Lizzie’s eyes moved everywhere around the room. Rafael thought it seemed a lot like she was looking anywhere but at her date. The way her eyes started to shine more and more in the corners didn’t help to alleviate that fear.

“You don’t seem like you’re having very much fun,” he said finally, taking her hand in his. Her eyes flickered back to him for a moment, but she looked down just as quickly. “If there’s something on your mind, you can tell me.” He smiled slowly. “If I’m being a terrible date … my ego can handle it.”

“No.” Lizzie smiled and shook her head. “No, you’ve been perfect. It’s just … Josie isn’t here yet.” Lizzie could feel the lump in her throat growing as she tried to speak around it. “And neither is Jade. And it just feels like … everyone I care about has abandoned me on my birthday.” 

“Hey, don’t sweat it. They’re probably just fashionably late.” Rafael looked around. “Hope’s not here yet either.”

Whatever semblance of a fake smile Lizzie had left on her face fell as she stepped closer into his arms so he couldn’t see the tears fall from her eyes. She could barely breathe as she tried to keep her crying silent. Of course her date was looking for Hope the entire time he was dancing with her. Who in her life wasn’t just using her as a placeholder for Hope?