Chapter Text
“Max! Maxie!” I heard knocking on my door. “We are running late, you idiot!”
“I’m coming, Donna,” I said, knowing that I was just getting out of bed.
I rushed to the bathroom to brush my teeth while changing into my clothes at the same time. Donna was probably fuming outside, and I didn’t want to make her any angrier.
“I’m leaving without you if you don’t come out right now!” she yelled just as I opened the door. “Seriously, what is wrong with you? Don’t alarm clocks exist in Argentina?”
“Ha ha, you’re so funny. You should be a comedian.” I rolled my eyes.
“Perhaps not, because you would have been fired already if I were a comedian and not your coworker,” Donna said.
“Ugh,” I muttered. “Whatever. Let’s get going.”
As we walked through the streets of the West Village, I wondered how I got to this point of being a total mess. Not in a million years would I have thought this would be my life. Three years ago, I expected to have everything under control, but burnout caught up with me sooner than I predicted.
Donna was the first friend I made when I got here. She had seen my evolution through the years, but I don’t think she understands why I feel the need to put in all this extra effort. She thinks I’d be better off following my father’s desires. Then I wouldn’t have to worry about working extra hours.
She supports me, but it doesn’t cross her mind that I could be setting myself up for a life of quiet misery. Her parents are hippies with money; they don’t care about appearances or honor.
When we arrived at the office, I needed something to eat, since I hadn’t been able to before. I asked Mike, one of my coworkers, to grab me something while he was out. It was Friday. I couldn’t wait to leave and hang out with my friends, to distract myself from the fact that as soon as my father decided to visit, it would be all over for me—my carriage would turn into a pumpkin.
While I wait for that time to come, I need to be able to make ends meet without my parents’ money. Accomplishing that would mean complete freedom.
“Here comes your coffee and cinnamon roll,” Mike said as he walked through the door. “Hello? Earth to Max.” He snapped his fingers in front of me, breaking my spiraling thoughts.
“Oh, thank you. I was a little distracted.”
“You’re always distracted—and not just a little,” he replied. “Maybe you could use coming to the bar with my friends tonight.”
“Only if I can bring Donna with me. You know we come in a combo,” I said jokingly.
“Alright. Deal. See you tonight.”
Mike is fairly tall and lean. He’s blond, with deep blue eyes that are almost unbelievable. I can admit he’s attractive, just not my type. I do know someone who’s completely into men like that, though. Donna.
That night I put on an all-black outfit, trying not to spend too much time thinking about it or getting ready. A few minutes later Donna was knocking again, but this time I was wide awake. We were supposed to be there by nine, so we had better start walking.
While we walked, Donna asked, “Was this a friendly invitation?”
I looked at her, confused.
“I wonder if Mike invited you with other intentions,” she added.
“Oh, I get it. Maybe. I’m not interested in him, though,” I said cheekily.
“Well, he is good-looking, and I bet he would make a great husband,” Donna said, ribbing me.
“You can have him.” I looked at her while she burst out laughing. “I’m being serious, Donna. Let’s do this—try giving him some attention tonight. He’ll be head over heels by the end of it. You’re like a goddess.”
She gave me a defiant grin. “If you’re right, I’ll go on a date with him. And if you’re wrong, you will. Deal?” She held out her hand for me to shake.
“Deal.” I shook her hand. “You should start making arrangements for the wedding. There’s a really cute venue not far from here.”
“Oh, shut up!” she interrupted.