Between Then and Now (Hallow’s End #1)

16. Chapter 16

Chapter 16

E THAN OPENED THE DOOR to The Sunflower Bistro, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back as I stepped inside. As we entered, the lively hum of the bistro hit me, the room buzzing with energy. The soft lighting bathed the space in a warm glow, casting long shadows over the rustic tables and mismatched chairs, the lights twinkling overhead.

The scent of freshly baked bread and savory dishes wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and clinking glasses. Colorful banners and streamers adorned the ceiling, and a large chalkboard near the entrance proudly proclaimed: QUIZ NIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA! in bold, playful letters. Each table sported a handwritten sign with quirky team names like SMARTY PINTS and QUIZZY MCQUIZFACE. The space was vibrant and alive, with question-mark-shaped balloons bobbing overhead .

We made our way through the crowd, and a few people waved at Ethan, their faces lighting up as he greeted them with a nod and an easy smile, effortlessly charming everyone around him. I admired the way he fit into his world so seamlessly.

Near the bar, a familiar voice called out, pulling us from our thoughts. “Ethan, my boy!” It was Mayor Margaret Hale, her grin wide and welcoming as she spotted us. “Still hoping to break that losing streak tonight?”

Ethan chuckled, shaking his head in mock defeat. “Oh, you just wait. I’ve got a secret weapon this time,” he teased, giving me a playful nudge that sent a jolt of warmth through me.

Mayor Hale’s eyes twinkled with amusement as she looked at me. “Ah, Vinnie! So you’re the ace up his sleeve, huh? Good luck, you’ll need it!” She winked, her good-natured ribbing drawing laughter from the nearby tables.

I laughed along, the energy of the bistro wrapping around me like a welcoming embrace. “I’ll do my best,” I promised.

The bistro was packed, the warm air buzzing with energy, and Ethan tugged off his sweater as we made our way through the crowd. My breath caught as the hem of his shirt rode up slightly, revealing a glimpse of toned, tanned skin just above his belt. It was a fleeting sight, but it sent a thrill through me, making my cheeks flush. As he adjusted his shirt, his fingers brushed against the exposed skin; a simple gesture that felt intimate amidst the lively crowd.

Ethan’s hand returned to the small of my back, steady and reassuring. The touch was simple, but I found myself leaning into it, savoring the connection that was building between us. He guided me toward a table near the front, where the bistro had set up a small stage for the quizmaster, and my eyes were drawn to the way his shirt stretched across his broad back, highlighting the lean muscles beneath .

There was something undeniably sexy about the way he moved with such effortless confidence, his long strides hinting at a strength that made my pulse quicken. The room was alive with chatter and laughter, but my focus kept drifting back to him. I noticed the way his jawline, strong and defined, tightened slightly as he scanned the room, always aware of his surroundings. The combination of that sharp jaw and his slightly tousled hair sent a shiver down my spine, and I couldn’t think of anything other than how incredibly irresistible he looked tonight.

After we settled into our seats, Ethan turned to me, his eyes warm. “Can I get you a drink?” he asked, his voice low and inviting.

I nodded, still a little breathless from the buzz of the evening. “A glass of wine would be nice.”

Ethan caught the eye of a passing waitress, signalling her over with an easy smile. “Two glasses of your house red, please.”

Just as the waitress brought our drinks, a flash of blonde hair made its way through the crowd, weaving purposefully between tables, and my heart sank as Emily approached, her eyes locked on Ethan with a determined glint. She dressed to impress, wearing a tight, low-cut top that accentuated her curves, and a short skirt that showed off her long legs. Her blonde hair cascaded down in perfect waves, catching the light with every step.

Emily squeezed through the last cluster of people, her gaze never wavering from Ethan, and my stomach twisted with unease. The last time we’d interacted, Emily had made it abundantly clear she didn’t think much of me, and the memory still stung. Now, seeing her zero in on Ethan, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of irritation. We were having a great time, and the last thing I wanted was for her to intrude on our night.

“Hey, Ethan!” Emily greeted, her voice overly cheerful, almost saccharine. She flashed a bright smile, but there was a calculated edge to it, and her eyes darted briefly to me before she turned her full attention back to him. “Great to see you here,” she added, leaning in a bit too close, batting her eyelashes in a way that made my skin crawl.

She didn’t wait for an invitation, instead continuing with a faux-casual tone that masked her intent. “Mind if I join you two for a bit? My friends ditched me, and I don’t have a team for the quiz.” The way she said it made it clear she wasn’t actually asking.

