Page 29 of Sliding Into Love
The second box contained five extra-long charger cords. Also useful, but odd. Her sleep-shopping was usually more random, impractical things like matching unicorn onesies for the entire family or turkey-and-dressing-flavored soda.
At the bottom of the second box lay a note.
To: Ivy
This is for you. I thought I heard you say your phone was dying again, and I wanted to be able to talk to you more and I thought if you had a better charger, it wouldn’t die so much.
From: Ethan Ford
Pinching the bridge of her nose with her fingers, Ivy tried not to freak out. On the one hand, his wanting to talk to her was sweet. But on the other… it wasn’t like he’d crossed a hard line, but it was so unusual. Ivy couldn’t accept it.
A loud groan escaped her lips, and she clapped her hand over her mouth so she didn’t wake Janna, who had fallen asleep for a rare midday nap.
Jase popped his head into the kitchen. “You okay?” He sounded worried.
“Yeah. Yeah, I’m okay.”
“You don’t sound okay,” Jase said, coming into the room and sitting across from her.
“Well… it’s kind of complicated.”
“Oh.” He sounded hurt and turned away.
“It’s Ethan,” she explained, not wanting him to feel like it was something he’d done. “He sent me a bunch of chargers. It’s kind of weird, right?”
A sense of unease Ivy hadn’t suffered in years resurfaced, bringing with it a multitude of other unpleasant sentiments. Gifts didn’t always come with strings attached, but what if this one did?
Before Ivy began spiraling, Jase spoke. “I’m ten. Everything grownups do is weird. But Ethan is nice, and he was probably trying to be helpful.” He shrugged. “Ask him about it or send it back if it bothers you.”
Ivy released a pent-up breath and closed her eyes.
“You’re right. He seemed a bit off yesterday.”
“That was great!” Jase laughed. “He’s funny. And he thinks you’re pretty.”
Hadeveryoneheard their exchange?
“That’s not a good reason to buy someone a gift.” Ivy bit her lip, trying to keep the memories at bay.
Jase lifted one shoulder in another shrug.
“Ask him about it.” And then he seemed finished with the conversation. “Can I look up more stats on your computer?”
“Yeah, go ahead.” Ivy considered what to say to Ethan as she finished her sandwich.
Hi, Ethan. Thanks for the chargers. It was nice, but I can’t keep them.
Wait, what?
You sent me phone chargers.
Ah, shit.
This is awkward. I don’t remember doing it.
Those were good pain meds, huh?
Um. Should I give a blanket apology for anything else I did yesterday? Damage control?
