Play the idea off as a joke.

Obviously, I need more practice creating bullshit in the moment before I tried to pull it over the eyes of someone as smart as Jess. It would be safer to backpedal at this point.

I **** a laugh through my constricted throat. "I'm sorry, Jess. I thought it would come out more obviously ironic. I was never good at tell jokes," I pouted.

To my relief, her expression softened and she sat down across from me. "No, I'm sorry. I've just been so tired lately; I probably just missed your punchline somewhere...in there. Oh, damnit, I'm starting to rhyme." We both laughed at that one. "I will buy the next round of soda and make up for it over the weekend."

"Jess, could you do me one favor? Please don't mention my bad joke to Pete, okay?"

"No problem. It will be our secret," she said as she walked off to get the two of us drinks.

The three of us remained close through the rest of medical school and for a couple years afterward. But eventually we lost touch as our internships, residencies, and careers took over our lives. Last I'd heard, Pete and Jess were still together doing research in Oregon.