Page 17 of Maximum
CHAPTER5
Reception
Fleur
I would have never resorted to something as petty as pretending to have a new man in my life if it weren’t for Pierre’s headstrong personality. He was controlling, manipulative, and shameless when it came to getting what he wanted.
I’d been sixteen when we began dating. Pierre had been twenty-five at the time and the first man to show an interest in me. At first my parents had been strongly against our relationship because of the age gap between us, but with my unorthodox upbringing it was clear that I didn’t connect well with people my own age.
Two years later, shortly after my eighteenth birthday, we married. Thinking back, it seemed like another lifetime. Like a life lived by a different woman. I’d been weaker, naïve, and often unable to stand up for myself and my dreams.
I’d left Pierre’s email from a few weeks ago unanswered. Not to be rude, but I’d learned the hard way that when I did answer his messages our correspondence turned into him pleading for a second chance.
Hopefully, seeing me with Maximum would make Pierre accept once and for all that I wasn’t coming back to him.
The bar my parents had picked was trendy, with a pink color on the façade and mint green walls.
“Oh, there you are.” My mother got up from the table and stretched her arms out to hug me.
“Hey, mom.” I hugged her tight and whispered, “Is Pierre still coming?”
Releasing me from her hug, she stroked my cheek and looked lovingly into my eyes. “It’s so good to see you.”
“Can I get a hug?” My father was wearing one of his many National Geographic t-shirts and a pair of black cargo pants with pockets on the sides as he squeezed me in a tight hug.
I was eyeing my mother, who had moved on to Maximum with a curious smile. It annoyed me that she hadn’t answered my question.
“Fleur told us she was bringing a friend. We’ve been curious to meet you.”
“I’m pleased to meet you too.” Maximum had such an aura of elegance around him as he gave my mother a charming smile and spoke in his British accent. From the way her eyes expanded, and she gave me a hopeful glance, I almost wished that Maximum really was mine, but no, the idea of getting involved again was too daunting.
“Maximum, this is my dad, Tom, and my mom, Justine.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” my dad said and shook Maximum’s hand. “We thought it was better to meet here instead of you two coming straight to the reception. This should give us a chance to catch up a little bit. What do you want to drink?” My parents sat back down and gestured for us to take a seat.
“What are you drinking?” Maximum asked my father with a glance at his large glass of beer.
“This is a Black Jack. The waiter said it was from a local brewery so I’m trying it out.”
“Any good?”
“Yes, it’s excellent.”
“Then I’ll have one of those.”
My father waved a waiter over and ordered a beer for Maximum while I ordered a strawberry daiquiri.
“So, tell us, what’s the story about you two? Are you just friends or is something more going on between you?” It was typical of my father to be so blunt.
My plan of getting confirmation that Pierre was coming before rolling out the fake story of Maximum and me being in a relationship wouldn’t work now.
Maximum took my hand on the table and gave me the most loving smile as he waited for me to speak.
“We’ve been together for a few months now.” Afraid of my parents seeing the lie in my eyes, I smiled back at Maximum.
“Oh, that’s wonderful. Why didn’t you tell us?” My mom was beaming with happiness.
“I thought it would be more fun to bring Maximum and share the good news with you.”
