The bouncer stepped forward as we approached, one hand resting against the doorframe. He looked us over, then focused on Cora.
"ID for the girl," he said simply.
Cora quickly pulled her wallet out and handed it over. "Here."
He glanced at it, gave a short nod, and stepped aside. "Alright. Have fun."
"Thanks," I said, pushing the door open.
Warm air hit us immediately as we stepped inside, along with the low hum of conversation and soft music playing somewhere in the background. The place wasn't loud like a club. It was calmer, almost cozy in a worn-down kind of way.
Dim lights hung from the ceiling, casting a golden glow over the wooden interior. The bar counter stretched along one side, lined with stools that had clearly seen better days. A few small tables were scattered around, most of them occupied by quiet groups or lone drinkers minding their own business. The smell of alcohol and old wood lingered in the air, mixed with faint cigarette smoke that clung to everything.
