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“What?” I shot back.

“You’re staring. There’s obviously something on your mind. So, what?”

Chickening out, I shrugged. “I was only wondering if it was the right time to ask if you wanted another drink.”

Jamie chortled. “We don’t know each other from a hole in the wall, but I can already tell that you’re a shitty liar, Nyx. What’s up?”

“Well, I mean, since you’re begging…do you want to talk about whatever is bothering you?”

“That was the plan when I came looking for Xi. She’s used to my bullshit. You’re new here. You sure you want to sign up to get into my business? I’d hate to bore you.”

“I’m sure whatever had you busting up in here with an attitude and drinking in the middle of the day is far from boring,” I said, resting my elbows on the bar top. “Spill.”

“Eh,” I could almost see him withdrawing into an invisible shell as he worked out whatever it was that he wanted to say. “To keep it short, shit went left with me and my girl. We broke up the night you and I met.”

“Damn,” I exclaimed. “On Valentine’s Day?”

“After I proposed to her.”

“Damn,” I repeated, unintentionally sounding like Kevin Hart. “Did she at least give you a reason?”

“Not as clearly as I would’ve liked.”

“Well, maybe there’s something happening that can be fixed. Have you guys talked or⁠—”

“I don’t even want to talk about it.”

His tone made it clear that he meant business, so I left the conversation where it was. Reaching for an empty glass, I poured a shot in each and took one for myself.

“Well,” I grimaced, setting the glass back down. “I had to take one on your behalf because that’s a lot. I’m sorry.”

“Ain’t nothing for you to apologize for. You ain’t do shit.”

“True, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be sympathetic,” I countered, studying him. “Are you gonna be okay?”

Jamie’s eyes dropped, and he spaced out for a moment before replying. “Eventually. Everything happens for a reason. We weren’t right for each other, and that’s cool. I’ll get over it.

I wasn’t sure what compelled me to do it. But something about hearing Jamie’s story had me blurting out all of my own personal business.

“Well, welcome to the club of failed relationships. I’m the CEO.”

Jamie grinned, “Oh, yeah? How’d you manage to move so high up the ranks and secure that position?”

“Found out that my man not only had a daughter but was married.”

“Shit,” he whistled.

“On our one-year anniversary,” I added, as an afterthought.

“Damn, girl, you should be sitting on this side of the bar with me.”

Snickering, I shrugged. “Trust me, I had quite a few nights of my own on that side.”

“I guess that answers my question from the other day, huh?”

“I suppose so,” I admitted softly. “I know you’re not supposed to allow someone to change your perspective on a thing but love just...fucking sucks.”

“Amen to that,” Jamie agreed, tapping his glass to signal for another drink. “And it damn sure doesn’t love anybody.”