Faded Echoes

CHAPTER 3

The bar was dimly lit, soft neon lights casting a warm, inviting glow across the polished countertops. It was a stark contrast to the bustling café where I spent my mornings. Here, the air felt heavier, more intimate. The music throbbed gently in the background, and the hum of conversations surrounded me like white noise.

It was my first night working here—my second job to keep the bills paid—and I was still finding my rhythm behind the bar. A little different than brewing lattes, but the motions felt similar. I shook the cocktail mixer with a smooth twist, poured the drink over ice, and slid it across the counter to a waiting customer with a quick smile.

“Thanks,” they muttered, disappearing back into the crowd.

I leaned against the counter, wiping my hands on the towel tucked into my apron. The night was still young, and the steady stream of customers showed no signs of slowing down. I’d gotten used to this pace, juggling multiple jobs, but tonight was testing me. Something about working at night felt more intense, more charged.

As I scanned the crowd, a familiar face caught my eye.

Alexis.

She stepped into the bar, looking almost out of place in her sleek business attire, her sharp features softened slightly by the low lighting. I watched her, surprised. She had this aura of control, of always being one step ahead of everything, but tonight, there was something different about her. Her usual polished demeanor was cracked—she looked... tired. Maybe even a little vulnerable.

And then, her eyes landed on me.

Her eyebrows shot up, eyes widening in shock. She blinked, clearly not expecting to see me here.

“River?” she called out, weaving her way through the crowd until she reached the bar. “What are you doing here?”

I smirked, shaking my head slightly as I leaned against the counter. “Well, I’m pretty sure this is a bar, and I’m pretty sure I’m working.” I gestured to the cocktail shaker still in my hand. “Surprise.”

She let out a short laugh, though I could tell she was still taken aback. “I didn’t expect to see you behind the bar.”

“First night here,” I explained. “Guess you got lucky.”

Alexis slid onto one of the barstools, letting her bag drop beside her with a soft thud. She sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Lucky might not be the word I’d use for today.”

I raised an eyebrow, catching the tension in her voice. She was stressed—more than usual. “Rough day?”

She nodded, her fingers tracing the edge of the bar. “You could say that. I needed to get out of the office before I lost my mind.” She glanced up at me, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “Didn’t think I’d run into you, though.”

I shrugged. “I’m full of surprises.”

Alexis chuckled, the sound low and almost tired. “Clearly. You do know how to make more than just lattes, right?”

I flashed her a playful grin. “Why don’t you find out?”

She leaned back slightly, her gaze studying me for a moment before she responded, “Alright, impress me.”

I reached for a bottle of vodka, the cool glass smooth in my hand. “What’ll it be?”

“Something strong,” she said, her voice dropping with an edge of weariness. “I need to forget today.”

I nodded, grabbing a few ingredients and mixing them with practiced ease. The clinking of ice and the rhythmic sound of the shaker filled the space between us. As I poured her drink into a sleek glass and set it in front of her, I leaned in slightly. “One ‘unwind from the worst day ever’ special,” I teased softly.