by Mariah Dietz
“Did they have anything good?” I ask.
He grins and follows me to peruse the remaining food.
“Avoid those,” he says, pointing to a tray of brownies. “They’re black bean brownies. Those two should never be paired. I now know this to be a fact.” I watch the slight grimace on his face and laugh, turning back to the food.
“You know, you don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to.”
I look up in confusion, not sure what he’s referring to.
“Jenny and Kendall,” he offers. “Your relationship with Eric is your business. If you like him, and he’s treating you well, it’s up to you whether you remain dating. Not your sisters.” His attention is focused on me, his eyes prodding mine.
I nod my head a couple of times, dropping his gaze as I grab a taco chip and dunk it in salsa. My dad and I discuss all sorts of things, but guys aren’t usually on the list.
“Eric’s never been my favorite person, but it’s not because I think he’s a bad guy. I just think you deserve someone that appreciates you. Someone that makes you laugh and feel loved. I don’t really get that impression from him, but it’s your life, and it’s your decision.” The fact my dad is discussing this after my conversation with Jess is not only ironic, but confirms that others are seeing my thoughts waver.
I let out a deep breath and wrap my arms around his waist, burying my face into his chest.
He kisses the top of my head and wraps his arms around me. “Suivez votre cœur,” he says quietly.
“Wise words.” I turn to see Jenny making her way into the kitchen. “You should always follow your heart.”
“Here’s some more wise words, avoid those,” Dad says as Jenny lifts a brownie to her mouth. She takes a bite, obviously thinking he’s teasing. Her face crumples in disgust as she spits the bite into the sink making us burst into a fit of laughter.
My dad begins humming Let it Be, a traditional ending for anytime he offers advice. I’m not even sure he recognizes that he does it any more.
“I’m going to go take Zeus for a run,” I say with a smile, turning toward the stairs. I quickly change into an old track shirt and shorts and call for Zeus as I jog back down to the front door. I need to feel my muscles expel some of the emotions and thoughts that clog my mind.
We set off at a nice easy pace. The air is still warm, even with the sun having mostly set as we head to the elementary school track that we run on each morning.
I freeze at the sight of Max running shirtless just a few yards in front of us. My mind races, wondering if there’s time to head back. There’s a possibility that if I hadn’t brought Zeus, he wouldn’t realize it’s me; I’m fairly nondescript, but Zeus is a dead giveaway.
Just as I make up my mind to pretend this is just part of my route and turn to go through the neighborhoods, Max looks up, and even from here I can feel his stare. He cuts across the track, heading directly for us. So much for distance.
“Hey, are you okay?” My forehead creases as my eyebrows rise, looking to Max in question. “Your dad came by to see if everything was okay and asked if your car had broken down again. I told him it shouldn’t have.”
“No, I actually went to visit Jess. Time just got away from me. Sorry to get you involved again.” My fingers absently roll the hem of my T-shirt as I look over to see Marshall run by with a wave. He never suspected it was Kendall and me that TP’d his house thankfully.
I nod at him before turning to look down at Zeus as he releases a small whine, his tail thumping on the grass. He won’t leave my side without permission, but generally Zeus doesn’t whine for attention from others. I wonder if it’s possible for him to sense my draw to be near Max.
“Hey, buddy.” Max squats in front of him and places his hands on either side of Zeus’s big head.
Of course Max would be great with Zeus, because of course Eric isn’t. It’s not that he actually dislikes Zeus per se, he’s terrified of him, and therefore he simply avoids him at all cost.
“You’re one big dude,” Max comments, affectionately ruffling his fur. Zeus lives for attention and praise and happily accepts Max’s, pushing his head closer to him.
I’m contemplating my options of what to do next as Max stands up and all of my coherent thoughts slip away as I come face to face with shirtless Max. Holy mother of muscles.
My mind wraps another thread of confusion around my tangle of thoughts and emotions, and I take a step back, turning my focus to Zeus.
“I’m glad I ran into you.”
My eyes travel up to his face, not certain how to decipher his words. His tone is warmer than I’d received all afternoon. His face doesn’t clarify anything for me as he peers at me with a look of hesitation.
