Page 32 of Waiting for Sunshine

“So, do you always run the bar alone on Christmas?” I ask. He nods as he stacks chairs on top of the tables.

“Ever since I opened.” He answers.

“How come?” my curiosity peaks.

“Well, I wanted there to be someplace open on Christmas for those who didn’t have anywhere to go. Whether they’re homeless, without family, or just hungry and avoiding the family they do have. I like to be open for them” he answers with a warmth to his tone. “If you’re wondering why I do it alone, aside from Jackie of course, that is because everyone else has people to spend Christmas with and I don’t want to take them away from their families by asking them to work.” He finishes stacking chairs and makes his way behind the bar.

“Well, I think that’s really nice of you,” I say with a smile. He nods and continues to work. I walk over and sit in the booth next to Riley. She wags her tail and sets her head in my lap when I go to pet her.

“So a service dog, huh?” I ask, smiling down at her. “I can’t believe I didn’t know that. How did you end up lucky enough to bring her home with you?” I turn my head to face Max, while still petting Riley between the ears.

“They usually let the dogs stay with their handlers, depending on how long they’ve served. I got her the last four of my twelve years in, and after the things we went through together, they knew she wouldn’t go with anyone else. So, when I got out, so did she.” He answers. He never looks over at me though, he just keeps working.

“Did you enjoy your time in the Navy?” I ask. He stops and looks over at me, making me feel a little silly for asking. Heat rises to my cheeks quickly.

“I’m sorry, is that a dumb question? I know it must be a hard thing to do, I just wondered…” he saves me from further embarrassment and cuts me off.

“I know what you meant. Yeah, I mean the shit we did was important and the guys on my team became like brothers to me. We had some good times through it all, but the loss isn’t something you ever get over.” He looks spaced out as he talks about it.

He stands behind the bar now, pouring himself a glass of whiskey.

“Is that why you and Tucker are so close?” I stand from my place at the booth with Riley, and walk over to the bar closer to Max.

“Uh, yeah. Tucker and I have been friends since middle school actually.” He smiles. “I was getting picked on, bullied really, and Tucker saw it one day and stepped in. Having Tank to look after at such a young age, made his protective instincts higher than most. That day those instincts kicked in for me. Been friends ever since.” He says, bringing his glass to his lips.

“Wow, and you guys ended up serving together?” I ask.

“Yeah, I spent two years in college after high school, but it was the most boring shit I had ever endured. I decided one day that I wanted to enlist and do something more with my life. Something that mattered. When I told Tuck he shocked the shit out of me and said he was enlisting with me.” He shakes his head, the corners of his lips turning up.

“That’s amazing. What about your friend Red? The guy who says‘Chattahoochies’were you guys friends before or did you meet him later on?” I was smiling, looking up at the neon sign above the bar that had the name on it. When I look back at Max his expression is harder now. No trace of a smile left from before.

“No, we met him after we enlisted.” He clips. I’m not sure what nerve I’ve struck, but I think maybe it was best that my questions end here.

“You want a beer?” he asks, walking to the fridge.

“Um, yeah. Thanks.” I force a smile, but his expression never changes.

I definitely struck a nerve.

CHAPTER15

MAX

When Shane askedme about Red, everything in my body went cold for the first time since meeting her. It wasn’t like the wound was fresh, but that doesn’t mean re-opening it doesn’t still hurt. I only open it and air it out once a year, and that day wasn’t today. Even though I felt the urge to tell her everything – about Red, about my life, the reason I wouldn’t just kiss her and finally make her mine. I decided to avoid it a little bit longer though. So I offered her a drink and decided to change the subject.

“What about you, Sunshine? Volunteering at a children’s hospital on Christmas Day. I’d say that’s pretty nice too.” I say as I lean against the bar.

“Yeah, It’s much better than being alone. Seeing all their sweet faces light up at the presents and hearing their laughs during whatever story is told. It’s just the best feeling, you know?” she beams, looking up at me. She has so much joy on her face, I envy that feeling.

“Does your family ever go with you?” I ask.

“Um, no. It’s just me.” There is a sadness in her tone that piques my curiosity.

“How come?” I press.“Your parents not live around here?”

She takes a deep breath and rolls her head back, looking up at the ceiling. I’m finding myself wanting to know more and more about her. The hurt on her face from my last question makes me wonder if maybe I shouldn’t have asked.

She lets out a sigh, and then looks at me, her eyes wet with emotion.

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