He Said Someone Like Him Would Never Date Me — So I Made Sure He Never Would

The ones who always greeted me like I was temporary. Two women were there too, perched on bar stools, glossy hair, perfect smiles. One I recognized immediately: Tessa. Derek’s ex-girlfriend.

My stomach tightened in a way that didn’t feel like jealousy. It felt like instinct—like my body recognized danger before my mind could translate it.

Derek’s friends continue reading …