Page 4 of Until Now
“Not even a little,” he teases. “I like it.”
July isn’t sure what’s going on but opens her arms. “Hello, Maxen. I don’t think we’ve formally met, but I remember you. Can I hug you?”
What? There’s some interesting story here I’m not privy to. Why does July want to hug him?
“Of course,” he says, arms open to receive her affection.
I must be wearing a weird look on my face because they both notice.
“I’ll fill you in later, Dominique,” she says.
“Dominique? Nice name,” Maxen says, locking eyes with me.
I’m going to slide right off my chair. A bead of sweat pops up on my upper lip in response to his statement.
“Thank you,” I say, aware of suddenly looking down, away from his gaze. Is it possible to revert to fourteen in a moment?
July finds this awkwardness amusing. She’s holding back a laugh. Thankfully Maxen speaks up.
“Please tell Wes I said hello. He may not remember me, but those days are embedded in my mind.”
“Agreed,” July says. “They’re embedded in our minds too. Listen, we’re having a Fourth of July barbecue this Sunday at our place. Would you like to join us? And, of course, Wes remembers you! I know he would be glad to see you again.”
I’m like the kid watching a movie that’s just a little over her head. I’m engrossed with what’s happening.
“I’d like that, but I’m taking care of my nephew for my sister, and I don’t want to leave him or my dog alone.”
“Bring them! Dominique will tell you we are kid and animal friendly. People and paws always welcome.”
I hold my breath for his answer. Why do I give a shit? What about my date? Why did I invite Ken? Can I get out of it?
“That sounds great. So, bringing my Lab is okay?”
“Absolutely.”
His eyes light on mine. “Will you be there?”
The words shock me out of the new plans to ditch my date.
“Yes, my son and I are coming.”
“I’ll be there too then,” he says.
It doesn’t escape me that he didn’t flinch when I mentioned Bing. That was a test.
