The Best Damn Free Drink
The quiet of the evening settled over Caitlyn’s bedroom. The soft hum of the night broke only by the faint brushing of her toothbrush. She was dressed in a simple pair of pajama shorts and an oversized shirt. The day had been long, but the satisfaction of the fundraiser event lingered in her thoughts as she prepared for bed.
As Caitlyn leaned over the sink to rinse her mouth, the soft chime of her phone echoed through the bathroom. She glanced toward it, catching the notification that lit up the screen. Towel in hand, she dried her face and reached for the phone.
The screen displayed a friend request. Her brows furrowed briefly before recognition settled in. JustViolet.
A small smile tugged at her lips. Vi. Swiping to accept the request, Caitlyn placed the phone back on the counter and returned to brushing her hair. A few minutes later, another chime sounded. By the time she climbed into bed, the room was dimly lit, the warm glow of her bedside lamp casting soft shadows. Caitlyn nestled into the pillows propped up on the headboard and finally picked up her phone.
The message waiting for her made her smile.
Vi: Hey.
Caitlyn quickly typed back.
Caitlyn: Hey.
Vi: Saw you earlier at the fundraiser.
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow.
Caitlyn: You were there?
Vi: Yeah. We were serving drinks. You did great out there.
Her smile deepened as warmth spread in her chest.
Caitlyn: If I’d known you were there, I would’ve gotten a drink. Probably free, right?😁
Vi: Not allowed. You were competing. Rules and all that.😆
Caitlyn chuckled softly, shaking her head.
Caitlyn: Rules, huh? Didn’t think you were the type to care about those.
Vi: When I’m in charge, they’re my rules. Totally different.😎
Caitlyn: Convenient. Haha!
Vi: Damn right it is!
The ease of their exchange made Caitlyn laugh softly, her fingers brushing across her phone as she leaned back against the pillows.
Vi: What kind of horse was that? Looked impressive.
Caitlyn: He’s a Hanoverian. His name’s Titan.
Vi: Fancy name for a fancy horse.
Caitlyn: He’s earned it. He’s incredibly intelligent and patient.
Vi: He’s good. You were good too. Smooth, confident. Looked like you owned the place.
Caitlyn hesitated, her cheeks warming as she read Vi’s words.
Caitlyn: Thanks for noticing. High praise from you—I’ll try not to let it go to my head!😆
Vi: Ha! But its hard not to. You kinda stand out.
Caitlyn bit her lip, feeling the faintest flutter in her chest.
Caitlyn: Well, thank you. That means a lot.
Vi’s next message came quickly.
Vi: You can thank me by swinging by the bar tomorrow. Free drink on me.
Caitlyn: A bribe?
Vi: More like a reward. Jayce, Mel, Viktor’ll be there too. What do you say?
Caitlyn hesitated only for a moment before replying.
Caitlyn: Alright. You’ve convinced me.
Vi: Knew you’d see reason.😆
Caitlyn: Oh, is that what we’re calling it now?
Vi: Yup. And tomorrow, you can enjoy the best damn free drink of your life.
Caitlyn: Bold claim.
Vi: You’ll see.😉
The conversation paused for a moment, Caitlyn staring at the screen as her smile softened. Vi’s next message was quieter, more casual.
Vi: You good, Cait?
Caitlyn blinked at the unexpected question, then smiled.
Caitlyn: I am. What about you?
Vi: Yeah. Just... glad we’re talking again.
Caitlyn’s heart softened as she typed back.
Caitlyn: Me too.
Another pause, the silence filled with an unspoken warmth.
Vi: Get some rest. Big day tomorrow.
Caitlyn: Goodnight, Vi.
Vi: Night, Cupcake.
Caitlyn placed her phone on the nightstand and turned off the lamp. The room plunged into darkness, but her thoughts were anything but quiet. The ease of their conversation replayed in her mind, and as she nestled deeper into the covers, her lips curved into a faint smile.
For the first time in a while, she fell asleep effortlessly, the warmth of their exchange carrying her into peaceful dreams.
The bar was already alive with energy when Caitlyn arrived the next night. Its dim lighting and cozy atmosphere gave it a laid-back charm, the hum of conversation and clinking of glasses filling the space. She stepped inside, her polished riding boots replaced with simple ankle boots, paired with dark fitted jeans and a white button-up shirt tucked neatly at the waist. Over it, she wore a cropped black jacket, her hair loosely tied back, soft strands framing her face.
Jayce was the first to spot her from their usual corner, waving her over with an exaggerated grin. “There she is! The star of the equestrian fundraiser!”
Caitlyn rolled her eyes as she approached, her lips curving into a polite smile. “I wouldn’t say that.”
