Hope.
Max glanced around the empty store and quickly decided to place a call to Dr. Bellamy. He wasn’t surprised when the man answered on the first ring. “I just wanted to let you know things went great yesterday.”
Max couldn’t keep from grinning as he talked. There was so little in his past to smile about, but perhaps there would be in the future.
“Since I didn’t hear from you, I hoped that was a good sign.”
“I didn’t want to bother you on the holiday since it was all good.”
“I’m happy for you, Max.”
“Thanks. I appreciate all that you’ve done for me, Doc. If not for you…” Choked with emotion, he couldn’t finish the statement.
“You’re a strong man, Max. Stronger than you think. You would have found a way to work it out on your own, if necessary.”
Thoughts of the hell John went through alone made Max cringe inside, and he silently vowed to always be there for his friend. “Maybe. I’m just glad I didn’t have to.”
“So, do you want to come in next week and catch up?”
Max almost refused. Things were going well right now, and confidence in his ability to handle events grew. But another session couldn’t hurt. “Sure. I’m off on Wednesday.”
They set the appointment, and Max ended the call as a customer walked in. He didn’t bother to hide his dislike as Cade Jackson strolled toward him.
“Well, well, well, if isn’t Loser Logan in the flesh.”
Max gripped the counter with both hands, refusing to allow his high school antagonist the pleasure of getting to him. Again. “You need something, Cade? Besides a personality?”
Cade’s jaw clenched as he looked around the store. “I’m surprised Jason allows a loose cannon like you to be alone in here.”
When Max remained silent, he continued.
“I hope you enjoyed your cozy little dinner yesterday.”
Max grit his teeth.
“It won’t happen again.” Cade lowered his voice and leaned toward the counter when another customer walked in. “What I want, I get.” He tapped the surface with his index finger. “You should know that by now.” He winked. “But you can have her when I’m done.” He turned to the newcomer, charm meter pegging out. “Morning, Rodney. How’s the family?”
“Fine, Cade. Just fine.” The man looked at Max. “Morning, Max. Glad y’all are open today. I need a new battery for Louise’s car.”
It took Max a moment and a mental ten-count to regroup. Focus on the task. Focus. “Sure thing, Rod. This way.”
By the time eleven o’clock rolled around, Max was pacing like a caged tiger. He needed air. He needed space. When the store owner, Jason Sparks, walked in, Max was ready to bolt.
“Sorry I’m late, Max. Wife had extra things on the honey-do—.” He stopped mid-sentence. An Army veteran himself, Jason knew Max struggled with PTSD. But then, so did half the town of Bakersville, thanks to Cade. “You okay, Max?”
“I just need some air.” He rounded the counter, rubbing his hands on the front of his thighs. “Okay if I split for a few minutes?”
“Sure, go ahead and take your lunch break. Things are bound to be slow today anyway.”
“Yeah. Only a couple of folks so far.”
“Max?” Jason stepped toward him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You got this.”
Not trusting himself to speak, Max nodded and headed for the door. Outside, he took several deep breaths. The icy air helped clear his head and banish the caged-in feeling. He pulled out his cell phone and called Sky.
She answered on the second ring.
“Hey. It’s Max.”
“Morning.”
The smile in her voice chased away remnants of his anxiety. “The roads are still nasty today. How about I come by and take you to work? It’s not going to get any better with temps close to freezing.”
“I hate to bother you.”
“It’s no bother. On my way.”
“Hang on. Someone’s at the door.”
Muffled words could be heard in the background, but he couldn’t distinguish what was said.
“Hey. I’m back. That was Cade. Wanted to drive me to work so you wouldn’t have to take off.”
Before he could express an objection, she continued.
“I told him you were already on your way.”
