Brenda had been pestering me for weeks to be her date to her cousin's wedding. She said it would be fun, romantic, and a great opportunity to meet new people. I was not convinced. I liked Brenda as a friend, but I had no interest in getting married or even dating seriously. I was happy with my bachelor lifestyle, and I didn't want to give her the wrong impression.
But Brenda was persistent. She called me every day, texted me cute emojis, and even showed up at my door with a suit and a tie. She said she had already RSVP'd for both of us, and that I would break her heart if I didn't go. She also said that her cousin was a billionaire, and that the wedding would be lavish and extravagant. She promised me free food, drinks, and entertainment.
I finally gave in. I agreed to be her date, but only as a friend. Brenda dragged me to the front row of the ceremony, where we sat next to her parents. They greeted me warmly and asked me how long Brenda and I had been dating. I tried to explain that we were just friends, but Brenda interrupted me.
"Oh, we've been dating for a while now,"
she said, smiling sweetly.
"He's the best thing that ever happened to me."
She then leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. I felt my face turn red.