Ride to work

They ride in awkward silence for a minute. Charlie keeps her eyes on the road, and Ethan his on her. She definitely wants to say something, her body language screaming it. {If Charlie Sex=true}Ethan notes she's gripping the wheel a little too tightly.{endif}

“You, uh, working?” Ethan asks a question he knows to be stupid, trying to break the ice. She's in her work truck wearing her work clothes after all.

Charlie shrugs. “Yeah, storm did a number on some trees. Lawns are half flooded, so I'm on clean-up duty instead.”

Ethan was expecting an eye roll and a barb. The fact she just answered the question as normal was quite out of character given how obvious the answer was. He sits for a second, thinking what to say next.

“We should talk,” Charlie sighs, beating him to it. {If Charlie Sex=true}“Need to talk, really…”{endif}

“Okay…” Ethan shrugs. “I mean, is thi-”

“Not now, dingus!” Charlie tosses a glance, “You're only going to be in the truck like two more minutes! That's barely a chit-chat!”

“Ah,” Ethan nods, “Right. Did you want to come to my-”

“No.” She frowns, cutting the idea down early. “{If Charlie Sex=true}God no… {endif}Hm, the bar? Tonight?”

While it's phrased like a question, Ethan's sure it isn't. “Sure.”

“Great.” She nods, confirming the plan. “So… where am I dropping you off?”

“Town hall.”

“Ah… Oh!” Charlie's eyes light up, her whole demeanor changing, reverting to her normal self. “So you're going to see Sam like I told ya. Glad to see you pay attention, City-boy!”

“Already did,” Ethan corrects her, “Going back today to do a job for her.”

“Nice.” Charlie takes a hand off the wheel, offering a thumbs up. “Hope she didn't set you up with something too shitty.” She winces, "Please tell me you're not on firework duty..."

The town comes into view, the ride just about over now. “No, no fireworks... Did you think she would?” Ethan asks, knowing time is short.

“Eh…” Charlie wiggles her head side to side. “No, but... She's been Ashley's best friend since as far back as I can remember. We've never been tight, but we basically grew up together. So take it from me; she can be a little cunty.”

“Cunty?”

“Cunty.” Charlie confirms. “Like, she does this thi- Ah…” she sighs starting to pull the truck over.

Looking around Ethan sees they've arrived at town hall. “Thanks for the ride.” Ethan unbuckles, opening the truck door.

“No problem. And remember,” she gives Ethan a look. “Bar. Tonight.”

Stepping out of the truck, Ethan nods. “Bar tonight. Got it.”

After Ethan closes the door, Charlie gives him a wave, pulling out and driving off. Standing in front of the town hall, Ethan thinks he'd better actually show up…