Invisible

Chapter 32 Maxwell and Me

"And the pool can be used but you have to uncover it and turn on the heat at least an hour before, and the kids have to have life vests on. And Maxwell needs a half pill in his dog food at night, just half. If he gets a whole one take him in to the vet. And,-"

"Tif, I think Leah knows everything. If we don't get going now we are going to miss our flight." Sam takes Tiffany by the arm and ushers her out the front door.

I've been standing in the entryway,
Holding Max as he struggles to get to Tiffany. When she moves away he starts whining and she turns. "Go, I've got this." I encourage as I herd her out the door.

"I'll call you when we land!" She calls as they get into the car.

I nod and wave as they pull out of the driveway.

"Well buddy, looks like it's just you and me." I sigh and walk in, shutting the door before setting Maxwell down.

The big house stands quiet and empty, you could hear a pin drop from the basement.

"What do you want to do first?" I look down at the dog and find his nose pressed up against the glass panel next to the door, his whines are clear and pained. Poor boy.

Talking to the dog doesn't really surprise me, I talked to Jade all the time. Thinking of her brings an unexpected pang to my heart, at first I think it's because of Jacob. But when I think of him there is maybe a small ache. I miss that fury, self centered, foot pouncer.

I've cried so much over the last month that I have no tears left to shed.

Television seems so mindless and distracting but I can't seem to focus on any of it.

Maxwell whines on, this won't do. I look outside and decide to fix up the yard, there are a few small weeds in the front flower beds and a couple leaves and branches that I can collect and take into the back yard. Maybe I can start up the pool or the fireplace tonight.

Still after another hour I am bored out of my mind. I turn on the radio in the kitchen and start mixing up a cake. Tiffany was smart, she stocked up on everything I would need for baking just about any pastry or dessert. If she wants to keep me here she's doing a fantastic job trying.

Tiffany calls an hour later saying that she forgot to get Maxwell's medication at the vet. She's nearly hysterical and I bite the inside of my mouth to keep from laughing.

"Tiff, don't worry. I'll go pick it up... Yes, right now." I look down at max and he wags his tail expectantly. "And Maxwell says he misses you."

I leave the cake out to cool and bring Maxwell along. It's the vet so he's not sure what to expect when he gets in the car. I laugh outright when he figures it out and cowers in the passenger seat.

"Don't worry boy, it's only for a minute."

When I pull in I snap on his leash and grab him before he can try anything.

"I would have left you alone, but you like trying to jump on the counters." I tell him as I reach for the handle. The door flies open and I barely pull my hand back in time. Maxwell skids to a stop just in time as well.

A greyhound shoots through the opening and straight at Max, a hand on a short leash pulls back and he stops.

"Leah?"

I look up, Hunter has his black cap pulled over his eyes and a black tee to match.

"Hi."

Things have been quiet over the last couple of weeks, ever since the night of the party. I didn't know he was even in town.