Losing Control

11

Ethan

The next morning, I awoke to the sound of my alarm blaring in my ear. My eyes shot open, and I immediately groaned, reaching for my phone to silence the obnoxious noise.

"Ugh... too early," I muttered, rolling over and rubbing my face with one hand. The soft hum of traffic outside was a reminder that the world kept moving whether I was ready or not.

I dragged myself out of bed, cursing under my breath as I stumbled toward the bathroom. After splashing water on my face, I caught my reflection in the mirror. I looked like a disaster.

"Great," I grumbled. I tried to tame my wild hair as best I could, knowing it would never be perfect. It was one of those days where everything felt off, and I wasn’t sure if it was the lack of sleep, the looming wedding, or something else entirely.

After quickly dressing in a dark jacket and black jeans, I grabbed my bag and headed to the kitchen, where Ava was sitting at the counter, casually eating cereal.

"You're still here?" I asked, raising an eyebrow as I grabbed my own coffee.

Ava barely looked up, too busy scooping cereal into her mouth. "Yep. Thought I'd give you some company. You look like you need it."

"Yeah, I’m about to go face my boss and deal with a whole bunch of bullshit, so I could use a little peace and quiet," I muttered, leaning against the counter and taking a sip of coffee.

Ava glanced at me, her expression softening. "Hey, don’t let Jonathan get to you. He’s just a bitter little man. You’ve got this."

I scoffed, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, he’s a real piece of work. But I don’t have time to waste on him today."

Ava watched me closely, like she was weighing something in her mind. Then she sighed, pushing her empty bowl aside. "Well, if you’re really going to pull this off with Riley, you’d better make it count today. I’m serious, Ethan. He’s got your back, but you need to be sure of what you want too."

I paused, the weight of her words sinking in. "I know," I said quietly. "It’s just... complicated. And I’m not even sure I can handle it right now."

Ava raised an eyebrow. "Since when did you start second-guessing yourself?"

I winced, knowing exactly what she was getting at. "It’s not like that. It’s just..." I trailed off, feeling a knot form in my stomach. I couldn’t shake the image of Liam from yesterday, standing there with Owen like it was nothing.

Ava tilted her head, her expression soft but firm. "You know what? Screw it. Let’s put Liam out of your mind for a bit. Focus on what you’ve got in front of you, okay? You’ve got Riley, and you’re not going to screw this up. Not if you don’t let fear take over."

"Yeah, yeah," I muttered, forcing a smile. "I get it."

She grinned. "Good. Now go get 'em, tiger."

I gave her a wry smile. "If you’re not careful, I might start thinking you actually care about me."

"Don’t get used to it," she said, chuckling as she stood up and grabbed her jacket. "I’ve got an appointment in a bit. But you’ve got this, I swear."

I nodded, though the tension still gnawed at me as I grabbed my things and left. The cab ride to work felt longer than usual, and by the time I stepped into the office, I was already bracing myself for whatever today would throw at me.

"Late again, Ethan?" Clara greeted me, her voice teasing as she looked up from her desk.

"Yeah, yeah, don’t rub it in," I muttered, dropping my bag onto my chair.

Jonathan appeared almost immediately, as if he was lying in wait. He sauntered over, his usual smug grin plastered on his face.

"Nice of you to show up today," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Did you get lost on your way in, or is that just your usual loser routine?"

I didn’t even dignify him with a response. Instead, I grabbed my coffee and headed straight for my desk.

But just as I was about to settle in, I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I pulled it out quickly, my heart racing when I saw Riley’s name flashing on the screen.

Riley: You alive, or did Ava knock you out with her charm?

I couldn’t help but smile at his text, the weight on my chest lightening just a little.

Me: Barely. But I’m here, getting through it. How’s your morning going?

Riley: Same old. Just thinking about how I’m going to survive your crazy friends.

I chuckled quietly, but Jonathan had already noticed my phone.

"What’s so funny?" he asked, his voice dripping with condescension.

I shot him a glare, but Riley’s response was waiting for me.

Riley: I’ve got your back, Ethan. Let’s practice today, alright?

I couldn’t resist the grin that spread across my face.

Me: You’re a good guy, Riley. I owe you one.

Before I could even put the phone down, Jonathan interrupted again.

“You’ve got a boyfriend now? What, did you finally find someone as pathetic as you?” he sneered, leaning against my desk with his arms crossed. “I mean, seriously, what kind of guy would ever settle for a loser like you?”

I narrowed my eyes at him, my patience running thin. “That’s none of your business, Jonathan.”

“Oh, I think it is,” he said, his smile growing wider. “I mean, it’s pretty damn hilarious. How could anyone put up with a joke like you?”

I stood up, shoving my chair back with enough force to make him stumble slightly. "You’re really not worth my time today."

He snorted, stepping back. "Whatever, Ethan. Just don’t come crying to me when it all blows up in your face."

Before I could fire back, Clara’s voice cut through the tension.

“Ethan, you’re needed in Samantha’s office,” she called, her tone almost apologetic.

I shot one last glare at Jonathan before walking away.

“Don’t let him get to you,” Clara whispered as I passed her desk.

I nodded, though the tightness in my chest remained. I knew I had to get through today, but it felt like everything was stacking against me.

As I walked toward Samantha’s office, I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the conversation with Jonathan and the knot in my stomach. I had one goal today—make it through, then meet up with Riley and focus on the plan. The wedding was Saturday in four days time.