Call Your Girlfriend

Part 29: In Which Confirmation Feels So Powerful

"I love you."

My heart flutters fast in my chest. Who would have thought smacking him with that door would open up so much hidden truths. He might have never said it if it didn't happen. He just stands there looking down at me and my breathing becomes slightly heavier. He has Luna in his arms and all I can do is take her from him and set her down after giving her a kiss on her forehead. Max's eyes watch me. When I stand back up, I pull on his belt loops and bring him closer to me. I can hear his heart pounding in his chest as he gazes at me. Standing on my tiptoes, I cradle the back of his neck and bring him down to met me. Pressing my lips to his, his hands snake around my waist and I rock on my toes slightly, losing my balance. I drop down to my flat feet and he just looks at me, head bent down.

"I love you too, Max...so much." Luna pulls on my skirt and helps herself up to her feet. I look down and smile widely at her. "You too, Munchkin."

I pick her up and hold her tight.

"I love you both- I always have." I'm getting a little choked up and Max just pulls me closer. "I'm so happy that you actually feel this way. I thought it was just me."

"Don't you hear when I tell you, I love my doctor or that I want you. I favor you?"

"You've never told me you favor me?"  I look at him with a small smile and he smirks.

"I'm gonna keep that to myself then." Laughing, I pull him into my side and take him back towards the living room.

"Are you two hungry? We can order take out." I say and he smiles casually.

"Sure...whatever you want." I take my phone out and he just watches me. I open up my contacts and find Bulldog's- Max's favorite pub. At first, I wasn't a fan, but I grew to enjoy it over time.

"Want your usual?" He pulls me close to him on the couch and kisses just next my ear. My cheeks heat up from blushing.

"Yes." He whispers and tingles run through my body.

"I'll um...I'll be right back." I go to get up and just before I do, I leave a kiss on his cheek. Oh my gosh, I don't even know how to calm my heart. I go into my family and call to order our food. "Hi, I have an order for delivery?...alright, I need one Banzai burger- well done- with a side of Cheesy bacon fries, can I also get. Grilled chicken club...honey mustard, lettuce, tomato, and onion...side of Pretzels bites and nacho dip...oh, can I also get chicken tenders and apple sauce...thank you...alright, have a good night."

I head out to see Max and he is standing in my dining room, not looking as happy as when I left.

"Everything okay?"

"Huh, that was a doctor from Mexico." I cock my head to the side- confused. What does that even mean? "Apparently, Reynolds is leaving. She wanted to apply for his position."

"Max...you didn't really think he and Evie were going to have a long distance marriage- did you?" He leans against my table and looks down- shaking his head. I go over to him and stand just in front of him.

"No...but I like the idea of it. He's been trying to tell me for almost a week and I just didn't want to believe it was true. I don't want to lose anyone else." Sighing, I step right in between his legs and pull him into my arms. He rests his head on my shoulder and just sighs deeply.

"He's just moving Max. You're not really losing him. It'll be different- for sure- but he needs this." He rests his hands just on my hips and shakes his head.

"Huh...I know...he was my first hire...and fire." I laugh through my nose and bring his face up to look at me.

"He surely won't forget that. When he gets married- you make sure to make that into a toast." He puffs out air through his nose and leans forward. I still and he kisses me. It's so...different than any other kid I've shared with anyone. I feel how much he means it. Odd- I never felt that with anyone. I wrap my arms around his neck and return the kiss. He tastes like citrus from his orange gum he chews all day. "Mmmm...You know, I'm still not happy that you cut mammograms."