Wait, then bar

Ethan decides to wait around for a bit before going to meet up with Charlie.

Standing up her invitation would be rude, given all the work she did for him this morning. And being rude to Charlie was… Well as children it risked physical retaliation, but now… Ethan didn't want to risk it.

{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.

H: Your neighbors texting me.

E: What?

Ethan frowns, 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.

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.{endif}