BENTLEY'S POVHe shrugged, a twinkle in his eye. "You tell me. I'm just the hopeful hero in this chapter.""Hopeful, maybe. But this hero might need a better script," I teased, standing up. "I appreciate the effort, but I think I'll keep my story solo for now.”He paused, taken aback by my retort, then laughed, a hearty, genuine sound. "Fair enough. Can I at least offer you a coffee as an apology for my terrible astronomy?"I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head. "I think I'll survive the cosmic loss, but thanks for the offer. Maybe try leading with something less celestial next time?"He tipped an imaginary hat, still smiling. "Will do. Have a wonderful day, Miss Universe."As I watched him walked away, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself, the encounter was definitely a much-needed distraction from the day's earlier events. The park, with its vibrant life and unexpected demeanor, reminded me that the world was full of surprises, some complicated and painful, others simply amusi
BENTLEY'S POVAs we settled into a cozy corner of the café, then the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the buzz of conversation around us made me feel good, I found myself going into tales of my life as the owner of the bar because for some odd reason, just like Accalia always told me, Enzo was really an easy going person anyone could trust."So, Enzo, picture this: it's a Friday night, the bar is packed and then suddenly, out of nowhere, a group of bachelorette party-goers storm in, decked out in tiaras and feather boas," I recounted and was gesturing animatedly with my hands like an excited kid.Enzo chuckled and then began leaning back in his chair with a grin. "Ah, the infamous bachelorette parties. I can only imagine the chaos they bring.""You have no idea," I replied with a mischievous twinkle in my eye. "But let me tell you about the time they decided to have a karaoke competition and let's just say, it was...memorable."As I kept him company with stories of wild night
BENTLEY'S POVI leaned in closer and then I lowered my voice as if I was sharing a state secret. "One time, when two guys started arguing over who was the better superhero, I handed them a couple of capes and challenged them to a duel...with pool noodles."Enzo burst into laughter and I noticed how the sound echoed through the café and it earned us a few curious glances from nearby patrons. "You're kidding."I shook my head as I was still chuckling at the memory. "I wish I was. Let's just say it was the most epic battle of superheroes the bar has ever seen. And surprisingly, it ended with both of them passing out on the floor, cuddling their pool noodles like teddy bears."We laughed until tears streamed down our cheeks, the craziness of the situations I described was too much to contain for Enzo and I. In that moment that I was surrounded by laughter and good company, the stresses of the day seemed to melt away and it was replaced by the simple joy of shared moments and ridiculous co
BENTLEY'S POVEnzo's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he leaned in, clearly eager to hear more about the colorful characters that frequented my bar. "So, what about drunk women? I imagine they must have their own share of antics."I nodded enthusiastically, a grin spreading across my face. "Oh, absolutely. Drunk women can be just as entertaining, if not more so, than their male counterparts."I paused for dramatic effect before launching into another round of storytelling. "Okay, picture this: it's ladies' night at the bar, and a group of friends comes in, ready to let loose and have a good time. One of them, let's call her Becky, decides she's going to be the life of the party."Enzo leaned in closer, clearly intrigued. "And what does Becky do to earn that title?""Well, let's just say Becky had one too many cocktails and suddenly thought she was a professional dancer," I explained, my laughter bubbling up at the memory. "She hops up on the nearest table and starts busting out moves l
BENTLEY'S POVOur laughter subsided, but the air was still filled with amusement as I continued recounting tales of drunk women at my bar."And then there was the time a group of women decided they were going to reenact scenes from their favorite rom-coms," I recounted, shaking my head at the absurdity of it all. "I'm talking about dramatic declarations of love, impromptu dance routines, and even a few attempts at 'the lift' from 'Dirty Dancing.' Let's just say it didn't end well."Enzo grinned, clearly entertained by the mental image. "Sounds like quite the adventure."as our conversation delved deeper into the realm of drunk women at my bar, i felt a shift in the atmosphere, a subtle undercurrent of melancholy beneath the laughter and lighthearted banter. enzo's expression mirrored my own, his gaze thoughtful as he listened intently."and then there are the times when drunk women come into the bar with hearts heavy with sorrow," i began, my tone softer now, tinged with empathy. "lik
BENTLEY'S POV"Even in the darkest of times, there is light," Enzo said gently, his voice a beacon of reassurance in the dimly lit café. "And you, Bentley, you are a source of light for those who need it most."His words washed over me like a soothing balm, filling me with a renewed sense of purpose. In that moment, amidst the weight of the world's sorrows, I found solace in the simple act of sharing stories and offering comfort to a kindred spirit.As Enzo and I delved deeper into the emotional undercurrents of running a bar, I found myself recounting one of the most harrowing experiences I had ever faced."It was a night like any other," I began, my voice trembling slightly as I recalled the painful memory. "A woman burst through the doors, her eyes wild with anguish, her screams tearing through the air like shards of glass."Enzo's brow furrowed in concern as he listened intently, his gaze unwavering."She caught her husband in the act, tangled in the arms of another woman right th
BENTLEY'S POV"I know," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "But in her pain, she needed someone to blame, someone to lash out at. And I happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."We sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the woman's accusations hanging heavy between us."I'm sorry you had to go through that," Enzo said softly, his voice a soothing balm to my wounded soul."Thank you," I replied, a tear slipping down my cheek. "It was one of the darkest moments of my life, but it also taught me the power of empathy and forgiveness."Enzo reached out, his hand finding mine in a gesture of solidarity. "You're stronger than you know, Bentley. And you have a heart of gold."As I recounted the chaotic scene to Enzo, a mischievous glint danced in my eyes as I embellished the tale with a touch of humor."So there I was, dodging punches left and right like a prizefighter in the ring," I said, mimicking the exaggerated bobbing and weaving of a boxer. "But let me tell you
BENTLEY'S POVAs the laughter subsided and a moment of clarity washed over me, a nagging thought crept into my mind like a whisper of unease. Something didn't quite add up. Enzo's presence here, away from his duties as my best friend Accalia's bodyguard, felt too coincidental to be mere chance."Enzo," I began, my voice laced with concern, "is everything okay with Accalia and her husband?"Enzo's demeanor shifted imperceptibly, a flicker of hesitation crossing his features before he regained his composure. But his avoidance of my gaze spoke volumes, a telltale sign that all was not as it seemed."Of course, Bentley," he replied, his voice steady but lacking the usual conviction. "Everything is fine. Accalia and her husband are doing well."I studied his face intently, searching for any hint of deception. But Enzo was a master of his craft, his expression a mask of professionalism and stoicism."Are you sure?" I pressed, unable to shake the feeling of doubt gnawing at the edges of my m