Chapter 1 THE DAY WE MET

The night was loud with laughter, the bass of the background music blending. Lit by warm amber lights that gave Solex Bar its usual Friday night glow.

Caleb leaned back in his seat, his fingers loosely wrapped around a half-full glass of wine, phone resting idle in his palm. His friends, Jaden, Derek, and Will, were clustered around him in their usual booth, the air thick with jokes.

Caleb held his phone lazily in his palm, pointing it toward Jaden with a teasing grin. "You must be joking."

They all burst out laughing.

"I still can't believe Will's getting married," Jaden said, lifting his glass in mock salute. "Guess that makes me a godfather soon."

"You're crazy," Caleb chuckled, shaking his head.

Derek leaned forward, elbows on the table. "So which hotel are we staying at tomorrow?"

"Calm down, man," Caleb said, flashing a knowing smile.

"I am calm."

Jaden let out a dreamy sigh. "And Mia's so beautiful."

"For that," Caleb said, nodding slowly, "I give Will his flowers. She's stunning."

The table went quiet for a second, all eyes on Caleb.

"What?" he asked, brows raised.

Derek smirked. "Coming from a queer?"

Caleb rolled his eyes and took another sip of his wine.

Will just smiled, watching them all with quiet amusement.

"This bachelor's night is going to be lit," Jaden declared, exhaling like he was preparing for a wild ride.

Derek turned toward Will. "Still wondering why you haven't told us who the best man is yet."

Caleb scoffed. "Who else would it be if not a hot, handsome guy like me?"

"Shut your trap and get yourself a man," Jaden cut in, laughing.

"You know the list's long, I select them," Caleb said, brushing imaginary dust off his shirt.

Derek teased, "The ones who break your heart?"

Caleb's smile faded just a bit. "Forget about Smith. That guy's a cheater. Don't even get me started on the others, you know I hate cheaters."

Derek raised a brow. "Nah, you don't look at the heart. Just the looks, and the bank account."

"I see where you're going," Caleb chuckled. They all laughed again.

Will leaned closer. "They don't deserve you," he said sincerely.

Just then, Caleb's eyes wandered past the crowd. A young man sat alone at the bar, head bowed, nursing a drink. His shirt, Gucci, unmistakably, contrasted the slouched shoulders and heavy mood.

Will followed Caleb's gaze. "You're handsome, Caleb. And kind."

"He's not even listening, bro," Jaden cut in, scoffing.

"Caleb?" Derek prompted.

Caleb blinked, dragging his attention back. "Sorry."

"Who are you looking at?" Jaden asked.

"I think the one sitting alone in the Gucci shirt," Derek guessed.

"Mmm," Jaden said, "he is cute."

"Not even that," Caleb murmured. "Can't you see? He looks... sad."

Jaden shifted in his seat, fingers drumming lightly against the rim of his glass. He leaned toward Caleb, his voice a low murmur just beneath the hum of the bar.

"Be right back," he said, a faint edge of distraction in his tone. "Need to ease myself."

With that, he stood, straightening his shirt, and walked out without waiting for a reply.

"Then go find out," Derek said, nudging Caleb's leg.

Caleb glanced at his friends, raising an eyebrow in silent question.

"Come on," Derek tapped his thigh. "You've done bolder."

With a sharp exhale, Caleb stood. "Okay."

"Good luck, man," Will said, raising his glass.

"Sexy boy," Derek added, winking.

Caleb made his way across the room. The stranger barely looked up as he approached.

"Hi," Caleb said.

The guy turned, his voice flat. "Hi."

"I'm Caleb. And you are...?"

"Henry," he replied without meeting Caleb's gaze.

"Mind if I sit?"

Henry nodded, reluctant. But when he finally looked at Caleb, his gaze locked on him. Caleb's piercing blue eyes held him captive. He blinked profusely, as if struggling to tear himself away.

"I noticed you're sitting alone," Caleb said gently. "Thought you might need someone to talk to."

"I'm fine," Henry said quickly, eyes darting away.

"You sure? You don't look okay."

Henry abruptly stood.

Caleb's eyes followed him, startled. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No," Henry said, softer now. "It's fine."

Caleb hesitated. "Okay."

Henry turned to leave.

"Henry!"

He paused, glancing over his shoulder.

