Page 33 of Holding On

Chapter Eight

Becca

After Ethan finished eating his burger we made s'mores, which took forever because we couldn't figure out the grill. We finally got it to work but then burned the first couple batches of marshmallows. Luckily I bought the jumbo bag so we had plenty.

All of our effort was worth it. The s'mores were really good. So good that Ethan had four.

Now we're sitting on the lounge chairs on his back patio, staring up at the dark sky.

"Do you usually go see fireworks?" I ask.

"No. I think the last time I saw them I was probably five or six. My grandparents took me. My parents wouldn't go. They hate that type of stuff. Too many crowds. When's the last time you saw them?"

"Last year. They were shooting them off at a park near my apartment."

"It's almost ten. Shouldn't you get going? You're going to miss the fireworks."

"I already did. They shot them off a half hour ago." I let out a laugh. "Was your question a hint that you want me to leave?"

"No. Not at all. I just didn't want to keep you if you had plans."

"I don't have any plans."

I feel him looking at me but keep my eyes on the sky.

"I'm really glad you came tonight," he says.

That's the second time he's told me that. He really was lonely. It's a good thing I came over, and I'm glad I stuck around after dinner. This has turned out to be a great night.

A burst of pink and green lights up the sky. "Ethan, look!"

Another firework goes off. This one is red, white, and blue.

"Looks like we get our own personal show."

"I wonder where it's coming from."

"Probably the golf course. There's a private course just down the road. They do a fireworks show every year."

Two more shoot off. Smaller ones. Blue. White. Green. Then a really big one in red and white.

"This is awesome," I say as another one goes off. I love fireworks, and not having to go anywhere to see them is great. And then there's the added bonus of watching them with Ethan.

I'm really starting to like him. When I first met him, I wasn't sure if I did, but tonight I've seen a whole other side of him. Not the moody, anxious, irritable side I saw when I cleaned his house, but the funny, attentive, more relaxed side of him that I'd like to spend more time with. We've talked a lot tonight and I've found that Ethan's a good listener, almost as good as my brother. That's hard to find in a guy. Most guys can't pay attention for more than a few minutes.

"Check it out." Ethan nudges my arm and I look up and see a yellow smiley face in the sky.

"That's cool. I've never seen one like that."

As I gaze up at the sky, I feel his hand gently wrap around mine. When I don't yank it away, he holds it a little tighter. I don't know what that means. Is he holding my hand as a friend or does he want more than that? Do I? Would I ever actually date Ethan Baxter? I've never thought about it because I never thought it would happen. Every girl in town wants to date him and I'm sure he's been with a lot of them. He has a reputation for sleeping around, but I don't want to be one of those random girls. I don't have one-night stands. It doesn't feel right to me. But would I date him? Be in a relationship with him? I'm not sure if I'd want that. Or if he would.

Plus, he's technically my boss so how would that work? Would I get fired for dating him? But how would anyone know?

"I should probably head home," I say after the fireworks end.

"Yeah." He lets go of my hand. "I guess it's getting kind of late." He sounds disappointed, and a little sad.

"Or...if you want, we could watch TV for an hour or so. Maybe make a snack?"

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