The invoice humorously listed his “services,” including the flowers, gift, pulling out my chair, and even listening attentively. Each came with a required “payment” such as a hug, a coffee date, a compliment, or a guaranteed second date. The closing line mentioned that noncompliance might result in Chris hearing about it, which made it clear he was serious. My jaw dropped as I realized his version of kindness came with strings attached.

I sent the invoice to Mia, who showed Chris, and he jokingly created a “response invoice,” charging Eric for wasting my time. Eric didn’t take it well and sent a few upset messages before I chose to block him. In the end, Mia apologized, and we all laughed about it for weeks. I kept the keychain—not as a token of romance, but as a souvenir from the most unexpectedly dramatic first date of my life.