Chapter 20

Max

The thing I loved the most about Colly and Lia’s mama? She didn’t think twice about letting a bloody man inside her home. But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t give me the third degree and a guilt trip from hell.

I winced as Mrs. Montgomery pressed a bag full of ice against my mouth. “You’re going to have to see a dentist about that tooth.”

I ran my tongue over my broken incisor. “Sure thing, Mrs. M. I’ll schedule an appointment tomorrow.”

“Do I even want to know what happened?” She frowned and wiped a wet rag over my chin. I could’ve done it myself, but my hands were all sorts of scuffed and fucked from practice tonight. It’d been a tough one, but we were ready for our next tournament.

“Rugby. But you should see the other guy.”

“That sport disgusts me.” She scrunched her nose up, making her look more like her daughter. “No wonder Lia always tried to keep me away.”

“She’s a good one, that Lee-Lee.” I winked and tried to stand, but Mrs. M shoved me down by the shoulder.

“Sit. I’m not done yet.” She frowned at me from over her shoulder as she walked to the sink.

I’d gotten here early for a celebratory Thursday-night dinner. I had no idea what we were celebrating, but when I got the phone call to come from Mrs. M, I wasn’t about to say no to a free, home-cooked meal. Since I didn’t live close to Ma and Char, this was also the next best thing to family time for me.

Lia had said she’d meet me here instead of letting me pick her up at home. Something about having “things” she needed to do before going into work later that night. We hadn’t seen much of each other this week, not since Sunday, which sucked. She’d picked up more hours at Java Java’s to help out the owner, and I was planning menus and getting stuff ready for my next catering gig. We texted and talked every night—real dating, boyfriend/girlfriend stuff. At the same time though, I was pretty sure she wasn’t being honest with me about something. Frustrating as hell, since I’d thought we’d gotten past the secrets stage. But she was Lee-Lee, the girl who didn’t trust easily and wasn’t used to sharing all yet. I’d ask her about it tonight, but only after I’d kissed her really good back at her place when she got off work.

“You hear from Lia yet? She on her way?”

Mrs. M walked back over with a Band-Aid and put it on my chin. “Not yet. But it shouldn’t be long now. The drive from Springfield to Carinthia is only three hours, and she left right after her interview was over at three.”

I jerked my head back, giving it a shake, thinking I was hearing things because there’s no way Lia would have gone to Springfield today for an interview without telling me. “Uh…”

“Apparently, it went really well. The superintendent and principal offered her the position on the spot.” Pride in her daughter radiated off the woman as she walked back to the counter to cut up some fruit.

I blinked, opening and closing my mouth in shock. What in the actual fuck was going on?

“She starts July 30.” She turned to look at me from over her shoulder again. “But if we can find her a place to move into, we’ll likely be moving her in the week before.”

My face went cold, my hands too. She’d gotten a job—a job she didn’t even bother telling me she was interviewing for? Sure, we hadn’t defined what the two of us were yet, but when it came to starting relationships, honesty was the key. Seemed like Lia thought that honesty was one-sided.

Jesus, I wanted to hit something.

“It really is the perfect job for her, though I am worried about her being all alone down there.”

I looked to the floor, my knees parted, my head hanging.

“Max? You okay?”

Slowly, I lifted my eyes to meet Mrs. M’s. She’d turned around and was watching me, eyes drawn together in worry.

Not wanting to freak the hell out yet, I said, “That’s real great, Mrs. M. I’m excited for her.”

She pinched her lips together and nodded as she turned away again. She obviously was proud of her daughter. And, hell, I would’ve been too, had I not suddenly wanted to punch my fist against the table.

Why hadn’t she told me about this? I’m the one who wanted her to succeed more than anyone else, but I would have liked to know about the interview in advance.

Silence filled the air. That is, until Mrs. M finally snatched my breath away with, “I know you’re in love with my daughter.”

My heart skipped as I leaned back in the chair. “You do?” Well, shit.

She laughed and sat in the chair next to mine. “It’s no surprise, really. You’ve been her keeper since the day you two met. I’ve seen the way you look at her. And I know she looks at you the same way. She’s just not used to relationships. She really is a good girl, but she hasn’t always been dealt the best cards.”

Because I was pissed as hell, I could’ve called Lia out myself. Told Mrs. M about her daughter’s job at Jimney’s, about how she got arrested, about how she’d been dating the biggest fucktard in the world not long ago, but I didn’t. I wasn’t the best guy ever, but I wasn’t a douche bag either. Instead, I rubbed my hand over my forehead and stared at the kitchen floor.

“Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.”

I looked over her shoulder out the kitchen window, trying to keep myself in check. “Collin and Mr. M won’t like it.”

“I won’t like what?” At the sound of Mr. Montgomery’s voice, I whipped my head to the back door. He grinned, his eyes focused on his wife as he moved to pull her into his arms.

“Oh, you’re home. How was work?” she asked him.

Instead of answering, he went in for a kiss that probably should’ve made me feel like a creep for watching but didn’t. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, his around her waist. Weird as it was, I loved the idea of married couples still so touchy after all their years of marriage, especially since I didn’t see that growing up.

Seconds later, Mr. M pulled back to face me. “Now, what do you think I won’t like to hear?”

“Oh, nothing.” Mrs. M pressed her hand against his chest. “Our Maxwell is just having some lady troubles.”

Mr. M grinned and walked to the fridge. He returned, two beers in hand. “Guessing you need a drink then.”

Not thinking twice, I reached for one, twisting the top off with the bottom of my sweaty shirt. “Good to see you, sir.”

“Enough with this ‘sir’ business. I’m John, always John.” He patted my shoulder and then twisted the top off his own beer.

I nodded and took a heavy drink.

“And if my daughter has you in her corner, I’ll never worry about her again.” He winked at his wife, but then shrugged one shoulder and smiled at me. “Unless you knock her up before you put a ring on her finger.”

I coughed and spit out my drink.

Mrs. Montgomery laughed. “I’m in agreement with my husband…” She leaned closer and pretended to whisper in my ear. “Unless you give me a grandson.” She kissed my cheek.

A nervous chuckle built in my chest as I stared back and forth between the two people who’d grown to be like pseudo parents. I loved them almost like I loved my mama and Charlotte.

“But you better move fast.” He tsked. “Because our girl might just run before you can catch her. This job opportunity is pretty spectacular.” He grabbed a tray full of hamburgers and hot dogs off the counter. “Gonna start the grill.” He kissed his wife again and stepped outside, whistling as he went.

“What were you saying about my husband and Collin not wanting you to be with Lia?” She smirked and took a step back, leaving me shaking my head. “Why don’t ya head outside? I’ll make you some sun tea. It’s much better than that nasty beer you boys insist on drinking.”

I needed the fresh air to clear my head, so I didn’t argue. But I also wasn’t in the mood to get grilled more by the man whose daughter I wanted—even if he did seem cool with the fact.