Semua Bab The Unexpected Roomate: Bab 31 - Bab 40

By the evening, their modest flat had taken on the appearance of a staging station for a family reunion. Max's parents had arrived from San Francisco, bringing with them the special energy that comes from loving, well-meaning individuals who have strong beliefs about how significant events should be handled. Grace's father had driven down from Sacramento, carrying both wedding congratulations and legal documents pertaining to his continuing federal inquiry.Mrs. Liv from next door brought a homemade apple pie and what she described as "advice for newlyweds based on sixty years of marriage," while Matt Jackson arrived with a bottle of champagne and stories about Max's college years that made everyone laugh and made Max visibly uneasy."I can't believe you're getting married in a courthouse," Max's mother commented for the third time, arranging flowers Lyla had gathered during her afternoon of wedding preparation. "When Lyla got married, we had such a beautiful ceremony at the botanical

The waiting room inside the courthouse was alive with the unique energy of folks going about their business on a Tuesday morning. Seated between Max and his mother, Grace strobed the fabric of her cream-coloured dress while spotting a constant flow of attorneys, defendants and citizens as they make their way through the town's administrative labyrinth."Are you sure we're in the right place?" For the third time, Max's father enquired, comparing his watch to the timetable that Lyla had printed and laminated for every member of the family.According to Lyla's own laminated calendar, "Courtroom 3B, Judge Martinez, ten-thirty appointment," she verified. "We're exactly where we need to be."Grace met Max's sight and saw a reflection of her own amusement and apprehension. They had envisioned their wedding as a basic legal proceeding, but the presence of Max's parents, Lyla, Matt Jackson, and Mrs Liv made it feel more like a small family gathering in a government building."Grace, dear, you l

The everyday domesticity of the occasion hit Grace as she paused over Max's shirts while folding laundry in their bedroom three weeks after the wedding. Both of their names were now on the legal documents that were strewn all over their dining table: joint bank account applications, insurance beneficiary revisions, and the standard paperwork of formally linked lives."Any regrets yet?" Carrying two cups of coffee and sporting the Saturday morning look she had come to love……..smooth and slightly dishevelled, with hair sticking up at angles that suggested he had been reading on the couch……..Max questioned from the doorway."About marrying you or about letting you see me organize your sock drawer?""Either. Both." He gave her a coffee mug and sat down on their bed, letting her resume the hypnotic process of matching socks. "I realised this morning that we've been wedded for almost a month and we still haven't had a proper fight.""Are you unhappy?""More intrigued. I'm waiting for the oth

Two months later, Grace was reviewing job applications at their dining table when Max came home from work, holding a bottle of wine and wearing exactly the same expression he had when he wanted to tell me something."What's the event?" she asked, looking up from the stack of resumes she was reviewing for a research post at her nonprofit."There are two things. First, your father's case was settled today."Grace's concentration became more focused. "How was it resolved?" "He accepted a plea agreement. Plead guilty to financial fraud charges, pay compensation to the impacted parties, and serve 18 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release."And?""And the investigation is officially concluded. There will be no more interviews and no legal issues for family members. "It is finished."Grace processed this knowledge, astonished by her own feelings of comfort and regret. "How do you feel about it?"Max sat down across from her and opened the wine with practiced eff

Three weeks later, Grace was reading quarterly reports at their dining table when Max returned home from work with takeaway from their favourite Thai restaurant and the delighted grin that indicated his day had gone especially well."Good timing," she murmured, closing her laptop and preparing for dinner. "I just finished the grant compliance review, and my brain needs a break from budget reconciliation.""Perfect. I bought pad thai and your favourite green curry, and I have good news to share.""Good news?""Very good news. The environmental impact research I've been working on for six months has just been accepted for publication in the Journal of Environmental Policy. "First-author publication in a leading journal."Grace felt a wave of real excitement over Max's professional accomplishment. "Max, that is great! That's the publication you've been expecting will boost your credibility in the field."It is. And that means I'll be invited to speak at the national conference in Denver