Page 119 of Catch
I feel an immense wave of relief wash over me—for myself and for Hailey and Willow too.
“Do you have any questions?” Iris adds.
“I don’t think so. Ethan?”
I glance at Ethan, and he shakes his head.
“I might have some later,” I explain. “I’m a little overwhelmed to be honest.”
Iris leans forward.
“I know the past two weeks have been a lot for you, but the hardest part is done. We’ll update you when we complete our investigation, but keep in mind that it may take another month or two.”
“Alright, thank you. For everything.”
“You’re welcome.”
We stand up to leave and shake Iris’s hand.
As we step outside her office, Ethan’s phone begins to ring. It’s the third time today. Someone’s been trying to call him—I don’t know who—but he keeps ignoring it.
“I better take this,” he says with a heavy sigh. “It’s my dad.”
Ethan taps his phone and places it to his ear.
“Hey, what’s up?” he answers.
I wait back and let him walk ahead so he can have privacy.
When Ethan realizes I’m not by his side, he turns around and motions with his free hand.
“I was trying to give you space,” I whisper.
“I don’t need it,” Ethan replies. “Sorry, not you, Dad. I was talking to Jett?—”
Ethan came out to his parents, but I get the sense they’re not thrilled. Not about him dating a guy, but about him dating, period. I don’t know if that’s because of their relationship trauma or Ethan’s past insistence that he didn’t want anything to do with dating.
“I already told you, I’m not coming to Maine for Thanksgiving… I don’t care if your new girlfriend will be there, I’m not up for it… no, it’s not because I want to spend it with Mom and not you… Jesus, it’s not all aboutyou, for fuck’s sake!”
Ethan pauses and runs an agitated hand through his hair. It’s grown back now, but I kind of miss the shaved look, or maybe that’s me being sentimental. My boyfriend is handsome no matter what.
“I’m going to stay here in Vermont,” Ethan declares as he stares at me. “Why? Because I want a peaceful holiday with no fighting… no… no, nothing you say will make me change my mind?—”
There’s angry shouting on the other end and Ethan holds the phone away from his ear. I grip his shoulder, offering my support.
“I’m sorry you’re upset, but I’ve made my decision,” Ethan snaps. “Look, I have to go, I have class… no, I don’t know what Harry and Cate are gonna do, that’s up to them. Maybe they’ll spend Thanksgiving with me.”
Ethan winces as more shouts echo from the phone.
“I’m not trying to be difficult. I’m fucking tired, alright… Why?” he scoffs. “Holidays are always a disaster, with you, with Mom. Wait, not just holidays, every time I go home. Sorry if the truth hurts, but there it is. Every visit is the same damn thing. Me, Harry, and Cate run from your place to Mom’s or vice versa and neither of you are happy about it. Wecan’t win. For once, I want to relax and have fun, remember that?”
I can’t hear what his dad says in response, but judging by the flush on Ethan’s cheeks and the way his jaw clenches, it’s not good.
“What didyoudo to deserve this? I don’t know. Maybe try showing up for your kids more than once a year, and sending a check doesn’t count… no, this wasn’t Mom’s idea… you’re not listening to me…”
Ethan bites his lower lip, and I can tell he’s about to lose whatever patience he has left.
“Really? If I don’t come back for Thanksgiving, I can forget about Christmas?” he says. “That’s fine by me.”
