“I don’t know, Ethan. I mean, how could you not?”
Ethan’s eyes darted away from her and around the room, falling on a picture of him and Olivia. It was his favorite picture. Someone had taken it when they weren’t paying attention, and he was kissing her tenderly on the cheek as she smiled. He closed his eyes at the memory. Why did he still have that picture up if he was in love with Brooke and had finally moved on? He opened his eyes and found hers and said, “What’s going on with you? There’s something on your mind, other than my ex.” He knew he was changing the subject, but he wanted to avoid this question at all costs, because he didn’t have an answer, and that scared him.
Brooke looked away, the hard look on her face changing into uneasiness. He watched as she bit her lip, clearly wanting to discuss this issue further, but seemingly distracted by something else.
“Brooke? What is it?” he asked again, his tone now demanding.
When Brooke looked back at him, her eyes were beginning to fill with tears.
He grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently. “Talk to me.”
She let out a little sigh and said, “It’s my sister. She called me last night and told me she has cancer, and asked if I could move to New York City next week to help her through everything until she gets better.” Her eyes met his apologetically, as she said, “My last day at the hospital is this Friday.”
Ethan’s grip on her hand loosened and he leaned back against the couch for support. He hadn’t thought things could get any worse, but here they were, spiraling into a downward slope of tragedy. “So, you’re moving away?” he said absently, even though he already knew the answer.
She nodded. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t say no to her.”
“Brooke,” he began, “I wouldn’t expect you to say no to her. I mean, I hate that you’re moving away from me, but your sister is more important right now. We can work this out.”
She shrugged her shoulders and said, “Maybe this is the way it’s meant to be.”
Ethan shot her a disapproving glare. “How could you say that? Brooke, I love you and I thought you loved me, too.” He stood and began pacing.
“Ethan, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it to sound harsh. I do love you, I’m just so confused right now, with your ex showing up and having to move and leave everyone I love behind. It’s overwhelming.” She stood, reaching out to him to stop his pacing, and pulled him into her arms. “I don’t want things to end like this.” With her lips pressed against his chest, her words came out muffled.
He pushed her away from him so he could look into her face. “Brooke, who says it has to end? We can make this work long distance for a while, until your sister is better. I’m not going anywhere.” He kissed her forehead, pulling her into him.
She leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed him. “That’s what I want, too.”
He returned her kiss, his tongue searching hers, desperately seeking solace that things would work out between them once she moved. He wanted her in his life. He needed her. But a small part of him was holding back, questioning everything in his life at the moment.
Even, as much as he wanted to deny it, questioning their love.
Chapter 27
BROOKE
The sugary icing was making her teeth hurt and she was getting a headache from the sugar buzz, but as she looked around the break room at the ‘We’ll miss you, Brooke’ sign and the pizza and cake, she was thankful to have worked with such caring people. She would miss them. The week had gone by faster than she had anticipated, and as she shoved a bite of going-away cake into her mouth, she felt a twinge of sorrow at the thought of leaving Anderson Hospital. This was her first and only nursing job, and even though she had been feeling inadequate at nursing lately, she still loved her job. She made figure eights in the icing with her fork as she thought about all the patients she had bonded with over the years. Uprooting her career was going to be a struggle, but right now her sister’s health was more important. Once she got to New York, she wouldn’t even have time to reminisce over her old life. At this moment, she couldn’t help but put herself first, because she knew she wouldn’t have time to later.
“How are you holding up?” Paige asked as she cut herself a slice of cake. She took a bite and made a noise that sounded more sexual than savoring the food.
Brooke lifted a brow at her. “I’m okay, I guess. Things are just moving faster than I thought they would. It’s already my last day, and before I know it, I’ll be on the plane tomorrow morning, heading to a new city.”
Paige set her plate down and said, “I’m sorry. I can’t imagine how hard this is on you. We’re going to miss you so much. I wish we could’ve had another night out before you leave, but like you said, it’s just moving so fast. I’ve worked four twelve-hour shifts this week, and then I’m on this weekend.”
“Don’t worry about it, Paige. I’ve been swamped this week, too, with work and packing. Then Ethan wants to take me out one last time tonight. It’s just going to be so hard leaving you guys behind.” She set her half-eaten cake on the counter beside her.
“So, are you worried about his ex now living here in Sweet Haven?” she asked.
Brooke thought about it for a minute and said, “No.” She looked away, her tone turning softer, hinting more at uncertainty. “I hope not. I asked him about his feelings towards her the other night, but he changed the subject. I just don’t see how he can just overlook their relationship. I mean, it’s crazy for her to just show up like this after all this time.”
Paige’s eye’s widened. “He ignored the question?” she asked, her voice shooting up an octave at the end, even though she had tried her best to keep it level.
“Well, he knew I had something on my mind, too, so yeah, he asked me what was going on with me.” She let out a long breath and a strand of hair flew out with it. She tucked it back in place and said, “I don’t know. I think he needs to address what happened with her. As badly as I hate to say this, maybe me moving will give him time to make sure he really wants to be with me and not her.”
