Together, they would partner through this hell. While they both knew that her anxieties would lessen with time, he didn’t want her to recoil in the meanwhile. They needed to live their lives moment-to-moment, celebrating her good days while waiting for the cobwebs to clear.
Patience and fortitude had never played a stronger role in their relationship.
Standing before her with his arms full of peach tea roses, Drew just grinned. “Hoping you’d be my date this evening?”
“I thought we were going to meet at the theater?” Maxine asked, confused and touched by Drew’s actions. It was the night of Ben’s talent show, and Maxine hadn’t anticipated Drew showing up after work to escort her personally.
“Couldn’t wait to see you…” Drew said as Maxine lifted the flowers to her nose. “Thought we’d take the subway…”
“Who are you, and what the hell did you do with my husband?” Maxine teased. Granted, their security detail was on duty so they wouldn’t be traveling alone. While she hoped they wouldn’t stick around forever, they were a temporary necessity. She’d actually grown to appreciate them on a new level over the last couple of weeks.
“You’re really going to take the train?” Maxine asked him again.
With a playful shrug, he shifted on his feet. “You’ve been bugging me about it since we met…”
“Alright, Mack,” she relented. “But you might have to teach me how all over again. I’m a little rusty.”
Drew actually just wanted Maxine to step outside the comfort zone she’d come to know over the last few months. He loathed public transportation, but this was one small way in which he could help her acclimate herself again with this city she loved. She’d spent far too much time indoors since the incident with Randy. He wanted to test the limits just a bit.
As they hurried down the filthy concrete steps at the Twenty-Third Street station, right across from the Flat Iron Building, Maxine felt like a child getting ready to buy her tickets for the newest ride at the amusement park. She couldn’t wait to get her brand-new Metrocard and swipe it through the turnstile.
The platform was just as grimy with the scent of urine wafting through the heat that hovered there. Maxine rather missed this form of commuting with the masses. In fact, Judy liked to take the train during their trips to New York just to acclimate Maxine to real city living with the hopes Maxine would move there one day.
And right there, in the midst of rush hour chaos, Maxine stood high on her tiptoes and placed a kiss right on his mouth, allowing her lips to linger for just a second.
That was the first brazen move Maxine had made toward anything but a chaste peck since she’d been hospitalized, and Drew couldn’t resist interrupting her careful exploration with a grin.
“I love you, little one…”
“And I love you, Kind Sir…”
As the train pulled into the station like a long silver serpent, Maxine reached for his hand. With a bounce in her step, she led the way toward the crowded car.
She’d forgotten how much fun it was to people watch on the subway. There were moms with kids, businessmen rushing to late afternoon meetings or dalliances with their mistresses and messengers who dared to bring their bikes on the train with them. In between, everyone grumbled over the heat and fought their way to grab on to the overhead safety rails.
In one corner, though, Maxine caught a glimpse of an elderly woman who could have easily been Aunt Frannie’s age. So small was she that Maxine towered over her. She was impeccably dressed in a pink Chanel suit with a sweet little pillbox hat to top off her outfit. However, what gave Maxine pause and pity was the fact that her body trembled from head to toe.
The poor woman must have had Parkinson’s or some similar disease, and Maxine’s heart took a dip as she watched her. The woman endeavored to read the framed subway map behind her, but she simply couldn’t find a comfortable position. Very carefully, she reached for the pole and slowly pulled herself upward, shaking all the while.
The gentleman next to her attempted to assist her, but she quickly begged him off. Wavering all the while, she turned in her spot to face the map and stretched out her arm to follow the colored tracks with her finger until she’d reached her desired stop.
With just as much caution, she turned herself around again to return to her seat. And Maxine just smiled. Age nor ailments could stop that woman. She got out of her bed, dressed for the day and made her way throughout the city on a crowded train, unstoppably soaring above all that threatened to slow her down.
In an instant, Maxine found her own new perspective on reality. The odds were indeed possible to beat. She’d already conquered so much in her twenty-two years, there was simply no way that she could allow herself to sink into another depression.
