Stacey had sold the double date as a "fun bonding experience," but Betty knew better. She could feel the tension simmering before they even got to the restaurant. Between Marcus’s sharp wit and Brent’s cool confidence, it was bound to be a powder keg waiting for a spark.
They all arrived at a cozy little diner Stacey had picked—a place with vinyl booths and warm lighting that didn’t scream "date night" but still felt intimate enough for conversation. Betty slid into a booth next to Marcus, who lounged back with his typical air of nonchalance, while Brent and Stacey settled in across from them.
"So, team captain," Marcus said, his tone dry as he leaned an elbow on the table. "Must be nice to finally be in charge of something."
Brent’s smirk was immediate, his eyes glinting with amusement. "And you? Still running away from commitments, or is quitting your full-time job now?"
"At least I know when to walk away," Marcus shot back.
"Maybe you should walk away right now.".
Stacey clapped her hands suddenly, her cheerful voice cutting through the thick air. "Okay, boys. Enough posturing. Let’s not make this awkward for everyone."
Betty gave Stacey a grateful look, but her own annoyance was bubbling up. "Seriously," she glared at both of them. "Are we five?"
Marcus raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fine. I’m done."
Brent leaned back. "So am I."
The conversation drifted to safer topics after that—classes, campus events, and even the ridiculous mascot dance at the last basketball game. The tension began to ease. By the time dessert arrived, the mood had lightened considerably.
"Okay," Stacey said, grinning as she raised her water glass. "To not killing each other tonight. I’d say that’s progress."
Betty smiled, clinking her glass against Stacey’s. "I’ll drink to that."
Marcus raised his glass with a smirk. "Barely."
Brent rolled his eyes but clinked glasses anyway, his grin returning. "Guess there’s hope for us after all."