Suddenly Starstruck (Shower & Shelter Artist Collective Book 4)

by Brooke St. James

  "I don't want you to think it's bad, because it's not. It's good, actually. But I still don't think I should tell you," she said.

  "Is it about me?" I asked.

  She nodded.

  "Well, then you have to tell me."

  She shook her head with serious regret. "I really shouldn't," she said. "Because it's a bunch of sweet, complimentary stuff about you, but I think it's better if it's just left unsaid. I'm sorry about that. I know it seems weird, but I think it needs to be that way."

  I leveled her with a disbelieving stare. "What in the world are you talking about?"

  She sighed. "Joe's just telling me his opinion on how Ethan feels about you, but it's not really something I should repeat because it's just Joe's opinion. From what Joe's saying, Ethan's acting like he's not gonna call."

  "Wait a second," I said. "I am completely confused. Are you and Joe talking about me right now?"

  She smiled. "He was. He asked me for your phone number and then said he didn't need it anymore."

  I shot her a perplexed expression that made her giggle. "Joe seems to think Ethan's seriously in love with you," she said, growing more serious. She shook her head. "I didn't want to tell you he said that because it might not amount to anything. It's just Joe's opinion, but he said Ethan's saying things about you he never says about other girls."

  "He told you all that just now?" I asked. "I haven't even talked to Ethan since that night."

  "I know," Lu said, shaking her head like she was as surprised about it as I was. "That's why I didn't want to say anything. Who knows what's going on in that head of his."

  Lu and I were quiet for a minute, both of us lost in thought.

  "Did Joe really say all that?" I asked.

  Lu smiled and picked up her phone.

  "Babe," she said, in a deep voice, imitating her husband. "He is in love. He's talking my ear off about her. He never acts like this. I can tell he's different with this one. Don't say anything to her because he probably won't call."

  She paused and smiled regretfully at me.

  "And here I am, telling you the whole thing, and probably setting you up for a big heartbreak. I'm sorry. I knew I shouldn't say anything, but I also thought it was so sweet."

  I managed a smile even though I felt an overwhelming wave of emotions, both positive and negative. "It's fine," I said, since I thought it was my duty to say that. "I just think it's crazy that they're talking about me. I assumed that night was a fleeting moment for Ethan.

  She shook her head. "Apparently, Ethan's still talking about it."

  "Well, that makes me feel a little bit better," I said.

  "About what? You never talk about him. I had to drag it out of you that he stayed over at your house that night. What happened with you two?"

  "Nothing," I said. "He barely even kissed me for two seconds."

  "He kissed you? You didn't tell me that." Her expression was shocked.

  "Barely," I said. "It wasn't just the kissing or the lack of kissing. It was the whole night. The way we talked and laughed. The way we connected. Somehow, when he left, he gave me some money and took these pieces of art with him, and he didn't ask me for my number or bother saying he ever wanted to get in touch again." I felt a wave of sadness as I remembered our goodbye. "It's funny, but when he left, I could tell it was the end. We had an amazing time, but when it was over, it was over. I could feel it. That's why I didn't mention it to you."

  "I can't believe you didn't tell me that happened. What did he buy from you?"

  "The little table, and the skateboard, and that little doll my sister made."

  "Your skateboard?" she asked. She knew what I was referring to. It was my most asked-about piece, but I had always kept it for myself.

  I nodded.

  "What doll?"

  "With the curly hair," I said.

  "The one that looks like you?"

  I nodded, and she gave me a silly, sideways glare that made me laugh. "You sold him all that and then just let him walk out?"

  "What else was I supposed to do? Make him sign a marriage contract?"

  "You could give him your number," she said. "Or you could say you want to see him again. It doesn't have to be all on him."

  I shook my head sadly. "It was over when he left; I could tell."

  "That's a shame," she said after a few seconds. "I just don't understand that."

  "He's a little bit of a ladies man," I said. "And I think he knows I'm not up for taking things too far casually, so that's sort of an awkward impasse for us."

  "I hate him for being such a player," Lu said.

