Page 84 of In The Dark
Or take hers, if that’s what she wants.
“Mom would’ve liked you because you can put me in my place,” I say, and Max grins at me over her shoulder. “She loved headstrong women. Women who could do things by themselves, but had no problem asking for help if they needed it. That fits you to a tee.”
“I bet I’d like her too.” She fixes the flower arrangement and nods her approval at the tulips and sunflowers. “I’m sorry you’re getting secondhand flowers from a shitty douchebag, Katherine. Next time, I’ll bring something I picked out.”
“She would’ve told you he was shitty too.”
We stay there for a while, listening to the leaves rustle above us. Every few minutes I’ll tell a story about Mom and Max will light up, hanging on to my every word. She bursts out laughing when I mention the time Mom caught me streaking after a truth or dare game went wrong. She wipes under her eyes after learning my mom was a teacher too, at a school near hers. She takes my hand when I let Mom know this is my last Fright Nights, a surprising tear escaping me at how much I’m going to miss it.
It's perfect. Exactly how I imagined them meeting would go. Max doesn’t rush me, even giving me a couple minutes alone with Mom. I spend all of that time talking about Leo and Max, a weight lifting off my chest when I kiss the headstone and stand.
“Thank you,” I say. “For coming with me.”
“Thank you so much for inviting me.” Max loops her arm around my waist. “Is there anyone else you want to visit while we’re here?”
“Nope. Mom is the only resident I know. Unless you feel like poking your head around and trying to summon the Grim Reaper?”
“Absolutely not. I don’t want to disturb the spirits. They’re sleeping peacefully, and I don’t need to pull the Grim Reaper from her very busy schedule.”
“Her, huh?” I pluck a leaf from her hair. “She’s a woman?”
“Please. You thinka manis organized enough to handle all the souls in the world? She’s definitely a woman.”
“Whatever you say, angel.” I press a kiss to her forehead. “Ready to head out?”
“If you are. When you come back, can I join you?”
“Of course you can.” We walk to the bike hand and hand. Peace like I’ve never experienced settles over me, and I know it’s because she’s by my side. “Have I told you today how much I like you, baby?”
“No.” She smiles and shields her eyes from the sun, looking up at me. “You should remedy that. Immediately.”
“I like you very much.” I cup her cheeks with my palms, staring into her eyes. “I don’t want there to be any doubt.”
“There never is with you. I like you very much too, Hunter. Some days I think I…” Max blushes. “One day.”
“Me too, angel.” I lift her by her hips and set her on the back of the bike, putting her helmet back on. “Me too.”
TWENTY-NINE
HUNTER
I openmy bedroom door and find Max curled up in my bed. The lamp on the end table is one, and the sheets are tucked under her chin. Her head is buried in the pillows, and she looks so peaceful, I almost don’t want to disturb her.
But I missed her so fucking much. I spent the majority of tonight’s Fright Nights shift in the spot where I met her the first time, and it made me want to speed home to be with her. I smile and crack the door behind me, kicking off my shoes. I peel off my shirt and jeans, leaving me in briefs, and I crawl onto the mattress next to her.
“Hunter?” Max yawns and turns on her side, blinking up at me. She squints and sits up, brushes her hair out of her face. “What time is it?”
“Three. Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“That’s okay.” She yawns again and reaches for her water glass, taking a long sip. “How was work?”
“Long, but tolerable. No one tried to drunkenly punch me tonight, so that’s always a plus.”
“Mm. I missed you.” She peels back the sheets so I can crawl under them with her and throws a calf over my leg. “It’s been lonely here without you.”
“Has it?” I run my hand down her bare thigh, glad to find her naked. “What did you do while I was gone, angel?”
“Graded some worksheets. Stole your leftovers for dinner. Touched myself to the thought of you.” Max lifts her arms above her head and gives me a coy smile. “I might’ve come in your bed twice.”
