Hearts on the Run

Old Wounds

The tension from the previous day had faded into a quiet calm as they cruised down the highway, the endless road ahead stretching into the horizon. The drive had been mostly silent, with the only sounds being the hum of the engine and the occasional creak of the seats. Mia glanced out the window, taking in the ever-changing landscape, from open fields to the mountains that loomed in the distance. The air between her and Liam was no longer tense, but there was a strange sense of anticipation lingering in the car, as if something unspoken was drawing near.

Mia wasn't sure where they were headed next, but Liam had grown quieter as they passed a sign that read "Welcome to Cedar Hill." It wasn't until she noticed his clenched jaw and the way his grip tightened on the steering wheel that she realized something was wrong.

"Is this your hometown?" Mia asked, her voice gentle.

Liam nodded, his eyes fixed on the road. "Yeah. Cedar Hill. Didn't expect we'd pass through here."

There was a weight to his words that she couldn't ignore. She had learned bits and pieces about Liam's past over the last few days, but he had been careful to avoid going too deep. Now, as they drove through the small, unassuming town, Mia could sense the significance it held for him.

"Do you want to stop?" she asked, though part of her wasn't sure if it was a good idea.

Liam hesitated for a moment, his face unreadable. Then, with a sigh, he gave a small nod. "Might as well. There's a bar up ahead where some of my old friends hang out."

The idea of stopping in a place that seemed to hold so many memories for Liam made Mia's stomach twist with unease, but she didn't protest. If this was something he needed to confront, she would be there for him. Maybe she could even return the favor for the support he had shown her after that horrible call with her ex.

They pulled into the gravel lot of a small, nondescript bar on the edge of town. The sign above the door was faded, the wood chipped and weathered by years of neglect. Liam parked the car and sat there for a moment, staring at the building in silence. His expression was tense, the carefree attitude he usually carried now replaced by something heavier, something darker.

Mia turned to him, offering a soft smile. "You don't have to do this if you don't want to."

Liam let out a slow breath, shaking his head. "Nah, I think it's time. Haven't been back here since... well, since things went south."

He didn't elaborate, but Mia could guess what he meant. From the few details he had shared, she knew Liam had once been a rising star in the world of athletics—a promising career that had been cut short due to what he called "reckless decisions." The specifics had remained vague, but she could tell it was something that haunted him.

They stepped out of the car and made their way inside. The bar was dimly lit, with old neon signs casting a faint glow over the worn wooden tables. A jukebox in the corner played a low tune, and a handful of patrons sat scattered around, nursing their drinks. The air smelled of stale beer and cigarettes, and the atmosphere was heavy with a sense of faded glory.

Liam scanned the room, his eyes settling on a group of men sitting at a table near the back. One of them, a broad-shouldered man with a scruffy beard, looked up as they approached, his eyes narrowing before recognition dawned on his face.

"Well, I'll be damned," the man said, standing up. "Liam Callahan, back from the dead."

Liam offered a strained smile as they shook hands. "Good to see you, Dan."

The man—Dan—glanced over at Mia, giving her a once-over before turning his attention back to Liam. "Didn't expect to see you around here again. Last I heard, you were off the grid."