One Night One Chance

na's

a tray of drinks. My heels clicked against the white-tiled floor of S

nced at my wristwatch again. I was supposed to m

desperate to meet my boyfriend of five years, who'd called

eeted warmly when I

k. Meet me at t

sk him what was

usual table. His broad shoulders were hunched, and he was starin

le as I slid into the seat opposite hi

e interrupted wi

ry," I said softly, leaning

ere now cold and distant. Something was wrong. I glanced at the table and noticed the spread.Steak, sa

iration. "You should've told me. I would've worn something more... you know

would've kissed me so hard I'd struggle to ca

y?" I asked, trying to

ough his perfectly styled hai

tly. "Talk about what ho

lf a glass of wine, took a sip, and stared at the tabl

be our last meetin

I asked, forcing out a shaky laugh. "Danny,

n unreadable. "I'm serious, Aria

hy?" I whispered, my

aid, his tone detached. "

sheard him. "Engaged?" I repea

ad's business partner,"

ess his words. "You're joking, right? Pleas

," he said, looking me i

aking. "Why are you doing th

. But..." He paused, searching for the right words. "You're not the kind of woman I need by my side. You d

loved you, Daniel. I stood by you when I didn't even know who you were, when you were just a regul

iana," he said, his to

e shaking. "You're breaking my hear

ransferred some money to your account. It

uy all these years we've been together?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "

this harder than it needs t

Danny. Please. I love you. We can work through this. I'll learn

free. "It's over

d back into my seat, sobbing uncontrollably. The stares of other diners

night air was cool, but it did little to soothe the ache in my c

f standing in front of a bar. The neon sign flickered invitingly,

the background. People sat in small groups, their

r, where a bartender wa

I said, my

ession softening when he saw my t

me the drin

for a bottle. "One

to a glass and slid it toward me. "Take it

ne go. The burn in my throat was noth

slamming the glass

fore pouring me another dr

wly this time. The alcohol dulled the edges o

s, barely able to keep my balanc

s I collided with someone and just a

too blurry to make out his features, bu

ptly, but I grabbed onto

umbled, clutching him for support

where?" he asked, scannin

'll go anywhere with you," I whispe

s looking for anyone to take them home. I don't want to h

o did this man he was? My pride wouldn't let m

bitch... no.. Just... take me... anywhere... I..