We clean up the brunch, tossing the garbage into one bag on the way off the rocks. Max takes my hand and follows my lead through the park. Somehow her hand is just cool enough to keep mine from overheating.
“Do you think I can see you again this week?” Max asks.
“Is this date over?” I ask, stopping to look at her.
“No, I was just thinking about how I’d like to see you again.” Max shrugs.
I bite back what I’m really thinking. Max isn’t just saying she’s enjoying our date; she’s planning ahead to see me again. The same Max who I used to have to beg for more than an hour’s notice to get attention. Here she was asking me when I could make time for her. I mutter a quick response, letting the rest of me spiral in my head. Oh, how things have changed.
One thing is for sure: my therapist was right, and this is definitely a brand new Max. I didn’t know her as well as I knew the other one, but from what I have seen so far, I know I am a fan. She is easy to get to know, fun to kiss, and wants more than just my body.
Chapter Twenty-Six
MAX
I’ve seen Cari more times this week than I probably have in all the time I’ve known her. We hung out all day Sunday at my studio, talking about different things while she helped me get ready for my Monday shoot.
Then I brought her lunch on Tuesday and we had a dinner date on Wednesday and Thursday. I brought her breakfast on Friday, and I just picked her up from her apartment again on Saturday.
Despite not doing anything more than kissing, I am enjoying every second with her. I’m getting to know more than her body, and as sad as it is, it’s the first time I’ve done that since Chelsea.
Cari is funnier than I remember, and her laugh gets me through the time without her. Ben and I talked about her the entire session this week, and I am happily surprised by the change between us. It made sense, given the months apart and the way we worked on ourselves instead of anything else.
“So, what did you want to do today?” I ask, looking at Cari.
“I was actually hoping we could go to this thrift shop in your neighborhood? It’s supposed to have some cute stuff.” She smiles, her pink gloss catching the sunlight.
“Sounds good to me, but I’m definitely going to need some coffee because someone kept me up way too late on the phone last night,” I tease, raising an eyebrow. She blushes, and takes my hand.
“Don’t worry, we can get you some coffee. I need a bagel or something. I forgot to leave enough time for breakfast,” she admits.
“Bagel shop it is.” I nod, not bothering to type it into my phone. There’s no way we wouldn’t pass one on the walk from her apartment to the subway. Then, no less than a block later, we pass a crowded bagel shop. It’s better to see one crowded than an empty one in New York City, which seems like a bad omen.
“Why don’t you wait here, and I’ll grab everything? Cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese?” I ask, hoping to recall her order. I had it written in my phone, but I didn’t want to consult that right now.
“Yes, please. And an iced caramel latte. I’m feeling something sweet.” She smiles.
“Of course.” I give her a swift kiss on the cheek before heading inside.
It’s feeling simple with Cari. The way we fit together, the way we collided into each other’s lives, was calm this time. It wasn’t two go-karts speeding together, but two waves carefully saying hello. I order our food and drinks and wait for our number to be called, glancing outside the front window. Cari is standing under the awning, her blonde hair tied in a tight ponytail, curls cascading down her back. Her hips move as if she’s singing a song in her head, and knowing her, she probably is. I smile, watching her as she waits. I’m relaxed until I see an unfamiliar face greet her, wrapping his arms around her. Instinctively, my hands crumble the receipt I am holding. Who the hell has their hands on my girl?
Whoa, what the hell was that? Where did that even come from? Am I jealous? I’ve never considered myself to be a jealous person, especially with Cari. But the way she was smiling and laughing, and he had hugged her? It made me feel a little uneasy. It isn’t because she’s bi; I’d have the same feeling if an unfamiliar woman grabbed her like that. We haven’t talked about being exclusive yet, so she hasn’t done anything wrong. But maybe that is our next step? Because the way she’s laughing right now makes me want to punch the other person in the face. Which I know isn’t fair of me.
Grabbing our bagels and drinks, I head outside, and Cari smiles, waving me over. “Max! This is Wesley. Wesley this is, uh, Max.” She introduces us, and I notice the pause between saying my name. As if she isn’t sure how to introduce me.
“Hey, I’d shake your hand but I clearly can’t right now.” I force a laugh. I wasn’t trying to be rude, but I also wanted to be as far away from this guy as possible.
“No worries, I work with Cari. She says you’re a photographer? I’m always looking to have one on retainer, and Ellie is a huge fan of your work.” He smiles, with perfect white teeth and curls falling over his forehead.
“Oh yeah? What do you do?” I ask as Cari takes her coffee from me.
“I’m a designer as well. Right now, just working under Ellie, but I’ve designed a few of my own things too. I’m always hoping to be able to spread my wings on my own someday, but we’ll see.” He shrugs bashfully. It’s becoming hard not to like him; he’s a nice guy.
“He’s being modest. He designs amazing clothes and accessories for the brand. He’s had a few of his pieces go viral, and Ellie is always one to give credit. I’m sure one day he’ll need an assistant, so you’d be smart to work with him,” Cari praises.
“I have a few cards in my wallet, I’m always happy to help a friend of Cari’s,” I say a little more sarcastically than I intend. Wesley doesn’t catch it, but Cari raises an eyebrow, and I blush. I wasn’t trying to make this a thing, but this is uncharted territory for me.
“Here.” Cari takes my coffee and the bag of bagels from me so I can grab my wallet out of my back pocket. I pull out a business card and hand it to him.
