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“Do you not have any black friends? Every time you come around, you always got these Poindexter types with you.”
“I’ve got your Poindexter,” Max retorted to PJ’s surprise.”
The comment was enough to shut James’ mouth. Max placed his hand at the small of PJ’s back and escorted her onto the porch of the large ranch style house. PJ loved the rose bushes in front of the house that bloomed beautifully in the spring. Unfortunately, it was fall and the yard was looking very drab and dark.
Max leaned over and asked, “Jilted Jill?”
“It’s a stupid nickname from my past. My middle name is Jillian, and this side of my family calls me that. The Jilted part is a bit more complicated. I’ll tell you later.”
As they approached the front door, it flung open with a loud thud. Standing in the doorway was a large man with a permanent scowl that PJ knew as her Uncle Jack. The man used to tower over her, but today it seemed his age was bending his frame a bit. He wasn’t as intimidating as he used to be. As a matter of fact, Max stood taller at six foot three. Though Uncle Jack had at least fifty pounds on the weatherman.
“Jillian, it’s about time you got here. I’ve been waiting on that mac n cheese. I hope it’s not dry this time.”
“Good to see you too, Uncle Jack. This is my friend, Max.”
“What happened to that other boy you usually bring with you?”
PJ rolled her eyes at her uncle. He wasn’t slick. He was trying to start trouble already and they hadn’t even crossed the threshold to his home.
“Latti had something else to do today. He sends his love.”
“Yeah, right. You know that boy hates me. What I really want to know is does Max know about Lattimore?”
“Of course he does. Max knows Latti very well.”
“So it’s that type of party?”
“Uncle Jack, please stay out of my personal business.”
Brushing by her uncle, PJ tugged Max along with her. Once they entered the living room, they were greeted by her favorite cousin, Kayla. She was a sprite of a girl with a huge personality that her father tried his best to suppress.
“Kayla!”
“Jillian!!! I am so happy to see you. OMG! Is that Max Shine you have on your arm? Girl, you just moved back home and already snagged a snack like him. I want to be like you when I grow up.”
“Girl, you are still crazy. Max this is my cousin, Kayla. She is the best!”
“Nice to meet you, Kayla.”
“You as well. How did you meet my cousin?”
“We met in a wine store.”
“Great story! I can see why you’re into him, Jillian.”
The group laughed as they made their way into the kitchen. PJ placed her pan of mac n cheese in the oven to warm and then turned her attention back to Kayla and Max. It was her safety zone, and she really didn’t want to get into it with the rest of her family. After introducing Max to the rest of the clan, they moved into the den where everyone was gathered watching football.
PJ gasped when she saw the person sitting in her uncle’s recliner. What the hell was he doing here? She immediately wanted to leave after seeing her ex in her family’s home. It felt like some kind of setup, and she wasn’t having any of it, especially not in front of Max. Apparently, her change in mood did not go unseen.
“Are you alright?” Max leaned in and whispered to her.
“Hell fucking no. That asshole in the blue shirt is my ex. It’s a long story, but I hate him. I have no idea why he’s here.”
Max moved closer to her and placed his arm around her waist protectively. She was grateful for his touch. It somehow anchored her. She took a deep breath and inhaled his masculine scent. Max always smelled so good. Her body involuntarily moved closer to him. As she placed her head on Max’s shoulder, Andrews stood and slithered his way over to them.
“PJ! It’s really good to see you. I wanted to get together before you left DC, but I didn’t have a chance. You look great.”
Choosing to ignore him, PJ turned to her uncle and asked, “Why is he here?”
