AllFreeNovel
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We talked about how we wanted to announce our relationship the other night. Instead of yelling that we’re sleeping together—one, since it’s already been done, and two, since we saw how Max reacted last time and we don’t want a repeat—we’re going to casually let people figure it out.
If they ask, we won’t deny it. I’m allowed to hold her hand, put my arm around her, kiss her with our friends around. But before any of that can happen, we’re going to pull Max aside and tell him the truth. It’s the respectful thing to do.
To ensure he doesn’t go ape shit on my ass, I asked LT if we could at least wait until the party started. I want there to be other people around, in the general area, so he keeps him temper in check. Otherwise, one of my dreams might become my reality. Since light sabers aren’t a real thing, I’m guessing I’d be drowning in the pool.
Not how I want to go out.
I’m too young to die. I have too much to live for. Too many things I want to experience in life, with Willow by my side. Max too.
At the end of the day, no matter what happens, he will always be my best friend. Do I want his blessing? Absolutely. If I don’t get it, will I back away? Not a chance in hell.
I’ll just have to work harder to prove to him that I’m good enough to be with Willow.
“You okay over there?” Max asks, pushing against my shoulder.
“Yeah, man. Fine.”
“Really? Because you don’t seem fine. Your knee’s been bouncing up and down the last ten miles. Your hands are clenched in your lap. And don’t even get me started on how you’ve been staring at the glove compartment like it’s somehow wronged you.”
“Just a little nervous I guess,” I admit before I realize what I’m saying. “I know it’s going to be weird for you today, and the girls. To be honest, it’s going to be weird for me, too. I loved your dad and it’s hard to imagine a Memorial Day party without him in front of the grill.”
“Yeah,” he sighs. “I’m glad my mom is doing this, but at the same time, it feels too soon. It’s only been a little over a month and the wound is still fresh. Every time I go home it’s like reopening it again.”
That may be the most honest statement Max has shared with me in weeks. Especially where it concerns his dad.
“It’ll get easier. It has to. We all deal differently and in our own time. Don’t rush it but don’t ignore it either. Let yourself feel, Max. It’s the only way you will eventually be able to heal.”
“You been talking to Lo?” he asks.
“Wh-What? Wh-Why?” My voice betrays me, stuttering.
“You sound just like her.”
“Oh, no. Must be the psych class I took freshman year. I’m sure she took the same one.”
The car falls silent as Max takes the exit for his parents’ house. Fifteen minutes and we’ll be pulling in their driveway. A few hours from now our friendship will be teetering on the edge of the abyss. I can only hope he accepts my love for his sister and that if he does try to drown me, someone jumps in to save me.
