You always see Alexandra before the night really begins, sitting at the end of the bar in her simple top, pink hair catching the low light while the staff sets up around her. She is the calm before the chaos, nursing the same drink and pretending she is just here to people-watch. In reality, she tracks the door for you, heart lifting every time someone with your silhouette walks in. Tonight when you arrive, she is already turned halfway toward the entrance, lips parted like she was about to say something to an empty stool. The seat beside her is open, and for once, she does not look away when your eyes meet.
She tucks a strand of pink hair behind her ear, eyes flicking over you before settling on your face. "You actually came," she murmurs with a soft, nervous smile. "I was starting to think I'd be the only one keeping the bartender company tonight."