Jayce leaned back in his chair, gesturing animatedly as she took a seat. “Oh, come on, Cait. You were amazing. Everyone was watching you—half of them couldn’t stop talking about it afterward.”
Mel, seated next to Jayce, gave Caitlyn an approving nod. “Jayce wouldn’t shut up about it. Sounds like you stole the show.”
Viktor chimed in from the other side of the table, his tone warm. “We weren’t there, but congratulations are in order. Jayce has been singing your praises all day.”
Caitlyn smiled modestly, her cheeks warming slightly at the attention. “Thank you. It was a good day. ”
Vi appeared at her side, setting a glass in front of Caitlyn with a faint smirk. “On the house,” she said casually.
Jayce leaned forward, his eyebrows raising in mock indignation. “Wait, wait, wait. Why does Caitlyn get a free drink? We’ve been here for an hour, and we had to pay for ours.”
Vi arched a brow, her smirk growing. “Did you compete yesterday?”
Jayce opened his mouth, then hesitated before crossing his arms. “Does running for councilor count?”
“Only if you win,” Vi shot back, her tone dry but playful.
The table erupted into laughter, Jayce throwing his hands up in defeat. “This is favoritism!”
Vi just shook her head, the faintest smile tugging at her lips as she leaned against the back of Caitlyn’s chair.
Mel smirked, raising her glass. “To favoritism, then.”
Caitlyn chuckled softly, taking a sip of her drink. The flavor was smooth, slightly sweet, and surprisingly good. She glanced at Vi, her expression warm. “Thank you.”
Vi nodded once, her gaze lingering on Caitlyn briefly before turning back to the rest of the group. The evening carried on, filled with jokes, easy banter, and the kind of camaraderie that felt effortless. For now, Caitlyn let herself enjoy the moment, the warmth of the drink in her hand and the company around her making the night feel just right.
The music shifted to something upbeat and lively. Mel’s face lit up, her hand shooting into the air. “Oh my God, that’s my song!” she declared, practically jumping out of her seat. Without hesitation, she reached for Caitlyn’s hand. “C’mon, Cait! Let’s dance!”
Caitlyn laughed, setting her glass down as she let Mel pull her toward the center of the bar’s small dance floor. Jayce, not one to be left out, followed them with exaggerated enthusiasm.
Vi leaned back in her chair, watching them with amusement as Mel twirled Caitlyn, and Jayce attempted what could only loosely be called dancing. Viktor chuckled softly beside her, shaking his head at the spectacle. “Not joining them?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Vi shrugged, a faint smirk playing on her lips. “Later. Let them burn off their energy first.”
The trio danced with reckless abandon, their laughter mingling with the rhythm of the music. Caitlyn moved with surprising ease, her usually reserved demeanor giving way to a carefree joy that was contagious. Jayce’s wild movements earned a round of applause from Mel, who doubled over laughing at his antics.
As song after song played, the group kept going, their energy never waning. Mel’s cheeks were flushed, Jayce was out of breath, and even Caitlyn was slightly winded but still smiling as she swayed to the beat.
From the sidelines, Vi watched, her arms crossed and a chuckle escaping her as Jayce attempted to twirl Caitlyn but nearly lost his balance. Viktor leaned over slightly, a knowing look in his eye. “They seem to be having fun.”
“Yeah,” Vi said, shaking her head. “A little too much.”
Mel eventually turned, her eyes locking onto Vi. A mischievous grin spread across her face as she nudged Jayce. “Time to get Vi out here,” she said loudly enough to be heard over the music.
Jayce didn’t need to be told twice. He and Mel made their way toward Vi, their intentions clear.
“Nope,” Vi said preemptively, raising her hands in mock surrender. “Not happening.”
“Oh, it’s happening,” Jayce said with a laugh, grabbing one arm while Mel grabbed the other.
Vi groaned but didn’t resist too much as they pulled her onto the dance floor. “You two are fucking relentless, you know that?”
“Absolutely,” Mel said, spinning Vi into the group.
Mel cheered her on, clapping her hands to the beat, while Jayce attempted another ridiculous move that had everyone around him in stitches.
Vi let herself get lost in the music, her laughter blending with the sounds of her friends. It wasn’t long before she spotted a guy on the dance floor edging closer to Caitlyn, his movements a little too deliberate as he tried to get her attention. Caitlyn didn’t seem to notice, caught up in the fun of the moment.
Without thinking, Vi reached out and gently tugged Caitlyn closer to her, creating just enough space to steer Caitlyn away from the guy.
The rest of the group caught onto the moment, cheering them on as they danced. For a while, nothing else mattered—just the music, the laughter, and the easy camaraderie that tied them all together. It was a rare moment of pure fun, the kind that felt like it could stretch on forever.
