Jaime pushed open the door to the private room and immediately noticed the coffee table littered with empty bottles.


    Crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow, he looked at the man drowning his sorrows in alcohol. "Well, well, Mr. Everett. Taking a break from being the model husband and doting dad, are we?"


    Ever since theirst engagement party, Jaime had tried to get him out for drinks several times, only to be turned down t each time. Everett always teased him, saying a single guy like him wouldn''t understand the warmth of family life, which always got under Jaime''s skin.


    Looking at Everett now, clearly down on his luck, Jaime knew something was up. And as a good friend, if he didn''t take this chance to poke a little fun, when would he?


    Jaime motioned for the bartender to bring over the most expensive bottle they had, then plopped down beside Everett, throwing an arm around his shoulders with a cheeky grin. "What''s up? Already bored of the cozy domestic life, craving a little adventure?" Everett pushed him away, looking annoyed.


    He tossed back half a ss of alcohol and scoffed, "I tried to be a good husband, but she wouldn''t let me."


    Jaime wasn''t about to feel sorry for him. He pointed at him andughed, "You had iting, thinking about all the dumb stuff you''ve done!"


    He''d given Everett plenty of advice over the years. If he''d only listened, they wouldn''t be three years down the line with him drowning his sorrows in a bar.


    Everett mmed his ss down with a thud. "I''ve cut ties with Margot. I''m not seeing anyone else. I''m all in for her and our son, but she still won''t give me a chance."


    "What does she want from me?"


    That left Jaime speechless.


    One won''t let go, the other won''te around. It''s a deadlock, for sure.


    Despite all the banter, Jaime genuinely cared for his buddy. So he discreetly pulled out his phone and called Selena.


    As soon as she picked up, he quickly said, "Hey, haven''t hit the sack yet, have you? Everett''s here, pretty stered. Could youe pick him up?"


    "Me drive? Honestly, I''ve had a few too many myself. Drunk driving''s illegal, you know. Don''t believe me? Think I''m speaking too clearly?"


    "Sis-inw, you don''t get it. I''ve got


    this weird talent where I talk


    smoother when I''m tipsy, but the


    nov


    just pass out. Seriously, I''m on verge!"


    And with that, he hung up with a click.


    the


    On the other end, Selena listened to the dial tone,pletely bbergasted.


    She hadn''t expected Everett to skip work and hit the bar.


    I


    Initially not wanting to get involved, she remembered something their son had said. After a moment of hesitation, she got up, changed, grabbed her car keys, and headed out


    en


    She knew Jaime''s bar well enough; Everett had brought her there when it first opened. So finding her way was easy.


    As soon as she arrived, Jaime sprang up from the couch and said, "He''s all yours," before making a quick exit. Selena: "......"


    ......


    Everett seemed pretty gone, slumped back on the couch with his hand over his eyes, his chest gently rising and falling.


    His Adam''s apple moved enticingly with each breath, his tie loosened and a few shirt buttons undone, giving a glimpse of his muscr chest. Even in the dim light, he exuded an irresistible allure.


    Selena stood there for a few seconds before slowly moving closer.


    She softly called his name, but he didn''t respond, so she reached out to nudge his shoulder, "Everett, time to go home..."


    His hand suddenly sped her wrist, and in the next moment, he pulled her towards him.


    "Ah-"


    With a surprised yelp, Selena found herself on hisp.


    Her chin was gently lifted, and she found herself gazing into his deep, brooding eyes. His breath, heavy with the scent of alcohol, surrounded her. "Selena, do you still care about me?"