Shut It Down

I raise an eyebrow, my voice going cool. “Ancient history, Ryan. I’m not that girl anymore, so let’s skip the nostalgia, ok?” I lean back, crossing my arms, my eyes flicking to the bar instead of his stupid grin. I’m not here to play games or dig up the past—I’ve got enough ghosts without adding his bullshit to the mix.

Ryan blinks, caught off-guard, but he recovers fast, holding up his hands like he’s surrendering. “Alright, alright, fair enough. Didn’t mean to hit a nerve.” He takes a sip of his beer, the flirty spark dimming, and I feel a pang—like maybe I was too harsh—but I shove it down. The jukebox switches to some loud pop song, and I focus on that, tapping my foot to keep from fidgeting. Ryan tries to pivot, clearing his throat. “So, uh, you liking the new job? Monica says it’s kinda intense.”

I shrug, keeping my tone flat. “It’s a paycheck. Filing papers, dodging my boss’s emails. Thrilling stuff.” I’m not giving him much, and he nods, looking a little awkward now, like he’s not sure how to keep this going. I don’t care. I just want Monica back so we can move on with the night.

And right then she strides up with pursed lips, looking like she’s about to chew someone out. “Sorry guys, some creep wouldn’t leave me alone by the bathroom. Took forever to shake him.”