Chapter 16: You Bought Me A What??

Maryanne exits her room the next morning and finds Riley bouncing around her room, laughing and playing with her Barbies.
“Good morning Riley,” she chuckles at the sight.
The little girl squeaks and halts for a moment, heaving as she is out of breath. “Morning!”
“Let’s go get you some breakfast.”
As they wander down the hallway together, towards the stairs, Max exits his room, buttoning up his suit.
“Oh, good morning.” Maryanne dips her head, a blush forming up her neck.
Max nods back, “Morning. How was your sleep?”
“I slept well, thank you. What about you?” As she notices him straightening his suit and smiling down at Riley, her next words tumble out. “Are you going out?”
“Oh, yeah. I’ve taken too many days off the last few weeks. I have to go into the office for the next few days to go through paperwork.”
Maryanne’s heart drops and her shoulders lower with the disappointment. “Oh, okay.”
They descend the stairs together, entering the dining room side-by-side with Riley running in and heading for Geneva.
The maid pivots towards them as she is setting a plate of bread on the table. “Good morning Mister Ryder, Miss Maryanne.”
They both say simultaneously, “Good morning Geneva.”
“It’s very cold out today. I will keep Riley in today.”
Maryanne nods, “That’s a good idea, we don’t need her sick again. Right Riley,” she chuckles, tickling the little girl.
Jeff wanders in with a plate of various sausages.
Geneva helps Riley up onto a chair before turning toward Maryanne, “Are you hungry?”
She shakes her head, waving her hands to emphasize her answer. “Oh no, I’m fine. I’m just going to get ready for work.”
“Wait,” Max calls after her as she reaches just outside the dining room.
“What is it?” She eyes him hesitantly as she pauses.
“I know it’s a lot for you, moving into this house, being forced to take care of a child that isn’t yours.”
Maryanne shrugs, looking away at the hallway. She isn’t sure things are completely back to normal. “It’s okay, really. I love Riley. I want to see her grow up and help raise her.”
Max reaches into his pocket, “Though it is temporary, I want you to feel at home here. Though you might not like it, we are a family.”
Maryanne averts her gaze, remembering the conversation she had with Shelley the day prior.
He sighs, “I know that you brought Riley to work the other day. You know that I do not like you driving around in that deathtrap.”
Maryanne forces down a wince. She was wondering if he was going to say anything about her bringing Riley along. “What do you expect me to do? I have to get to work somehow.”
Max nods, almost tiredly, “Yes, I know. Here, I want to show you something.”
“What do you mean?” Maryanne crumples her brow, confusion taking over.
He huffs and waves her to continue, “Just come on.”
“Maxwell,” Maryanne rolls her eyes as she follows just behind Max.
“Mary,” he calls back to her as he leads her all of the way through the house. He only stops once they reach the main door to the garage, “Here.”
As the door swings open, Max steps down the small set of stairs. In front of them, the first car in the line of vehicles is a brand new Audi. The ebony hue glistens in the lights.
Maryanne’s mouth gapes open, “W-what is this?”
“I need you to be safe, whether you are driving alone or with Riley.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“Don’t worry, I made sure it has a car starter like your other car. I honestly think it’s useless, why you can’t just run outside to start it manually. . . oh well, as long as you’re happy.” He rolls his shoulders and chuckles.
Maryanne is unable to keep her eyes off the car. “Max, did you really buy me a car?”
He nods, his chest puffed out with pride, “Yes, I did.”
“Why,” she doesn’t know whether to be upset or thankful. He spent so much money on the car, but it is kind of him to do as well.
“I told you already.”
She sets her jaw, “I don’t need you spending this much money on me.”
Max cocks his brow at her, “I didn’t ask you for permission. It is not only for you, it is also for the safety of Riley. Haven’t you been chastising me on being a better parent figure to her? Well I want her to be safe all of the time. Even during a simple commute.”
“I can’t keep your car.” Maryanne tries to push his hand holding the keys away, but he is too strong.
“It’s yours now.” Max pulls her hand forward and shoves the Audi’s keys into her grasp.
Maryanne stares up at Max, conflicting emotions warring through her mind and heart. She is not here to take advantage of him.
“I want you to take this to work today. I’ll ask you how much you like the new car when I get home from the city late tonight.”
Maryanne’s heart begins to race and she swallows, but isn’t able to stop her words from running out, “You’re coming home tonight?”
Max’s lip twitches into a smirk, “Yes, I will make the long commute every time I have to make it into the city.”
“Really?” Maryanne ponders how long of a drive that is for him to make every day. He will have to leave early in the morning and come home late.
“Yes, I know how much a certain someone doesn’t like my partying in the penthouse downtown.”
Maryanne glances down, embarrassment flushing her entire face. She picks at the hem of her shirt, not sure what to say. He is truly changing. He could easily stay in the city, but he is deciding to come home for her. No, she shakes her head, for Riley.
Max steps up to her, his eyes soft, “I promise, I will be home every night from now on.”