Hedge Fund Harry looked from their hands to June to Ziggy, as if assessing this new development. “All right,” he said slowly, holding his hands up. “You’re taken. I don’t trespass on another man’s territory.”

June stiffened, and Ziggy said, “She’s not my terri—”

“You’re pretty, but I don’t date Asian chicks anymore.” Hedge Fund Harry was looking at Blaire. “Ever since my last girlfriend’s tiger mom destroyed our relationship. She was Korean.” He brayed a laugh.

“Somehow, I’m certain Asian women everywhere will survive this setback,” Blaire deadpanned, her face still an immovable mask.

Hedge Fund Harry’s eyes lit on Annika. “Well, hey there,” he said, flashing what he thought was a winsome smile, no doubt. “What’s your name?”

“I’m Indian American, which qualifies as Asian,” Annika said, taking a sip of water. Beside her, Hudson snorted.

“Indian is hardly Asian,” Hedge Fund Harry countered. “And anyway, I think we can make an exception this one time.…” His smarmy smile got bigger.

Hudson took half a step closer to him, putting himself between Annika and Hedge Fund Harry. “I think it’s very clear she’s not interested.” His lips were set in a firm line.

Hedge Fund Harry looked at him in annoyance, but realization dawned on his face a second later. “Hey.” He held out a hand. “You’re Hudson Craft. The Break Up guy.”

Hudson stared at his hand, pointedly not taking it. Then, turning to Ziggy, he said, “I guess I’ll—”

But Hedge Fund Harry wasn’t going to be thwarted so easily. “Bro, you have saved my ass so many times, I can’t even tell you. Ever since I downloaded your app, I feel like my life is mine again. I don’t have to deal with all those messy tears and all the shrieking when I’m breaking up with a chick anymore. You know how it is. Time is money.”

Hudson looked at him, his eyes cold. “That’s not the intent of Break Up. It’s supposed to be a way for a clean, easy break for both parties.” Hedge Fund Harry opened his mouth to say something, but Hudson cut him off smoothly. “Anyway, I’m taking a break from work at the moment. If you’ll excuse me.”

Hedge Fund Harry looked uncertain, as if he wasn’t used to people telling him to leave. “All right, bro. Take care.” Executing a one-handed, low-effort wave, he made his way to the bar, checking out every woman under fifty along the way.

They watched him leave in silence. June let out a noisy sigh. “Oh my god. Can you believe that guy?”

Hudson turned to Blaire. “Hey, are you okay? What he said about Asian women—”

Blaire waved him off. “Heard it all before. Dude wasn’t even original.” She met Annika’s eye. “Nice deflection, by the way.”