Priya and I hit up Blondie's early to snag enough space for all of us. Our karaoke date had been delayed, but we made it happen the same day I got home.

Jodie, our ancient server, grunted as we pushed tables together. "You people better not cheap out on tips," she said.

I pressed my hand to my heart and staggered back. "Are those your eyes I see looking into mine and not down at your phone? I hardly recognize you without your beauteous visage bathed in the glow of your ...