Page 45 of Eternal Hoptimist

“Good man.” He clapped me on the shoulder.

I owed Ethan so much for his role in making my dreams come true. I needed to repay him. His upcoming trip to Kansas popped into my head. I’d been doing some research to arm him with as much information as possible, but it would be better if I were there to hear what happened at the meeting and interpret any legal jargon.

I had an urge to put Sullivan Brothers to the test. Did they really prioritize families?

“Speaking of Ethan. He’s got a family matter going on, and I want to support him during a brief trip back home. I’d like to take next Thursday and Friday off, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with anything. I’ll still be reachable, of course.”

He nodded. “I can’t remember the last time you asked for time off. I trust you won’t let anything fall behind.”

“Thank you. Hector will connect with your assistant on the dates for the time off calendar.”

He stood. “Sounds good. I better head off to my next meeting.”

“Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it. I’ll keep working on this.”

Glen closed the door behind him.

With that sorted, the extent of my impulsiveness hit me. Ethan didn’t invite me to join him, and I hadn’t suggested it. I supposed if he didn’t want me to go, I could have a long weekend staycation.

If I could get information directly from the developers going after Rosie’s land, I could better fulfill my end of the bargain. I also wanted to see where he grew up and meet Rosie while I had an excuse to do so.

I studied my schedule for the rest of the day and decided I could leave at a decent hour. Mom had been bugging me to come by and check out a few boxes of childhood stuff to help her clean out the garage. I could swing by the brewery after and have a chat with Ethan.

Turning to my computer, I got to work to make the time go faster.

CHAPTER 16

ETHAN

Team Tap That Group Text

Dom:I’m at the store. What do you guys want for tonight?

Ty:Kraft mac n cheese and Ding Dongs

Austin:That is not what we’re having for dinner tonight

Ty:But it’s what we survived on an entire semester in college. Come on, for nostalgia?

Austin:That’s actually really sweet. Are you okay?

Ty:I am very sweet!

Ethan:So is antifreeze

* * *

“Do you remember the time Ty was plastered—that year he dressed as a vampire for Halloween?” Austin asked as he leaned back in his dedicated armchair in the Tap That war room. It was his last night in the house, and our post-Sunday meeting hangout had turned into reliving the good ole days full of ramen and dirty bathrooms.

“Asexyvampire,” Ty corrected.

“Couldn’t one argue all vampires are sexy?” Austin tossed back.

Ty scrunched his face in thought.

“Oh god. I forgot about that.” I laughed. “You were such a pain in the ass. Wandering around the bar with the beer sloshing over your glass. Ambushing people and trying to get them to agree to turn you into a vampire.”

Dom groaned and dropped his face in his hands. “That was so embarrassing. I can’t believe you got kicked out because you accused the bartender of being a vampire hunter.”

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