Chapter 189
Chapter 189 The Bar’s Bitter Lesson
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The valet’s face brightened instantly as he took the bill. “Right away, sir! We’ll have your car parked safely.”
As they drove the car off, Carter muttered under his breath, “Damn snobs.”
He turned and walked into the bar, feeling a sharp pinch in his wallet. He had maybe five or six hundred dollars left–enough for a few drinks, but he’d have to pace himself.
Even so, he couldn’t let the act slip. Walking up to the bar with forced confidence, he ordered two top–shelf whiskeys, just to avoid any more sideways glances.
When the drinks arrived, Carter nursed them slowly. Normally, these would’ve been gone in minutes.
The bartender watched him linger over the same two glasses for more than ten minutes and couldn’t resist a jab. “Hey now, Mr. Macdonald–you used to put these back like water. Everything alright tonight?”
Carter shot him a look. “Just taking it easy tonight, that’s all. Don’t worry about my tab–I’m good for it. Pour me another.”
Once the third drink was ordered, the bartender backed off.
Meanwhile, from a dim corner booth, Colton’s man had been watching Carter since he walked
- in.
Hearing the exchange, a slight smile touched his lips. He’d been waiting for a chance to get close to Carter and steer the conversation toward the Clarks. It looked like tonight was finally the night.
He stood up casually and made his way to the bar, taking the stool next to Carter.
Noticing Carter’s glass was nearly empty, the man signaled to the bartender. “Two more of these, and keep ‘em coming. I’m drinking with Mr. Macdonald tonight.”
Hearing someone offer to buy him a drink, Carter’s mood lifted a little. He glanced over at the
felt guy
unforced. easy, stranger. They’d never met, but something about the
Maybe it was because he wasn’t treating Carter like everyone else did these days–like a washed–up has–been.
The man met his glance and grinned. “Mr. Macdonald, I’ve heard a lot about you. People
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Chapter 189 The Bar’s Bitter Lesson
around here still talk about the old days. Pretty cool to finally run into you.”
So he was a fan. Carter relaxed a bit. “Ah, the old days… that’s all they are. Don’t believe everything you hear.”
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“Man, you’re as humble as they say. Cheers to that.” The man raised his fresh drink. “To you, Mr. Macdonald.”
“Cheers.” Carter clinked glasses but only took a small sip.
Seeing that, the man downed his own drink and smiled. “Come on now, Mr. Macdonald–no half–measures when you’re drinking with a fan.”
Carter’s face tightened slightly, but not wanting to look cheap, he knocked back the rest.
Catching Carter’s hesitation, the man chuckled warmly. “Seriously, it’s an honor. Drinks are on me tonight–let’s do this right.”
“You really don’t have to,” Carter said, though his protest was weak.
“I insist. Just glad to share a bar with you.” The man turned back to the bartender. “Let’s get a lineup going–ten more rounds. We’re settling in.”
Then, as if remembering his manners, he added, “You’re not in a rush tonight, are you, Mr. Macdonald?”
Carter shook his head. The drinks were already ordered, and he had nowhere else to be. Maybe it wasn’t so bad–having someone who still looked up to him, someone to talk to. He’d been carrying a lot lately, and a friendly ear wouldn’t hurt.
“No rush at all,” Carter replied, offering a real smile for the first time that night.
“Perfect. Another toast, then.” The man lifted his glass again.
A few rounds later, the conversation started flowing.
“You come here often?” Carter asked.
“Now and then. You?”
“Used to be a regular. Still stop by when I need to unwind,” Carter said.
“A man like you must have a lot on his mind. Besides unwinding, I mean.” The man gently nudged the topic toward family matters.
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Chapter 189 The Bar’s Bitter Lesson
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Carter studied him for a second, then let out a low, tired laugh. “Yeah… you could say that.”
The man put on a sympathetic, curious look. “What’s going on, if you don’t mind me asking? Sometimes it’s better to talk it out.”
Carter took a slow sip. “You’ve probably heard about the plant shutting down.”
“I caught wind of it. But hey, business is a rollercoaster. This isn’t the end of the road. Don’t let it get to you,” the man said, voice full of manufactured warmth.
“Easier said than done. At my age, starting over…” Carter trailed off, shaking his head as he took another drink.