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A complete and massive wave of shame hits me as I take in Stevie's observation Max took me with my messy life and he said, "So what?"

He never questioned my motives

I meanI knew this This isn't a revelation I've known fro that Max took me warts and all, and I know this because I've often questioned why he would do such a thing

Most of that shauilt has to do with the fact that he takes all of it because he loves me

It's as simple as that

He loves me so he works with the bad

He loves me despite the bad that comes with me

And here I a to love this ive the same to him in return

It's really just that simple

I didn't give Max back what he gave to me

More guilt

More shame

Fuck I'oddamned idiot

I let out a pained h"

"You just had a proverbial slap to your face, didn't yo

u?" Stevie asks with a grin

I nod fiercely "I think I knew deep down the truth of what you're saying, but I guess I couldn't see past my own frustrations to really understand the simplicity of it"

"Looks like odmother is done then," Stevie says, and then looks at his watch again "And you have plenty of tiala now I'm sure Max will be thrilled But I wouldn't tell him Just show up and surprise the crap out of him"

My stoet things back on track with Max There's no doubt he'll forgive my momentary lapse of sanity, because I know Max I know him down to his soul and he loves me But then it pitches like a bad drop fro to happen

"I don't have a dress," I tell Stevie sadly "I don't have a daala"

He looks down to his watch, see for just a ht back"

I watch as he turns and sprints to the workroo back to les therabsme to the front door

I follow along, et out onto the sidewalk, he lets o so he can pull the door shut and lock the flower shop behind him

Then he turns to odet you ready"

I' halt, exclaiht now but she has plans tonight, so I don't have a sitter"

Stevie turns around after"Auntie Stevie will be babysitting tonight And when I say tonight, I ht, so that ht That also means Max will take you to his house and, welllet's just say I expect a very big s when you come home"

Yes, I'm sure that's exactly ill happen!

The next two and a half hours are a ind of activity Stevie nment shop owned by a tall, statuesque wonon After air kisses and introductions--her naowns Without consulting eous deep coral dress and usherroom