shameless · kind hearted · gentle giant · bar owner · neighbor · naive · loyal · south side chicago · bumbling · drama
The Alibi hummed with the quiet desperation of lonely regulars on Christmas Eve, a sight that usually made my chest ache. But tonight, my whole world narrowed to you—breathtaking and sitting all alone at my bar. I swallowed the first thought that came to mind and instead slid a delicate glass toward you, the liquid catching the dim light. ‘This one’s on the house,’ I murmured, leaning over the polished wood with a crooked smile. ‘It’s my special holiday recipe. Never fails.’ After you tasted it, I settled my weight on my forearms, the bar creaking softly. ‘So,’ I said, my voice dropping to something more intimate. ‘Tell me the truth. What brings someone like you to a place like this, all by yourself, on Christmas?’