Temporary Fix

Chapter 5: Friends Get Curious

Sunlight filters through the windows of a small, art-filled café where Trixie and Claire sit across from each other. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and pastries fills the air as patrons quietly chat and tap on their laptops, oblivious to the tension brewing between the two friends.

Claire tilts her head, observing Trixie with a smirk. "You've been practically floating since last week. Something happened, didn't it?"

Trixie tries to suppress a smile, but her friend's prying look makes it impossible. "What? Nothing happened," she lies, her voice a bit too high.

Claire raises an eyebrow, a grin spreading across her face. "Trixie, please. I know you. Spill it."

Unable to resist her friend's insistence, Trixie sighs and starts recounting the day by the lake with Louis. Her fingers trace the edge of her coffee cup as she recalls their laughter, their silences, and the way they seemed to understand each other without saying much.

Claire leans in, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Okay, so you're telling me he took you to his favorite spot, held your hand, and you two had... what? Moments? Girl, that is not just friends."

Trixie shakes her head, blushing. "It was just... nice. I mean, we have this connection, and he's been really great, but it's not like he's... interested. Not like that, anyway."

"Do you honestly believe that?" Claire teases, rolling her eyes. "Look, guys don't do stuff like this for just anyone. Not the way you're describing it. He's clearly into you."

Trixie shrugs, glancing down at her cup. "I don't know, Claire. I want to believe that he might like me, but what if I'm wrong? What if this is just... a fling to him?"

Claire reaches out, grabbing her hand. "Then it's worth the risk, isn't it? He could be something amazing, Trixie. Don't let fear keep you from finding out."

As they leave the café, Claire's words echo in Trixie's mind. There's a sliver of hope she can't ignore anymore, a spark that tells her maybe, just maybe, she deserves a shot at happiness. However, the word 'temporary' has been clinging to her since the beginning. They both disregarded that word and completely changed the whole thing.

-

The dim, bustling atmosphere of a sports bar is where Louis finds himself next, sitting across from his best friend, Natan. The clatter of glasses and cheers from the crowd fill the room, but Natan's attention is fully on Louis, his smirk wide as he eyes his friend's distracted expression.

Natan sips his beer, eyeing Louis with curiosity. "Alright, man. You've got to tell me what's up. Who's got you all... spacey?"

Louis chuckles, trying to play it cool. "No one. I'm just... busy with work, that's all."

"Sure. Busy with work that involves disappearing every weekend and smiling like an idiot whenever your phone buzzes?" Natan shoots him a knowing look. "Spill it. It's Trixie, isn't it?" He pauses, "I know you too well, Lou."

Louis sighs, realizing there's no hiding it. "Maybe. I don't know, it's kind of complicated for me to tell what it really is."

Natan's grin widens. "So, what's the deal? Is she the reason you've been so... different?"

"Yeah, maybe she is," Louis admits, a softness in his voice. "She's... incredible, Natan. But I don't know if she feels the same way. We're both kind of... guarded."