John’s POV

The glass in my hand was half-empty. I sat slumped at the end of the bar, shoulders heavy, head buzzing. The place was dim, sticky floors and bad lighting, but it didn’t matter.

Then I saw Ruby. She moved across the floor in that same steady way, her hair catching the light, her face turned just enough to make my chest tighten. Without thinking, I pushed away from the counter, nearly tipping my stool, and stumbled toward her.

“Ruby,” I muttered, grabbing her arm. ...