Page 31 of Liam

I roll my eyes. “I don’t do that.”

Alex cocks an eyebrow. “Remember Olivia?”

“Shestarted talking about life goals,” I argue, “and I just mentioned that fiscal responsibility is a priority.”

Diego points the marker at me like it’s a weapon. “And that’s why you’re here, single, making a bet on dates like it’s the Super Bowl.”

They move into full-on role-play mode, Diego channeling his inner Sofia with such intensity that I wonder if he’s missed his calling as an actor.

He flutters his eyelashes at me. “So, Liam,” Diego-Sofia says in a high-pitched voice, “what’s your five-year plan?”

I cross my arms and deadpan, “Well, after we IPO?—”

“Wrong!” Alex bellows, slamming his fist on the coffee table as if he’s just hit a game show buzzer. “You say something cute, like ‘Hopefully still having dinner with you.’”

“I’m not a Hallmark movie, okay? I’m not going to spout off some line about sunsets and forever.”

Diego waves his hands. “No one’s asking you to turn into Mr. Romantic Hero. But for the love of all that’s holy, can you try not to sound like you’re negotiating a merger?”

Ryan, who’s been oddly quiet, leans forward with an almost smug grin. “I’m impressed you’re ready to go out with the same woman four times. Last I checked, you bail before date four like you’re dodging jury duty.”

I shoot him a pointed look. “And you’re giving me advice, Mr. ‘Still pining for my dad’s friend’s daughter?’ You know it’s never going to happen, right?”

Ryan doesn’t even flinch. “I’m playing the long game. You wouldn’t understand.”

“Yeah, the long game. Sure. You’re a case study for unrequited love. Maybeyoushould focus less on games and more on actual dating.”

Diego cuts in before Ryan can respond, scribbling on thepaper now. “Okay, so the key is to survive date four and ask her to the party.”

Ryan leans back, arms crossed, giving me a knowing smirk. “So, what’s your plan when Sofia asks about your family? You gonna fake a Wi-Fi outage, or just throw a smoke bomb and vanish?”

“Look,” I say, now pacing the room. “This isn’t some high-stakes mission. It’s four dates. I’ve got this. I’ll charm her, show her a great time, keep it light, and win the bet. End of story.”

Diego taps the marker against his chin. “For a guy who has a plan for everything, you sure seem to be winging it here.”

Alex claps me on the shoulder. “Just remember the golden rule: no business-speak, no bailing, and for the love of God—compliment her eyebrows.”

I freeze. “Eyebrows?”

Diego nods. “Women love it when you notice the little things. Eyebrows are the secret. Trust me.”

“Eyebrows,” I repeat. They can’t be serious. “I’m not going to talk about her eyebrows.”

I glance at the stick-figure diagram they’ve drawn, complete with arrows pointing to various absurd scenarios like surprise feelings, eyebrow compliments, and possible emotional meltdowns. My so-called “survival plan” looks like something out of a disaster-prep manual.

I stare at them all in disbelief. “This is what you’re giving me? Compliments on eyebrows and no acquisitions in Fiji?”

Alex throws up his hands. “Hey, if it works, you’ll be thanking us at the Halloween party.”

I shake my head, laughing despite myself. “You guys are ridiculous.”

“Ridiculously right,” Diego says, capping the marker with a smug grin.

As they continue throwing out their bizarre bits of wisdom, I glance at the time. “Alright, coaching time’s over. Out, all of you. I need to focus and get ready.”

“Focus,” Ryan repeats, laughing. “Yeah, right. Good luck with that.”

“Go!” I shoo them toward the door, practically pushing them out.