We arrived at the fancy restaurant and sat at our table. "I'm a bundle of nerves,Barb." I admitted, fidgeting with the hem of my dress. 

Barb reassured me. "Ang, you'll be fine. Trust me. Relax and have a good time."She squeezed my shoulder. "He's here now."

I breathed deeply, calming myself down as a man approached our table.

"Richie this is my dear friend Ang. Ang, this is my boyfriend Richard." Barbara introduced us and gave Richard a kiss on the lips. 

We shook hands and Richard sat down next to Barb. 

"Uh Ang, I feel a it awkward tellin' ya this, but yer date ended up getting his tonsils out. I'm awfully sorry."Richie sincerely apologized.

I waved my hand dismissively, trying not to sound too upset. " No problem. Unavoidable things happen."

"So Ang tell me more about yourself? Barbara mentioned a bit about you. You have a daughter, right?" Richie asked, making polite conversation.

I sipped my wine. " Yep. I have a 10 year old little girl, Faith." I beamed. "She's the light of my life!"

"That's wonderful. Have a daughter meself. Lee is her name and she's 7 years old."

"Rich also has 2 boys, Zak and Jason. All 3 of them are great kids!" Barbara gushed, lacing her fingers with Richie's. I Felt jealousy build up inside my veins. 

Busily I kept my head in the menu as I overheard Barbara whisper to Richie, "Isn't that Paul and Linda?"

My ears perked up at PAUL. Shit, they are both walking towards our table! Fucking great!

"Paul, Linda nice to see you both here. Won't you join us?" Richie gestured for them to sit down. 

They accepted. Paul sat next to me and Linda on the other side of him. 

"Paul, Linda, this is my dear friend Angel." I shook Linda's hand first. She smiled politely. Next came Paul. He had a curious look plastered all over his face. Like he KNEW me from somewhere...

"Excuse me, Angel, but you seem vaguely familiar. I feel I've met you somewhere long ago." Paul chimed in. His face contorted.

I bit my bottom lip, "I don't know where from, Paul." I shrugged my shoulders. "Excuse me, I need to use the ladies' room." And I bolted to the bathroom.