He takes a deep breath and looks down at Zeus, then returns his eyes to mine. “I want to apologize for what I said about Nathan. He’s a dick, and I shouldn’t have said what I did.”
“You already said you were sorry. And I wasn’t exactly polite in return. Really, it’s no big deal.”
“Because we don’t really know each other,” He nods as he says the familiar words. “I know, but that was a sorry excuse for an apology. You should have kicked my ass.” I watch the edges of his lips climb into the slightest smile and feel my own curve in response, shaking my head.
“Do you forgive me for being a douchebag?”
“You’re forgiven.” His smile spreads across his face, and I feel the slightest pang in my chest.
Max sticks out his hand and I stare at it a moment before glancing up at his face. “Nice to meet you, Ace, my name’s Max. I’ve been your neighbor for the past ten years and thought maybe we could be friends.”
I can’t help but let out a laugh that sounds too high from my nerves about the idea of being Max’s friend. I doubt I’ll ever be able to look at him as a friend.
“What you don’t want to be my friend?” he asks, cocking his left eyebrow up and looking at me questionably. I realize this trademark look is definitely the single most beautiful expression I’ve ever seen.
I try to remember to breathe and act unfazed by Max’s proximity as I allow his large hand to swallow mine in a handshake. His is rough with calluses, reminding me slightly of Jameson’s, but I also notice the heat and strength behind his grip as he gently squeezes my hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Max,” I joke, smiling as we shake for too long before he loosens his grip and my hand is released to fall back to my side. The night air suddenly seems cold and completely unfamiliar against my skin.
The next morning I wake to find Max shirtless in his driveway washing his motorcycle and Jeep and feel the desperate need to get out of the house. I head out with a few friends from school to see a movie and spend the afternoon trying to divert my ever growing thoughts of Max. I learn nothing works as a distraction.
The moment I pull into the driveway my blood turns to ice and my muscles tense at the sight of Jenny rushing to my car. Her face is stark white and tears stream from her eyes as she wrings her hands in front of her.
“I can’t find her. I can’t find Lilly,” she cries, covering her mouth with both of her trembling hands as a loud shriek escapes her. Her eyes, bright with fear and torture, close as her entire body curls into itself with her cry.
“What do you mean?” I ask, shaking my head as goose bumps prickle my skin in the eighty degree heat. Each cell of my body is being invaded by fear, leading my heart to hammer so fast and hard it feels like it’s preparing to break free.
“She disappeared.” Jenny’s hands frantically wave in the air as she explains how she was fighting with her boyfriend, Paul, on the phone, and then realized when she hung up Lilly was missing.
“It’s okay, we’ll find her. Where did you see her last?” My mind races as I work to remain focused and calm.
“She was in the kitchen with Zeus.” I nod and run past her. As soon as I enter the house I begin calling for Zeus, whistling, and repeating his name to no avail. I race b
ack outside with my tennis shoes in hand and find Kendall and Jameson in the driveway, listening to Jenny’s panicked recount of events.
I slide my shoes on and feel Kendall’s eyes on me. I know her expression before I turn to see the horrified look upon her face.
“Zeus is with her,” I interject before another question can be asked. “Kendall, stay here with Jenny. Call Caulder, then dad. Jameson, can you knock on the neighbors doors? See if anyone has seen Lilly or Zeus, everyone knows them.” I hardly register Jameson nodding as I take off running.
“Where are you going?” Jameson yells after me.
“The park!” I yell over my shoulder as I race down the street, not feeling the exertion from my muscles working without the slightest effort or thought. Panic fills my chest as fears of child abductions and horrifying stories from the news and movies begin playing through my mind, fueling my muscles to push harder as I run in a dead sprint.
Before reaching the intersection that bridges our neighborhood to the park, I see several cars stopped, and hear horns blaring. Fear burrows further inside of me as I dig deeper, feeling the sharp burn in my lungs from the force I expel. As I hear another car horn blare into the evening air, I spot Lilly standing in the middle of the four lane road. Her long blond curls are wrapped around shoulders bowed over Zeus, lying on the ground in front of her in a big black heap.
