Ethan set down his soda. Dave was still talking about the Rockies. Ethan said, “Dave, give me just a second,” and stood up. Ryan walked toward the center of the street and his friends spread out slightly behind him and Victor stood near the curb with his arms crossed and his face arranged into something that was trying to be neutral but was actually anticipatory.
“Ethan,” Ryan called out. The conversation around them didn’t stop immediately. It dimmed. Then, as people picked up the tone, it stopped. Lily’s head came up fast. Ryan stopped ten feet away. He was wearing a short-sleeved shirt, and his arms were right there, the size of them. The definition, the visible advertisement of months of dedicated training. He was built to be intimidating, and he knew it. And he held himself in a way that made sure everyone looking at him knew it, too.
“We’ve got a problem,” Ryan said loud enough for the whole street to hear. “No,” Ethan said quietly. “We don’t.” “I think we do,” Ryan said. “I think you’ve had a problem with me since day one. I think you’ve been talking to people about me, making me look bad, trying to turn the neighborhood against me.” He paused, looking around, making sure everyone was watching. “So let’s just settle it.”
Ryan. Victor’s voice from the curb, not warning, approving. “There’s nothing to settle,” Ethan said. “Really?” Ryan took two steps closer. “Because I’ve been real patient with you, neighbor. I’ve let a lot of things slide. But you went to people. You talked about me. You embarrassed me in front of this street.” He spread his hands. “So I’m giving you a chance right here, right now. Like men.”
Ethan heard Lily make a sound behind him. Not a word, just a breath. Sharp and small. He did not look at her. He kept his eyes on Ryan. “Walk away,” Ethan said. “No,” Ryan said. “I’m done walking away.” He took another step. “You want everyone to think you’re so calm, so reasonable, the quiet dad, the good neighbor.” A short contemptuous sound. “I’m calling it right now in front of everyone. You’re scared. You’ve always been scared and I’m done pretending otherwise.”