When my brother Marcus insisted he knew “the perfect guy” for me, I was skeptical. His last setup had involved a man who collected spoons and proudly wore socks with sandals. Still, Marcus swore Andy was polite, intelligent, and mysteriously single, so I agreed to one date just to end the endless questions about my love life.

Andy actually surprised me. He arrived with wildflowers, opened doors, made me laugh, and genuinely listened when I spoke. He seemed thoughtful and respectful, and when he offered to drive me home, I decided to trust him. He waited until I entered my building before leaving. That night, I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled. Maybe, for once, Marcus had actually gotten it right. Then, at exactly 7:13 the next morning, my phone buzzed with a message from Andy.