When Eric demanded to pay for our first date, I thought I’d met a true nobleman. Roses, a sweet gift, appealing conversation — he was examining all the boxes. When he texted me the next day, I predicted a cute follow-up, but my stomach lowered when I read his message.

My best friend, Mia, meant well when she provided to set me up on a date, but her skills as a matchmaker were totally unproved.

“He’s super nice, Kelly! Total gentleman. You’ll love him,” Mia insisted over the phone while I discovered through my closet.

“You’ve never set me up before,” I reminded her. “What makes you think you know my type?”

“Because I know you better than anyone,” she replied joyfully. “Plus, Chris vouches for him too. They’ve been friends for ages.”

That gave me pause. Chris, Mia’s boyfriend, was a pretty good judge of character. If he thought this Eric guy was honorable, maybe there was hope.A moment later, my phone tinged an incoming message.

The guy in the photo wasn’t ugly: clean-cut, well-dressed, with a warm smile that attracted his eyes.

“Okay, he’s cute,” I confessed.

“Told you!” Mia informed. “Text him and set it up. You won’t regret it, I promise.”

After a few casual texts, I agreed to encounter Eric for dinner at a new Italian place with a great view of the river. Nothing too interesting, but nice enough for a first date.

I arrived five minutes early and waited near the entrance, like we’d agreed. I was fearfully examining my appearance with my phone camera when I spotted him approaching the restaurant.