Summer Girl

Summer Girl - Chapter 26

Chapter TWENTY SIX 

"I fucked up," I said into the phone, to Max, an hour later.

   "What happened?" he asked back, sounding worried.

   I called him, after letting myself cry for awhile. I was crying about Sam and about Harley and about, well, everything. Max didn't hold it against me to being rude the last time we talked. He was just there for me, now.

   "I ruined everything, because I freaked out on Harley," I told Max.

   "About what?"

   I sighed. "He told me that you are doing all the work for the wedding, so he can stay an extra week..."

   "Yeah, isn't that a good thing?" Max sounded confused.

   "Yeah, of course. But my cousin Sam fell off a roof and is in the hospital in Tampa... my Aunt and Uncle are coming back tonight..."

   "Oh, shit. Is he okay?" This surprised Max.

   "I don't know." I took in a deep breath. "So Harley and my time to ourselves is over, and I just started thinking about how hard it will be when he has to go, when you come and get him, and -"

   "Breathe, Izzie," he reminded me.

   "I can't. Harley left and he looked so, so sad."

   "Just give him a bit of space." He paused. "Do you want me to come back?"

   My heart skipped a beat. "Yes. Of course I do."

   "If you need me, I'll be there. I promised, remember?"

   "I need you," I said, then let out a breath I'd been holding in. Was I being selfish? Did I really need Max to come back and fix things for me?

   "Okay. I can come tomorrow, for the day... I just have to reschedule a meeting -"

   "Max," I sighed. "It's okay. I'll be fine. You have stuff to do."

   "I do, but it can wait. Harley is stubborn and impulsive. You're going to need my help." I could hear that he was smiling.

   "Okay. My uncle is coming home tonight, so..."

   "I'll get a motel." Max didn't hesitate.

   "Max, you were so serious about not coming back to Siesta at all. And now-"

   "I knew you would be okay, with Harley. But, now you're not."

   "I'm sorry," I said, embarrassed.

   "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" he finished.

   "Okay, thanks."

   I'd never been happier to see anyone, than when I saw Max walk into the Burger Hut two hours after my shift began the following day. He was wearing jean shorts and a t-shirt with the sleeves cut off; his dark hair seemed longer and his facial hair was scruffy. But it was Max and I couldn't believe it.

   Since it was Monday and not yet lunch time, the restaurant was pretty quiet, which made the fact that I shrieked and ran to Max that much more dramatic. He wrapped his arms around me and held me for a long time, nuzzling me with his face.

   "It feels like it's been a lot longer than like four days," he whispered, as we pulled apart.

   "Yes it does," I agreed, hugging him again. "I can't believe you came back."