Mikayla POV
“Hey, Kiddo. You had a good day?” John asks as I walk into the bar. It’s already busy inside; Maria weaves through the crowd, a tray full of food balanced high above her head. It’s quite impressive, I’ve never seen her drop one. The air smells of stale beer. A cool draft brushes my skin, and I shiver. Pool balls crack together, followed by rowdy jeers.
“Actually, I did.” I smile. The words taste warm on my tongue—like I’m still carrying a bit of him with me.
I slide my bag under the bar and tie my apron around my waist. Jasmine smiles at me—she’s loud, warm and larger than life—but even her joyous smile can’t shake the hollow feeling in my chest. I hated leaving Rafe today. He’d made me feel… alive, like I’d been waiting for him without knowing it. It feels like he connects
