From the outset

Fourteen

Ryan's POV:

I slumped onto a stool at the bar, nursing a whiskey on the rocks. The dim lighting and cacophony of strangers' conversations suited my mood. I had no intention of going home, not tonight.

Victoria's infidelity consumed my thoughts. Her repeated calls went ignored; I couldn't bear the sound of her voice. Instead, I drowned my sorrows, drink after drink.

As the night wore on, my vision blurred, and my words slurred. I made a mess of myself, but I didn't care. The numbness was a welcome respite from the pain.

The bartender raised an eyebrow as I ordered another round. "You okay, buddy?"

I nodded, unable to form coherent words.

As the hours passed, my thoughts grew darker. Victoria's betrayal stung like an open wound. How could she do this to me?

As I staggered back to my stool, drink in hand, a gentle touch on my shoulder broke through my haze. I turned, squinting through blurred vision.

A stunning woman smiled warmly, her radiant features piercing through the fog.

"Hey, you okay?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

My slurred words tumbled out. "Yeah... just peachy."

She chuckled, introducing herself as Ava, and settled onto the stool beside me.

"What's your own name." She asked.

"Ryan." I replied staring at her.

"Nice to meet u Ryan." She said with a beaming smile.

Ava ordered us another round of drink, her eyes locked on mine. "Want to talk about what's eating away at you?" she asked gently.

At first, I hesitated. But something about Ava's compassionate gaze put me at ease.

"I just broke up with my girlfriend." I slurred, the words tumbling out. "She cheated on me."

Ava's expression turned sympathetic. "I'm so sorry."

The dam broke. Tears streamed down my face as I poured out my heart.

Ava listened attentively, her hand covering mine. Her touch sparked a sense of comfort.

As I spoke, the weight on my chest lightened. Ava's non-judgmental ears and empathetic nods helped me process my emotions.

When I finally exhausted my words, Ava handed me a napkin to wipe away tears.

"You deserve better Ryan," she said softly. "You deserve someone who loves and respects you fully."

Ava's words struck a chord: "You deserve someone who loves and respects you fully." My mind wandered to Scarlett, and guilt washed over me. I had forgotten my promise to take her around town.

"Damn I've been so caught up in this mess," I confessed to Ava, "I forgot I promised someone special I'd spend time with her."

Ava's curiosity was piqued. "Someone special?"

I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Yes, Scarlett. She's my sisters friend. Who's been on my mind lately, but... I don't know if she feels the same way."

Ava's expression turned thoughtful. "What makes you unsure?"

"I've seen the way she looks at me," I said, "but I'm not sure what She thinks of me."

Ava nodded empathetically. "You need to talk to Scarlett, Ryan. Be honest about your feelings."

"Ava, what if Scarlett doesn't feel the same way?" I asked, vulnerability creeping into my voice.

Ava's expression turned reassuring. "Ryan, you won't know unless you try. Be honest, respectful, and open. Scarlett might surprise you."

I nodded, taking her words to heart.

"What if Victoria tries to win me back?" I added, uncertainty lingering.

Ava's gaze turned firm. "You deserve better than someone who cheats and hurts you. Keep your focus on healing and exploring your feelings for Scarlett."

Her words solidified my resolve.

Just then, Ava glanced at her watch. "I should go. Nice talking to you, Ryan."

I walked Ava out, gratitude filling my chest.

"Thanks for listening, Ava. You're a lifesaver."

Ava smiled warmly. "Take care, Ryan. Follow your heart."

We exchanged contact and she disappeared into the night, I felt a newfound sense of purpose.

I decided to go back home, as I stepped out of the bar, into the crisp night air. The neon signs blurred together as I walked towards my car, parked a few blocks away.

The cool breeze helped clear my head, but my thoughts remained a jumbled mix of emotions. Ava's words still resonated: "You deserve someone who loves and respects you fully."

As I reached my car, I paused, taking a deep breath. The night's events replayed in my mind: Victoria's betrayal, Ava's kindness, and Scarlett's lingering presence.

I unlocked my car and slid into the driver's seat, feeling exhausted. The silence enveloped me, allowing my thoughts to settle.

I started the car and pulled out of the parking spot, lost in thought.

As I drove, the city lights blurred together. My mind drifted to Scarlett, wondering what she was doing at that moment.