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obliterated everything it came in contact with, including my desire to do, well—anything.
    “You’re in a rut. You’ve got to force yourself to get out there. You’ll feel better, eventually.”
    “I’m going to look for jobs. You can text me his number.”
    Exhaustion settled in my limbs, but I forced myself to walk to my room and sit down in front of my computer. I spent an hour browsing the graphic designer jobs I found on LinkedIn and shot my resume to a few of them. It really wasn’t the end of the world, but I never felt as unsatisfied with my life as I did then.
    * * *
    I chewed my lip as I searched the small, Ethiopian restaurant for Charlie. Having no idea what he looked like, my heart kept a frightening tempo behind my ribs. What if he’s ugly? Or boring?
    There was still the old standby in case things got unbearable, the transparent ‘my friend has a crisis and I must leave immediately’ routine. Jessica promised to call me with an “emergency” if I gave the go ahead.
    The aroma from all the food was mouth-watering. Steam swirled into the air from hot plates like calligraphy and the ceiling held sweeping, colorful drapes of cloth. This feels more like a richly decorated tent than a restaurant.
    “Excuse me, are you Natalie?”
    A slightly chubby man extended his hand and I took it, instantly detached. He was nice looking. Brown hair and eyes. Unremarkable.
    “Yes, it’s nice to meet you.”
    “Thanks for suggesting this. I don’t really eat out often.”
    We sat at a cramped table and I hid behind the menu. Already knowing that this wasn’t going to work out, I decided that I was just going to enjoy a pleasant evening. You spoke to him for three seconds and you’ve already written him off?
    “What do you do?”
    The boring, stilted conversation of all first dates started forward on trembling legs. I could feel myself pulling back with every word. Drawing answers from him was like pulling teeth—it was as if he expected me to talk for the entire time.
    The tall, thin waitress appeared at my elbow and I ordered the lamb and an Ethiopian beer. Without the menu, there was no distraction. We looked at each other for a few brief seconds, then my gaze wandered over the artwork on the walls.
    A door opening brought in a blast of cold air and my teeth chattered. An insolent voice talked to the hostess, and I dragged my attention back towards Charlie.
    “What kind of movies do you like?”
    “Um—”
    A man walked along our table and stood in front of us. I waited for him to leave, perhaps he was only getting out of the way of a waitress, but he stood there. I glanced up his torso and jumped.
    It was Will.
    This time, he was dressed in a black wool sweater and dark jeans, his hair groomed back. It was amazing how handsome he looked when he put in a little effort. He gave me a pleasant smile and then looked down at Charlie with an indiscernible expression on his face. He threw down a small pile of hundred dollar bills. My eyes widened.
    “Clear off,” he barked at Charlie.
    Charlie looked vaguely offended. “What?”
    He blew air impatiently. “Just take the money and leave. Now.”
    My heart pounded as Charlie fingered the one hundred dollar bills. There were five hundred dollars there. Would he take the bribe? I would. His muddy eyes slid towards mine guiltily and I pressed my lips into a firm line.
    “Sorry.” He gathered them in his fist and stood up to leave.
    Don’t be. I was getting bored anyways.
    The dark-haired man smirked triumphantly as Charlie swept from the table. He reached out and pulled the chair back and took the other man’s place. He smiled at me as if this was the most normal thing in the world. He just threw almost my month’s rent at my date to get him to leave the table. Is this a rich people thing?
    I couldn’t believe the fucking gall of this guy.
    “You can’t just—how did you even find me?”
    He rolled his eyes at me. “Oh, please. I did you a favor. Both