The bell above the door of The Java Jive jingled as Sophie and I stepped inside, the warm scent of coffee and freshly baked pastries immediately wrapping around us like a comforting hug. Normally, this place was my sanctuary-a cozy nook where we would catch up over lattes or grab a quick bite before heading to the movies. But today, despite the familiar warmth of the hanging lights and the soft clatter of dishes, the cozy ambiance felt almost suffocating.

It was lunchtime, and so this place was buzzing with its usual energy. Students sat hunched over their laptops, couples chatted quietly in booths, and the baristas hustled behind the counter, expertly making drinks while somehow remembering everyone's usual orders. The place should've been a refuge for me, a space to breathe and gather my thoughts, but my mind was still in turmoil.

Sophie had insisted we meet here to discuss what even I knew was a ridiculous plan. But despite the gnawing pit in my stomach telling me this was a terrible idea, I couldn't shake the need to see it through. I wasn't going to let Jake walk away with the happy ending while I was left picking up the pieces.

By the time we slid into our usual booth by the window, I felt the weight of the afternoon pressing down on me. I shoved my phone into my pocket, trying to ignore the unread messages and notifications that had been piling up since the morning. My birthday-the one day I was supposed to feel celebrated-had turned into a nightmare.

If Jake could move on and build a new life, then so could I-whether it was real or just for show. And that's exactly why we were here.

Sophie flashed me a sympathetic smile, her dark brown eyes twinkling with understanding. The lunchtime crowd bustled around us, but in our little corner, it felt like we had a moment to breathe. "Okay, so what's the plan?" she asked, settling in as if we were just two friends catching up over brunch, rather than plotting my ridiculous revenge scheme.

"I'm going to ask Jason," I said, fiddling with the edge of my napkin. I hadn't told Sophie this part yet, and her eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Jason? Our Jason? The one who works here?" She points around the café as if he might materialize out of thin air, her voice rising slightly in disbelief.

"Yeah, why not?" I shrugged, trying to sound casual, though my fingers were still anxiously twisting the napkin. "He's sweet, dependable, and... well, he's cute. It would be believable, right?"

Sophie gave me a confused look, leaning forward as she lowered her voice. "But Jake knows you two are good friends. I don't think that's gonna be easy for him to believe."

"Maybe he could buy the whole friends-to-lovers angle?" I suggested, though I could already feel doubt creeping in.

Sophie's lips curled into a smirk, her skepticism clear. "You're really going for the whole fake boyfriend thing, huh?"

I forced a laugh, my hands still fidgeting. "I have to," I muttered, not entirely sure whether I was trying to convince her or myself. "I can't just sit here while Jake's out there living his best life-with his fiancée and their baby on the way. I want him to see me happy. Like, really happy. Even if it's fake."

Sophie sighed, her expression softening as she studied me. "Em," she began carefully, "I get it. Believe me, I do. But don't you think this whole 'fake it till you make it' thing might... I don't know... backfire? What if Jason says no? Or worse-what if this whole plan just makes you feel worse in the end?"

I looked away, my gaze drifting toward the window. Outside, the gray clouds still hung low, mirroring the weight pressing down on my chest. "I know it's a long shot," I admitted quietly, "but I don't know what else to do. I can't just sit by and watch Jake get everything he wanted while I'm stuck here feeling... like this."

Sophie's hand found mine on the table, her thumb brushing over my knuckles. "Okay," she said softly. "Just... don't get your hopes up too high, alright? I don't want to see you get hurt."

I nodded, appreciating her concern but already set on my course. "I won't," I lied, though deep down, I knew my heart wasn't as guarded as I wanted it to be.

As we sat in this familiar comfort, surrounded by the hum of life carrying on as usual, I couldn't help but wonder if this plan would only lead to more hurt. But I'd made my decision. I couldn't back down now.

Right on cue, Jason emerged from the kitchen, balancing a tray in one hand and flashing his usual easy smile as he greeted the customers. His dark curls bounced with each step, and as he neared our table, his dark eyes lit up in recognition.

"Hey, birthday girl!" Jason grinned, placing the tray on a nearby stand before leaning in to give me a quick side-hug. His presence was as familiar and warm as ever-Jason had always been the bright spot in any room, a natural charmer with a permanent smile. We'd been friends for as long as I could remember, ever since high school when the three of us would hang out after class, making those teenage days a little brighter.

I smiled back, feeling a bit of the tension ease just from his upbeat energy. "Hey, Jason."

"What can I get for you ladies today?" he asked, his voice light and playful.

Sophie and I exchanged a glance, and I took a deep breath before replying. "Actually, Jason, we need to talk to you about something. Can you sit with us for a minute?"

Jason's brow furrowed slightly, his grin dimming just a bit. "Uh-oh, sounds serious."

Sophie let out a soft chuckle, leaning back in the booth. "Not that serious. More... Emma-level serious."

Jason smirked at that, fully aware of my tendency to overthink things. Without missing a beat, he slid into the booth next to Sophie, even though his apron and the bustling café around him suggested he was mid-shift. "Alright, hit me with it. What's going on?"

I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for how insane this was going to sound. "So... you saw Jake's recent post, right?" My voice trembled as the words tumbled out before I could second-guess myself.

Jason shook his head slowly, his expression shifting to one of concern. "No? What was it?"

I glanced at Sophie, who was watching me intently, then forced myself to continue. "He's engaged now. And they're... three months pregnant."

Jason's eyes widened in disbelief. "Three months? No way."

I sighed, rubbing my temples, trying to ease the tension building inside me. "Yup. And he posted it today. On my birthday."

"What a jerk. I'm really sorry, Emma. That's... that's tough." Jason's voice was filled with genuine sympathy.

