Chapter 16
Marina
My breath catches just as our eyes meet, both of us frozen in time. He blinks rapidly as if I’m a hallucination. I feel like my heart might just burst right out of my chest. It’s pounding so hard. I look at Max from head to toe, so tall now. And so grown up. I feel my lips tremble as I take him in, unable to speak because of the lump that’s formed in my throat. He takes a step toward me, his crystal blue eyes locked on me.
“Marina?” he says, almost a whisper.
A sob escapes my lips as I nod at him, and he launches himself at me. Suddenly, I’m being lifted up in the biggest, most amazing hug I’ve ever had in my life. I wrap my arms around my brother as he swings me around and around so fast that I actually squeal.
“I can’t believe it!” he says in a voice trembling with emotion as he sets me down.
I step back and look up at Max, both of us laughing and crying as we take each other in. I realize too quickly as I look at this adult version of my little brother that I’ve missed so much of his life. I’ve missed baseball games and first dances and so many things I should have been there for.
“Max, I’m so sorry,” I blurt as I place a gentle hand on his tear-stained cheek. “I’m so, so sorry. I don’t even have words—”
He looks down at me in confusion, putting his hands on my shoulders and shaking me gently.
“Sorry for what, Marina?” he asks with a slight frown.
I gulp down the lump in my throat. “For leaving. For losing track of you. For—”
“No,” he says softly, shaking his head and pulling me back into his arms. “No, Marina.”
I sob against my brother until he pulls away again.
“Hey, Marina,” Max says gently, making sure I’m looking up at him. “There is nothing you need to apologize for, okay? I—”
I know the moment Max has recognized Zach, who’s standing behind me with his eyes looking more than a little watery. Zach extends a hand to Max.
“Hi, Max,” he says quietly. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”
Max shakes his hand and then looks back at the bakery counter for a moment. He turns back to me and motions to the table.
“Okay, sit right here and don’t move,” he says excitedly. “I’m going to go tell them I need a minute.”
I nod and watch him walk away, then turn back to Zach with a smile so big it hurts. He beams back at me and winks.
“Told you, Siren.”
I laugh softly. “You sure did.”
Max comes bounding back to the table, and Zach steps away. I look at him curiously.
“I’m going to be right over here,” he says, pointing to a table on the other side of the bay of windows.
I start to shake my head in protest, but he stops me with a quick kiss .
“No, you two need a proper catch-up. I’m right over there if you need me.”
Zach smiles at us both and retreats to the other table as Max and I sit down. Max watches Zach leave, then leans over the table close to me.
“After we catch up, I have to hear the story about how the Zach Adams is following my sister around,” Max says incredulously.
I laugh softly, wiping another stray tear from my cheek.
“How is it possible you haven’t seen us both on the news? It’s been ridiculous.”
Max shrugs. “That’s easy. I don’t get out much between school, baseball, work, and other stuff. I don’t even have a TV in my dorm room.”
I reach out and take his hand, squeezing it. “I’m so happy to hear that you’re still playing baseball. You always loved it so much.”
He beams at me, and I’m overcome at how big he is. I just can’t get over it. He’s been frozen in time in my mind for ten years. I’ve missed so much.
“Turns out I’m pretty good at it,” he says. “Dad was a great coach. He had a real talent for seeing what I needed help with and getting me the training I needed to work on it.”
“Yeah, you two were pretty inseparable almost as soon as we were placed with the Lewises,” I say softly, remembering how Max loved having a father.
He watches me pensively for a few moments before replying.
“What happened, Marina?”
I feel my throat bob as I try to swallow the lump in my throat. I chew on my lip and look away, shaking my head.
“I was just so angry, Max,” I whisper. “And so young. I was angry at the whole world. For everything. I don’t know if it was teenage hormones or the culture shock from growing up struggling and then living with a wealthy family or…I don’t know. But it felt good to break all the rules. I thought I was controlling things when I was losing control the whole time. I didn’t really think of the consequences until one night when I heard the Lewises talking about how much they loved you…but how bad my behavior was. I was worried you’d lose the dad you always wanted, and I decided the best thing to do would be to run away so they could keep you. I told our case worker I didn’t want us to be together. I told her I’d just keep running away, and I did. And eventually, they let the Lewises adopt you. I felt like you had a better life.”
