The three inhabitants of the mansion sit together in the living room, the snow outside glistening. Each present is handed out, placed in a pile next to each individual."Riley, open your first present." Maryanne returns to her seat on the couch, near Max.Riley sits cross-legged on the ground in front of the two adults.She bounces around giggling as she grabs the first box.Rifling through each present, Riley giggles and squeals every time she sees what she was gifted. Maryanne gave her a fairy princess indoor tent, as well as a few dolls and an indoor slide. Max on the other hand had bought her a tablet to play learning games on, a large remote control car that she can ride around in, and a makeshift ball pit.Max chuckles as Riley runs around, "Looks like she enjoyed them all."Maryanne nods, "I'm very glad you didn't go over the agreed upon budget."Displaying mock shock, Max folds his arms, "Of course, you asked me not to.""Here, open you presents." Maryanne turns so that her

Trying not to be shocked at Max's question, Maryanne wonders, "Are you sure you want us there?"Through her phone, she hears Max laugh. "Yeah, of course, why wouldn't I?"She shrugs, even though she knows that he can't see her. "You had a long day. I'm sure you're exhausted.""I want to have dinner with the both of you though."Maryanne looks at the clock on her wall, "It might be too late for Riley to go out.""We can stay in the city. My penthouse has been empty for months. I'm sure it's okay for Riley to stay there one night.""Oh," Maryanne drifts off, her mind reeling with images of the condo.Max's voice shakes her of her reverie, though, "Maryanne it will be okay for one night, right?"She blinks in order to clear her thoughts, "Yeah, it'll be fine." It's only for one night, and it's not like there are strong memories of the two of them there."Good, I'm glad. Where do you want to eat?"She shakes her head once more, forgetting that she is on the phone. "It doesn't mat

Maryanne tries to act naturally under the intensity of Daniel's inspection. He is acting polite, and yet his eyes are constantly roaming Maryanne. Not in a creepy way, but as if he is noticing that she does not quite belong in the glittering dress that Max had bought her. "You have worked with Max for a while," she finally asks.Daniel nods, watching as Riley ignores the both of them and sits on one of the chairs, twirling around in circles. "Yes. I have been working with him for close to seven years now.""That's a lot of time together."He folds his arms, "I hope to be able to spend another seven with him as well. To see Max grow as a CEO and a leader throughout the years has really been an honor."Maryanne isn't sure what else to say, so she only nods and peers around the room. Daniel's voice beings to shift, a tightness forming in the back of his throat, "I do have to say, though, that the last few months Max has been quite off his game."Swallowing her unease, Maryanne refu

It has only been two days since their trip into the city, and yet Maryanne knows that Max has noticed her distance. He has made an effort to search throughout the house for her. He finds her in her small hideaway in the library where she hides, reading a book. He also finds her in the back yard, sipping on a cup of hot cocoa, even though no one ever goes out the back door. He seems to be constantly keeping an eye on her.When he finds her, he tries to muster up a warmhearted smile, even though Maryanne can sense the odd pain in his gaze. He brings up questions about her work, or how she is handling the cold weather. Soon it will be the end of January. One more month closer to the end of their year together. All Maryanne has to do is hold out and keep her emotions close. It is becoming increasingly difficult, though, as Max grows more and more persistent."Maryanne, there you are." Max erupts into Riley's playroom where Maryanne sits, cross-legged on the floor pretending to clean up t

Maryanne knows that she has been avoiding Max the best she can, but after their conversation the night before, she has come to realize that she has been allowing Daniel's words to dictate her actions. Sure, she wants Max to be as successful as he can be, but how does Daniel know that he can't do that and be with Maryanne? She doesn't completely believe that Max was telling the truth when he whispered he loved her in the theatre room on Christmas, but she is hopeful that she can make their interactions less forced.Breathing in deeply, facing the door to Max's study, Maryanne brings her hand up and knocks. "Max," she says as she slowly opens the door."Yes," he says, but continues to stare down at the paperwork on his desk. His one elbow is resting on surface while his hand holds his head up."I am sorry to bother you," she speaks softly, her feet shifting back and forth as she is not sure what to do as she stands before him. Her nerves tighten as she wonders if he will even say yes.