Page 27 (2/2)

“Table for three, please”

She sht this way, please”

We sit at a table near the bar, surrounded by people The only good thing about sitting at a restaurant this crowded is that Maxwell is less likely to make a move

We each order a drink, and then I say, “Start talking”

9

Liesel

The vein on Langston’s forehead is bulging as he glares at Maxwell I’ston hasn’t already cliht now, all of his anger is focused on Maxwell, but soon his intilare will turn toward er threat, is sitting at the table

Langston doesn’t knohy Maxwell is really here I’ot the threatening note, I knew that Waylon was behind it

I just didn’t know if so for Waylon or this Corbin guy who sent the threat It was a risk bringing Maxwell here—a huge risk—but et the truth

I understand why Langston is practically growling and shooting daggers at Maxwell Langston has no idea if Maxwell is on Waylon’s side or ours, and when our kid’s lives are at stake, you don’t let anyone into our lives that could threaten theirs

What annoys ston has yet to show that he trusts me

After everything we’ve been through together After fucking each other After learning he’s raising my son After all of it, he still doesn’t trust that I would never do anything I think could hurt us, any of us—Langston, Phoenix, or our kids

Maxwell’s gaze turns tofor ston

I open s over our drinks on a tray Our silence stretches as the woht smile but don’t offer a thank you The air is too intense for any of us to mumble a word that could be seen as a weakness to the others at the table The waitress senses so is off about the three of us and scurries off as fast as she can

We return to our staring contest Langston glares at Maxwell, while Maxwell stares at me And I am torn between the two men