Page 59 of When We Are Falling

Ethan

The night of the event,the Tidal Tavern is buzzing with energy. The live band is in full swing, their music filling every corner of the bar and spilling out into the boardwalk. Familiar faces from town mix with unfamiliar ones, drawn in by the promise of awesome music, discounted drinks, and raising money for a good cause.

I’m standing with the boys at a table in the corner, taking it all in. The bar is packed, people dancing and laughing, a ten wide line snaking its way to the counter where drinks are being served non-stop.

Blake and I lock eyes across the room, and I have an overwhelming need to kiss her. Turning to Liam. “Be back in a minute.”

I weave through the crowd toward Blake, the two of us drawn together like a magnet and steel. When we reach one another, she wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me full on the lips.

“Thank you,” she says, her breath warm against my neck. “You made this happen. I can’t believe how many people are here.”

Grazing my knuckles down her back, loving the way she leans in against me. “It’s all for you, princess.”

Her face is so perfect I can hardly stand to look at her without claiming her mouth as my own. Another kiss before she pulls back, staring at me: “I’m so grateful to have you in my life.”

Brushing a strand of hair from her face: “I’m just glad I could help. You deserve this.”

She kisses me again, lingering and sweet, before pulling away. “I’m sorry, I’ve got to get back behind the bar. Lucy and the runners are swamped. But we’ll catch up later, okay?”

“I’ll be here.”

As Blake disappears into the crowd, her mom, Trudy, approaches. She’s a warm and friendly woman who I’ve known since I was a kid, and she pulls me into a quick hug, kissing my cheek.

“It’s so good to see you.” Her eyes crinkle at the corners. “This event is wonderful. You two did an amazing job.”

“Thank you,” I reply, feeling a bit awkward, not knowing how much Blake has told her about us dating. I’ve only ever been one of Blake’s friends for years now. “But it’s all thanks to Blake’s hard work.”

“You’re so sweet, and too modest. Blake told me you pretty much organized this single-handedly.” She hugs me again and sniffs. “Have you quit smoking? I think it’s the first time in a decade you haven’t smelled of cigarettes.”

“Actually, I switched to vaping, but to be honest, I haven’t even thought about vaping in weeks.” It’s true. I can’t even remember the last time I craved a smoke.

As Trudy gets called away by a friend, it’s impossible not to think about the fact that Charlotte isn’t here after what Blaketold me the other day. The absence feels heavy, a stark reminder of my own childhood.

Even though my parents separated when I was young, and I don’t remember them together, they hated each other with a passion. It left me constantly on edge, like something could explode at any moment.

I spent my early years packing a suitcase and moving between their houses in the joint custody arrangement a judge ordered, neither willing to give the other one an inch, even when it came to me. In some ways, I was lucky they both wanted me, I guess, but sometimes I wonder how much of the arrangement was about me versus neither of them wanting tolose.

It was shitty whichever way I look at it, never feeling like I truly belonged anywhere, having to adjust to different rules, different expectations. Two houses, two bedrooms, but no real home.

I look at Blake behind the bar so strong and resilient, and even though she’s an adult, the pain of family conflict is something people never quite outgrow. I really hope Trudy and Charlotte can work things out, and if they can’t, that it will at least be amicable for all their sakes.

A group pushes past me, pulling me from my thoughts. The band is playing a cover of Florence & the Machine’sDog Days are Overwith an infectious energy that has more and more people pouring in, and the chatter and laughter of the crowd seems to surge. I glance toward the bar and see Blake and Lucy struggling to keep up with the endless stream of orders.

Suddenly I’m looking forward to playing bartender for the night, and stride over to the bar. “Need a hand?” I shout over the din.

Blake’s eyes light up. “We’d love one.”

I jump behind the bar, and it’s like stepping into a whirlwind. I’m shaking cocktails and pouring beers as Blake and Lucy callout orders, Carlos and the runners moving back and forth with empties.

“You’re a lifesaver,” Blake says, blowing me a kiss.

We pass at one of the small fridges and my hand goes to her waist. “I’ve always got your back, princess.”

I pass her two cosmopolitans a few minutes later. She only holds my gaze for a second, but there’s so much gratitude and emotion packed into that moment.

We keep working, and the crowd continues to swell. Jake pushes through to the bar and grins at me, amused, as I ask him for his order. “You’re a natural, Ethan,” he says, ordering a round for the Valiant Heart’s boys. “Maybe opening up a bar on theFreedomis next on the agenda.”

As the night wears on, the pace doesn’t let up. The Tavern remains packed, the air bright with the sounds and sights of people cutting loose, and filled with the sweet tang of spilled drinks. Every so often, I catch Blake’s eye, and we share a quick, conspiratorial smile. It’s chaos, but it’s the good kind.

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