Page 32 of Out Of Time

It was working, because Max found everything about her to be interesting, nail polish included.

Remi made her way into his living room with ease and familiarity.

“I see you're a big lights kinda guy,” she said, hinting at every light in the house being on. “I guess hockey players don't sweat the electric bill,” she teased.

“They’re on dimmers if it's too bright,” he offered, and Remi didn't miss a beat. She lowered the lights in the living room and without fail, his vision strained against the sudden loss of light.

Making her way to the couch, she stood there a little awkwardly, waiting for him to join her; only he needed a minute. Just a minute and things would refocus, and he could make his way next to her without stumbling over his own feet.

“Do you want something to drink?” he offered, trying to make it less noticeable that he wasn't moving from where he was standing.

“I’m good,” she said, and to his relief, his eyes adjusted, not fully, but enough to get him from point A to point B without tripping.

Remi sat down on the massive couch, her tiny body engulfed by its depth, and Max realized they would both fit, lying side by side, if they happened to fall asleep together one day.

He sat next to her, nervously wiping his sweaty palms on his sweatpants.

“So, do you want to tell me why you’re home early from the road trip or are we going to ignore that part?”

“Am I out of passes?” he asked.

Remi turned her body to face him, tucking her bare legs under her.

“I’ll give you a pass tonight,” she said empathetically.

“Are you sure?”

She reached out and steadied his leg that was bouncing anxiously.

“I’m sure, but you have to promise me that tomorrow you’ll tell me what's going on. I don’t want to pry, but Idowant to be someone you can talk to. I want to be that person for you because you need me, but I also want to be that person for you, becauseIneed you.”

“Why? Why trouble yourself with my bullshit?”

“Because if I don’t know what you're going through, I won't know how to care for you.”

“What if I don’t want you to treat me like there's something wrong with me? I couldn't handle your pity.”

“I don't pity you, Max, I care about you. Those are two totally different things.”

“For tonight, can we just pretend that me being home has nothing to do with hockey? Can we pretend it's just a random night, and I’m fine, and you're here because you want to be here…” He paused and then added, “And can we pretend that I’m a brave enough man to kiss you?”

“Why would we have to pretend any of those things when all of them are really happening right now.”

“Except the part about me kissing you.”

“Maybe we just haven't gotten to that part yet.”

“I’m working on it,” he said with a playful smile.

Remi laughed. “I can wait. I’m patient if nothing else,” she said, taking his hand in hers as she pulled him to his feet. “I have an idea.”

“Donuts?” he asked.

“No, better.”

“Cat ears?” he teased.

She tugged on his hand. “A tour.”

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