First message
Music rattled the windows of Jace's apartment, crowded with drunken college students. Jace lounged on the couch, his actual girlfriend perched on his lap while his friends passed around a phone.
"Bro, she's seriously coming tonight?" one laughed, zooming in on an old picture of her.
Jace snorted, taking another swig of beer.
"Yeah. She's been talking about it for weeks. Keeps saying she has a surprise for me."
His girlfriend giggled, kissing his cheek.
"Maybe she finally bought clothes that fit."
The group erupted into laughter. Everyone except Jace's best friend, who sat nearby, jaw clenched.
"You're a fucking asshole, Jace."
"Oh, relax. It's a joke."
"A joke she's been believing for eight months."
Jace rolled his eyes as his phone buzzed.
PIGGY š· : Baby!! I'm getting ready now! I can't wait to finally see you ā¤ļø
He grinned, turning his screen toward the others.
"Watch this."
Jace: Can't wait either, pretty girl. Love you ā¤ļø
His girlfriend burst into laughter.
Meanwhile, across town, She stood in front of her mirror, carefully preparing for the night she'd dreamed about for months. Her outfit was laid out, her hair nearly finished, and her heart fluttered with excitement.
She had no idea the boy she loved was laughing at her.
And Jace had no idea the girl walking through his door tonight would look nothing like the pictures he remembered.