Free Shame On Me by Cassie Maria

it up and be ready tomorrow.”
    “Fine,” I point my finger at her and narrow my eyes, “but I’m not going to pretend that I’m into it.”
    “I don’t care what you do as long as you show up. Maybe Ethan will like your makeover.”
    “Do you think he’s into girls like that?” I must look panicked because when Ava looks at me she immediately bursts out laughing. “I’m being serious!”
    “Mia honey if he was into those types of girls he would have chosen one.”
    “You really think so?”
    “Relax. That boy is falling so hard for you he wouldn’t care if you wore sweats everyday, as long as you were happy.”
    “You think he’s falling hard for me?”
    “As hard as you’re falling for him.”
    “What makes you think I’m falling for him?” Ava gives me a ‘be serious look’ but doesn’t respond. I feign interest in the people working out on the track to buy me some time. “Do you think I should tell him?”
    “Absolutely.”
    “You don’t think it’ll scare him off? Isn’t it too soon to be falling in love?”
    “You’re asking the girl who fell in love during a five minute phone call if it’s too soon to fall for a guy?”
    “So you think I should tell him?”
    “For someone so laid back why can’t you go with the flow on this one?”
    “I’m just nervous about scaring him off.”
    “You’re wound up too tight about this relationship. You started it by pushing him away and now you’re afraid he’s going to run. Just relax and allow that easygoing attitude of yours to take over. Falling in love is supposed to be fun so enjoy the ride.”
    I nod my agreement and notice that it’s time to get going so I can meet up with the boys. I owe them a round a drinks for introducing me to Ethan and I know they’re going to tease me mercilessly.
    ****
    Four weeks later…Friday night after work
    Ethan and I are lying in his bed watching TV while I consider what work will be like tomorrow. Tomorrow will be my last night working at Ice. I’m making a great deal of money but I’m always exhausted. My supervisor doesn’t want me to leave but understands that I need to quit before I burn out.
    “I’m happy tomorrow is your last day.”
    “So am I,” I say as I snuggle further under the covers.
    “Did he text you again?”
    “Yeah, I’m going to change my number on Sunday. Get my phone and read the text.”
    “Another poem?”
    “Yeah, I wouldn’t mind them if they were coming from you,” I say through a yawn. I feel Ethan move closer to my ear, “I’ll have to fix that,” he whispers.
    “Good,” I softly say as I feel Ethan reach over me to read my text from Noah.
    “That’s a good one.”
    “Mmm.” Is all I mumble before I feel his arm wrap around me as sleep takes me under.
     

    Chapter Ten
    Enough Is Enough
    Wednesday
    I followed through on my promise to change my number and that pissed Noah completely off. He began over loading my email with old photos of us and playlists of songs we use to listen to. I finally had enough and told him to meet me at work (no way was he finding out where I live).
    I timed it where he’d meet me fifteen minutes before Ethan was due to show up for our weekly dinner date. I wanted to show Ethan that I’m not hiding my meeting with Noah but at the same time I’m not allowing him to cut into our time. I look at my watch again when Noah finally strolls into the bar ten minutes late. I don’t know why I’m surprised; he always does things at his own pace.
    “Hi, Angel.”
    “Don’t stroll in here like you haven’t kept me waiting,” I hiss on an eye roll.
    “My apologies love.”
    There is no point in arguing about his terms of endearments so I ignore them. I point to a bar stool and he wisely sits with no back talk. I place my hands on the bar and refuse to break eye contact with him.
    “You have to stop sending me old photos and songs. We’re over; please accept it and move on.”
    “No,” he declares stubbornly as he folds