Free The Apartment (Apartment #1) by Amanda Black Page B

people anymore and he had a hard time hiding the fact that he truly didn’t care to.
    Eventually, he was able to free himself long enough to grab a cup of coffee in the small breakfast nook attached to the kitchen. It was the one area that wasn’t swarming with people. He had just sat down and taken a large drink when he heard footsteps entering the room. Glancing up at the door, he was relieved to see a tall, distinguished looking man approaching him. He was still very fit and attractive for his age, the only telltale signs that he was now sixty were the slight graying at his temples and the laugh lines around his eyes.
    Setting down his cup, Ethan stood to greet him. They hugged warmly, and as they pulled away, neither one completely let go of the other. “I thought I might find you in here,” the older man said with a smile. But it didn’t reach his eyes, which remained sad and full of concern.
    “Sorry, I was trying to get over to you, but I just needed a minute. It was getting to be a little too much in there.”
    “I think that’s more than understandable right now.” He reached up and stroked his hand over the back of Ethan’s head, clearly mastering the urge to ruffle his hair. “Besides, don’t worry about us. We’ll be here after all of this craziness is over.”
    “Thanks, Dad.”
    “Where were you this morning? I was hoping to see you at breakfast, but you had already taken off.”
    “I was getting my studio set up. I wanted to get away for a while—this place is turning into Grand Central Station.”
    “Yes, I don’t think I’ve ever seen quite so many presents before in my life,” Richard Foster said with a light chuckle. He was a highly respected physician in the small town of Aledo; it seemed as if almost every hospital employee had stopped by the house for a chance to rub noses with the good doctor and bring him a gift. “Your mother meant well by all of this, but I think this party got away from her.” He was quiet for a moment before adding, “Speaking of your mother, she mentioned that you were thinking of staying on for a while to work. I can’t tell you how happy that makes me.”
    “Well, I’m not sure how long it will be, I just don’t feel the need to run off quite yet. And I haven’t had this strong of an urge to start painting again in a long time, so I want to take advantage of it while I can.”
    “That’s wonderful. Maybe it’s what you need right now to get your head straight.”
    “What do you mean?” Ethan didn’t miss the knowing look that his father gave him.
    “Son, we know you’re not sleeping well. Your mother and I can hear you screaming at night. You have just been through something that’s obviously upsetting you, and you won’t talk to anyone about it. Perhaps this urge to work again is a way for your body to release some of the emotions you are bottling up.”
    “Maybe. I don’t know much about that stuff,” Ethan shrugged.
    “Well, whatever the reason, I’m just thrilled that you’ll be in town longer. We’ve all missed you. I know that you like your privacy and I don’t expect to see you at the dinner table every day, but it makes me feel better just knowing that you are close by.”
    Ethan sighed. An uncomfortable look came over his face. “Dad, I know I’ve been… distant. I’m sorry I haven’t really been around for such a long time.”
    Richard smiled, patting him lightly on the shoulder. “Don’t be silly. I know how it is to be young and in love. Sometimes it can feel like nothing else in the world exists. You and Rachel were quite the glamorous jet-setters, with art shows around the world. Who could blame you for getting wrapped up in that?”
    Ethan smiled back, not having the heart to correct his assumptions. Maybe one day he would set him straight, but for the moment he couldn’t stomach the idea of seeing the light of respect die in his father’s eyes.
    “Were you ready to return to the party? I noticed you