Chapter 68: I am him?

Michael stepped into the bar and made a beeline for the counter. His eyes were red and swollen from all the crying. He just needed a drink—something to help him forget what he had seen.

Sliding onto a stool, he rested his hand on the counter and met the bartender’s gaze.

“Bellini,” he said, his voice low.

The bartender gave a nod and got to work. As he waited, Michael lowered his head, battling the fresh wave of tears threatening to spill.

“There you go,” the bartender said, setting the drink down. But before Michael could lift his head, a deep voice spoke beside him.

“I’ll have the same.”

Michael glanced up, curiosity piqued. The voice belonged to an older man with a mix of black and grey in his hair and beard. His deep chocolate skin was smooth, and his features were striking—far more attractive than Michael expected for a man his age.

“Hey,” the stranger greeted him with a broad smile, flashing perfect white teeth.

Michael managed a faint smile in return. “Hey.”