Page 43 of Second to None
Holding the puppy up in front of his face, Max said, “He looks like a Rocco to me.” The puppy licked his nose, and Max laughed and lowered the dog to his lap. “Does that mean he agrees?”
“Can I open my presents now?” Izzy bounced up and down on her knees.
Max was engrossed in the puppy, but he looked up. “By all means. I might have a vested interest in them.”
“What does that mean?” Izzy asked as she jumped to her feet and headed for the largest of the boxes Max had placed under the tree.
“That he will get something he wants because he gave you the gift,” Emily explained.
“That’s dope.” Izzy was ripping the paper off at high speed. She tore off one large piece and gasped. “It’s a sewing machine for kids! I can make my own clothes. This is the best giftever!” A guilt-stricken look crossed her face. “I mean, except for my new cell phone. That’s the best gift ever, too.”
Emily laughed. “It’s okay, sweetie. You asked for the cell phone. This was a surprise.”
Izzy launched herself off the floor and over to Max, winding her arms around his neck from the side so she didn’t squash Rocco. “Thank yousomuch. Once I practice, I’m going to make you the most rad chemist outfit ever.”
Max freed one hand to touch Izzy’s cheek while pure happiness glowed on his face. “I’m counting on it. Now open the other big box.”
Izzy charged back to the tree and shredded the beautiful paper from the next box, lifting off the lid to spill bolts of brightly colored fabric across the rug. Her eyes and mouth went round with excitement as she riffled through the treasures. “This is poppin’.”
“Izzy!” Emily had reached her limit on the slang.
Her daughter just giggled as she held up a piece of cloth with blue-and-yellow swirls.
“One more,” Max said. “Then it’s your mom’s turn.”
Emily was about to protest that Max had already given her a present until she remembered that it wasn’t something Izzy should know about. In the privacy of her bedroom, he’d presented her with a silver box tied up with a huge taffeta bow. Inside were at least two dozen pairs of thigh-high stockings, which had made her laugh. Under those was a selection of filmy silk and lace lingerie, all exquisitely beautiful and highly improper.
“The Chemistry of Baking,” Izzy said, reading the title of the thick book she’d unwrapped. She flipped it open. “It’s a cookbook! For pies! And other stuff.” She turned to Max. “I thought it was going to be all sciencey, but this is do—great.”
He laughed. “I couldn’t help myself when I saw the title.”
“’Cause you’re a chemist. I get it,” Izzy said.
Max met Emily’s gaze. “I’d present you with your gift, but I have an impediment.” Rocco was sprawled over Max’s lap like a rag doll, sound asleep.
“I’ll get it,” Izzy said, snatching up the flat package and bringing it to where Emily sat.
Emily looked at Max, who gave her a smile that held a nervous tightness. She untied the burgundy silk bow and peeled away the velvet-flocked paper. Flipping open the top, she folded back a layer of gold tissue paper.
It was a photograph of Max standing in front of a sleek white private jet and holding a hand-lettered sign in one hand while gesturing to the jet with the other.
“What does the sign say?” Izzy asked, leaning over her mother’s shoulder.
Emily lifted out the photo to read it. “‘Wherever you and Izzy want to go. (Except Chicago.)’”
“Why can’t we go to Chicago?” Izzy asked.
“Because I’ve developed a strong dislike of the city,” Max said, his tone dry. However, his eyes were locked on Emily.
She hugged the photo to her chest, beaming at him. “Thisis the best gift ever. Adventures together.” She held the picture out to examine it again. “And you look really handsome in front of a jet.”
“I’m very glad that you like the gift, because the jet is all fueled up and ready to leave.” He gently shook Rocco awake. The puppy yawned widely and jumped off Max’s lap.
“Now?” Emily stared at him. “But Windy ... and Rocco. And the center.”
Max held up his phone. “The house sitter–slash–dog sitter is awaiting my call. And your second in command at the center has already met and approved two temporary helpers to take up the slack in your absence.”
“You mean we’re going somewhere right this second?” Izzy asked. “Like rightnow?”
