8. Ethan
8
Ethan
E than lay there, fighting off the pull of sleep, while feeling every ache from the lumpy mattress that had molded to his body overnight. He longed for the cloud-like comfort of his own bed but let himself enjoy a few more moments of rest.
However, Hero, ever the early riser, had other ideas. A warm tongue swiped across Ethan’s cheek, leaving behind a trail of slobber.
“Morning, boy,” he mumbled, scratching the dog’s head.
With a soft whine and a gentle nudge of his cold nose, Hero made his intentions clear.
Ethan yawned, glancing at Hero’s expectant face. “Gotta go out, huh? Go on then, you know the way.”
Hero barked once and trotted out of the room. Ethan smiled, listening to the familiar click of Hero’s nails against the floor as he made his way to the kitchen and out the doggy door. The doggy door was proving to be quite handy—now, if only Hero could figure out that he didn’t need to wake Ethan for permission to use it.
Ethan stretched, shaking off the last traces of sleep, and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. Once he was dressed in a fresh pair of worn jeans and a faded t-shirt faintly smelling of laundry detergent, he felt more like himself.
Today’s objective: Find that deed.
If he found the deed by two or three, he could swing by the attorney’s office and settle things by the end of the day. But just thinking about rummaging through dusty boxes and old filing cabinets made Ethan’s head throb.
Correction, today’s first objective: food.
Just then, Ethan heard the click of the doggy door, followed by the soft patter of paws on the kitchen floor. Hero appeared in the doorway, tail wagging, a stick clamped between his teeth.
Ethan couldn’t help but grin at the dog’s antics. “You know I’m useless without my coffee. Breakfast first, then we’ll play.”
Ethan and Hero headed out the front door and over toward the truck. As Ethan fished his keys from his pocket, the crunch of gravel underfoot caught his attention. He looked up, squinting against the sunlight to see Clyde Jefferson, his old neighbor, still as spry as ever.
“Well, I’ll be! Ethan? That you?”
“Yes, sir,” Ethan called back, circling to the truck’s rear.
“My, how you’ve grown.” Clyde adjusted his glasses with a broad smile, looking down. “And who’s this handsome fella?”
Ethan patted Hero’s head. “This is Hero. My partner in crime.”
“Nothing beats a good dog,” Clyde nodded, then winced, rubbing his elbow. “Say, I hate to ask, but my arthritis is acting up. Mind helping an old man with his groceries?”
“Not at all. Just lead the way, sir.”
“Still polite as ever, but no need for ‘sir,’” Clyde said with a chuckle. “Just ‘Clyde’ will do.”
Ethan grinned as he walked to the next driveway, Hero in tow. “Of course, Clyde.”
Clyde opened his trunk and stepped back. “Good to see you back in town, though I’m sorry about what happened to your old man.”
Ethan hefted a load of bags. “Yeah, it’s a shame, but I won’t be here for long. Just here until I sort things out with his place.”
“Remember when you used to lend me a hand with the yard work?” Clyde shuffled toward the front door. “You were such a good kid. Always reliable.”
“I can still help out if you need anything while I’m here.”
“Oh, don’t you worry.” Clyde waved him off. “Already got someone helping these days. But I appreciate the thought.”
As they stepped inside, the house felt as warm and welcoming as Ethan remembered. The air was infused with the comforting scent of cedarwood and citrus. Soft, golden light spilled from antique lamps in the corners. Plush, mismatched throw pillows adorned the overstuffed sofa. Family photos and artwork lined the walls. Among the personal touches, a rustic wooden sign hung, hand-painted with the words: Home isn’t always where you left it, but sometimes it’s where you least expect to find it. The space felt deeply lived-in and loved, and as Ethan took it all in, a quiet sense of peace settled over him.
Hero paused at the door with a whine.
Clyde’s eyes flicked to Hero. “That four-legged friend of yours is welcome too, you know.”
“Thanks,” Ethan nodded, glancing at Hero. “He’s my shadow—most of the time. Come on, boy.”Hero bounded inside after the two.
“Just dump ‘em on the kitchen table, if you don’t mind.”
