I manage a polite smile, uncertain how to respond without encouraging him. My ex didn’t really have a prayer of getting back together with me even before Declan came into the picture, but now that the one-night-stand who rocked my entire world is living in Denver, Aaron truly doesn’t stand a chance. I know I’m going to have to tell him that eventually, and that I’m going to have to risk my parents’ disapproval when I do, but I don’t know how I’m going to do it.

It’s not fair to string him along, but tonight isn’t the right time for that conversation. I owe him more than a public rejection.

“I’ve heard the salmon here is to die for,” Aaron says, pointing at an item on my menu as he picks up his.

The knot in my stomach was already making it hard to think about food, and somehow I don’t think introducing fish into the mix is going to lead to good results, so I scrunch my nose. “I think I want something a little more neutral.”

“The rosemary chicken is also highly recommended.”

“Good to know.”

Several moments of silence pass between us, punctuated by laughter and noise from the tables around us as we examine the menus. But with every second that stretches on, I feel more and more anxious for this night to be over. I don’t know what else Aaron has planned for the evening, but if I know him half as well as I think, I’m sure he’s got some sort of surprise in store for me that he thinks will woo me right back into his arms.

“So how’s school going?” he asks, clearly trying to keep the conversation flowing.

“Not too bad. I had a big test not too long ago that I think I passed. I still haven’t gotten my grade for it yet, so I’m not sure.”

“That sounds like the situation I’m dealing with at the firm with this partnership they keep dangling over my head. They still haven’t offered me a partner slot yet, can you believe that?” he asks, scoffing incredulously.

I open my mouth and then close it again, because it feels like he wasn’t even listening to me. He was just waiting for me to finish so he could talk. Some things about Aaron haven’t changed—he’s still so focused on his own path that he can’t see anyone else’s.

He rests back in his chair with the menu folded out in front of him. “I think I’m going to really, seriously start looking for a new job. I’m sick of this back-and-forth, will-they-won’t-they shit.”

The waitress arrives to introduce herself and take our drink orders, and I’m grateful for the interruption.