“Can I see you again?” I ask hopefully.
“Yeah, I’d like that. Are you free on Saturday?” she asks. And just like that, the butterflies in my stomach I’ve spent so long trying to kill are back and thriving.
Chapter Twenty-Five
CARI
Max shows up right on time again, outside my apartment with another bouquet of flowers and her camera around her neck.
I run the roses upstairs, adding them to the vase with the others for now. Max is dressed in all black, her usual color, but she’s donning a dark green flannel over it. Despite it being March, it’s a randomly hot day, and we’re going to soak in as much sun as possible. I’m wearing the tiniest pink romper I could scrounge up, knowing I would probably be sweating the second I stepped into the sun.
“You look beautiful.” Max smiles as I step outside.
“Thanks.” I blush.
Her praise catches me by surprise. It might be the first time she’s ever complimented me while I am still wearing clothes. Maybe the first time it wasn’t immediately followed by ‘good girl’. The nerves I’m feeling flutter to the surface.
“I thought we’d eat in the park if that’s okay? I sort of cheated and asked River what you like to eat,” Max says, holding up a bag of takeout. I sort of hate that she didn’t know what I liked without asking, but I choose to focus on the fact that she asked River at all.
“That sounds good.” I nod.
My apartment is a short walk uptown to Central Park. Through the hordes of tourists on a Saturday morning, we make it to the edge of the park.
Max surprises me by taking my hand. Her long fingertips delicately hold onto my manicured hand. I blush, looking toward her, and I realize she’s blushing too. Is it possible she’s feeling as nervous as I am? I had thought she was always too cool for that. But it seems like I am finally breaking down those walls she always had. Her cheeks are a rosy pink I’ve never seen before. Something I hope to see more of.
“You’re quiet today,” Max muses.
“Just taking the day in,” I say softly.
“How was work yesterday?” Max asks.
“Good.” I go into detail about the day. Explaining how I had a meeting with another brand for a collaboration and had to visit four fabric stores before finding enough of the color Ellie was looking for. And somehow, it was still an amazing day. It was always an adventure and I never knew what I’d be doing when I went into work.
We walk past the playground and the baseball field which is empty for now. There are couples holding hands and families looking lost while arguing about which way to go. There are babies being pushed in strollers by nannies and kids running away from their parents. But what keeps my focus the most is how Max’s attention doesn’t leave me.
In the past, I’ve had to bother her to get her to listen, paying attention to other women. But she is hanging on my every word, nodding at the right times, and her face changes when I say something surprising. It’s amazing to feel so listened to for the first time from someone other than River.
“Is here okay?” Max asks, nodding toward one of the large rocks. There is a group of teenagers nearby, but otherwise, thisspot is secluded. There are a handful of trees creating enough shade for us too.
“Sure.” She helps me climb up the side. It isn’t steep but it’s still sweet.
Max takes a moment, placing down a wrinkled sheet before pulling out some bagels, fruit, and pastries. To top it off she pulls out a bottle of orange juice and some champagne.
“I know I promised you brunch, but I wasn’t sure if you’d like a mimosa or we can just have the juice,” Max offers.
“If I ever turn down a mimosa, please check me for a fever,” I tease.
I take a seat on one side of the spread, and on the other Max sits pouring the orange juice into two small plastic cups. She pops the champagne, the cork going flying, but she manages to find it and tosses it in the bag she has. She pours some and hands me a cup.
“So, tell me something you’ve never told anyone,” I say. It’s something I probably should’ve thought about before asking, but this new Max is making me slightly uneasy.
“You never were someone to ease into things.” Max laughs nervously. “Well, it’s not no one, but it’s only my therapist who knows this. I probably should provide you with some background, though.”
“Okay…” I pick a strawberry, taking a bite while I look at her hesitantly.
“So, I was left at the altar a while ago. It’s part of why I moved to New York with Aspen. But a few months ago, my ex-fiance was in New York, and I honestly don’t even know why. She asked to see me, and I finally got to tell her off. I think it gave me the closure I didn’t think I needed,” Max says before taking a small sip of her mimosa, then glancing my way.
“Wow,” I say quietly.
