Page 61 of Eternal Hoptimist

What if I let Ethan slip away? If I became partner and couldn’t make it work, when would I meet someone else? Someone else I trusted. Someone who understood me, cared about me, and wanted to help me explore parts of myself I didn’t fully understand yet. Would I be someone who worked myself to an early grave? A bachelor uncle too busy to attend birthday parties when my siblings began having kids with their partners? The wealthy uncle who sent expensive gifts in my stead. The uncle arriving late to Christmas Eve dinner, stepping out for a work call, and skipping Christmas dinner to get a head start on things while calls and emails were quieter. Someone who went to more work events than family events, whose only “friends” were coworkers I talked to at the office.

Bile rose in my throat as my current trajectory sank in. Barreling down a lonely superhighway in a Tesla I paid cash for.

“Would you stop worrying about me if I told you I’m bringing a date to Dad’s party?”I am?

“You are?”

I had to pull the phone away from my ear at her shriek. It was a reckless move. Impulsive, especially without talking to Ethan first. I couldn’t bear to hear my mom so concerned, though. It was worse than disappointment.

As she peppered me with questions without pausing for answers about who he was, where he lived, and what he did for a living, it hit me I wasn’t the only one affected. My family lived in Ethan’s community. They were his customers. What would happen if I got their hopes up we were dating, and then we couldn’t make it work after all? Or, even worse, I learned he didn’t want to try, and I’d backed him into a corner by taking the fake relationship from my work to his.

“Can you chill with the twenty questions? It’s early days, okay?”

“I can’t wait to meet him.” She sounded giddy.

“He works evenings at the brewery, so I’m not sure if he’ll be able to come.”

She gasped. “You’re dating Ethan? I knew it! Nice job, kiddo. He’s a babe. And so sweet. Oh my god, that smile. I adore him.” I worried that as soon as she hung up, she would use some creepy app to merge our photos to see what our kids would look like.

I laughed. “Stop drooling over my boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend?” Her high-pitched tone could summon dogs.

“Not for long if you scare him away. Can you be cool for me, please? I like this guy.” I did. I really did.I think he feels the same.

“I’ll be on my best behavior.” That made me nervous. We had wildly different definitions of that.

We talked for a few more minutes about her plans for the party. With my dad being a Valentine’s Day baby, the holiday had never meant much to me because I’d grown up with that being Dad’s day.Shit.What if Ethan expected something for Valentine’s Day? We’d spent a lot of time together, but since we hadn’t said we were officially dating or anything, going all out for it felt weird.

My dad’s birthday was the perfect way to spend time together. Getting to see him on the day without any pressure to plan something and making it weird if he thought it was too much. The whole fake thing stressed me out. I made a mental note to search for a hotel room for the night.

Parker:My mom called me about my dad’s upcoming birthday party. I may have panicked at her wily guilt-tripping ways and mentioned I’m seeing someone. She miiiiight be demanding I bring said someone to the party. It’s on Valentine’s Day. Is that a busy night for the brewery? It’s totally fine if it won’t work out! My mouth got away from me, and now I’ve backed you into a corner

Ethan texted me back about an hour later.

Ethan:Talked to Seth, and he’s got it covered. Dom can pitch in too. He hates Valentine’s Day, and earning some tips would cheer him up. It sounds fun! Your family is great. Think you’ll be able to stay the night? [wink emoji]

Parker:You sure? Thank you so much, and I apologize in advance if my mom stops by the brewery and is weird. She’s obsessed with you. Is it okay that they know? Well, not know, but you know what I mean. I don’t want it to affect you or the business.Booking a room now. [wink emoji]

Ethan:lol, it’s fine. Stop worrying. This is going to be great for our business. Your mom is probably going to single-handedly double our sales. Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday. [tongue emoji] [peach emoji] [eggplant emoji] [water drop emoji]

Parker:[fire emoji] Me too.

CHAPTER 23

ETHAN

Team Tap That Group Text

Ethan:I’m swinging by Dave’s. Anyone want coffee?

Dom:If I have any more caffeine, I’ll vibrate

Ty:That sounds fun

Ty:I’m out meeting with vendors but thanks

Austin:Caleb sent me to work with a thermos but thanks [smile emoji]

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