Chapter 22 #2
He leans forward on the couch, his arm draped over the back of it.
Something about the proximity of him and his gaze feels more intimate than our conversation after the leaking sink.
I’m not used to people giving me their undivided attention, at least not anyone over the age of fifteen, and even that is iffy.
“All the hard work of college, studying for the entrance exam, law school, the bar exam…” He shakes his head slightly. “There must have been something significant to pull you away from that and bring you here.”
I’m surprised he doesn’t look at me like I’m crazy.
“My sister needed me after her husband died. And honestly…” I shrug. “I didn’t love the firm I was with.” That’s the truth, even if it wasn’t the catalyst for me leaving the profession altogether.
“And what about your parents?”
“They both died several years ago, so it’s just been Cora and me.
Well, and Barry, her husband, before he passed.
Then Lila.” I pick at a spot on the table, trying to ground myself.
“Ever since Barry died, it feels like our little family has been fracturing. My sister is traveling all over the States, and Lila and I are trying to keep things together here.”
Max bobs his head slowly. “I can imagine that would be rough, especially when you’ve had a solid family unit for that long.”
There’s something in his eyes. Regret, maybe. Or longing.
“What about your family?” I ask. “I’ve never really heard you talk about them.”
“I’ve mentioned my sister, Georgina. We get along if our parents stay out of things.”
“I’m not sure I understand that.”
“My father can be very controlling,” Max says quietly. “And he’s persuasive. When he tells my sister she’ll be cut off if she doesn’t do what he asks—or demands—she usually gives in.”
“Is he not that way with you?”
Max sighs. “He tries. For most things, I’m able to make a counterargument, but there are some things I don’t think he’ll ever give up on.”
“And what’s that?”
He gives me a sad smile. “He always thinks he can do things better than I can.”
The words hit me hard.
How could a father treat his son that way? Especially someone like Max, who seems so capable and grounded? He’s all things good, trying to help out where he can.
Before I can think better of it, I lean forward and place my hand over his. “I’m sorry you’ve had to go through that.”
He turns his hand so mine is in his, holding it gently. There’s nothing crazy about it, and yet, I can understand the appeal of the hand flex from the 2005 Pride & Prejudice.
“Thank you. One of the reasons I accepted this, uh, assignment was to get a break from my father.”
I squeeze his hand gently, not sure how else to break the somber look on his face.
He gives me a small smile. “Well, I should probably head back to my jail cell,” he says with a laugh.
I roll my eyes. “I told you that you could stay here if you wanted to.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I don’t want to intrude. Besides, this will be one of those memories I look back on one day and laugh about.”
“You’re not already laughing?” I ask with a grin.
“No, because I know there are other options. They’d just involve staying outside of town and commuting in the car that betrayed me by running out of gas.”
I bark out another laugh. “Yeah, they need to fix that car. You weren’t too far from town.”
His gaze grows more intense. “It was a good thing someone stopped to help me, or I might still be walking.”
We both laugh.
He stands, letting go of my hand as if he’s reluctant too. I know I am.
“Thank you, Avery. I appreciate the distraction tonight.”
“Let me know if you need anything. Breakfast or whatever—we’ll do what we can.”
As he walks toward the door, I ask, “Are you planning to go to the test run this weekend?”
He turns, frowning. “What’s that?”
“Well, since The Season starts next week, the community gets together and test-runs some businesses. I know there’s a new restaurant taking part, as well as the go-karts and a few other places.”
He studies me. “That’s a great idea. You work out the quirks before large crowds come and also bring the town together. It sounds almost like a carnival.”
“Except it’s all free. Well, we pay at the restaurants, but it’s more the cost of the food than the actual prices.”
“You should put your coffee shop in it if there’s still availability. We could get a sign made.” He pauses. “I mean, if that’s something you want to do.”
I hadn’t thought about that. But a chance to show people that we’re here and we make coffee? That might be worthwhile for when tourists need directions.
“The windows look good without the reflective film on them,” he adds.
I smile. “Good, because it took way longer than I wanted to get it all down.”
He turns the handle to open the door.
“Do you really think I should change the name of my coffee shop?” I ask.
The question surprises even me. I haven’t asked for a man’s opinion on something important since my ex left, yet Max somehow feels different. Less controlling. More thoughtful.
He shrugs. “That’s totally up to you. I just think, as it is now, it sounds more like a tea shop than a coffee place. Since you’re a new business, you want visibility and recognition to be easy for people. If you created a name and logo that hinted more toward coffee, I think it would help.”
I try to keep a smile in place. “Thank you. I appreciate your feedback.”
He chuckles. “Change of heart? You didn’t seem thrilled when I first suggested it.”
“I’ve shared some about my controlling ex, and about how he made me doubt so many things,” I admit quietly.
“To the point I stopped making a lot of decisions on my own. After we broke up, I promised myself I’d stick to my opinions and choices.
But…you made me realize that sometimes what I think is best isn’t always the right answer. ”
He smiles. “Don’t thank me yet. Let’s just hope you can pivot and do well this summer.”
He leaves, and I stand there staring at the closed door for several moments.
Not only did he not judge me for leaving law, but he also didn’t mock my dream of owning a coffee shop.
He’s different from most of the men I’ve known. He’s gives me space and isn’t pushy about my phone number. And he’s willing to fix the sink even when that isn’t part of his job description. I’m grateful for that. For once, I’m not as worried about the future, but wanting to soak up the present.
There are so many good things happening in my life, and I’m excited to see the results.
The dangerous part?
I’m starting to forget he’s only here temporarily.