Say Your Line

Chapter 5

Ethan couldn't believe what he just heard. There was no way those lines were rehearsed or scripted. They flowed out naturally. She looked equally shocked as him. Confirming  that he nailed the words engraved on her olive, tanned skin.

"You're-" Emma said in disbelief.

Ethan smiled in awe "Yeah."

"Wow, I wasn't expecting this. It feels so abrupt." Emma said. She still couldn't fully wrap her head around it. The man she was shamelessly checking out was her soulmate?

"I'll uh, leave you two alone." Grayson said.

When Grayson was far enough he gave Ethan a thumbs up and winked.

"What time do you get off? I feel like we should talk about this." Ethan said. 

Emma snapped out of her thoughts," I get off in 2 hours."

"Do you mind if I hang around the bar while I wait?" Ethan asked.

Emma blushed," No, um go ahead."

..............................

It was Emma's turn to lock up the bar, so when the crowd of drunk adults were herded out they stayed behind. Grayson of course understood Ethan wanted some alone time with Emma, so he made himself busy. He waved goodbye as he wrapped his hand around a random girls waist.

"So...we're soulmates." Emma tentatively said.

"Looks like it. Can I see it?" Ethan asked.

"See?" Emma asked.

He pointed to his neck. "Oh yeah! Of course!" Emma said.

"Just give me a minute." Emma said.

She dug her hand around in her purse. Emma pulled out a make up wipe and brought it up to her neck.

"You cover it?" Ethan asked. He didn't even try to mask the hurt in his voice. Not that he has the right to feel that way. After all, he did technically cheat on her because he went out with Madison.

"I do it because of where I work. It's not a subtle place to have it, and people can be assholes sometimes. When I first started to work I got my hopes up multiple times because guys would see it and take advantage of it. You don't know how many guys tried to get me to sleep with them by trying to trick me into thinking they were my soulmate." Emma explained.

Her hand was no longer obstructing his view and there it was clear as day. Ethan leaned in closer and hesitantly placed his fingertips on her skin. Emma shivered as his soft fingertips traced the curve of every letter. It felt too good to be true, but this solidified how real it was.

"Incredible." Ethan murmured.

He realized what he was doing and instantly retracted his hand.  It was highly inappropriate considering they had just met.

He cleared his throat, "Sorry I got carried away." Ethan said.

"It's alright. I'd be curious too." Emma said.

"Oh! I'm such a dumbass." Ethan exclaimed.

He tugged the collar of his shirt down to reveal his own tattoo. "In case you weren't sure." Ethan said.

Emma laughed, "I believe you. I don't know why you'd lie about it." Emma said.

Ethan laughed along with her.

"Tell me about yourself." Ethan said.

"What do you want to know?" Emma asked.

"Everything." Ethan said.

...........................

"Wow." Emma said.

"I'm not gonna lie and say it doesn't hurt that you dated someone, but I get it. It can get pretty lonely and there was no way of knowing that we'd meet so soon." Emma said.

"For what it's worth I really regret it. I've been reflecting these past few days and realized that I haven't been myself. When I moved to L.A I completely lost the person I use to be. I was lonely without my twin brother and I needed someone to fill the void." Ethan said.

"I understand Ethan. You honestly don't have to apologize or explain yourself. I almost got into a relationship too. I feel like we all have a moment of weakness sooner or later." Emma said.

"Why didn't you?" Ethan asked. He was curious as to why a amazing girl like her hadn't been swept off her feet. He honestly thought he would have to fight someone for her until she informed him that she was indeed single.

Emma twirled the straw in her drink and sighed, "I- Let's just say that I know first hand how horrible it is to defy fate."

Ethan let her take her time as she explained the story about her parents. The two best friends who created an abomination of nature because of their indiscretions.

He reached over and laid his hand on top of hers. A comforting gesture that just came to him naturally. He didn't even have to think twice about it his next words."You are not a mistake Emma.''

He looked her straight in the eyes when he said, "Don't you let anyone tell you otherwise. Everything happens for a reason. Just look at us for instance. Every life choice has led us to this very moment."

"Has anyone ever told you that you have a way with words." Emma said.

"It's part of the job." Ethan joked.

Emma kept her hand under Ethan's and even gave him a gentle squeeze.

"You're right about one thing. I wouldn't change this moment for anything else in the world." Emma said.

AN: Wow two for two. What alternate universe reality are we living in.