Coincidental Couple

Chapter XVI: New Year, New Life

Chapter XVI: New Year, New Life

The night had finally arrived.

“Elline, hold still.” Bonnie scolded me.

“I’m sorry, I’m just really nervous.” I said, jittery.

“Nervous for a new year?” She didn’t understand what this past year had done to me, and I was ready to get it over with.

“Long story, Bonnie. Are you done yet? I have to help Sierra get everything ready.”

“Relax, Noah and Ken have that under control.” She finished curling the last ringlet and fluffed my hair. “There. You look like a doll.”

“Thanks Bonnie, you’re a lifesaver.” I got up and hugged her. “Come on, we have about an hour to spare until the New Year.” I squealed and led her out to the living room.

I walked out of my room to spot Max already there, looking dapper as ever. A gray dress shirt, black tie and black slacks. His face neatly shaven and his sandy blonde hair combed back delicately. His blue eyes caught mine, his smile widening as I got closer.

“You look wonderful.” He whispered.

“You don’t look too bad yourself.” I taunted. “I’m glad you made it.”

“I’m glad to be here.” He said sweetly. “I see you had more guests than anticipated.”

“I’m sorry about that. They are good friends from work. The woman is Bonnie and the man with the beard is Noah.” I pointed to each so he could spot them easier. I had to make sure to present him to them later.

We mingled and laughed for a while. Max seemed like he got along with everyone. I didn’t expect him to be that sociable with my friends. He would talk with the boys while they drank scotch. He even talked to Bonnie along with Sierra for a while until it was time to ring in the New Year.

We still had about ten minutes to spare, when Sierra and I were in the kitchen getting the Sangria glasses ready. Everyone else was outside, sitting on the couch outside on the balcony. From the kitchen, we heard someone’s phone ring. The person excused themselves and came back inside.

“Dr. Richardson.” He said, serious. “Hello mother.” His voice was soft.

Next to me, Sierra froze. “Sie?” I asked, worried.

“Did you hear that?” She hissed.

I gave her a confused look. “Yeah, he’s talking on the phone, with his mom.”

“No, you dimwit! How he answered the phone!” She scowled.

“I don’t get where you’re going with this.”

“Elline, think! What’s the other place you’ve heard that last name? Do you remember what the other doctor had called him, the nickname? Do the math!” She was on the edge of shouting at me.

“Sie, I don’t remember, honestly.” Her finger pointed at my ring finger. Then I felt the color drain from my face. It had hit me. “No…” I breathed.

“Yes.” She too was astonished. “Maxwell Richardson.”

“What am I supposed to do?” I began to panic. “I can’t just walk up to him and say, ‘hey, we’ve got some unfinished business to fix’.”

“No, you’re going to act cool. Now is not the time to confront him about that. You’ll scare him off.”

“Everything alright in here?” Max stood at the kitchen entrance with his hands in his pockets. He scared me, and I let my wine glass drop and shatter into a million pieces, just like my mind.