My chest constricts and my vision blurs with tears as I extend my hand to stop a car that comes dangerously close. I snatch Lilly into my arms, pressing her small frame against me in a tight hug as she sobs into my shoulder, and incoherently shrieks about Zeus. I nod absently, feeling relieved that she’s alright and turn my attention to Zeus who has yet to move, and feel the torrent of tears spilling from my eyes.
I face the oncoming traffic as a woman in a minivan stops in front of us and stretches her neck out her open window looking at us with concern.
“Do you guys need some help?” she asks.
I nod, trying to gather my breath so I can speak. “Can you just stay parked here? Turn your hazard lights on. I need to move him.”
“Is he alive?” Her words echo, rattling around in my brain. The same thought has already crossed my mind, and I’ve been terrified to allow it to sink in.
Still holding Lilly in my arms, I fall to my knees between the van and Zeus as my eyes graze over him. I know that he sacrificed himself for Lilly, and though I’m grateful, it doesn’t dull the pain.
I tentatively reach out and rest my hand on Zeus’s stomach and feel him take a small, labored breath. The surge of relief causes a new wave of tears. “It’s okay, boy, I’ve got you. I’m here,” I promise.
Zeus whines as he tries to lift his head, but his body protests, and he drops it back to the ground.
Kendall answers after the first ring, her voice anxious. “I found them,” I say through tears. “Lilly’s safe, I’ve got her, but Zeus…” my voice hitches as I close my eyes, feeling the hot tears coursing down my cheeks “…he’s hurt.” I try to steady my voice, “He’s hurt really bad.” My voice breaks again as my chest heaves, and I grip Lilly tighter.
“Where are you? Can he walk?”
“No.” I cry again. “We’re at the intersection by the park,” I explain as I choke back a sob and blink repeatedly to try and see through my tears as I hear Kendall relay our whereabouts. I try to speak through the commotion on her end, “I can’t lift him.” I sniff, wiping my nose with the back of my hand.
“We’re on our way.”
I hang up as the woman from the minivan approaches where I’m still kneeling. “What happened?” Her voice is calm and inquisitive.
I know she’s trying to help, and yet my mind is so consumed with fear for Zeus, and recovering from finding Lilly, that I want to scream in response to her simple inquiry. To prevent myself from losing it, I clench my jaw and focus my eyes on Zeus as I softly stroke a small trail on his chest that doesn’t seem to cause him any pain.
It only takes a moment for police sirens to pierce the air, followed by Caulder’s authoritative tone instructing someone to stop traffic until we’re out of the road. It’s another moment more before Jenny runs over to us and takes Lilly, holding her at arm’s length. Her eyes scrutinize every inch of her before clutching her tightly, both of them crying.
I move so I’m kneeling beside Zeus’s head and softly continue to stroke his thick fur, dipping my head so I’m only a few inches from him as I speak reassuring words.
“Hey, boy.” I hear Max’s voice. His leg brushes against mine as he squats next to me. “We’re going to take you to the hospital and get you checked out, alright?” I watch Max’s hands reach forward and gently touch Zeus.
“Ace, why don’t you hold his head, just keep talking to him. Caulder and I can get him in the truck, okay?”
I sniff and nod my head. I’m terrified of them moving him, even though I know he needs to see a vet. I slowly stand up, wiping my damp cheeks with the back of my hand as Caulder and Max plan how to maneuver Zeus and support him as best as possible. I continue to stand by his head as he whines without even moving.
“Alright, one, two, three,” Max counts aloud and both he and Caulder slide their hands under Zeus. As Caulder begins to lift Zeus’s back he releases a heart wrenching whimper, and I take a deep breath so my own anxiety doesn’t heighten his stress.
“It’s alright, Zeus. You’re okay, buddy. We have a really short way to go,” Max says as they continue moving to where my mom’s SUV is parked with the back open awaiting Zeus. The two work swiftly and so gently I want to hug them both in appreciation. But knowing we need to go, I climb in next to Zeus, folding myself in a tight ball beside his head where I can continue to soothe him.