  "He's not trying to play me," I said. "That's why he's not calling. He knows I'm weak when it comes to him. He's being a gentleman."

  She sighed.

  "Well, you're taking it like a lady," she said. "I'm sorry if bringing it up makes you feel sad or whatever. I wasn't sure what to do when I read the text."

  I gave her a smile. "It's really fine. Like I said, it makes me feel a little better that he's still struggling with it."

  She let out a laugh. "Joe just text me saying Ethan has that doll," she said. "He says he has a whole story about it that he'd tell me when he gets home."

  "What'd he say?" I asked.

  "Just that Ethan has it, and that he'll tell me a story about its hair when he gets home. I'm not really sure what that means."

  I wanted to say, "You have to tell me what he says after you talk to him," but I didn't. I was quiet and introspective, wondering if and how I fit into Ethan's thoughts—wondering what the boys had said that led up to Joe's text.

  As I was still reeling from that whole conversation, Lu came out of nowhere and told me she and Joe were expecting their first baby. She made me promise not to tell anyone. They wanted to tell their families in person, so I was literally the first of her friends to find out. I knew she was just telling me to give me something to think about besides Ethan, and thankfully, it worked. We talked about baby names and other baby-related topics for the next hour or so until it was time for me to leave. Lu brought up Ethan one more time on my way out, but I didn't say much. I didn't know what to say.

  It was after 10pm that night, and I was sitting on the edge of my bed, towel-drying my hair when I got a text from a New York number I didn't recognize.

  Unknown number: "Is this Macy's #?"

  I experienced a clinching sensation in my abdomen when I read the words. I stared at the screen, wondering how quickly I should respond.

  Anytime I didn't know what move to make next, my go-to response was to count to five. I gazed at the wall and counted slowly to five before staring at the screen again. I read the words again and then smiled as I typed a response. I figured there was no need to delay since I didn't even know for sure that it was Ethan.

  Me: "Yes, it is. Who's this, and how may I help you?"

  Unknown number: "I think I want to see you."

  Me: "That's nice (I think). But who is this?"

  Unknown number: "Ethan."

  Me: "Hey Ethan."

  Ethan: "Hey."

  I waited a minute to see if he'd say more, but he didn't.

  Me: "Well, now you have my number." I included a few emojis, one of a thumbs up, a smiley face, and a heart. My own heart felt like it wanted to explode… at least my chest did.

  It took him a few minutes to text me back, and when he did, it wasn't a text at all. It was a call. My phone almost never rang, and I stared at the strange sound coming from it, wondering if that was indeed my ringtone. My heart was buzzing in my chest, and my hands were shaking as I stared at the screen. I had already programed his contact information into my phone, and the incoming call was, no doubt, from Ethan. I knew I had to answer it soon if I didn't want it to go to voice mail, so I slid the button to connect the call.

  I was only able to take short, shallow breaths as I held the phone to my ear. "Hello?" I said. Please act normal, please act normal.

  "Can I see you?" I heard him ask.


  "Hello," I said with a smile in my voice.

  "Hello," he said patiently and with a smile of his own.

  "Is this Ethan Prescott?"

  "It is."

  "And you're trying to make arrangements to see me. Macy?" I asked.

  "I am."

  "And when exactly were you wanting this to happen?" I asked.

  "Soon. Tomorrow. Can you do it tomorrow?"

  "I have work during the day."

  "I work until four, anyway," he said. "Can we do it afterward? Will you go with me to get something to eat?"

  "I do plan on eating dinner tomorrow evening," I said.

  "With me?" he asked.

  "Sure. Where?"

  "I don't know. I'll figure that out and surprise you. Are you up for that?"

  "Yeah," I said, still feeling a fluttering in my chest that just would not go away.

  "Is it awkward for you that I haven't called?" he asked in a matter of fact tone.

  "No," I said by instinct even though it was, a little. "I haven't called you either."

  He was silent on the other end for a few seconds. I had no idea what he was thinking or what he'd say next.

