Congratulations

Ethan Burns slowly opened his eyes, expecting to see his Pudding… the cute dude he had spent the night with, but to his surprise, he wasn't there.

“Huh?” He muttered in surprise, sitting up on the bed. He shook his head and stared around the room.

There was no sign of a single being.

His eyes darted to the floor and when he saw that the guy's clothes weren't there any longer, he instantly realized that the guy had left.

He sighed, relaxing back on the bed.

He has to admit that he was a bit sad that the guy left without waking him up or at least letting him know his name.

He had hoped that they would work something out.

Something on the bed stand caught his eyes and he leaned forward and took the two pieces of paper.

One was a cheque while the other was an ordinary piece of paper with beautifully written words.

He stared at the name on the cheque.

“Billie Hayes?” He blurted out to himself, “Is that his name? Billie?”

He opened the other paper and began to read

“Hi there. By the time you're reading this, I'll probably be gone. I know it's horrible of me to leave before you wake up but I think it's better that way.

You see, last night… you made me feel something that I've never felt before in my entire life. Don't get me wrong, it's not about the sex… I think it's the way you made me feel as a person. You made me feel like I mattered for the first time in my life.

The way you kept asking me if I was okay, the way your hands hovered all over my skin, and most especially your eyes… your hypnotic eyes... the way they looked at me.

It made me feel... special.

It was the greatest feeling ever!

And I want to thank you for that because I might never see you again for the rest of my life. I might never have an experience like last night.

I'm getting engaged today with this girl my father arranged with me. She's amazing. Even though I might not love her, I will make her feel special and give her everything I have.

I don't even know why I'm telling you this.

I'm giving this cheque to express my ultimate gratitude. Mind you, that's not my real name before you come looking for me.

And please don't come looking for me.

I think it's probably best we never meet again.

I've written too much. Bye.

Hope you live your best life, Stranger.”

As Ethan read the last words, something stirred up inside of him.

Maybe it was the weight of the letter's words… or maybe it was the fact that this guy was getting engaged. Today!

He felt a hollow hole in his heart.

He was infuriated… with the guy, for leaving without telling him all this himself… and with himself for waking up so late!

“Damnit it!” He cursed out, got off the bed and then threw on his clothes.

He turned his phone on which began to blow up. His little sister and his parents had been texting him incessantly.

“Where are you? You said you'd be home yesterday. Today is my engagement, you know that, right?”

He scrolled through his contacts and dialed a number.

“Mr Burns,” The guy on the other end called out worriedly, “Where have you been? By the time I got back to the bar, you weren't there anymore. I kept calling you but your phone was switched off. You didn't reply to texts either. I was so worried.”

“Mark, listen,” Ethan said calmly, deliberately ignoring his questions and small rant. “I need you here in fifteen minutes.”

“Where?”

“I think it's called Sunset Glow Hotel.”

“Sunset Glow Hotel?” Mark repeated stupidly, “Where is that?”

Deliberate silence.

“Sorry. Sunset Glow Hotel. Got it.” Mark finally said, “Will be right there.”

Fifteen minutes later, Mark had arrived and they were now driving to Burns Residence.

“Mr Burns?”

“Yes?”

“Why do you look so… I don't know… a bit angry? Forgive me if I'm overstepping my boundaries.”

“Nothing. I'm not angry.” He answered, staring out of the window.

But deep down he knew he was.

“Hey, look into this account for me.” He handed Mark over the cheque.

Mark stared at it, “Billie Hayes? Who's Billie Hayes?” He blurted out before he even knew it, “Sorry.”

“The account was created with a false name. Look into how possible it is and find out who the owner is.”

“I'm not sure…”

“Just look into it!” He snapped.

“Yes sir,” Mark replied

“Did you get the gifts for my sister?”

“Of course, sir.”

“Good.”

Evie calmly sat on the dressing table while her two best friends Hailey and Taylor did her hair and made her makeup.

Her pretty face was wreathed with lovely smiles.

“Oh my God!” Hailey, the black-haired girl squealed in excitement as she did the final touch, “You're so pretty, girl! I can't believe I did this beautiful makeup!”

Evie posed in the mirror and stared at her pretty reflection.

“You look absolutely stunning!” Taylor, the redhead complimented, “I still can't believe you're getting engaged!”

“Me too!”

They screamed and squealed, making silly teenage girl noises.

“Where is your brother though?” Hailey asked, “Won't he be coming.”

“He said his flight landed last night,” Evie pouted, “I haven't seen him yet.”

“Girl, he'll be here.” Taylor cheered, “Nothing to be worried about. I'm sure of it.”

“He better be!” Hailey said fiercely, “I've missed staring at those biceps of his.”

Evie and Taylor frowned at her.

“Umm… you know he's gay right?”

“Who cares?” Hailey rolled her eyes. “He's hot! Gay or not.”

“True.”

A sharp knock came across the door.

“That must be him.”

Hailey ran towards the girls before the others and opened the door.

Seeing Ethan standing there, she threw herself at him.

“Easy, there.”

“Hailey!” Both girls screamed in secondhand embarrassment.

Ethan and Hailey broke free.

“Sorry,” Hailey giggled childishly, “Couldn't resist. But damn, you look hotter than the last time I saw you.”

“Um… thanks?”

Taylor dragged Hailey by the hair.

“Ow!” Hailey screamed, “Let go of my hair, bitch!”

“Hi, Ethan,” Taylor smiled at him with a slight wave, “Nice seeing you again.”

“Hi, Taylor.”

Taylor dragged Hailey into the room.

“Leave me alone bitch!” Hailey yelled playfully, “You look hotter than the sun, Ethan! Damn!”

“Shut up!”

Evie and Ethan chuckled simultaneously.

“Hey, sis.”

“Hey, you made it.”

She leaned in for a hug.

“I would never miss it for the world.” He smiled.

“Don’t mind Hailey, she's crazy.”

“Yeah, I know.” Ethan replied as they broke free from the hug, “I got you a little something.”

He gave her a box and told her to open it.

“Oh my God, Ethan!” She exclaimed at the pretty customized, necklace.

“Congratulations on your engagement.” He cheered, “I'm proud of you.”

“Thank you.” Evie said gratefully, “Have you seen Mom and Dad?”

“Yeah, I'll go get dressed for the party.”

“Can't wait for you to meet Lincoln.”

“Yeah. Me too.”