Chapter 1: The Wrong Picnic

Mike flopped onto the couch, phone in hand, while Jessy hovered beside him, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

“Okay, Mike, I’ve found the perfect girl for you!” she announced, practically bouncing with excitement.

Mike raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “And her name is…?”

“Emily,” Jessy said with a grin. “She loves hiking, pizza, and The Office.”

Mike chuckled. “Sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?”

“No catch! Just one date, for me?” Jessy pleaded, giving him her best puppy-dog look.

Mike sighed, though a smile tugged at his lips. “Fine. But if it’s a disaster, I’m blaming you.”

The coffee shop date went smoothly. Emily laughed at Mike’s corny jokes, complimented his terrible puns, and even suggested sharing a dessert, which Mike gladly accepted. For once, Jessy’s matchmaking didn’t backfire.

Back at the apartment that night, Mike recounted every detail, practically bouncing with excitement.

“I knew you two would click!” Jessy said, grinning.

“We’re going on another date tomorrow,” Mike said, his eyes shining.

Jessy’s grin widened. “What’s the plan?”

Mike froze. “Uh… I… have nothing planned.”

“You should go for a picnic,” Jessy suggested with a wink.

Mike laughed. “What would I do without you?”

“Exactly. Nothing. That’s why I’m your best friend, don’t you think?”

Mike chuckled, shaking his head. “Don’t let it get to your head.”

The next day, Mike led Emily to the park, a place he and Jessy often visited. His heart was light until Emily froze in place and stared around, disbelief written across her face.

“Hi, Emily,” Mike said nervously.

Emily’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Hi, Mike. Why would you bring me here?”

Mike frowned. “It’s my favourite spot. I usually come here with Jessy.”

Emily’s face darkened. “There is no way I’m staying here for another second.”

Mike blinked, stunned. “Wait… what? I thought you’d like it. I mean, it’s beautiful.”

“This place reeks of nostalgia,” Emily snapped, her voice sharp. “And I’m not interested in reliving your memories with Jessy.”

Mike froze. Reliving memories? With Jessy? He opened his mouth, unsure what to say. “Jessy… she’s my best friend. We’ve… we’ve shared a lot.”

Emily’s glare was icy. “Clearly. I didn’t realize I was competing with a ghost.”

Mike’s stomach sank. He could feel the tension coil like a spring. “Emily… let’s talk about this,” he said carefully.

“No. We’re done,” she said, turning sharply and storming off, leaving Mike standing there, utterly bewildered.

He watched her disappear down the path, his heart sinking. One date, and already a disaster. What did Jessy get him into this time?