  "It's not awkward," I said. "And it's not a date," I added, letting him off the hook. "I had fun with you the other night. It'll be fun to catch up again. No expectations."

  "I did, too," he said. "Have fun, I mean."

  "Okay, so, I guess we need to figure out when and where we should do it again."

  "Tomorrow," he said. "Six o'clock. I'll come by and pick you up. You know what? Can we make it seven? I think Joe's got me playing basketball tomorrow at five, and I'm sure I'll want to take a shower before I get out of there."

  "Basketball?" I asked. "Like a game? The one Joe plays at the Y?"

  "Yes."

  "I could just meet you there if you want," I said. I knew Lu often went to Joe's games—I'd actually been with her a time or two. It was fun, and I knew I'd have a good time watching—especially if Ethan was playing.

  "I'm good with you meeting me there," he said. "I'd prefer it, actually."

  "Why, so you can show off?" I asked.

  "Yes," he said, seriously.

  I laughed. "Bye, Ethan. See you tomorrow."

  "Bye, Macy."

  Chapter 10

  The following day was busy at work, and as a result, passed quickly. I didn't have much time to talk to Lu. Both of us were busy with our work, which happened on different floors of the collective. I saw her once, and we just agreed that we'd catch up with each other at the gym that evening.

  Joe played basketball on a weekly basis, and Lu went to watch about half the time. She said she hadn't planned on going that evening, but she changed her mind once I told her I'd be there. Joe brought a little boy named Josh with him, and Josh was already sitting right next to Lu in the bleachers when I got there. She tried to talk in code and ask me about Ethan, but it didn't really work. I told her all I knew was that Ethan and I were probably going to eat after the game.

  It was extremely difficult for me to focus on having a conversation with her at all. I could not stop watching the action on the court. I knew Joe was competitive with these games and that I should expect to see real athletes out there, but it felt different watching Ethan now that I had a connection with him and knew we were seeing each other after the game.

  One of the guys on their team had a big mop of hair even wilder than mine, and he always wore a retro style headband when he played. This time, all the guys had one on. The whole team not only had matching sweatbands, but they also had a swipe of that black sports stuff that guys wore under their eyes.

  "I thought that stuff was for the sun," I said, looking up at the indoor gym lighting.

  "Ethan doesn't play with them all that much, but when he does, they dress like that," Lu said. "It makes them all look alike. Then nobody really notices Ethan."

  I smiled at the sight of them. They were all attractive, athletic young men, who somehow made sweatbands and that black cheek stuff look appealing. They all had on sleeveless shirts, showing off their gym bodies. I had to look away several times because I couldn't handle the anticipation that came over me as I watched. Ethan was competitive, but at the same time, he was a clown, and I got mesmerized by the way he interacted with the other guys.

  "My mom told me that if that guy ever came to Joe's game again that I need to ask you to take my picture with him," Josh said.

  "Who, Ethan?" Lu asked. "I'm sure he'd take a picture with you, Josh. You've met him before, haven’t you?"

  "Uh-huh, but I didn't get my picture with him, and that's what my mom was saying."

  "Maybe we can get the whole team to take one with you," Lu said. "A big group shot."

  Josh smiled a huge smile that showed all of his teeth, and I loved that it was the result of knowing he could take a picture with Ethan.

  ***

  The game only lasted about an hour or so, and between talking to Lu and Josh and watching the team (Ethan), it was over in what felt like the blink of an eye. The next thing I knew, Ethan and I were in a car on our way to a destination I knew nothing about. I assumed we would get a cab, but that's not what happened. Ethan had a driver waiting outside for us, and just like that, we were whisked away. The driver asked Ethan a few questions, but none of them were about where we were going.

  In the back of my mind, I figured it could turn out to be some fancy restaurant, but it was the opposite—a hole in the wall, Mexican place where no one really spoke English. It was obviously not the first time Ethan had been there, because he waved at a couple of people on the way to a certain table where we sat across from each other.

