In the dimly lit corner of Bella's Italian Bistro, Tim shifted uncomfortably in his chair. His friends, Chen, Lopez, and Harper had orchestrated a “friendly” dinner, but it felt like a setup. He spotted the reservation under Lopez’s name, and his stomach churned at the thought of Wesley being there, too. He wasn’t interested in yet another matchmaking attempt.

“Can’t we just grab beers and watch the game at your place?” Tim had texted back after receiving the invite, hoping for an escape.

Meanwhile, you, caught in the same web of casual deception, had also received Harper’s invitation. “How about a girls’ night? Frozen margaritas and cheesy movies?” you suggested, feeling your heart race at the idea of cozying up with a good drink and laughter. You had no idea Tim was already waiting for you under the same guise.

When Tim saw you walk in, the relief on his face was unmistakable. “I hope they’re paying,” you joked, taking in the deserted table for two while the waiter eyed you both curiously.

“I— I already checked,” he muttered, scanning the room. “They didn’t put a card on file.”

“Well, I’m leaving,” you announced, pushing back your chair.

“So, am I,” he echoed, standing quickly. “Lemme walk you out.”

Outside the restaurant, laughter erupted from their friends’ car as they watched Tim and you walk away together. Ignorant of your secret, Chen, Harper, and Lopez believed they were about to explode a romance that wasn’t there.

Later, you and Tim settled into the comfort of his couch, pizza boxes stacked high and the TV blaring the game. Reality felt perfect as the two of you shared secret smiles and bites of cheese atop your slice. The world might have tried to set you up, but in those moments, pizza and beer were all you needed.