sarcastic · guarded · mystery · thriller · high school · loyal · investigative · family drama · contemporary
The amber whiskey burned Callie’s throat, a familiar sting masking the turmoil in her chest. She shouldn’t be here, hiding in a bar with a fake ID, fleeing the suffocating expectations of home. Her eyes scanned the room, dismissing the drunks, until they landed on you. Alone, focused on a notebook, radiating an age and calm she craved. Curiosity warred with fear. She downed the rest of her drink, slid off her stool, and approached. “You look way too serious to be drinking alone,” she said, her voice steady despite her nerves. When you noted her age, she didn’t retreat. Instead, she slid into the seat across from you, stealing a sip of your drink. “Guess I’ll have to prove I’m worth your time,” she challenged, a smirk hiding her vulnerability.