Max laughs. “I’m fine, but thanks. If you’re sure you don’t need anything else…?”
I bite my lip. I don’t need help with the shop anymore, but I wonder if Max would be a good person to talk to about what’s happening between Addy and me.
“Do you have time for a chat?”
“Sure. What’s up?”
“Let me finish closing up.” I don’t want to talk when there’s any danger of Bobby or Janine overhearing.
“I’ll make myself useful.” He picks up a cloth and wipes down the already clean kitchen counters.
I send Bobby and Janine home and then lock up after the last two tables have been vacated. At least they left a decent tip. I add it to the tip jar that gets shared between Bobby and Janine every Sunday and put that in the safe, along with the cash drawer from the till. I clear and wipe down the last two tables. When I’m done, Max is sitting at one of the tables, waiting for me. He has the box of cupcakes I gave him, and I realise I have none to take home for Addy. I have dessert planned, but it’ll be the first time since I opened the shop that I haven’t taken at least one cake home for him.
“Is everything okay?” Max asks as I sit opposite him.
“Yeah, everything’s great actually, it’s just…” I twist my fingers into my jumper sleeves. “You know what? Forget it. I’m sorry I kept you hanging around for nothing.”
Max gives me an ‘I’m not buying it’ look.
“You know Vanessa, don’t you?”
“Adrian’s sister?”
I nod.
“We’ve met a few times.”
I keep playing with my jumper sleeves, semi-regretting this entire conversation. “You won’t say anything to Joe, will you?” I’d be horrified if they laughed about me behind my back.
“No,” Max says firmly. “You can trust me.”
“She said Adrian and I were acting like a married couple and that we should kiss to figure out how we felt about each other,” I say in a rush.
Max doesn’t look even remotely surprised. “Did you?”
“Yes.”
He smiles. “And?”
“I think you can guess,” I mumble. “Apparently,everyoneknew but us.”
“The two of youarelike a married couple,” Max says. “I can’t say I’m surprised. I think Joe will probably be annoyed that Vanessa pushed you into examining how you feel about each other rather than him.” He puts his hand up. “I won’t say anything to him. It’s up to you and Adrian when you want other people to know. For what it’s worth, I’m happy for both of you.” He tilts his head. “What’s bothering you?”
“I thought I was straight. Adrian thoughthewas straight. Kissing is one thing. That’s pretty universal, but…” I sigh. “I dunno. I’m sorry. I’m wasting your time.”
“You’re not. What are you worried about?”
“I don’t know what to do.” My face heats up.
“With a guy?”
“Yes. I tried looking stuff up on the internet, but there’s no handy beginner’s guide to finding out you’re into guys at thirty, or any age for that matter. I can guess some things. I’m not completely naive, but I don’t know where to start or what we might enjoy, and I’m psyching myself out.”
“Breathe, Fitz.”
I take a few deep breaths.
“There’s nothing to be scared of.” Max leans on the table. “Are you worried about anal sex?”