Randy hurt her. However, Randy couldn’t take away the love that surrounded her, nor could he kill her spirit. She’d watched her mother die far too young, and Maxine couldn’t let another second pass her by while she mourned over a few awful twists of fate.
She lived just as passionately as she loved, and just like that dear older woman struggling to stand, she’d champion onward.
As the train rumbled over the rickety tracks, Drew dipped his head for another kiss. People turned away in disgust and groaned at the sight of these two young lovers fawning all over each other on the subway—at rush hour of all times. Another unwritten rule of the subway: Do not engage in public displays of affection.
However, Maxine and Drew didn’t hear a word.
# # #
“Caaaptaaaain!”
Maxine found Ben backstage with a couple of kids who’d agreed to work set that evening in that tiny old theater in the East Village. Everything about the place seemed so fragile—quite like Ben’s townhouse uptown. There were bare lightbulbs hanging overhead. Most of the seats bore holes from decades of wear and tear. And every floorboard on the stage creaked with the slightest movement.
And Ben just loved this place.
“Aww, Cap, you didn’t have to,” Ben said, reaching out to take her flowers.
“I didn’t,” she said as she shooed him away. “Drew bought them for me.”
“Couldn’t you just pretend, Maxine?” he asked. “Why do flowers always have to belong to you?”
Tugging a single rose from the huge bunch, Maxine passed it to Ben, and he caught it in his teeth. “Cuz I’m the Captain.”
“Fuck to the balls, it’s almost showtime here, and I’m a nervous wreck!” Ben said, pulling uselessly at his closely cropped hair.
“You’re gonna be great, Uncle Benjy…” Maxine leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. “And we’re all rooting for you. Even Daddy and Vicki are making me Facetime the show from my phone for them.”
When Tom returned to the road to shoot his show, Vicki decided to take some time off to be with him. Papa Kirk needed some comfort, too.
In fact, with everything that had happened, Tom found his own new lease on life, and he didn’t want to let one second pass with regret. He’d suggested that they consider moving in together, and much to his surprise, independent Vicki didn’t strike him down. Her one concern remained getting all of the animals acquainted, and she promised she’d take the summer to work with their furry brood.
They planned to have a housewarming party that fall to coincide with the premiere of his first episode…and all of the McKenzies and Worthingtons had plans to head to Pennsylvania for the dual celebration.
“Cap,” Ben said as he feathered his fingers through her hair, “you look fantastic today.”
“I’m feeling better,” she admitted. “And it was a good first day back.”
“Jeffrey told me there was no stopping you. But that didn’t surprise me. That’s one of the million reasons why you’re my best friend. You find strength wherever you can.”
“And a lot of that strength, I find right…here….” Maxine gently patted his chest. “You’re going to do a fabulous job tonight, Uncle Benjy.”
“I was so
touched that Adam kicked in some scholarship money, and that my mother arranged that silent auction,” Ben said, nearly overcome by his own emotion.
“It’s your show, Ben, and it’s your night to shine.”
“It’s all for these kids, Cap,” he insisted. “I was one of them not so long ago. I want them to understand that ultimately, sexuality shouldn’t matter. It’s who you are and what you do with your life…”
“Well, I think you’re winning one of those battles right now,” Maxine said. “At least with Mandy Worthington.”
“She came through for me.” Ben pursed his lips and shook his shoulders. There was no use in hiding his tears from Maxine. “Didn’t even have to ask her.”
“I am so happy that she’s finally embracing this, Ben. You deserve only happiness.”
“So do you, Cap.”
As Ben hugged and held her, scratching his stubbly chin over the top of her head, Maxine’s mind filled with thoughts of the rough patches in their lives during which they had only each other for support. Those were the most cherished moments in their friendship—the times that mattered most. In each other, they found solace, and while they’d both managed to find love along the way, Maxine and Ben knew that they could always count on each other.
