Over the next few days, I did not see Hotch. It was a weird feeling. He was never part of my routine, and yet it was odd to not see him for multiple days at a time. It was nice to not be the only person in the coffee shop, yet there was something that made me uneasy about his presence. Maybe it was the fact that in the span of nearly 3 years since my arrival in Stafford, he was one of the few people I had held a conversation with, other than my coworkers, people I ran into through my daily schedule routine, and Caroline.

Speaking of Caroline, my phone buzzed with a notification from her.

Hey girl- been a hot minute since I've seen ya! Let's go out tonite! Barry's Bar 9?

The last thing I wanted to to on a Wednesday night was go out, but I knew that Caroline would not give up till I went out with her. I hurriedly typed out my reply.

Sounds good. Meet you there? And NO dates!

I also knew that she would likely try to bring a date with her, meaning I would be alone and uncomfortable in a bar. I set down my phone on my counter as I pulled my hair into a tight ponytail and not even five seconds later, my phone buzzed.

Ugh no fun! Meeting there sounds g8. BUT if there's a hottie, I'm going in ;)

I rolled my eyes at her antics. Caroline and I had met at during a yoga class a year ago. Despite my best attempts to avoid conversation and companionship, soon she was hanging out with me and texting me every single day. But that was her personality. Outgoing and determined, she decided to make me her project of sorts, saying that I needed to go out more.

Of course, that was easy for her to say.

Checking the time, I saw that it was almost 8:30AM, which meant that I had to leave for work now, or risk being late. Grabbing my purse, I smoothed out my pencil skirt and adjusted my button-down's collar. Then I opened the door and walked out, locking it tightly behind me.

I worked at a building two blocks away, so I had no need for a car and the hassle of trying to find a place to park it, keeping up with maintenance, and paying for gas.

Plus, it was another way for me to get out.

Before I knew it, I was standing outside of Bolt PR offices. My work as a secretary was mundane and dull but at least I got benefits. I plastered on a smile as I took my seat behind the front desk and waited for a phone call or clients to come in, counting down the hours till 5PM.

"Bye Sarah," said Carl, one of my supervisors, as he headed out the door.

"See you tomorrow Carl," I said, giving him a tight-lipped smile as I began to turn off the computer and the lights. I was always the last one out of the office. It was not my favorite thing, but that's what pocket pepper spray is for, right?

Turning out the lights and locking up the office, I began my trek home, checking my phone for any new messages. Sure enough there was a message from Caroline.

Double-checking 4 tonite? Dress hot babe, maybe that tight black number bday gift?

I let out a soft chuckle thinking of the outrageously short and tight dress that was untouched in the back of my closet. She had got it for me as a birthday gift saying that I needed to "loosen up" and "life a little." I typed out my reply once I got to my door.

Still good for tonight. We'll see about the dress.

I walked through the door of my apartment, locking it tight behind me. I glance towards the kitchen and debate making myself a quick early dinner. I would save money by not binging on food at the bar… but then at the same time, I didn't have something quick and easy to make. Deciding to eat a quick banana to tide me over, I plop myself on the couch. I had about an hour and half before I had to get dressed for the bar, so I decided to catch up on my book that I had rented through the local library. It was Agatha Christie's Curtain. The librarian recommended it to me after seeing my inclination for murder-mysteries.

I kicked off my heels and snuggled into the couch, keeping an eye on the time. Soon enough, I had to get ready to go meet Caroline. Putting a bookmark in my novel, I pulled myself to my feet before making my way to my small bedroom. Peering into my closet, my eyes closed in on the black dress. It still had the tags on.

Caroline's words seemed to echo in the back of my mind.

"C'mon! Live a little!"

"Loosen up, you are so high strung!"

"Have some fun Sarah!"

Maybe I should have some fun. It's been so long since I've had a good time and let myself loosen up. Then again, that was for a good reason.

But if I wore the dress, Caroline might not make me go out for a while.

Might.

Giving into what Caroline wanted, I pulled the dress out of the closet, and quickly changed into the black dress, grabbing a pair of heels that I hoped went well enough. I took a glance in the mirror before deciding to put my hair down. As much as I felt uncomfortable in the dress, I had to admit Caroline had good taste. The fabric felt satiny and smooth. Seeing I had a few more minutes before I had to leave, I decided to throw on a red lipstick and fix up my day makeup. Taking one last glance in the mirror before I left, I decided I was decent enough.

Grabbing my bag and a warm coat, I locked my door behind me as I began the trek to Barry's Bar. Usually, I would call an Uber, but I decided that the walk wasn't too bad and besides, I would definitely be calling an Uber home.

Before I knew it, I had reached the bar. It wasn't a college town bar, but it was still a fun place to get "absolutely sloshed" as Caroline eloquently put it.

I walked in and made a bee-line for the bar, where Caroline was already sipping on a beer.

"Oh my God, Sarah! You look so hot!" Caroline said, giving me a hug. I laughed before glancing at her.

"Yeah, and you're one to talk… Look at you!" I said, gesturing to her. Caroline was the kind of girl who always lived life wildly. She was wearing a tight yellow dress with cutouts. Her dark skin was smooth and her natural hair was big, just like her personality. Caroline told me that she she had refused to straighten her hair once she turned 16, saying that she wanted to embrace her roots and her heritage.

"Get a drink! First round is on me!" she said sipping her beer. "And then… we dance!" I laughed at her antics before ordering a cider. I had never loved the taste of beer, and I could only stomach wine with meals, so ciders were my drink of choice.

"C'mon, let's go dance!" Caroline said, grabbing my hand and pulling me onto the dance floor. It wasn't terribly crowded, given that it was a Wednesday night, but there were plenty of people dancing and drinking.

I felt myself relaxing as I danced to the beat, feeling the affect of alcohol in my system. I glanced at Caroline who had been by my side minutes before, as she flirted with a man who had bought her a drink.

At least she warned me that she would go in for it.

I stiffened as I felt two hands on my waist.

"Hey baby," came a voice from behind me. I wrinkled my nose as I could smell the beer on his breath. He wouldn't remember this in the morning.

"You have exactly 10 seconds to remove your hands from my waist before I destroy any chance of you having kids," I said.

"What?"

"Ten…nine…eight…" I said, turning to face him.

"Geez! I got it lady!" He said walking away from me, murmuring something about "crazy bitches."

Typical.

I made my way to the bar, glancing at Caroline. She was definitely into this guy, so I wasn't going to interrupt.

"Can I get another cider?" I asked the bartender, "Thanks."

I sat at the bar, checking the time. Only 10:23PM. Great. No way Caroline would let me leave till 11PM at the earliest.

Sipping my cider, I surveyed the people at the bar. Most were 20s to 30s, with some older people eating at the booths on the other side of the bar. Some were in groups, others by themselves.

My vision closed in on the group drinking together, standing a table on the other side of the bar. One was dressed very formally while the others were more casual. I felt my eyes widen as I realized it was Hotch.

Not wanting to have another awkward interaction, especially when I was already out of my comfort zone, I whispered my goodbyes to Caroline and snuck out, calling my Uber, to get back to the comforting walls of my apartment.