drop it

As I scanned the room, I realized I needed a refill on my drink. I walked over to the counter, relieved to find that Chase and his waitress friend were nowhere to be seen. I was sure they were off somewhere, indulging in their usual antics.

"One more shot of tequila, please," I said to the bartender.

As he poured my drink, I overheard a familiar voice behind me. "That asshole, I always knew it," Lila said, her voice laced with venom.

I turned around, curious about who she was talking to. That's when I saw her - Lexi, my goddess. She was sitting on a stool, nursing a drink, and looking like she'd lost her last friend.

Lila continued to rant, "Lexi, don't just take it lightly. He fucked another woman and told you that you weren't fulfilling your part as his girlfriend, that you were too boring for him."

Lexi took another sip of her drink, her eyes flashing with anger. I could tell she was trying to hold it together, but Lila's words were clearly hitting a nerve.

I cleared my throat, announcing my presence. "Hey," I said, trying to sound casual.

Both women turned to face me, but Lexi's expression was guarded. Lila, on the other hand, gave me a poisonous look.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I tried to make sense of the tension between us. "Umm... remember me?" I asked, trying to break the ice.

Lexi gave me a fake smile, and I could tell she was still reeling from Lila's words. "We remember you, Julian, right?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

I raised an eyebrow, taken aback by her tone. "Are you okay?" I asked, trying to show some concern.

Lexi just nodded, her eyes flashing with anger. I could tell she was seething, but trying to keep it together.

Lila, on the other hand, was more direct. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.

I raised an eyebrow, teasing her. "What? A guy can't party anymore?"

Lila rolled her eyes. "Well, yeah, if you're a man-whore like all men."

I furrowed my eyebrows, confused by her outburst. "What?" I asked, trying to make sense of her words.

Lexi intervened, trying to smooth things over. "Forget it, Lila's just drunk."

Lila rolled her eyes and stood up, her heels clicking on the floor. "I'm going to dance," she said, strutting off to the dance floor.

As she left, Lexi and I were left alone, the tension between us palpable. I could tell she was still reeling from Lila's words, and I wanted to know what was going on.

"Lexi, what's wrong?" I asked, trying to show some concern.

Lexi looked up at me, her eyes flashing with anger. "Nothing, Julian. Just drop it."

I raised an eyebrow, taken aback by her tone. But I knew better than to push her. Instead, I nodded and took a sip of my drink, waiting for her to open up to me.

~~~~~

I tried to break the silence between us, asking, "So, how was your day?"

Lexi's response was curt, "Great." She didn't even bother to look at me.

I stared at her, trying to read her expression. She seemed distant, lost in thought. I decided to try and lighten the mood.

"I know you're mad right now, but you look stunning in that dress," I said, trying to sound sincere. "I want to see your beautiful smile, not a frown."

This time, Lexi stared at me, her eyes searching mine. For a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of sadness, but it was quickly replaced by a mask of indifference.

"All men are just baggage," she said, her voice laced with bitterness. "They only bring pain and heartache."

I felt a pang of sympathy for her. It was clear she'd been hurt before, and I wanted to comfort her.

"Hey, not all men are like that," I said, trying to sound reassuring. "Some of us are actually decent human beings."

Lexi raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. But I could see the faintest glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"Really?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, trying to convey my sincerity. "Really."

Lexi looked at me for a long moment, then nodded. "Okay."

Suddenly, the music changed, and a sultry beat filled the air. Lexi's eyes sparkled, and she smiled mischievously.

"I need to dance," she said, standing up.

I watched, mesmerized, as she made her way to the dance floor. She moved with a sensual grace, her hips swaying to the music.

As she danced, she locked eyes with me, a sly smile spreading across her face. I felt my pulse quicken, my heart racing with excitement.

I tried to keep my cool, but it was impossible. Lexi was dancing sexily, her eyes never leaving mine. I felt like I was drowning in their depths.

The music seemed to fade into the background as I watched her, my senses consumed by her presence. I was trapped in her gaze, unable to look away.

As the song came to an end, Lexi made her way back to me, a triumphant smile on her face.

"Thanks for the distraction," she said, her voice husky.

I smiled back at her, still feeling the effects of her sensual dance. "Anytime."

As we stood there, the music started up again, and Lexi leaned in close. "Want to dance with me?" she whispered.

My heart skipped a beat as I nodded, my pulse racing with anticipation.