Chapter 39: What's Wrong??

Once the movie has finished and Riley is put down for the night, they both sit in Max’s study, both sipping on a drink that Max brings the conversation back around, “Can we talk about what is bothering you now?”
Maryanne knew this was coming. He had stopped badgering her during the movie, but she knew the moment she agreed to have a drink with him that he was going to bring this up once more. “Max,” she sighs, tension building in her shoulders, “there is so much.”
“Is it about Riley?” He takes another swig of the hard liquor in his glass, his dense gaze shadowed by the dim lighting in the room causes Maryanne to become wracked with an odd, heated shiver.
“Yeah. . .” It is all she can say as she stares into her own glass, swirling the contents around.
Max gives her a moment, maybe hoping that she would continue, but when she doesn’t, he asks, “Maryanne?”
Holding down the real reason she is overwhelmed and withdrawn, Maryanne decides to bring up another topic that is just as stressful, “We only have two more months left. Riley will turn three in a few weeks and then we only have a little more time with her until the court will decide who is the best option to take care of her.”
Max watches Maryanne, his expression falling ever so slightly, “It doesn’t necessarily have to be the end of things, though.”
“What do you mean?” She glances up at him quickly but averts her gaze once more as he makes eye contact.
“Sure, one of us will gain sole custody, but we have both been in her life this last year. If I were to be her sole guardian, I would still want you to be a major figure in her life. She needs your motherly instincts to look up to. I would need you here too.”
Maryanne almost chokes on the gasp catching in her throat. Does he seriously need her? “Really?” Her heart races with the possibility.
Max nods, but with a blush forming in the base of his neck that Maryanne can’t see, he says quickly, “Oh, well yeah, I need someone to help me decide on which school to send her to, or what sports to start her out in. Also, when she grows older, I won’t be able to answer any personal questions she might have.”
Maryanne hides the heartbreaking disappointment that falls into her stomach. “Is that all?” She shouldn’t be so upset, though. She remembers Daniel’s words. Maryanne isn’t fit to be standing next to him, especially not raising Riley with him. This is a good thing. She has been telling herself she has to hide her emotions.
“Um,” Max takes another drink from his glass, finishing the contents and standing to make another.
Maryanne allows herself to sigh, “Max, you don’t need me here for that. Of course, I want to be there for her, though. I am hoping I gain custody. She has really taught me a lot since I have been here. I know I can take care of her. I was sure before, but I am even more so now. I know you love her, but I still believe that you work too much and rely heavily on your staff to take care of Riley.”
Max nods silently as the noise of the pouring alcohol echoes in the small room. “I can see where you’re coming from, I do, but I am still the viable option if we want all the expenses it takes to raise a child to be paid off on time. I am not saying you’re poor, but I am very comfortable and can afford anything Riley needs or wants.”
“That may be true, but life is about more than money, Max. It is about the time spent with Riley and giving her the attention she deserves. I am grateful that you spent time with us on Christmas and played outside with her. That is what it means to take care of her and be a parent. You would need to do that more often. I know with your company you don’t have as much time. That’s why I believe I am still the best fit for her. I have the time in my life to take care of her and give her the attention she needs.”
Although she knows that Max cares deeply for Riley, Maryanne can only think about Max’s business and how the employees are beginning to notice that he is slacking. She doesn’t want them to start turning on him just because of his divided loyalties.
“Maryanne, if I had my way, I would want to still have you there, taking care of her. I don’t want to kick you out of her life. What I truly want. . .” Max eyes her for a moment, a new emotions burning through his gaze. He shakes his head and sits back down, “Never mind.”
Maryanne tries not to register the way he was watching her. She calms her heart the best she can, even though his aura is pressing down on her. “What is it?”
He gives her a halfhearted chuckle, his expression soft, “What I want most won’t actually come true.”
“Max,” Maryanne speaks almost in a whisper as she realizes what he means by his words. Her thoughts are only filled with Daniel’s warnings, though, not giving her any room to even consider the alternative.
Max’s brow stitches up. Maryanne never knew he could show such emotion before. He huffs, “See?”
Her own heart is trying to rise up into her throat, Maryanne swallows before saying, “You have your company to worry about. I don’t want you losing business.”
“That won’t happen.”
“Are you sure?”
“I am the CEO, I can get anyone to work with me.”
“Max, I don’t think having a child is in the best interest of your company right now. You have so much time to worry about that later.” As she speaks the words, Maryanne realizes how much she sounds like Daniel.
Leaning forward, Max forces her to make eye contact with him, searching within her. “Maryanne, why are you so concerned about my work? What is this really about?”
“I have just come to realize after visiting your office that you have so much going for you. You shouldn’t let Riley or anyone hold you back.”
Max’s voice becomes deeper, his brow crumpling, “Is this about what Daniel said to you?”
“Uh, no.” Maryanne fidgets uncomfortably under his gaze. She doesn’t want to tell him exactly what Daniel said to her, especially because she doesn’t want him to know the context of the conversation. She needs to keep her feelings hidden.
“Maryanne, I appreciate you worrying about me and taking an interest in my work, but it is still my company and Daniel has no place in telling you anything.”
“Max,” she isn’t sure what else to say. Daniel is just looking out for him and wants him to succeed the most. If Maryanne is a part of his life, then he will only suffer.
“Maryanne, I only want you and Riley to be happy and have a fulfilling life. If my business ever comes in the way of that, then screw it.”
“Max don’t say that. You have worked so hard to get to where you are now.”
Max’s brow hardens, his jaw clenching, “And none of it matters if it gets in the way of taking care of Riley.”