by Julia Imari
Sienna mentioned being a new fan of Max after she watched his videos on social media. But Thea wasn’t interested. Her attraction focused on Max, as a person. Maybe her unfazed attitude toward celebrities stemmed from her in-depth studies about characters and characterization for her master’s degree, so that she could see through the struggle between the ideal and real self found in all artists. Including Max. What she saw in him at the café, when the snowstorm brewed, was the authentic Max. Sarcastic, moody and tired. He was at his most vulnerable. And it tugged at her nurturing instinct.
“Happy New Year, Thea,” Sienna said in a low voice. “Don’t forget to update me from Times Square.”
“Happy New Year's to you, too," she said, untying her apron and folding it. Her shift was over, and she would go straight to Logan Airport and take a quick flight to New York City. "I’ll definitely text you.”
“Cool,” Sienna said, winking. "I’m rooting for you. Go get him, girl, and show him who's the boss!”
They both laughed.
Thea took a cab to the airport with only a backpack slung over her shoulder. The flight would take less than one hour to the Big Apple, but she was excited nonetheless. Thinking that she was less worried with Grandma at the facility, her resolve to complete her writing became stronger. And visiting Times Square would rejuvenate her dream. But for now, her focus would be to see Max and strengthen their friendship. The excitement of seeing him again hastened her pace to the ticket counter to claim her boarding pass.
An hour later, the arrival hall was in sight and she proceeded to get a cab to a hotel in Times Square to watch the ball drop. After that, Max would come to see her. Jensen had been texting her with all the information she needed. The effort of getting to see Max was less stressful than she’d expected. Giddy with anticipation, she arrived at Times Square and stood frozen for a couple of seconds. The place was jam-packed with visitors with one goal in their mind—to watch performances by the top artists in the country and to sing “Auld Lang Syne,” while watching the ball drop.
She pulled out her phone and texted Max. Arrived in Times Square. At the 42 St. place you requested. Will be watching you sing. She tapped the send button. Max would receive the text, but she didn’t expect him to respond. What she would do was to watch him on the big screen. She wished Sienna was with her. They could experience the insanity of the revelers.
On the large screen, her eyes caught sight of a man in a black leather jacket who entered the stage—Max. Her heart stopped beating. He looked exactly like himself. Confident, friendly in his interaction with the audience and flashing that crooked smile. Then he started to sing, and the crowd screamed and went wild. The camera panned the audience in front of the stage, and plenty of girls were lifting their hands, swaying back and forth and screaming at him.
His song sounded awful in her ear. But his voice was sexy and amazingly clear amid the bitter cold of the New Year’s Eve and the rowdy crowd. She sighed. How she missed him and couldn’t wait to see him face-to-face. But she also came to realize that he belonged to his fans…and the lucky woman who'd capture his heart. She was just one of his friends, and the fact that he wanted to see her proved what a wonderful person he was.
He had told Grandma how grateful he felt for her help while stranded in Boston during the snowstorm. And at that moment, she wanted to be that lucky woman. She hadn’t felt that desire for a long time—not since her breakup with her ex.
When Max finished his song, he looked straight into the camera and mouthed, “I love you.” His gaze was intense and her heart thudded. But, of course he did it for his fans, because they went wild with loud screams followed by cheers and applause.
The countdown would come soon, and Thea texted Sienna to wish her a Happy New Year again. She snapped a picture of the place, made a selfie and sent them along with her text.
Sienna responded right away. I’m super jealous. HNY, Thea! I’m watching it on live TV in my living room. Did you see Max's performance? He was super sexy in that leather jacket and faded jeans. He looks lean, too.
Thea smiled at her friend’s comment about Max. He had performed solo without his bandmates. She replied to Sienna's text. I didn’t notice that Max is thin until you pointed it out. Working hard and going without much sleep had made him lean. She looked up and the countdown had started. Let’s watch and count! She sent the text and joined the crowd to count. When she yelled the number one, the ball lit up and dropped. A deafening sound arose from the revelers, followed by confetti thrown down on the crowd that officiated the arrival of the New Year.
