Page 126 of Dancing Fools and All That Jazz
‘Ah, but this is Paris.’
Over a selection of tasty French dishes, Max tells me all about his conversation with Monica on the way to the airport.
‘She admitted she’d been disingenuous and apologised.’
‘Good.’
‘Although I still don’t understand how you ended up with Vince?’
‘Complete fluke. I take it Monica told you I’d nevermet her absent husband, crazy as that sounds.’
Max nods.
‘So, I’d no idea. I mean I barely remember it; it was eons ago. He was a spontaneous encounter. Didn’t use his real name.’
‘Like you, Scarlet?’
‘Point taken. But I had no idea he was a) married and b) married to Monica. Believe me, I feel completely weird about it.’
‘Can you imagine if you’d met up with him after, at Monica’s place?’
‘That’s just what Monica said. Thank God I didn’t. She’s going back to confront him. End it.’
‘She told me. She also told me what a great friend you are.’
‘As if you needed confirmation. So, what about you, Max? Why the big I’ve-had-it-with-relationships-based-on-lies-and-deceit speech?’
Max opens up about a previous partner where he was subjected to all kinds of falsehoods and inventions. It also turns out he never knew his dad; his mum being a single parent who refused to disclose even a name.
By the time we’ve finished our meal, I’ve gained a fair understanding of why he’s remained single and why he reacted the way he had when he discovered I hadn’t been honest with Will about his biological father.
I finish my wine and stare at the table.
‘Penny for them, Ruby Anderson?’
‘Sorry?’
‘Penny for your thoughts.’
‘Shouldn’t that be a euro?’ I smile. ‘Max, I’m going to tell Will about his father.’
‘Good.’
‘I was planning to, anyway. I just don’t want the guy in our lives, but I guess that will be Will’s choice.’
‘I don’t want him back in your life, that’s for sure.’ Max’s brow furrows.
He purses his lips and I see a flash of something. What is that? Jealousy?
‘Max, you do know I’m not and never have been the slightest bit interested in this bloke, right? I haven’t clapped eyes on him in fourteen years.’ I lift his hand and kiss the backs of his fingers.
Max visibly relaxes. He hugs me close to him and strokes my cheek and neck. It triggers an instant response, and I can sense the feeling is mutual.
We pay the bill and hurry back to our hotel, making all sorts of outrageously sexy suggestions on the way.
33
Ingrida
