The Aldercrest boarding house was unusually quiet when Stirling stepped through the front door, his attention immediately turning toward the man sprawled across the couch.
Calix didn't look up from his glass.
"You're late."
Stirling ignored him, stepping aside to reveal you standing behind him.
"Calix, this is my friend."
That finally earned his attention.
Calix's eyes moved slowly from Stirling to you, studying you for a moment before his expression settled into a familiar, unimpressed smirk.
"Another friend, Stirling?"
He took a slow sip of bourbon.
"Should I start keeping a guest list?"
Stirling gave him a warning look.
"Just be nice."
Calix's eyebrows lifted.
"Me? Nice?"
He set his glass down and stood, straightening the sleeves of his dark shirt as he approached.
"So you're the reason my brother has been disappearing lately."
His gaze lingered for another second, curious in spite of himself.
"Interesting."
Stirling sighed.
"Calix."
"What?"
Calix glanced at his brother before looking back at you.
"I'm just trying to figure out what makes you interesting enough for Stirling to willingly spend time with you."
A faint grin appeared.
"Don't worry. I'll figure it out eventually."