Everyone kissed the person next to them, except her. She didn’t know anyone, and although strangers would kiss anyone, she didn’t want to participate. The only person she wanted to kiss at that moment was the man who was still on stage. He was flanked between two popular female singers. They held hands and sang the song that reminded everyone about how times gone by.
She remembered her grandma was asleep at that hour. Her dedication to raise her, although they weren’t related by blood, and the sacrifices she made to make sure she received the best care growing up made Thea’s eyes water. She promised to take care of her grandma, even after she moved into the assisted living facility. Thea would be lonely without her, but this arrangement was the best for Grandma.
Her phone chimed. A text from Max. Finally. She sighed and read it.
On the way to see you.
She stood and walked toward the entrance door. Throngs of people filled the promenade and moved slowly to their destinations, where they would party long into the night. Soon, the place would clear out and she could breathe easily. Her heart pounded in her ribcage, thinking that she would face the most popular singer of his genre. She wasn’t his type of fan, but she was his number-one fan for being who he said he was—the empathetic and charismatic, real Max. It would take time to like his songs, but she wanted to learn anyway.
Then she spotted him in the crowd, wearing the ugly wig and moustache. Smiling widely for him, she waved. People looked at him twice and women grabbed his arm only to cup their mouths and apologize. Finally he stood in front of her.
“Hey!” he said, grabbing her hand and leading her to a quiet restaurant behind the huge social room.
His hand felt cold for several moments, but the heat from his body radiated all over her. She couldn’t stop herself from feeling proud to be at his side. He let her slide into the booth before he followed to sit next to her.
“Happy New Year!” she said. “I saw your performance.”
He didn’t answer, but just stared at her face until his gaze moved down to her lips. “Happy New Year, Dorothea.” He was seeking permission through his eyes for a kiss, and she leaned her face forward. His face felt warm and when their lips fused, she sighed in relief. She giggled when his fake moustache tickled her face. She was so glad that he was safe and sat right in front of her at that moment. The New Year's kiss was delayed, but she didn’t mind. All she wanted was to be with him. He smiled and dove in for another smooch. “I’m so glad you’re here,” he said. “How was the trip down?”
They ordered their drinks to celebrate the New Year.
“Surprisingly smooth. Thank you for this.” She peered at him through her glass. “I wished I was closer to the stage to watch you sing.”
“You liked it?” he asked. “You watched on that big screen?”
She tried to smile, but instead winced for an answer. “Well, yes. But—”
He laughed. “I thought so. That’s fine. You like the oldies.”
“I’m learning, Max. I might like it.”
“I know.” He winked. “So, how’s your grandmother?”
“She’s fine. And she finally agreed to move to the Fellsmere House,” she repeated the news again.
“What about you?” he asked. His face turned serious.
“What about me?” She answered with a question because she wanted him to elaborate on what he meant. She sensed there was something he co
uldn’t say.
But Max seemed too smart to answer. “Did you finish your script?”
She exhaled loudly. “I’m still stuck. And it’s frustrating.”
He pulled out his wallet and looked for the waiter. After paying for their drinks, he turned back to her. “We'd better go somewhere else for this discussion. You don’t want people to steal your ideas.”
She turned to the nearest table. Two women were indeed watching them discreetly. Smiling, she nodded.
He took her backpack and slung it over his back. She didn’t expect him to carry it, but she let it go when he took her other hand into his. “Let’s go to my place.”
His hotel was across the street, a swanky building like a modern apartment. When she walked inside, the living room was huge and complete with a large entertainment center. The patio overlooking the Manhattan skyline was pretty on a winter's night. It was also perfect for summertime use, too.
“Want a drink?” he asked, reaching for her winter coat in her hand.
