Page 28 of Not So Very Sensible

His spirits soared as he nodded quickly. “I’m definitely more of a tea man. Or a hot chocolate man. Or an anything man.”

She laughed. “Tea sounds good. Anything that doesn’t have much caffeine works.”

“And in this hotel, I’m sure there are plenty of places where we could go and talk. If you’d like.”

Her smile was shy. “I’d like.”

Again, that moment happened when they looked at each other, entwined in each other’s gazes with the rest of the world shut out. He’d never felt this way with Lucinda. He was always conscious of appearances, aware of his father’s oft-spoken mantra that “appearance matters,” rather than relaxing and being himself. But with Ellie, he’d only been himself. He was grateful to be seen for once as himself, not someone with a famous last name, even if some, like Chris and that Jason fellow, seemed to recognise him. And he was glad she hadn’t even asked about it. He wasn’t the son of Neville John Ferris. He was simply Ethan. A guy sitting next to a girl, wanting her to like him.

She blinked, then scanned the room. “Um, did you see where Katie went?”

“No. You could text her.”

“Good idea.” She did exactly that, and while normally he’d tell her not to worry, there was something about Jason he didn’t quite trust. He had the feeling he’d met him before, but he couldn’t remember where. Probably a party in Sydney somewhere.

She turned to Chris. “I hope you enjoyed the evening.”

“It was certainly enlightening.”

“Are you here tomorrow?”

He shook his head. “I’m staying somewhere else. The hotel was fully booked by the time I tried.”

She smiled. “I hope we’ll meet again.”

“That would be great.”

“And I’ll be praying for that situation you mentioned before.”

“I’d appreciate it. Thank you.”

Ellie hugged Chris, which took Ethan by surprise, as she didn’t seem the sort to give hugs to near strangers. But it fuelled hope that maybe she’d give him one before the night was over.

“Good to meet you,” Ethan said, as Chris collected his coat.

“You too.” They gripped hands, then Chris turned to Ellie. “Please tell your sister I enjoyed meeting her.”

“I will.” Ellie’s pensive expression said she was sorry Katie wasn’t here to say goodbye herself.

By now the waitstaff were clearing glasses, and most of the other guests had left. They’d be hard-pressed to find a quiet nook where they could talk, but talk they must. He might’ve arrived several hours ago feeling exhausted and like he only wanted to rest, but now he felt more alive than he had in weeks. He had to get to know this woman. Had to find a way to somehow make this work.

“Are you ready?” Ethan asked Ellie, holding out his hand.

“Yes.” She drew near, and he could again smell her scent of honey, which seemed fitting for the style of dress she wore.

They found a little love seat, a curved couch from the 1920s that had two sections, one facing the other, all in red velvet. She sat, easing the heavy folds of her dress around her knee, as Ethan took the other seat.

“So, Ellie, tell me more about yourself. What are your hopes and dreams?”

“Now, that’s a big question for someone you don’t really know too well.”

“How else can I get to know you other than ask the big questions? You don’t really want to start off with the silly ones like your favourite food or colour?”

Her head tilted as she studied him. He liked the fact she took her time to answer, that she was thoughtful. Unlike other women he knew who were always so quick to interrupt and jump in. “I suppose they’re not deal-breakers, are they?”

His eyebrows lifted, and he leaned a little closer. “We’re talking deal-breakers, huh?”

Her cheeks flushed to a creamy peach. He liked how she wasn’t so plastered with makeup that he couldn’t tell her thoughts through her skin. “Well, if we’re really talking about genuine connections, then it’s probably important to consider whether the person you’re getting to know has qualities that simply aren’t compatible with your own.”