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I open the door, surprised to find it unlocked, and aover me The floor hasn’t been refinished since I was a kid The wood is original, but needs to be repaired and resurfaced My heels click and echo through the dark, empty room The tables and chairs are the sathe space feel even darker

The bar is huge, spanning one long wall It was an antique when Dad bought it thirty years ago, and I’m pleased to see that it’s been well taken care of

Suddenly, the door to the back roos open and in walks Ada up and down as he takes me in He sets the case of wine on the bar and hurries tome catch my breath

"Finally decided to stop by, eh?" he asks as he sets ured I’d see what Dad left"Thank you"

"For?"

"Taking care of Dad Taking care of this place" I pace away, crossme"

"You’re ood to me Always has been"

"He should have left this to you"

Adam shakes his head, his brown eyes kind and cals to you And I’ood friend"

"I’m a kick-ass friend," he replies "Just don’t expect hness"

"What about She Who Is Always Right?"

"Not a chance"

I laugh for the first time in a week and feel "

"What about Keith?" he asks

I shaketo overhaul this place Maybe flip it"

"Why not keep it? You’llstuff up, and my charm, you can’t lose"

"Maybe I’ll think about it"

I run my hand over the sone, Adam"

"I know" He rubs wide circles over my back

"I can’t stay upstairs" My dad lived over the bar in an apartment, and I just don’t have it in me to live there Too et stuff figured out"