“But how did I get in the friend zone? I don’t want to be in the friend zone.”

“You missed a pass,” Max said.

“I don’t know. Do you think men and women can just be friends?” Eve asked. The smell of waffles wafted over to their table as a waitress passed with a tray full of plates of freshly-baked waffles and strawberries.

“Of course, they can. We’re all friends,” Max said, leaning back.

“Well, yes, but he already has lots of female friends based on the number at his party,” Eve said.

“I hope he holds another party soon so I can meet all the female friends,” Max said. “Audrey’s cooking him dinner—so Jake gets food and companionship.”

“I thought women wanted companionship and men wanted sex.” Eve nodded thanks to the waiter as he poured her coffee.

“Men like companionship—especially if it comes with food. Data shows men live longer if they’re married,” Max said.

“Hello! Hello!! I am still here!” Audrey waved her hands, sitting up straighter in the plush booth.

“And so you are …” Max sipped his coffee.

“I seem to be in the friend zone with both Tim and Jake. With Tim, I can understand—we work together, but why Jake too?” Audrey asked. “Let’s get back to the crucial question: how do I get out of the friend zone?”

“Answer the door in a negligee.” Max raised an eyebrow suggestively.

“Are you serious?” Audrey asked.

“Right now, you’re like Mother Theresa/Julia Child—you’ve got to get his mind in the gutter.”

“But he knows I wear sweats to bed.”

“Good God, why are you doing that? And how does he know?” Max asked.

“He popped by once in the morning to borrow some milk.”

“Late at night, and I would say there’s where you missed the pass …” Max said. “Well, start wearing lingerie in case he comes by again. Or at least dress up.”

Eve stirred her coffee thoughtfully. “Or you could try to make him jealous with Preppy Boy.”

“Do we like him more than Preppy Boy?” Max asked.

“Definitely. Preppy Boy is a bit boring—and I don’t trust him because they’re both up for partner,” Eve said.

“And you, Audrey, who do you like more?” Max asked.

“Jake,” Audrey said without hesitation. “But I’ve had a crush on Tim for so long. And maybe Jake’s not even interested. Maybe I’m just not in his league.”

“Please, just stop that,” Eve said. “If he doesn’t make a move soon, he’s not in your league. Because he’s an idiot not to realize how good you are.”

“Maybe he thinks I’m a workaholic and he doesn’t want to date someone like that, so that’s why he hesitates,” Audrey said.

Max and Eve looked at each other. “You are a workaholic.”