Page 55 of Sliding Into Love
Ethan’s track record with coaches was currently zero for two, and this one wasn’t looking great either.
He called Ivy.
It rang three times. No answer.
Fuck.
He tried again. Still nothing.
Shit.
When his fists clenched, the tiny paper rectangle crumpled in his hand. Unfolding it with still-shaking fingers, he read the number, and before he changed his mind, he dialed.
“Laura Lorne speaking.”
“Oh. Um. Mo— Laura?”
“Yes?”
“It’s Ethan.”
“Ethan?”
There were noises in the background, so maybe she didn’t recognize his voice.
Hearing her voice after so long sent needles of pain through his veins.
“Mother.” He ground out. “It’s Ethan.”
He couldn’t say EthanFisherout loud. Not now.
“Oh.” Her tone shifted, unreadable. More noises and other voices in the background “My son, Ethan Fisher?”
“This was a bad idea.”
“I’m sorry.” Laura’s voice sounded rougher. Older. Ethan wondered how much she’d aged in the past five years. “This isn’t a great time, Ethan, but I can—”
Of course, it wasn’t a great time. When had it ever been?
“Right.” He cut her off. “Well. Sorry to have bothered you. Bye.”
The painful squeezing in his chest tightened further as he disconnected the call.
Ethan should’ve known better.
He called Ivy again. Still no answer.
Laura didn’t make time for him, and now Ivy couldn’t either. He’d thought he could count onsomeone.
He should’ve known better.
Maybe Marshall was right. Maybe he shouldn’t have gotten attached. Maybe—
The vibrating in his hand was so startling, he dropped the phone. Once he’d recovered enough to pick it up, he answered.
“Hi!”
For the first time, the bright warmth of Ivy’s voice both soothed and grated his nerves.
