Page 81 of Writing On The Wall

Ethan leans away from the table, a hand casually resting on the back of my chair. I’m still cozied up to Toby, feeling more awkward than ever. Meanwhile, no one can see Ethan’s hand behind me in the dimly lit room, but it’s certainly there emitting an inordinate level of heat. The thin straps of my sundress leave most of my upper back exposed, causing me to flinch when Ethan’s thumb grazes my skin, tracing soft circles over my back. He pauses long enough to tug lightly on my ponytail, a silent admonishment to sit still and not give anything away. It’s remarkable how the man can carry on a conversation while my brain is practically short circuiting due to his subtle contact.

I suppress a shiver when he slides his thumb under the strap of my dress. Who would have guessed the skin just beside my armpit would be so sensitive?

Ooh, he’s playing dirty right now, punishing me for bringing my fake boyfriend tonight. Toby snickers beside me as he tries to stifle his obvious amusement at my reaction to Ethan’s touch.

I turn my head to whisper in Toby’s ear, but not enough to put any space between myself and Ethan’s hand. Because I’m a glutton for punishment. “You’re not helping.”

“You’ve gotta admit, it’s pretty funny. I’ve never seen your brain overheat like this ‘cause of a man.” He smiles then moves a piece of hair out of my face. The action clearly pushes Ethan’s buttons, which was undoubtedly Toby’s intention. Ethan has moved on to a different conversation while his hand tugs gently on my dress strap, pulling me ever so slightly away from Toby.

“You could stop antagonizing my actual boyfriend, though,” I whisper back. To anyone else it must appear as if we’re in our own little whispery, mushy love-bubble. Which doesn’t help my plan to bow out of this faux-lationship any time soon.

“I’m sorry.” He smiles. “I’ll make it up to you. But only after I get the chance to gloat and say I told you so.” And then he pulls out his phone, frowning at it before leaning closer. “I’ll see you at school. Don’t look too upset when I leave. It’ll help sell our conscious uncoupling soon.” He winks at me after kissing my cheek.

“But…”

“Vee, we’ll figure everything out. But I don’t know how much longer you can convince your friends that you’re not hopelessly gone for the man sitting beside you, and I’m not going to keep standing in the way of your happiness.”

A deep frown etches onto my forehead and my jaw slackens.

“That’ll do it.” He grins, then stands and politely excuseshimself due to a fake family emergency, thanking Ember and Colton for inviting him.

I push my chair in, smiling at Gail’s attempts to comfort me after my ‘boyfriend’ had to leave. Opal only sips her drink, eyes narrowing in their knowing way. I haven’t given anything away, have I? Ethan and I have barely acknowledged one other. And there’s no way she saw his hand on my back.

No, everything is fine. I’m just worrying over Toby’s words and about ending our mutual fake relationship.

I mean, I said it myself. I need this thing to fizzle out, but I haven’t thought about what I’ll say to Gran. If the relationship that spurred her generosity suddenly ends, will she see me as just as fickle as Ross? I know she wouldn’t kick me out onto the streets, but she may ask me to leave, without knowing I have no place and no money to fall back on. I naively gave it all to Ross, and if she findsthatout, it would only further prove how irresponsible I am. Just like Ross. Everyone has written him off. And I suddenly don’t feel very far off from that same fate.

The hand that’s rubbing at my temple stills when I feel Ethan’s palm slide over my thigh in a comforting grip. My eyes bounce to his for a second, catching the concern in his expression. But there’s also so much steadiness cemented there. I don’t let my gaze linger, as much as I desperately want to swim in his baby blues. Opal is already watching me with too much suspicion.

Ethan’s hand on my leg helps to ground me, and I manage to calm my thoughts and remain present for the rest of the evening. I’m not even sure why we’re having this get together, but I assume the mothers, particularly Ember’s, are getting to be a bit much as the big day gets nearer, and this is Colton’s way of reminding Ember that she has people in her corner.

An hour later, our bellies are full of the best Italian food I’ve ever eaten, and I’m about ready to slip into a food coma.Opal shimmies into the open seat beside me on the way back from the restrooms.

“A lot of interesting developments happening this evening.” There’s that glint in her eye, telling me this is the setup to whatever she’s about to say next.

“Really?” I squeak.

“Fascinating how Ethan ate his entire meal with his left hand. Like the right one just took the night off.”

I gulp. “Hmm. That is interesting. He should see a doctor about that.”

“Strange how his mood seemed to perk up after your Toby left.”

“Maybe he bumped his head. You should ask him about that. He really listens to you and Gail. Um, excuse me, gotta run to the whiz palace.” And like the coward I am, I speed walk to the safety of the restroom, lingering until everyone is putting on their coats and getting ready to leave.

Ethan winks at me as I rejoin our group, and I catch myself as I’m about to smile in return. Opal’s eyes are also zeroed in on my face, but with much less affection. She means well, but sometimes she’s too inquisitive for her own good. She and Gail have a new-found chumminess with Gran, and I don’t need them spilling any secrets that I’d rather keep to myself.

She’s staring at me like she’s charting all my reactions, trying to find clues in each one.

Ember loops her arm through mine as we walk through the bustling restaurant to the exit.

“You okay? You seemed a bit distracted. It’s not Ross, is it?”

For once it’s not my wayward brother causing my stomach to swirl. But I can’t tell Ember that I’m malfunctioning because her future brother-in-law is too sexy for my own good.

“I’m fine. Ross is Ross,” I say with a sardonic laugh. “Did you enjoytonight?”

“It was the perfect wedding de-stressor.” She sighs.

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