Dear Ethan: A Second Chance Romance

Chapter 23: More Cake

*Jodie*

Just as I was starting to wake up from a dream where I was being chased by a giant burrito, my phone buzzed on the nightstand.

I reach for it without looking and somehow avoid knocking anything over, squinting at the screen.

Yup, this was officially a pattern.

Ethan: Need any help with deliveries today?

I squinted at the message as I rubbed my eyes in bed. 

It was Monday morning. And because I had no willpower I watched Ethan's game last night on TV. They won against their long-time rivals the Hawks. 16-13. But Ethan had walked off grimacing a bit which made me hold my breath for a long moment. The fans' concerned faces reflected my own.

Jodie: Shouldn't you be resting?

Ethan: On a Monday?

I couldn't help but smirk. Ethan's work ethic was well known and even shown during a documentary they did on the Kings last year when they won the Super Bowl.

Not only was he the first guy to practice but he trained like a beast. He probably had a whole gym in his big bougie house.

Jodie: I watched the game yesterday. You hobbled off.

Ethan: Hobbled? Lol.

Ethan: I had to ice my hamstring yesterday but I'm all good now.

Sure, he was.

Another ping as I reached for my toothbrush. My cheeks heated when I saw his response.

Ethan: Are you worried about me? ;)

Jodie: You wish

Ethan: I'm down for another quinceanera delivery if you are.

I grinned and stopped brushing my teeth to write back.

That would be a core memory for that family. Her parents lost their minds when Ethan arrived at their doorstep holding their cake.

Not only did they get a five-tier pink champagne cake with a unicorn on it but also everyone's favorite quarterback's autograph and a photo.

That was months ago though. Right after Ethan had to attend summer training camp and now that the regular season was in full swing he would be traveling constantly.

It must be his bye week if he's offering. Although I didn't know why cake deliveries would be the first thing he would want to do instead of unwinding.

Jodie: You made their whole day. But sadly, no quinceaneras today. Just one for an older couple renewing their vows.

Ethan: Well now you've got me curious. I can swing by the bakery.

Ethan: Unless you need a ride to work too? I still have your address saved.

We had swung by my apartment that same day when I realized we forgot to bring the candles.

My automatic response would be to say no. My car was finally fixed and I could get there myself but something about seeing Ethan in person made me feel excited. Hopeful.

His appearances at the bakery had dwindled lately and in a weird way I missed seeing him. Even if it was always for just a few minutes. His shy smile. Hands stuffed in his pockets as we chatted.

Something about the way he looked at me made me feel centered even on a chaos day.

I wrote him back. Just one word.