Never His Second Choice Chapter 07
Ethan pressed his lips together and was about to say something, but I’d already walked over to the convenience store next door and bought myself a clear plastic umbrella.
“Let’s go. There’s a good Texas barbecue place around the corner.”
I walked ahead with my umbrella open. Ethan gripped his own umbrella handle tightly and trailed after me without a word.
At the restaurant, I didn’t need any prompting. I automatically sat down on the single side of the booth.
Ethan’s already-sour expression darkened further.
But I couldn’t be bothered to manage his moods anymore.
I glanced at the menu and quickly ordered a few of the restaurant’s signature dishes, rattling off everyone’s food preferences without pausing.
Nina spoke up, an odd, thoughtful edge in her voice:
“Lena, you’ve changed so much… It’s like you’ve suddenly grown up.”
I rinsed the silverware in hot water. Didn’t look up.
“People change.”
Ethan gripped his fork. The temperature around him seemed to drop a few degrees.
The waiter brought out grilled beef ribs first.
Ethan took the plate, deftly stripping the meat from the bone with his knife and fork, cutting it into small pieces.
Out of habit, he reached to put the first piece into my bowl. I raised my hand and stopped him.
“Give it to Nina. I can serve myself.”
“Lena. Have you had enough?”
Ethan’s voice rose sharply.
I looked up, startled.
What did I do this time?
Wasn’t I doing exactly what he’d wanted—being sensible, taking care of myself?
Ethan set down his cutlery, picked up a napkin, and slowly, meticulously wiped his fingers.
“Ever since we met up today, you’ve been throwing attitude at us. Fine, that’s between the three of us and we can deal with it. But Nina took time off to fly here and see you, and your coworker was rude to her. You—”
Oh. So he was still stewing about earlier.
I already knew what was coming and cut him off:
“I’m sorry then. I apologize on behalf of my friend.”
The words now apologize to Nina got stuck in Ethan’s throat. He looked like he’d swallowed something the wrong way.
Nina waved her hands hurriedly, cheeks pink with embarrassment:
“It’s fine! Ethan’s just making a mountain out of a molehill. You know how he always—”
“Right, he’s always cared more about how you feel. I know.”
I said it evenly, not looking at Nina’s frozen expression.
“The food’s getting cold. Let’s eat.”
The two of them ate their dinner like it was cardboard.
I, on the other hand, had a great appetite. Every bite was delicious.
Only when I couldn’t fit another bite did I set down my knife and fork.
Ethan, who’d been watching me the whole time, finally spoke again:
“Lena, we came out here to bring you back to Seattle. Are you satisfied now? Are you done being angry?”
I didn’t answer yes or no. I just calmly asked him:
“At your place, is there a room for me?”
“No.”
“Is there a bed for me?”
Ethan paused.
“No…”