“Yeah, so I’ve been told. Now let me do something nice by driving you home.”
I cross my hands over my chest. “You wouldn’t know nice if it bit you in the fucking ass and dragged you around,” I say to him and he laughs.
“You’re probably right, but it seems I owe you an apology.”
“Really?” I tilt my head to the side. “What makes you think that? Was it when you barked at me? Was it when you told me I was an afterthought or it might have been when—” I don’t finish because he puts his hand up.
“Okay, I get it. I think we both got off on the wrong foot. You hate me because of everything that happened with your brother.” This time I put my hand up.
“If I’m honest, you both got the raw deal that time.” His eyes open in shock. “But ever since I spoke to you that first day on the job, you have been nothing but an asshole.”
“You’re right.”
I turn around on the street as the sound from the club is getting louder and louder. “Holy shit, did Hell just freeze over?”
“Very funny, Allison, now get in the car so I can do the good deed tonight.”
He smiles, like really smiles, and it suits him. Way too much.
“Fine, I’ll get in, but I’m still not biting on the whole friend thing.” I get in and don’t get to finish because he closes the door after me and gets in the car.
“How is this?” He starts the car and pulls out. “I’ll bring you coffee the next time and promise if I’m an asshole you can throw it on me.”
“Will it be a cold coffee or scalding hot?” I watch him drive, one hand on the steering wheel while the other is resting on the middle console.
“You need to be my friend to find out.”
I don’t say anything. I just look out the window.
“Seriously, thank you for today. What you did for Denise and stuff, it means everything.”
“I like your sister. I can see how much you guys differ.” I watch him laugh.
“She’s been trying to get together with Mindy for three years, but Mindy didn’t give her the time of day, yet five minutes with her and she thinks you hang the stars.”
“I would do it no matter who she was.” I point out.
“Oh, trust me, I know.” He turns onto my street. He stops in front of my house and double parks, so I grab my bag. “How about this? You forgive me for being an asshole and I’ll forgive you for making me Mad Max.”
“So a truce?” I open my door, getting out. “Don’t make me sorry, Max. I would hate to have to kill you. I really like Denise.”
He throws his head back and laughs. “See you tomorrow, Allison.”
Chapter Ten
Max
My alarm blares out and my hand comes down and smacks it closed. I grumble and turn on my back to stretch, and my body locks in protest. Fuck, the game yesterday was brutal. My body got beat. I blink my eyes open, looking outside at the sun that is already up. I sit up and my back screams at me. I go to the kitchen and start the coffee then I head to the washroom.
I sit down at the island and make my coffee as I search the Internet, finding the picture of me as soon as I scored. It’s a great shot and I see Allison already had it up last night. I watch the replays over again twice, seeing what a great play it was.
I think back on last night and making my way to the event. I didn’t want to go, but Coach said it wasn’t a suggestion, so I was all for going, showing my face, and then leaving. But when I opened the door and Allison walked around me and then went to hail a cab I snapped. She pushes all my buttons, but after seeing her with the kids and seeing how she was so nice to Denise and what she did for them, I knew it was my time to apologize. It would be a miracle if she didn’t give me shit about it, but I gave Denise my word, so I bit my tongue and I admit she isn’t that bad.
An email from her comes in.
To: Mad Max
From: Perfect Allison
Subject: Last Night
I woke up wondering if I dreamed that you were a nice guy last night. I would like a hot coffee today. See you at three.
Signed
Don’t make me throw away good coffee.
I laugh and answer right away.
To: Perfect Allison
From Max I hate Mad Max
Subject: Coffee
Would you take cream or milk with that? I’ll ask for half of it in milk just in case I say something to piss you off. Chances are fifty-fifty. Kidding. I promise to be on my best behavior.