The plus one problem

1

If bad decisions had a ranking system, agreeing to dinner with my ex-boyfriend would probably make the top five.

Right up there with:
1. Entering the eighth-grade talent show despite having zero rhythm.
2. Drinking an expired protein shake before my college midterm.
3. Fake dating Weston Hale.

But here I am—seated in a low-lit Italian restaurant, across from Ethan Montgomery, trying to act like this isn't the worst idea I've ever had.

"This is nice," Ethan says, smiling. "It's good to see you."

I nod, forcing a smile. "Yeah. It is."

Which isn't a total lie.

Ethan was a big part of my life for a long time. We were together for two years before things... fizzled. It wasn't a dramatic breakup—no screaming, no betrayal.

Just two people who weren't on the same page anymore.

But sitting across from him now, I feel... weird.

Not because of Ethan.

Because of Weston.

Because no matter how hard I try to push it away, he's still in my head.

Which is ridiculous.

I am literally on a date with my ex.

I should be focused.

But instead?

Instead, I'm thinking about a certain smug, annoying fake boyfriend and how he'd probably lose his mind if he knew where I was right now.

"So," Ethan says, setting his glass down. "You and Weston. That's... unexpected."

I freeze.

"Unexpected?" I repeat.

He chuckles. "I mean, yeah. You guys used to fight all the time."

I clear my throat. "Things change."

He hums, watching me too closely.

"How long have you two been together?"

I sip my wine, stalling. "A few months."

He raises a brow. "Really."

I nod, ignoring the way my stomach twists.

Ethan leans forward, elbows on the table. "Can I ask you something?"

"Uh. Sure."

He hesitates. "Is it real?"

I blink. Hard.

"What?"

"I mean..." He shrugs. "You and Weston. Are you actually together? Or is this some kind of... PR thing?"

I stare at him.

Because, holy shit.

Does he know?

No. No, that's impossible.

"Why would you think that?" I ask, keeping my tone light.

Ethan watches me for a second before sighing. "I don't know. You just... you don't seem like you."

"And also I looked him up online and saw the things that were being said about him and his past..relations"

I grip my napkin, forcing a laugh. "And what does that mean?"