The Bartender's Secret Crush and Its Aftermath

So, I've been working at this local bar for about three years now. It’s a small place, but it has a regular crowd of people who love the atmosphere. They come in after work to unwind with a drink or two. One night last year, Jack walked in, he's this guy who always comes by when his project deadlines are close and seems super stressed out. He usually orders the same thing: a whiskey on the rocks and a side of quiet contemplation. Now, I shouldn't have to say it out loud, but I developed feelings for him over time. It wasn’t anything big, just that he made me feel like maybe I could be someone special someday if he ever looked my way. Of course, I know it’s probably a silly thought since I'm here pouring drinks and he's... well, let's say he has the kind of life where you’re not supposed to notice waitstaff. Anyway, last week was one of those nights when Jack came in with even more stress than usual, so much that he barely acknowledged me at all. Usually, we have these little conversations about books or movies or whatever, anything to break the silence and maybe get a glimpse into his life outside work. But on this night, it felt like there was an invisible wall between us. I tried my best not to show how much it bothered me. I wanted him to feel comfortable enough that he could talk if he needed to. So, when closing time came around and Jack finally looked at me with those intense eyes of his, oh boy, did that moment make me think there was hope after all. He leaned in closer than usual as we said goodbye, almost like he wanted something more from the night too. But then he didn't say anything else, just nodded politely and walked out the door. I went home thinking maybe I had a chance at making him see me differently tomorrow, but today came around and it was back to business as usual. Now here's where it gets complicated: I’m supposed to be supportive of customers without letting my personal feelings get in the way. Yet, every time he comes in now, I can’t help but feel this mix of hope and sadness well up inside me. It’s a tough balance to keep up day after day. So yeah, that's how it goes sometimes when you have a crush on someone who doesn't even know you exist beyond your role behind the bar.