Page 114 of Love Unavoidable
Chapter 32
Ethan
I toss and turn for most of the night, not getting any decent sleep. It’s crazy to think after such a short amount of time, I would be used to Sadie sleeping next to me and then miss it when she’s not. It’s not this bad when I’m at the station.
Then go sleep at the station.
I scoff at my thoughts then realize it’s not such a bad idea. While I’m at it, maybe the chief would let me pick up extra shifts. It will bring in extra money and take my mind off Sadie not being here. I grab my phone and send him an email while I’m thinking about it. Then I jack off to the thought of Sadie giving me a blowjob before finally falling asleep.
My alarm goes off two hours later. Definitely not enough rest. I check my email first to see if the chief has responded.
Nothing.
I check my voicemail and text messages to make sure I didn’t miss something from Sadie.
Nothing.
I shoot her a quick text to let her know I’m thinking about her.
ME: Hey Gorgeous, I hope you got in okay. And that your mom is okay. Let me know how you are doing when you get a second. I
I pause my typing.
What were you about to write, Ethan?
Fuck.
I was about to write I love you.
I can’t tell her I love her for the first time over text.
First time?
Jesus Christ. I’m in love with Sadie. How the hell did that happen? When did it happen?I rack my brain for answers, but none are forthcoming. I look around the room. No answers there either.
Gut check?
Yeah, I think I’m okay with it. I mean, if it had to be someone, I’m glad it’s her.
I finish my text and send it.
ME: Hey Gorgeous, I hope you got in okay. And that your mom is okay. Let me know how you are doing when you get a second. I missed you sleeping next to me last night.
* * *
Chief is fine with giving me extra shifts. Some other teams are shorthanded as it is. But he watches me closely for burnout. Which is good because I don’t. Instead of an ordinary routine of 48-hours on, 72-hours off, I’m alternating 12-hour shifts. Which, depending on what goes on, oftentimes turn into 15-hour and 16-hour shifts. But some days I work with my team, and some days I don’t. Sadie and I text regularly. Well, she does, and I respond when I can. Working such long hours during the day, and then the small time change between California and Texas, makes our communication stilted. After three days, all I really know is that her mom is still in the hospital, but she’s not going to die.
* * *
Brad and Kat invite me to dinner on day four of no Sadie. I bring Kat a bottle of wine I know she’s likes, and a six-pack for Brad and me. They don’t live very far away from where I do, so it’s an easy drive.
“E!” Kat greets me at the door with a big hug. I haven’t been to their house since the baby shower. Sometimes I forget just how kick ass it is. It’s almost like my house, but overlooking the ocean instead of overlooking a canyon.
“It smells great in here,” I tell Kat as I put the wine on the counter and the beer in the fridge, keeping one out for myself. “What are you making?”
“I am making your favorite, becauseyouare my favorite,” Kat says, coming over and pinching my cheek like a grandmother to a child.
“What’s my favorite?”