“Ace, you can’t—” Caulder starts to protest. I glance at him, tears still spilling from my eyes. He stops and reaches forward, dusting some loose gravel from my leg. “I’ll escort you guys there.” He turns to Max. “Don’t slam on the brakes or take turns too sharp with her back here.”
When we arrive at the clinic they’re already waiting for us, Kendall or maybe Caulder must have called. The vet comes out to assess the situation and the best way to get Zeus inside. He, Caulder, and Max all work together to get him inside with as much support as possible before shutting us out so they can ascertain what all is wrong.
Caulder and Max go back outside as I wander the small, empty lobby. They’re getting ready to close for the evening, and the vacancy is both welcoming and unnerving. I collapse on a padded bench and cover my face with both hands and cry.
It feels like both seconds and hours have passed when an arm wraps around my shoulders and I’m pulled against a chest that I instantly know just by the warmth and newly familiar scent. Max gently runs his hand over my back, so soft that at times I have to focus to make sure he’s still touching me. The action is insurmountably comforting.
Normally I’d be mortified to cry in front of someone, especially when that someone is Max. Crying is right up there with throwing up—you really can’t do it in any way that’s attractive. I’m certain my cheeks are blotchy and tear stained, and there are streaks of mascara and eyeliner on my face, and yet even knowing that I look awful, I can’t stop.
The door chimes and a sea of voices alerts us my family has arrived. We sit huddled together, not discussing the fact that Lilly had run away, or that Zeus was hit by a car. Kendall and Kyle work to distract us by chiding one another and discussing surface topics to ensure the mood is kept light until the vet comes out to inform us Zeus had to undergo surgery for some internal bleeding where they repaired his hind quarters. He has two broken legs and won’t be able to walk for at least four weeks. He’ll stay a couple of days for observation and will possibly need an additional surgery.
As we stand to leave, I feel Max’s hand leave me for the first time since he came to comfort me, and I turn and wrap both of my arms around his chest, crushing my body against him. “Thank you.”
His arms encircle me and
gently squeeze as the rest of my family deals well-deserved accolades to Max for his help.
I hadn’t been intending to get up and run this morning, but as I lie in bed my thoughts wander from Max for the first time in weeks and I think about Zeus. The worrying makes me restless. I head downstairs where I find another note from my dad telling me that he again was called in early. Summers have a tendency for this to occur due to other doctors being away on vacation.
I slide my shoes on and make my way outside, stretching an arm across my chest as I close my eyes and listen to the new playlist Kendall loaded to my iPod.
My attention breaks from the music as a hand brushes my arm and causes me to nearly jump out of my skin. I turn and see Max’s blue eyes alight and a small smirk across his full lips. My eyes travel on their own accord to see he’s wearing a pair of dark, navy blue mesh shorts and tennis shoes … that’s it. He’s shirtless. Again. And his sculpted bare chest shakes a bit as he laughs, making his muscles ripple. I have the familiar urge to reach out and touch him before my eyes snap back to his face and realize he’s laughing at my startled reaction. At least I think that’s why he’s laughing. Hopefully he didn’t notice me checking him out. I pull out an ear bud and glare at him.
“Sorry, I was talking to you, but apparently you couldn’t hear,” Max says, pointing a finger to his ear. “What are you listening to?” He smiles at me, and it’s a genuine grin that makes my heart swell a bit and my annoyance to instantly ebb.
“I don’t know. It’s a playlist from Kendall.” I tilt the screen so he can see the name of the band and song that I’m unfamiliar with.
He nods and then turns his attention to me. “So I thought while Zeus heals, you might like some company.”
I look at Max, feeling a myriad of emotions from appreciation to nervousness to bewilderment, and all I can manage to do is nod in response.
Max lets out a small chuckle and begins to stretch beside me. My heart races even faster. It’s not as though I haven’t run with guys before, and since I run every day, I know I’m not going to be panting and stumbling. This is different though. Max is different.
