Chapter 38: Avoidance

It has only been two days since their trip into the city, and yet Maryanne knows that Max has noticed her distance. He has made an effort to search throughout the house for her. He finds her in her small hideaway in the library where she hides, reading a book. He also finds her in the back yard, sipping on a cup of hot cocoa, even though no one ever goes out the back door. He seems to be constantly keeping an eye on her.

When he finds her, he tries to muster up a warmhearted smile, even though Maryanne can sense the odd pain in his gaze. He brings up questions about her work, or how she is handling the cold weather. Soon it will be the end of January. One more month closer to the end of their year together. All Maryanne has to do is hold out and keep her emotions close. It is becoming increasingly difficult, though, as Max grows more and more persistent.

"Maryanne, there you are." Max erupts into Riley's playroom where Maryanne sits, cross-legged on the floor pretending to clean up t