Page 19 of Blurry Little Lines
“Why do you have to leave?” Mallory’s eyes sulk as her cheeks droop.
“Lauren and I are going to New York City for a few days.” The door opens again, and Lauren pokes her head through.
A guitar sounds from a distance, and I know that’s Max playing at their place. Lauren goes to shut the door behind her as Mallory yells. “That’s Max! Max!”
“Mallory, leave him alone.” I place my hands on her shoulders, trying to keep her from running over.
“Why is he over there? I miss him, Mom.”
“You saw him the other day,” I state, feeling aggravation in my voice. It has more to do with him and me this afternoon than her wanting to see him.
“He walked me to school. That’s not the same as him taking us to the park or swimming or playing princess and dragons,” she spews her valid points. Max and Adam have been there for my children since day one as the fun uncles.
“Maybe he’s had a busy day. He will stop over if he wants.”
“Busy?” Adam scoffs. “He worked this morning and brought me a coffee.”
“Anyway, your uncle and I wanted to hug you goodbye because we are going to miss your adorable faces for the next few days.” Lauren smiles, bending down to give the kids a hug. “I’m going to miss you. Be good for your mama.”
“Max is staying at my place while we are gone. I’m sure you little minions will get to see plenty of him.” My brother smiles at Mallory while Lauren shoots me a wicked grin.
Lauren reaches into her bag when Adam heads back across the hall, handing me a small wrapped box. I reach out and accept it with caution, because Lauren can be unpredictable.
“You behave too, Mama.” Her smirk is sinister, along with her wink. “I think you’ll need these items to help get you through the next few days.” She pauses to make sure the kids are out of earshot. “Or at least until someone else can take over.” The door opens, and she waves goodbye.
I walk the gift box to my room and get the hint that I should wait until the kids are asleep to see what’s inside.
The evening passes with bellies full of pizza, constant giggles, and multiple bedtime stories. I tuck the kids into bed and sing them their song of choice before creeping down the hallway, holding my breath. A habit of mine because I swear if they hear me breathe, they will wake and want me. Tonight was a win. There was no fussing or getting out of bed six times just to ask me to walk them back to bed. I know it had to be them missing this side of me. Up until a few months ago, when I started back at work, a calm attentiveness was the only side of me they had seen. I head to the kitchen and finish making the kids’ lunches for school tomorrow, and continuously yawn.
I glance at my phone. I never ended up sending a text to Max with time for him to come over and help me with a workout. He usually sends a text or calls if we don't confirm. Had I really struck a chord with him by threatening to call security? My hormones are in full swing and Priscilla sent me into a fierce, guarded rage. If I’m honest, I was more humiliated with myself for petty flirting when someone like Priscilla quite literally threw herself at him. No wonder he keeps me in the friend zone.
I decide to text Max, saying I’m having an early night and we can meet up tomorrow. After my shower, I open the gift from Lauren and smirk to myself. Clearly, this was sent to Lauren from her best friend, Rachel, who is an eccentric sex toy rep. I pull out the extremely ribbed octopus tentacle as my eyes scan the card.
“The Kraken Tentacle.” I cringe, but curiosity gets the best of me. My eyes read over the handwritten note at the bottom.
I know, I was weirded out when Rachel sent me one too. But I retract my judgment, Kelsie. If you’re still on edge about trying something funky, I also added in a mainstream oral toy. And seriously, the oral suction this thing has could replace all men.
Happy vibing.
-Lauren
I reach for the more familiar C-shape looking toy and set the ribbed tentacle aside. I hope this replaces all men, because with my luck, this is all I’ll have.
Two days later, my body feels tight as annoyance fills me to the brim. I tuck the kids into bed and head to my room to change. Slipping on my favorite dark purple bathing suit, I wrap my large plush white robe around me. Drowning in wine is a no go and I need to work through my mind. Tonight, a bubble bath won’t cut it. After grabbing the baby monitor, I head a couple of floors up to our family’s private rooftop, which hosts a hot tub and pool.
The night air is chilly, but the clear sky makes it worth it. I undo my robe, walking over to the hot tub, and set the monitor on the side table. A clearing of a throat jolts my heart as my eyes scan the area, only to find Max lying on the large lounge chair. I wrap my arms around myself, closing the robe. Him ignoring me the past couple of nights is the main reason I’m up here to work through the crap in my head.
“I’m sorry.” The soft yellow glow from the few lights surrounding us gives a warmth to his skin. “It felt odd watching you when you thought you were alone.”
Whatever.
“Why didn’t you text me back?” I move closer to him, but my skin pebbles and begs to sink into the warmth of the water.
“It’s annoying, isn’t it?” He lifts one arm behind his head, allowing his drool-worthy chest to be on display even more. “I honestly fell asleep after Adam and Lauren took off.”
“For days?” Max shrugs, and I don’t have it in me to argue over a taste of my own medicine. “Aren’t you cold?” I fight to keep my eyes on his, but they have a mind of their own and wander down to hisVthat leads into his swim shorts.
“A little.” His other hand resting on his hip waves, beckoning me. “Come here. It’s nice to focus on the moment and be aware of everything around.”He’s always challenging his body.“You’re mentally strong enough to block out the cold too.”