The Key to my HeART

07 Chance

H A R P E R

Max didn't say much the entire drive back to our house. I glanced into the rearview mirror and saw his eyes glistening. I didn't say anything to him, not wanting him to lose his "cool guy" facade in front of Josh. I waited until he had parked in our driveway.

"Josh," I said. "Go in. I need to talk to Max privately."

"But I-" he started to whine.

"Go. Get some dry clothes on and get started on your homework or I'll tell Mom." Josh was still young enough that threats held some weight. Thank goodness.

Josh heaved a sigh so dramatic he should probably apply for Juilliard's acting program. He hopped out of the car and ran for the backdoor. The rain pelted the roof of Max's car, drowning out the radio. Max killed the engine, but classic rock still competed with the rain.

"Did I do something?" He asked suspiciously. I saw he narrowed his eyes as he watched me in the rearview mirror.

I reached around the driver's seat from behind, hugging him as best I could. The fabric of his headrest was rough against my cheek. He touched my arm gingerly like he wasn't sure what to do.

"What is that for?" He asked. His voice husky from trying to hold tears in.

"I really am sorry, Max." I released him, leaning back into my seat, my hand on my door handle. "I'm sorry Beretta has to stay behind and I'm sorry you're stuck with us. And I'm even a little sorry for zip-tying your locker closed."

He laughed and wiped his eyes. "Don't be sorry about my locker, just be prepared for retribution."

I looked into the rearview mirror to see his dark eyes watching me. He winked. The old Max was back.

"We're not close," I said. "But you can talk to me if you like." It felt like a line as it left my mouth, but I meant it. Maybe he made an enemy out of my best friend, but I couldn't ignore another person in pain.

"Thanks," he mumbled and opened his door stepping into the rain.

Presumably, he wanted to avoid more embarrassment. I climbed out and used my backpack as a makeshift umbrella to run to Tyler's house to do homework. While I believed Max hurt, I didn't think he would behave himself with Josh while I tried to study, especially not after the zip tie incident.

I let myself in and kicked my shoes off. My jeans were damp but going home to change would just result in another pair of wet clothing from the rain.

I found Tyler by himself in the living room. His tongue lolled out of his head and his economics book sat open in his lap. His elbow rested on his knee, his face leaning into his hand, contorting half his face.

"Economic theory is that fun, eh?" I dropped my backpack on the ground and dug out my English homework.

"I could cry it's so much fun." He pulled out his cellphone and looked at the time. "You're awfully late."

"I got a ride with Max and Josh. We had to go to his house and check up on his dog." I looked around and noticed only our bags were there. "No Chance?"

"He'll be along sooner or later. He is getting extra practice in."

I settled into the La-Z-Boy like yesterday, getting comfortable before popping the footrest out. "What? You're so good at soccer you don't need extra practice?"

"I'm not trying to get recruited by schools for it."

He went back to reading and I started making notes on Beloved for the paper I was expected to write on it. I tried to get lost in the task, reading, sticking post-its into the book, trying not to think about Max across the driveway.