so we’re making the most of it!”
Ethan’s eyes were bloodshot. He yanked me
out of the restaurant.
“England?” he hissed. “What the hell? Why
didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t we talk about
this?” His voice trembled, a mix of disbelief
and fear.
<
“Oh, that,” I said, feigning nonchalance. “You
were busy with Sarah’s Disneyland trip. Didn’t
want to bother you.” My voice was cool,
distant.
He flushed. He grabbed my hand. “I’m your
boyfriend. We’re supposed to share things.”
I raised an eyebrow. I used to share
everything with him. He’d always say,
“Seriously, Liv? don’t need a play–by–play of
your day.”
He sighed. “How long are you going for?”
“Two, three years, maybe,” I lied. He wasn’t
supposed to know anything.
“That long?”
く
I nodded, looking down. The air crackled with
tension.
He sighed again. “Let’s go home.” His eyes
were bright, hopeful.
I was about to refuse when Sarah stumbled
out of the restaurant, plastered to Ethan, her
eyes glazed over.
He looked at me nervously, trying to pry her
off. “She’s just… drunk. We’re not usually like
this.” He sounded like he was trying to
convince himself.
“Sure,” I said dryly.
“Ethaaaan,” Sarah slurred. “My head hurts.
Take me hooome.”
<
Her boozy breath hit his neck, but he didn’t
flinch. He’d always said he hated the smell of
alcohol, unless it was coming from Sarah,
apparently.
He looked at me again. “I’ll get her an Uber,
then we’ll go. Okay?”
Before I could answer, Sarah nuzzled against
him, a practiced, intimate gesture.
“Don’t bother,” I said. “Looks like she needs
you. I’ll get myself home.”
Ethan started to protest, but I just walked
away, calling a Lyft. He tried to follow, but
Sarah clung to him, refusing to let go. I
watched him through the back window as I
drove away.
く
Ethan texted later. “Home safe. Sarah was
sick all night. Staying here.”
I stared at the message. This was the first
time he’d ever bothered to explain an
absence. I’d asked him once who he was with
at a party and he’d snapped, “I don’t need to
give you a guest list, Olivia. Back off.” I’d
spent hours apologizing. He didn’t want me in
his business.
“Okay,” I replied.
“Seriously, she was throwing up everywhere.
It’s late. Don’t overthink it.”
“Okay.”
He didn’t text again.
