“I went to Summit Springs after all,” I say.
Telling Emma about Ethan is complicated. She’s always wanted us to date, even when I was with Jeremy. Turns out she was right about our chemistry, but wrong about the dating part. So, while I’m dying to tell her what happened between us lastnight, I’m less excited to burst her bubble about us all being a big, happy family one day.
“You did?!? That’s great!” she starts then pauses. “Wait, who did you go with? You didn’t go with Jeremy, did you? I hope you guys aren’t trying to stay friends or whatever.”
I hesitate for a beat. “Actually, I went with Ethan.”
I’m expecting a squeal of great delight and astounding presumption, but I’m met with silence instead. It stretches out long enough that I glance down at my phone, wondering if the call dropped.
The “oh” that follows sounds forced and tight. “With Ethan?”
“Yes… with Ethan. Is that a problem?”
“No, no… no, of course not. I’m glad he was available to spend the day with you.”
Three no’s?I’m glad he was able to spend the day with you?What’s happening here?
“Have you been replaced by a pod person?” I ask, only half joking.
“No, it’s just…”
Another long pause follows.
“Just what?”
“Just be careful with Ethan, okay?”
The words hit me like a cold bucket of water, dousing the excitement I felt a few seconds ago.
Maybe Emma really has been abducted by pod people because my best friend would know that I’m fully aware of Ethan North’s womanizing ways. It’s not exactly a secret. Everyone knows—me, her, the whole office, and apparently, every woman in Denver under the age of forty-five with a Sip profile.
I’m the one who had to remind Emma just a few months ago that, even if I wasn’t already in a committed long-term relationship with Jeremy, Ethan wasn’t exactly husband material.
Which brings me to one conclusion: there’s something she’s not telling me.
“Why?” I ask.
“Ethan’s just…” she hesitates, then sighs into the phone, “… he’s Ethan.”
“Wow, thank you so much for that insightful tidbit of knowledge,” I deadpan. “Seriously, Emma, what’s going on?”
“Nothing. It’s nothing, honestly.” She trips over the words. “I’m just exhausted from the hike.”
I remain unconvinced, but my voice softens, nonetheless. “Okay, well, get some rest.”
“I will,” she says, subdued. “Happy birthday, again. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Talk soon,” I repeat before hanging up.
The universe seems determined to tarnish the memory of my one-time one-night stand with early exits and cryptic phone calls, but I won’t let it. Whatever Emma is hinting at, she doesn’t need to worry. Ethan and I were a one-night thing.
The only problem is: I’m already wishing we were more.
20
Ethan
"Did you see the projection reports that Gina sent ov-" Margot's mouth snaps shut as she stops mid-waltz into my office. Her eyes land on the cage on my desk, narrowing as they trace the network of brightly colored plastic tubes. "What is that?"