Page 110 of Last on the List
“What?”
“What is going on?” Jess’s tone is probing, and I can already see her eyes pinning me to my seat. “You sound stressed out more than usual.”
“I’m on my way to a big meeting regarding the merger. There have been some developments.”
Jess tsks. “That doesn’t sound good.”
“It’s not,” I drone, hoping this meeting goes my way because otherwise, I’m not sure what my options are.
“So…nothing more about Cozy that you want to talk about?” Jess asks, her tone cautious.
My eyes narrow. “Other than her living situation, no. Why would you ask that?”
There’s a pause on the other end of the line.
“Jess…you’re hesitating. I don’t like when you hesitate.”
“Everly made me promise not to tell you.”
“Jessica, you know I hate when you keep shit from me about Everly. Whatever it is, just tell me.”
She moans a noise of annoyance before blurting out, “She told me she thinks you’re in love with Cozy.”
I nearly drive off the fucking road. “You’re kidding.”
“I’m not, Max. I wouldn’t joke with you about this.”
“When did she say that?” I ask, chills running up my spine at this surprising remark.
“A few weeks ago. Then last week she said you were sad.”
Dammit, that kid is too intuitive for her own good. She must be a fucking emotional empath or something. “I’m not sad, Jess.”
“You sound sad.”
“The connection is bad in Bulgaria.”
“Max…what’s going on with you two?”
“Nothing, Jess. It’s over,” I state, trying to get her off this line of questioning. “I don’t know how Everly knows anything because we were always very careful and very appropriate, I promise.”
“Max, you don’t have to sell me on this. I know you. I trust you. In fact, I was kind of excited that you were a little inappropriate for once. And I already like Cozy…not that my opinion on your love life really matters. But for the record, I think she’d be great for you.”
I sigh heavily. “There’s no love life, Jess.”
“Why not?”
“Because we’re not right for each other.”
“Says who?”
“Says me,” I answer harshly.
“Well, I think that sucks,” Jess tuts. “I was hopeful you were finally taking a chance on someone for once. It’s been heartbreaking watching you live your life alone all these years and knowing I was the one that made you like that.”
“You have nothing to feel guilty for, Jess.” I reach down and untie my tie, feeling suddenly like I’m sitting in the hot seat. “You can’t control your sexuality any more than I can control mine.”
Her voice is strained when she replies, “I know, but I know you struggled with thinking everything in our past wasn’t real…and you’re just so wrong about that. I loved you, Max. I loved you in all the ways I knew how to love you at the time. You are my family. Leaving you was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I considered staying with you forever despite my sexuality because I loved our family, and I loved you! But ultimately, I knew that wasn’t fair to you.”