How convenient.

I tried to catch Ethan’s eye, silently pleading with him to turn her down, but my heart sank when he glanced at me, a flicker of apology in his eyes.

“Sure, Em,” he said, though there was a slight hesitation in his voice. “You can join us.”

I forced a smile, doing my best to hide my frustration. “The more, the merrier,” I said, though the words felt tight and unnatural on my tongue.

As Emily settled in beside Ethan, my emotions twisted in a complicated knot. I knew Ethan was just being kind. It was in his nature to be considerate, and I liked that about him. But, as she slid her chair closer to his, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being pushed to the side like an afterthought. It was the same way Sebastian used to make me feel—like I was there, but not really seen, and it left a bitter taste in my mouth.

I reached for my glass of wine, taking a longer sip than necessary, trying to drown out the unwelcome comparison. This was different. Ethan was nothing like Sebastian, and I knew that. I needed to stop letting old wounds cloud my judgment. But even so, the sting of it lingered, an uncomfortable reminder of how easily those old insecurities could resurface.

I forced myself to breathe, to focus on the warmth in Ethan’s gaze when he looked at me, the way he’d made me feel special all evening. He wasn’t dismissing me. This was just a minor hiccup, nothing more. I needed to let it go, to trust that this night was still ours, no matter who else tried to join in.

As Emily chatted away, her laughter occasionally ringing out a bit too loud, I stared down at my nearly empty wine glass, swirling the remaining liquid as my mind wandered back to old memories.

Suddenly, I felt the warmth of Ethan’s hand covering mine, his touch bringing me back to the present. His thumb brushed lightly against my skin, and I looked up to find him watching me, concern softening his features.

“You okay?” he asked, his voice gentle, meant only for me, despite the lively atmosphere around us.

The way he looked at me—his eyes full of genuine care—made the tension in my chest ease. It was like he could see right through the facade I was trying to maintain, right to the heart of my worries. The frustration I’d felt moments ago began to melt away under the steady reassurance of his gaze.

I managed a small smile. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I whispered, giving his hand a grateful squeeze in return. “Thanks.”

He didn’t let go, his hand resting on mine, grounding me in the moment. The noise of the bistro, the presence of Emily—it all faded into the background as I focused on the warmth of his touch.

The simple act sent a flutter of nerves through me. Was this just a kind gesture, or did it mean something more? The thought made my pulse quicken, and suddenly I became hyper-aware of everything—how our hands fit together, how his thumb lightly traced a soothing pattern on my skin, and how, despite the noise around us, this felt like the most intimate moment of the night.

I caught myself wondering if my hand was too clammy; a sudden rush of self-consciousness making me want to pull away. But Ethan didn’t let go. If anything, his grip seemed to tighten in a wordless reassurance that told me he was right there with me.

Emily’s eyes flicked to our joined hands, and a flicker of irritation flashed across her face before she quickly masked it with a too-bright smile. “Ethan,” she said, her tone sweet but with a subtle edge, “would you mind grabbing us a couple of drinks? It’s so crowded tonight, and I can’t seem to catch any of the waitresses.” She gestured to the almost empty glass in front of me, a calculated move that forced Ethan’s hand.

He hesitated, his thumb still gently brushing over my knuckles. I could feel his reluctance in the way his fingers lingered against mine, but after a moment, he nodded. “Sure,” he said, giving my hand one last squeeze before letting go, his touch leaving behind a ghost of warmth that I immediately missed.

“I’ll be right back,” he promised. Then, with a final glance over his shoulder, he disappeared into the crowd.

The moment Ethan turned his back, Emily’s smile faded into something sharper, more calculating. She leaned in closer, her perfectly manicured red nails tapping lightly on the table, her voice dropping to a lower, more private tone. “You know, Ethan and I go way back. He’s a really great guy. Always so considerate. He’s helped me out more times than I can count, especially when I needed someone to lean on.”

Her words dripped with a possessiveness that made my stomach twist, and I could feel the old, familiar anxiety creeping in. The kind that reminded me too much of the girls back in Cresden. Those girls who mastered the art of the sharp smile and subtle insult, who could cut you down whilst pretending to be your best friend. The way Emily’s glossy blonde hair framed her face, styled to look effortlessly chic, and the way she leaned in, just close enough to invade my personal space, felt like she was trying to assert some unspoken dominance .

“I’m sure he has,” I replied, doing my best to keep my voice even, though my heart raced. I wasn’t about to let her see how much she was getting to me. “Ethan’s been nothing but kind and thoughtful since I met him.”

