“You look more frightened now than when federal agents arrested my uncle.”
“This is worse.”
She laughed harder.
Then kissed him.
They did not tell Nora for three weeks.
She knew by day two.
“You guys are bad at secrets.”
“We weren't hiding.”
“You were.”
“You kept sitting too far apart.”
Ethan frowned.
“How does that prove anything?”
“Because normally you sit closer.”
Alexandra looked at Ethan.
“She’s horrifying.”
“Genetics.”
Nora pointed at Alexandra.
“You.”
“Absolutely not.”
Their courtship was not smooth.
Alexandra lived at a pace Ethan found insane.
He woke at five because work required.
She woke at five because international markets.
He ate whenever food existed.
She forgot meals entirely unless someone scheduled them.
He liked silence.
She filled silence with plans.
He hated being driven.
She hated his truck.
They argued about hotels.
“I am not paying twelve hundred dollars for a room.”
Ethan said.
“I am paying.”
“That is not better.”
“It is for you.”
“I don't need marble bathroom.”
“I do.”
“Why?”
“Because I have standards.”
“You use my bathroom.”
“That is love.”
He laughed.
The deeper conflicts were harder.
Money always.
When Ethan’s workshop roof needed replacement, Alexandra called a contractor.
Ethan canceled.
She called another.
He canceled.
Finally he said:
“Stop solving things behind my back.”
“The roof leaks.”
“I know.”
“You’re waiting because you can’t afford it this month.”
“Yes.”
“I can.”
“That isn't the point.”
“What is?”
“I need to know I still own my life.”
Alexandra went quiet.
Ethan continued:
“You arrive with money and every inconvenience disappears.”
“That feels good to you.”
“To me, sometimes it feels like my choices disappear too.”
Alexandra stared.
“I’m trying to help.”
“I know.”
“That doesn't mean it always helps.”
She became defensive.
“You would rather let water destroy the shop?”
“I’d rather we talk before you treat my problem as purchase order.”
The words hurt because they were true.
Alexandra left angry.
She drove thirty miles before turning around.
Ethan was still in workshop.
She walked in.
“I’m sorry.”
He looked up.
“That fast?”
“Don't make it worse.”
He smiled.
She continued.
“I am accustomed to solving by acting.”
“I need to ask first.”
“Yes.”
“Can I help with roof?”
“Yes.”
“How?”
He thought.
“Loan.”
She almost objected.
Then nodded.
“With interest?”
“Yes.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Correct.”
They signed a simple agreement.
Ethan repaid every dollar.
Alexandra complained theatrically each month.
But respected it.
Years later, when they were married, Ethan finally admitted:
“I would've been okay with gift.”