“No, sure, I get it,” I say. I keep my voice friendly even though a sliver inside me is falling to pieces. I even manage a smile for Julie.

“And you’re here with?” Mark tries to look past me and I turn to see Ryan at our little table, watching our exchange with mild curiosity.

Then I remember I’m standing here because of a dare. Ryan’s dare. The idea of making Mark jealous does suddenly feel more tempting, but as I notice Ryan’s coolly overconfident gaze from across the room, I remember my original plan.

“I’m actually on a first date with that guy over there.”

I step aside to reveal Ryan sitting in all his blue jeans and button-down glory. If you do have to run into an ex and his fresh-faced lady friend, it’s helpful to be in the company of another ex who’s taller and emits a small but distinguishable cowboy vibe.

“Oh,” Mark says. “And how’s that going?”

I look over my shoulder again and Ryan gives me a flirty chin raise. He really thinks he’s helping me out. I turn back to Mark with a sigh.

“To be honest, not well. I knew him in college and he’s been borderline stalking me ever since. I only agreed to go out with him in the hopes that it would tone down his fascination. It was either that or get a restraining order.”

Mark’s nervous gaze moves from me to Ryan. “Really? Are you sure you should be alone with him then?”

“It’s fine. His passion for me is a little concerning but deep down, he’s harmless. We’ll have to get going soon anyways. He has digestion issues and if he doesn’t get to a very secluded bathroom ten minutes after he eats, things get dicey real quick.”

I turn to give Ryan a wave and he stands up a moment later. I swing back to Mark and Julie, who are exchanging a look.

“Here he comes,” I say grimly. “We must be nearing the ten-minute mark.”

Ryan is now walking over, closing the distance between us with his inherent swagger. I know he’s thinking he somehow won. I can’t help myself from saying one last thing to Mark and Julie.

“By the way, try not to stare at his glass eye. It doesn’t fit right so it rolls around a bit and he’s really insecure about it. He’s getting fitted for a new one tomorrow.”

Just then, Ryan arrives at my side and wraps his arm around my waist.

“Hey,” he whispers close to my ear.

“Hello there,” I answer with an angelic smile. “Let me introduce you to my friends. Ryan, this is Mark and Julie.”