I Don't Believe In Fate

Chapter 7

After Max and I had dinner, I washed the dishes and sat down on the couch, thinking about what happened earlier. Of all fucking people, it had to be Shannon Leto. Frustrated, I sauntered to the kitchen and found an unopened bottle of wine. This is just what I need after a long, shitty day. I know it was Lily's wine, but I can just pick up another bottle to replace it tomorrow, besides, I needed it more.

Pouring myself a glass and taking the bottle with me, I walked up the stairs to her bathroom and ran a hot bath. Relaxing in a bubble bath with a few glasses of wine, made me feel so much calmer. After almost an hour, I had to drag myself out of the tub to go and tell Max goodnight. I dressed in my pajamas and knocked on his door. "What?" He snapped at me and only opened the door enough to stick his head out.

"Just wanted to tell you goodnight. You know you don't have to be so antisocial Max." I didn't know how Lily could deal with this all the time. He hardly speaks and then acts like everyone was the damn enemy. God, was I a moody teen like this? I certainly hope not.

"Whatever," he mumbled just before closing the door in my face. I wanted to bang on the door and set his little ass straight about respecting adults, but... he's not my son. It's not my job to do that, it's Lily's. Maybe I'd try to talk to him again tomorrow. I walked downstairs and made sure the door was locked before getting into bed and falling asleep.

The next morning, the bright sunlight was pouring through the window. Looking over at the clock to see that it read eight fifteen, I sat up, stretching and pulled the pink robe around myself before walking down stairs. I'm so not a morning person. Max was at the table and already dressed. His earbuds were in and he was eating a bowl of cereal. I walked up behind him and pulled them out.

"Good morning sunshine. It's rude to have those in when you aren't alone. Why are you dressed so early, it's Saturday?" I tried not to sound bitchy, but knew I did anyway.

Making a face at me, he spoke. "I'm going out to skate and I have a guitar lesson this morning." He got up and put his dish in the sink on his way out of the kitchen.

"Hold it! I don't want you over there at his house Max! Didn't I tell you that last night?" The last thing I needed was Max over there being influenced by a Leto! God only knows what Matt would witness on that property. I chewed a bite of toast and glared over at Max. "Not gonna happen. Do you understand me?" I didn't raise my voice often, but when I did, he knew I meant business.

Rolling his eyes, he answered, "Yes! I understand. I am not allowed over there. Can I go skate now?" He asked, at me.

"I'm going to run to pick up a bottle of wine. Would you want to come with me?" I knew he wouldn't, but I had to ask anyway.

"Nope." He said, walking out of the kitchen. I heard the front door slam shut and I jumped, knowing I pissed him off. I finished my toast and cleaned up the few dishes before heading upstairs. Sitting in front of Lily's mirror, I put my makeup on and got dressed. I walked down the stairs and out the front door, taking a bag of garbage with me. Standing there looking around, Max was nowhere to be found. I finally got in the car when I saw him at the corner. This would only take a few minutes. I drove to the store and purchased another bottle to replace the one I opened last night. Laughing at the idea that I may have a drinking problem.

Returning to Lily's house, I noticed two skateboards laying in the grass. 'Guess they got bored with skating.' I opened the door and almost dropped the brown bag to the floor. Shannon was seated on the couch and holding a guitar. Max and Alex sat on the love seat watching him closely. "So, that's what you look like in the morning." He said with a smirk.

"Shouldn't you be home kicking your latest victim out of your bed?" I rolled my eyes and walked into the kitchen, secretly enjoying his sarcastic laugh. I wanted to kill Max right about then. Leaning against the countertop, I could hear Shannon's voice as he was giving them pointers. Realizing that this would go on for a while, I didn't know what to do with myself. I returned to the living room and sat down on the couch with my arms folded. I watched everything he said and did. He was so good with the boys, taking his time to answer their questions and had transformed easily from the arrogant prick with the sarcastic comebacks, to music teacher.

His 'lesson' went on for almost an hour. Max smiled, daring to ask for a favor. "Could you get us into one of your shows?"

Shannon laughed, but surprised me by agreeing. "Yeah, yeah, no problem. You'd have to get your aunt Claire to bring you though. We will be playing here next month actually. It's up to her." All eyes were on me and I let out a frustrated breath.

"Max, that's a decision for your mother." He knew I was right and didn't say another word.

Shannon glanced back at the boys. "Okay guys, next Saturday I'd be happy to show you some more." Alex followed Max out the door, leaving me all alone with Shannon. Walking into the kitchen, he followed me. I cleared my throat and leaned back against the granite countertop. "That was really cool of you. Maybe you aren't a complete asshole after all." He stepped in front of me, cornering me with a hand resting on the black granite on either side of me.

His lips were almost touching mine as he spoke. "An asshole? I did nothing wrong Claire. FYI, you didn't even stay long enough to see what it's like to wake up in my bed. What I would've done to you, would have been far from kicking you out."

Swallowing hard, I could feel myself wanting desperately for him to kiss me. He moved so close to me that his lips touched mine, but he pulled away when my eyes closed. "I have to go meet my brother now." He walked toward the door. "Have a fantastic day."