Chapter Forty-Five
Lucy
It’s happening.
Today's the day... Doomsday, that is.
We’re going to tell my dad and Liz everything.
“This might be the last ever time we see either of them, you know,” I tell Max as I fidget with the hem of my skirt.
“Well, that’s all dependent on the choices they make.” He says flatly. “Baby, no matter what, my choice is set in stone. You are it for me.”
“So is mine. No matter what, it’s me and you.” I tell him, giving him a small smile.
We’re in the back of a taxi on the way over to their house. We’ve dressed as if we were heading into battle. I'm in a beautiful midi dress that gives me all the confidence I need, and Max is in a power suit, looking fucking delectable. He hasn’t been himself today, though, quieter than usual, and for Max, that is really out of character. Even now, he is sitting fiddling with the cufflinks on his shirt, staring out of the window.
“Max? Is everything okay? You’re sure you want to tell them?” I ask, worry creeping into my tone.
“There is nothing I want more than everyone in the whole world to know how much you mean to me. You are my everything.” He says with a confidence he doesn’t show. “It’sjust that I can’t get the last time we did this out of my brain. What if you decide to leave me again?”
Of course, this would be what’s worrying him. After everything we’ve been through, this is something that I should have known. Max has always struggled with people leaving, and since we’ve done this before and I did exactly that, how can I blame him?
“Look at me,” I say, lifting my hand to cup the side of his face. “Please.”
He does, slowly turning his head in my direction.
“I promise you, I will never, ever leave you again. I love you, Max. With everything that I have. You’re kind of stuck with me for life now.” I try to tease, but the worry doesn’t leave him.
“That’s what you said last time.” He breaths out, a slight tremble evident in his words.
“I am going to need you to trust me this time. I will not leave you again. I swear on my life.” I plead.
I lean closer to kiss the side of his face, barely a breath away from his cheek, when his head turns quickly. Catching my lips with his own.
“I love you.” He says, his lips still against mine.
“And I love you.”
If I could describe what this dinner table feels like right now, the first thing that comes to mind is The Last Supper. I feel awkward as hell in my childhood home. I couldn’t control my nervous knee bounce, even if I wanted to.
Sitting around the table, you have me, Max, Tommy, Maya, and Fallon. Then, sitting like bookends at each end of thetable are my dad and Liz. I’m not sure if the tension in the air is all in my head or if they have a feeling of what’s to come.
Everyone is far too overdressed to be sitting in our parents' dining room. If it were any other time, I’m sure Max would have made a joke about it, but his face is set in stone. I bet he won’t last another five minutes without blurting out what we’ve come to say.
Just as we’re about to dig into the meal Liz has made us, the front door slams shut.
“Who the bloody hell could that be?” My dad frowns as he stands from his seat.
“Hi, family!” A very familiar voice calls from the hallway.
I jump up from my seat in a hurry just as Sara walks into the room.
“Oh, my God. What are you doing here?” I exclaim. My first genuine smile of the day is coming out.
She leans in for a hug and whispers into my ear.
“You thought I’d let you do this without me? We are not having a repeat performance from last time. I got you, babe.” She pulls back and gives me a quick wink before hurrying around the table, giving everyone a kiss or hug.
