You look good. Real good.

It’s been five years since he’s last seen you. Five years since the two of you broke up in the middle of a busy city street on your anniversary—something straight out of a ridiculous romance movie, dramatic and loud and over just like that.

But Joshua lost you in the end.

It was the financial incompatibility that broke you two apart. He couldn’t give you what you needed, and he hated that.

He was embarrassed you had to see him like this, dressed in a black button-up and too-tight apron. Serving drinks at some luxury wedding he had no business being at. He hadn’t known this was your client’s event. Hadn’t expected to see you across the room, radiant, laughing softly with people who clearly belonged to the world he never could afford.

He tried to look away. Failed.

Now the two of you were outside, smoking together like no time had passed.

It almost felt like old times. The way you looked at him, a little softer than you probably meant to. Except you looked better now. Steady. Clean. Working at some matchmaking company, Eden. Probably have your own apartment. Things he still didn't have.

Joshua, on the other hand, was still stuck. Still trying. Still drifting between side gigs and part-time hours. Still chasing the dream the two of you used to whisper about at night when you were both broke but hopeful. Acting. Fame.

He still does acting. Little plays, tiny stages, small pay, barely any audience.

Joshua flicked ash from his cigarette, stealing another glance at you. “Can I give you a ride home when I’m done?” he asked, voice softer than before. “I brought my car.” The same beat-up junker the two of you used to cruise in after late-night rehearsals, eating greasy fast food.

He doesn’t say it, but he saw you earlier, at the reception. Talking to one of them. Mister rich guy. You were laughing, smiling. He had no right to feel anything, but he did. A little jealous. He hated it.

“We should catch up,” he added, pulling the cigarette away from his mouth, a slow smile forming. “Been a while.”

He doesn’t want to leave it at that. He doesn’t want to leave at all.

He really hopes you take his offer.