But as Ethan reached for the Scotch bottle and poured a shot of whiskey into the empty glass, Malcolm had his doubts about the longevity of Ethan’s life.
Holly watched Ethan much like he’dseen Joy looking at himself, with sympathy. Sympathy was worthless. Action was what was needed.
Ethan walked around to the other side of his desk and picked up his phone. “Call Mum.” As he waited, Holly wiped her tears with the back of her hand.
“Hi Mum. Aye, I’ll be there Sunday. No nothing’s wrong, well, except I wanted to let you know that Sophia Dunlap is going to be staying in the eastwing for a bit.”
Holly shook her head, a scowl on her face. Malcolm had no sympathy for her. A lot of this was her fault.
Ethan continued. “I know, but she came to me and you’re the one who taught me to never turn away from a friend.”
Malcolm pointedly looked at Holly, and she flushed. Good.
Ethan sat in his chair and sighed. “I don’t think it would make much difference to tell her I loveher. She seems to have forgotten we were once friends.” Ethan gave a pathetic chuckle. “No Mum, it’s not an American thing. She doesn’t even know I exist anymore.”
Malcolm watched Holly closely. She was intent on Ethan’s conversation, but there was no recognition in her face.
Ethan looked up at the ceiling as if finding his patience. “No, I won’t do that. Did you want me to bring Sophia withme on Sunday?”
Holly whispered as if Ethan could overhear. “He didn’t say anything about a baby. Do you think he’s skeptical?”
Malcolm opened his mouth, but Joy stepped in. “I’m sure he is since he doesn’t remember that night.”
Ethan reached for the glass of Scotch with his free hand. “Right, I’ll pick him up on my way over. See you then.” With one hand, he ended the conversation and with theother, he threw back the shot of whiskey.
Holly frowned, floating closer to Ethan. “I’m so sorry. I did this.” She waved her hand at the whole room. “I did all of this.”
Joy drifted forward as if she’d offer comfort. “You didn’t know. How could you?”
Holly glanced at him. “I could have if I’d been a good friend like he’d been to me.”
He nodded.
Joy glanced back at him before facing Hollyagain. “You were grieving. You needed some time. You just took too long.”
“You’re right. This is all wrong. I can change this.”
“How?” Malcolm pulled Holly’s attention from Joy. “How will you fix this?”
“Tomorrow. He invited me to his parents for Christmas day. I’ll go. If he needs someone to talk to about Cameron, I’ll be there for him.”
He pressed his advantage. “But that’s not all he needsfrom you.”
Joy gave him a nervous look, but Holly kept shaking her head, now having a dose of her own guilt. “This isn’t right. How could anyone be his friend and forget he exists. Is it someone from when he attended the university?”
Malcolm felt like Ethan wasn’t the only one who had lost patience. “No. Think. What woman do you know who used to be friends with Ethan and is American?”
Holly’sbrow lowered as she thought. “I didn’t know he knew any Americans but me.” She stared at him, and he raised his eyebrows.
“Oh no.” She shook her head. “You don’t mean…he loves…but I didn’t know…how can—” She closed her mouth, her eyes wide.
Joy moved in like Florence Nightingale. “Of course you didn’t.” She looked at him with disbelief.
He ignored her. “But think of all your actions for thelast three years from his point of view, and this is even farther into the future. The woman he loves pushes him away every time. Do you wonder he drinks himself into a stupor every night?”
“That’s it.” Joy grabbed his arm. “You overstepped.”
He refused to be moved. “He’s loved you for a long time. After Cameron’s death, he thought it was just a shared sympathy, his heart aching for you in yourgrief. Then he realized it was something more. He’s wanted to tell you but out of respect didn’t push you…for three long years. Then, as you see, he gave up. You made that easy since you avoid him.”
