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I hum along with the radio, smiling to myself. I discreetly look down at our entwined hands resting on the center console. It’s been a long time since I’ve just held hands with a man. And it feels nice. A little too nice. Nicer than I remember it. Or maybe that’s just because it’s with Max.
We pull up to a nice big house in the suburbs. Max turns off the car and turns to me. “Come inside with me.”
Umm… no.
I smile and suggest, “Shouldn’t I just wait here while you get Ceecee? We’ll be late for breakfast.”
He shrugs. “So we’ll catch lunch. C’mon, cupcake. My mom will be upset if you don’t come in.”
My smile falls. “Yeah, I guess she would be.” But I don’t move to exit the car.
He stares me down. “Were you born in a barn?”
I try hard not to laugh at that. Instead, I cross my arms over my chest and return, “Jesus was born in a barn.”
Max makes a pffft noise. “Look at where it got him.” At that, I laugh. He pleads, “Just a minute, that’s all. Please?”
Who could refuse a begging Max? I sigh exaggeratedly long. “Okay, okay. One minute. That’s all.”
He opens the passenger door for me, takes my hand, and walks me down the drive to the front door. He opens it without knocking and I hear the sounds of multiple women chattering in the kitchen. I suddenly want to disappear.
I try to dig my flip-flop-covered heels into the floorboards, but Max drags me along, completely oblivious. As soon as we come into view, a pretty, short, mature woman rushes over to us. She chatters away in a language that sounds to be Spanish. Reaching up, she takes Max’s cheeks in her hands and pulls him down to her. She kisses his cheeks and forehead while still talking in rapid speeds, and then pats his cheek adoringly.
And Max just stands there, no fight in him. It’s the sweetest thing I have ever seen. Then she looks over at me. She gasps, placing a hand to her heart. She looks back at Max and tells him, “She is beautiful.”
My cheeks heat.
He adds, “I know. I told you so. Gorgeous.”
My cheeks flame.
Taking a step towards me, the woman reaches out and takes my hand in hers. “Hello, Helena. I am Cecilia. I have seen you before, but never so close. You are a beautiful woman, and my son is a lucky man.” She speaks with a slight accent and I warm to her immediately.
Smiling, I squeeze her hand and respond, “Thank you, but he’s not as lucky as I am.”
I know Max must think I’m saying this for show, but I’m not, and I see the pride shine in her eyes. With that short sentence, I’ve won her heart. She stands taller and nods. “Come. Let’s eat.”
Eat? What?
I look over at Max and he mouths, “Sorry,” not looking at all apologetic.
My blood boils. I’ve been had.
He takes a step toward me and wraps an arm around my shoulders. He whispers into my ear, “I’m sorry. I knew you’d panic, so I didn’t tell you. It’s just us and my sisters. Relax.”
Just as I open my mouth to hurl whispered-abuse at the man-child, Ceecee appears in the hall. Face of stone, she approaches. “So, is it true? Are you dating?”
Turds of fury, she doesn’t look happy. I shrug lightly. “Yes, honey, we are.”
Max doesn’t say a thing, just squeezes his arm around my shoulders in silent support. When Ceecee lowers her gaze in thought, Max asks her, “What are you thinking, baby?”
She looks up at us. “I think I’m okay with that.”
I’m so surprised that I don’t realize I’ve blurted out, “Really?” until it’s already out.
She smiles up at me. “You’re cool, Helena. I like you.” Suddenly, her face turns cautious. “But you’re still going to be doing sessions with me, right? And teach me how to cook?”
I’m not sure about what James will have to say about this, but rather than tell her that, I state confidently, “Nothing could stop me.” And I mean it.
