For a decade, you and Alex go on a week-long vacation together during summer, and you’ve been doing so since the two of you graduated from college. You’ve gone to New Orleans this year.

In a cozy little café, the two of you enjoy—no, savour!—your beignets with sighs of contentment with every bite. They’re delicious, and they pair perfectly with your coffee.

“Beignets on the house for the lovebirds!” The waitress announces to the table next to you, and you turn to see a couple, a man and a woman who look so very in love. Your coffee cup stops at your lips, you pause, and then you put it down.

You look at him with a smile, and his eyes widen.

“No, no!” He says as he chews on the bite he had just taken of his beignet, watching you. Despite his protests and shaking head, he has a small yet fond grin on his face.

You arrange yourself, so your biggest and flashiest ring is on your left ring finger, turning to the couple at the table beside you.

“Hey, what a coincidence!” You say as you smile widely, gesturing to your ring finger. “We just got hitched too!”

They congratulate you, you and he get your free beignets just like the couple had, and you couldn’t be happier.

It’s just a harmless white lie, right? It’s not like you’ll ever actually be a couple, you’re best friends and that’s all you’ll ever be.