“Thanks, Hen,” Neil says when we’re alone again. “I’m freaking the hell out. Me, a married man. Did you ever think you’d see the day?”

I didn’t. Neil’s a great guy; arrogant at times and occasionally crass, sure. Being with Rebecca has mellowed him out, though. Gone are the late nights, closing down the bar with giggling girls draped on our arms. Now he picks couples game nights over getting hammered and throws around words like babies and registries as frequently as his own name.

“Here we go,” the waitress says, reappearing with two glasses. She slides them on the table, leaving a folded piece of paper under the one she scoots my way.

“To love!” Neil announces, raising the clear liquid in the air. I mimic him, knocking the drink against his and throwing back the liquid.

“The guys will be bummed they’re missing out on the news.”

“There’s no news. I haven’t done it yet. I was in the kitchen, cleaning the dishes, and it hit me. I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I called you before I could start freaking out. We’ll have a full meeting with everyone to sort through ring options.”

“Lovely,” I groan. “I can’t wait.”

“Hold back the enthusiasm, please,” he draws out. “Are you going to do anything with that piece of paper?”

I unfold the note, seeing the waitress’ name scrawled on the torn paper. Lexi. With a little heart above the i.

“I don’t know. Yes? No? Maybe?”

“You’re turning down a woman. Are you ill?”

“I’ve turned down plenty of women. Last night. Saturday night. Do you want me to keep going?”

“Whoa. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine,” I assure him, lying through my teeth.

I don’t have time to add anything else, to share the truth about what’s been plaguing me, because now my phone is lighting up and I snatch it off the table greedily, pulling up my messages.

RB: What are you up to tonight?

I bite back the grin brought on by seeing her name.

JD: Hey. I’m out with a buddy right now. He just told me he’s going to propose to his girlfriend.

RB: That’s exciting! Congratulations to him!

JD: Want me to pass along the message?

RB: Eek! No! Don’t do that!

RB: Unless he already knows about me…?

JD: No, he doesn’t. I’m not ready to share you with my friends yet.

JD: Wow. Pretend that didn’t sound incredibly possessive. You know what I mean.

RB: Why not?

RB: Sorry, that was accusatory. I’m just curious.

JD: I’m not sure. They’ve all done questionable shit in their lives, so there’s no room for judgment.

JD: They’re going to tease me mercilessly. I’m enjoying keeping this easy right now.

RB: That makes sense.