Page 128 of Catch
I watch Ethan go and shove my worries down along with my fears.
It doesn’t work.
Maybe he’s done with me. Maybe this whole mess with Renner is too much. Ethan wanted a good time, not drama.
Archie nudges me.
“What’s going on in that big brain of yours?”
“Nothing.”
“You’re making a lot of facial expressions for nothing.”
I sigh and drop my head back on the couch cushion, staring up at the ceiling.
“I was thinking that Ethan wanted easy and simple, and this is turning out to be anything but.”
“The situation with Renner will eventually pass. You’ll get through it.”
“Yeah, but when? Maybe Ethan’s better off not having to deal with me and thissituation. I’m making his life more complicated.”
“What if things with Ethan were reversed?” Archie asks. “Would you want out?”
“No, of course not.”
“Then?”
“I haven’t told him,” I whisper.
“Told him what?”
I glance at my friend.
“How I… how I feel about him. I mean, he knows. We’re boyfriends for fuck’s sake. He’s got to know.”
“He’s not psychic, Jett. What are you waiting for?”
I shake my head.
“Come on, Arch. Ethan didn’t want to have anything to do with relationships. If I say the words out loud, he might… leave.”
“He might temporarily freak out?—”
I glare at my friend.
“That’s not helpful.”
“But it’s totally normal. Falling for the first time is a big deal. Have a bit of faith and patience, in yourself and in him. Trust me, the way Ethan looks at you, I don’t think you need to worry. He’s been all in since he laid eyes on you. He doesn’t see anyone else.”
I’m about to reply when there’s a knock at the door. I startle at the sound, and fuck, I guess I’m going to be jumpy for a while yet.
It turns out to be the pizza delivery. Gage and Silas spread the boxes over the coffee table and my friends dive in. My appetite has somewhat returned, so I select one slice and force myself to eat.
With the soccer game over, Marshall chooses a movie, a comedy, and I try to pay attention but my mind is on Ethan.
I glance at my phone. It’s been over an hour and Ethan isn’t back yet.
He’ll come back.Duh, he lives here.
