AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When we level out, I blow out a breath and open my eyes. “I’m good. Just not my favorite part.” Max studies me. I wish he’d stop staring at me, not saying anything. “What, Max?”
He shrugs. “Nothing.”
I huff and glare at him. “That’s what a woman says when it’s something.”
“Well, since I’m sure I’m a man…” He puts up a finger with a sarcastic grin, pulls his shorts out and looks down his pants. He did not just do that. “Yep, I’m a man, so it doesn’t apply to me.”
The jab I’m surprised you could see it is at the tip of my tongue. But I know better. One, it’s not small. Two, he’ll whip it out and prove it if I say it. He flashes a knowing smile and winks. Heat creeps up my face so I hop out of my seat and head for the bathroom. Narcissistic ass.
Thankfully he’s on his laptop and working when I return. Digging through my bag, I pull out the most recent LA Now magazine, plop down in my seat and flip through the pages. The magazine comes out weekly with happenings around town. Graham demands I read it to keep up to date with the music industry. I stop flipping when I notice an article about my yoga studio. If you’re looking to be in the spotlight, it’s the place to be. Paparazzi camps outside, waiting for their chance to attack. I’m not famous so they never bother me. I never thought in a million years I’d be doing a downward dog next to Jennifer Garner though. It’s almost impossible to act normal around celebrities. Graham reminds me they eat, sleep, and shit just like I do. I bet their shit is rainbow colored though.
I glance up and Max is still working. His black T-shirt stretches taut against his chest and arms. He tents his fingers against his lips, deep in thought over whatever is on the screen. Tats spread over his entire right arm down to his wrist. The artwork is beautiful. I wonder about the meaning behind each piece.
Max clears his throat and my eyes meet his. His eyebrow quirks up. “I was admiring your tats.” He relaxes back against the seat and pops his foot on his knee. “Do they all have meaning?”
“Most of them.”
I wait to hear if he’ll share what they mean to him, but typical Max doesn’t share. “I want one.” His mouth twitches into a half smile and he nods. “Not a big one though.” I point to my wrist. “A small one here.”
“I know a great artist in New York City or I can find one in LA.”
This is my week. I’m feeding my broken soul, mending it. Everything about it scares me, but I’m ready to confront all those fears. “I want to get it done this week,” I murmur. “Does she hate me for leaving?” The words fall out of my mouth.
“You already know the answer to that.”
“I’m scared to face her.”
He nods. “She is a little scary.” I giggle at his attempt to lighten my mood. “Sydney, you’re going home. There’s a lot you and Addison need to talk about. Don’t be afraid.”
“Thanks, Max.”
His eyes soften. “Relax and let it go.” His voice is lighthearted, and he raises his brows. He didn’t ask me a question, so I’m not sure what he’s waiting for. My eyes flutter around the plane for a beat. His head shakes and he exhales sharply. I feel like a kid who just gave her parents a bad report card. I’ve disappointed him. “Tink, your wings are twisted tight,” he mutters.
I narrow my eyes in confusion. “What?”
He stands up and walks over to me. “Something you need to figure out,” he says before disappearing behind my seat. I turn my attention to the vast blue sky out the small window.
“Twisted wings,” I snicker to myself, thinking of the fall I took. The way my life has been this year, clipped wings are more appropriate. Not sure I’ll ever be the person I used to be.
* * *
Folding my shaking hands into my lap, I only transfer the nervousness to my jittery foot. A large warm hand covers both of mine. Max rubs his thumb over them and the quiet gesture calms me. Bright lights and the sound of car horns welcome me home. I’ve missed the bustle of New York City. I lean my head against Max’s muscular arm.
“Thank you for being my rock.”
“I didn’t think I was that hard,” he jokes. “But you know I’ll always be here for you.”
Max is one of the most confusing guys I know. Ever since we slept together, he’s hot and cold, usually on the cold side. But his words are sincere, tender and ones that would come from a supportive lover. He’s been there for me through some tough times. Our one-night stand was nothing but a by-product from an emotionally charged night.
The end.
We’re just friends. I won’t embarrass myself, again. I am not his type.
I pull in a deep breath and exhale when we park in front of Addison’s building. “Is she expecting me?”
“No.”
“What?” I jerk up, my eyes widen as I panic. “What if she’s not home?”
