Saturday came slowly, despite his busy schedule at school. Dave made sure to remind him often of the potential mistake he was making. Josh just nodded and said something that would appease his friend in the moment, but stomach stayed in a constant continuous state of butterflies and knots. The high of seeing Riley again was sometimes ruined by the continued reminder of his ex. Friends commented on her state, that she was distraught upon finding out that he had found someone knew so quickly. 

It was an insult to their relationship as if she had meant nothing to him. Pointing out that she had left him didn’t earn him points with some of the friends, and over the past few days, he deleted three more numbers from his phone. He wasn’t particularly close with the Deleted, but they had become a regular part of his life and losing more of that stung his heart.

Regardless, the minutes turned into hours and then into days under Josh’s careful watch. Finally, Saturday had come, and he spent most of the day discovering an entire section of his closet that was full of clothes he didn’t remember having. After some discussion with himself and a failed conversation with Dave, he finally decided on something that didn’t scream date but a fellow who was still put together.

 That’s what he told himself anyway. He blew on his fingers to warm them up. Josh didn't offer to pick Riley up, it wasn't supposed to be a date after all. He heard the sound of roller blades and turned. Riley waved and beamed at him, bringing a smile to Josh's face.

“You're not going to wear those into the theater are you?” Josh asked.

“Oh no! Of course not,” Riley chuckled. “I have my shoes in my bag.”

She took off her backpack, which did not go with her winter dress and coat, and pulled out a pair of flats. Riley placed her bare foot on the ground, and Josh's eyes went wide.

“Hey! It's freezing out here!”

“Is it? I didn't think it was that bad.”

Remains of snow were in small piles around them, none the less, Riley slipped on her shoes. Josh found himself staring into the mysterious woman's eyes. He wanted to say something, but he wasn't sure what. The words jumbled in his throat, butterflies rising with it.

“I hope you don't mind that I bought the tickets?” Josh said shyly.

“That was nice of you!” Riley said.

Josh sighed at the warmth that hit his body when he stepped through the door, shedding his heavy coat and scarf. Riley said she didn't want popcorn or a drink and stood off to the side while Josh stood in line. She watched the people as the came and went, a curious smile on her face. Her posture was confident but kind, with a lifting presence. Josh wondered where she got it from, he admired her for it.

Riley chose the movie, who turned out to be an avid horror fan. Josh had never found much entertainment in being scared, but her completely absorbed and excited expression gave him more pleasure than the movie. She giggled from time to time at the rest of the couples, especially the women who squealed in terror and clung to their dates. Riley said she wanted to wait for the rest of the people to leave, saying it was easier than awkward figuring who was going to go next. Her enthusiasm seemed to have slipped from her eyes, though she tried to hide it with a smile.

“Are you ok?” Josh asked.

“Sure, I'm just a little tired. You said you wanted to go for ice cream next right?”

“Well, if you're tired we don't have to go.”

“I'd feel bad for cutting out on your plans.”

“And I'd feel bad if you forced yourself to go when you aren't feeling up to it. There are plenty of other days.

Riley's eyes shot to the floor. “Of course.”

Josh insisted Riley put her roller blades on indoors if she wasn't going to let him escort her home. He didn't leave until she fully disappeared from his sight. He wandered for a bit, trying to savor Riley's warm eyes. Ultimately, he ditched the idea of ice cream and headed to his usual coffee shop. His good mood even told him to get hot chocolate instead of coffee for a change. It was a decision he praised himself for as he headed home.

“Josh!”

The voice froze him in place, he slowly turned. His ex stood a few paces back, quickly walking towards him. He didn't speak, he didn't dare say her name, fearing the acknowledgment would force them closer. She drew down her eyebrows as she stared at him, neutral and unresponsive.

“Aren't you going to say hello?” She teased.

“What do you want?”

“Jeez, had the weather made your heart cold? I just wanted to say hello.”

“Cool. Bye.” Josh turned and started to walk away but was jerked back.

“Come on Josh, we should talk.”

“I think you've talked plenty. I'm not going to let you lead me along. You made your choice.”

“Is this because of that girl I heard you're seeing?”

“I'm not seeing her. We're just friends.”

The ex laughed harshly. “BS that men say. Surely she's not better than what we have. We've been together for a year, we have so many good memories. I miss you. I made a mistake letting you go.”

He knew those eyes. They had broken his will many times in the past. Looking at them now, he realized just how many times. She would always use them when she wasn't getting her way.

“I agree. You made a mistake, but I'm not about to make one too.”

He pulled his arm free and made his way down the road. Her eyes dug into his back as he increased the distance between them. Josh shivered, a cold wind blew against him.