Page 66 of Tide and Seek
We were interrupted when Marcus returned with the lobster ravioli, and we dropped the subject.Max was a little stiff at first, but as we drank more wine and enjoyed the amazing food, he relaxed.While it was bittersweet to think I might never be a father, I was relieved and happy to know that Max could see me as his husband.
I was a realist, and long ago, I’d realized that you couldn’t always have everything you wanted in life.But if I could have Max as my husband one day, I’d definitely feel like I had more than enough.
Chapter Thirteen
Maxwell
Later that evening, as Royce and I stepped onto C.J.’s deck, the mingled scents of grilled chicken, shrimp, and the ocean breeze drifted across the redwood planks.A tall red-haired guy manned the grill, chatting with a girl in a bikini top and short shorts.James and Luke stood nearby with drinks in hand, both turning toward us as we arrived.
“Maxwell,” James said, smiling broadly.“Finally the guest of honor has arrived.”His gaze flicked to Royce.“And Royce, of course.So good to see both of you.”
“Good to see you again too, James,” Royce replied politely, nodding at Luke.“Luke.”
“Hi, Sheriff.”Luke swayed slightly, his eyes glassy as he raised his beer.“Hey, Doc, you ready to party?”His words were just a fraction too loud.“This is so cool, man.All of us Ocean Whisper peeps back together again.”
“It was nice of C.J.to do this,” I said, noting how he seemed to be concentrating hard on standing upright.
“I was just telling Luke how great it is to have you back, Maxwell, even if it’s temporary.”James’s tone was carefully casual, but there was an edge underneath.“How are you doing, Royce?I hope you’re having a good time.Must be a bit of a culture shock situation for you.”
“How so?”Royce asked, his voice neutral.
“Oh, you know,” James waved his hand dismissively, “This is Maxwell’s natural habitat.But you’re used to being in the country.Us city folk must seem pretty intimidating.”
Royce laughed.“I’m not intimidated.”
“But it must be really different here for you, right?”Luke asked, studying Royce.“From what James has said Rainy Dale is tiny compared to Malibu.”
Royce shrugged.“This isn’t my first time visiting a big city.I’ve been to Dallas many times and that’s a huge city.”
Luke frowned.“Yeah, but according to James, Max said Rainy Dale is out in the middle of nowhere and nothing but cows and cactus.”
“I don’t remember saying that.”I scowled.
At least, not recently.
A muscle jerked in Royce’s cheek.“That’s not quite accurate.Believe it or not, we have restaurants, shops, and even indoor plumbing in Rainy Dale, and we have had for decades.”
James studied Royce.“Oh, dear.You seem offended.We meant no disrespect.We were just making conversation.You’re a guest in our city and we wanted to be sure you felt welcome.”
“Much appreciated.”Royce’s smile was strained.
“I know C.J.is waiting for you inside,” James said.“But let’s have a drink later, Max, and get caught up.”He glanced at Royce.“You’re welcome to join us, Royce.”
“Thanks,” Royce said.
I put my hand on his back, irritated by James’s boorish, cliquish behavior.Judging by their bleary eyes and loose tongues, I suspected both James and Luke were already well lubricated.Ignoring James’s suggestion of a drink later, I said, “We should get inside, Royce.”
As if on cue, C.J.called from inside the house,“Max, Royce, get in here.”
I followed Royce through her sliding glass doors, grateful to escape the uncomfortable moment with James and Luke.C.J.’s beach house glowed with warm, honey-colored light from table lamps and strategically placed candles, creating an inviting atmosphere that was distinctly different from my own sleek, modern place next door.Where my house was all clean lines and neutral tones, C.J.’s felt like someone actually lived there—overstuffed cream-colored sofas piled with jewel-toned throw pillows, a rustic wooden coffee table that looked like driftwood.The overall effect was wealthy bohemian.
“You both look so handsome,” C.J.said breathily as she appeared in front of me in a tight black cocktail dress that showed off her slender, toned figure.She air-kissed my cheeks, then Royce’s.
“Thanks for throwing this,” I said, trying to sound more enthusiastic than I felt.“You really didn’t need to go to all this trouble.”
“Are you kidding?It’s not every day my favorite neighbor comes home to visit.”She slipped her arms through mine and Royce’s.“Come on.I know you’d rather make a run for it, but there are people I want you to meet.”
C.J.led us toward a group clustered around a long table, which was loaded with an impressive spread of appetizers—artisanal cheeses arranged on a marble board with dried figs and honey, smoked salmon pinwheels on what looked like homemade bread, stuffed dates wrapped in prosciutto, and several colorful dips surrounded by pita chips and crudités cut into perfect matchsticks.There were also some clearly health-conscious options that screamed yoga instructor: quinoa-stuffed mushrooms, avocado toast points topped with microgreens, next to a vibrant beet hummus.