He’s silent for long moments, mulling over my words. Finally, he leans forward and braces his forearms on the table.
“How much of a better life could I have without my big sister,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. “I missed you so much, Marina.”
My eyes fill again, and I blink back tears, wiping a few that fall down my cheeks.
“I’m sorry, Max. I thought I was doing the right thing for you. Can you ever forgive me?”
He stands up and pulls me into a hug. “You were forgiven the minute I saw you.”
Is it possible to get dehydrated from crying? I think I’m in danger. We stand there, hugging, for what seems like a blissful eternity. I don’t think about anything other than the fact that I have my brother back…and he’s happy to see me. Suddenly I wish we could put the world on pause for Max and me to do ten years’ worth of catching up. Someone clears their throat behind us, and Max and I break apart. We find a petite brunette in a Bean & Biscuit apron watching us curiously.
“Hi there,” she says, smiling up at Max with puppy dog eyes.
Oh boy.
“Can I get you guys anything while you’re catching up?”
Max looks at me with a grin, then gestures to the young woman .
“Marina, this is my friend Daisy,” he says. “Daisy, this is my sister. Marina.”
Daisy smiles at me and nods. “It’s so nice to meet you, Marina. Can I get you anything?”
I look at Max, eyebrows raised. “What does my brother recommend?”
He turns to Daisy. “Two ‘Max Specials’ please, Daisy,” Max says with a mischievous glint in his eye. He points over at Zach. “Can you see what this gentleman would like as well please?”
Daisy nods and steps over to Zach’s table to take his order. I grin at my brother.
“I think Daisy has a little crush on you.”
He bites his lower lip and nods at me. “Yep. The feeling is mutual. I’m just not sure what I can do about it right now.”
I tilt my head. “What do you mean?”
He shrugs. “School, baseball, work, and I do volunteer coaching. Trying to date with all that going on feels like a lot. I don’t think it’d be fair to her.”
I laugh softly, watching Daisy putter around behind the counter as she puts our order together.
“I’m not sure she cares about all that.”
He looks over his shoulder at her and smiles, then turns back to me and holds out his hand.
“Okay, hand over your phone.”
I grab my phone and hand it over with glee. Max taps in his info and sends himself a text message, so he has my number. He swipes open his phone and saves my number.
“I am never going to stop texting you, little brother.”
“Good.” He chuckles. “You’re never getting rid of me again.”
My stomach dips at the guilt I feel, and his expression changes when he realizes what he said.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” he says softly. “But will you do me a favor, sis?”
I nod emphatically. “Name it.”
He takes my hand and squeezes it again.
“Next time you get any bright ideas about what’s best for me…ask me what I want?”
I squeeze his giant hand with both of mine and smile up at him.
“Deal.”
Daisy comes over with a tray that looks way too heavy for her, but she handles it like a champ. She sets down two delicious-looking lattes, a plate loaded with assorted pastries, and two plates with silverware.
Max smiles his thanks, and she moves over to Zach’s table with a cappuccino and a croissant. I look over at Zach. His eyes are already on me, and I can tell by his expression that he’s happy for me. He winks, and I blow him a kiss before turning back to my brother.
“I don’t know how I’m going to be able to walk out of here and go back to San Francisco,” I say quietly. “There’s so much I want to know. There’s so much to say!”
He nods. “I know. We can do video chats, though. And I can find time to come up and see you after finals.”
“And I will definitely come down here to see you.”
He takes a drink of his latte and lets out a satisfied sigh, then raises his chin. “Try it!”
I pick up my cup and blow on it to cool it off a little, then gingerly take a sip. Oh, that is delicious. I taste chocolate and cinnamon mixed in with the rich coffee flavor. It’s divine.
“I am definitely a fan of the Max Special.” I sigh, taking another sip.
He laughs softly. “Zach might not thank me later. It has two extra espresso shots in it.”
My eyebrows hit my hairline, and I burst out laughing.
