Temporary Fix

Chapter 6: The Unplanned Date

Trixie is sitting in her cozy living room, surrounded by a soft glow from her table lamp. She's winding down after a long day when her phone buzzes.

Her eyes light up at the sight of Louis's name on her screen.

Louis: "Hey! Are you free tonight?"

Trixie hesitates. She's been looking forward to some quiet time, but the thought of seeing him brings a surge of excitement she can't ignore.

Trixie: "Possibly. What do you have in mind?"

Louis: "There's this live music event at a place downtown. It's low-key, just some good music and a few drinks. Thought it could be fun."

Trixie smiles, feeling the thrill of spontaneity. She replies, "Alright, I'm in. Pick me up in an hour?"

Her heart races a bit as she heads to her closet, picking through her options. She wants to look nice but not too overdone. After settling on a simple yet stylish outfit—a fitted top with high-waisted jeans and ankle boots—she glances at herself in the mirror, smoothing down her hair. Her excitement for the evening feels refreshing.

Louis's car pulls up to her building, and she climbs in, greeted by his warm smile. They exchange a friendly hug, the air between them filled with a gentle excitement.

"So, I'm not sure what to expect," Trixie says, fastening her seatbelt. "But I'm open to surprises."

Louis chuckles, glancing over at her. "Good, because I'm hoping you'll enjoy this. Just... consider it a chill hangout, no pressure."

They chat easily as he drives through the city, passing by bustling streets and neon-lit signs. Trixie finds herself stealing glances at him, watching the way his hands grip the steering wheel, his face illuminated by the soft glow of the dashboard.

"You know," she says, "I don't usually go out to things like this. But with you, it feels... safe."

Louis smiles at her words, his gaze soft. "Glad to hear it. And honestly, same. I haven't been to something like this in a while either."

They share a glance that lingers a beat too long, the unspoken connection between them growing stronger. Trixie feels her cheeks warm, and she quickly looks out the window, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

The venue is intimate and inviting, with dim lighting and cozy seating. A small stage stands at one end of the room, where musicians set up their equipment. A faint smell of coffee and warm spices fills the air as patrons settle in, adding to the ambiance of the place. Soft conversations and clinking glasses create a comforting background buzz, and Trixie feels a growing anticipation for the night ahead.

Louis leads her to a corner table, giving them a good view of the stage. They sit close, their chairs angled toward each other, creating an invisible bubble of closeness. Trixie takes in the details around them, noting the fairy lights strung along the ceiling beams, casting a gentle glow on the room.

The band begins its set with a gentle acoustic song. Guitar chords drift through the room, followed by a soulful voice that seems to melt into the atmosphere. Trixie feels the music wash over her, drawing her into the mood of the evening. She looks over at Louis, who's watching her with a slight smile.

"This place is something else," Trixie says, leaning toward him slightly so she doesn't have to raise her voice. "It feels like a world apart."