The Key to Forever by Kelly Cain

Author:Kelly Cain [Cain, Kelly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction
ISBN: 9781959988892
Publisher: Tule Publishing Group, LLC
Published: 2023-05-14T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Ethan

Ethan and Tori exited his car at the pool with five minutes to spare. This was the first day they’d spend together since they had “the talk.” So many thoughts had run through his head since that day, but mainly he wondered why he’d agreed to this. He wasn’t fooled into thinking she would be his forever even though he strongly hoped they could explore that. Call it momentary amnesia, but while they talked and made plans, he forgot she would hit the road in three months and only have days available or really late nights in the meantime. His days were filled with animals, so weekends were it for them. Soon, they wouldn’t even have those.

Still, Ethan couldn’t bring himself to regret the decision. Too bad their first date would be volunteering at an event for children. They’d need to stay on their best behavior.

Tori shielded her eyes from the sun. “Do you know where to go?”

“Woohoo. Over here.” They looked up and an over-excited Leah waved her hands in the air.

“Wow, Aunt Leah is getting around so much better. No cane?”

“As of last week, no cane. She’s still supposed to take it easy though so she doesn’t reinjure.”

Tori laughed and grabbed Ethan’s hand, leading him toward his mother with her clipboard in hand. “Hi, Aunt Leah.” She gave her a hug and stood back. “You’re really doing well. I’m so happy for you. You look great.”

“Why thank you, honey. I feel great.”

“But the doctor said not to overdo it.” Ethan leaned in and gave Mom a kiss on her cheek. “Hi.”

“Hi yourself, bossy. I am taking it easy. See my chair?” She pointed to a hard plastic chair that looked to have seen better days. Also, she wasn’t sitting in said chair.

Ethan only shook his head. He’d had enough experience the past couple months he’d been home that trying to control anything in Mom’s orbit was futile. She needed tasks done around the house which is why she allowed it. Asking her to sit down for her benefit would cause the opposite reaction. “Yes, I see it.”

“Don’t look so down. We’ve got a busy day today. First the triathlon, then Melanie’s wedding dress shopping.” She squealed in delight. Literally squealed, then turned to Tori. “Aren’t you excited?”

Tori raised her hands in the air. “Yay.” If that was her idea of enthusiasm, Melanie was in for a Debbie Downer later.

Leah didn’t pick up on the lack of enthusiasm, having so much of her own to make everyone else’s mood lighter. “Ethan, I need a ride.”

“Wait, what? Me?” He didn’t mean to sound whiny, but he was looking forward to catching up on a movie or book or something. Anything other than wedding dress shopping.

“Yes, you. I don’t want to drive into the city. Did you have plans?”

“I, uh…” He looked to Tori for help, but she was holding back a laugh. “I guess not. Isn’t Tori going?” He could say he didn’t mean to throw Tori under the bus, but that would be a complete and utter lie.

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