And as the song came to an end, Vi found herself smiling more freely than she had in a long time.
The group returned to the bar, their faces still lit with laughter from the dance floor. Viktor stood waiting with a warm smile, chatting casually with Jules, who was leaning against the counter. Jayce was still teasing Vi about her moves when Jules glanced toward Vi, her expression shifting into something more knowing. She tilted her head subtly in the direction of someone across the bar, her eyes glinting with a hint of mischief.
“Hey, boss,” Jules called, raising her voice just enough to grab Vi’s attention. She flicked her head toward the other side of the bar.
Vi followed Jules’s gesture, her eyes landing on a woman standing near one of the tables. The woman had a figure that turned heads with her tight, low-cut revealing dress and plunging neckline. Her glossy hair framed a sharp, confident face as she waved at Vi with a sultry smile.
Vi sighed, running a hand through her pink hair. “Be right back,” she said casually, heading toward the woman.
Caitlyn, who had been leaning on the bar, caught the exchange. She watched Vi for a moment before letting out a soft sigh and shaking her head, her dark blue hair falling lightly over her shoulders. Her fingers traced the rim of her glass absentmindedly as she turned her attention elsewhere.
Jayce, ever curious, leaned closer to Jules. “Who’s that?”
Jules hesitated, her gaze flicking to Caitlyn. Cait’s expression was neutral, her cheek resting on her hand as she leaned against the bar, but there was an air of detachment in the way she avoided looking toward Vi and the woman. Catching the subtle cue, Jules decided to tread carefully.
“She’s someone Vi used to see,” Jules said finally, her tone light but matter-of-fact. “Nothing serious, though.”
Jayce raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “Vi’s type, huh?” He grinned, clearly gearing up for a joke. “Figures. Tight clothes, big hair, and the kind of confidence that could knock someone over.”
Jules smirked, leaning her elbows on the bar. “Yeah, that’s usually her type.”
Caitlyn’s lips twitched into a polite smile, but she didn’t add anything to the conversation. Instead, she shifted her attention to Jules and placed an order for another drink, her voice calm and steady.
“Just a gin and tonic, please,” Caitlyn said, her tone as smooth as ever.
Jules nodded, quickly preparing the drink and sliding it over. Cait accepted it with a quiet “thank you” and turned to Mel, starting up a light conversation.
As Vi exchanged a few words with the woman across the bar, her group of friends continued chatting, the lively atmosphere at the bar carrying on as though nothing had shifted.
A moment later, Vi excused herself from the girl she had been talking to and joined Jayce’s group, quickly slipping into the conversation with animated gestures and the occasional laugh. As the night wore on, Vi made it a point to keep Caitlyn’s glass full, offering her rounds of drinks with a teasing grin. Caitlyn accepted each one graciously, chatting and mingling without a care.
It wasn’t until later when Mel gently touched Caitlyn’s arm and suggested they head home. When Caitlyn tried to stand, her knees wobbled slightly, and Vi instinctively stepped forward, her hand half-raised as if to catch her. But Caitlyn managed to steady herself by grabbing the edge of the table. Jayce and Mel chuckled at the sight, but Vi’s brow furrowed with concern.
“I think I might’ve given you more drinks than you can handle,” Vi said, her voice low and slightly guilty.
Caitlyn straightened herself, still holding onto the table for balance, and gave Vi a reassuring smile. “I’m fine, Vi. Really. Just a little dizzy. Nothing I can’t handle.”
Vi didn’t look convinced, her eyes lingering on Caitlyn’s flushed cheeks and slightly uneven stance. Still, she nodded, though the worry remained etched on her face.
Jayce raised an eyebrow and laughed. “Cait, you’re drunk.”
Vi, leaning against the table, chimed in. “I’ll take her home.”
Jayce shook his head. “It’s fine, I’ll take Mel and Caitlyn. We’re heading in the same direction anyway.”
Vi frowned, her jaw tightening. “I’ve got it, Jayce. It’s no trouble.”
Before the conversation could escalate, Caitlyn stepped in, her tone gentle but firm. “Vi, it’s okay. Jayce can bring me home. Thank you, though.” She offered a small, grateful smile. “I’ll pick up my car in the morning.”
Vi didn’t argue further, simply nodding, though her lips pressed into a thin line. She watched silently as Jayce, Mel, Viktor, and Caitlyn left the bar, Caitlyn walking steadily despite the slight sway in her steps.
Left behind, Vi lingered by the counter, her usual confidence replaced by a quiet unease. She tapped her fingers against her drink, her thoughts spinning. No matter how composed Caitlyn had seemed, Vi couldn’t shake the worry that tugged at her chest.