“Aw, look at those two lovebirds. They’re perfect together.” Carol smiled at us.

I felt bad for this charade. They were genuinely happy that their only son had finally found someone to settle down with. Little did they know that it wasn’t going to last.

Chapter Eleven

It was Wednesday night,and Max and I were having dinner together at my apartment. It was the first time I’d seen him since dinner with his parents on Sunday. I made lasagna and waited for him to come by after the office. As I was in the kitchen making the salad, the door opened, and Max walked in and set his briefcase down on the stool.

“Hi.” I smiled.

“Hey. It smells delicious in here. How was school today?”

“It was good. How was work?”

“Hectic and stressful as always.” He walked behind me, wrapped his arms around my waist, and buried his face into my neck. “It’s good to see you.”

“It’s good to see you too.”

“Can I help?” he asked.

“Yes. Finish cutting up these tomatoes for the salad while I check on the lasagna.” I reached up and kissed his soft lips before pulling the dish out of the oven.

Just as the two of us sat down at the table, there was a knock at the door.

“Are you expecting someone?”

“No. I have no idea who it could be.”

“I’ll answer it.” He got up from the table and opened the door. My eyes widened, and my heart started racing when I peeked over the table and saw Molly and Kara standing there.

“Umm. Is Emma here?”

“Yeah. Come on in, ladies.”

I jumped up from the table and ran to them. “What are you doing here?” I asked as the three of us hugged.

“We wanted to surprise you, but I think you may have surprised us. Isn’t that the guy from the club in Miami?”

“Yes, I am. I’m Max Hamilton.” He held out his hand. “We were never formally introduced.”

“What’s going on, Emma?” Molly asked.

I stood there and stared at my best friends, whom I never kept a secret. I didn’t expect this visit, and they caught me off guard.

“Come sit down and have some lasagna. I’ll explain everything, but first, let me pour you a drink because you’re going to need it.”

Max and I explained everything to them, and I could tell they weren’t happy about the situation. The two of them glared at me from across the table, a glare I learned growing up. After dinner, Max helped clean up and then said his goodbyes to Molly and Kara.

“It was lovely to finally meet the two of you officially this time.” He winked. He placed his thumb on my chin. “You owe me sex.”

“I know. Sorry.” I pouted.

“It’s all good. I’m glad your friends are here. Go catch up, and I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

He walked out the door, and as soon as I shut it, the girls were right behind me, grabbing my arms and dragging me to the couch.

“What the fuck, Emma? How the hell are you going to pull this off?” Kara asked with concern.

“It’s easy. After he collects his trust fund, I’m breaking off the engagement.”