“Oh, honey, I’m sure he wants to be with you, but I can’t imagine how hard it would be for someone to be put in a situation like this,” Paige said. She opened her mouth to say something else but was interrupted.
“Brooke!” Kyleigh yelled, as she threw her arms around her, pulling her into a bear hug. “I’m going to miss you so much!” She had her face pressed into Brooke’s hair and her words were muffled. She pulled back and strands of Brooke’s hair were stuck to her face and lips. She absently pushed them away, and looked up at Brooke, her eyes wet with fresh tears.
“Kyleigh, I’ll miss you, too,” Brooke said. “Don’t worry, we can call and text every day until I’m back. And I’m sure you’ll be tagging me in those ridiculous posts on Facebook on a daily basis.” Brooke smirked. She secretly enjoyed those stupid videos and memes Kyleigh always tagged her in, but she always pretended not to.
“Of course, I will. I wouldn’t want you to miss out on all those funny posts. Work won’t be the same without you here,” she said, as she leaned back against the counter. Brooke slid her a plate with cake on it, and she listlessly began to spoon bites into her mouth.
Brooke watched her and smiled. Nothing would be the same again.
Paige nudged her arm and she looked up to see Mrs. Butcher coming their way.
“Brooke, I just wanted to wish you luck with your move and give my best regards to your sister. I’ve seen many patients who have had breast cancer beat the odds and live long, full lives. Don’t give up hope,” she said, giving Brooke’s arm a pat.
“Thank you, Mrs. Butcher. I’ll let her know that.” She took a step out of the way so Mrs. Butcher could cut herself a slice of cake.
As she set a large piece on her plate, she turned and said, “We will miss you here, Brooke. If you get the chance to move back, you’ll always be welcome
d back. I just wanted you to know that.” She gave Brooke a small nod as she turned and walked away.
“Aw, well, that was nice of her,” Paige said. “I never knew Mrs. Butcher could be so... nice.”
“Yeah, me, either,” Brooke agreed.
A sharp elbow jabbed into her side as Kyleigh said, “Hey, look who’s coming your way.”
Brooke looked to her right to see Ethan. Her breath caught as the realization hit her. This was their last day together for an undetermined amount of time. Their fate was hanging in the air by a loose thread called hope. She hoped she would come back to Sweet Haven soon. But, she could end up staying there for a long time. She hoped their relationship could withstand the distance. But that was doubtful, especially now with his ex, Jamie, somewhat in the picture. Would he wait for her to get back, or would he go back to a love he thought he’d lost?
She returned his smile, not wanting him to see the doubt forming inside her. Her heart ached at how good he looked today. The cream dress shirt he wore complimented his tan skin and the emerald green tie matched his green eyes, making them stand out even more. He was gorgeous and she was going to miss him like crazy. They had both finally let each other in, only to have life tear them apart. It wasn’t fair, but her sister having cancer wasn’t fair, either. And whatever his ex had gone through to make her flee like she had wasn’t fair, either.
“Hey, I hear there’s a party here with cake?” he asked, as he came and stood next to her, snatching her plate from her hands. He took a bite of her cake and then set the plate on the counter behind them. He leaned in close so only she could hear. “I’m going to miss running into you in the halls. But I’ll especially miss having someone to harass about leaving stuff behind in patient’s rooms.” His hand found hers and he gave it a light squeeze.
She smiled and held onto his hand, afraid he was going to pull away. Running her thumb across the top of his hand, she said, “I’ll miss you, too. And I’ll even miss you harassing me, believe it or not.”
“So, am I still picking you up at eight tonight?” he asked.
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss our last night together for anything. What are we doing?”
His face finally livened up a little as he said, “It’s a surprise.”
“Ethan,” she drawled out his name like a whiny child. “You know I hate surprises,” she said as she elbowed him.
“Ouch!” He laughed as she pouted. “Oh, have you looked at your horoscope today?”
She shook her head. “I haven’t had time.”
“Well,” he began, as he turned around to face her. “I read it and it said that tonight you should wear red heels and good things will happen to you.” He grinned, leaned in and planted a kiss on her lips, before turning to leave.
“Wait, what?” She laughed.
“Red heels. You’ll see,” Ethan smirked as he walked away.
“You totally made that up! And why red?” she yelled.
He turned around and cocked one eyebrow. “Because I like them.” With that fleeting comment, he rounded the corner and vanished from her sight.
She looked over to see Paige and Kyleigh smiling.
“It looks like you’ll enjoy your last night in Sweet Haven,” Paige said.
“Yes, I’m sure he’ll make tonight magical,” Brooke mused, running the charm on her necklace from side to side as she thought about Ethan.
It was going to be harder than she thought to leave, and he was going to make sure of it.
She slipped on the red heels, as requested by Ethan, and studied herself in the full-length mirror in her bedroom. Her blue paisley, silk shirt looked great with the dark jeggings, and the red heels really popped. She dangled a set of multicolored beaded necklaces around her neck and fluffed her long hair. Since he hadn’t told her where they were going, she hoped she was dressed appropriately. Her head turned when she heard a light knock on the front door.
