“Like a cute, little sister.”
I nearly choke on the margarita. Because last weekend I was not thinking if him in the same way.
“Same. He’s like a brother,” I respond quickly.
She watches my face carefully as she drinks again.
“Mm-hmm,” she says. “Ethan’s such a catch, I’m surprised no one at the office has made a move on him.”
“Like who? Gina? The sixty-year-old admin?” I joked. “There’s no one, Sage. No one’s a threat to you at the office.”
Then, casually— “What about the other girls? Tony’s friends…?”
“Just, Kate. A kiss. I already told you…”
“Have you ever seen him hook up at all?” she asks. “Like… drunkenly? And then act like it never happened?”
I hesitate. Just a beat.
“I’ve seen him drunkenly make out with random girls,” I say carefully. “But rarely. And not since months before he met you.”
Her eyes stay locked on mine. Color blooms on her cheeks. Her manicured nails tap on the table.
“But never with anyone like me?” she asks lightly.
I don’t overthink it. “No,” I say honestly. “I’ve never seen him want to be with anyone the way he’s with you.”
She studies me another second, then seems to relax.
“Okay,” she says. “Good.”
She drains the rest of her margarita and immediately flags the waiter.
“Another,” she says, then looks at me. “You’re good, right?”
I nod, even though my glass is barely touched.
“Tell me about your boyfriend,” she says, all warmth again. “I want everything. Did you make him pay for ditching you last weekend?”
I take a breath. “Sean’s a fireman. He never wanted to go college. He comes from a whole family of firefighters. He volunteered once he turned eighteen and never looked back. It’s a noble job. The hours suck?—”
“I asked about him not what he does,” her brow rises.
My hands twist the napkin in my lap. I look away, being my lip.
It’s fine.
We’re fine.
“He’s….
“Oof,” she says. “Hero energy.”
I smile despite myself. “Our schedules are just… off. He works overnights. I’m nine to five. We kind of pass each other like ships. His father died last year. It’s been hard on him. So I don’t give him hell. I’m just there. You know—when he needs me.”
“But you’re happy?”
“Yes, we’ve been together almost two years. When we’re together, it’s really good. He’s very doting. He’s just been picking up overtime lately and dealing with family things.”
