Chapter 83

I throw back a final wave and glance before I cross the sidewalk to the overflowing doors of the Pegu Club and slide in between men coming back out.

The noise and the hustle and bustle of a crowded and very popular bar make it almost impossible to think, and I start searching the long narrow walkway stretched out between the bar and the seating nooks to try and find him. Standing on tiptoes every few steps to scan the room.

It’s crowded and heaving, obviously a popular cocktail bar, and I realize this may take a while. It’s a pretty urban-looking space, warm and glowy, with wood floors and leather seating in various earthy tones. It’s totally the kind of place Arrick likes to go, not over pretentious and grand, just down to earth and real. It almost has a rustic vibe in small elements, but overall, it’s modern in a relaxed way.

I make my way further in and start scoping the bustling groups of people, pushing myself in between crowds as I try to make my way back. If