As she swung the door open, her eyes widened at what Ethan was holding. She gasped at the sight and her hand shot up to cover her mouth. “Where did you get these?” she asked as she took the vase. Her nose dipped down to smell the dozen blue roses that sprang up and out of the glass vase.
“A local florist I know dyed them for me.”
“You remembered our first date,” she teased, as she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.
“I did. Even though it didn’t end well, per se, it still brought us together and that’s all that matters, right?”
“You were a pain in the ass in the beginning, but I still agree that even though we took the long way, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.” She turned and headed into the kitchen. Scooting some magazines to the side, she set the flowers down next to the small window by the sink. “Perfect,” she whispered.
“I like the heels,” Ethan said, wagging his eyebrows and smiling.
“I aim to please,” she teased, enjoying the easy banter they were having. It was easier than dwelling on what was to come in the morning.
“Yes, you do,” he said, as he grabbed her hips and yanked her to him.
He kissed her hard, and after a moment she pulled back and asked, “Where on earth are you taking me tonight?”
Taking her hand and leading her out the door, he said, “Well, while you’re away taking care of your sister, I want you to still remember that there’s no place like home.” He gave her a sneaky smile as they headed down the stairs.
She frowned, trying to decipher his allegory. As he opened the car door for her, a huge grin appeared on her face as she said, “Does this have something to do with The Wizard of Oz?”
Smiling, Ethan pulled out of the apartment complex and said, “We’ll just have to follow the gray paved road to see.”
Brooke shook her head. “You are too much, Ethan.”
They arrived at the theatre an hour later, and after finally finding a spot in the parking garage, they made their way inside to find their seats. Holding the ticket stubs in his hand, Ethan looked at the numbers on the seats and pointed towards the front. “We’re down here,” he said, as he held his arm out to lead her into the aisle.
“These seats are amazing,” Brooke leaned in and whispered.
“I know,” Ethan whispered back. “I had to pull some strings.”
Frowning, she asked, “What kind of strings?”
“I know the couple who are in charge of anything that goes on here at the theater, and her mother-in-law has a crush on me.”
Brooke’s eyebrows shot up. “Really? Should I be jealous?”
“Possibly, she’s eighty years old but looks like she’s only seventy,” he said with a smirk.
“So, what does that have to do with getting good seats?”
“Well, anytime she’s in the hospital, I have to have lunch with her,” Ethan said.
“So, how often can that be?” she asked.
“She has kidney problems so she’s in the hospital every week for dialysis.”
Brooke’s eyes widened and then her hand went to her mouth as she tried to contain her laugh.
“I’m glad you find this funny. You’re not the one who has to listen to her talk about her cat for an hour every week. And, she knits all the time, and always brings me knitted hats and will ask if I’ve worn them.”
Brooke laughed even harder, getting stares from a few people. She looked over at Ethan and said, “I’m sorry. That’s horrible for you. But, thank you for doing it for me.” She leaned in and gave him a kiss.
“I’ll suffer for you, anytime. But, if I get another hat, I’m sending it to you in New York and I’ll expect you to wear it.”
“I’ll only wear it if I get a picture of you wearing it at the hospital,” she said.
Ethan scowled at her. “I think I’m suffering enough already.”
She shrugged at his response and then the ligh
ts dimmed. She nudged Ethan, and said, “Shh, it’s starting.”
This was her first musical and it was everything she had hoped it would be. The Wizard of Oz completely came to life on stage and she couldn’t take her eyes off it. The singing was amazing, their dancing skills were phenomenal, and seeing the characters acting and dancing scenes from the movies was a dream come true. The few times she tore her eyes away to see if Ethan was enjoying it as much as she was, she was surprised to see a smile on his face as he stared with rapt fascination at the show. She had loved every minute of it and was disappointed when it finally came to an end.
“That was so good, Ethan,” she said, as they walked hand in hand across the parking lot to his car.
He planted a kiss on the top of her head and said, “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
She had, but she couldn’t help but think how their last night for an undetermined amount of time was rapidly coming to an end. When would they have time to do something like this again? A few months from now? Six months? Or, even longer, depending on how things would be going with her sister? It was all too much to think about right now. She just needed to take one day at a time and see how things go.
She was quiet on the drive home, her mind replaying the wonderful night they’d had and what was to come. She felt Ethan’s hand find hers and she looked over at him and smiled.
“Don’t worry, Brooke, everything will be all right, okay?” he said softly.
She nodded. “I’m trying not to worry, but it’s hard.” She turned away from him and looked out the window, watching the city lights flicker in the distance. This was her last night here in Sweet Haven, and she was going to miss it. This had been her home her whole life, and moving to New York would be a huge change.
After a quiet ride home, they finally pulled into her apartment complex. She had everything packed and ready for the morning, and after they quickly got ready for bed, they slid under the sheets, their arms wrapping around each other as if they were afraid to let go. Afraid of what would come if they did. They made love that night. It was slow, gentle, and passionate, their bodies coming together in hopes that the love they had for each other would stay ignited, even though distance and time would separate them. It was what they held onto when they fell back against the pillows, both satisfied and out of breath, pulling each other close as they finally drifted off to sleep.
When Love Ignites Page 22