“Oh well…it’s too good to ignore. He can suffer the consequences if I can.”
Max looks over my shoulder at Zach. “Something tells me he’ll be okay with it.”
“I can’t wait for you to know him.”
Max dips his head. “He seems nice.”
I nod. “He is everything that is good and decent in this world.”
“And he’s clearly crazy about you.”
I bow my head slightly. “Yes, there is that.”
Max laughs and looks back at Zach again.
“Should we invite him to join us?”
“I would love that if you’re okay with it,” I answer.
Max nods, then stands. “I’ll be right back.”
He goes off in the direction of the counter, and I step over to Zach’s table. He looks up expectantly.
“Would you like to join us?” I say, stepping close and stroking my fingers down his cheek. “Because we would love that.”
Zach’s expression is soft and seeking as his eyes scan my face.
“Are you sure?”
I nod and grab the plate with his croissant on it. “Yep. Let’s go, dragon slayer.”
I hear him laugh behind me as he picks up his coffee and follows. Max is already back at the table. He stands when we approach and shakes Zach’s hand again, then tells us he’s found someone to cover the rest of his shift so we can spend more time together.
He coaches his baseball kids at three o’clock, which is about the time we need to head back anyway. It definitely gives us more time to visit. While we drink our coffee, Zach entertains Max with the story of how we met, and we’re all laughing by the time he’s done with his very sensationalized version. I roll my eyes at him.
“Well, I’m glad you kept singing, sis,” Max says. “I always loved your voice. ”
I nudge his arm. “And I always loved singing you to sleep.”
Zach bobs his chin at Max. “What was your favorite thing for her to sing?”
“Brave.” Max and I answer at the same time, grinning like idiots.
Zach is obviously surprised. “The Sara Bareilles song? Here I was thinking of songs like ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ and you’re turning top 40 songs into lullabies.”
Max laughs out loud. “She softened it up, gave it more of a gentle vibe, but she can really sing that song.”
Zach laces our fingers together and rests them on my lap.
“He was getting bullied in school,” I explain. “I was trying to help him be brave.”
Max gives me a light shove.
“And it worked. Thanks, sis.”
I sit back and take in the amazing young man my brother has become. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude, and still not quite sure I’ve connected with the fact that this has really happened. Max and I are reunited, and I will never lose him again. I actually have my brother back.
“So, have you two decided what’s next?” Zach asks. “I’m sorry you don’t have more time to catch up.”
Max shakes his head and gently tugs on a bit of my hair.
“We have all the time in the world. The most important thing is we’re back together and I don’t have to wonder anymore.”
I feel my face fall as soon as the words hit me. I did that to him. Max is instantly shaking my arm.
“Hey,” he says gently. “Enough with the guilt. I was never mad, Marina. I just missed you. But even through all of that, I knew we’d find each other. If you didn’t find me, I would definitely have found you. I’ve looked on social media a few times, but could never find you. ”
I nod and pull out my phone, tapping and swiping to bring up one of my social media accounts. I hold it up and show him the problem. He leans forward to see, then bursts into laughter.
“Yeah, it never occurred to me to look for Marinara Princess,” he says, pulling out his own phone. “We are definitely siblings.”
He holds his phone up and I can see his social media name. Thanksamillion Maxamillion . No wonder I couldn’t find him.
Zach grins at us both. “Two peas in a pod, you two.”
I tell Max the story of how we found him, that it never would have happened without Zach’s help. Max thanks him, and Zach gives him his cell phone number just in case he ever needs anything. My heart squeezes at how much Zach wants to help the people I love.
We spend the rest of our time hearing about Max’s baseball dreams, and it lightens my spirits like nothing else ever has. He plays first base and had a stellar record in high school, which led to him getting a full scholarship to college. He’s a business major, even though his dad was hoping he might want to follow in his footsteps and be a doctor. He hopes to play in the major leagues and could have worked his way up from the minors, but he doesn’t want to skip college. The kid has a good head on his shoulders for someone so young, and I mentally thank the Lewises for raising him to be a strong person. Our mom would be so proud of him.
My phone vibrates in my purse, and I suddenly remember the girls. I jump in my seat.
