Keep Left

Max was waiting on the outside for me. Daddy told me he would send men to guard me. I told him no need. I was no longer a part of the President’s detail. He looked defeated, but wasn’t pushy. I told Max I would take over his salary. He declined.

"I enjoy making sure you’re safe."

"I still want to compensate you. Your bills aren’t paid on your kindness."

"How do you know I have bills?"

"Because you’re an adult. Thank you for always being a confidant and comfort."

"No problem Chloe"

I smiled as he looked at me in the rear view. I felt my cheeks heat. We drove about an hour or more to my new home. Uncle Mike let me know he had it fully stocked and everything I might need appliance wise. If I wanted a different color there was no problem to change anything.

I walked in to a townhouse. It was loaded and I thought I was in the wrong place at first. Max told me he retrieved the keys and this address from Michael.

"He told me you would love it."

"Love it, this is magnificent. Wow! Guess mom left me more than he could say on the phone. I'm hungry, let's see what we have for food."

"Do you want me to order it for you Chloe?"

"No, Machen. Believe it or not, I can cook"

"You’ve never called me by my first name. I like the way you say it."

"Is that not how to pronounce it?"

"It is. It just sounds... nevermind. So what time do you need me to come in the morning?"

"You trying to leave already? I must be a bad host."

"Not at all."

"Then stay for dinner. Uncle Mike stocked the kitchen for me, so I should have everything I need to cook for us."

He sat on the couch while I went to the kitchen. After an hour and change, I had prepared us a meal and placed our plates on the table. I got him soda and water for myself. We ate in silence. He groaned as he ate and I blushed at what I thought it meant in my own mind.

"Chloe this salmon taste amazing! I am passed full but I can’t stop eating!"

"Thank you Max. I told you I could cook. Since I will be here by myself, I don’t mind cooking for us both since you barely want to take a salary!"

"I’ll accept my payment in meals! I’ve never liked spinach but yours taste just as good as this salmon."

We heard a ding and I remember I put a pie in the oven. I got up to get my mom’s apple pie recipe out of the oven. I placed it on a cooling rack. Max brought his dishes and mine to the sink. He was about to wash them but I took them from him.

"You’re a guest in my home and you want to wash dishes?"

"I don’t mind Chloe, I don’t feel like a guest, but at home if I’m honest."

"Well, I’m glad. I still don’t want you washing dishes."

"I don’t mind. I’m of good use if you let me."

"No need Machen, but thank you."

"Okay Chloe. I should get going. It’s getting late. I’ll see you in the morning. If you need me before then, I’m one call away."

"Thank you so much"

He reached down to hug me and I took a second to process before I hugged him back. He smelled so good.

I was blushing when we broke apart. I looked at the floor and he pulled my chin up so I could look him in the eyes. I had never seen him smile before and his smile made my inside melt. It was contagious. I broke away from his gaze and cleared my throat.

He just smiled as we walked to the door. He left and I fell against the door and let out a breath. I stayed that way for some time. I tried to tell myself I wasn’t falling for Max, but the truth is I’ve always favored Max and I knew it was more than just a bodyguard and client type of preference. I had denied it and was able to suppress it when Kev and I were together.

He had tried to get me to go all the way with him, but I wasn’t ready. I’m glad I didn’t give myself to him. I would feel real stupid. I hadn’t thought about Kev or Lilith. They both sent messages and called at least twice a day. I ignored them both.

I made my way to my room and put away the things I had brought. It was well into the morning hours when I got halfway done. I showered and turned in for sleep. I awoke the next morning to my alarm. My phone alerted me I had a meeting at 2 this afternoon. I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I made myself a quick breakfast and got ready for the day.

Max was waiting for me when I stepped outside. He smiled as he opened the door. I thanked him as my heart beat against my chest. He drove me to school. I attended all of my classes and was done by 1. Max again was waiting. He dove me to the student commerce building where I met with many of my educators and the principal. To my surprise the superintendent was present as well.

"Hello Miss Dunn, my name is Ferrai Zovirax-"

"The superintendent, I know. It’s an honor to finally meet you. This is my bodyguard or as the media says my secret lover, Machen Wright."

"Nice to meet you Mr Wright. We are gathered here because Miss Dunn has achieved the highest honor for her graduating class and she’s done so two years early. She will be our valedictorian and is going to be awarded 2 million in scholarships. She has done well with all the odds stacked against her."

"That’s awesome Chloe!"

"Thank you Max."

"Have you prepared your speech?"

"I have and here it is."

We covered all the items listed on the itinerary. The meeting concluded around 2 hours later. My speech was approved for commencement.

Max took me to a restaurant as a gift for my scholastic achievements.

"Why didn’t you tell your father you got top honors. That’s amazing, yet you didn’t tell anyone."

"My dad is President. He isn’t even going to present for my graduation."

"I’m sure if you had told him he would’ve made arrangements."

"Why should I have to do all of that. Any kid graduating from high school should be supported. High school was hard! Imagine doing it as the President’s daughter! Someone with bodyguards! It’s bad enough my mom won’t be there, but my dad too?"

"I’m sorry Chloe. I’ll be there to cheer you on"

I chuckled as I wiped tears that escapes my eyes. It made me feel special that he was going to be present for something he didn’t have to attend.

"Hey Max"

"Yeah?"

"How old are you?"

"Where did that come from?"

"Well you don’t look that old and you are always available when I need you so I was just wondering-"

"I’m 21. I graduated from high school and served one tour in Iran. I declined being reenlisted. Your father was looking for men who weren’t too much older than you so you would have someone to talk to."

"He did? I didn’t know that."

"Yeah, he didn’t want you stuck in a car with someone you viewed as old. He wanted you to have a friend while you were being protected and while he was busy."

"I didn’t want a friend. I wanted my dad. He chose his job. I didn’t sign up to be isolated from a normal life."

"I understand believe it or not. My mom raised me by herself. My dad took off shortly after she told him about me. I wanted to be a provider and the job your dad offered me paid well. I was able to get my mom out of debt only 3 months on the job."

"That’s good and I’m glad he paid you well. I would do the same, but don’t let me take you away from your mom. Enjoy your time with her."

"I am. I was going to tell you that my birthday is two days before yours and my mom and I were going to visit my grandparents the week before. I have asked Tate to cover for me that week, but I will be back in time to celebrate with you."

"You don’t have to rush back to me Max. Enjoy your vacation. Happy early birthday!"

"Thank you. Happy early birthday to you as well."

We dined at the luxury restaurant and he paid our bill. Reporters swarmed me, but he kept them all out of my face and away from me. None of them were able to get pictures of me and it made me realize he had skills I wasn’t aware of. I thanked him once he got me to the car.

He drove me home and walked me to my front door. He gave me a swift hug and was on his way. I thanked him as he returned to the car for dinner and protecting me.

I retired inside and immediately got sad he would be away from me for a week, but I needed to get over this phase I was having. I pulled out my phone and noticed I had several missed calls and text from Kev and Lilith. I cleared them all away without looking at them. I browsed social media for a little then as I was putting my phone away, I got a message from Max.

"Don’t be too sad about me being away. I’ll think of you while I’m gone."

My heart fluttered at his words. Did this mean he felt the way I did?