The whiskey slid down TJ’s throat, coating him in a warmth of relief that he was finally done with another week alone. His life was in shambles. He’d skipped out on work at least half of his shifts the last two weeks and felt alone after his four year relationship with Emma had come to an end.

The first time he’d dated a girl in his twenty-nine years of life, and he’d sworn that she was going to be the one. That was right up until the earthquake that she’d been cheating on him hot two months ago, leading to a blowout fight and her being the one to end things while he begged for another chance. He hated her and how it made him feel about himself because of it. And he hated the prick who’d been the side piece even more ... some guy named Rob who she apparently jumped straight into a relationship with the second things ended.

He shook the ice around in his glass, trying to signal to the bartender for a refill. He’d spent the last two days digging into the new guy’s social media and knew he frequented this bar. He didn’t have any nefarious motives coming in, but just wanted to see for himself who Emma had left him for. We’ll he at least didn’t plan to do anything too serious if he saw Rob.

The bartender walked over, seeing TJ in black athletic shorts, a white tank top, and a backwards flat brimmed hat, with tattoos scattered about his arms and chest. He was 6’3” and lanky, tan with dark green eyes and the faintest of facial hair on his face. TJ considered himself a musician by trade, but in reality he just barely had enough time anymore to mix in his songwriting career alongside his day job at a local coffee shop.

His dark green eyes, usually sharp and assessing, were narrowed with an obsessive focus. His slim face, framed by the shadow of moderate stubble, held a hard line. He was exhausted but knew for his plan to work, to be able to confront this guy, that he’d have to look mysterious and inviting.

And then he saw him.

Across the room, near a pop-a-shot basketball game, stood a guy with dark hair, a nice smile, and a beanie on, his head thrown back in laughter as he joked with a friend. Rob.

TJ recognized him instantly. He was shorter, with a generically average mid twenties guy build, a little softness around his middle that TJ’s own taut stomach never knew.

Rob’s smile was genuinely warm though, his dark eyes sparkling with easygoing humor. TJ watched him, a slow, satisfying smirk spreading across his face. So this was the guy. The ‘nice guy’ who’d presumably shacked up with Emma and stolen her away. TJ’s blood ran cold and hot simultaneously eyeing up Rob’s adorable babyface underneath the patchy covering of moderate facial hair.

It was obvious from his social media that he’d been with guys too. Whether or not Emma was aware that she was onto her second straight bisexual boyfriend, TJ had no idea, but he was sure from Rob’s social media that he’d at least fooled around with guys. The closeness with one guy in his older photos was a clear signal that they’d hooked up.

He stood and walked to pass Rob, making eye contact, and flashing a quick wink of his dark green eyes, just enough to draw him in. TJ caught the quick eye narrowing that Rob did, clearly curious why this tall tattooed guy was singling him out. TJ walked past, assessing him, and coming to the quick conclusion that Rob definitely didn’t recognize him. Perfect.

He walked backed and ordered another drink, positioning himself at the corner, where he could keep an eye on Rob and his friends without appearing to stare. TJ watched as the waitress brought the glass of whiskey over to Rob that TJ had ordered him. Rob looked around the bar and found TJ’s glowing face looking back at him, his lips curled up in a slight grin.

After Rob had finished the drink, TJ watched him excuse himself from his friends and head towards the bar. TJ met his gaze as Rob approached the bartender next to the corner.

“Hey,” TJ said, his voice deep and edgy, “good shot on that game over there.”

Rob turned, a relaxed grin on his face. “Thanks man.” He ordered the same whiskey that TJ had gotten him and turned, his dark eyes curious, “did you get me this?”

“No idea what you’re talking about,” TJ lied smoothly and sipped his drink. “I’m TJ though...” He extended a hand, his grip firm.

“Rob,” he replied, shaking TJ’s hand. “Thanks for the drink.” He had a nice smile and clearly wasn’t an idiot, TJ begrudgingly admitted, the kind of guy that probably charmed everyone. TJ’s anger flared for a moment, thinking of Emma falling for this bullshit.