pieces | ethma

Illicit Affairs

Emma

"Why do you even like Grayson anyway? He's in his peak douchebag season." Ethan asked.

I took one of Ethan's fries and dipped them in ranch. I know it sounds gross, but you'd understand if you were from Ohio.

"I don't know. I just do. Don't get so hung up on it."

I was best friends with Ethan, and I made up my mind a while ago that it was all we'd ever be. We wouldn't make sense, plus Grayson was the Dolan my heart beat faster for.

At the same time, Ethan was the one I'd trust to hold my drink at a party even though he's a guy. Grayson on the other hand would get too drunk to be reliable about that. He'd either spill it or drink it for himself.

Not to mention he could hand it to someone. Grayson's a great guy, but out of all people, Grayson made the worst decisions when he was drunk.

"I just think you could find someone better than him." Ethan said.

"You're one to talk, Ethan. You dated Jamie Walberg for a year."

"Don't remind me."

I giggled, eating another one of his fries. It was silent for a minute before I spoke up again.

"Do you think Grayson and Jillian are ever gonna break up?"

"I don't know, Emma. That's not the kind of thing you can just predict. I hate to say it, but you need to find someone else to like because my douchebag brother isn't gonna the one for you."

I rolled my eyes before taking a sip of my chocolate shake. "I don't know. I guess it's just hard because I've liked him for so long and I'm always kind of around him because I'm friends with you."

Ethan nodded. "Yeah. I get that."

-

Ethan

Emma and Jillian walked off to get drinks at the party while Grayson and I were still walking in. "So, are you gonna quit daydreaming about Emma or are you gonna get some tonight?" He asked.

"What? I'm not daydreaming about Emma."

"Ethan, you've been staring at her all the time lately."

"Gray, it's not like that. She's my best friend."

"Exactly. She's your best friend."

"I'm not gonna ruin that just for a hookup."

Grayson shrugged. "I'd fuck her if I had the chance."

Damn it. Why was this making me mad? It's not like I had feelings for Emma. But I was fuming when Grayson said that.

I walked away from Grayson, and found a few girls to hang out with. I didn't even want to be thinking about Emma. I was just confused.

-

Emma

I was standing in the corner with my third drink of the night because Ethan's been hanging out with other girls all night, and I couldn't find Jillian.

"You okay?" Grayson asked as he walked over to me.

I shrugged. "Ethan's been hanging out with other girls all night, and I've kind of just been by myself."

I wasn't gonna admit the pang of jealousy I felt when Ethan walked outside to the bonfire with three other girls. I didn't even want to know, so I just stayed away. But I didn't know how to feel. It's like I had all of these confusing feelings about him. I liked his brother for goodness sake. So why did it hurt me to see Ethan with other girls?

Grayson's eyebrow furrowed. "Well, Jillian and I broke up." He admitted.

My eyes instantly met his in shock. "What? Why?"

"She said she was going to the bathroom, but really she was fooling around with Josh Nielsen."

"I'm sorry, Gray."

He shrugged. "It's okay. I figured that if she's a cheater, I shouldn't fret over her cause she's not worth it."

"Right." I said.

"You know you're drunk when there's stuff floating in your drink." Grayson said. He showed me his solo cup, which had a little ball of fuzz floating in his beverage.

"Come on." I said. "Let's get you a new one."

Grayson smiled. "If you insist, Emmo."

Yup. He's drunk alright.

-

Ethan

I went to the kitchen to get some more drinks, but Grayson and Emma were hanging out, and I didn't want to be rude and interrupt them.

I didn't know why I felt so hurt about Emma choosing Grayson over me. He always was the one that got chosen. Not just with Emma, but with everyone.

I went back outside.

-

Emma

I thought I saw Ethan come into the kitchen, but when I glanced up he wasn't there.

I looked back at Grayson who was telling me a story, but I cut him off.

"Do you wanna get out of here?" I asked. Grayson shrugged.

"I don't see why not."

I nodded. "Okay."

-

Ethan

Word spread fast that a.) Grayson and Jillian broke up and b.) Grayson looked like he was about to leave with Emma.

Why do I feel like I just got shot in the heart with a fucking bullet?

I didn't think I liked Emma like that, but I did.

I felt sick to my stomach about Emma and Grayson because I had a feeling they were gonna be together. I'd have to third wheel them all the time. I didn't want to have to deal with that.

Emma's my best friend and now I'm losing her to my fucking twin brother.

I made the decision not to go home that night.

-

Emma

I was kind of upset that Ethan ignored me all night. In all honesty, Grayson and I were just watching a movie and hanging out.

We talked for a while about relationships and what they mean to us, and everything like that. But I still didn't admit that I liked him.

But there was something I wasn't admitting to myself, and when Grayson's lips were on mine I knew I had to.

It felt wrong. So wrong. Not wrong in a good way that makes you want more, but the kind of wrong that makes you only want what's right.

And I wanted Ethan.