Hidden Motives

Remember

I let the phone ring out. 

Maddox said "Why didn't you answer it? I thought you and Max were finally on good terms."

"That only lasts for like a day each time until he messes up again" I said irritated by Max's call.

"Oh...I see. Um.. if you don't mind me asking...what did he do this time?" Maddox stuttered.

"He made me feel like I was on cloud nine. He acted as if he had changed. And even was willing to help get me back on track for school. He made me feel like I was the only one for him. That was until he was with Scarlett tonight. I had Rene's brother bring me here. I really wanted to check on you and there was no way I was going to approach Max." I said, my eyes were threatening to tear again.

Maddox took my words in for a second before saying "Um just an idea, but what if Max was trying to get Scarlett away from him? I know Max good enough to know that he only goes to Scarlett when something is really wrong. If things were really good between you two, there's no reason for him to go to Scarlett. Max isn't stupid. He wouldn't risk it. He has been obsessed with you since the day you arrived. I used to have to hear about how 'mysterious' and 'beautiful' you were all day. I mean it's true, but that man was head over heels. He wouldn't mess things up with you on purpose."

I sighed and said "Maybe I did overreact. But, that doesn't excuse his behavior. Why didn't he come to me instead? And why did he use talking to Rene as an excuse to go to Scarlett? He still hasn't even broken up with her officially yet!" My phone then rang again. It was Max.

"Answer" Maddox whispered. "Maybe it's important. He cares about you and I know it."

That's when Max's words from this morning hit me. "But, if what I need for you to give me a chance is to formally break up with Scarlett. I'll do it in a heartbeat. Anything you for you my Tsunami."

"Oh my god" I whispered. "He was breaking up with her. He used Rene as an excuse because he didn't want me to see Scarlett and get mad. I'm such an idiot!"

"What?' Maddox whispered.

"I'm calling him back right now" I said while pulling out my phone. I called and he picked up on the first ring.

"Zara! Where are you? Are you ok?!" he asked sounding alarmed.

"I'm fine. I came to visit Maddox. James brought me here. You..you looked busy" I said lowering my voice.

Max sighed "Zara I was breaking up with Scarlett officially. I wasn't doing anything else. Don't tell me your mad. I thought that if you didn't see it everything would be fine. I did it for you. I'm sorry I should've stayed with you."

"It's ok. I understand. I just overreacted. It's my fault. I forgive you." I said.

"I'm coming to the hospital. Stay there. James can leave if he wants because we aren't going to be home for a while. I promised you we would visit Dave if we were allowed."

"Ok" I whispered before hanging up. "Maddox I'll be right back." 

Maddox nodded and I went down to the waiting room where James was sitting.

"Hey James um so turns out Max was breaking up with Scarlett. Officially I guess. I talked to him and everything is fine now. He's going to come to the hospital now..we have to head somewhere else after. If you want you can go and pack. I know you have a flight to catch."

James stood up. He looked a bit disappointed when I mentioned Max, but he shook it off. "Yeah, I should probably head back. Are you sure you'll be fine?" he asked.

"Yeah, I will. It was great meeting you! I hope to see you again soon!" I praised.

James smiled and said "You should definitely come to California soon! It's great over there. Lots of sun. Maybe you could also check out what I do."

I laughed and thought "That's where I'm from and I definitely miss the excess sun."

Instead, I spoke "Yeah! Um what do you do anyways?"

James laughed a bit and said "Professional sports. Not sure if your familiar, but the arena is in San Francisco. I'll let you know of our schedule. Maybe you guys could swing by for a week."

"Basketball" I thought. "I knew he looked familiar. He couldn't know that I recognized him though. Back home Jace and I used to always watch the games. With everything going on I didn't even notice. 

"Definitely! That would be so exciting!" I exclaimed. I pulled James into a goodbye hug. As I did this Max walked in looking jealous. I smiled and waved goodbye to James as he pulled away and walked out the door. He waved back and Max approached me.