Getting Closer

Chapter Thirty Four - Juliet

"Fuck, you're cute," Max says immediately once I open the front door for him.

Looking down, I examine my cute orange vest over a white blouse with a brown argyle skirt. After curling my hair, I put an adorable ribbon in my hair to have it half up and half down and to pull the outfit together, I put on my white stockings that end just below my knees.

"Thank you," I beam as I take his hand and pull him inside. I quickly kiss him but I'm running out of time. "Come," I tell him as I pull him deeper into the house. "I need your help."

He groans even at the thought of helping out. "I thought we were going to fuck before everyone arrives."

I let go of his hand and jump back into action in the kitchen. "We can do that after everyone leaves," I promise. "But I need you to grate some cheese for me."

After joining me, he says, "You know you can just feed us cold pizza and we'd be happy no matter what."

"You guys have pizza like every three days. Sorry if I want to expand your palates." And I know for a fact that he's correct. The amount of times Charlie has invited me over to his house just to find pizza already waiting on their table is astonishing. I swear to god, these boys will be the death of me. "Besides, I already asked Seth and Charlie to bring some dishes of their own. That's what a Friendsgiving is all about: having your favorite foods with your friends."

In the corner of my vision, I see him frown. "You didn't ask me to make anything."

I turn to him quickly and plant a kiss on his cheek. "Cause I knew you'd help me like you are right now."

"So I'm your slave?"

"No!" I shriek as I slap his arm. "You're my boyfriend who'll do anything for his girlfriend. Right?"

He snorts and before I have a chance to go back to do my tasks at hand, Max pins me against the counter and pulls me in close. His one hand drops down to my ass while his other arm wraps around me. Reluctantly, I put my arms around his neck and he smiles, "I would do anything for ya, Jules." He pauses. "Cause you are the best-"

I shut him up by shoving my hand over his mouth. "Save your compliments later. We have work to do!"

As I turn away from him, it doesn't stop him from slapping my rear and laughing at my squeal. Though we do have work to do, hopefully he doesn't realize the real reason I turned away.

***

I've always hated the feeling of inviting friends over to my parents' house as I'm always aware that not everyone comes from the same wealth and backgrounds as I have been born into and it's painfully obvious when everyone arrives. I shouldn't be too hard on myself for it as I've had no control over who my parents are and because Max also lives in the same exact neighborhood, but yet I can't stop seeing the awe in their eyes as they take in our chandeliers - and there are multiples - and the sheer size of the space.

While my house can't compare to other houses in town - like the West's ginormous mansion - it's still bigger and grander than most. Especially when you compare to Charlie's place, this house is at least ten times bigger.

But I try to shove these feelings away as I take everyone on a tour which has Seth running around with giddy. About halfway through the tour, Max grabs my hand and warm feelings run through my entire body. Just this small act makes me so much less nervous and anxious at showing our friends the place. Leaning into him, Max kisses the top of my head which calms me even more.

By the time we're done, it's time to eat. Everyone sits down at the dining room table and I go into the kitchen so I can bring out the dishes. When I'm in there, I'm quickly joined by another presence. While at the kitchen sink, Max leans against the counter and moves my hair out of the way. "Is everything alright?" he asks quietly.