Maxine

Chapter 5

A few minutes of silence passed between us before anyone said a word. He was the first to take the lead. “I didn’t expect you to be here.” I never knew him as the shy type.

“It’s my parents’ house,” I said pointing out the obvious.

The corners of his lips quivered as if he was trying to hide a smile. “I know. What I meant was. I didn’t know you’d be home already. I thought you would only be arriving tomorrow morning.”

“That would be kind of a problem if I had to arrive on the day of the wedding. And I had to come through earlier to get a dress for tomorrow.” Bless my mother for taking charge and arranged dresses for us.

His eyes flickered with a hint of amusement as he stared at me. “I’m glad I could make Ryan’s wedding to be able to see you wearing a dress.” I turned my face away from his as I hid my smile. I don’t like wearing skirts or dresses. Not because it makes me feel like a girl but they never look good on me. My shoulders were broader than normal girls because of my excessive training and my breast size wasn’t something to brag about. They made me feel incredibly uncomfortable. Always have to make sure it doesn’t flip up and showcase your whole ass. Your thighs rubbing up against each other, creating one awful friction that leaves an irritating rash. Women all over the world sacrifice a lot to feel and look beautiful. I would rather be comfortable.

“I guess, I missed my first chance when I missed your wedding.” I tried not to react to his comment or show any signals of not wanting to talk about it.

I turned my head to face him. “You didn’t miss much.” He frowned. “We got married in court. It was a split of a second decision.” Back then, it sounded spontaneous until six years have passed and my brain was able to operate again. It was never a good idea to rush into things, no matter how romantic and promising it sounded.

Jason said nothing as he looked at me. The silence wasn’t a good thing right now. My heart was screaming so loud that I was unable to make out what my brain was trying to tell me. I could walk away, pretend that this never happened but I just couldn’t convince myself to walk away. He was here. Standing in front of me. Ten years of no talking. Things went unsaid. Here we get a second chance to talk about it but not one of us knew how to start.

“So, the Navy, huh?” I was making small talk and he was going to notice in less than a second. He gave me a look as if he already noticed it but he said nothing.

“Pro-fighter, huh?” He mimicked me with the same question but in his own words.

“What happened to karate?” He asked. I was one of the best students, got my black belt and was training for my brown sensei belt but I quit before that could happen. I felt kind of pleased that he remembered. Karate used to be a big part of me. Until…

“I-Uhm.” I cleared my throat as I broke eye contact. This was a bit too overwhelming for me. I didn’t plan on seeing him today and having him question me already. It wasn’t fair.

“I get it.” His voice brought me back to reality. I looked at him, he was facing the ocean as he spoke. “I’m sorry I asked.” He apologized making me frown.

“I quit karate just before I moved to Boston.” He looked at me with a quirked eyebrow. He didn’t think that I would tell him. “I would invite you in for coffee but I suspect you have a key of your own. You are pretty much my parent’s adopted son.” He chuckled.

Jason has always been welcomed into our house. I know that he and my dad spend a lot of time together whenever he is home. Jason and his dad didn’t always see eye-to-eye. Since he started playing soccer and everyone thought it was going to be his future. His dad didn’t approve of his decision but I guess it was a better decision than joining the Navy.

“I’m pretty sure there are other beaches and not just this one,” I said quirking an eyebrow.

He gave me a look, the side of his mouth pulling up as he smirked at me. “My house is close by and you are right. I do have a key.” He pulled the key out from one of his shorts pockets and held it in the air between us. “Your dad is helping me with renovations. He gave me a key to their house for when I need his help.” He explained.  Of course, he did. Jason is like family.

He excused himself when his phone started ringing. I walked over to Shiba who was falling asleep, I picked her up in my arms and turned around to find Jason done with his call. “I need to get going.” He said.

I nodded. “Booty call?” He actually smiled as he shook his head at me.

“Do you know me as the booty call type, Cane?” He asked, walking up to me.

“Things can change in ten years.” He gave me a pointed look.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” I was secretly looking forward to it.

He started to walk away but suddenly paused. “Do you want me to walk with you and make sure you are fine?” He asked with a playful tone.

“I’m fine,” I replied before I started to make my way with Shiba curled in my arms. “Good night, Cane.” I glanced over my shoulder, watching him head in the opposite direction. I know I joked about the booty call but I was being serious about the change in ten years. To watch him rise from ashes like that. A boy whose dream was to become a star player ended up as a Navy sailor. It felt as if he was hiding something. To change his mind like that. Something had to force him into it. He was never the violent type of guy. He hated violence.

Life is one thing no one would ever understand, not even Einstein could find a formula for it.

My parents looked up in unison when I entered the house with a sleepy puppy in my arms. Shiba gave a bark and got restless in my arms when she saw my dad. He chuckled as I handed her to him. She immediately snuggled up against his chest and growled softly at my mom whose arm was resting across my dad’s shoulder. “Ryder, please do inform your puppy that I’m still the woman of the house.” My mother joked.

He smiled at her and placed a kiss on her hand.

I sat down on the opposite couch in front of the TV. “So, where have you been?” My mom asked me.

“You left thirty minutes ago.” My dad informed me.

“I’m pretty sure I’m an adult and can stay out past my curfew that you created when I was a teenager.” My mom chuckled while my dad gave me a playful look.

“Did Jason ever mention to any of you why he joined the Navy?” I asked them. They looked at each other. My dad shrugged.

“You saw him?” My mom asked. “Yeah, dad’s little girl cheated on him and gave Jason smooches.” My mom let out a laugh while my dad frowned at Shiba who pretended to be innocent as she waggled her fluffy tail.

“He didn’t say anything to us. We just thought it was his decision.” My dad explained. I leaned back against the couch and rested my head back. “Why?” My dad then asked.

“No reason,” I mumbled closing my eyes.

“Do you want to talk about it?” My mom asked.

I shook my head. “I’m good.”