"Yeah, it is," I said softly, my voice trembling slightly. "But that's not why I wanted to talk to you. I have this... idea, and I need your help."

Jason leaned forward, curiosity piqued. "What kind of idea?"

I took a deep breath, my heart racing as I revealed my plan. "I want Jake to think I've moved on. Like, really moved on. And I was thinking... maybe you could pretend to be my boyfriend. Just for a little while. It wouldn't be for long-just enough to get back at him."

Jason blinked, clearly taken aback. He opened his mouth to speak, then hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Uh, Emma... I really, really wish I could help you with this. But I'm kind of... seeing someone."

My heart sank. "Oh."

"Yeah," Jason continued, clearly struggling to find the right words. "She's... she's amazing. Super sweet, too. The kind of girl who wouldn't deserve to get caught up in something like this, you know?"

I looked down at the table, feeling the weight of disappointment settle on my shoulders. "Of course," I said quietly. "I didn't know..."

Jason reached out, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "Hey, I totally get it. If it were any other time, I'd be all in. But I really don't want to mess things up with her. I hope you understand."

I nodded, forcing a smile, though my chest felt tight. "Yeah, I get it. I'm happy for you, really."

Jason smiled warmly, but I could see the concern in his eyes. "Thanks, Em. I'm sure you'll find someone else to help. You've got friends who care about you."

Sophie, who had been quietly watching the exchange, cleared her throat. "Well, it's not like we have a ton of people to ask. Our friend group is pretty small, in case you haven't noticed."

Jason chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "True. But you're resourceful. You'll figure something out."

My mind raced, cycling through possibilities. But there weren't many. Jake had always been the center of my life, and now, with him gone, I felt like I was standing in an empty room with no one to turn to. Sophie was right-my friend circle was small, and there weren't a lot of people I could ask to pull off something like this.

Sophie, ever the optimist, leaned forward. "You don't need a fake boyfriend to prove anything to Jake. He's not worth it, Emma. You deserve to find real love, not play games with him."

"I know," I replied quietly, though deep down, the idea of letting Jake off the hook so easily gnawed at me. He needed to know what it felt like-how much I had suffered. How much he had ruined me.

"I just... I don't know what to do," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "Jake's happy, and I can't stand it. Not after everything he put me through."

Jason, clearly sensing the tension, offered a half-smile. "Look, I know it feels like he's winning right now, but trust me, Emma, you deserve better than some fake revenge plot. You deserve to find someone who's actually good for you."

I didn't respond. I couldn't. The truth was, Jason's words, as kind as they were, did nothing to ease the ache in my chest. The need for revenge, for some kind of justice, was too strong. It simmered beneath the surface, urging me to act.

Jason sighed and glanced over his shoulder, as if sensing his time with us was running out. "Anyway, I have to get back to work. But hey, how about you come by tonight?"

I blinked, my mind racing. "Tonight?"

"Yeah. It's friday night, which means Java Jive becomes a club. The place turns into a party by 7. You should come, have some fun. You too, Sophie. Maybe meet some guys, let loose a little. After the day you've had, you deserve a good time."

Sophie looked around the room, feigning disbelief. "This place?" she said, pointing around with a chuckle. "Turns into a club?"

Jason laughed. "Not necessarily. The club is actually next door, but it's in the same building and owned by the same guy. It's a real vibe."

Sophie perked up at the idea, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "That could be fun, Emma! We haven't gone out in ages."

But I hesitated, doubts swirling in my mind. "I don't know..."

Jason grinned, clearly trying to lighten the mood. "Come on, Emma. It's your birthday. You should be enjoying it, not plotting world domination. Plus, you might meet someone who's actually worth your time."

Sophie leaned in with a sly smile. "And hey, if nothing else, I can try to find a hookup. It's a win-win."

Jason opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, a tall figure with dark hair appeared at our table. The man's presence filled the space immediately, commanding attention. I couldn't help but glance up at him. He was tall-towering, even-with a jawline that could cut glass and eyes that seemed to pierce through the bustling chaos of the restaurant. My breath caught in my throat. He was good-looking-really good-looking.

"Jason, you slacking off again?" he said with a teasing grin, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

Jason rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I'm getting back to work. Just catching up with my friends."

He gave us both a quick glance before looking back towards Jason.

"Well, you've got tables waiting. Get back to work." His tone was playful yet demanding, and I could see the camaraderie between the two.

Jason jokingly saluted him. "Right away, Mr. Boss Man."

He flashed us an apologetic grin as he stood up. "Duty calls. But hey, I'll see you both tonight, right? Seven o'clock?"

I barely managed a nod as he and his co-worker disappeared back into the kitchen.

"Goodness, I had no idea there were men that still looked like that in New York. That man is some fine-ass man candy," Sophie says as she grins, staring after them.

I snap my finger at her, "focus Sophie."

"My bad," she says with a giggle.

I groaned, resting my elbows on the table. "Sophie, I don't want to go to some party and pretend like everything's fine."

"You don't have to pretend," she replied, her tone softening. "You just need to have fun. And besides, I'm not passing up a chance to scope out some guys." She leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "Come on, Emma, you need this. Plus, I know something that'll cheer you up."

I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh yeah? What's that?"

"Shopping, obviously! If we're going to this party tonight, we need new outfits."

I groaned but couldn't help smiling. "You're relentless."

"And you love me for it. Now, let's go find something to wear that'll make Jake regret everything." She winked, her enthusiasm infectious.

Despite everything, I felt a warmth spreading in my chest. Sophie always knew how to pull me out of my funk, even if it was only for a moment. Maybe a night out and a little shopping spree would help. After all, if Jake could move on, maybe it was time I started to as well-if only to show him that he wasn't the only one capable of happiness.