On the walk from the elevator to my apartment, I contemplate how to tell Sergio that this isn’t happening. I’m not inviting him in for a drink, and I’m certainly not sleeping with him. To be honest, I’m not even sure I’m going to grant him the obligatory “end of the date” kiss goodnight. It’s not that Sergio isn’t a good guy. He very well might be. But all he did throughout the entire dinner was ask me about things I like and then gush about how much he liked them, too. I highly doubt we really have that much in common. He’s only telling me what he thinks I want to hear. I don’t have time for a guy like that. One who will change the second he gets what he wants.

I already have my keys in hand by the time we reach my door. “You really didn’t have to walk me to my door,” I say, trying to smile politely.

“What kind of date would I be if I didn’t?” Sergio places one hand on the doorframe and leans casually against the wall. “Besides, it’s still early. Do you like movies and wine? I could run to the liquor store down the street and get us a bottle while you find a movie to put on.”

I’m already inserting the key into the lock and turning the doorknob. “Not tonight. Besides, I’m not much of a wine drinker.”

Sergio stands up straight. “Yeah, me neither. Most women like it, but I prefer...” He pauses—I’m sure waiting for me to tell him what I like so he can tell me how much he loves it, too.

I suppress a mental eye roll. “Look, Sergio, I’m tired.” Of this game he’s insisting on playing. “Thank you for dinner, but I’m going to call it a night.”

He steps toward me for a goodnight kiss, and I make the snap decision to give him a peck on the cheek before pushing the door open and rushing into the apartment. I shut and lock the door behind me as quickly as I can.

“You okay?” my roommate Sharonda asks, walking out of the kitchen with a steaming cup of tea. She dunks the tea bag a few times before taking a sip.

“Date from hell.”

Sharonda is lucky she has a great boyfriend. Devonte is gorgeous, sweet, and thinks the world of Sharonda. More importantly, he’s real. He doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not.

“What was wrong with this one?” she asks, walking into the living room and taking a seat on the end of the couch. I can’t help feeling like she’s purposely putting distance between us. And her movements are awkward, like the way she just tucked one hand under her leg.

But then again, maybe it’s me. I’m being overly judgmental after being out with Sergio. “Maybe I’m the problem,” I say, sitting down on the chair and propping my feet up on the glass coffee table. I was the reason David and I broke up after being together for only two weeks. He was great to me, and I’m sure he didn’t see the breakup coming. But he’s older than I am, and I kept getting the impression that he was looking to settle down. I’m not ready for that, and to be honest, I don’t think I’ll ever be. Marriage has never been in the equation for me.

“I’m sure you’re not. It’s tough to find the right guy, and when you do...” She takes another sip of tea without finishing her statement.

I narrow my eyes at her. Did something happen between her and Devonte? “Are you okay? You seem odd.”

“Look, Em. I don’t really know how to say this.” Sharonda puts her tea down on the coffee table and clasps her hands together, one on top of the other. Then she starts fidgeting with a ring on her finger. Her left ring finger.

My eyes widen, and I jump up and rush to her side. “Did Devonte propose?”

She holds her hand out for me to see, and I sink onto the cushion next to her. The ring is a single princess cut diamond. The stone isn’t huge by any standard, but it’s crystal clear. Devonte must have gotten the highest quality diamond available. It sparkles inside the Tiffany setting.

“This is sort of what I’m trying to tell you,” Sharonda says, her voice shaking.

“Why do you seem so nervous? This is a good thing, isn’t it?” I know she loves Devonte. They’ve been dating for four years now, and Sharonda doesn’t share my view on commitment.

She presses a hand to her stomach and lets out a deep breath.

“Oh God.” I raise my hand to my mouth. “Are you pregnant?” Did Devonte propose because he knocked her up?

“No.” She frantically shakes her head. “Nothing like that. I’m just sick with the idea of asking you this.”

Asking me what? To be in the wedding? I could see why she would be nervous to do that given I don’t believe in marriage.

She looks around the apartment. “I’ve loved being your roommate.”

She doesn’t have to continue because I know exactly where this is going. “Devonte is moving in here?” I nod in response to my own question. “Of course, he is. It makes sense. His apartment is too small for two people, and this was your place, not mine.” She offered me a room when I graduated college. I’d been friends with her younger sister, Sameerah, so when we both found ourselves in need of roommates to split the cost of rent, it made sense to live together.

“You know I love you. I don’t want you to think of it as me kicking you out. It’s just that Devonte and I are planning a fall wedding. October to be exact.”

“That soon?” October is only two months away.

She nods. “Devonte thinks it would be better if we lived on our own once we’re married, you know?”

So I don’t have to move out immediately. I have some time to look for a new place. I breathe easier at the thought.

“Of course, with all the wedding plans and the short amount of time to get things done, I was hoping you wouldn’t mind moving out sooner rather than later. My best friend, who is also going to be my maid of honor, is coming to visit and help with the plans. I figured it would be best to have her stay here so we can make the most of the time we have to get everything done.”

I swallow the lump in my throat. “How soon?”

“Next week.”

My shock must register on my face because Sharonda turns green.

“Oh, God. I’m so sorry, Emily. You must hate me.”

“No. I don’t hate you.” She just got engaged, and I don’t want to ruin what should be a happy time for her. I wrap my arms around her. “I’m happy for you. Really, I am.”

“I’ll help you find a new place. I promise.” She pulls away, and a tear slips down her cheek.

“Don’t cry, and don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’m an amazing roommate, after all.” I smirk, which makes her laugh.

“You are.” She squeezes my hands in hers. “Do you want me to help you put an ad in the paper?”

I laugh. “I work for a newspaper. I’m sure I can handle that.” Of course, the thought of moving in with a complete stranger doesn’t make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Somehow, the night I didn’t think could get much worse just did.