"I didn’t run into you," Max challenges.
"Whatever, you know what I mean. It wasn’t with me, Max." I chew my lip, waiting for him to grasp what I’m saying. "I think it’s hexed. It keeps showing up in places, the words change color when I solve the clues, and some other strange things. Beth said if I solve these, I’ll find my fate. I’m not sure I believe that… but it won’t stop taunting me. I figure I either take control, or it controls me, you know?"
Max’s lips tip up into his signature flirty smirk. "Are you into that? Giving up control, Sade?"
"Max," I warn, trying to tamp down the sudden heat that’s racing through me. Is he trying to suggest? He'd be surprised to learnI’ve had nothing better than vanilla if so.
"I’m kidding"—his face suggests otherwise, and I don’t hate the idea—"so what do you need me to do? Or did you just want someone else to know?"
I look out across the park, spotting Benny as he leaps from the top of one of the doggie tunnels, a look of pure joy on his face, pure freedom. It may sound bizarre to compare myself to a dog, but if I’m taking anything from Levi’s endless nagging and Beth’s meddling, it’s that I don’t ever just take the leap. Maybe it’s time I do, even if it’s small.
Taking a deep inhale for courage, I settle my gaze back on Max. "The first two clues were solved by you. One was because I thought of our conversation at the lighthouse, and the second was when I texted you." I flip the pages and show him both clues before pulling the letter out of the back. Unfolding it, I use my finger to point at the hint that reads: two is always better than one. "I had already figured out the word helpful, but it wouldn’t change color until you texted me. I think this means I’m supposed to have help, that maybe I can’t do it alone."
Benny rushes over to us, panting until Max takes out a collapsible bowl from his pocket and pours some water into it. "So you need me. I’m honored, Sade, truly." He leans forward, petting Benny’s head. "It’s gonna cost you though."
"What?"He can’t be serious.
Max laughs, scooping Benny up into his lap. The adorable pup crawls over to me, working his way up my chest to nuzzle my neck. "I have my own opinion about what you need…"
A scoff slips out of me. "And that would be what, exactly?"
"Fun, experiences, memories." His arms swing out wide like he’s showing me the world in front of me. "I’ll make you a deal. One clue solved for every fun thing we do together."
"I don’t know. I mean, what if you aren’t even the person I need for this? It could have been a coincidence the first two times…" It’s not that I don’t want to work with him, as I’mthe one asking. But I didn’t expect it to come with stipulations, and I’m not sure spending more time with Max O’Reilly is a good idea. If the constant buzzing under my skin and flutter in my chest are any indication—spending time with him has the potential to hurt when I inevitably leave.
"I’ll give you a freebie then. You got Benny boy to do something I haven’t been able to. Seems like a fair trade—"
"And a way to prove my theory wrong." I laugh, sarcasm dripping from my tongue.
"Potatoh, Potahto. You scared?"
I flip the book open to the third puzzle, not willing to back down from a challenge, and together we look at the clue.
12. Down
When pinched: A descriptor for someone who powers through.
"Okay, so it’s eight letters, maybe credible or unfailing." I close my eyes, trying to think. It would be a lot easier if he weren’t staring at the side of my face. "No, those have too many letters. It could be—"
"Reliable."
"What, how did you…" I shake my head, pulling a pencil from my purse. He was always smart. It was the most frustrating thing about tutoring him—I always wanted him to simply apply himself, but hockey came first. "I was getting there, must be beginner's luck," I say under my breath.
Max points at his chest. "Nah. I’m just that good, Sade. Looks like you need me after all." He stands abruptly, clipping Benny’s leash to his collar and grabbing him to place him on the ground. "I’ve got to get going, but let me know when you decide you're willing to take my deal. I promise it’ll be fun."
Max winks before walking away, and I scribble in the letters, waiting to see if the lead changes color. When gold melts onto the page, I can’t deny I need his help. He has experience where Idon't. He's not completely freaked out by the notion that magic is real… that some things really aren't in our control. I just have to reconcile how much I want it, how much these quick exits we keep making from each other affect me, and how I can work with him without my heart thinking it means more than it does.
"Mal!" I call, walking into my sister's home.
It smells like too many candles are burning, a mixture of vanilla, patchouli, and man? The smell is pungent, not a blend I’d buy—even from her.
"Back here," my sister’s voice cracks as it drifts from her workroom.
Tossing my bag on the couch, I don’t bother slipping out of my shoes as something is clearly wrong. Stepping quickly down the hallway, the scent intensifies, making my eyes water. I push the swinging door open and take in the sight laid out before me.
This room is supposed to be a pantry, or maybe a laundry room, but right now the ten by ten space is littered with several broken jars, melted wax dripping from a few surfaces sporadically, and Mal—crumpled on the floor.
"Oh my God. What happened? Are you okay?"
