Page 67 of The First Time
"You have plans today?" Ethan takes a long sip of his coffee.
"I'm going to head to L.A." I study Ethan's expression. He seems to accept my answer as not needing more detail. It's ridiculous that I need to explain myself. I'm nineteen. I'm an adult. I shouldn't have to justify my plans.
Even if I'm lying by omission.
Maybe I'm being paranoid. Ethan isn't looking at me in a particularly suspicious or protective way. He occasionally growls at my jokes about screwing around, but that's about it. Those don't even phase Mal anymore. If anything, he enjoys teasing me back. He's gotten really good at it.
Ethan nods. "Be home for dinner?"
"Depends on traffic." I finish my coffee with a long swig. "You heading out?"
He nods to the practice room. "I'll be here all afternoon."
Despite my headache, I have to smile. Ethan is a perfectionist. If I had more energy, I'd tease him about it.
Instead, I hug him goodbye and trudge upstairs with another cup of coffee.
My phone is sitting on my desk, fully charged, completely free of any important text messages.
I try not to read into it. I did promise Kit I'd give him a ride to his bike. I'm doing that.
Piper: Hey. You up?
Kit: You slept late.
Piper: It's spring break.
Kit: Even so.
Piper: Already got the lecture from Ethan.
Kit: You feel like shit?
Piper: There's a hammer pounding on my forehead.
Kit: Good.
Piper: Good?
Kit: You won't drink that much again.
Piper: Oh, right. That's true. Are you home?
Kit: You need to work on your booty call skills.
Piper: How about: I'm not wearing any panties.
Kit: Is that true?
Piper: Maybe. Are you home?
Kit: And dressed.
Piper: But you go commando.
Kit: Still not a great pick up line.
Piper: How about: I want you to ride me like you ride your motorcycle.
