Page 18 of Out Of Time

“But hey,” he said, offering a comforting smile, “I’m sorry I even said anything, I didn’t mean to kill the mood. I guess I just needed to get it off my chest. I can’t be honest about this stuff with my team.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m happy you told me. When you’re ready, I’d like to know more about it, whateveritis.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, Max. I worry about you,” she said, giving his hand a comforting squeeze.

“Don’t worry about me. It’s nothing, really. I think I just needed to say it out loud, ya know? Admit to someone that something might be wrong, something bad enough to land me on the bench.”

“Well, I’m happy you told me. Maybe saying it out loud was the push you needed to make the appointment to get some answers, set your mind at ease, and get you in front of the net more consistently,” she said, kicking the toe of his shoe with hers.

A partygoer pushed by, bumping into Remi, causing her body to stumble closer to his. Her hands landed on his chest, keeping them from gettingtoo close. They both played it safe and laughed it off before she took a step back, giving him his space. Only, he didn't want his space. He liked having her close.

The sky lit up around them as lightning struck in the distance. Everyone on the patio cheered and looked up towards the sky. Everyone except Max and Remi. He couldn't take his eyes off her, and she seemed to be on the same page because she didn't look away from him either.

“Are you scared?” she asked, another drunk partygoer pushing her towards him again, only this time she didn't move back. She stayed. A little too close, yet not close enough.

“Of lightning?” he asked, looking up at the storm rolling in.

“Of what a doctor might say. Jesus, Max, focus.” She laughed.

Thunder rolled, chasing the crash of the lightning.

“I think I’m more afraid ofnotknowing what’s wrong with me at this point,” Max said.

He didn't see it happen, but Remi’s hand found his. Their bodies pressed closer as the patio began to fill with people hoping to see more of the storm. Max thought he might kiss her, and when he looked into her eyes, he thoughtshemight kisshim.

“Do you want to get out of here?” Remi offered calmly, as the partygoers around them rambunctiously pushed and shoved to get down to the water, which Max found to be stupid and unsafe, considering the lightning.

“Only if you do.”

“I think it might rain on the walk back,” she said looking up at the thick grey clouds above them.

“Well, it’s a good thing you're a jellyfish then.”

***

Remi popped open her jellyfish umbrella and hung it over her shoulder as she and Max walked up the beach trail that led back to her house. Max still had his cat ears on, and she wondered if he had forgotten, or if he was just invested at this point.

She looked around before taking a sip of the vodka she had brought along, scrunching up her nose as the aftertaste hit her.“You want?” she asked, holding it out to Max. “I don’t usually drink like this, but something about this storm is making me feel reckless.”

Max took the bottle and drank as well, something about Remi was makinghimfeel reckless. She watched as he braved the taste of it, hardly making a face.

“Am I a bad influence?” she asked.

“No,” he said shyly.

“How are you feeling?” She giggled.

“Buzzed. You?” His cheeks grew more flushed with each shot of vodka.

“Buzzed,” she said, bumping her shoulder into him causing them both to stumble.

“Do you want to know something I’ve never told anyone?” he offered, and yes, fuck yes, she wanted to know all the secret things about Max Miller, the enigma.

“All the things, Max. I want to know them all,” she said, looking up at him eagerly.

He smiled, one of his rare smiles, and then looked away. “I’ve never been trick-or-treating,” he said.

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