Page 78 of The Perils of Pretending
Max grins. “That’s because you’re a better person than I am.”
My eyes go wide. “Did you mean to say that?” Did Max admit he’s not the most phenomenal human to ever grace this planet with his presence? I’m shocked.
Max pinches my side. “Don’t get used to it.”
I jerk to the side, slapping his hand away. “Too late.”
“What’syourbiggest fear?”
He may think by asking me this question I’ll forget he never answered, but he’s as wrong as mustard on graham crackers. My lungs constrict as I admit, “Another person I love getting killed.”
Max puts an arm around my shoulders, squeezing me. “I’m sorry you’ve had to see that fear come to life.”
I have enough trauma from Dad. I truly don’t think I’d survive another tragic death. “Me too. And yours?”
He blows out a breath. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“Nope. And the longer you stall, the more intrigued I get.”
The boat picks up speed. We go from gently bobbing up and down to breaking the waves with more force. I clench my fists around the railing, and I’ll maintain this hold until we get to the spot where there’s usually a lot of whale activity. The wind whips my hair, instantly tangling it. That’s going to suck combing it out later. Okay, I'll let go just long enough to grab the scrunchie off my wrist and put my hair in a low ponytail. “I’m waiting…”
He holds up three fingers. “For one, I, too, am afraid of someone in my family dying. Second is toasters. Third is mice.”
I shoot him a look like,really?“What is it about them that terrifies you?” I need more information as to why those things—particularly toasters—freak him out.
He shivers while grimacing. “Do you know how many diseases mice carry? How much food and other things they can ruin with their feces and urine? And that you can die just from cleaning up after them?”
Sure, I knew that, but I’ve never actually seen one in my house before so it isn’t as scary for me. “Was your house in Anchorage infested with them or something?”
He shakes his head. “My best friend had a workshop in his backyard with a section in the back that had a couch, TV, and gaming system. We hung out there a lot. One night we were staying up late playing Call of Duty in the dark. The glow from the TV screen and the faint light shining through the windows were the only light. I felt something run across my foot but didn’t think anything of it because I was glued to the game. A few minutes later, something went across the back of my shoulders. This time, I felt little pricks poking my skin. I jumped up, throwing my controller in the air, and screamed. My friend turned thelight on and there was an entire family of mice running around the room. My friend, seeing my reaction, thought it was funny. He caught one and threw it at me. It hit me on the cheek. I thought I was going to die.”
My heart breaks a little for younger Max, tortured by someone who was supposed to be his friend. I’m sure his friend was only teasing, but I can see how that would scar a child for life. “I’m not a fan of rodents myself. But I promise if we ever come across one when we’re together, I will be brave and get rid of it.”
“My own warrior princess. I like it.”
“Happy to be of service. Now, please explain the toaster thing. They provide lovely, crispy bread. What’s scary about them?”
“You never know when they’re going to pop up.”
I blink. “And a tiny noise unsettles you?” He’s lying. There’s no way Max is afraid of a toaster.
He laughs. “I’m teasing. I’m not truly scared of them, but I will admit to jumping on occasion when I forgot that I put bread in.”
I smack his stomach. “I knew you were lying.”
The boat slows until we’re trolling. The captain announces where we are, what direction to look, and to holler if we see anything. My eyes scan the water, slow and steady. My heart jumps.
“Did you see that?” I point to my right, where a massive gray tail disappears into the bright blue water.
“Wow!” Dorian says, leaning against the high white railing of the boat. He stands on the other side of Max, inserting himself in our conversation. “Look how big it is!”
I clench my teeth. So much for our hiding place. I’m trying to follow the golden rule: if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all. So I don’t.
I ignore him.
Ooooh, but it’s hard.
Water shoots up in the air.
