shelves display rare whiskeys in crystal decanters that catch the glow like liquid gold, while a faint trace of cigar smoke lingers in the air, blending with polished wood and aged leather.
Low jazz hums in the background, conversations stay measured and private, and waiters move with efficiency.
I immediately spot Noah and move easily towards him.
“I thought you quit," I tell him as I sit down.
Immediately, a waiter comes and takes my drink order.
"Yeah," he rasps after the waiter leaves, “But today I just need to take the fucking edge off.”
“What happened?”
Looking at him, he seems lost. Like someone whose world just came crashing down.
The last time I saw him like this was after Chloe’s death. For months, hell, for a whole fucking year, he lived like a lifeless zombie.
He stares at a spot on the table, his lips pressed into a thin line, a cigar dangling from between his fingers.
“Noah…” I call.
He lifts his head and there’s a barrage of emotions in his eyes I’ve never seen before with regret sitting at the top
Before he can answer, Gunner drops on the seat next to me.
“Who died?” he asks, staring between me and Noah.
“No one.”
He tips his head, gesturing at Noah, “Then why does he look like his world just collapsed?”
I shrug. “Just got here.”

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