Page 164 of Holding On

"Then why was he here?" Tina asks.

"To eat chicken."

"C'mon, Becca. There's no way he showed up here just to eat chicken. He's been calling you every day since you broke up with him. He wants you back."

"From our conversation just now, I don't think he does. He's moved on. He's back to playing football and...I think he might have someone else."

She frowns. "Are you sure?"

"No, but he didn't act interested in me. It was more like we were just friends, which I guess is good. It's what I said I wanted."

She shakes her head really fast. "I don't believe it."

"Believe what?"

"That he has someone else. Or that he's over you." She drags me back to the break room. "Get your phone out and call him."

"What? No. I'm not calling him. Why would I call him?"

"To tell him you want him back."

"I don't want him back. I broke up with him, remember? And I haven't returned any of his calls."

"Because you're stubborn as a mule, which is really annoying by the way. You should work on that." She laughs when she sees my shocked expression. "Anyway, call Ethan. Right now. I'll take care of your tables."

"Tina, I'm not calling him. We're over. It's done."

"Seriously, that stubborn attitude has to end. It's keeping you from being happy."

"What are you talking about? I'm happy," I insist.

"Not as happy as you were when you were with Ethan. Now hurry up and call him."

"For the last time, I am not dating him. It would never work between us."

"Says who?"

"Me. I've seen enough relationships fail to know that it's no use even trying."

"So this is about your mom and dad? And Mike and Tricia?"

"That's not what I meant, but yes, those are good examples. And they all had normal lives, unlike Ethan. Ethan's going to be a big football star. Can you imagine being married to someone like that?"

"Married?" She smiles. "Who said anything about marriage? Have you thought about marrying Ethan?"

"No! Of course not. I just—forget it. I have to get back to work." I try to go around her but she blocks the door.

"Call him."

"No. Now let me out."

She sighs. "You are SO stubborn."

She moves out of the way and we continue our shift.

On my way home, I keep thinking about what Ethan said, specifically the part about how he'd be traveling a lot when he plays pro ball. I still don't get why that's an issue. It's part of being on the team, and if that's what he wants to do, he shouldn't care about being on the road.

I'm almost at my apartment but then stop and make a U-turn and go the other direction towards Ethan's house. Don't ask me why. Seeing him again got my brain all messed up and I'm not thinking straight. Plus, I have to know why he acted that way tonight, as if we're just friends after he spent all those weeks calling me, leaving messages on my phone.

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