Ugly(107)
I’ve ordered the Chinese, Shayne is home and the moment she comes in, she shoves a small bag in my hand and quietly whispers to hide it in my room. I smiled and hid Liam’s present. Well, I assume it’s for him. I really hope she hasn’t bought me anything.
The doorbell rings and I know it’s either the Chinese, or Max. I take a breath and steal a small look at Shayne who’s nursing a wine and smiling at me. She gives me an encouraging look, one which screams at me, ‘It’s okay. We’re here to support you.’ I weakly smile, and go to the door. The moment I open it, I’m hit with the freezing cold of the night air, and I’m floored by the tall man standing in front of me.
“Hello, Lily,” Max’s deep, gruff voice says. He’s holding two things. One is a bouquet of yellow roses, and the other is a bottle of white wine.
“Max,” I say, as I step to the side to let him in.
“For you,” he hands me the yellow roses, and leans in to kiss me on the cheek.
“Thank you, they’re beautiful.” I bring them to my nose to smell. I’m not even sure if roses are available through winter, so where he found these, I have no idea.
“You’re welcome.” I can tell he’s jittery, and as on edge as am I.
“This way, please, come meet Shayne and Liam.” I lead him through the family room to where Shayne and Liam are standing in the kitchen. “Shayne, Liam, this is Max.”
“Pleased to meet you,” he says, as he extends his hand and leans in to kiss Shayne on the cheek, then shakes Liam’s hand.
By the time introductions are done, there’s another knock on the door and I go to get the Chinese food I ordered. As I reach into my pocket to take the money out, a hand darts out, holding the cash. I turn to see Max standing to the side of me with the cheekiest smile on his face.
“What are you doing?” I ask as I try to snatch my money back and give the delivery driver my money. “Don’t you dare take his,” I growl toward the delivery driver.
“It is an injustice to have a beautiful woman pay for my food. Take my money, young man,” he says in that deep, gravelly voice.
The kid looks at me, and then at Max. Deciding Max is more intimidating, he takes Max’s money and offers me a consolation prize of a weak smile. “Sorry, lady, I can’t break the dude code,” he says, then hands me the food.
“You’ve never let me pay. And besides, you’re my guest here. You should not pay for the food.” I take the bags, and close the door.
Max takes the bags out of my hands, and walks off toward the kitchen where Shayne and Liam are.
“Dinner, ladies and gentleman,” Max says as he places the bags on the counter.
“Bring them in the dining room, we’ll eat there,” Liam says, carrying bowls and chopsticks, and a fork for me.
Max pulls my chair out, and waits until I’m seated before he sits beside me.
Shayne smacks Liam in the chest and says, “See, that’s how a gentleman treats a lady. He pulls her chair out and waits until she’s seated before he even thinks about moving. Pull my chair out.” I’m chuckling at the banter between them, and I can see Max is holding in his laugh, too.
“Good one, buddy. Next thing I’ll have to open her car door, too. Thanks,” Liam sarcastically says as he rolls his eyes.
“Damn straight,” Shayne adds.
Max and Liam open all the different foods I ordered, and Shayne takes the sweet and sour pork and the dumplings and puts them in front of her. “You going to share those?” Max asks as he pointedly looks at the food.
“Never come between a woman and her dumplings and sweet and sour pork.” She nips the ends of her chopsticks together toward Max.
Max put his hands up in surrender and says, “My apologies.”
Liam opens the bottle of wine, pours us all a drink and we casually sit around the table, talking easily.
Max effortlessly blends into our dynamic. He’s not trying too hard, and he’s openly talking with Shayne and Liam. There are questions being asked, and answered, and the conversation couldn’t be any smoother if I tried.
I take a moment and look around the table. I’m surrounded by my family and my friend. “I’ll make coffee,” Shayne says at the end of the meal, as she stands and begins to gather all the containers and bowls.
“I’ll help you clear,” Max offers.
“Oh no, you stay here with Liam. Liam, take Max out in the family room and talk to him. I have to give Lily my opinion on Max,” Shayne truthfully blurts.
“Shayne,” I half whisper-yell.
“He knows we’re going to talk about him. It’s insulting to him if I lie and say I need help in the kitchen. So I may as well tell the truth. Now come help me, so we can girl talk.”