Page 122 of Holding On

Chapter Twenty-Two

Becca

"Hey, it's me," I say when Ethan answers. I'm in the van, driving to his house. I got off early from work and want to see him.

"Hey," he says, sounding down.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." His voice lifts slightly, like he's trying to hide whatever's bothering him.

"I got off work early so I'm coming over before I head to The Chicken Shack. Can I take a quick shower at your house?"

"I'm not there."

"Oh. Well, where are you?"

"At Laytham. At the gym."

"You're working out at the gym?"

"Not the regular gym. The training room the team uses."

That's odd. He said he wasn't going there until he was off the crutches.

"What made you decide to go to the gym? I thought—"

"I need to train," he interrupts.

"But I thought you said—"

"I know what I said but I wasn't thinking when I said that. Of course I have to train. I won't have a chance to make the pros if I don't get in the gym and start training."

What the hell? Am I talking to the right person? For weeks, Ethan's been telling me he isn't sure he wants a career in football, and now he's training for the pros?

Something's going on but I don't want to talk about it over the phone. "When will you be home?"

"Probably in a half hour. I'm done with my workout. Just got out of the shower."

"So someone's giving you a ride?"

"I called a cab. Coach is here but he had a meeting so can't give me a ride."

"Then I'll come get you." I slow down and make a U-turn and head the other direction toward Laytham.

"Becca, no. Just forget it. I've already called the cab."

"Then call them back and tell them you don't need a ride. I'm heading there now. I'll be there in a few minutes."

I hear him sigh.

"What's wrong?" I ask. "You don't want to see me?"

"I do, but...it's not a good time."

"Why? What's going on?"

"I'm just tired from the workout. I need to sleep."

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