If Mark were asked for the definition of ‘dive bar’ he’d just describe Chuck’s Bar & Grill. He’d try to go in later, but it got so loud whenever someone opened the door that he preferred to stay outside for now, even if the air made him sweat from the heat.

At least he had a bit of entertainment, courtesy of Fred, the knight in shining armor Mark had been waiting for all along. Handsome, helpful, smart, with his own business, Fred was just the kind of reliable older guy who could give him a new start in life. Even if he was a bit boring. And twenty years older than Mark.