In which Spencer and the girl from the park actually have a plot, and Malcom Bright from Prodigal Son has a crossover.
😈
"Tell us why you like it rough, Max," Catherine Adams says with a smile.
"Shut up," Spencer snaps.
Cat gives Spencer an amused...
in·ter·est noun the state of wanting to know or learn about something or someone.
Next Friday morning, 7:30 am
A week had passed and Max was perched at the cafe on the first floor of her apartment building.
She had a rough last couple of days with work, and was happy it was Friday once again.
She typed away at her laptop, dictating progress notes, and reliving the challenging week she had with children, adolescents, and people who should never be allowed to be parents.
Being a children's therapist was no joke, but she felt like it was what she was made to do.
She stopped for a sip of her latte when she noticed a familiar face walking in the shop.
He looks tired, unshaved, and a little worn.
He notices her as he walks up to the bar and he offers a smile, walking her way instead.
"Hey neighbor." He says, hands clasped to the strap of his messenger bag.
"Hey!" Max says, "You found your....?"
"Yeah. He taps his bag "I got in last night and got it. Thanks again. Going in right now to finish up the documentation." he makes a feigned face of disgust.
"I know about that life" Max says, motioning at her computer.
"Oh, what do you do?"
"I'm a children's therapist...Working on treatment plans and new client assessments right now."
He tilts his head in interest. "Oh wow. You know Adverse Childhood Experiences are the leading cause of dysfunction in adults. Maybe you can work me out of my job one day."
"I don't know about that, some days it feels like I'm just spinning on a hamster wheel." Max says, looking down at her cup.
"Dr. Reed, your order is ready" the barista calls from the bar.
They both turn to look.
"You must come in here a lot," Max says, "You didn't even have to order..." he smiles sheepishly.
"I should have known. All fair trade beans here." She raised her cup at him.
"Yeah," he grins and checks his watch. "I need to get going if I want to get all my paperwork done and actually have a weekend for change" his hazel eyes flicked back to hers before he turns away.
"Right there with ya" Max calls after him.
He waves as he grabs his coffee to leave.
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Text messages to Michelle, same day.
Max: why do I think FBI neighbor guy is kinda hot.
Michelle: what? No. I called dibs.
Max: oh hush you didn't even remember him
Michelle: I really don't think I've ever seen him around your place, but I'm trying to after reading that article he wrote that you sent. That featured PICTURE 😍😍
(Michelle sent an image)
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Michelle: Jkjkjk but seriously, the dude has 3 PhD's. You always liked smart guys but dayuuum.
Max: 🙄
Michelle: it's just... the whole FBI thing might be a little too close to home if you feel me. Although you literally made a career out of helping troubled youth, so it's clear to me you ain't scared. As your lawyer I say... be careful. As your friend, cowgirl up 🤠
Max: Texas has gotten to you.
Michelle: 🐄🤠⛽️🥩
Michelle: so what are you going to do?
Max: probably just slow burn until I die
Michelle: ?
Max: I don't know Michelle, I don't even know "what to do" in that scene any more. Like look at him and smile when I walk past him in the hall? Ask him what he thinks about non traditional school settings for kids with ADHD tendencies?
Michelle: you don't know what to do because you don't want to. You've put up walls to keep people at a distance from all of your crap. Sometimes you think too much. Just do what feels natural.
Max: that's what I'm afraid of... "what feels natural" 🙃 ...and you think this guy doesn't 'think too much?' 3 PhD's Michelle!!
Michelle: 🤓
Max: you're no help
Michelle: 😜 you're still good to pick me up from the airport at 10:30 tonight, right?
Max: yep!
Michelle: well I'm taking you out afterwards, my treat!
Max: ✌🏻
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"Interesting people always have a past." Jeanette Walls
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If you made it this far thank you!! Comment your favorite cafe treat! I LOVE coffee and scones!
