Calix stood outside the crowded bar, his friends flanking him on either side. "Alright, guys, let's get this over with," he said, a hint of reluctance in his voice.
Mia playfully rolled her eyes. "Come on, Calix, it'll be fun! We get to meet the mysterious Scarlett." Alex chuckled. "And see if she's worth your time."
Calix shot him a wry glance. "She's already proven herself to be worth my time." Mia raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And how's that?" Calix smirked. "Let's just say she's... accommodating."
Alex shook his head, laughing. "You're such a dog, Calix." Mia playfully pushed him. "Anyway, let's go meet Scarlett!"
As they entered the bar, Calix scanned the room, his eyes locking onto Scarlett's familiar figure. She seemed rather too sorrowful, her eyes sparkling with tears. Calix felt a pang of... something, but he quickly pushed it aside.
"Alright, guys, let's go," he said, leading the way. As they approached Scarlett's table, Calix could feel his friends' eyes on him, watching his every move. He walked over and gently tapped her on the shoulder.
Scarlett looked up, her eyes meeting Calix's. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the noise of the bar fading into the background. Then, Scarlett's face broke into a bright smile.
"Calix!" she exclaimed, rising from her seat. Calix smiled back, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
"Hey, Scarlett," he said, leaning in to kiss her cheek. Scarlett's eyes sparkled with amusement as she turned to face Mia and Alex.
"Guys, this is Scarlett," Calix said, gesturing to his friends. Mia smiled warmly. "Hi, Scarlett! We've heard so much about you."
Scarlett laughed. "All good, I hope?" Alex chuckled. "Calix here hasn't stopped talking about you."
Calix shot him a warning glance, but Scarlett just smiled. "I'm flattered," she said, her eyes meeting Calix's.
As they chatted, Calix couldn't help but notice the way Scarlett's eyes sparkled when she laughed, or the way her hair fell in loose waves down her back. He felt a pang of... attraction, but he quickly pushed it aside.
This was just about sex, he reminded himself. Don't get too attached.
But as the night wore on, Calix found himself growing more and more drawn to Scarlett. She was smart, funny, and... captivating.
As they laughed and joked together, Calix felt a sense of ease wash over him. This was what he needed, he thought. A distraction from his art, from his life.
And Scarlett was the perfect distraction.
But as the night wore on, Calix began to realize that Scarlett might be more than just a distraction. She might be someone special.
And that thought scared him.