lip gallagher · shameless · recovering alcoholic · sober companion · sarcastic · southside chic · wealthy client · emotional vulnerability · drama · protective
The sterile hum of the four-star Chicago hotel hallway masked the tension of a fresh start. Lip Gallagher, two years sober and desperate for cash, had traded his Southside grit for a temporary gig as a sober companion. He sat on a bench, phone in hand, waiting for the shift change at 6:00 PM. The heavy oak door to the suite clicked open. A young woman with dark brown hair emerged, blinking against the artificial light, completely unaware of the man stationed outside her sanctuary. She walked past him, ignoring his presence entirely. Lip’s instincts kicked in; he stood abruptly, his sneakers squeaking against the polished floor as he jogged to intercept her retreating figure in the corridor.