“Hey—you!” a familiar voice called out, bellowing in the tiny theater, prompting both of them to jump with a start. “Barry! Hey…”
“Aunt Frannie!” Ben shouted, then turned to Maxine. “Sorry, my other best friend is here…”
“Manwhore!” Maxine whispered from the corner of her mouth.
“Oh, why do you hang out with her?” Frannie grimaced toward Maxine. “Such a nice young man like you…”
Dressed in her best, Frannie wore a silk dress, belted at the waist, in a shade of bright green. As per her usual, two streaks of red rouge colored her cheeks
“You’re going to entertain me tonight, are you, Barry?” Frannie asked.
“I hope so, Aunt Frannie.”
“You know…” she hedged closer as if she was about to tell him some huge secret. “I’m staying out past my bedtime just for you...”
“Scandalous…” Ben chuckled.
Ever mindful of the time, Maxine put her arm around a squiggling Aunt Frannie and endeavored to escort her to the audience. “We better go take our seats and let Ben get his work done here.”
“Trollop…” Aunt Frannie turned her head over her shoulder and winked at Ben. “Break a leg, Barry!”
“Yeah, Barry,” Maxine added. “Break a leg!”
# # #
All of Ben’s hard work truly paid off. Several members of the audience contributed to the existing scholarship fund, and his mother’s silent auction generated much more than he’d ever expected. At that moment, Ben didn’t realize that this one little show would eventually become an annual celebrity and society event over time, drawing enough supporters to fill a legitimate theater.
Most importantly, the kids were such a delight—singers, dancers, acrobats, performance artists. There was more talent in that small space than in some shows on Broadway. Drew brought three of his colleagues to help with the judging, and all four of them smiled the entire evening. He had also invited a couple of casting agents to sit quietly and watch. One of them discovered his next leading man before the night was over.
As for Ben, he was the toast of the night. Everyone from board members to the school’s administration beamed with the success of his efforts, and they were all quick to tell Mandy what a wonderful son she had. Smiling through her bittersweet tears, she humbly thanked them for their kind words as her own respect for her son intensified.
At long last, Mandy held her son in her arms and said to him, “I’m proud of you, Benjamin. Of tonight. Of your work. Of your friendship with Maxine…” Then, she turned and reached for Jeffrey’s hand. “And of your relationship with this handsome guy.”
“Mom…oh…Mom…”
Reluctantly, Ben fell into his mother’s embrace, but as he felt her fingers clutch his shoulders, he began to weep openly—for all of those kids who faced such adversity…and for himself. They’d wasted so much time bickering over his sexuality over the years, but now, he hoped that he had a second chance to really build a true relationship with his mother.
“I love you, Mom…”
“And I love you, Benjamin,” Mandy said.
A circle formed around them and not a dry eye was to be found among Ben’s closest friends. Hell, cousin Zoe, who’d just met Ben at the wedding but wanted to support his triumphant cause, found herself needing a hug, too. Even Adam seemed a bit misty, as he pulled Jillian close.
However, just as Maxine lost herself in the beauty of her best friend’s moment, she felt a tap on her shoulder, and when she turned around, she nearly jumped for joy.
“Whatcha doing, Max?”
Carefully, Maxine wrapped her arms around Trevor, taking every delicacy to avoid bumping into his wounded shoulder. He still had quite some time with rehabilitation ahead of him, but just to see him out and about made her smile.
Slowly, Trevor, too, made his way back to his daily routine one day at a time. Already, his strength began to return, and his outlook on life had never been brighter. Now, Trevor wished he’d come clean with Drew long before the night in his dressing room. Far too many years had passed, and he felt as if they’d have to scramble to bridge that gap.
Seeing Trevor, though, just made Maxine’s heart soar with joy. Bloodlines didn’t matter. As far as Maxine was concerned, he was Drew’s long-lost brother.
“When did you sneak in?” Maxine asked. The gratitude she owed that man could never be repaid in a lifetime, but she could certainly shower him with the love in her heart. “I’m so excited to see you!”
