Page 64 of Pick Me Up On Tuesdays

I knew that.

But knowing didn’t stop the unease curling in my stomach.

I buried myself in work, forcing my thoughts onto something—anything—else.

The day went by, and we found ourselves driving for the next stop—a motel somewhere across the country.

The energy from earlier had worn off, leaving most people half-asleep or scrolling through their phones.

I should’ve been tired too. Instead, my brain wouldn’t shut up.

The day had gone fine. Better than before, even. But the fog in my mind wouldn’t clear, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized—

I had been actively avoiding Ethan.

I wasn’t obvious about it. Not really. Just small things. Choosing a different seat. Staying near the others. Making sure there was always some kind of buffer between us.

Maybe he hadn’t noticed. Maybe I was overthinking.

But as we pulled up to another rundown motel for the night, I caught Ethan watching me.

Not in an intense or suspicious way.

Just… watching.

I didn’t like it.

I grabbed my bag and headed inside, pretending not to notice.

I was halfway through brushing my teeth when I saw him.

Ethan stood by the window, hoodie up, hands in his pockets. The same posture he had the other day when he was sneaking out.

Automatically, I knew it—today was not editing-day, it was sneaking-out day.

I set my toothbrush down and leaned against the sink, watching him through the mirror.

He threw me one glance as if he knew exactly how to drag me out of the room at midnight.

I sighed. "Really?"

No response.

I dried my hands, dragging out the moment, hoping maybe he'd change his mind. But of course, he didn’t.

"Ethan." My voice was sharper this time.

He pulled open the window.

I swore under my breath. "Where the hell are you even going?"

Still, nothing.

Then, without a word, he slipped outside.

Damn it.

I grabbed my jacket and climbed out after him.

---