Talking...

Alex and Ashley talk for a few solid minutes straight without including Ethan. The topic shifts off compliments fairly quickly, turning to far more general things he just can't really get invested in. So, he tunes it out, until a topic comes he can wrap his head around.

"Man. Your brother though..."

"I thought you two were friends?"

"I mean, he was okay... But after that summer he was trying way too hard to get with Sam... Fucking god."

"Fuck, I know... You'd think she was the only girl in town!"

"Right?! I mean Sam's my girl, but jesus christ there are other fish in the fucking sea."

Ethan tunes them out again for another minute or so, this time his own name catching his attention.

"Ethan, wheres the washroom?"

It takes Ethan a second to realize Alex is asking him a question. "Oh, uh, down the hall over there..." he points to the far end of the living room.

"Thanks. 'cuse me." She pops up, sauntering over to the hallway and disappearing around the corner.

Ashley and Ethan watch her go, and when she's out of earshot Ashley leans over and whispers to Ethan. "Okay. What the fuck?"

"Hm?" Ethan tilts his head, not knowing what she means.

"Don't 'hm' me. What the fuck?"

"I... Honestly don't know what you're talking about..." Ethan shrugs, genuinely not knowing what she's getting at.

Ashley frowns. "Really?"

"Really..." Ethan wishes he could have said it with a bit more confidence.

"Hmmm. So you're saying you haven't fucked her?"

Ethan feels the color drain from his face. Is that what she was asking?! Ashley is looking right into his eyes. There is no way to lie. "I have..."

"Hmmmm." Ashley rolls her eyes.

"Sorry?"

"Don't worry. I'm not pissed. But fucking Christ, Ethan..."

A toilet flushes and Ashley leans back, glaring at Ethan. He takes that to mean he needs to be quiet. Alex returns a moment later, making her way back to her spot.

"Sorry about that. So wh-"

"Hey, do you wanna take a quick run with me?"

Alex blinks. "Huh?"

Ashley stands up, raising her arms and stretching. "Need a bit more of a burn, you know? Didn't quite get it on the way over."

"Oh, um..." Alex looks at Ethan, "I guess?"

"Awesome," Ashley moves towards the entryway, "Just need a quicky. Hazel Road and back?"

"S-Sure..." Alex stands up, stretching slightly herself, following Ashley's lead more than anything.

Ethan watches the two women slip into their shoes, wondering what the hell Ashley is playing at. Standing, he moves over to them, speaking to Ashley. "So, you're coming back?"

"Mhm," Ashley smiles, "We'll be like, what, ten minutes?"

Alex nods. "Abouts..."

Ashley opens the door, motioning for Alex to pass through first. "After you."

"Thanks." Alex gives Ethan a small shrug before exiting onto the porch.

"Ten minutes." Ashley nods at Ethan, giving him a look, before stepping onto the porch herself. "Be back soon!"

The door closes, leaving Ethan alone in the entryway.

A bead of sweat forms on his brow, and he swallows hard. One question dominates his mind:

'What just happened?'