Maxine

Chapter Four

We arrived back at my place around 4:00-ish. My mind was spinning as we made our way up the steps and through the door. I sat my bag down in the entry was while Old Man and Jason made themselves comfortable in the living room. I managed to stumbled into the study, immediately checked my emails.

4 unread emails. One from the groomer lady exaggerating how much she loves the website, one from another client also raving about my work. The last two were from Derrek. My heart started racing, but I took a deep breath and opened the first one.

Subject: Rushed Lunch
To: Maxine Blake

Dear Ms. Blake,

I feel that I may have done something wrong. I'm terribly sorry if I did, but all the same I enjoyed our meeting. I would really like to have dinner with you tomorrow. Please reply when you get the chance.

Sincerely, Derrek Sims

Well, fuck. I don't want to shoot him down, but it isn't safe. Maybe he changed his mind in the second email. It reads:

Subject: Lost and Found
To: Maxine Blake

Dear Ms. Blake,

I didn't notice your thumb drive until I got up to leave. I would like to return it. Perhaps over dinner tomorrow?

Sincerely, Derrek Sims

He couldn't have my thumb drive. I walked at a much faster pace than normal towards the front door and started digging through the bag. "What's wrong?" My heart raced even more at his question, "He has my thumb drive." Jason was standing now, "Who has your thumb drive?"

I sat against the wall, "Derrek Sims, he's the client that I had lunch with today." Jason raised an eyebrow, "Can't you just get it back?" Letting myself fall over I answered his question, "I don't really want to see him again." A physical pain went through my chest from saying that, but I pushed it away.

Jason sat next to me, "Why?" Old Man made his way over to us to see what was wrong. "He's just... well he's human." Jason laughed, "Are you racist?" I rolled my eyes, "No, it's just that... well... he's my mate." The last part rushed out of my mouth.

I chanced a glance at Jason and his brows were almost touching his hair line, "I think I'm missing the problem." I flung my arms over my face, "I don't want a mate. I'm happy the way things are. Besides, I wouldn't be good for him. He would be in danger. He can have a completely happy and ordinary life without me."

I sat up and laced my fingers together. Jason was quiet, but not for long. "He can be happy because he doesn't know any better, but you know what mates are and what they mean. You won't be happy unless he's in your life." Silence fell between us and I knew he was right.

Jason stood up, "You should invite him over tonight. We can cook and pack and have fun." He went back to sitting on the couch and Old Man followed him. I looked at him curiously. He was being unusually kind towards me. "Fine..." I went back to the study and typed up an email.

Subject: Lost and Found
To: Derrek Sims

Dear Mr. Sims,

I'm glad you found my thumb drive it's very valuable to me. Could you possibly come over tonight? I have to cook everything in my fridge. I will be on temporary leave so I don't want anything to spoil. Please respond at your convenience.

Sincerely, Maxine Blake

My email zipped as I sent it. I forgot to put my address so I shot him another one with directions to my house. Moments later my inbox dinged.