Page 66 of Catch
I turn to find Archie standing near the boatshed.
“Morning,” I call out.
“You’re early.”
“I needed nature therapy.”
“Everything okay?”
I nod and make my way back up the dock to join him.
“Got a lot on my mind.”
“Is this about Ethan?”
I pause for a moment and then keep walking.
“Why would you think that?”
“Come on, Jett, it’s me. Hudson and I know you, and we know there’s something between you and him. Jesus, you’d have to be pretty dense not to see the chemistry you guys have.”
“That’s all it is,” I insist. “A bit of college fun.”
“Then why is it on your mind?”
I swallow hard. I’m not sure if I should even talk about this.
“Wrong choice of words.”
“I don’t think so.” Archie shakes his head. “It’s okay if you like him. He’s one of the good ones.”
“He’s a player, Arch, and you know I’m not talking about hockey.”
“But he’s honest about it. He’s not a liar like Renner.”
“I know that, but I—” I pause. “It’s still a bad idea.”
Archie removes his sunglasses.
“That’s why you and Ethan were late to lunch yesterday.”
“Yes. But you can’t tell anyone.”
“I wouldn’t. But I don’t think I have to. Like I said, you two aren’t fooling anyone. At least, not anyone in our circle.”
“But he’s never, I mean, you know?—”
“Been with a guy?”
I nod.
“I swore I’d never do that to myself.”
“You’re worried he’s using you and he’ll end up cheating like Renner? Is that it?”
“No. Ethan wouldn’t cheat. He’s too open for that. And he’s not using me. I’m in this as much as he is.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
