Page 55 of Loving Violet
“Maximillion. But we call him Max,” George replies.
Adrian’s head snaps up, his eyes practically begging. “Mom, can we take Max home? Please?”
I crouch down, gently scratching behind Max’s ears. He leans into my hand, his little paws wrapping around my wrist like he’s holding me close. He looks at me with those sweet, soulful eyes, and I know I’m a goner.
I glance at Josy, who smirks while she pets him; she knows exactly what I’m thinking. “Of course, sweetheart,” I tell Adrian. “Max is perfect.”
Adrian whoops with joy, and I scoop Max into my arms, his wiry little body barely ten pounds. He licks my forearm once before tucking his head into my chest. “Oh, you’re such a sweetheart,” I whisper, pressing a kiss to his floppy ear.
Max has officially stolen my heart.
George goes over the paperwork with us one last time, and after I pay the adoption fee, we head back to the car. Max hops into the back seat beside Adrian, curling up contentedly against him.
As I start the car, Adrian leans down and whispers, “Don’t worry, Max. You’re gonna love it with us.”
And from the way Max wags his tail, I think he already knows.
As we pull into the driveway, I notice there is an unfamiliar car parked next to Josy. There, leaning against the vehicle waiting for us, is Taylor.
“Dad!” Adrian shouts, jumping out of the car with Max in his arms.
I look at Josy. “Why the hell is he here?”
“That’s a very good question, my friend. Let’s go and find out,” Josy says before we both get out of the car and walk toward Taylor and Adrian.
Taylor smiles as we walk over to him and he focuses his attention on Adrian. “Hey, buddy. You told me that you were getting a dog today and I thought I would drive down to see him.”
Adrian beams and holds up Max for his father to see. “This is Max, Dad. Isn’t he awesome? He’s a mini schnauzer. This is as big as he will get!”
Taylor chuckles as he pets Max. “He’s great, Adrian. You made a good choice.”
Taylor looks handsome as always with his dirty blond hair combed back and his blue eyes exactly like Adrian’s. He looks at me and smiles. That smile was the one that made me fall in love with him. But now that I know who the real Taylor is, I don’t want anything to do with him. I look at Taylor and feel relieved that I don’t feel anything. I haven’t seen him since I left Maryland two months ago, and I thought that the next time I saw him, I would feel something—that I was so used to being with him, that I would probably want to go back with him.
But no, it’s like I’m looking at a stranger.
Josy looks at me, and then at Taylor. “It’s nice to see you, Taylor. It has been a long time.”
“Yes. How are you, Josy? Your place is beautiful.”
“I’m doing great. Hey, Vi, I’m gonna head to my house. Let me know if you need me, okay?”
“Okay,” I say to my best friend. She’s leaving so she doesn’t say or do something in front of Adrian.
“So, you’re here,” I say to Taylor.
“Yes. Sorry that I didn’t tell you. Adrian has been texting me and telling me all about today. I wanted to be part of this moment. I hope it’s okay with you that I showed up without notice.”
“It’s okay. Are you staying long?”
“I’ll be here until Tuesday morning. I’m staying at a hotel a few towns over. Is it okay if Adrian and Max stay with me tonight? I made sure the hotel room is dog friendly.”
“Of course.”
“Really, Dad? We’re going to hang out together, and with my dog? I thought you always said you were allergic.”
“I am allergic, but for you, I’ll make this sacrifice. Besides, I missed you so much, buddy.”
I turn to Adrian and say, “Go and pack a bag. Remember to also pack Max’s leash.” I turn to Taylor and say, “Max doesn’t have food or anything. We were going to buy all his stuff today after dropping Josy off.”