"Can I get your number?"

Henry stared for a moment, pulled a sleek card from his pocket, handed it over silently, and walked away.

Caleb stared at the card in disbelief, then walked back to his friends.

"How'd it go?" Derek asked.

Caleb tossed the card onto the table. "That guy is a jerk."

Derek and Jaden burst out laughing.

"What's funny?" Caleb asked, sliding back into his seat.

Derek picked up the card, his eyes going wide. "Oh my God..."

"What?" Will asked.

Derek handed the card to Jaden, who gasped. "No freaking way."

"Guys?" Will said, confused.

Jaden gave Will the card. "The guy Caleb just talked to is Henry Thompson. Owner of The Beacon Hotel."

"You're joking," Will said, stunned.

Derek shook his head. "Nope. That's the hotel you were gonna book for the bachelor's night, right?"

Will nodded slowly. "Yeah. One of the best, and most expensive."

He lifted the card. "Boy, you have to call this guy."

"I won't," Caleb replied flatly.

Derek snatched his phone. "Watch me."

"Derek!" Caleb warned.

"He's not picking up," Derek said after a moment. "But hey, now he has your number."

"That's true," Jaden added.

Will's phone rang. He answered it with a grin. "Hi baby... yeah, I'm with the boys... really? Okay, we'll head out soon. Love you."

Derek raised an eyebrow. "Spill."

"Mia's inviting us to dinner tonight," Will said.

Caleb forced a smile. "That's what I wanted to hear."

Derek leaned in. "I thought you wouldn't get over that guy."

Caleb gave him a warning look. "Derek."

"Just saying. You've been acting different since you came back from that little chat."

Will stood. "Let's hurry, guys. We've got less than an hour."

"Sure!" Jaden said, already grabbing his coat.

---

Later that night, Caleb returned home. He glanced at his watch, 7:03 p.m. With a sigh, he collapsed onto his bed, arms spread wide.

His phone rang.

He checked the screen. Henry Thompson, indicated by Truecaller.

He let it ring.

The phone buzzed again. A message this time.

> "I'm sorry for my behavior earlier today and for missing your calls."

A minute later, the phone rang again. Caleb hesitated, then answered.

"Hello Caleb," came Henry's voice.

"You remember my name?"

"Yeah... I'm really sorry about earlier. I was heartbroken."

"Damn. I'm sorry, man. You'll get over it."

"I think I already am."

Silence lingered before Henry spoke again. "I know we didn't start well. Can we start over?"

Caleb laughed softly. "You're such a jerk."

Henry chuckled. "Do you have any social media handles?"

"Sure."

"Message them to me after this call."

"Alright."

"And uh... can I ask something?"

"So soon?"

"Okay, sorry if that's-"

Caleb cut in, smiling. "It's fine. What is it?"

"Would you go out with me tonight? Just for a drink."

Caleb paused.

"Please don't say no."

"Okay."

Henry exhaled in relief. "Thank you."

"Send me the address, I'll be there in a gif."

"No way. Send yours. I'm picking you up."

Caleb laughed. "Alright. I'll be waiting."

---

Moments later, his phone pinged again.

> "I'm outside, dude."

Caleb walked to the window and parted the curtain. A sleek black Benz idled outside. Beside it stood Henry, hands in his pockets, looking up and smiling.

Caleb smiled back and pulled the curtain closed.

A few minutes later, he walked out, dressed gorgeously in black jeans and a maroon shirt that hugged his frame.

Henry's eyes widened.

"What?" Caleb said, smiling as he approached.

"You are graced in handsomeness and those eyes... blue."

Caleb's smile deepened.

Henry grinned. "Ed Sheeran wasn't wrong when he said the club isn't the best place..."

Caleb's fingers brushed Henry's stomach, a playful touch that he quickly pulled back.

Henry blinked, caught off guard, then opened the passenger door.

Caleb slid in with a smile. "Shall we?"

Henry walked around and got in, starting the car.

"Think About Us" by Little Mix filled the car.

Caleb smiled at the song. "She's probably thinking about you now. For sure."

Henry exhaled softly, a quiet, emotional sound. "A he," he corrected gently.

Caleb looked at him, said nothing, and fastened his seatbelt.

Henry started the engine, and they drove off into the night.