Chapter 5
“According to the airline’s notification…
” Ethan, still standing at the bar, showed her his phone with the app showing.
“I’m booked on the six AM flight. I’m good with my original plan.
What about you?” He slid onto the stool that had just opened up next to her and leaned back in finality.
Bri wondered if he was always so calm and composed.
She wanted to see him riled up and out of control.
Sweat dripping down his chest as he gasped and groaned over her. No. That can’t happen.
“Give me a second…” she sat back down, using her phone as an excuse to think, and seeing that her app stated the same as his.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ethan wave off the bartender and then survey the area.
It felt like he was a protective barrier keeping all of the noise out while she processed her next steps.
Had anyone ever created that kind of space for her?
With other people, it seemed like she always had to hurry up and get to the next thing.
“Bri, stay with me tonight.” His use of her real name for the first time felt like something had shifted.
Ethan looked at her with his big, soulful eyes, his leg rubbing against hers.
Heat radiated through her from the contact.
She longed for more with him, but getting entangled with anyone wasn’t fair to them, considering how screwed up her life was at the moment.
“I think a hotel is a bad—” She stared at her hands, trying to form the words she didn’t want to say.
“Sorry, guys, but everything on the Southside is booked,” the bartender interjected, laying menus and glasses of water in front of them.
“The storm off the coast has delayed everything, including the cruises and conventions. Practically every hotel in a 10-mile radius is booked while waiting for the weather to clear,” she explained as she moved down the bar to help another patron.
“Yeah, I didn’t think a hotel was going to be an option. I was thinking more like a date.” In their short time together, it was the first time she heard any hesitation from him.
“Here? There’s hardly space to breathe.”
“It might feel like New York City on New Year’s Eve, but I promise to make it so fun, you won’t even notice.”
“You don’t need to play a part for me. Just be real. With the right person, it doesn’t matter how many people are around.” She leaned closer to him to make sure he could hear her over the cacophony of the restaurant.
“Do you think I’m that person for you?” He was so close, she could feel the rumble of his voice in her chest. He gazed into her eyes like he could read her deepest secrets.
“I wish you could be... It’s nothing personal.”
“It’s not you, it’s me?” He airquoted with a terse tone.
“Hey,” she said, laying a hand on his knee to get his full attention.
“You’ve seen my days. They start rough and go downhill from there.
I’m a disaster on a good day. It wouldn’t be fair to drag you into that mess.
” She hadn’t meant to admit to noticing him so much, but it was the only way to help him understand, so they could move on.
“Right. Sorry, I was out of line. It’s not like I’m in a position to get involved either.”
“Y’all ready to order?” The bartender came back, looking harried and wiping the hair out of her face with the back of her arm. Bri moved her hand to look at the menu, and immediately missed the connection.
“Ah, yeah.” Bri smiled at Ethan as she gave her order. After putting her personal life on hold for so long, why not indulge in the little time she could have with Ethan instead of searching for another route that may take just as long to get her there?
“Well, this night is looking up.” Ethan drummed his hands on the bar’s edge before ordering his dinner.
“Are you having work problems too?” she asked, continuing the conversation, not realizing that it might not be a good topic until his smile dropped.
“Actually, they’re promoting me.” He stared at his hands on the wooden surface.
“That’s great, congrats!” She knew something bad was coming just from his tone, but wanted to be supportive of what should be good news.
“And I’m relocating… to DC.” Wondering at his hesitation, she felt a pinch in her chest at his words.
“Oh. When are you moving?” She leaned back as the bartender laid out the place settings for their meal.
“I meet the moving truck next week. My mom’s thrilled that I’m moving back.
” He didn’t sound as excited about the move as his mom was.
Bri felt a pang of jealousy to be near her family again.
At the same time, she realized there wouldn’t be any potential dates or sightings to look longingly at Ethan ever again.
“My mom is elated that I’m finally taking some time off to see them.” They may be from the same city, but it wasn’t a small town. The sprawling metropolis meant there was little chance that they knew the same people.
“How long has it been?” He asked before becoming momentarily distracted by the food laid before him.
“Only a year, but we’ve always been close, so it feels longer.”
“What kept you away?” Most people would ask if she missed her family. It was unnerving that Ethan seemed to have a way of cutting past all the fluff and getting to the deeper question.