Page 231 of Love in Riverbend
Kyla laughs. “As a therapist, strictly from observation, because Max doesn’t want to be psychoanalyzed, I think he watched me work my ass off with little to no recognition from our parents and decided it wasn’t worth the effort. They noticed him more when he screwed up.”
“What about you?”
“I didn’t accomplish what I have for anyone except myself. I’m happy with where I am and what I do. The hard work paid off. The thing is, Max is happy with where he is and what he does. What about you?”
I think about the answer. “I think I want a job, something to make all the work of going back to college worth it. I’m not sorry I chose to go back. Maybe I’m sorry I didn’t do it sooner, but then again, I didn’t hate farming.”
Kyla’s eyes widen. “I didn’t know you farmed.”
My smile widens. “I didn’t know Max had a sister.”
“There’s nothing wrong with going solo to a dinner. I do it all the time. That’s where Max and I differ. I’m comfortable being alone. He seeks companionship.”
“He gets it—a lot.” I nod, silently asking for a clear path from the bathroom.
Kyla steps back.
Making my way to my room, with the door open as I throw a few last-minute items into a backpack, I say, “I don’t want Max to sleep in my room, but I’ve decided to take a friend up on an invitation. After the dinner, I’m heading down to Riverbend for the weekend. You can sleep in here, in case Max comes home with a friend.”
“Are you serious?”
“You’ll probably want to use your own sheets.”
“Thank you. I’ll have it clean and ready for you by Sunday night. Show the people at this dinner that you are confident without a plus-one.”
“Thanks, Dr. Brenner. I suppose I should take your advice.”
Opening the door to the apartment, I’m met with a beautiful blue gaze, one I never expected to see. Words fail me as I take in Marilyn, from her hair twisted behind her head, to her mesmerizing eyes, turned-up nose, red lips drawn into a bow, to lower. The long coat she’s wearing is unbuttoned, giving me a peek at the black dress beneath. The neckline scoops just enough to catch a glimpse of the round globes of her breasts. The dress tapers at her waist, showcasing her curves, the material ends at her mid-calves, and she’s wearing high black heels.
I finally manage to articulate my sentiment. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
“I don’t bail on a friend, even if I never want to see him again.”
“You look amazing.”
“Rich.”
Marilyn’s eyes open wide, and her expression hardens. I turn to see Kyla standing behind me, holding my backpack. “You forgot this…” She stares at Marilyn.
“Forget it,” Marilyn says with a shake of her head. “I’m an idiot.”
I reach for Marilyn’s hand, not allowing her to bolt. “Stop. She’s not?—”
“I suppose this is Max?”
Kyla’s smile grows. “I’m Max’s sister.” She looks at me and back to Marilyn. “Are you the woman Rich upset?”
“It’s hard to know if I’m the only,” Marilyn responds. “He could have a long list.”
Regaining my ability to speak, I begin introductions. “Marilyn, this is Kyla. As she said, she’s Max’s sister. Kyla, this is Marilyn, the woman I mentioned.”
“He more than mentioned you,” Kyla says. “I’m glad you changed your mind.” She tilts her head toward me. “This guy has it bad for you.”
“We’re just friends,” Marilyn says dismissively, before adding, “It’s nice to meet you, Kyla.”
“You two play nice at the dinner,” Kyla says, nudging me forward and closing the door behind me.
I meet Marilyn’s gaze. “I don’t know what to say. I thought I’d blown everything.”
