Page 103 of Yours, For Good

"That's a feeling I know well. I love spoiling my wife, myself."

Nora and I turned to the man standing on the dock, who watched us with curiosity. I'd recognize his voice anywhere, but the trousers and waistcoat, casual stance with his hands in his pockets, and cheeky grin, confirmed my best friend's presence.

"Hello, there." He inspected Nora's face with true curiosity. "I am Maximiliano Errázuriz and I am delighted to meet you."

"Hello, Max." I adjusted Nora in my arms so she stayed close— closer— to me.

"Hey," Nora said. "I've heard about you."

Max's smile grew impossibly wider. "I'm happy to hear that and not worried in the least. After this weekend, you'll understand why everyone mentioned my charm."

That made Nora laugh and, in turn, Max's grin shone with its full potency.

"I did mention he's charming," I admitted.

I jerked my head to point at the ladder, and Nora and I began our way out of the water.

Max made room for us on the wooden structure. "Eva and I arrived fifteen or so minutes ago. She's in the house. Gabe and Lina, and Jake and Vi texted— they'll be here in an hour. I saw the towels and came down to find you."

I let Nora go up first. Admiring her backside was a natural consequence. I didn't have to look at Max to know he would have noticed and was likely smirking.

"This will be a wonderful weekend," Max said in Nora's direction. "I'm looking forward to meeting you properly. As for the interrogation, you have nothing to worry about."

Max picked up our towels and gave one to Nora, then one to me when I stepped on the dock.

"That sounds like I should be worried, actually." Nora gave Max a playful look.

"Not at all," Max said. "The interrogation is for Javier."

"I told you they'll tease me." I put a hand on Nora's back and, after collecting all our things, we started on the walk back to the house.

"You, Nora, will be pampered this weekend." Max spoke like a fancy gallery owner describing the new modern art exposition. "If you stick around, we'll start teasing you next time we meet. It will be a slow progression, not to worry you too much. We do want you sticking around."

"Mmh, interesting." Nora's eyes switched between Max and I. "It sounds like you know I may not stick around for long, but hope I will."

"That's exactly right," Max said.

We entered the shaded area of the path. We strolled up the way, guided by old wood logs and stones keeping the walkway neat and solid, and where the pine smell was the strongest.

"So you're invested." Nora asked. "Why?"

"I invest in many things." Max's smile was one of his cheeky ones. "My friends' happiness is one of them."

Nora glanced at me as if truly considering Max's statement. I let her inspect me with nothing but a small curl to my lips.

"I have known Javier for nearly twenty years," my friend continued. "I know he goes quiet in moments like this, and he prefers one-liners in a group but, one-on-one? Hit one of his special interests and he'll talk your ear off. He'll keep you fascinated— and he'll listen. Carefully. It makes you feel…"

I gazed at my friend, gratitude and affection swaying my heart.

"Like in that moment, nothing but you matters," Nora supplied.

Max's grin was triumphant. "Exactly. Then, because you casually mentioned how you missed this one liquor you can only find in your home country, you'll find a case of it delivered to your doorstep within a week."

"That's true." She laughed. "Once, I mentioned a tickle in my throat in one of my letters and, next thing I know, half a drugstore was delivered to my— well, his condo."

We reached the house yard and made for the stairs up to the deck. We climbed them in silence, to find Eva sitting on the outdoor sofa and waiting for us.

"Darling," Max called, "let me introduce you to Nora."