Ethan returned his attention to Clyde, who now gestured down the hall, and as they entered the kitchen, Ethan’s eyes and mind drifted to that kitchen table: late-night knocks, the comforting smell of coffee, and Clyde patiently listening to him talk about his dad’s drinking. It was a safe place when he needed it the most.
“Thank you, Ethan,” Clyde said as Ethan set down the groceries.
“You’re very welcome, sir. I mean Clyde.” Ethan saw a notepad on the table, jotted his number down on it, and slid it over to Clyde. “Here’s my number. Like I said, I won’t be here for long, but if you need any help, just call me.”
Clyde’s eyes crinkled with a smile as he walked Ethan to the door. “You’re a good man, Ethan. Always have been.” He paused, hand on the doorknob. “Say, before you skip town, how about we grab a cup of coffee? Catch up?”
Warmth spread through Ethan’s chest. “Yeah, I’d like that. I’ll swing by before I go.”
Ethan’s stomach growled as Hero settled into the passenger seat, pawing at the window. “All right, all right, I’ll crack it open for you,” Ethan said with a grin, rolling the window down a few inches as they pulled out of the driveway.
Once they hit the open road, Hero leaned into the breeze, ears flapping in the wind. His tail thumped against the seat, keeping time with the whoosh of passing cars as the briny air from the coast filled the truck. The road stretched ahead, and Ethan wondered if his old go-to spot for a good meal was still around after all these years. The drive passed quicker than he expected, the landscape both familiar and changed in subtle ways.
Turning onto Main Street was like stepping into a living postcard. The buildings stood proud in their coastal palette: cerulean blues like clear summer skies, soft buttery yellows that captured the warmth of sunrise, and weathered reds that echoed the fiery hues of sunset. The aroma of fresh-brewed coffee and the sweet spice of cinnamon rolls just out of the oven drifted from the corner bakery, mingling with the earthy scent of damp wood from the docks. Sun-baked rope and the ever-present undertone of the sea lingered in the air. By the time he reached the diner, its familiar sign came into view, standing just as he remembered.
Lucky me.
With Hero at his side, the familiar bell above the door jingled and heads turned as Ethan entered Phil’s Diner. The lull in conversation picked back up in hushed tones as he went to an empty stool at the end of the counter. Still, he felt the eyes of the other patrons linger on his back.
What’s their deal? Is this about Dad ... what he did? I guess in a town like this, people don’t forget—even after twenty years.
“Ethan? Oh, Ethan?” A familiar, shrill voice cut through the diner. “Is that really you? I haven’t seen you in ages!”
Ethan turned just in time to see an older woman coming up to him, her red glasses perched crookedly on the bridge of her nose, and wild, silver-streaked hair puffed out in every direction as if she’d just wrestled with the wind. He smiled at the familiar face. “Hey, Ada. Good to—”
Before he could say another word, Ada swooped in, wrapping him in a hug so tight he nearly lost his breath. An intense floral scent made Ethan’s nose twitch. It was a cocktail of roses, lilies, and something sickeningly sweet. It clung to the air, just like Ada herself.
“Well, look at you. How long’s it been? Oh, now wait a minute. Phil!” Ada’s voice rang out, her arms still locked around Ethan in a surprisingly strong grip for her compact frame. “Phil! Get out here! You’ll never guess who’s back!”
Phil emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on his apron. His eyebrows shot up. “Ethan? Well, I’ll be. How many years has it been?”
Ethan extended his hand, grasping Phil’s firmly, feeling the calluses and strength in the older man’s grip. “Far too many.”
“And who’s this?” Phil asked, bending down, hand outstretched.
“This is Hero,” Ethan said, watching the interaction.
Ada bent down, patting Hero’s head. “What a handsome boy,” she said with a smile, then reached into her purse, rummaging around. “Let me see if I’ve got a little treat for you ...”
Her hand came up empty, and she frowned. “Oh, shoot. Thought I had a snack in here for you.” She gave Hero an apologetic look. His tail, which had started wagging, now drooped.
“He’s not picky, but looks like you’re off the hook this time.” Ethan chuckled, then turned to Phil. “He usually goes where I go. Hope it’s all right I brought him in?”
“Course it’s all right!” Phil said, bringing Ethan’s attention back to him with his boisterous voice. “So, where’ve you been hiding all these years?”
