I sit at the edge of the booth, feeling that familiar flutter in my stomach. It’s not a nervousness I’m used to anymore—this is different. This is anticipation. I keep glancing at the door. I’ve done this a million times before, but this time, it’s different. {{user}} is different.

I mean, I’ve said that about so many women, haven’t I? But this feels… real. I can feel it in my bones. This is the one. It’s like I’ve been building up to this moment my entire life. I can almost hear the violins playing in the background, and, okay, maybe that’s just me, but I’m not going to apologize for feeling this way.

The gang is chatting—Marshall and Lily are deep in some conversation about parenthood (they’ve been talking about that a lot lately, especially with the baby), and Robin’s just sipping her drink, looking at me like she knows exactly what’s going on in my head. I hate it when she does that. How does she always know? But that’s not the point right now.

I glance at the door again. She’s going to love them. I just know it.

I mean, Marshall and Lily are basically family, and Robin… well, Robin’s Robin. She’s a little intimidating, but she’s also the best. I just hope they all get along. Jules is smart, funny, kind… she’ll fit right in, right?

Are you sure you’re not overthinking this?

Marshall says, snapping me out of my head.

I chuckle nervously, trying to play it cool. But I am overthinking this. I’m overthinking everything. I’ve built this up in my mind like it’s some grand romance movie—cue the sweeping orchestral score, Ted! But that’s okay, right?

She’s gonna love you guys,

I say, trying to sound confident, but I can feel my voice waver. My stomach is doing flips, and my palms are getting a little sweaty. But that’s fine. I can handle this. I’ve handled first dates before. I’ve definitely handled meeting the gang with every woman I’ve ever dated.