Emily’s blue eyes narrowed, the corners of her mouth lifting into a smug smile. “Oh, I’m sure. He’s always been the type to help those who need it. But, just so you know, we have a lot of history together. It’s hard to find someone who knows him as well as I do.”

As she spoke, she adjusted the strap of her low-cut top, a subtle yet pointed reminder of her confidence in her own appeal. She was beautiful, no doubt about it. Blond hair, flawless skin, and a figure she wasn’t shy about flaunting. But it wasn’t her looks that made my chest tighten. It was the way she spoke, as if she was laying claim to Ethan, reminding me she had been in his life long before I showed up.

A flicker of doubt tried to take root, but I pushed it down, reminding myself of what Ivy had told me—Emily had an obsession with Ethan. One that was unreciprocated. Ethan had chosen to spend tonight with me , not her. That had to mean something.

I straightened in my seat. “I’m sure your history means a lot to you, Emily,” I said, my voice steady despite the knot in my chest. “But tonight, Ethan and I are on a date, and I’d really like for us to enjoy it.”

Her smile froze for a split second, eyes flashing with surprise. “A date?” she repeated, as if the word itself was foreign. Her tone was sharp, but she quickly smoothed it over with a forced laugh. “That’s . . . unexpected. Ethan doesn’t usually go on dates.”

The way she said it, like she was pointing out some kind of anomaly, sent a chill through me. But I didn’t flinch. “Well, I guess there’s a first time for everything,” I replied, keeping my voice light even though my heart was pounding .

Just as the tension between us thickened, I caught sight of Ethan weaving through the crowd, two drinks in hand, and that same kind smile on his face. When he reached our table, his eyes immediately found mine. “Here you go, Vinnie,” he said softly, handing me my drink with a warmth that made my heart flutter. For a moment, his gaze lingered on me, as if he could sense something was off.

“Oh, thanks, Ethan,” Emily chimed in as he handed her drink over, but his attention barely flickered her way before he settled back beside me, his knee brushing against mine under the table. The touch was subtle, but it was enough to anchor me in the moment.

Ethan turned to Emily, his smile easy and relaxed. “Oh, by the way, Em,” he began, almost casually, “Larry’s team is missing a member tonight. Since your friends didn’t show up, I offered your help. He’s pretty excited to have you join them.”

Emily’s face fell, the forced cheerfulness slipping for just a moment before she caught herself. Her attention was drawn to the bar, where a group of middle-aged men dressed in old-school rocker clothes were gathered, laughing and chatting loudly. One of them—Larry, I assumed—was already waving her over enthusiastically. The sight of Emily—with her meticulously styled hair and perfectly coordinated outfit—joining that rowdy group, was almost too much, and I bit down on the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing.

“Oh, that’s . . .great,” Emily said, her smile strained as she tried to hide her reluctance. She hesitated, clearly torn between making a graceful exit and staying put. But, with Larry still waving her over, she had little choice.

“Have fun,” Ethan added, turning back to our table, already picking up the pen to write our team name on the paper provided. His focus was entirely on us again, leaving Emily no room to argue .

As she gathered her things and stood to leave, she leaned in close to me, her voice barely above a whisper. “This isn’t over,” she murmured, her tone icy as she shot me a sharp look before walking away.

I watched as she made her way to the bar, where the group welcomed her with open arms, thrilled to have her join them. The sight of her trying to keep up with their jokes had me fighting back my grin.

Ethan looked up from the paper, a playful glint in his eyes. “I’ve already got a name for us,” he said, his knee brushing against mine again. “How about Artful Dodgers? A nod to your creative genius, and my dodging skills with Emily?”

“I love it,” I said, grinning. “Wait, is that the same Crazy Larry over there that you warned me about? The one who brought the karaoke machine last time?”

Ethan grinned, nodding. “Yep, that’s him. But this time, he said he’s planning to bust out his old-school breakdancing moves. Something about reliving his glory days.”

The quiz master, a tall man with a shock of gray hair and a jovial demeanor, stepped up to the small stage and tapped the microphone to get everyone’s attention. “Good evening, everyone! Welcome to quiz night! I’m Paul, your quizmaster for the evening. I hope you’re all ready to put those brains to work and have some fun. Let’s get started with the first round.”

The room buzzed with excitement as the teams settled in, everyone eager to prove their trivia prowess. Ethan and I exchanged a glance, the air between us crackling with anticipation.

Paul continued, “Alright, round one: general knowledge. Let’s see how sharp you all are tonight.”

