Hi, I’m Emma. Back in high school, I was the quiet girl with glasses and braces, secretly crushing on Jason the handsome, popular football star who never knew I existed. Fast forward 15 years, and I’ve grown into a confident woman with a successful career. One day at the grocery store, I bumped into Jason. He recognized me instantly and, to my surprise, asked me out to dinner.

Our date was at a fancy restaurant, and it started out like a dream. Jason still looked great, and we reminisced about high school. But something felt… off. He seemed stuck in the past, bragging about his glory days and avoiding questions about his current job. Then came the shocker. While I was in the restroom, he planted a hair in my food. When I returned, he flagged down the waitress, made a scene, and got our meal comped.

“I do this all the time,” he whispered. “Why pay when you can get it free?” I was horrified. My childhood crush had become a scammer, still clinging to high school and playing childish tricks to save money. When he suggested I pay next time, I smiled politely but I knew there wouldn’t be one.

As soon as I got home, I blocked his number. The next day, I laughed with my coworker about the ridiculous date. I couldn’t believe I’d once idolized him. That night, sipping wine on my couch, I felt proud. I’d outgrown the fantasy and the boy. I was finally living my story.