Page 49 of WASP

That earned her a small kick from Annie, paired with the flash of impish annoyance behind her eyes.

“I know. Why do you think I came here?” she said simply, the trust in her words settling over Max.

ELEVEN

ANNIE

Max 7:57 AM

I know it’s last minute. And I know it’s wild. But are you feeling up for a road trip?

The second Saturday in March started with a surprising text from Max. A road trip? To where and why? And just the two of them—that thought sent a little thrill through Annie’s body as her fingers flew across the screen, typing her response.

Annie 7:58 AM

What a way to start the morning. Since you only gave me the what, I’m going to ask you to fill in the remaining Ws—who, when, where, and why?

She rolled over in her bed, stretching languidly, sinking into the warm down comforter, not quite ready to peel herself out of the cocoon she had created. She lay there basking in the excitement of Max’s invitation. The idea of her and Max alone together had been at the top of her mind for months and was getting more exciting the closer she got to reaching the end of her post-breakup healing timeline. Even though the timeline was completely arbitrary, Annie felt beholden to it—like finishing the timeline meant being able to package up the last seven years of her life with Caroline with a nice, neat little bow. The timeline had given her some sense of accountability, something to track her progress to, and something to remind her that healing takes time.

Max 8:00 AM

Who: me and you. When: leaving bright and early tomorrow morning for four days. Where: Michigan. Why: I promise to explain in the car.

Annie 8:01 AM

Is it totally bananas if I say yes?

Max 8:02 AM

I’m really hoping you will.

Annie held her phone to her chest, mind spinning about what could be in Michigan that would make Max so elusive. But her mind was already made up. She would one hundred percent be heading on that road trip.

Annie 8:03 AM

I’m in.

Max 8:03 AM

Amazing. Pack your passport, we’re going through Canada.

The next morning, Annie arrived at Max’s a little past four in the morning. She parked on the street—like always—behind Max’s Volvo station wagon. Max was already standing beside the car, a bag slung over her shoulder as she opened the trunk, popping it inside. She waved as Annie turned off the engine.

The early morning air was crisp, still carrying that lingering bite of winter with a hint of warmth indicating that spring would soon be on its way. Max approached Annie as she lifted her bags out the back seat, holding her hand out to take one of her bags which Annie handed over graciously.

“We’re only going to be gone for a few days,” Max joked, seeing the suitcases.

Annie’s smile was wide as she dropped her bag into the trunk, Max plopping the other one beside it. “Best I could do with the short notice. Had to make sure all my clothing bases were covered since you still haven’t told me what we’re doing.”

Max’s grin unfurled as she reached for the trunk, shutting it with a snap. “It’ll be worth it… Hopefully.”

Annie rolled her eyes, stepping back towards her car and grabbing the paper bag from the passenger seat.

Max’s curiosity got the better of her as she peeked in the bag. “What’s that?”

“Snacks. Duh. You can’t have a road trip without them. I went to the store yesterday and grabbed a bunch.” She rummaged around the bag in search of the caramel candies that were her absolute favorite. “And Cow Tales. Those are an absolute must. I got you your own box… These are mine,” Annie said protectively.

“Whatever you say,” Max said with a smile, opening the driver’s side door as Annie climbed into the front seat. “I made us some tea for the road.”