Page 9 of Property of Max
The man doesn’t answer right away. His silence stretches a few long seconds before he gives a short nod. “I’m nice to people who deserve it,” he says finally.
“What about the people who don’t?” Bree presses, tilting her head. I silently pray that, just this once, my daughter will run out of questions.
He studies her for a moment, then answers, steady and sure. “If someone’s mean to you, then they don’t deserve your kindness in return. But that doesn’t mean you have to be mean back, either. Sometimes showing kindness to people who don’t deserve it is how they learn better.”
“So…” Bree hesitates, chewing her lip. “I should be nice to people who are mean to me?”
Every muscle in my body tenses.Wait. Something’s up.
“Is someone being mean to you?” I ask, crossing quickly to her side.
“No,” she says, then sighs. “Well… yes. But I was mean to her first. So I don’t deserve her kindness anymore.”
Micah’s lips are wet again. His breathing shallow. I grab the suction, sliding the tube into place with practiced care until the sound quiets and his breathing evens. All the while, I keep my eyes on Bree.
“Explain,” I prompt gently, because I know my daughter. There’s always more to the story.
She twists her fingers together. “Susan told her sister she was stupid for liking a boy. It hurt Kathy’s feelings, so I told Susan she was being mean and needed to apologize. When she didn’t, I told her I didn’t want to be her friend anymore. Now I’m friends with Kathy instead, and Susan says I broke the best-friend code. She says that means she has the right to make fun of me.”
My heart squeezes at the confusion in her voice, the way she looks at me like she’s not sure whether she’s the hero or the villain in her own story.
“It sounds to me like Susan is the one in the wrong here,” I tell Bree gently. “She was being a bully to her sister, and you stepped in to try and stop it. Now she’s mad because she didn’t expect anyone to stand up to her. But she haszeroright to make fun of you about anything. Do you want me to talk to your teacher?”
“I got it, Mama,” she sighs, throwing her little hands up dramatically. “I’m just going to do what my new friend said and treat her with kindness so she might learn a lesson.”
My chest tightens as I glance back at the stranger who’s looking down at us with surprisingly soft eyes.
“What’s going on, Max?” a deep voice booms behind him.
I blink as another man steps forward. Big doesn’t even begin to cover it. He’s massive, the kind of presence that turns heads without trying. He pulls Max into a hard, brotherly hug that rattles the air between them.
“Need help lifting this chair,” Max says simply, jerking his chin toward Micah’s wheelchair. “Up for the task?”
“Depends,” the big man answers, a playful grin tugging at his mouth. “You finally gonna admit I’m stronger than you, or do I have to embarrass you again?”
Max snorts, the corner of his lip twitching into something almost like a smile. “In your dreams, Tank.”
“You’re very big,” Bree blurts out, her wide eyes fixed on Tank.
Heat rushes to my cheeks. “Bree! You can’t just say that to someone.”
“It’s alright,” the giant rumbles, amusement softening his tone.Tank,I think that’s what Max called him. “And yes, I am. And you, little one, are very cute.”
“I know,” Bree replies confidently, chin tipped up like she just won the argument.
I glance at Micah, catching the unmistakable glint of mischief in his eyes. He doesn’t need his device to answer. I know exactly what he’s thinking.
“You’re totally on your niece’s side, aren’t you?” I glare, pointing a finger at him. “You two are always ganging up on me. Not cool, guys. Not cool at all.”
His eyes brighten, and I swear if he could laugh out loud, he would. Bree giggles beside him, already reveling in their silent alliance.
Traitors. The both of them.
“Where are we taking this beast?” Tank asks, his deep voice rumbling.
I point toward the van. “There’s a spot where the wheels can be locked into place. I really appreciate this, guys.”
They nod in unison, each taking a side of the chair. With surprising ease, they lift it as though it isn’t nearly as heavy as I know it is.
