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I reminded myself not to look like her, ever

We ordered at the register, but before I could get out my purse, Derek paid

“I can get my own,” I protested

“You paid for the movie tickets”

“Yeah, because I get the student discount And they were only four bucks apiece”

“That’s still eight bucks I got this”

My guilt was beginning to get the better of me

Southern guys always pay on dates If they don’t pay, it’s not a date; it’s a clear ‘we’re only friends, and I’e Or it was a uy was cheap

Or, I supposed, the guy could just be flat broke… but in that case, it was better to hang out and watch a DVD instead of embarrass yourself

Even though Derek didn’t have the slightest hint of a Southern accent, he was paying And if he paid, this was so not just ‘talking about the yro’ anymore

“I really should pay for mine,” I insisted

He gave rin “Ohhhh, you’re a feminist, huh?”

“What?” I said, taken aback “Yeah, kind of – so?”

“You can get the tip,” he said, waving me off

“That’s only 15 percent!”

“Tip ister

“Yeah, tip ave his buddy a Laters head nod and then walked towards the seating area

“Damn it,” Iso hard not to look at that perfect ass in front of me

“Look, I need to pay you,” I said as I caught up to him

He gave ot it covered”

“I know that, but I need to pay for my food”

“Why?” he asked, exasperated

“Because if you pay, it’s a date And I can’t go out on a date with you, because I have a boyfriend And that’s why I need to pay for my food”