“Oh no! I forgot to send the girls an update!” I cry, pulling my phone out and looking at Max. “We need a selfie!”
He laughs, and we stand up together. He gets behind me and I snap a quick picture, then text it to our group chat.
“You better text that to me too,” Max says as he pushes in his chair and looks at us with regret in his eyes. “I hate this, but we have to say goodbye for now. I have to be at the park in half an hour. I’m sorry. ”
Zach stands as well, and I wrap my arms around my brother. He lifts me up and spins me again, giving me the giggles. He sets me down again and ruffles my hair.
“I am so proud of you, Max,” I say in a wobbly voice. “Mom would be proud too.”
He gives me another hug. “She’d be proud of you, too, sis. And I’m so happy you found me. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart.”
Max shakes Zach’s hand and pulls him in for a hug, slapping him on the back.
“Thanks for giving my sister back to me, man.”
Zach bows his head. “I was honored to help, Max. I’m so happy for you both.”
Max walks us out to the parking lot, and we wave at Daisy as we walk out the front door. Plans are made. Regular video chats on Tuesday and Thursday nights, and one on Saturday mornings—plus all the texting. Now it’s time to say goodbye, but I’m not sure I can. Max can see it on my face, and he puts his hands on my shoulders.
“It’s just goodbye for now, sis,” he says gently.
I nod, but I can’t make myself move.
“I know, I just…I can’t be the one to walk away from you. I don’t want to walk away from you.”
Max chokes up a little but nods in understanding. Zach pulls me into his side and kisses the top of my head. He and Max exchange a look.
“I’ll see you Tuesday night on our first video chat, okay?” he says as he pulls his car keys out of his pocket.
I smile and nod. “It’s a date, little brother.”
He ruffles my hair again and gives me a quick hug before turning and walking to a blue pickup truck a few spaces away. He waves at us before he gets in, and we watch him drive away. Zach’s arm around my shoulders tightens a little .
“You okay, Siren?”
I look up him with tear-filled eyes. His arms are instantly around me, and I’m pulled against the shelter of his body. I inhale his scent and wrap my arms around him, this man who has tunneled his way right into my heart. I feel his lips place a kiss on my temple.
“Shall we get you to the car?”
I nod, and we move down the sidewalk together towards the section of the parking lot where the car is parked. I can feel my emotions rising like the tide, filling me with gratitude for everything that’s happened. The sidewalk ends in front of a crowded cafe, the patio brimming with diners enjoying the beautiful weather. Zach moves to step off the curb and I pull him back. He turns to face me with a quizzical look.
“You…” my lip trembles. “You are the sweetest, most amazing man I have ever known in my entire life.”
His gaze flicks over to the crowded patio. “Let’s get in the car, love.”
I look at the patio and see several people staring, their eyes moving between Zach and me as they realize who we are. I shake my head at Zach.
“I don’t care.”
His eyebrows shoot up in surprise, and I laugh and throw my hands up.
“I literally don’t care,” I say joyfully. “I can’t let one more minute go by without telling you how grateful I am for you. I feel so…so… lucky .”
Emotion clogs my throat at the look on his face as he steps closer to me. He runs his fingers down my arm and takes my hand in his. He shakes his head.
“I’m the lucky one, love.”
I step forward and wrap my arms around his neck, overjoyed at the delicious feeling of his arms wrapping around my waist. I lean into him and pull the baseball cap off his head, laughing at the shocked expression on his face. I can see cell phones out of my peripheral vision and I still don’t care.
“No,” I whisper for his ears only, running a hand through his hair. “It’s me. And I’m sorry I fought it and made you really work for it because you’re one of the best things that ever happened to me. And I’m grateful for you.”
His eyes dart to my mouth just as I brush my lips against his. I nip at his bottom lip, then pull his mouth down to mine in a soft, slow, sweet kiss. He groans against my mouth as the kiss deepens, taking on a life of its own. I feel his hands dive into my hair as our mouths explore each other. I drink him in completely, from his beachy scent to the soft, firm lips I can never get enough of, to the strong arms holding me tightly. I’m here for it. All of it.
