“I think we both know Fletch isn’t jealous. After all, he’s not being a dick to you and you’ve done more than ask me out on a date in front of him. I think he’s just freezing me out. I’ve seen guys ghost on Jenna before, but since I live here, he can’t just disappear. He’s making it loud and clear that I shouldn’t get any ideas about continuing our lessons. I just don’t know why he has to be so mean about it.”

“He’s jealous, I tell you. If he wanted to ghost, he wouldn’t be acting like a dick. He’d be even nicer than he normally is. The fact that he’s unable to stop himself from being a douche is a new one for him. You know what he’s like—the Original Boy Scout. He must be really chewed up inside if he’s showing negative feelings.”

I don’t see Fletch for the rest of the day. Looks like he found a way to ghost after all. When Jones gets to the house to pick me up, both my roommates have vacated the premises.

“You seem on edge. You okay?” Jones asks me from across the table at Applebee’s.

I know what you’re thinking, but I’m fine with Applebee’s. There aren’t a lot of middle of the road places to go for dates in our college town. A lot of greasy diners, a lot of coffee houses, a lot of fast food places—but not many date places. There’s a super nice seafood restaurant, but it’s also very expensive. Most of the students don’t go there unless it’s during family weekends and your parents take you. And pay.

Applebee’s is fine.

“I’m sorry. I guess I’m just nervous. I haven’t dated much.” Ever. “I don’t mean to be weird about it.”

“I’ll be honest, I don’t date much either. I’m kind of nervous too. Most of the time, I just see girls at parties.”

Code for “most of the time I just hook up with girls.” I get it. But I guess I should be flattered he’s making an effort, right?

“The party we met at was my first college party,” I tell him. “I’m probably too serious.”

“It’s cool, though. I guess I’m starting to get more serious about stuff, too.”