  Our table was in an out of the way spot next to a counter full of Mexican candies. The colorful retail display gave us complete privacy, blocking us from view of everyone else in the restaurant. Ethan stared at me with an easy smile that said he was happy to finally be alone.

  "Are you okay with tacos?" he asked.

  I nodded. "I love tacos," I said. "It's because I’m Mexican."

  "You are not," he said. He tilted his head, inspecting me with growing uncertainty since I had dark hair and eyes and could pretty much pass for having some Central American blood.

  I smiled "I'm not, but I like to say I am when I'm eating tacos because it makes me feel more authentic. In fact, when I order I like to say it with accent like, burritos." I said the word burritos in a super-thick Mexican accent, dramatically rolling the R's and making a completely serious expression.

  Ethan stared straight at me like he couldn’t believe I had the nerve to be so goofy in front of him.

  "What's a matter?" I asked in a terrible but unashamedly thick Mexican accent. "Chew never seen a seniorita order a burrito?" I really rolled the R's that time, and Ethan held his fist over his mouth, laughing at me, and making me laugh as well.

  "You're hilarious," he said. He smiled and gestured over my shoulder with a little nod. "Now, say that same thing to her," he said.

  "Hola Senor Ethan, what you having today?" the girl said in a real, authentic Mexican accent.

  My eyes widened imperceptibly at Ethan who grinned at me. "I think my friend wants a burrito," Ethan said glancing between the girl and me with uncertainty.

  "I'll have whatever you're having," I said tentatively and with no accent whatsoever, smiling at Ethan.

  "Three tacos for each of us, please," he said. "We don't care what kind, just mix it up. And extra avocado on the side, please."

  She nodded and took off toward the kitchen. "If you want a soda, I can just grab you one out of the cooler. I drank a bottle of water at the gym, but I'll grab you something if you want."

  "I'm good," I said. "I might change my mind if it's spicy, but I'm okay right now."

  "Your curls are back," he said.

  I smiled and glanced at my own hair by rolling my eyes. "You guys had some pretty epic hair and headbands at the gym tonight, too," I said.

  Ethan smiled at the memory and r
an a hand through his hair, which was still damp after his shower. Our eyes met, and we just sat there and stared at each other amidst the chaos and noise of the tiny restaurant.

  "I wasn't even supposed to play tonight," he said. "I called Joe and told him I wanted in the game after I talked to you on the phone."

  "Really? I thought you said Joe had already asked you to play when we talked."

  "Joe asks me to play all the time, so I don't guess I was lying, but I didn't decide to play with him until I talked to you and thought about taking you ice skating."

  "What? You're taking me ice skating? When?"

  "Tonight," he said. "Right after this. That's why I decided I needed to play basketball."

  "I don't get it," I said with a perplexed look. "What's one have to do with the other?"

  "I'm good at basketball," he said with a quiet assurance that made me grin at him.

  "I know," I said, raising an eyebrow. "I watched you. You are good."

  He shrugged. "I needed you to see that," he said. "Because I'm about to stink it up at ice skating. Seriously, I've never even tried it. It's gonna be bad. You're gonna have to help me make sure I don't break bones."

  ***

  "You really don't have to do this," I said two hours later as I stepped onto the ice.

  Ethan was wearing a beanie and a pair of glasses with no lenses, and so far, no one had asked him for a picture.

  "You said we had to do it for your big dream date," he said. He struggled to keep his balance as he stepped onto the ice to join me. "Plus, I've never tried it, and I'm into learning new things lately, so it happens that I'm looking forward to this."

  I turned around in front of Ethan putting my skates heel to heel before reaching out to offer him a hand. He pulled back, looking at me with a skeptical, sideways expression.

  "Don't tell me you're good at this," he said. "Are you good at it?"

  I shrugged guiltily. "I'm not amazing, but I did grow up in Connecticut," I said.

  "What, is it mandatory to learn how skate in Connecticut or something?" he asked.

  I smiled, skating in a circle in front of him while he figured out how it felt to wear the skates and glide on the ice.

  "Can you twirl around and everything?" he asked.