Avery sinks into a booth in the corner of the bar.
A country song buzzes in the speakers above her head.
Ethan says goodbye to the last customer of the night, locking the door.
He turns to Avery, grinning.
Avery
I thought they’d never leave.
Ethan
Aw, someone get cranky at closing time?
Avery
I’m not used to sharing you!
Avery
We had like…two hundred people, easy.
Ethan
It’s opening day for the only bar in town.
Ethan
What did you expect?
Avery
Fine, I guess I can handle those pesky customers for a little while.
The song on the surround system transitions to a ballad.
Avery
I thought you’d never ask.
Ethan pulls her to the empty dance floor.
She rests her cheek against his shoulder as they sway.
Ethan
It’s crazy how things went down.
Avery
Where you walked away from the NFL and served in a war.
Avery
And then bought a bar in a town with one stoplight, or…?
Ethan
I was thinking of the part where you were running for your life and ended up in my office.
Ethan
Accusing me of hiring bikini bartenders.
Avery
If you didn’t want me to walk into this place, you should’ve removed the Now Hiring sign.
Ethan twirls Avery, then dips her low, his eyes meeting hers.
Ethan
You walking into this place is the best thing that ever happened to me.
They kiss, and then he spins her back to her feet.
Avery
I can’t believe Luke is actually in jail.
Avery
The charges were for attempted murder.
Avery
They’re going all in.
Ethan
He’ll be gone a long time.
Ethan
And even if he gets off…
Avery
I’m safe with you. I know.
Avery
I don’t know if I ever said thank you.
Avery
I brought a storm to your door, and you just…
Ethan
You don’t owe me a thank you.
Avery’s eyes search Ethan’s.
Ethan
I think I loved you the moment you walked into my office.
Ethan
I had a handyman lined up, you know.
Ethan
After you showed up I had to call him and cancel the job.
Ethan
I still paid him, of course.
Ethan
All because I couldn’t tell you no.
Avery’s eyes tear up as she laughs.
Avery
Since the moment you carried my stuff from my car.
Avery
When you insisted on helping me even though I’d been lying to you.
Avery
And then you slept on that tiny couch and let me have your bed.
They kiss, and it lingers as they sway on the dance floor, under the warm yellow lights.
Ethan
You’re going to be okay.
Avery
We are going to be okay.
Avery
For whatever happens next.
