Page 16 of The Young & the Sinner

Olivia

We tookMax’s car to the restaurant. It wasn’t a long drive, and I liked that everyone was comfortable enough with each other.

I was mostly quiet, which was how I usually got in front of people I didn’t know well. But I was especially quiet because I didn’t know how to act in front of Mason. What would make me seem put-together and mature? And would me acting differently somehow translate into me trying too hard?

I didn’t know, and I didn’t know how often I would see Mason after tonight. It was obvious how close he and Max were, yet there wasn’t any guarantee that he would hang out at Max’s house. Why would he?

And why did I care?

It wasn’t as if there was a chance in hell I could be with Mason. Aside from the fact that he was twenty-eight-year-old—eleven years older than me—he was also my guardian’s brother. Max would have a heart attack if he could read the thoughts I had swirling in my brain right now.

We got out of the car and I walked over to Max. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders briefly, pulling me close to him before letting go. Mason shot us a curious glance but didn’t comment.

I wasn’t an overly affectionate person, physically. I couldn’t even remember the last time I hugged my mom. But Max made it his mission to show me affection no matter what. And I found myself loving the hugs Max gave me. I found comfort in them.

My eyes moved over to Mason on their own accord. He had strong arms. And a large chest. Would they feel comfortable if I rested my head there? How would I react if he hugged me? Kissed me?

I stumbled in my steps and Mason reached out, steadying me before I could fall.

“Thank you,” I stammered, embarrassed about my own clumsiness.

“Of course.”

“Are you alright, Olive?” Max asked.

“Yeah. Sorry. I didn’t see the crack on the asphalt there,” I lied.

“You have to be more careful, sweetheart.”

“I know.”

Thankfully, we made it into the restaurant then, ceasing all conversation. The place was brightly lit and hopping with customers. There were some kids here from school that I recognized but didn’t acknowledge. Like me, they were here with their families.

And then the manager came out and greeted us personally. I thought that was strange but didn’t say anything. I couldn’t remember his name, but he had been the general manager since we first started coming here. I could probably count on one hand how many times I had seen him walking around the restaurant, but he seemed almost eager to shake Max’s hand.

“Welcome, Mr. Kade.” He turned to me, and his greasy smile widened. I moved a little closer to Max, though it didn’t look like the manager noticed. Max placed a hand on the small of my back, offering some comfort. “Miss Williams.”

I didn’t even know he knew my name. Finally, he turned to Mason, and his smile dimmed a little. It was so subtle; I didn’t think anyone noticed. “And Mr. Kade. I am so honored to have you three as guests. Please, if you would follow me back, I have your table set up already.”

Mason took the lead, with me in the middle, and Max following behind. The table the manager showed us to was a big circular table that could probably seat five people, and it was smack-dab in the middle of the restaurant. I frowned. I would have preferred a smaller table tucked somewhere in the corner—somewhere that didn’t make me feel like we were on display.

I caught Max’s eye. He didn’t look so happy about the seating arrangement either. But he didn’t say anything. I followed his lead and took the seat the manager had pulled out for me. “Thank you,” I said politely.

“Of course, my dear.” He placed a large hand on my shoulder, his touch lingering longer than was appropriate.

I tensed. Max’s scowl deepened. “Mr. Norman, please remove your hand or I’ll do it for you.”

Mr. Norman moved back as if I burned him. “I-I apologize. I meant no disrespect.”

Max didn’t say anything, and after offering another stuttered apology, the manager walked out of there as if the hounds of heaven were chasing him.

“Are you okay, kiddo?”

I relaxed a little, now that the man was no longer breathing down my neck. “I’m fine. Thank you.”

The server came to our table quickly, and after taking our drink orders, she beat a hasty retreat, as if she didn’t want to make us wait a minute longer. I frowned after she left. “Do you know why everyone is acting so weird here?”

Max shrugged. “Who knows. Maybe they’re striving for exceptional service?”

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