Page 90 of Ethan & Grace

“You’re welcome. If you like, I can ask Mrs. Kensington if she saw anything that evening, though I somehow doubt it.”

“Thanks, but it’s not necessary. I have all the information I need.”

“All right. I hope you find some witnesses.”

“I hope so too.”

We said our goodbyes, and I ended the call before turning back towards the lift.

I let out a startled scream. Just a few steps away stood Alistair Eddington, who had apparently just stepped out of the lift.

I pressed my hand to my chest. “Oh my God, you made me jump! I didn’t hear you coming.”

Mr. Eddington smiled. “My apologies. That wasn’t my intention.”

“And I’m sorry for screaming at you.”

“No harm done,” he said with a dismissive wave of his hand, though I didn’t miss the way his eyes drifted from my wet hair to my crumpled clothes.

“My friend Kate and I stayed overnight at Mr. Darlington’s penthouse. Henry, he’s her boyfriend,” I explained quickly, before Mr. Eddington could get the wrong—or rather, the entirely right—idea. “We went to the pub together yesterday.”

Mr. Eddington smiled. “I hope you had a pleasant evening.”

“Yes, I did,” I said, pressing the call button for the lift, which had gone back down. “May I ask what brings you to the hotel so early?”

“I’m meeting Richard for breakfast.”

“Well, enjoy, and bon appétit.”

The lift doors slid open, saving me from further awkward small talk. I said goodbye to Mr. Eddington and rode down, finally ready to get to work, though I was already running far too late.

33

I was glad you could be there on Friday. Maybe we could do it again sometime soon. I hope Grace is doing well?

Message from Logan to Ethan

Ethan

By mid-April, spring had finally got the memo that it was time to shine, and I could go jogging in the park again without ending up with frostbite. The weather had become much milder over the last few weeks, and what had been dull and grey in winter was now bursting with colour.

I slowed down and stopped my fitness tracker, satisfied with the numbers on the screen. Heading back towards The Darlington, I unclipped the water bottle from my running vest and took a long drink.

“Hey.”

A young woman had appeared beside me. She was also in running gear, and her black hair was tied up in a high ponytail. She smiled softly.

“Hey,” I replied.

“I don’t know if you noticed, but we jogged past each other twice just now,” the woman said, slightly hesitant. “You caught my eye, and I was wondering if you wanted to get a coffee with me?”

A few months ago, I probably would have said yes. She was attractive and about my age. But even though Grace and I had never said we were exclusive, the idea of going out with another woman felt wrong.

“Thanks for asking, but I’m seeing someone.” Saying it felt right.

“That’s a shame. Your girlfriend is a lucky woman.”

“I’ll pass it on,” I replied with a smile, gave a small wave, and carried on towards the hotel.