Chapter 8 Bar

Tristan's POV

As I sat on the plush barstool, the cool glass of whiskey in my hand offering little solace, I couldn't help but let my thoughts drift to Elona. It was impossible not to. She had grown into a stunning young woman, and each day, she became more captivating, more confident, and more irresistible.

The pain was still fresh in my heart, a constant reminder of the void left by Estelle, my beloved wife, who had been taken from me too soon. The warmth of her laughter, the way her eyes sparkled when she looked at me, those memories were etched into my soul. It had crushed my spirit, and I didn't know if I could ever make it without her. She was my one true love and that drunk bastard drove into her. It was a rainy evening and my wife lost her life due to that person. He died too. Unfortunately, I couldn't punish him because I was going to make him suffer in prison.

I tried to be there for my daughter, Crislynn, and I tried to be strong in front of her. Once I would be in my bedroom, I would sob. My heart had felt as if it was ripped out of me and I wouldn't have it back again, until there was some sort of shift between Elona and I. I had read her essay and I knew that when I saw that C, she was talking about me. I have a C tattoo, and I got that when Crislynn was born. I was stunned. Elona has a crush on me and I can see the way that she looks at me. That day shifted everything and I really saw her for who she was...beautiful inside and out. But I knew that I couldn't have her. But life had other plans and it was unfair. It was unjust that Elona, a beacon of beauty and youth, was within arm's reach, yet completely out of my grasp. She was like a distant star, burning bright but forever beyond reach.

David, Elona's father and my close friend, sat beside me, a sympathetic look in his eyes. "Tristan, I know it's hard, but you can't keep torturing yourself like this."

I sighed, taking a sip of the whiskey. "I can't help it. I am not used to just moving on from what had happened."

David's voice was filled with empathy. "Estelle wouldn't want you to be unhappy forever. You are still a vibrant man and life is meant to be lived."

I glanced at David, grateful for his support but unable to shake the guilt that tugged at my heart. "I can't just move on, David. Estelle was the love of my life." and the thought of his daughter.

David leaned in closer, his tone gentle. "I know and no one expects you to forget her. But you can find happiness again, in your own way."

My gaze wandered to the memories I wished I could escape, those moments when I saw Elona with that young man, whom I had never seen before, strolling down the street, smiling, and having a conversation. A pang of jealousy twisted in my chest. It was irrational, unfounded, but I couldn't help it. I asked Crislynn who he was. Apparently, he had moved into a house with his parents down the street. I was relieved when she said that there was nothing going on between him and Elona, but there is always a possibility and I do not like that.

David nudged me, trying to lighten the mood. "You know, there are plenty of beautiful, vibrant women out there who would love to spend time with you."

I managed a small smile, though it didn't reach my eyes. "Maybe, David, but not anytime soon." none of them were Elona.

The evening continued, whiskey flowing and laughter in the air, but my thoughts remained consumed by her, the beautiful, unattainable Elona.

As the evening wore on, the bar grew livelier. Conversations swirled around us, punctuated by bursts of laughter and clinking glasses. David and I continued to nurse our drinks, and my thoughts of Elona refused to wane.

Suddenly, a woman took the seat next to me, her presence pulling me from my reverie. She had striking auburn hair that cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall of fire. Her emerald-green eyes sparkled with mischief as she turned to me with a confident smile.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked, her voice smooth as silk.

I glanced at her, surprised by the unexpected intrusion but not entirely opposed to the company. "Sure, have a seat."

She extended her hand. "I'm Maggie."

I shook her hand, offering a polite smile. "Tristan."

David, ever the social butterfly, chimed in. "David over here. Tristan is an old friend."

Maggie raised an eyebrow, her gaze curious. "Old friend, huh? You two look like you are having quite a serious conversation."

I chuckled softly, the weight of my thoughts lightening for a moment. "Just some catching up and reminiscing."

Maggie leaned in closer, her perfume intoxicating. "Well, I hope I'm not interrupting anything too personal."

David winked at her. "Not at all. In fact, Tristan here could use a bit of distraction."

Maggie's laughter was melodic and I couldn't help but find her company refreshing. We talked about everything and nothing, sharing stories and laughter. She was vibrant and full of life, a stark contrast to the heaviness that often enveloped me.

As the night wore on, Maggie glanced at me, her eyes searching. "You know, Tristan, it's okay to find happiness in unexpected places. Life has a way of surprising us."

I nodded, her words sinking in. "You are right. Sometimes, we just need to be open to the possibilities."

David, ever the encourager, chimed in. "That's the spirit, Tristan! Maybe it's time to take a chance."

Maggie grinned, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "So, Tristan, are you up for a little adventure tonight?"

I couldn't help but smile, a glimmer of hope beginning to shine through. Perhaps, just perhaps, there was room in my heart for more than just memories.

As the night wore on and the chemistry between Maggie and me grew, the memories of Elona still lingered in the corners of my mind. I couldn't help but think of her youthful beauty, her vibrant laughter, and the way her eyes sparkled with life. But with each passing moment, Maggie was becoming a captivating presence in her own right.

Maggie leaned in closer, her voice low and sultry. "What do you say we continue this conversation somewhere a bit more private?"

I hesitated for a moment, my thoughts flickering back to Elona, to the boundaries I had set for myself. But a surge of desire and the longing for a connection beyond my memories pushed me to nod in agreement. "Sure. My house is just a short drive away."

With a coy smile, she slid off the barstool, her fingers lightly tracing my arm. "Lead the way."

We left the bustling bar behind and we walked towards my car. The anticipation was palpable. Maggie's hand found mine, her fingers intertwining with mine, and the touch sent a thrill through me that I hadn't felt in years.

As I opened the passenger side door for her, she turned to me, her eyes filled with desire and I found myself leaning in to kiss her. The kiss was electric, a release of pent-up emotions and desires that had been dormant for far too long. Maybe I can move on and forget about Elona too.