Outside, the air was cold and the city lights shimmered on wet pavement. Instead of heading straight home, I found myself steering toward Erin’s apartment. She picked up on the second ring.
“Hey, you busy?” I asked.
“Don’t let this put you off dating, okay?”
“You sound weird. The date was that bad?”
“Not bad. Just… a story. Mind if I come up?”
Her voice softened. “Of course not! And I have ice cream.”
***
Ten minutes later, I was perched on a kitchen stool while Erin rummaged in her freezer.
“So, spill,” she said, shoving a pint and a bottle of chocolate sauce in my direction. “Did she look like her pictures or was this a catfish situation?”
“Yeah, she did. I actually thought it might be a good night at first.”
Erin handed me a bowl, loaded with chocolate and chopped strawberries. “You say that like there’s a ‘but’ the size of Texas coming.”
“Did she look like her pictures?”
I grinned and told her about the date.
Erin’s eyes narrowed. “You didn’t pay for her, did you?”
“Nope.” I took a spoon of ice cream, feeling the chill and relief at the same time. “But the waitress called her out. Apparently, Chloe pulls this stunt all the time.”
“Wait, really? She’s a serial lobster grifter?”
I snorted. “Something like that. Her card even declined. I’ve never been so grateful for an awkward silence.”
Erin shook her head, then nudged my arm. “I’m proud of you, Ev. You finally learned how to fix yourself first.”
“Apparently, Chloe pulls this stunt all the time.”
I smiled. “It’s weird. For the first time in a long time, I feel… respected. By me, at least.”
She clinked her spoon to mine. “That’s all that matters. Now finish your sundae.”
We both laughed, the kind that settles in your chest and makes the world a little less heavy.
I left Erin’s that night feeling lighter, knowing respect — especially my own — is never too much to ask.
“For the first time in a long time, I feel… respecte
