“Why a hotel? Can’t you stay here?” his mother asked. “At leastyou?”
Max was firm. “Sienna and I are together. Wherever she goes, so will I. I will certainly accept your invitation to stay, as long as Sienna is also welcome.”
Huimin made a face, as if such a request was a burden to her.
Max could see Sienna’s temper was about to hit flash point, and knew that her next move would be to storm off, saying she didn’t stay where she wasn’t wanted, but he begged her with his eyes to be silent. She looked mutinous, but complied.
After wrestling with herself, his mother conceded. “Very well. Your friend may stay.”
“As long as you sleep in separate bedrooms,” Olivier inserted. “I would not like any arrangement that would upset your mother.”
Max struggled not to laugh, surprised by the puritanical request, but gave in humorously. “Sienna? Are you comfortable with the arrangement?”
At her nod, he took her hand and said to his parents. “This is fine. Thank you for your hospitality. Sienna and I accept.”