Beneath Shattered Stars

Chapter 6: Unfiltered Moments

The car slowed to a stop in front of the sleek building. Jared parked and stepped out, opening the door for Celeste with his usual calm grace. As they entered, Celeste spotted Margot waiting inside, her sharp gaze cutting through the room.

Margot’s eyes flicked toward her father before landing squarely on Celeste. “I see you brought… company,” she said, her tone dripping with disdain.

Celeste resisted the urge to roll her eyes, but her discomfort was apparent. Jared sensed it, stepping in with a soft touch on her arm. “Margot, this is Celeste,” he said smoothly.

Margot’s lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. “Yes, I remember. Well, enjoy yourself while Father plays businessman,” she added with a biting tone before turning on her heel and walking away without waiting for a response.

Jared sighed softly and gave Celeste a faint, apologetic look. “There’s a bar inside. I’ll meet you after the meeting.”

Celeste nodded, not wanting to dwell on Margot’s remarks, and made her way toward the bar. She ordered her first drink, figuring one wouldn’t hurt while she waited. But the bitterness of Margot’s words lingered longer than expected, and Celeste found herself downing another drink. Then another.

By the time Jared and his lanky friend Henry disappeared into the back room, Celeste was already on her fourth.

Inside the meeting, Jared and Henry had spent most of the time discussing business, their easy camaraderie evident. Henry, with his lanky frame and oversized suit, was a stark contrast to the polished and composed Jared. His goofy grin and infectious laughter echoed from the back room, filling the bar where Celeste sat alone.

When the meeting concluded, Jared made his way back to the bar, expecting to find Celeste where he had left her. She was still there, but now leaning a little too casually against the bar, her fingers swirling the remnants of her last drink in the glass.

“Jared!” she called, a bit too enthusiastically, her smile wide as she waved him over. “Your friend Henry… he’s loud!” she giggled, clearly feeling the effects of her drinks.

Jared’s eyes swept over the empty glasses in front of her, a faint flicker of concern flashing across his face. “Looks like you’ve been keeping yourself entertained,” he said with a half-smile, sliding into the seat next to her.

“Better than talking to your delightful daughter,” Celeste quipped, her voice slurred but sharp. “She made it very clear I’m not welcome here.”

Jared sighed softly, resting his hand lightly on the bar next to hers. “Margot… she has her issues,” he said, his tone gentle, though a hint of sadness tugged at his features. “But don’t let her get to you.”

Celeste’s eyes flicked to him, her words flowing freely now, unrestrained by sobriety. “You always let her get away with it, don’t you? You just... let people treat you like this.”

Jared turned to face her fully, his gaze soft but serious. “It’s not that simple.”

“Nothing is, is it?” Celeste replied with a bitter laugh, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. “But it’s easier when you care enough to do something about it.”

Jared’s expression softened further, and for a moment, there was a vulnerability in his eyes. “I do care.”

Celeste’s heart skipped, and before she could stop herself, she reached out and touched his hand. Her movements were slow and deliberate, her eyes searching his face. “I know you do,” she whispered, leaning in slightly. “But sometimes I wonder… if maybe... you could care about me.”

Jared held her gaze, and for a moment, the space between them felt impossibly small. His thumb gently brushed against the back of her hand, a gesture so soft, it made her breath catch.

But then he spoke, his voice low and careful. “Celeste… you’re not thinking clearly right now.”

“I am,” she insisted, her voice quiet but certain. “I am thinking clearly, Jared. Maybe for the first time in a long time.”

Jared didn’t pull away, but his hand moved slightly, resting on hers with a gentle pressure. “I don’t want you to regret anything,” he said, his tone so soft it almost made her heart ache. “Not like this.”

“I wouldn’t,” she murmured, her eyes fluttering shut for a brief moment, overwhelmed by the nearness of him, the steady warmth of his hand on hers.

Jared’s fingers tightened ever so slightly, grounding her. “I want you to choose me when you’re sober, Celeste. When it’s real, and you’re sure.”

His words, so full of quiet care, settled in her chest like a gentle weight. She opened her eyes, her breath hitching. “I… I didn’t mean—”

“You don’t need to explain,” Jared said, his voice firm but still kind. “We’ll talk. But when it’s the right time.”

There was no judgment in his voice, no coldness—just a deep respect that made her heart swell and ache all at once. Jared’s hand lingered on hers for a moment longer before he finally stood, offering her his other hand to help her up.

“Come on,” he said softly. “Let’s get you out of here.”

She took his hand, and as he steadied her, the world tilted slightly under her feet. But Jared was there, his arm steady and strong as they made their way out of the bar. Henry waved goodbye with a lopsided grin as they passed, his tall frame almost knocking over a barstool in his enthusiasm.

As they stepped outside, the cool air hit Celeste’s face, making her blink back the haze from the drinks. Jared guided her toward the car, his hand still gently holding hers,