Max Shine
Over the next month and a half, PJ helped Max with his job search, serving as a make-shift headhunter. She had contacts all over the country, but he really didn’t want to leave Charlotte. While he waited to hear back from the many companies that he applied to, the two friends/almost lovers hung out daily.
When he wasn’t immersed in his job search, Max was thinking about PJ nonstop. The way she took care of him really made him see her in a new light. She was the kindest woman he had ever been involved with. There was no comparing her to any other. They should be together, and he was determined to find a way for that to happen.
Hanging out at the penthouse had become his new favorite pass time. Most days Lattimore made it home before PJ, so Max hung out with his friend while he waited on his lady. She had taken to cooking for the trio daily. Sometimes Latti’s lady friend, Carla would join them, but she hated PJ with a passion. That made things awkward, so she didn’t come around often. Usually Lattimore went to see her whenever he felt the need.
Tonight Latti and Max were hanging out in the living room talking about life, love and how to get the women in their lives to get along. It seemed near impossible. Was it even worth the trouble? Latti seemed like he was just toying with Carla, while Max was head over feet for PJ.
“I don’t know, Max, I have been trying to get PJ and Carla to get along, but it is World War three whenever they are in the same room. I need these two to get along if I am going to take the relationship with Carla to the next level.”
“So, are you in love with Carla or just hanging out?”
“I’m not sure. We haven’t been seeing each other that long. Hell, we are still seeing other people.”
“Well, damn. I didn’t know you all were seeing other people. Doesn’t it make you angry when she goes out with other guys?”
“Not really. She does her thing and I do mine. As long as I don’t have to see the other men, I really don’t mind.”
Max frowned at Latti. There was no question about the way he felt for PJ. If Latti was still questioning his feelings for Carla, then he wasn’t in love.
“Then you definitely are not in love. If I saw a guy even smile at PJ, I would want to rip his head off. There is no way I would put up with her seeing anyone other than me. I would lose my mind.”
Latti smiled at Max as he rubbed his five o’clock shadow.
“So, you’re saying you love my best friend?”
“You’re damn right I do. I realized it not long ago. I know we haven’t known each other but a few weeks. Hell, we haven’t even closed the deal, but I know in my heart she is the one for me.”
“Wait a damn minute. You mean to tell me PJ has been holding out on you? I thought you two were hooking up.”
Shaking his head, Max continued, “Nope. We are taking it slow. It’s what she wanted. She’s been hurt and I want her to know I am into her, not just the sex.”
“I can respect that. Thank you for not rushing her. PJ acts all tough, but she’s really a sensitive soul.”
“I’m starting to figure that out. What I’m having trouble with is getting her to let her guard down long enough for me to show her that I’m in it for the long haul. I want to make her a permanent fixture in my life.”
A look of shock came across Lattimore’s face. After taking a long pull from his beer, he looked at Max assessing him.
“Are you telling me that you want to marry my friend after only a few weeks?”
“Down boy! I’m not talking marriage… yet. What I am saying is that I know she is the one for me. We need to work through a few things and get to know each other a bit better. However, I also know there is no time limitation on love. When you know, you know.”
“So, you definitely love PJ?”
“I already told you that I love her. What I need now is for you to help me find a way to get her to see that we should be together?”
Lattimore sat thinking before he answered Max’s request. He pulled out his phone and started tapping the screen, leaving Max wondering if he would help or if that was his way of staying neutral.
“Done!”
“What’s done?”
“You asked for help with the PJ situation, and I just came up with a brilliant plan to help solve your issues and mine. We are going skiing on Beech Mountain!”
“How the hell is skiing supposed to make PJ let her guard down?”
“I’ll tell you how. She doesn’t know how to ski. Both Carla and I do and will be out on the slopes most of the day. That leaves you alone with a captive audience. You will have plenty of time to win her over without her being able to leave. Plus, it provides a romantic setting for you to finally close the deal. Frankly, I don’t know how you’ve gone so long.”