When Jake agreed to help his shy best friend with a first date, he never expected to become part of the story. But a secret note slipped into his jacket by the girl changes everything—leaving him between loyalty and the chance at something more.
That evening, the restaurant buzzed with the usual clinking of glasses and low chatter.
I leaned against the bar, exchanging small talk with Irene as she methodically polished a row of wine glasses.
The warm light reflected off the glassware, casting tiny rainbows onto the counter.
“You’re awfully jittery tonight,” Irene remarked, pausing mid-polish. Her sharp eyes caught me glancing toward the door again.
“What’s got you all wound up? Waiting for someone?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
I hesitated before answering. “Kind of. My friend Neil’s coming by. But, uh… it’s not me he’s here to see.”