Page 72 of A Certain Step

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“It’s true,”Willa chimed back in. “Anyway, first things first on our agenda, we’re going to get coffee, run a few quick errands, then head to the theatre.”

He knew it’d be a while before she returned with another post, so he sent her a text.

ETHAN

You’re gorgeous ??

Three dots appeared almost instantly.

WILLA

I’m a nervous wreck is what I am loll

ETHAN

you’re extraordinary. I could watch you read off a grocery list.

WILLA

Hahaha unfortunately for you, I never make one.

ETHAN

It’s a good thing I do. Tulip and I missed you last night. Mostly me.

WILLA

Convenient because I missed you both, too. (You a little more.)

He smiled to himself, wondering how in the world they finally got to this place where they wouldn’t have to tuck away their feelings.

ETHAN

see you soon, beautiful.

WILLA

??

He knew they’d be going to Amanda’s Coffee, so he called the store to make an arrangement. The line rang five times before someone answered. “Amanda’s Coffee, this is Jay.”

“Jay, hey, buddy, it’s Ethan Everett.”

Hisvoice grew less robotic. “Hey, Ethan. What’s up?”

“Listen, the girls are going to come in today for their drinks. Can you opt out of charging them, and I’ll give you the amount when I’m there instead?”

Ethan heard chatter grow louder on the other end of the line. Jay didn’t speak. “Sorry, it was noisy. Yeah, sure. I’ll put them on my tab, and we can square away later,” he noted.

“Appreciate it, man. Thank you.”

“Of course, see you soon,” he added before the line went dead.

Willa textedhim an hour later while he was standing in the subway.

WILLA

Did you do something? Why did Jay at Amanda’s say that our orders were taken care of?

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