“I’m glad to see you, too, little lady.”
“You made it!” Drew cheered as he wandered into the conversation. Just to get him out of his apartment for a bit, he had invited Trevor to see the show that night. In truth, Drew never thought he’d show up, but was so delighted that he made the effort. “You’re joining us for dinner tonight.”
It wasn’t a question. It was an order—one which Drew so affectionately delivered.
Caught off guard, Trevor hesitated. “Oh…well…”
However, Maggie McKenzie stepped in and gave him a quick hug. “Please, Trevor, we’d love you to come.”
“I…guess I’m going to dinner tonight.”
And a celebration was had by all that night. Ben and Jeffrey selected their favorite Peruvian restaurant in the East Village, a tiny spot which their party quickly filled. In fact, they’d shared their very first date in that place, drinking too much wine and feeding each other spoonfuls of the fresh ice cream made from traditional Peruvian fruits.
The French doors were open that evening, and the gentle June breeze circulated throughout. All the while, Maxine sat back, relaxed and observed the life and love surrounding her.
Maggie, Declan all welcomed Trevor officially into the McKenzie clan—it was never too late to gain a son. However, Maxine couldn’t take her eyes off Zoe and Trevor as they chuckled quietly, mostly at the expense of Drew and Adam, at the far end of the table. In fact, Maxine couldn’t help but to tap Drew on the leg as the two exchanged phone numbers. Perhaps there was room for just one more romance on the horizon…
Maxine, though, found herself lost in conversation with Jillian the entire night. She’d never imagined that she’d take such an interest in babies and pregnancy, but now one of her dearest friends was about to become a mom. Maxine wanted to know how everything felt and what she could anticipate when her own little Macks came along. She already knew that Drew would be the most attentive, if not obsessive, expectant father ever, but she was also impressed by Adam’s involvement in Jillian’s pregnancy. They both seemed so exhilaratingly happy. Perhaps a child was exactly what they both needed after all.
It was the much quieter scene right next to the open doors that touched Maxine most, though. M
andy sat right next to Jeffrey, and the two of them spent most of the evening laughing softly and telling personal jokes while Ben took it all in with a grin. Since she’d moved in with Ben, Mandy truly made an effort to get to know Jeffrey, and now her endeavors were shining through.
When the end of the night rolled around, Maxine was sorry to leave everyone. She wished they could just carry on for a few more hours, but everyone had responsibilities in the morning. Jeffrey had even convinced the Times to do a piece on the talent show, and the reporter would be chatting with Ben bright and early over breakfast with Maxine as his media escort.
Even though he and Jillian had to deal with the home inspection of their new brownstone in the morning Adam insisted on driving Trevor home before they headed back to Brooklyn. Meanwhile, Maggie and Declan headed uptown with Aunt Frannie and Zoe. It was so late, and Maggie insisted that Frannie spend the night at their place. However, it was Trevor’s utterance that he’d see Zoe on Friday that made everyone smile. Zoe deserved to meet a nice guy again—and Trevor was equally worthy of a lovely lady.
With everyone having disappeared into the dark New York City night, Drew reached for Maxine’s hand. “A stroll? Maybe head over by the Washington Arch, and—”
He recognized that playful smile as she lifted her finger to his lips. “Shh…” Maxine whispered. “I had other plans in mind.”
Ever hopeful, Drew looked around them. The two bodyguards were lying in wait for a decision to be made as Lou sat in the car perusing his newspaper for the third time that evening.
“Shall I just take you home, Miss Merryweather?”
“I would be delighted if you would,” Maxine began, “Mr. Mack.”
# # #
After feeding the cats, Maxine wasted no time climbing the stairs to the second floor. A mere nine months had passed since she’d first set foot in this penthouse, wide-eyed and wondering what the hell Drew McKenzie was really all about.
KNOTTED: The Manhattan Bound Series, Book Three Page 54