Instead of sitting down she took a tour of the kitchen before she settled down on the plump sofa. The color combination of the apartment was what she saw in the home-design magazines. Modern, sleek, simple and yet, elegant.
“Just water for me,” she said. “Thanks.”
When Max returned to sit next to her, the wig and moustache were gone and he looked so gorgeous and sexy. He pushed the sleeves of his dark blue sweater all the way to his elbows. His tousled hair and shadow of beard on his jaw added to his masculine appearance. She took in the sight all to herself.
***
THEA WAS SITTING in front of him and he lost his words. What should he say to this woman, other than he was falling for her? Now she was watching him as if he was something precious. And he couldn’t stand it any longer. “Thea, stop looking at me like that.”
She grinned before sipping her water. “I feel like pinching myself. Here I am, sitting next to the heartthrob of the century. And yet he acts like a normal human being.”
He burst out laughing at her remark. Extending his arms behind the sofa, he tilted his head. His chest bubbled with happiness. Slowly he turned his head down to her as he placed his hand on her shoulder. He pulled her tight to his chest and kissed her forehead. Thea tilted her head to look up at him, and he pressed his lips to hers.
Her fingers splayed on his chest and soon her palm moved to his jaw, cupping his temple. The skin on her palm was soft and smooth against his face, his tongue entering her mouth to tangle with hers. He had a hard time breathing when he was consumed by desire for her.
Luckily, Thea slowed their pace. He realized they had to talk about what happened to each of them before they proceeded to physical intimacy. He didn’t think they should go that far, but her flowery scent, the fresh smell of her hair made him forget his world and focus on hers. She captivated him.
“I missed you,” she said, simply. “I wondered how to know if a man is in love with a woman.”
He leaned back, stunned with her question. Did she just ask about his feelings for her?
She noticed his shock. Her eyes widened and she slapped his chest. “That’s the part I was stuck with in my writing!”
He looked at her in disbelief. “Are you serious?’ he asked. “How could you not know that?”
“I know. But, I need the beat. I need the gestures. The way the man delivers through his actions. Not words.”
He raked his fingers through his hair, wanting to help her by showing his feelings. But she wanted action, not words. “Dorothea, look at me.”
She turned to him, searching his face with her eyes. He brought every emotion he had through his eyes, his gaze never wavered from her face. “You’re blushing,” she said.
He tried not to change his facial expression. “What else did you notice?”
She continued to watch him. Her gaze roamed his face. “Your smile is almost shy. Sheepish, I think is the word.”
He couldn’t do it anymore. “Thea, I’m falling for you. That’s what it means. I’m better than your male character. I can verbalize my feelings.”
“Max, I—” Her eyes cast down.
“—Yes, Thea. I'm falling in love with you. I can’t control how I feel. It just happened.”
“Oh, Max!” She linked her arms around his neck and kissed him. He kissed her back, and he could feel the emotions of the same magnitude in her, for him. He knew she felt the same. He was beyond thrilled.
“My life was like a kite before I met you. Flying in the direction of the wind, without an anchor or mooring. But, now.” He looked deeper into her eyes. “Let me take care of you, Thea. Let me be the person who continues to date you even after marriage.”
Her eyes enlarged and her chest moved up and down so fast, he was afraid she would faint. No, he was afraid he would faint, too. “So, what do you think?”
“Max, I love you. But, are you sure? What about your fame?”
“I’m done being alone in this journey. I want to have someone who doesn’t see me as a trophy. I want someone who sees me as man who loves his woman. And that someone is you, Thea.”
Her lower lip trembled and her eyes brimmed with tears. Shit. Now what had he done? Instead of making her happy, he made her cry! “Thea.”
She hugged him so tight, as if she would never let go. Sobbing quietly on his chest, he heard a spurt of a chuckle and then a full-blown giggle.
