Page 52

As he peered into the darkness of Jake’s vacant office, an odd smell wafted in the air around him. It was faint at first, but quickly grew stronger.

Is that…salt? Brine?

The buzz of the fluorescent lights faded, and his ears slowly filled with the distant roaring of water, like waves crashing against something far away. The office blurred around him as his gaze fell deeper into the darkness.

A strange melody, low and ethereal, hummed in the air. For a moment, he thought Joyce might be listening to something on her phone, painfully unaware of her volume.

No. It was singing, he was sure of it. The haunting song filled his mind, and his body seemed pulled forward, into the darkness, as the sound of waves grew stronger.

Slowly, the sounds muffled until all he could hear was the water and the distant, warbled sounds of a voice calling his name.

“Ethan? Ethan! Hello?”

He jolted back, spinning around and nearly falling out of his chair.

Joyce had her hand on his shoulder, staring at him with her brows furrowed.

“Ya’ okay, honey? You were a million miles away.”

Ethan blinked, shaking his head, his gaze turning back to Jake’s office door.

The smell was gone, and the sounds he’d heard were gone. Just the same old buzz of the office and mildewy carpet.

“Y-Yeah, sorry. Just tired.” He rubbed his eyes. “Didn’t sleep great last night.”

Joyce studied him for a moment, then shrugged it off. “If you say so, kiddo.”

Ethan fidgeted with his hands, rubbing them together a little too hard, and he could see Joyce glancing up at him through the top of her glasses. He averted his eyes, stuffing his hands in his pockets, hoping to restrict his nervous energy.

He looked back at the clock, his legs bouncing furiously again. Just a few more minutes.

Joyce studied him curiously. “Ya got that look…what’s going on with you?”

She always seemed to be able to tell when something was off.

Ethan paused, averting his gaze back to his computer screen. “What look?” he asked.

Joyce tsked as she leaned back in her chair. “The look my Johnny had when he met me.” She grinned. “You’re a goner, honey.”

Ethan opened his mouth to protest, but the words died in his throat.

Am I that easy to read? Jesus.

“Well, I uh…I went out the other night, like you had said, and kind of met someone.” He shrugged, playing it off. “But, it’s really not a big deal⁠—”

Joyce’s eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands together, cutting him off before he could even finish. “So you did take my advice!” she squealed. “I’m so proud of ya!”

He regretted telling her almost immediately as his face burned bright red.

“Are ya’ gonna go out again?” she asked.

Ethan gave a reluctant nod.

Joyce clicked her tongue with glee and grabbed his shoulders, looking him dead in his eyes. “Okay, listen. Just be yourself and ask her questions—it is a her, right?” she asked.

Ethan nodded slowly, raising his brows. “Yes, it’s⁠—”

Joyce cut in. “Well, I can't assume! Make sure ya’ don’t talk too much about work, and for God’s sake, honey, smile. You’re a cutie pie, make sure ya’ use it!”