“Virginia. Been there a while now.”
“Well, welcome home!” Phil said, clapping him on the back. “Say, I remember reading about you. Silver Star from Afghanistan, wasn’t it?” He shook his head in amazement. “A bona fide hero right here in my diner. Who’d have thought?”
Ethan’s hand found the back of his neck, his gaze dropping to Hero. “It’s ... not as big a deal as it sounds. Lot of guys got ‘em.”
Ada swatted Ethan’s arm. “Oh, stop being so modest! You’re a genuine hero, Ethan. Own it!”
Ethan forced a smile, his thoughts drifting to the men he’d saved—and those he hadn’t. “Thanks.”
Ada’s eyes sparkled as she squeezed his bicep. “My goodness! These are the real deal. Why don’t they cast real heroes in those military movies? Wouldn’t need all that fancy camera work.”
Ethan chuckled, trying to ease his arm away. “You’re too kind, Ada. Really.”
Ada’s grip tightened, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I mean it, Ethan. Take that guy who played the military hero in that movie—what was his name? ... Doesn’t matter. He looked like he’d never seen a push-up in his life, much less done one.” She gave his arm another affectionate squeeze.
Phil, observing with an amused grin, cleared his throat. “All right, Ada. Let’s not scare the poor boy off. We want him to actually come back, you know.”
Ada turned to Phil, her lower lip jutting out in an exaggerated pout. “Oh, you’re no fun.” She released Ethan’s arm with a dramatic sigh. “Fine, fine. I’ll behave.”
“Now Ethan, how long are ya sticking around?”
“Longer than I’d hoped.” Ethan let out a dry chuckle. “Hoping to tie things up in a week or so.”
Phil turned to Ethan. “I see, well at least I can feed you while you’re here. So, what’ll it be? Name it, and it’s yours. On the house, of course.”
Ethan shifted on his stool. “I appreciate it, but you don’t have to do that.”
“I won’t hear of it. Now, what can I get ya?”
Ethan’s eyes skimmed the menu. “All right, if you insist. How about hash browns, toast, some OJ, and a cup of coffee?”
“Coming right up,” Phil nodded, then glanced at Hero. “And don’t worry, I’ve got something special for your four-legged friend too.” With that, he disappeared into the kitchen.
Ada slid onto the stool next to Ethan, leaning in so close he could smell her floral perfume mixing with coffee and pancakes. “So, what’s on the agenda while you’re here? Any exciting plans for today?”
“Just working on my dad’s house, really,” Ethan said. “Like I said, I’m not staying long.”
Ada’s nose wrinkled. “Well, that sounds dreadfully dull. Say, why don’t you come by the animal rescue’s adoption day? Might liven things up a bit.”
Animal rescue?
Ethan refocused on Ada. “Actually, I used to work at a rescue back in Virginia. It was—”
“Wonderful! We’ll go together. I’ll be your personal tour guide.”
“But ...” Memories of the animal rescue in Virginia flooded back. Since an animal had saved his life, he figured he’d repay the favor; so, after he retired from the Army two years ago, he started volunteering at a local rescue to eat up time. Turned out he loved every minute. He’d thrown himself into the work, learning everything he could about animal care and behavior. It had become his passion, and the rescue had become like a second home, the staff and volunteers like family. But then, just a few months ago, the rescue had closed down because of lack of funding. It had been a gut punch, leaving Ethan feeling adrift once again. He’d lost not just a job, but a community, a sense of purpose.
Shaking off the bittersweet memories, Ethan’s fingers drummed on the counter. His gaze flickered between Ada’s hopeful face and the clock on the wall. “You know what? Maybe I’ll stop by. Just for a little while.”
Ada grinned. “Then it’s a date. We can ride over together.”
“Uh, I’ve got Hero with me, and I really need to get back to the house after. I don’t think—”
“Nonsense!” She swatted his arm. “Hero can come too. You can drive us.”
Ethan glanced up at the small window to the kitchen to see Phil laughing.
“All right Ada. We’ll all go together,” Ethan said accepting his fate. Saying “no” to Ada Harrison was like trying to stop a freight train with a feather.
