I decide to change the subject as we reach the bridge above a stream. “Hey, remember when I almost tripped and fell in the lake that one time? I was so scared. I can’t swim for shit.”
“Yeah I remember. And I told you I would save you—that you had nothing to worry about.”
“You caught me before I could fall,” I tell him, walking backwards across the wooden bridge.
He only smiles, nods.
I stop and take a moment to catch my breath, studying the fork in the trail. One trail leads to the lake, the other takes you up a short cliff to the side of a hill with a view of the city.
“You tired?” Max asks, looking down at me.
“I’m fine,” I pant.
He scans the perimeter, then places a hand on my arm, leading the way down the trail that takes you to the lake on the other side of the park. We approach a bench and he tells me to sit. I take the seat because I do need a moment for my lungs to catch up. It hasn’t even been five minutes and I’m losing my breath. Max sits next to me and looks sideways at my backpack.
“Can’t believe I’m saying this, but maybe Tessa was right. I shouldn’t have brought you out here. We should have just sat on your stoop or in the backyard or something.” He looks me in the eyes. “I should take you back.”
“You have to be kidding.” I scoff. “You of all people I thought would take it a little easier on me about this.” He stares at me but doesn’t say a thing. “Max, I’m fine. Seriously. I just need a moment to catch my breath here and there. When I start to feel bad I will let you know, I promise you.”
“I’m not trying to hold you back from anything, trust me. I’m just not sure what to expect, is all. All of this walking might take a toll on you—hell, you could barely even make it down the stairs at your house. I don’t want to be the one who makes your condition worse.” His face softens, and I don’t believe it, but I spot a sliver of pity in his eyes.
“Ugh. Not you too, Max,” I groan.
He looks at me, confused.
“I don’t need your pity too. You were the only one who still looked at me like I was strong—like I’m not made of glass and can break at any moment.”
I stand up and start my walk on the trail again. I hear him sigh and it takes no time for him to catch up to me with his long strides.
“Shannon,” he says, but I ignore him, still walking. “Shannon, stop and look at me.”
I stop, but I don’t look at him.
He takes initiative, stepping in front of me and gripping the tops of my shoulders, leaving me no choice but to face him. “You are the strongest woman I know, Shannon. And it’s not pity you see in me. I just care about you. I don’t want anything to happen to you on my watch—hell, I don’t want anything to happen to you at all. Is it so bad to care about that?”
I nod in understanding, lowering my gaze.
“I tell you what.” He blows out a breath, releasing my shoulder. “You start giving me a check-in of how you’re feeling every ten or so minutes and I’ll layoff. I know you won’t do anything to make your situation worse, but just let me know so I don’t have to constantly ask myself. Alright?”
I nod and smile. “You got it, chief.”
He laughs, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. We take a slow, careful stroll to the lake and stop in front of one of the benches. Before we sit, Max stops me, tugging on my arm.
“Look.” He releases me, walking ahead and going to a tree just a few feet away. When I realize just what tree it is, I meet him there.
Max runs his fingers over the words carved into the bark of the thick tree trunk.
Max + Shakes 4Ever
Beneath the words is an infinity sign with little birds carved around it. Max carved this with a wood carving knife he’d gotten from his father. He’s always been good at art, making it more of a hobby than something he takes seriously. I run my fingers over the birds’ ragged wings, smiling.
“Remember that day?” he asks.
“Yeah,” I murmur, laughing. “Picnic. Wine. Sunshine.”
“One of our better days.” I glance at him and he’s focused on the carving. “This was one of the best days I ever shared with you.”
“How?”
He’s quiet a moment, standing so close I feel his breath running warm across my shoulders. “Because I’d never done something like it before. A picnic? Wine? That wasn’t me. I’m far from romantic.”