Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 29029 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 145(@200wpm)___ 116(@250wpm)___ 97(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29029 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 145(@200wpm)___ 116(@250wpm)___ 97(@300wpm)
“Sometimes love pops up in unlikely places.”
“How would I even know?”
“Tell me. Tell me what you’re feeling.”
“Like I trust him. Like he’s my safe place. Like he would do anything for me and I would do anything for him.”
“Are you attracted to him?”
“Physically? Absolutely. He’s gorgeous.”
“What about emotionally?”
“He’s my best friend, Doctor. I… I need him. I can’t lose that.”
“I think I see what you’re saying.” Dr. Michaels smiles. “Most people know when love hits them, but you’re not most people because of your history. What you’re describing is textbook romantic love.”
My pulse continues to rise and a stab of fear hits me. “What if it didn’t work out with between us? And I lost my best friend? I need him now more than ever.”
“Life is nothing without risks, Jenna. Are you ready for a relationship? I don’t know. But who better to be in a relationship with than someone you already trust implicitly?”
I bite my lip, make two fists. “He doesn’t feel that way about me.”
Dr. Michaels raises her eyebrows. “Are you sure about that?”
“Of course I am. We’re best friends.”
But I let my mind wander to some of things Max said to me that evening.
You’re beautiful. You were always beautiful to me.
I’ve wanted you for so long.
Keep your eyes open. Please. Look at me. Look at me as I make— Fuck you.
He was going to say make love. He was…
“But I’m a mess,” I continue. “I’m taking my own feelings with a grain of salt.”
“Don’t do that.” She holds up a hand. “Don’t negate your own feelings just because of what you’ve been through. All feelings are valid, Jenna.”
“But I ran. Away from him. I haven’t answered his phone calls. I’ve blown it.”
“If he’s the friend you say he is, I doubt that you’ve blown it.”
“Maybe not. But how can I expect him to take me on, with all my baggage? That’s more than anyone can ask of another person, especially a best friend.”
“It’s a lot,” she says, “but who better to ask than a best friend?”
I smile then. And warmth powers through me.
I do love Max.
My God, perhaps I always have.
Dr. Michaels checks her watch. “Our time is up for today, Jenna. But I suggest you talk to Max. You don’t have to profess your love to him yet, but tell him what he means to you.”
“I will, Doctor. Thank you.”
17
MAX
“How do you feel about Chicago?” The Jack Bolus, the vice president of marketing, asks me Monday morning.
“I like Chicago hot dogs. Deep dish pizza.”
“So you won’t go hungry.” Jack grins. “We have an opening in our Chicago branch. For marketing director. You interested?”
“You want me to relocate?”
Jack nods. “You’re my first choice, Max. I wasn’t going to ask you, but since you’ve recently broken off your engagement, I thought there might be a chance you’d take it.”
Leave Columbus? I’ve lived here my whole life. I went to school here, started my career here.
“Well…” I scratch my head.
“Does that mean you’re thinking about it?”
“Yeah. I’m thinking about it.”
“Think quickly. I need someone to start next week.”
“Next week? I have to find a place. Get my stuff packed.”
“The company will help with all that. We’ll handle all the expenses for your move, even help with the first few months’ rent in a new place. I’ll have our realtors on it as soon as you give me the go-ahead.”
A move. To a new place. New people.
But Jenna.
Jenna needs me.
Although she’s refused to see me for the last week.
Perhaps I do need to leave.
Perhaps I need to break away from Jenna. She obviously doesn’t feel the same way I do, and she may never be able to after what she’s been through.
If she needs me, I’ll only be a phone call away.
A new start. Without Mimi. Without Jenna.
“Jack? I’ll take it.”
Jack stands, grabs my hand in a firm shake. “Max, that’s the best news I’ve heard all day. The company will take care of everything. All you need to do is show up Monday morning at the Chicago branch.”
“Can I ask about money?”
“How about double what you’re currently making?”
He had me at double, but I keep a straight face. “And?”
“Six weeks paid vacation a year, 401(k) plus profit sharing. Pension plan. Health insurance. Expense account. Two assistants. You name it.”
Damn. “Thank you. I appreciate your confidence in me.”
“You had my confidence after the first week I worked with you, Max. You’re the best. Thanks for this. We’ll take care of everything.”
“Thank you, Jack.”
After a quick call to my parents to let them know the situation, I leave my office as the packers arrive. Man, this firm is quicker than Mimi.
I basically have a week off, which is awesome. I do need to tell Jenna, so I head to her house, hoping she’ll see me.
I smile. Susanna has finally changed to a holiday wreath. Evergreen branches dressed with a red and silver ribbon. I knock.