“Look”—I rest my elbows on the table and lean forward—“you and I are going to go to the party on Friday and have a great time. People will think we’re a great couple and it will be because you and I are friends. After? I’ll drop you off at home and you won’t have to worry about it again. Sound good?” He nods. “Okay. I can do it.” “Good. Now, finish your soup before it gets cold.”
