“Yeah. You have to be there, don’t you?” He laughs at my sour expression.
“Don’t remind me. How do you know so much about it?”
“Aaron keeps me updated.” He rolls his eyes.
“Seriously, I worry about that boy. He’s worse than a girl with his gossiping.”
“He’s just excited.”
“So what about blondie and Kyle?” My eyes sparkle with amusement, but I feel a twinge of guilt at running out on them.
“He’ll take her for ice cream or something. They’re better matched than you and him.”
“You think so?” I’m not arguing because I think he’s probably right.
“I know so. Come on, I’ll take you home.” I nod and gather up my purse and my jacket. We never did order; not that it matters because I still don’t see the waitress as we leave.
Max drives slowly through the streets until we reach my house. I forgot to leave a light on, but it’s safe so I’m not too worried. Max glances at the house.
“Are you okay staying here on your own?” he asks, worry furrowing his brow, and I am seeing a totally different side to Max tonight.
“Of course, I’m used to living on my own.”
“Yeah, you don’t talk much about what you’re up to these days.”
“There’s not much to tell. Thanks for tonight, Max, and for rescuing me from the movie.”
“Make sure you know what the movie’s about before you agree to go next time.” He winks at me.
“See you at work tomorrow.”
“’Night, Leigh.”
I close the door and walk up the path, keys at the ready and let myself into the house. I give him one last wave before I shut the door. It isn’t until I’ve turned on a light that I hear him pull away from the curb.
That was not the evening I expected, but I actually had fun with Max. Despite what he said about our night together, maybe we can manage to be civil to each other. But I still stand by what I say about dating racers. That is one thing that Max will always be, and I don’t have the right to ask anyone to change. Hang on; I’m getting way ahead of myself here. Max and I are never going to happen.
Chapter Thirteen
Stepping out of the shower after a hot and sweaty day at the garage, I finally feel back to normal after washing all the grime off me. When the doorbell rings, I peer out the bathroom window and see Beth’s car parked behind my bike. Then the door swings open and she walks straight in.
“Leigh.”
“Coming,” I shout, tightening my towel around me before I head down the stairs, wondering what the latest panic is. To say her temper was frayed when she stopped by the garage is an understatement. Then she gave me a lecture for getting so dirty. Uh, it’s an occupational hazard. Max didn’t escape her wrath either, and I had to hide underneath the truck so she wouldn’t catch me laughing. After that, I told Aaron to take her away to calm her down and help her with whatever needs to be done. That earned me a dirty look from him, but he left anyway.
Max and I finished up the work together; over the past few days, we seem to have reached a new level in our relationship. I try to keep my snarky bitchy comments to a minimum, and he doesn’t wind me up quite so much. It is easy at work; mainly because there is so much to do. But the need to wind him up and be bitchy has disappeared as I get to know him better.
“Hey Beth, get everything done?” She spins to look at me coming down the stairs.
“Yes,” she snaps, which is so not like her. I can see the tension in her shoulders; this wedding is really getting to her. “Max will pick you up at eight,” she informs me, and I stop her before she can go further.
“Why is Max picking me up? I can drive there myself.”
“No, Leigh. You're not coming on your own, and you’re not coming on a bike. Besides, he offered.”
“What!”
“He heard us discussing it and said he would bring you. It's on his way.” She shrugs like it's no big deal but try telling that to the butterflies that have just erupted in my tummy and are flitting around like crazy.
Ignoring the shock that is written all over my face, she carries on. “I've left a dress hanging in your room, I’ll-”
“Why have you left me a dress?”
“Because you don't own one.”
“I might.” Indignant, I rest my hands on my hips.
“Do you?” She cocks an eyebrow at me, and I shift on the spot.
“No, but… But I might.”
She gives a short laugh. “I've known you a long time, Leigh. You don't do dresses; I get it. Just wear it and the shoes, and I'll see you tonight.” Beth takes me by the shoulders and kisses me on the cheek, dashing out the door before I can reply.