Chapter 11: A Winter Date

As the morning light fills the mansion, Maryanne slowly makes her way down the steps. The house is bustling, and she can hear the lighthearted conversation between Jeff and Geneva echoing through the air. The smell of bacon reaches her nose and her stomach growls. Holding on to her abdomen, Maryanne makes her way down into the dining room, where Riley sits at the large table, Geneva placing eggs and bacon in front of her.

Max stands to the side, his shoulders broad, his thick jaw clenched. His hair, usually slicked back, is down across his forehead. He turns toward her and she moves her gaze to his neck, so she does not have to look him in the eye.

"Good morning," Max nods softly.

Maryanne only smiles back in greeting and pulls the ends of her cardigan closer before folding her arms.

"Please, sit down." Geneva ushers Maryanne to one of the chairs as several plates of food are carried in by Jeff. He is young, his long hair tied back in a bun.

Max sits near Maryanne at the opposite