“Like my tough left jab?”

Jess rolls her eyes at me again, not smiling. “Like your compassion and loyalty and your drive. You’re both very passionate about what’s important to you. And I’ve seen you and your occasional wild side too.” She’s referring to when I’d go to parties and drink too much. I was fine, or so I’d thought, until I ended up having to get my stomach pumped one night.

“Max isn’t even interested in me.”

“Interesting. Shouldn’t the fact that you have a boyfriend be your first objection?” Jess asks with the same knowing look she’s had throughout most of this conversation.

“See, you’re helping me build a defense.” I stand up, ending the conversation.

“Just think about it, before college boy does something crazy like propose.”

I look down at her, alarmed.

“See, there’s your answer,” she says, joining me. “You better keep me apprised.” This time I roll my eyes at her.

I start my car and turn the music up loud—loud enough it makes my ears hurt—as I drive home, trying to shut out any and all of my thoughts.

Cars overflow from our driveway and the Millers, reminding me that it’s a Bunco night. I silently pray they’re over at Sharon’s house as I find a parking spot three houses over.

“I was starting to worry about you. I saw Max get home and was concerned your car stopped again.” My dad’s words greet me as I step out of the car. “I was ready to send out a search party. Your generation’s supposed to be glued to their cell phones. How did you miss the wagon?”

“Sorry. No, I just went to see Jess and we got to talking. I must’ve left it in the car,” I say, trying to force a smile as I spot my phone resting in the middle console cup holder. I sweep in to retrieve it and see that I’ve missed eleven calls.

I hold it up with an apologetic smile. He shakes his head and places a hand on my shoulder, leading me into the house.

I need to get in the pool. I swim nearly every night during the summer. It began as a way of conquering my fear of water when I was ten, but now I just enjoy the peace that comes with it as I focus on my breathing and the way my body moves with little resistance.

“You probably want to skip swimming tonight,” he says, sensing my intentions. “The Bunco crowd is all in the back drinking.” I look at the kitchen, just now noticing the random bags of chips and dips covering nearly every surface.

“Did they have anything good?” I ask.

He grins and follows me to peruse the remaining food.

“Avoid those,” he says, pointing to a tray of brownies. “They’re black bean brownies. Those two should never be paired. I now know this to be a fact.” I watch the slight grimace on his face and laugh, turning back to the food.

“You know, you don’t have to do anything that you don’t want to.”

I look up in confusion, not sure what he’s referring to.

“Jenny and Kendall,” he offers. “Your relationship with Eric is your business. If you like him, and he’s treating you well, it’s up to you whether you remain dating. Not your sisters.” His attention is focused on me, his eyes prodding mine.

I nod my head a couple of times, dropping his gaze as I grab a taco chip and dunk it in salsa. My dad and I discuss all sorts of things, but guys aren’t usually on the list.

“Eric’s never been my favorite person, but it’s not because I think he’s a bad guy. I just think you deserve someone that appreciates you. Someone that makes you laugh and feel loved. I don’t really get that impression from him, but it’s your life, and it’s your decision.” The fact my dad is discussing this after my conversation with Jess is not only ironic, but confirms that others are seeing my thoughts waver.

I let out a deep breath and wrap my arms around his waist, burying my face into his chest.

He kisses the top of my head and wraps his arms around me. “Suivez votre cœur,” he says quietly.

“Wise words.” I turn to see Jenny making her way into the kitchen. “You should always follow your heart.”

“Here’s some more wise words, avoid those,” Dad says as Jenny lifts a brownie to her mouth. She takes a bite, obviously thinking he’s teasing. Her face crumples in disgust as she spits the bite into the sink making us burst into a fit of laughter.

My dad begins humming Let it Be, a traditional ending for anytime he offers advice. I’m not even sure he recognizes that he does it any more.

“I’m going to go take Zeus for a run,” I say with a smile, turning toward the stairs. I quickly change into an old track shirt and shorts and call for Zeus as I jog back down to the front door. I need to feel my muscles expel some of the emotions and thoughts that clog my mind.

We set off at a nice easy pace. The air is still warm, even with the sun having mostly set as we head to the elementary school track that we run on each morning.

I freeze at the sight of Max running shirtless just a few yards in front of us. My mind races, wondering if there’s time to head back. There’s a possibility that if I hadn’t brought Zeus, he wouldn’t realize it’s me; I’m fairly nondescript, but Zeus is a dead giveaway.

Just as I make up my mind to pretend this is just part of my route and turn to go through the neighborhoods, Max looks up, and even from here I can feel his stare. He cuts across the track, heading directly for us. So much for distance.

“Hey, are you okay?” My forehead creases as my eyebrows rise, looking to Max in question. “Your dad came by to see if everything was okay and asked if your car had broken down again. I told him it shouldn’t have.”

“No, I actually went to visit Jess. Time just got away from me. Sorry to get you involved again.” My fingers absently roll the hem of my T-shirt as I look over to see Marshall run by with a wave. He never suspected it was Kendall and me that TP’d his house thankfully.

I nod at him before turning to look down at Zeus as he releases a small whine, his tail thumping on the grass. He won’t leave my side without permission, but generally Zeus doesn’t whine for attention from others. I wonder if it’s possible for him to sense my draw to be near Max.

“Hey, buddy.” Max squats in front of him and places his hands on either side of Zeus’s big head.

Of course Max would be great with Zeus, because of course Eric isn’t. It’s not that he actually dislikes Zeus per se, he’s terrified of him, and therefore he simply avoids him at all cost.

“You’re one big dude,” Max comments, affectionately ruffling his fur. Zeus lives for attention and praise and happily accepts Max’s, pushing his head closer to him.

I’m contemplating my options of what to do next as Max stands up and all of my coherent thoughts slip away as I come face to face with shirtless Max. Holy mother of muscles.

My mind wraps another thread of confusion around my tangle of thoughts and emotions, and I take a step back, turning my focus to Zeus.

“I’m glad I ran into you.”

My eyes travel up to his face, not certain how to decipher his words. His tone is warmer than I’d received all afternoon. His face doesn’t clarify anything for me as he peers at me with a look of hesitation.

He takes a deep breath and looks down at Zeus, then returns his eyes to mine. “I want to apologize for what I said about Nathan. He’s a dick, and I shouldn’t have said what I did.”

“You already said you were sorry. And I wasn’t exactly polite in return. Really, it’s no big deal.”

“Because we don’t really know each other,” He nods as he says the familiar words. “I know, but that was a sorry excuse for an apology. You should have kicked my ass.” I watch the edges of his lips climb into the slightest smile and feel my own curve in response, shaking my head.

“Do you forgive me for being a douchebag?”

“You’re forgiven.” His smile spreads across his face, and I feel the slightest pang in my chest.