Dear Ethan: A Second Chance Romance

Chapter 18: Encounter Part 2

*Jodie*

Blood roared in my ears as I gripped the counter. I was pretty sure I was the same color as a sun dried tomato.

What is happening? 

"You don't remember me do you?" I blurted out before I could stop myself and my panicked thoughts. 

There goes my five second fantasy about being a mysterious woman and seducing him until announcing on our wedding day my true identity.

But Ethan would have figured it out soon enough. He wasn't dumb. And there wasn't enough eyeliner or hair serums in the world that could hide who I was.

He cocked his head to the side. "You're the owner of the bakery. We just met. Five seconds ago." His mouth twitched in amusement. His smile was making my insides turn into jello.

He didn't remember who I was. How? Did I look that different?

Finally, his shoulders started shaking, he was laughing so hard he had to hold onto the other side of the counter. "What's so funny?" I grumbled, crossing my arms as he wiped the tears away from his eyes. He grinned at me.

"It's nice to see you again too, Jodie."

This sneaky motherfucker. I pointed my finger at his chest. "You were pretending this whole time?!"

He shook his head, chuckling. "I didn't recognize you at first but I put two and two together once I got to my car."

"Last time I saw you, you weren't so...pink."

He looked me up and down but it wasn't in a gross way like the way most guys were when they checked you out. He seemed amazed that I was in front of him.

"Your hair is different too," He said, running his eyes down my ponytail. I felt my cheeks flush. I've been straightening it for the past few years. It wasn't shampoo commercial hair but I was able to make it look pretty good when I had the time. 

But not today. Today it was a mess. I groaned inwardly.

"So what do you say? I haven't seen you in so long. It would be nice to catch up." He said, smiling at me. My heart did a weird somersault but I shoved the feeling aside.

"Well, the answer is no. I'm very busy." I declared.

"I thought you got off at 6?"

"Usually but we have a lot of orders today. And the internet is down. I need to call the phone company and get it fixed."

He nodded slowly. There.

"Can I get your number then?" My head jerked back up. Who was this guy? He looked a bit bigger and older than the Ethan I knew but instead of shying away, he looked directly at me.

He was different now. More confident. Time had passed. Maybe he was one of those jocks now that loved picking up women all the time. Maybe he hits up all the bakeries regularly just to see how many numbers he can get.

Before I could reply the backdoor sprang open.

"Hi Ethan!" sang Sam as she barreled through the door holding a tray of fresh strawberry almond cookies.

I watched as the realization dawned on Ethan's face before he broke out into a grin. "Sam, no way! How are you?"

She set down the tray and embraced him easily as if they were long lost friends. Sam had that way about her, she could make anyone feel at ease. They chatted for a bit while I stewed silently.

"It's been a while. You look great." She said, smiling at him. I knew she didn't like Ethan in that way but a twinge of anger still bubbled up in me. Why was it so easy for other people to give out compliments like that?