Page 148 of Invisible String
“Yuppers, to a surgeon. I thought he was bluffing, but he invited him over for dinner.”
“Oh, my gosh, Lana. Your parents have also been a little over the top, but this is crazy.”
They have always been uptight. Don’t get me wrong, they’re sweet people. This is why Lana has always been rebellious.
“I know, like straight to the altar without dating. Dad said he’s mature, hardworking man, and would make our family look good,” she says it sarcastically.
“How is he?”
“Oh, he’s hot as hell, older than me by five years, polite. He has a great job. We have that in common.”
“But?” I say when her eyes drop to her cup.
“I’m not into him. I don’t think. I didn’t feel any chemistry between us at dinner. He was staring at me the whole time. He’s funny and smart and invited me out to dinner to get to know one another before marriage. I accepted since he was sweet at the dinner table. I did it for him, not to please my parents. After the first date, I could tell we have no chemistry.”
“I have so many questions. Is your dad for real? He can’t do that. Is he holding something against you? And if you say he’s hot as hell and you both have a lot in common, then what’s the problem besides the lack of instant chemistry? Are you seeing someone?” I say in a full breath.
God, I’m stressed, and it’s not me they are trying to marry off to.
“He’s holding money over my head. I asked him if he could pay for my tuition if I go back to school to be a surgeon. He said yes. Toby is nice. I like him, but I’m not sure if I want to marryhim. He’s a straight-laced type of guy.” She shrugs. “Who knows, maybe I’ll fall for him. To answer your next question. I’m not seeing anyone, but I can’t stop thinking of the guy I slept with at work. That was instant chemistry. If I was in a room of men blindfolded, I’d know it was him by the way his body felt. Muscle memory. If he slid in me, I’d know it was him by how he felt inside me. He fit perfectly.”
My best friend has never been the type to jump from man to man. She’s trying to find the one. I have a feeling she’ll give in to marry Toby if she doesn’t find this mystery man.
“Lana,” I gasp.
“I know I have it down bad.” Lana groans. “This is why I agreed to go on a date with Toby, to distract myself from a man who doesn’t want me.”
“His loss, but maybe there’s a reason behind it.”
“Maybe. Enough about my drama. Tell me, anything I need to know? Am I an aunt yet?” She laughs.
“No, I’m not pregnant, but what if I tell you I want it all with Max? I want to carry his babies. Marriage.”
Lana’s beautiful smile lights up the place. “I would tell you I’m happy for you. Max has brought that light out in you these past months. You’re living life. Max filled that space in you. He’s mended your shattered heart.”
His love has healed me. Every day, I fall deeper.
“Thank you for being my rock.”
Lana waves a hand at me. “Stop it. That’s what friends are for.”
“On another note, I took Max’s father to rehab, and Max doesn’t know.” I bite my lip. I needed to spill it to someone.
“Ney, no secrets between you two. Things are going good.”
Lana doesn’t know much about Max’s life, it’s not my story to tell. But I did kinda mention to her years back that his dad hit him.
“I showed up at his dad’s house. Met him for the first time. Yelled at him, told him things that pierced his soul. Took a baseball bat with me just in case. He cried. It was heartbreaking. Then I took him to rehab. I didn’t want Max to know until he’s sober. I need to know this man will not relapse.”
Lana covers her hand over mine. “Oh, I see. That’s sweet of you. You’re doing all in good heart. How long will he be there?”
“Three to four months, give or take. He has to go through a lot of therapy. Since I’m the only one he knows. I’m in charge of him.” My hand goes to my chest, soothing the heaviness in my heart. “He hurt Max and took out his grieving pain on his son when he lost his wife,” I tell Lana without saying too much. “He loved her. Loves her. The way he spoke about her, the guilt he had in his eyes. Softens my angry heart. But here’s the thing, should I feel sympathy for him? After all he’s done?”
“Honey, life is full of mistakes. No one in this world is perfect. There are people who do not deserve forgiveness, but that all depends on what they have done. If Max still has contact with his father after what he has done, I’m sure there might be more to the story. I know you respect Max’s privacy. And if he forgives him and sympathizes with him, then why should you hold a grudge? Follow your heart. If Max’s father cleans up and he and Max start a path to a father-son relationship, then it’s best you let go of the anger. I’m sure when Max finds out his father is in rehab, that’s something you two can talk over.”
I nod in agreement. We talk for a few more minutes, then Lana heads to work. I have been holding off from speaking to my father for some time. He’s called me several times, leaving messages to apologize for our last dinner fight. I’m upset he attempted to pay Max off all those years ago. It’s time I confronted him. He needs to know I love Max and I’m not letting Max go. He needs to stop being so judgmental about himself. Myfather needs to get over it. I swing my purse over my shoulder and let my staff know I’ll be right back.
Max
