She noticed him sit across the table and reflexively smiled, then looked back to Arick next to her. He kept speaking, but she heard none of it. "Um, how's the food?" He cut into the middle of Arick's sentence, who quieted and looked at him. She closed her eyes and breathed deep.

"It's fine, Jerry," she said. She turned back to Arick, hoping Jerry would take the hint.

"Haven't seen you in a while." His eyes locked on hers, denying anyone else her attention.

"We're not together anymore, Jerry." She and Arick looked at each other helplessly.

"I remember," Jerry said. "I thought it was because you were gay." His unrelenting stare made her acutely aware of Arick beside her, his hand on hers.

"It was a bit more complicated—"

"Obviously," he said. "Or you wouldn't be here. With him."

Her eyes tightened. "Why are you being an asshole about this?"

"Because you lied to me! I thought that you needed—"

"No." Her tone stopped him dead. "Now I don't care. I'm not accountable to you. My sexuality isn't up for debate, and I never—" She shook her head. "I owe you nothing." They left him agape, watching them leave.