11. Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven

MIA

A voiding Ethan is proving to be a challenge. It feels like every time I turn around, there he is with Senna.

After games or practice, Ethan and Senna usually end up in the wives' room, playing arcade games, or doing something else that tugs at my heart.

Today, I'm hiding out in the kitchen, pretending to assist the caterers with snacks for the kids. The aroma of freshly baked cookies is a welcome distraction from my racing thoughts. I hear Ethan's laughter mixed with Senna's excited shouts from the arcade area, and I can't help but peek.

There they are, playing a racing game, completely absorbed. Ethan's face is lit with joy, a stark contrast to the awkwardness of our last conversation. My heart aches, and I force myself to focus on anything else.

I step into the arcade area, checking that everything is running smoothly.

"Mia, are you alright?" Amanda's voice startles me, and I look up to find her standing beside me, concern etched on her face.

"Yeah, just making sure everything is being replenished," I reply, forcing a smile.

Sarah raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "You've been zoning out a lot lately. Is everything okay?"

"It's just… work has been so busy," I murmur, unwilling to admit the real reason behind my distracted state. How do I explain that Ethan Matthews, of all people, has turned my carefully controlled world upside down?

"You know you can talk to me, right?" Amanda leans closer, her voice soft. "Sometimes sharing helps."

I consider her offer, tempted to spill everything—about my sinful night with Ethan and my mixed feelings.

But words fail me, and instead, I shrug nonchalantly. "I appreciate it, Amanda. I think I just need to catch up some much-needed sleep."

Amanda studies me for a moment, her expression sympathetic. "Alright, but don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything."

"Thanks," I manage, grateful for her understanding. As she walks towards Senna, I exhale slowly, trying to regain my composure.

Ethan's piercing eyes catch mine for a split second, and I instantly look away, my pulse quickening. I leave some drinks for the kids and retreat to the kitchen, my safe haven.

Why does he have to be so magnetic? Every time I see him, I feel an undeniable pull, like gravity drawing me toward him. I shake my head and check to make sure there is enough food.

As I oversee the kitchen, my thoughts drift back to the night we shared. It was supposed to be just that wasn't it? One night of fun where we didn't take anything too seriously.

But the memory of his touch haunts me.

Later, I peek out again. Ethan and Senna are now building a tower with oversized blocks. Ethan looks up, and our eyes meet again. There's a flicker of something—recognition, longing, I'm not sure, but as he stands up and walks towards me, I quickly turn away, pretending to be busy.

The evening wears on, and I manage to avoid any direct interaction with Ethan. I immerse myself in my work, coordinating with the staff, ensuring everything runs smoothly. It helps to tone down my distracting thoughts.

Finally, the event winds down. Parents gather their kids, and the room slowly empties. I step out of the kitchen, exhausted but relieved I made it through another day without confronting Ethan.

As I start tidying up, I feel a familiar gaze on me. I look up to see Ethan across the room, watching me. He gives a small, tentative smile, and for a moment, I'm tempted to walk over and talk to him. But the memory of our last conversation, the awkwardness, the confusion, all come flooding back.

I steal one last glance at Ethan. He's helping Senna with his coat. It's a sight that tugs at my heart, but I push the emotions down and help the crew finish tidying up.

As I gather my things to leave, I try to distract myself with plans for the next event, but it doesn't last long.

After I shower and lay in bed, the last thoughts I have in my mind are of Ethan.