Page 63 of Holding On

"Yeah, I think there might be something there."

I hope so. He really needs this. A new relationship is the only way he's going to move on from Tricia.

Later that morning, as I'm finishing up at a house, my boss calls to tell me I have the afternoon off because the homeowners cancelled their scheduled cleaning.

With my afternoon free, I call up Ethan.

"Hey. What are you doing?"

"Just having lunch. Are you on break?"

"I just finished up at a house. The next house cancelled so I'm free for the afternoon. You want to do something? I could come over."

"I have that doctor's appointment."

"Oh, yeah, I forgot." I know he'll probably turn me down but I ask anyway. "Why don't I take you to your appointment? Then you won't have to take a cab."

"That's all right. I already called and arranged for them to pick me up."

"So call them back and tell them you no longer need a ride. You'll save on cab fare."

"It's not that expensive. And I have the money. My parents add money to my bank account every month."

How great would that be? To have money deposited in your account without having to work for it? If only his parents would be actual parents and not just a source of income.

"It's not just about the money," I tell him. "I want to take you."

"And I don't want you to," he says in a clipped tone.

"I won't go in the room with you. I'll just hang out in the waiting room."

"I like taking a cab."

"But it'd be a lot easier for you to get in and out of my van."

"I said no!" His voice is raised and he's breathing hard.

I pause to let him cool down. Why does he get this way? He's so hot and cold.

"Then I guess I'll see you tomorrow. Bye, Ethan."

He doesn't say goodbye so I just end the call. I don't understand why he gets so angry whenever I offer to help. I really don't like that about him.

I go home and change clothes and have lunch, trying to decide how to spend my rare afternoon off. Although it's boring, a nap sounds good. I never get enough sleep.

My phone rings. It's Ethan. I'm mad at him for how he treated me earlier and consider not answering, but then I do.

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry," he says. "I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm just nervous about my appointment."

"I understand, but you don't have to take it out on me."

"I know, which is why I'm calling to say I'm sorry." He pauses. "Do you think maybe you could still take me?"

"Sure. What time do you need to be there?"

"Two-thirty."

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