Sugar Rush (Friend-Zoned 3)

I’m not at all surprised when we end up only a block away from the apartment at a diner. A diner where the staff know Max. They’re on a first name basis, of course. What I am surprised at is that he drove us here. When he parked the car, I let out a stunned laugh. “Why didn’t we just walk?”

He looked up and uttered, “It’s grey out. I didn’t know if the weather would turn.” He smiled at me, warm and sweet. “Didn’t want you getting wet.”

Too late.

I mentally shook my head. Oh, brain. You dirty, dirty effer.

Seriously. Does he have to be all cool and suave and thoughtful and stuff? I totally wish he were a dirt-bag. It would be so much easier to dislike him. I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up. He’s making it very hard on me, the inconsiderate boob.

On the street, he ran around the car and opened the door for me, even though I had already pressed the latch. He held out a hand and I took it, only because he’d parked away from the gutter and I needed a hand to not step in a heap of street crud. Two ladies passed us, both with strollers, wearing sports gear. They smiled at him and all but fluttered their lashes.

Max didn’t waste any time. He threw them a panty-dropping smile I wished was aimed at me. He tipped his head slightly. “Ladies. How you doin’ today?”

They both answered on a sigh. “Fine.”

My jaw tightened.

Inside, he helped me into the booth and I snapped at him, “I can sit all on my own.” I threw him a deadpanned look. “I’m a big girl, Max.”

Completely oblivious to my bitchiness, he smiled. “I know, cupcake. I guess it’s in my nature, ya know, to help out.”

Harsh reality sinks in. I’m suddenly reminded he’s a dad, and a full-time caregiver to a child with a spinal cord injury. What the hell is wrong with me? I’ve never—not ever—had a man wind me up so much before in my life. I don’t like it. I’m acting out of sorts. I’m a decent person, dammit! I may not be nice all the time, but I always make an effort. I’m a people person. I always give people a chance, sometimes more than they deserve. I know Max is a good guy. I feel ashamed for treating him the way I have been. I don’t think he hurt me

on purpose. He’s just kind of…unmindful. Sort of like a male version of a ditz.

Our waitress arrives as we’re looking over the menu. She’s a middle-aged woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. She also has junk in her trunk. My sistah. I like her immediately. I feel as though we’re bonded through booty.

She spots Max and rolls her eyes. Max grins up at her. “Shelly, babe, it’s been a while.”

She scribbles something onto her notepad. “Max, sweetie. Don’t lie to me. I know you’re cheating on me.”

He holds a hand up to his heart. “They all have eggs and bacon, but I swear it, Shell. It’s only yours I love.” He winks and I fight a smile. He’s such a dork. Such a sexy dork.

She harrumphs. “Yeah, yeah. You all stray, but you all find your way back to Shelly.” She looks over at me and smiles warmly. “Hi there. I’m Shelly.”

I smile back. “Helena. Nice to meet you. I have a feeling you’ll be seeing me a bit. I just moved down the street.”

Her smile intensifies. “That’s great, honey. I definitely hope to see you here. And often.”

It’s almost as if he can’t help himself. Max must feel left out of the conversation, because he announces, “We’ll come back next weekend. Same time. I’ll bring Ceecee.”

We what now?

Shelly’s smile softens at the mention of Ceecee. “It’s a date. Now what can I get you?”

I order granola and orange juice. Max orders a banana smoothie and ‘The Big Breakfast’. I have no idea what that is, but it sounds, well, big. Shelly takes our menus and we’re left on opposite sides of a booth that somehow feels way too small right now. Max eyes me intently.

“What?”

He opens his mouth to speak but nothing comes out. He snaps his mouth shut. Relief flows through me. That was close. I’m happy to sit here in complete silence. Really.

Shelly returns with our drinks. She sets them down on the table. “Food is just around the corner, guys.” She walks away and I sip at my orange juice.

“Why don’t you like me?”

My single sip turns into two. Into three. More juice. Juice is so yummy right now. I’m suddenly so thirsty that I sip and sip and sip ‘til I sip in air.

Holy crap. I drank the whole thing.