Phil came out with a loaded plate of food—wisps of heat drifting up—and set it down in front of Ethan with a soft clatter. The plate was piled high with crispy golden hash browns, perfectly toasted bread, and a small dish of assorted jams. He followed it up with a steaming cup of coffee, setting it beside a tall glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice.
“Here ya go,” Phil said with a wink. Then he reached into his apron pocket and pulled out a small bag. “And for Hero ...”
Crouching, Phil scattered a few treats near Hero’s paws. The dog’s tail became a blur of motion as he investigated the unexpected bounty.
Phil straightened with a grunt. “They’re from Barking Orders. Started keeping ‘em for our four-legged customers.” He jerked a thumb towards Ada. “Got ‘em from that rescue she was yapping about, actually.”
Hero made quick work of the treats, looking up hopefully for more.
Phil chuckled. “Easy there, big fella. That’s your lot for now. Don’t want to ruin your actual breakfast, do we?”
Ethan smiled, touched by Phil’s thoughtfulness. “Thanks, Phil.”
“Don’t mention it. Now, better fuel up. Sounds like Ada’s got quite the day planned for you.”
As the aroma of his meal wafted up, Ethan dug in. Meanwhile, Ada’s voice became a steady backdrop, prattling on about everything that had changed—and everything that hadn’t—in Hadley Cove.
Ada bounced to her feet the moment Ethan’s fork hit the empty plate. “Perfect timing! Ready to head out?”
“Sure, Ada.” Ethan rose slowly, shooting Ada a pointed look. “Just remember, I won’t be able to stay long. I’ve got lots to—”
“Oh, details, details,” Ada said, flapping a dismissive hand. She steered him towards the door, patting his arm. “A couple of hours, tops. You’ll hardly notice the time fly.”
Ada darted forward with unexpected agility, her red glasses sliding down her nose with each quick step. Her silver hair bobbed as she practically dragged Ethan toward his truck. Suppressing a groan, Ethan followed her into the warm summer air, and Hero padded alongside them, oblivious to the fact that Ethan’s day was now far from his own.
The short walk to the truck was filled with Ada’s chatter. As they reached the vehicle, Ethan opened the passenger door with a smile, holding it for Ada. She climbed in with a small grunt, brushing off her floral-print blouse, her perfume wafting around him like a cloud. Hero leaped into the back seat, settling in.
Ethan shut the door and rounded the front to the driver’s side with a resigned sigh.
Ada ran a finger along the dashboard. “Well, well. This old beast is still kicking, huh?” Her gaze roamed over the weathered interior. “Ain’t this the same truck from your wild days? I swear I can still hear you boys gunning the engine, thinking you were hot stuff.”
The door’s familiar groan as Ethan settled behind the wheel brought a flood of memories. He chuckled. “She’s not pretty, but she gets me where I need to go.”
Ada settled back, her eyes twinkling. “I can still see you boys tearing down Main Street like you were kings of the road.” She patted the dash fondly. “Can’t believe you’ve held onto her all this time. Some things stick with us, don’t they?”
Ethan’s fingers traced the steering wheel’s worn grooves. “Yeah,” he murmured, more to himself than Ada. “Some things stay with you forever.”
Ada’s finger jabbed at the windshield. “Hang a right at the end here, then your first left. Big signs everywhere—even you can’t get lost.”
He made a right turn, following Ada’s directions. But when he was about to make a left, he realized he couldn’t. The parking lot was full of people, large tents, food trucks, and all sorts of things going on. So, he pulled off to the side of the road and parked.
Ethan eyed the bustling street. “Looks like walking from here. Here, let me give you a hand.”
Jumping down from the truck, he ran over to the other side and helped Ada out, then took Hero out of the back.
As they crossed the road, Hero’s ears perked up at the cacophony of barking and excited chatter. It was more like a fair than an adoption day.
Ethan looked up at the name painted in big letters across the entrance: Second Chance Animal Rescue. The perfect name for a place like this, or so he thought to himself.
Before he could take a few more steps, a familiar figure at the edge of his vision caught his attention. It was the young woman from the accident. So, she is okay?
The young woman’s brow furrowed when he approached, a hint of recognition dawning in her eyes. “Hey, don’t I know you?”