Ugly(124)

Max is by far the most patient and beautiful man I know. He’s got his own struggles with his stutter. He’s not much into going out and being in public where he has to communicate with many people. I of course, have stopped hearing his stutter. To me, he speaks like everyone else around me, but I know others find it difficult to understand him. Max has become a regular feature at home, and Shayne and Liam both say how he’s the nicest guy they know.

The two of them are taking the vacation I bought them for Christmas at the end of March, and I’m hoping I’ll be able to move into my own apartment by then.

It’s the end of the work day and I duck into Dale’s office to give him another thousand dollars. I took his advice, and reworked what I charge. I get several emails a day from people who want me to edit their work. I take no more than two books a week, and I’m booked flat until April.

“Hi, Dale, do you have a moment?” I ask as I rap on his door.

“Sure thing, come in. Sit.” He stands and goes over to the little fridge in his office. “Water? Soda?” he asks me as he grabs a soda for himself. “Don’t tell Betsy,” he whispers as he holds up the soda and looks around the office.

“I won’t. I can’t stay, but I have some more money to give you. It’s a thousand.” I hand him the envelope.

“You’re unbelievable, Lily. You really are doing well. You do realize, with this amount here, you’ve paid almost seven thousand on your car.”

“Yes I do. I’ve been keeping track as well. I’m proud of myself.”

“And so you should be.” He takes the money out, counts it in front of me, then writes it in the notebook. “Here, sign this.” He shoves the book toward me, and I sign saying I’ve given him more money. “How’s the car? Are you still enjoying it?”

“Oh my gosh, it’s perfect! I love it. I wish I could thank you again without sounding pathetic and whiney. I really do appreciate it.”

“I know you do, Lily. Even if you never said a word, I know you’re serious and value it, because you’re making an amazing dent in the loan.” I smile broadly at Dale. “Right, get out of here. I still have work to do.”

“Thank you,” I say and leave his office.

I head back to my desk, and pop my head into Peter’s office. “Do you need anything, Peter? I’m just about to leave for the day and I want to make sure you’re okay.”

“Yes, yes. I’ll be fine. My daughter’s birthday tomorrow, so we’re all taking the day and doing whatever she wants. And by ‘she’, I mean Jojo. She dictates what we’re all going to do, and we all go along with it.”

“It’s sweet you can do that. Enjoy your day. I’ll hold down the fort.” I wink teasingly.

“I’ll leave some work on your desk, if you have any problems with it, either ask Dale or leave it and I’ll show you when I return to work.”

“I can stay behind and you can show me now if you like.”

“No, no. You can go. I’ll see you in a couple of days.”

“Have fun tomorrow.”

I get my bag and go down to my car and head home. When I arrive, Shayne’s home but Liam had to stay behind and do some last minute things at work. “Hey, Max and I are going out to dinner, do you want to join us?” I ask when I come in and find Shayne watching TV.

“Nah, Liam will be home soon, and I think we’re going to go out for pizza and then a movie. Hey, how much fun was that premiere we went to last weekend? Such a shame you can’t get tickets like that again.” She sips on some water.

“Yeah, that was crazy fun. Who knows, maybe we’ll get to do it again. Anyway, I’m going to get changed ‘cause Max will be here soon. Will you let him in if he comes while I’m in the shower?”

“No, I’ll make him wait outside.” She laughs at her own sarcastic sense of humor. “Yeah, of course I’ll let him in.”

“Thanks.” I go into my room, quickly grab some clothes then head into the shower.



“Wow, this is a nice restaurant. I’ve only ever been to somewhere this nice once. And that didn’t go too well,” I whisper to Max.

The maître ‘d shows us to our table, pulls my chair out and waits until we’re seated before he stands in front of the table, and with his very proper pronunciation says, “Your waiter will be with you in a moment. The wine menu, sir.” He hands Max the menu, tips his head to me and leaves.

“Correction, I’ve never been somewhere as nice as this.” I feel awkward here, and I’m fidgeting in my chair when Max looks up from the menu and smiles.