He cupped her face and wiped her tears. Confused was the word that came into his mind. And when Thea grinned, he knew her tears were tears of happiness. Women! He could never figure them out. But she enthralled him, and he would spend the rest of his life trying to figure her out. He would never feel bored anymore.
“I’ve got the answer for my main male character. I figured him out. You gave me a lot of ideas.”
He was mildly irritated. Now he had a competitor, although the competitor only existed in her script. “So, what do you think if we make this official?” he asked, and pulled out a small red velvet box.
Thea covered her mouth with her palms. “Max?” she asked. Her eyelashes were sticking together from tears. Her face softened, she looked stunning.
He opened the box and knelt on the floor. “I’d like to invite you along on this journey of life with me, Dorothea Blake. When I’m with you I'm surrounded with peace and happiness. I love you.”
She smiled and held his hand. “I accept your invitation, Maxwell Matthiews. And I’m so in love with you, this feels like a dream.”
“This is you and me. For real.” He put the ring on her finger, picked himself up and hugged her. He cupped her lovely face and showered her with kisses.
This was the best New Year's gift ever.
Epilogue
“YOU’RE GOING TO see your great grandma for the first time, Zane.” Thea tightened her arms around their five-month-old baby boy, Zane Matthiews. Max parked the car and cut the engine. He peered at her and smiled with tenderness. She returned his smile and sighed with happiness. After their baby was born, Max had been a great help as he had sacrificed his sleep to feed the baby while she rested. When she asked him to go to bed, he just laughed. Helping her was his priority, he had said. For him, waking up in the middle of the night was nothing when compared to the tours he and his bandmates endured. For a musician, sleep was overrated.
“Yes, we are,” Max said to Zane as if the baby understood what was going on. Zane stared at him. “Grandma said she can’t wait to see us.”
“Let’s go,” Thea said, unbuckling her seat belt.
Max got out and went over to open her door. “Careful,” he said.
Under Max’s watchful eyes, Thea stepped down from the car with ease, cradling Zane in her arms. The baby was wide awake and his gaze focused on her face. He frowned. Uh-oh. The look of disdain. Thea hoped Zane didn’t make a scene when they would see Grandma in a few minutes.
“Ready?” Max asked, gripping the diaper bag in one hand and the other circling her shoulder.
&
nbsp; “Yep.” After his New Year's proposal a year and four months ago, they got married right away. She took care of Grandma's estate before she moved to San Diego to be with Max. Then she got pregnant in the spring. Luckily, Max and his band weren’t touring, although he was busy at the studio recording his group's new songs. Thea didn’t feel alone though, because Max’s mom and sister, Amy, were frequent visitors. Plus, Tommy the coon cat was faithful company. He went outside and returned home whenever she called him.
She gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Zane, and the moment she first saw him, she was in love. They had waited until Zane was old enough before they agreed to fly to the East Coast to visit Grandma in Fellsmere House.
When they entered the building, they strode to the reception area. The receptionist gave them a warm welcome. “Good afternoon. Are you here for a visit?”
“Yes. Thea and I made an appointment to see her grandma Staci,” Max said. He gave their identification, and the receptionist's hands danced on the keyboard before she made a phone call. “You’re all set.” She directed them to the elevator to Grandma's room on the third floor.
“Thank you,” Max said, nodding. They were familiar with the Fellsmere House as both had been here when Grandma first moved in.
Cooing to Zane in her arms, Thea entered the elevator before Max followed her inside.
A few seconds later, they arrived at Grandma’s room. The plastic sunflowers tacked on her door looked realistic. Max knocked. Footsteps became louder and the door suddenly opened. In front of them stood Grandma with a huge smile on her face.
“Well, hello!” Grandma said. “I’ve been waiting ages for this.”
“Hey, Gram!” Thea said and wrapped one arm around the old woman. Zane was pinched between them. Luckily he didn’t seem to mind at all. Grandma kissed her cheek and tears of joy fell down. “I missed you, Gram.”