The first few questions were relatively straightforward—geography, famous historical figures, a bit of pop culture. Ethan leaned in close, his voice warm and low as he offered answers, and the closeness of his presence made the hairs on my arms stand up. Every so often, our heads would tilt toward each other, our shoulders brushing; a warm, easy intimacy between us.

“Are you sure about that one?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper as I caught the subtle scent of his cologne. It was a warm, musky fragrance, that was quickly becoming one of my favorite smells.

“Pretty sure,” Ethan replied with a confident grin.

As the quiz moved to round two—music and movies—I felt a little more in my element, and it was fun watching Ethan’s eyes light up when I knew an answer that he didn’t. The questions ranged from classic films, to chart-topping hits, and we found our groove, working seamlessly together. When a question came up about a famous painting in a movie, I couldn’t help but grin as I scribbled down the answer.

“You’re a secret weapon,” he said, leaning in even closer, his voice filled with admiration. “I knew I picked the right partner.”

The compliment made my cheeks flush, and I ducked my head, trying to focus on the question at hand. “Well, you’re pretty good yourself,” I replied, glancing at him from under my lashes. Our faces were so close that I could feel the warmth of his breath against my skin.

As we continued, the air between us buzzed with unspoken tension, each correct answer feeling like a small, shared victory. We exchanged subtle, lingering glances, and every time he smiled at me, my heart skipped a beat.

Round three was a little trickier—science and nature. Ethan took the lead, confidently answering most of the questions, and I contributed where I could, but it was clear this was more his forte.

Yet, even as he tackled the questions, Ethan never let go of the easy rapport we’d built. Every now and then, he’d glance at me with a playful glint in his eye, sharing little inside jokes only we understood. His laughter was infectious, and the way he leaned in close to whisper a witty comment, or share an answer, made me excited.

By the time we reached the final round—Hallow’s End trivia—I could feel the energy between us peak. The questions were all about local history and lore, and I marvelled at how much Ethan knew about the town’s quirky past. His enthusiasm was contagious, drawing me in, and making me want to know more about this place that had quickly started to feel like home.

When Paul announced the end of the quiz, a collective sigh of relief rippled through the bistro, mingling with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. “We’ll tally up the scores and announce the winners in just a few minutes. Great job, everyone!”

I leaned back in my chair, letting out a breath. “That was intense,” I said, glancing at Ethan with a grin.

He nodded, wiping an imaginary bead of sweat from his brow. “No kidding. I didn’t expect trivia to get my heart racing like that.”

Nearby, Larry had gathered a small crowd around him as he demonstrated dance moves from back in the day, but I barely registered the scene because Ethan had shifted closer, his shoulder brushing against mine. The warmth of his presence was almost overwhelming, and his laughter sent little shivers down my spine.

As Larry tried to demonstrate a particularly ambitious move, Ethan leaned in, his breath warm against my ear as he chuckled. “I think Larry’s about to pull something.”

His words barely registered. My whole attention was on Ethan. How close he was. How the space between us had shrunk to just a few inches. I didn’t want the night to end; relishing in the easy connection we had built, and the nerves I’d felt before our date seemed like a distant memory, replaced by an excitement that bubbled up inside me. I couldn’t wait to tell Ivy and Amelia how well it was going, how much fun I was having, and how glad I was that I’d pushed through the initial anxiety.

Ethan turned to me, his smile softening, his eyes catching mine. We were so close I could feel the gentle rise and fall of his breath. He licked his lips, a simple gesture that felt loaded with meaning, and I was acutely aware of the faint scent of wine on my breath. A wave of self-consciousness washed over me. What if I had food in my teeth? Or my lipstick had smudged? The possibility of a kiss hung in the air, but all I could think about was how unprepared I felt for it.

I found myself breaking eye contact, mumbling something about needing a quick bathroom break, and I slipped away, my heart pounding in my chest as I navigated through the crowded bistro.

In the bathroom, I took a moment to catch my breath, splashing cool water on my face. As I patted my cheeks dry, I pulled out my phone, opening a few unread messages. One was from Ivy, and the other from Amelia, in a newly formed group chat titled COVEN. Smiling, I opened the chat.

Almost instantly, Amelia replied.

I chuckled, feeling a little more confident as I touched up my lipstick and fluffed my hair. A small surge of excitement thrummed through me as I exited the bathroom, making my way back to Ethan. As I approached our table, his eyes immediately lit up, and I felt that familiar warmth spread through me. With a deep breath, I decided that tonight, I wouldn’t let my nerves get the better of me again.

