Chapter 6

The picture in my hand began to blur, becoming translucent, and I quickly realized the reason. My tears. I dabbed at them with the corner of a clean cloth and then looked at her again. My God, she’s grown so big. A wide grin spread across my face as I stared at her. Her eyes, still the same marine blue, had grown even brighter. Her dark hair, once a messy bundle, was now styled in neat bangs. And her smile... it was just like her dad’s.

"That's your girl," Ashley said, tapping me on the shoulder. I nodded, pride swelling in my chest.

“I’ve got to see her, Ash. Soon. Real soon.” The thought of holding her again, seeing that smile in person, was all I could think about.

“I know, but you won’t break the ice with her until everything is over.” Ashley poured herself another cup of tea. She definitely needed it after last night’s drinking spree.

“I know that,” I replied, rubbing my chin as I tried to devise a plan. But nothing came to mind. How would I even begin? The thought of facing my daughter after all these years filled me with dread and anticipation.

“Maybe we should head to work for now,” Ashley suggested. She poured the last of her tea into the sink before walking out of the kitchen. I took one last look at the picture, kissed it gently, and set it down before following her to get ready.

---

The bar was still quiet, as expected for the middle of the afternoon. It was during the evening that the real business would begin. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and poured myself a peach drink—homemade, of course. No alcohol at work. Ashley walked up behind me.

“How’s it going?” she asked, her voice still hoarse from last night.

“Nice,” I answered, trying to shake off the nerves.

“Well, I have a surprise for you.” She pulled a card from her bag and handed it to me. I gasped when I saw the name "Tiffany" written on it, accompanied by a fresh new look of mine.

“So that’s what you’ve been doing,” I grinned, impressed.

“Yep. You can thank me by making dinner tonight.” She smirked, walking back to her station. A tall man walked up to the counter, his gaze settling on me. He wasn’t the typical older crowd that frequented the bar. He was younger, sharper—definitely more attractive.

“Hi… what can I get you?” I asked, forcing a smile as I tried to sound professional.

“A cocktail,” he replied in a deep voice, tapping his fingers lightly on the counter.

“Coming right up.” I went to work, mixing the spirit and cream, just like Ashley had taught me. I slid it toward him, expecting him to take it to his table. But instead, he sat down at one of the bar stools facing me.

“I haven’t seen you around here before,” he said, studying me closely.

“You come here often?” I asked, curious. He nodded.

“I do. Just haven’t seen you before.” He leaned in slightly, as if trying to see through my words.

“Well, I just moved here and got this job,” I said, offering the weakest excuse I could come up with. “Just moved here,” I repeated, mentally berating myself. Good job, Elaine. Real smooth.

“I see. You know Ash?” He asked, his gaze unwavering. I nodded.

“She’s my friend.” I didn’t elaborate, sensing he wasn’t just asking out of politeness.

He sipped his drink and placed it back down, twirling it between his fingers. “So, you’re the one that needed a fake ID?”

My eyes went wide. How did he know that? Had Ashley told him? Did he know who I really was? Panic surged through me. What if he turned me in? I had to calm down, but my mind was racing, and I couldn’t stop thinking about all the possible consequences.

“There you are!” Ashley appeared out of nowhere and slapped her hand gently on my shoulder. “I see you’ve met Hunter.”

I looked at the guy again. Hunter. He gave me a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Something felt off, but I didn’t want to question it. If Ash knew him, then he was probably safe. Right?

“Yes, I have,” I said, forcing a smile.

“I’m… E… Tiffany.” I cursed myself inwardly for almost slipping and saying my real name.

“Nice to meet you, Tiffany” Hunter said my name brisky before finishing his drink in one swift gulp.

“He’s the one that made the ID,” Ashley said, her voice full of pride. I stared at her, wondering just how much she had told him. I glared at her, but she just shrugged innocently.

“What?” she asked, clearly aware of my silent judgment. I groaned internally. This was one of those times I wished we could communicate through looks alone.

“Excuse me,” I muttered, quickly shoving Ashley into the backroom. Every bar has one of those, even if I don’t get the point.

“Did you tell him?” I asked as soon as we were out of earshot.

“Nope. He doesn’t know. But he figured something was up,” Ashley said, her tone matter-of-fact.

“I don’t like him,” I admitted. “He seems off. Like there’s another side to him. Is he a cop?”

“What? No!” Ashley exclaimed, her eyes wide. “I’ve known Hunter for two weeks now. He’s a good guy.” She smiled at me reassuringly, but I wasn’t convinced.

“I don’t know,” I muttered. I didn’t trust people that easily. Especially not someone I’d just met.

“Fine,” I said, relenting and heading back to the bar. " But how often does he come around?"

" Uhmm, since two weeks ago? everyday until I stopped seeing him two days ago and now he's showed up again. He always seemed to be looking for someome tho" Her brows raise with a smile. " Just don't fall for his good looks"

" Don't plan to" I grunt.

“You’ll like him, don’t worry.” Ashley whispered in my ear, nudging me playfully. I pinched her side, and she laughed as I made my way back to the counter.

Hunter was watching me again, his eyes studying me intently. I suddenly felt self-conscious, even though I had no reason to.

“Do I have something on my face?” I asked, my voice light and teasing.

“No,” he replied softly, his eyes never leaving mine. “Your face is perfect.” He put his empty glass down, then stood up, walking toward the door. Before he left, he paid for the drink and left an extravagant tip.

---

Later, behind the bar, I took out the crumpled picture of Autumn from my jean pocket. I tucked it into my wallet, next to my fake ID. “I love you, baby,” I whispered to the photo, kissing it gently.

Suddenly, I heard someone clear their throat, making me jump. It was Hunter again.

I quickly stuffed my wallet back into my pocket and turned to face him.

“Here for another drink?” I asked, trying to sound casual. He’d just had a cocktail hours ago, so I figured he was just bored.

“No,” he replied. “I’ll just have water.”

“This is a bar,” I said, amused by his request. He chuckled.

“Right,” he agreed. He sat down on the stool, resting his arms on the counter.

“Ash busy?” he asked, his gaze flicking toward her, though it was clear he wasn’t asking about her work.

“Yeah… very busy,” I replied, watching Ashley curse at a man who had spilled his drink on the counter. I smiled at the scene, amused by the chaos.

“That’s alright,” Hunter said quietly. He drummed his fingers lightly on the counter, and we fell into a companionable silence. I wasn’t sure what to say to him. He seemed to have a quiet intensity about him. His lean muscular frame was also a bit intimidating and hot at the same time.

“So, why does a pretty lady like yourself need a fake ID?” he asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

I froze, unsure how to answer. His eyes were on me, waiting for a response, his brows raised slightly. I could feel the weight of the question, and the pressure to lie just a little longer.