Page 74 of Lovestrung

“Hang on,” Eliza sat back in her chair and crossed her arms. “What, pray tell, was Ethan’s reaction to her touching what so clearly belongs to you?”

I shrugged and looked around, avoiding their intense eyes. “He did jerk away from her, and when I tried to leave, he apologized…and promised me that he wouldn’t let her touch him like that again.” When I thought about how sweet he’d been the rest of the day, how caring and considerate, my lips tilted up at the corners. But then Astrid’s speculative look entered my mind and I deflated in my chair.

We fell quiet, and I looked anxiously at them.

“So, do you think I should let this whole thing go, be patient like he’s asked me to?”

“What does your instincts tell you?” Eliza asked, a crease between her eyebrows.

I took a deep breath as I considered her question carefully. But was there ever really a choice to make? I needed to spend more time with Ethan, because deep down, I knew that he was it for me, no questions asked. It was simple and complicated at the same time.

“That I need to follow my heart, I guess.” I smiled at her. “I’ve wanted him for so long, I can’t turn away now.”

“Look,” Ella sighed as she took my hand, “this thing between you is so new, just go with it for now. Enjoy getting the chance to know each other in a completely different way and forget about that woman you met. There’s no reason chasing down ghosts already when there’s probably a perfectly good reason he doesn’t want to say anything about his job yet. And,” she leaned closer, “you said it yourself: you’ve always wanted him. Now is your chance to find out if the reality of him is as good as you thought it could be.”

I smiled in thanks. “You’re right.”

Ella grinned at me. “Of course I’m right.”

“I agree,” Eliza butted in. “Take it slow and jump his delectable body as often as you can.”

I grinned at her. “That won’t be a problem, that’s for sure.”

We raised our glasses and toasted each other. “I’m so glad to get some girl time with you,” I sighed, relieved. “Now, no more talk about men – instead, I want to hear all about your plans for the future.”

While I try to figure out my own in silence, I thought.

“Ugh, the dreaded F word,” Ella groaned and put her head down on the table. “Why did I ever think becoming a journalist would be such a great idea?”

“Aww, it can’t be that bad, surely?” I patted her hair but pulled back when she raised her head and scowled at me.

“It’s worse. You try to make a career in this godforsaken town where every newsroom is filled with misogynistic pigs!”

I winced. “All right, I guess you’d know that better than me.”

Ella glanced side to side before she leaned across the table. “Guess what kind of article they want me to write?”

I shook my head and looked at Eliza.

She shrugged. “No idea.”

“An exposé about the porn industry,” Ella hissed.

“What?!” I shouted.

“You’re joking,” Eliza raised her eyebrows.

“Nope, wish I were,” Ella sighed, resting her head in her fisted hands. “My editor wants me to peruse the internet, interview porn stars, and write an article that not only explains the human nature with regards to pornography, but why some of us – regular people – choose it as our line of work! Can you believe this guy?”

I felt for my friend and reached for her.

“Not that there’s anything wrong with porn,” I squeezed her hand, “but I’m sorry. What a crappy deal.”

Her eyes turned so despondent, it tore me apart.

“Yeah, well, I don’t have a choice – either I write it, or I’m out of a job. And I really need it.”

“Do you need any help doing research?” Eliza whispered. “I mean, at least that part must be pretty fun.”