Head Over Leather #Wattys2017

XXXII. Building bridges

The next morning flies by in a blur of classes, crowded hallways, and rushed hellos to my friends in between classes. Luckily, lunchtime rolls by quicker than usual and I'm glad to see them all perched at our usual place, chattering away.

As I approach the lunch table, I'm met by wide-eyed curious stares that focus on me even as I lower myself on the bench beside Ethan. For once, Rachel was nowhere to be seen. Not that I'm complaining.

"Okay, what's with the looks?" I ask exasperatedly, as I settle my gaze on Riley, Jess, and Mia. They glance at each other, before turning back to me and propping their elbows on the table with grins so creepy I'm convinced I've entered an alternate universe.

"How was your date?" Riley is the first to break their weird positions, as she leans her head in and bats her eyelashes.

"You guys are so weird. You could've just asked. It was good. Fun, laid-back. I had a nice time with him." I shrug with a laugh, my eyes flitting between them as they fist bump each other. They start to talk between themselves, allowing me to take the time to pull out my lunch container and take out my sandwich, stuffed with various vegetables, cheese, as well as sliced chicken.

"So..uh, how are you?" My fingers still on the sandwich at the sound of Ethan's voice next to me and I side-eye him with a small smile to hide my surprise.

"I'm good. How are you? How was your Valentine's Day?" I ask softly, mentally face-palming myself once the words leave my mouth. I definitely didn't want to know about any hook ups he had, especially if any of them included Rachel.

"I'm alright. Unfortunately, I didn't get to live up to my reputation on V day, but it was worth it. I stayed home to meet Emmy's date. He seemed like a good kid, so.." Ethan shrugs casually and I force myself not to look too happy at his confession.

"That's great, she deserves it. It's good you stayed to see it happen."

"Well we can't all have dates with older, college guys can we?"

"Jealous?" I tease, a slight smirk playing on my lips which morphs into a grin when Ethan parts his lips argue but snaps it shut after a few moments of silence. He hunches forward with a huff and I can't help but giggle at his childishness. I place my sandwich back down in its container and brush off my hands, before moving my fingers to pinch his cheeks, which earns me another childlike huff.

"Aw, how cute." Ethan mouth quirks up into a smirk at this and tilts his head to look at me. My grin vanishes under his challenging gaze and gone is the advantage I had over him, because the way he looks at me sets off a feeling throughout my entire body that gets harder to brush off every time. 

"You think I'm cute, Sawyer?" His smirk widens as his eyebrows raise in amusement, but really his expression just screams 'I am super smug about how attracted you are to me.' Which is true, but after so many years of willing myself to not notice the beautiful specimen that is Ethan Andrews, it's time that I indulge.

"I was merely commenting on the cuteness of your behavior, not you."

"If you say so." I squint my eyes into a glare, but he continues to smile at me, smugness gracing every inch of his features. Our eyes stay locked for what seems like forever,  but every moment with Ethan feels that way. To me, at least.

Someone in front of us clears their throat and it dawns on me that even when we're not fake dating, our friends still have to suffer through our intimate moments which are more awkward for them than anything. Thankfully, Riley interrupts any teasing that could've been thrown our way.

"So guys, I talked to my dad yesterday and made a few plans. We'll have to drive down there but I'm sure there's great scenery along the way. Plus I haven't seen the hotel yet, it's a surprise apparently, but.."

"Riles, what are you talking about?" Derek cuts her off before her rambling continues, eyebrows furrowed, as we all watch her with the same quizzical expression. Riley giggles, tapping her head slightly as if to say 'silly me.'

"Spring break. Obvs. We're going to..." Riley trails off dramatically and Derek takes this moment to drum on the table with the tips of his fingers to draw out the excitement.

"Miami!"

An echo of excited cheers sound from everyone at the table, with the boys fist bumping and high-fiving each other, while us girls pull Riley into a bone-crushing hug. It's not everyday you find a friend that's willing to plan a trip for the entirety of your friend group.

I plant a sloppy kiss on her cheek and she beams at me happily, seemingly proud of the reaction she's getting from everyone.

Who wouldn't be excited about Miami?

***
"Maya!" I spin around at the sound of my name being called, as my hand pauses on the double doors of the school entrance. My gaze settles on Ethan who pushes through the groups of students still lingering around after the final bell.

"Hey, what's up?" I smile once he reaches me, noting his tousled hair and tint of pink coating his cheekbones which somehow makes him look even hotter than he already is.

"I wanted to tell you that Rachel's not coming. With us for spring break, I mean. So...yeah." He finishes off lamely, ducking his head as if to avoid my surprised expression and eyes that are piercing into him. What did this mean exactly?

"Well that's..too bad." I mutter breathily, watching as he swallows, Adam's apple bopping. His tongue slips out, sliding along his bottom lip, causing my mind to go blank.

"Is it?"

"What?"

"Is it..bad? That she won't be there?"

I pause for a moment, looking into Ethan's eyes and I'm torn by what to say. On one hand, I'm happy that she won't be there. One the other, I don't know what her absence will bring. Would it change anything between us?

"I don't know. I guess we'll find out."

Ethan nods, biting down on his lip and yet again we're stuck in an awkward silence, staring at each other. He opens his mouth to say something, but closes it again and I can't help but slump my shoulders in disappointment.

"I have to go. I'll see you later."

"Yeah, okay." I turn to leave after his response, but Ethan's hand reaches out to grab my elbow, turning me back around to face him.

"I'm glad we're.." He gestures between us with his hand with an unsure expression, but I cut him to the chase, nodding with a small, knowing smile.

"Me too."

***

So they're going to MIAMI! Some of your suggestions were great and really beautiful places, but I had to keep in mind that they're still high school students, so they can't really afford to go anywhere too extravagant even with Riley's parents paying most of the expenses. But thanks for your suggestions babes💓💓

I've really missed #ethaya so I wanted to treat you guys and myself with this #ethaya centric chapter😍

What will happen during spring break? Will Ethan and Maya get together again? Will Theo join? Fav characters atm?

Love you all and thanks for reading babes💓💓