“Hiii!” she says and beams up at him. Today he’s wearing a black Weezer shirt and his book bag is slung over one shoulder. My tension releases as soon as I lay eyes on him.
“Hey. That’s a nice way to be greeted.” He smiles down at her, and she stands even taller.
“That’s because I’m way nicer than Hazel.”
I sigh. “You’re not way nicer—just nosy.”
He crouches down so he’s eye level with Kelsey. “Is she in one of her grouchy moods?” he asks in a stage whisper.
“When is she not?”
The two of them laugh and I cross my arms over my chest. “You know I can hear you two, right?”
Kelsey looks over her shoulder. “We know! We just don’tcare.”
Max snorts. “You’re way more fun than you were when I used to hang out over here.”
“I don’t think that’s how I’d describe it,” I mutter.
“Maybe Hazel should go to our aunt’s house tonight instead and we can hang out here together,” Kelsey says conspiratorially.
Max’s shoulders shake in silent laughter, and he meets my gaze over the top of Kelsey’s head. His expression is so relaxed that I can barely associate it with the downcast, miserable guy standing in this same hallway back in August. He looks so much like my childhood friend that it takes my breath away.
“Did I hear—oh, Max!” Mom walks into the hall, looking frazzled. “I thought I heard the door open. Sorry, there’s so much going on between work and volunteering and this campaign that I can barely keep my head screwed on tight.”
“No problem.” Max straightens. “Thanks for letting me come over early. And, uh, sorry if I ever acted rude or anything before. I was just…going through some things.”
She blinks in surprise. “Of course, it’s already forgotten. We’re always glad to have you here.”
I gawk at Max. That was unexpected.
Mom pats Kelsey on the shoulder. “Are you ready?”
“Do I have to go?” she asks with a lingering glance at Max. I might be watching her form a crush on him right before my eyes.
“Well, Aunt Mary did mention something about making homemade ice cream and having a sundae party with the cousins, but if that doesn’t sound fun, then—”
“We’re making our ownice cream?”
Mom winks at me and hustles Kelsey toward the door.
“How quickly I’m forgotten,” Max says as he follows me back into the dining room.
“As if anything can compete with sundae parties. Much better than homework.” I nod toward his book bag.
“Truth.”
We both pull out our laptops and settle into a rhythm. I keep my eyes strictly on my screen, though it’s hard to focus knowing Max is right across from me. I’m hyperaware of his every sigh and shift of weight. Could he be paying attention to what I’m doing too? Or is he actually working like a good student? I can’t tell, but I try to be as still and quiet as possible just in case. We’re like that for fifteen minutes before he stretches and pulls out a water bottle. I take the opportunity to ask something that’s been on my mind.
“So…what was going on with my mom back there?”
He shrugs and takes a drink of water. “It just felt like something I should do. You know, clear the air and all that. Especially if I’m going to be coming over here all the time.”
A smile spreads across my face. “Is that your plan?”
“Yeah. If you’re okay with it.”
“Hmm.” I tap my finger on my chin. “I’m not sure. Are you going to insist on us watching Lord of the Rings movies whenever we have free time?”
