Catfished - COMPLETED

CHAPTER NINE

        A few minutes into the drive back to civilization, Lucy had calmed down. She sat up in her seat, shoulders back, and started taking in the scenery they passed. "This is my first time to the north-east," she announced to no one in particular. "It's so pretty here. Everything is green... But not like in Missouri. Missouri's green is bright green- in your face. The green here is a dark, lush color. I have never seen anything like it. Subtle beauty."
        "Well said," Nev told her.
        They went up a hill and, when they crested the top, the city skyline was visible. Lucy poured over it. She had seen it when they arrived but had been to anxious to appreciate it. Now she was struck by the absolute spectacle it was.
        "That view though," Max commented. He snapped a few pictures and Nev handed him his camera. Max took some shots from Nev's camera too. "At least we have a great background for heartbreak."
        "So where are we heading?" Lucy fell victim to her curiosity.
        "First trip to Seattle requires a few obligatory stops. But they are amazing," Nev answered her. He pointed at the Space Needle.

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         Hours later, the group had explored everything they could have. They visited the Space Needle, walked through Pike's Place Market, added gum to the Gum Wall, climbed on the Fremont Troll, and left a hat and scarf for the poor people at Waiting for the Interurban. They had grabbed coffees from the first Starbucks and taken it to Queen Anne Hill in Kerry Park. There they sat on the bumper of the car and sipped coffee.
        "This was a good idea," Lucy told the guys. They clinked coffee cups.
        Nev's phone rang, breaking the peaceful atmosphere around them. He walked a little distance away and answered it out of earshot.
         Max took the opportunity to apologize again. He scooted right next to Lucy on the bumper of the car. "I really am sorry about my outburst. It was uncalled for."
       "You can stop apologizing. I know you didn't mean to... This lifestyle has to be hard on you and Nev. Watching heartbreak after heartbreak."
        He kept his gaze out at the view. "Yeah. I think the worst part for me is getting to know the victim. You know them on a personal level and, sometimes, you start to really like them. I know I'm supposed to be the cynic but, in the back of my mind, I am always hoping for the best," Max confessed.
        "Okay," Lucy laughed. "This has been thoroughly depressing. Now! Favorite part of your job."
        Max smiled. "Travel. For sure. I love that I get to go all over. And we never know where we will end up. I love not knowing. It makes me go to places I would never pick myself and I have loved the unexpected places the most."
        By the time he was finished, Max's grin was spread across his whole face. He turned to face her. Lucy grinned back at him. They beamed at each other a long time.

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        Nev had finished his call awhile ago. He could see Max talking to Lucy. Things appeared to be going well. He saw Lucy smiling while Max talked. It looked like she asked him a question. Whatever Max was saying made Lucy smile. Nev was happy for Max. Lucy was an amazing girl. She would bounce back from this experience quickly. She was just that kind of person. Max would be there for her when she was ready. It was a comforting thought. Nev really liked Lucy and wanted the best for her. That might be Max, he thought.

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         Nev rejoined the two on the bumper of the car. "Hey. That was Brad. He wants me to come help him with something. I'm going to head back to the hotel. Do you guys want to stay out? It's still early."
        "But we should help you with whatever it is," Lucy said, her face all concern.
         Nev smiled at her. "It's nothing big. We've got it. I'll grab an Uber. The hotel isn't far."
        "Whatever you think," Max said.
        While Lucy was looking at Max, Nev winked behind her back and mouthed, Have some time alone.
Nev said goodnight and walked to meet his Uber.
 

    Suddenly Max and Lucy were alone for the first time since her meltdown. But now they were truly alone. No cameras. No mics jabbing them. No cameramen or producers. No buffer. Just the two of them and a gorgeous view of Seattle.
         A breeze blew through Lucy's hair. A few strands trailed across her face and tickled her. She brushed them back in place. Max watched as her forehead scrunched in thought. She seemed lost to the current world she was in-living solely in her hypothetical world of what might happen tomorrow. Max knew he needed to get her out of there.
        "You're handling things really well," he complimented her.
        "Thanks." Lucy bumped her shoulder against his playfully.
        Max threw his arm around her shoulders and gave her a soft squeeze. He left his arm there, feeling comfortable with her. Lucy smiled at the gesture.
        "Tomorrow I'll have your back. Dont worry about it," Max reassured her.
        Lucy nodded. "Any tips? Words of wisdom? Advice?"
        Max thought for a moment. "Just be calm. Try to see it from their point of view. But also, don't let them make you feel guilty. None of this is your fault."
        "Okay. I'll give it a shot. Thank you, Max."
        Max gave her another soft squeeze. While she was pulled close to him, he couldn't help but kiss the top of her head. He didn't know if they were quite there. But it felt so natural. Lucy wrapped her arm around Max's waist and they stayed that way for what felt like hours.
Eventually they had to go back to the hotel. They had to face the cameras and whatever waited for them tomorrow. The recent events of the night made it all seem better. It made tomorrow not seem so foreboding.

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Hey! Hope you like this chapter. Max and Lucy are getting so close!!! And with Nev on board, who knows what will happen! 😁😉
PS-- The pics for this chapter are actual pics Max took in Seattle. I found them trolling through his IG. But I thought they gave the chapter a little something extra. 😊