Bad Manners

3.

The day had started early, and now, as the sun dipped below the horizon, I was still at The Alpine Tavern, having just begun my second shift. The morning had been busy, and it seemed like the evening was determined to outdo it. My feet ached from the constant movement, and my back protested every time I bent to pick up an order or clear a table. The tavern buzzed with the noise of chatter and clinking glasses, the familiar hum of our small town's evening routine.

My shift had been extended, a last-minute decision made by Cal to cover for a colleague who'd called in sick. The extra hours were necessary, but they added to the already long day I'd been working. Despite the exhaustion, I found a moment to slip into the back room for a brief break, seeking refuge from the chaos of the bar.

I sank into a chair, grateful for a moment of rest. As I sipped the lukewarm coffee I'd poured earlier, my thoughts wandered to Ethan. He was still here, his presence a quiet force amidst the evening's din. We'd exchanged a few words throughout the day, but the conversations were always brief, mere snippets between the rush of orders and the clamor of the bar. Yet, each interaction left me with a lingering sense of curiosity.

There was something about him that I couldn't quite place—a calm amidst the storm, a steady strength that contrasted with the rowdy energy of the tavern. He was a mystery, and mysteries had a way of drawing me in. I wanted to know more about the man who seemed so at ease in a place like this, who carried himself with a confidence that was both reassuring and intimidating.

I leaned back, letting my head rest against the wall, my mind racing despite my body's exhaustion. What was it about him? Was it the way his eyes seemed to see more than what was in front of him? Or perhaps it was the way he moved, with a controlled grace that hinted at something deeper, something more dangerous?

Taking a deep breath, I decided to take a chance. Maybe it was the exhaustion loosening my inhibitions, or maybe it was just the relentless curiosity that had been building up inside me. Either way, I knew I couldn't go another day without trying to unravel the enigma that was Ethan Blade.

I walked back into the main area, my eyes scanning the room for him. He was leaning against the bar, talking with Eddie. For a moment, I hesitated. What would I even say? But the thought of another night spent wondering and second-guessing myself pushed me forward.

As I approached, the noise of the tavern seemed to fade into the background. Ethan noticed me before I reached him, his hazel eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my breath catch. He straightened up, his conversation with Eddie pausing as I drew nearer.

"Hey," I started, my voice slightly hesitant but determined. "Got a minute?"

Ethan's gaze remained steady, his expression giving nothing away. He gave a slight nod, a gesture so subtle that most might not even notice. "What's up?" His voice was low, calm, as if he had all the time in the world.

I glanced at Eddie, who was watching us with a curious smile, clearly intrigued by the exchange. Ignoring his knowing look, I focused on Ethan. "Mind if we step outside for a minute? I could use some fresh air."

Ethan didn't need any further convincing. He pushed away from the bar with a smooth, deliberate motion, turning to Eddie. "Watch things for me."

Eddie gave a mock salute, his grin widening. "You got it, Blade."

We stepped out of the tavern into the cool evening air, the sudden quiet a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere inside. I wrapped my arms around myself, partly for warmth and partly as a way to steel myself for whatever came next.

Ethan leaned against the wall, his eyes on me, waiting. As I took in his appearance, I couldn't help but be struck by the rugged magnetism he exuded. His dark hair was tousled, giving him a slightly disheveled yet undeniably appealing look. The way his hazel eyes seemed to see right through me, assessing yet gentle, made my heart skip a beat. His muscular frame, though relaxed now, hinted at a strength that was both intimidating and reassuring. The faint lines on his face told stories of battles fought and challenges overcome, adding depth to his already intriguing presence.

"I've been thinking," I started, my voice a little more confident now that we were alone. "We've been working together for a bit, but I don't really know anything about you."

Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly, not in suspicion, but in consideration. He was weighing my words, taking them in without a rush to respond. "Not much to know," he said finally, his tone even, matter-of-fact. "Just doing my job."

"But you're not like the others," I pressed gently, unable to hold back my curiosity. "You're...different."

Ethan's lips twitched, a brief flicker of something that might have been a smile or a grimace. "Different doesn't always mean good," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of something darker, something edged with experience and pain.

I met his gaze, searching for any hint of what lay beneath the surface. "I just want to understand you," I said softly, feeling the weight of his words but refusing to be deterred. "You don't have to tell me everything. Just...enough."

For a moment, I thought he might shut down, retreat back behind that wall he kept so well-guarded. But then he let out a slow breath, his eyes softening just a fraction. "Maybe one day, Sofie," he said quietly. "But not tonight."

There was a pause, the night air thick with unspoken words. Finally, I took a deep breath and added, "If you ever want to maybe meet up for ice cream sometime, there's a place down the road called Amees. They have the best rocky road I've ever tasted. It might be a nice start to get to know each other a bit."

After a moment, Ethan gave a nod, as if mentally committing to the idea. "I'll think about it, Sofie," he said, his voice carrying a hint of sincerity that made me smile.

"Great," I said, feeling a mixture of relief and anticipation. "I'll be looking forward to it."

We lingered there for a few more seconds, the cool night air wrapping around us like a soft embrace. Ethan's gaze held mine for a moment longer before he glanced back toward the tavern.

"I should get back," he said, straightening up. "See you around, Sofie."

"See you, Ethan," I replied, watching as he turned and walked back into the warmth of the tavern.

I stood there for a moment longer, the quiet night soothing my frayed nerves. The promise of an ice cream outing and the brief glimpse into Ethan's world left me feeling hopeful. As I made my way back inside, the bustling energy of The Alpine Tavern seemed a little less overwhelming, and I found myself smiling at the thought of what might come next.