Romance

Only His Friends Decide if I

by Red Hot Fish

My boyfriend, Johnny Ludwig, cares more about his friends than anything else. He won't marry me unless every one of them approves of me and gives me a perfect score.Every year, his friends hold a "rating game" to decide whether I deserve him. Five years in, I still haven't passed.This year, they take turns grilling me."Are you still a virgin? My buddy isn't going to marry some girl who's already been with other guys.""Is your family really that messed up? Is that why you're so desperate to please everyone?""Be honest. Between you and Rhea, do you seriously think you're a better match for Johnny?"I force myself to keep smiling and answer every question, afraid that one wrong word will cost me everything.When it is over, they reveal their scores one by one. Just like the last four years, mine is a zero. Rhea, the group favorite, gets a perfect ten.Johnny sighs softly and puts the engagement ring back in his pocket."If you were as likable as Rhea, I'd have married you a long time ago. Try harder. Maybe you'll finally get to wear this ring next year," he says.Everyone gathers around Rhea Sherman, laughing and joking. No one pays any attention to me sitting alone in the corner.Looking at them, I feel exhausted. I'm done trying to fit into Johnny's world.

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