Two hours later, Avery is coated in dust.
But they’re down to the last few signs.
The ones hanging in Ethan’s office.
Avery
You sure you’re not attached to these?
Avery points to the framed photos of bikini bartenders lining the wall.
Ethan
More working, please, and less talking.
Avery
Have you always been such a grump?
Ethan
I just have a lot to get done, okay? I’m paying you to work, not converse.
Avery
Look, I’m sorry if I’m annoying you.
Avery
I seriously appreciate the job. Even if it’s just for a week.
Avery
I know I’m being a little chatty.
Avery
It’s just that I’ve been in a car by myself for what seems like forever.
Avery
And very, very quiet.
Ethan picks up the box he’s been filling with the signs and framed pictures.
Then he blows out a slow breath and turns toward her.
Ethan
I get it, okay? Loneliness fucking sucks.
Avery
Is that why you’re so snappy?
He inches closer to her, and their eyes lock.
His gaze dips to her mouth.
Avery
Get a little lonely in your big ‘ol castle?
His expression changes, and he pushes the box toward her.
Ethan
I’ll go through these later.
Ethan
There’s a closet at the top of the steps.
Ethan
Stick this on one of the shelves.
Upstairs, Avery shoves the box into the closet, which is mostly empty.
She starts to leave, but notices a second, open door, and a room filled with light.
Avery glances down the stairs, but Ethan is out of view now.
She steps into a bright and airy apartment.
It’s small, but clean and tidy.
There’s a small kitchen, a living room with a cozy leather recliner, and an open door that reveals his bedroom.
Avery glances back at the entry, but Ethan doesn’t appear.
Curiosity pulls her toward his bedroom.
Inside, light streams through the open curtains, slanting across his bed.
Like a spotlight, it lands on a framed photo.
Avery crosses the room and picks up the photograph.
A woman around Avery’s age smiles back at her.
She has sparkly white teeth and strawberry blonde hair.
Hair that resembles Avery’s.
Ethan
What do you think you’re doing?
Avery jumps, slamming down the photo.
Avery nods, rushing past Ethan.
Downstairs, she picks up a hammer again.
She stiffens as Ethan resumes working beside her.
For ten torturous minutes, neither of them speaks.
Avery
Oh. She’s beautiful.
Ethan nods, but doesn’t elaborate.
Ethan
Anyone special in your life?
Avery
There was, up until a few weeks ago.
Avery
Ah? What’s that supposed to mean?
Ethan
You broke up with him because he didn’t want to go on the post-college road trip of your dreams?
Avery
I decided to go on the road trip after I broke up with him, not the other way around.
Avery
You ALSO went on a road trip after breaking up with someone?
Avery
Is that how you ended up in Nowhereseville, Oregon?
Ethan
No. That’s how I ended up in Afghanistan.
Avery raises a brow, and her eyes sweep over him.
Avery
I should’ve known you were a military man.
Avery
Because you’re so bossy.
Avery
Your breakup must’ve been even worse than mine.
Avery
At least I didn’t go to a war zone.
Ethan
Yeah, so I guess you have that going for you.
Avery
How long ago did you get out?
Ethan
Why’d you break up with your boyfriend?
Avery
Not boyfriend. Fiancé.
Ethan
Whoa. No wonder you needed a road trip.
Avery
Yeah. Time to clear my head and figure out what to do next.
Ethan turns to the far wall, his back to her.
Ethan
You still didn’t answer the question.
Avery
You want to know what went wrong with my fiancé?
Avery
It just didn’t work out.
Avery lets out a long breath.
Avery
There’s no dramatic story.
Avery
We realized that a walk down the aisle was a really stupid thing to do.
Avery
And you’re right. Being lonely fucking sucks.
