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“Are you okay, beautiful?” Max’s voice cuts through my reverie.
I give him a faint smile. “Yes, I’m fine. Why?”
Max’s brows wrinkle as he studies my face. Then he nods in Darin’s direction, who is preening across the table, waiting for his photo to be taken.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” I grin, grabbing my phone and pulling up my camera. I snap a couple of pictures of Darin and hand him my phone, letting him choose the one he wants me to send.
Max’s hand moves to my leg, and he leans closer, studying me intently. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yup.” I give him a broad smile, studying him. For some reason, William’s words float through my head, giving me chills. “I was just thinking about Vanessa and her brother for a minute there.” I study Max when I mention Vanessa’s brother, but he doesn’t react.
“How are things going for her brother and grandparents?” Max says calmly.
Hmm. I couldn’t have imagined his earlier reaction, nor the look he exchanged with Darin.
I let out a sigh. “Vanessa’s mom called her this morning, bitching at Vanessa for turning Josh against her.” I shake my head. “Vanessa was trying to get ready for class, so she had her mom on speakerphone. I heard everything since her mom was screaming into the phone.”
“Why is Vanessa’s mom blaming her?” Max looks confused, his eyebrows drawn in.
“Because her mom is an immature, heartless bitch who has been fucking her much younger personal trainer. She and her boyfriend parade around the house half-naked and Vanessa’s brother, Josh, had enough of it. That’s why Vanessa had to leave on Saturday.” I swallow hard, my anger and loyalty to Vanessa making me despise her mom for the shit she’s doing. “Josh, who isn’t old enough to drive, was threatening to steal one of his mom’s cars to drive to his grandparent’s house. Vanessa talked him out of it when she told him that his mom could easily have the vehicle traced and he’d get in trouble. Then he wanted to take public transportation, but Vanessa didn’t think it was safe for him to do so.”
Max squeezes my leg. “I get it, babe. And though it sounds crazy, in some ways, I’m glad she left. Or we wouldn’t be where we are right now.” His eyes are soft as he leans forward, giving me a gentle kiss.
When we pull apart, Darin’s voice draws my attention. “I’m sorry Vanessa and Josh are going through that. She sounds like a nice person and a great sister.”
“She’s the best. Josh is seven years younger than her and because her parents are so wrapped up in their own lives, Vanessa has always been more of a mother figure to Josh than her parents.” I shake my head.
Darin chooses a photo and I send it to Vanessa. As we head out of the break room so the guys can work, Darin puts a hand on my shoulder. “You are welcome to stay here and hang out with us, Irelynn.”
“You’re just hoping Vanessa texts me back and I’ll tell you what she says.”
“Not going to lie. I hope that happens.” Darin winks at me. “But in all seriousness, you are welcome here anytime.” He glances over at Max, then back at me. “Max told me some of the shit William has been doing.” He looks at me with genuine sympathy and concern. “If you are ever scared, come here. I’d happily beat the smug bastard’s ass and my boy here will kill him if he doesn’t stop fucking with you.”
Max’s muscles flex beneath his shirt and his jaw is tense. He looks poised for a fight, ready to defend me with his life.
I gulp as guilt courses through me, the deal that I made with the devil making me nauseous.
“Thanks, Darin. I appreciate it.” I give him a smile, then look up at Max, who stands beside me, an arm slung protectively over my shoulders.
As Darin heads to his office, Max squeezes me into his side. “I know you’re upset about Vanessa, sweetheart. But your understanding and support probably mean more to her than you realize.”
Letting out a small sigh of relief that he concluded that is what bothers me, I nod. “She always has my unconditional love and support.”
“Same with me and Darin.” Max looks at me, his expression hopeful. “It would be awesome if Vanessa and Darin would meet and hit it off.”
My phone beeps and I pull it from my back pocket. Reading the text, I smirk, then hand my phone to him. “I don’t think we have to worry about that. She clearly thinks Darin is hot and wants to meet him.”
Max reads her message and laughs. “Boy, this message will really stroke his ego.”
“Oh no.” My eyes widen in mock horror. “How will he fit his head through the door of his office?”
Just then, Darin walks out, and Max and I both crack up laughing.
Darin looks over at us, his brows furrowed. “Did Vanessa respond to your text?”
I nod and Darin hurries over, rubbing his hands together. “What did she say? Can I see it?”
Max groans, shaking his head. “Give her time to answer, will ya?” Max’s eyes drop to me. “You better show him, or the asshole will never leave us alone.” He has an amused grin on his face as he observes his best friend.