Paul returned to the stage after tallying up the scores, the bistro buzzing with anticipation. Ethan and I exchanged a glance, both of us trying to play it cool. We had done pretty well, I thought, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up too much.

“And the winners of tonight’s Quiz Night Extravaganza,” Paul announced, drawing out the suspense, “are none other than . . . the Artful Dodgers!”

I barely had time to process what he’d said before I jumped up from my seat, the thrill of victory coursing through me. Without thinking, I threw my arms around Ethan’s neck, laughing with pure joy. He responded immediately, wrapping his arms around my waist and lifting me off the ground in a playful spin that made my heart soar.

My laughter filled the room, blending with the cheers and applause from the other tables, and the moment felt electric. When Ethan finally set me back down, I was still grinning ear to ear, breathless from the excitement.

Mayor Hale approached us with a broad smile, her eyes twinkling with a hint of something more. “Congratulations, you two! You make a fantastic team.”

Blushing, I reluctantly let go of Ethan, but he kept one arm around my waist, his touch grounding me in the moment, and he looked at me with a soft, admiring gaze that made my heart skip a beat. “Thank you, but Vinnie here is the real star.”

She chuckled. “Go on, collect your prize. You’ve earned it. ”

Ethan and I made our way to the front, where Paul handed us a bottle of wine, and a gift certificate for dinner. Ethan took the bottle and turned to me, a grin spreading across his face. “A little something to remember our first date by.”

I smiled, feeling a warm glow inside and, after saying goodnight to everyone at the bistro, Ethan offered to walk me home.

The town of Hallow’s End was quiet at this hour, the streets bathed in the soft glow of streetlights, casting long, gentle shadows across the cobblestone. The air was cool, carrying the scent of rain that hinted at the possibility of an impending downpour.

We walked side by side, our steps falling into sync. Every now and then, our shoulders brushed, sending tiny sparks of electricity through me, and I found myself hyperaware of every small movement. His hand occasionally grazed mine, the warmth of his skin a subtle but unmistakable invitation, and I could smell the cedarwood and citrus notes of his cologne mingling with the cool night air. It was an intoxicating scent that seemed to wrap around me, grounding me in the moment.

Our conversation had naturally paused, leaving us in a comfortable silence that hung heavy with unspoken words. There was a new kind of tension between us now, a magnetic pull that grew stronger with each step we took closer to my house. I could feel his gaze lingering on me, and each time I glanced up at him, my heart raced a little faster. There was a warmth in his eyes, and a softness that made me wonder if he was thinking about our first kiss as much as I was.

When we reached my door, the conversation tapered off, and we stood there for a moment, facing each other, the quiet of the night pressing in around us. Ethan took a small step closer, his hand reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from my face. His fingers were gentle as they lingered on my cheek, sending a shiver down my spine. The air between us was charged with the electric promise of a kiss, and the world narrowed down to just the two of us, standing on the brink of something new and thrilling.

He leaned in slowly, his breath mingling with mine, his lips just a whisper away from touching, and my heart pounded in my chest, every nerve in my body alive with anticipation. Just as our lips were about to meet, a sudden crack of thunder tore through the sky, making both of us jump. Lightning flashed, illuminating the night for a brief, blinding moment before the sky opened up, and rain began to pour down in heavy, relentless sheets.

We both pulled apart, laughing as the sudden downpour broke the spell. Ethan wiped raindrops from his face, grinning as he shook his head. “I guess the universe has other plans.”

“I’d better get inside,” I replied, my words tinged with regret.

“Yeah,” he agreed, though he looked just as disappointed as I felt. “I’ll text you.”

He leaned in and, instead of the moment we both had been on the verge of sharing, he placed a gentle, lingering kiss on my cheek, his lips warm against my rain-chilled skin.

“Goodnight, Vinnie,” he whispered, his voice soft and full of promise.

“Goodnight, Ethan,” I replied, watching him jog off into the rain, his figure becoming a silhouette against the stormy night.

I hurried inside, my heart still racing as I closed the door behind me. As I dried off and changed into my pajamas, my mind replayed the events of the night, the almost-kiss, and the way his hand had felt in mine. Just as I settled into bed, my phone buzzed on the nightstand.

My heart skipped a beat at the thought of seeing him again, and I quickly typed out a response, my fingers still trembling from the lingering excitement.

I set my phone down and curled up into bed, still smiling with warm happiness as I snuggled under the covers to sleep.