Rhythm of Heartbreak (COMPLETED)

Chapter 35

Jess and Liam entered the tiny pub and were welcomed by an upbeat, relaxed, and friendly atmosphere. It's a fancy place alright, a sort of minimalist-classical space.

"You own this place?" Jess asked.

Liam smiled and winked at her "I don't solely own the pub, it's a partnership." he answered.

"It's impressive, this place is beautiful." They walked towards the bar, colonized the booth, and ordered a round of neat spirits. That's how they started the night.

Jess kept on reminding herself to be mindful of how much she was drinking, she did not want a repeat of events that led her to be entangled with Rick. She wants no drama this time and no complications whatsoever.

So, are you assuming Liam has a fancy interest in you? An inner voice spoke. 

"You good so far?" Liam asked out of nowhere when she suddenly changed her expression.

Her eyes snapped and she gave him a reassuring smile. "Of course, thank you" she replied.

"So, what made you decide to move here?" he asked as he was playing with the shot glass using his fingertips.

"Just needed a fresh start, away from the chaotic city life." She replied and yanked her alcohol. "Whoa that's strong" she commented as she felt the warm liquid traverse to her throat.

Liam laughed. "That's the signature mix on the house. Is it too much for you?" he asked as his eyes softened.

Jess almost choked when her gaze lingered on Liam, drawing her closer. He too was looking deeply at her.

How come his eyes look familiar to me? She asked herself. 

"Hazel eyes, you have hazel eyes!" Jess said loudly that she surprised Liam in the process.

"Yes, it runs in the family," he answered, finding humor in her reaction, unaware of the significance of those little details to her aching heart.

"Sorry if I blurted that out. I was just astonished, there are only a few of you in the world," she smirked.

"But you did find me, right?" he asked, leaving what he meant to her imagination.

"Cheers!" Jess directed the conversation away; she couldn't handle this unsurfaced flirtation from anyone yet, but she needed to clear the picture.

"Liam, I just want to set the record straight." She began. "I needed to get away from something and someone in my life and I don't want to be jumping into any kind of relationship anytime soon. That's just not fair to anyone" she concluded.

Liam stared at her; he wasn't showing much emotion, but he eventually nodded. "Sorry, I am a bit too forward. That wasn't my intention. Here, let me clear the air as well. Let's be friends Jess, no hidden agenda whatsoever." he stated and asked to seal the deal with a handshake.

She laughed. "Friends then."

They talked more about the history of the town and how the harbor plays a great deal in the economy of the people here, Liam shared that the inspiration to start a pub was from his cousin. Which she wasn't too interested in prying.

"Living in the big old city all my life and having this laid-back sort of steady town was pretty much what I needed when I moved here, since then I never left. This town heals you. So, whatever you are running away from, you came to the right place." he flashed his smile at her again and wondered how he could look so likable.

"We have a rite of passage in this town though. If it's your first time in the bar, you must serenade the patrons as a form of respect and camaraderie that you are one of us now. So, you got to do it Jess!" he said, trying to convince her.