Ask Alex

Setting down the towel, Ethan decides he’s going to just go and ask her. That’s what adults do: they talk to each other.

Grabbing his keys and phone, Ethan heads out. While he can only assume Alex to be home, he’s willing to take the risk. It’s not like he’s got anything better to do anyway.

Walking along the side of the road, Ethan hypes himself up. While he certainly could talk to girls, girls he knew liked him was a separate issue. And that was only made worse by how cute Alex was.

Despite her being flat as a board, Ethan definitely felt attracted to her. This was partially out of character for him, as he’s already considered himself a breast man, but everything else about her was just so…

Slowing his pace slightly, Ethan started to second-guess his approach. What was he walking into? Already halfway there, with his feet still moving, Ethan starts thinking about what he should say. Pre-rehearsing conversations was something he did on occasion, but it often didn't go well.

{if Heather Alt =true}A buzz in his pocket pulls his attention. Has to be Heather.

Slipping it from his pocket, he glances at the message, not thinking enough about the possible issue of texting his ex while on his way to see a girl who kissed him.

H: Your neighbors texting me.

E: What?

Ethan stops at the side of the road, watching the dots with confusion.

E: The lady from last night.

H: Layla?

H: Yeah.

E: How did she get your number?

H: From your phone. She’s cool.

Resuming his walk at a snail's pace, Ethan tries to sort out his feelings on that.

E: Why?

H: She’s nice? Charming really. We’ve been talking on and off all morning and I can see why you’d want to have a drink with her.

E: No. Why is she texting you?

E: What have you been talking about?

H: Idk. She said it was for fun. I g2g, about to get in the car. Talk later.

Staring at the screen, Ethan feels a little gobsmacked. Putting his phone away for now, he makes a mental note to deal with that later. For now, he’s got Alex to worry about.{endif}