The sudden sound of people cheering finally pulls us apart and we both turn to see half the people on the patio giving us a standing ovation. Cell phones are out everywhere, and Zach looks at me with a worried expression. I beam up at him and kiss him playfully.
“I don’t care, Zach,” I declare loudly. “I’m done hiding. I’ve done so many brave things lately, I’m addicted.”
He looks taken aback. “To bravery?”
“Yep! I’m doing all the brave things now. There’s no stopping me.”
I bow to the cheering diners and pull Zach towards the car as he busts out a laugh. We run to the car together, thanking Michelle as she holds the door open for us. The car pulls out of the parking lot as my phone vibrates again. I nestle into Zach’s side and pull my phone out of my bag.
Max: Hey, sis…just making sure you got out of the parking lot okay. :-)
Marina: We’re on our way to the airport now, bro. No words for how happy I am!
Max: Me too. Best day EVER. Time to coach some littles. Talk soon!
I hold my phone up and show Zach our text exchange. He plants a sweet kiss on the top of my head.
“I’m so happy for you two I think I could probably fly the plane home myself,” he jokes lightly.
I look up at him and run a finger across his gorgeous mouth.
“Look at us,” I whisper sweetly. “Doing all the brave things.”
He leans down for a kiss, then rubs our noses together.
“Yep. Look at us.”
***
Zach
I’m in love with Marina. There’s no denying it anymore, not that I would have really tried. I’ve always been able to be fairly honest about my emotions. Right now, the big two I’m feeling are love (the head over heels kind) and fear (the what will I do if she runs kind). Because I don’t think she’s quite there yet, and I don’t want to frighten her or make her turn around and head the other way. It seems like she’s done running, but something gives me pause. I’m not sure what.
I will myself not to focus on the clouds outside the window or the fact that we’re thousands of feet in the air right now. I think back to Marina’s revelation outside the cafe and hope with all my heart that it sticks. I’ve never cared what the media thinks or says, but I understand why she does. I hope she doesn’t end up regretting that kiss on the sidewalk because I’m sure it’s all over social media already. I haven’t wanted to face the reality of checking to see how widespread it is.
I look down at the beautiful creature tucked into my side as she texts her friends, catching them up on the events of the day, and I wish I could crawl inside her head and have a look around. This is one of those times when being able to read minds would really pay off. Alas, my only super powers seem to be musically based. Well, I know one thing: I’m not going to tell her tonight. We’ve had enough raw emotion today.
Tomorrow is the benefit concert, which I’m really looking forward to. I love performing, but this is the first time Marina will see us on stage. I feel a ridiculous amount of pressure to impress her, when my head knows there’s no such need. I really want her to enjoy it. And I know she doesn’t want to perform with us on stage, but with her new self-professed addiction to bravery I’m thinking that might actually change.
I don’t even want to think about Monday, when the guys and I have to leave town for various press engagements. I already miss her. Imagine that. I miss her, and yet she’s right here with me. Will she feel the same? I mean, I’m pretty sure she’ll miss me, but she’ll be occupied with the final preparations for the big meeting she’s managing. Will that be enough to distract her from missing me at all? And don’t get me started when it comes to the kind of people she works for. It’s a viper den, and I have very distinct feelings about leaving town while my girlfriend is navigating all of that by herself. I know she can do it, but I would much rather be here at home base to give her support at the end of the day.
I feel her stir and look down to find her looking up at me, those brilliant green eyes burrowing a path right to my soul. I lower my lips to touch hers, and she relaxes into the kiss with a soft sigh. I deepen it and she opens for me, letting me explore her with slow, sweet abandon. I get completely lost in her, reaching down to touch her face and bring her in even closer, hating every bit of space where we aren’t touching. I need this woman like I need air.
I feel our speed slow way down and break off our kiss to find we’re on the ground already. I completely missed our descent and the anxiety I always feel as the ground looms closer and closer out the window. Marina looks up at me with a smile that’s as sweet as it is conniving. She knew exactly what she was doing. My Siren lured me again and I regret nothing. I gaze into those gorgeous green eyes and laugh.
“I really love flying.”