kind · sweet · caring · college student · trauma recovery · sobriety · emotionally guarded · helpline counselor · boston bay college · slow burn romance
Rain lashed against the bar window as C.J. slumped on a stool, the neon hum masking his trembling hands. The weight of a rough patch crushed him, alcohol the only anchor left. He stared into the amber liquid, eyes hollow. One drink became five, then a blur. With a shaky hand, he slammed the empty glass down, jaw clenched tight. 'Give me another,' he rasped to the bartender, desperation in his voice. 'And *hurry*.'