A Day With The Dolans

Chapter 4

I didn't know whether I should walk in or stay here and listen. My curiosity deceived me and I stayed put. 

"Bro, you don't even know if she likes me..." 

"Ethan," Grayson said. "Shay likes you. I saw everything." 

Huh? 

"What are you talking about?" Ethan asked. 

Grayson giggled. "Dude, you are so dumb. Did you really think that I went to the bathroom?"

I dared to peek around the corner to see them. 

Grayson went on, "I hid over there," he pointed behind him, to the place where I was standing. I ducked away quickly and peeked out again. "I hid there to see what would happen if I left you two alone. If she doesn't like you, then why did she practically open her heart to you?" 

Ethan had to stop and think about that. "Well, I don't know! Maybe she--" his head slowly started to turn in my direction. 

Shit!!!

I tried to step back, but the floor creaked loudly. I heard Ethan sigh. 

"Shay?" 

No point in hiding now. I stepped out of the shadows and peeked around the corner. Both Grayson and Ethan were looking at me.

"Shay," Grayson said. "Come here, please."

I stepped out fully and walked to the couch. I sat down, feeling like a scolded child. The twins looked at me and I felt nervous. 

Ethan looked at my face. "You heard us?" I nodded my head. "How much?" 

"I came in when Grayson was mentioning my truck..." 

Ethan sighed again. Grayson jumped in. "Now, I have to ask--just to prove Ethan wrong like I always do--do you like him?"

I hesitated. A heavy air filled the room. My heart began to race, pounding against my chest. My face felt warm. I looked at Ethan. Sweet, handsome, kind, adorable Ethan. I looked into his eyes for about the 50th time today and I answered Grayson's question. "Yeah...I do..."   

"See?" Grayson said.

"But," I interrupted. I looked away from the Ethan I loved so much. "I know he doesn't like me."

Ethan grabbed my hand. "You're right...I don't. At least not like that... Not yet..."

Grayson gawked at his brother. "Ethan!" he yelled. 

"What? I'm not gonna lie to her about how I feel! Maybe with time--"

"No," I said. "You said how you felt and it's done. I've tried to keep it hidden, but Gray is just too good at knowing the ladies I guess."

Grayson smiled proudly. 

"I would love to be friends with you Ethan," I told him. "You too Grayson. Just...just promise that you won't forget me." 

Ethan smiled. "How could I forget the best friend I've ever had?"

This made me smile too. He hugged me in a friendly way. It felt better than any hug I ever received. 

***************

That night, at around 11, I was still awake. I was watching the Dolan twins' new video with the lights off. It was great, as usual. Suddenly, my stomach growled. 

I needed a snack.

I didn't know if I was allowed to do this, but I left my phone on the couch and went toward the kitchen. I heard the fridge open.