Page 38 of Yours, Forever

"He doesn't know I'm here. I wanted to surprise him."

"You'll have to surprise him later. He's busy right now."

A small smile appeared on his lips. "I'll wait for him, if you don't mind. We got off on the wrong foot and I think I get it... but I hope we'll clear things up soon."

"That wholly depends on whether you are who you say you are."

"Right. Well..." He stared around the place. "I'll go sit over there and wait, then."

"Actually, yes. That's great. If you sit where I can see you, it'll be best for all of us."

He chuckled and saluted me with the coffee cake, before landing in the same armchair hisfriendfavored.

Chances of him being who he said he was? Half and half. There were things Max kept from me; not too many, but enough that this man could be someone my husband had never mentioned. The fact he had stayed was a point in his favor. A friend would wait for Max's confirmation, while an investigator wouldn't waste time before sleuthing some more.

Nevertheless, I kept an eye on him. When a couple of people came in and asked me who he was, I didn't try to hide it.

"I'm not sure," I said. "Remember how Max's family isn't happy that we got married? I suspect it's someone they sent."

"Oh, then we don't want him here!" Lee, one of the pre-school teachers, replied.

"Exactly my thought, but let's see what Max says first."

Javier smirked, apparently enjoying the show. He continued sipping his coffee, playing with his phone, and watching us watch him.

When Max finally returned, he came to me first as usual... but I was the one to kiss him on the cheek.

He gave me a quizzical look, but smiled. "Hello, darling. Missed me?"

"Very much." I hugged him, fully leaning on him. His hands latched to my waist, fingertips firm on my soft flesh. Eyes fiery. I didn't stop to enjoy the moment; not even to overthink it. I spoke in his ear. "Do you have a friend named Javier, who has blue eyes, dark hair, and an English last name?"

His focus on me took a moment to waver; when my words clicked, his eyes focused on mine with sharp clarity. "I do, yes. How…?"

I squeezed him closer. "Well, this is embarrassing, then."

"Max? Sorry to interrupt…"

My husband turned to the voice across the counter. His face lit up in an unstudied, fully genuine smile.

"Por la mismísima— Javier! What are you doing here?" Max left me to hug his friend.

The two menembraced, strong pats on the back and all. When they gazed at each other, they did so with open joy and affection in their eyes.

My heart ached a little, to see Max like that. In sudden care for him, warmth for him, but a bit of loneliness for me.

"So good to see you," Javier said. "I thought I'd pop in and see how you're doing."

"I'm excellent. Life here is so different. How long are you staying for? Can't wait to show you."

"Just until tomorrow morning. I have to fly out to a fundraising thing in New York."

Max sighed. "New York. Of course. Though I will say I miss it."

I'd never been to New York, but it seemed like the kind of place where Max would fit the best.

"That's good to know." Javier let go of Max. "We miss you there."

My husband put his hands in his pockets, grin wide and bright as he looked at his friend.