“That’s not always easy.”
“Did you and Dad ever fight when you flew together?”
“Seldom. But it’s human to want to be right all the time. You’re a strong woman, Angel. I can’t imagine you’d keep your mouth shut about anything just because you happen to be dating your boss.”
“Damn straight. We’re okay. For now, anyway.”
But were we? I still had no more info on Grigoriy–the caller who’d brought a thundercloud over Max’s expression. I nearly asked him about it but chickened out. It wasn’t any of my business. Besides, it was probably nothing. I was just being nosy.
“Have you met Max’s family yet? Do they live in The States?”
“Max’s parents passed away. He does have a sister, though. She lives in LA too. We’re having dinner with her and her husband next week.”
“Such pressure meeting the family, isn't it?” Mom smiled. “I was a nervous wreck when Dad introduced me to his parents.”
“Really? You? I can’t imagine that. I bet they loved you right off the bat.”
“Your Dad’s mother was a bit of a dragon. No one was good enough for her precious little Ian.”
“Maybe it’s a good thing then that Max comes without that added pressure,” I grinned.
“Yup. Mothers can be bitches. Especially when it comes to their sons.”
“I don’t remember much about your and Dad’s parents.”
“You wouldn’t, I suppose. We adopted you when they were quite old.”
Mom took out her signature roast lamb from the oven.
“Oh, my goodness, Ma! That looks amazing.”
“Only the best for my Angel’s new man.”
“Ah, thank you. I love you, Mom.”
“Right back at ya, honey. We’d better get back to the boys before Dad scares Max off.”
* * *
“Your folks are wonderful people, Angel.”
“They like you too. I can tell.”
Max and I were back at his place.
“Why don’t you stay tonight? I promise to let you sleep,” he grinned and nibbled on my earlobe.
“Why don’t I believe you?” I said and rubbed the goosebumps on my arms.
“Honestly, Babe. What are we if there’s no trust,” he said in his signature, ‘I’m gonna ravage your bones’ voice.
“Okay, I’ll bite. But I don’t want any smart-ass comments if I’m the walking dead at the office tomorrow.”
“Hey, I’m the boss, remember? I make the rules, and if I say you can take a nap on the couch in my office then that’s exactly what you’ll do.”
“You drive a hard bargain, Max.”
“Speaking of hard…”