2/2
Chapter 0620
“You’re my biological father, so yes, I can tell you exactly what I see. Now, let’s take a look at what you’ve got here. Where are your scissors?” Serenity said, walking into Maximus’s wardrobe without hesitation.
“Scissors?”
“Yes, for your hair! When I was little, I used to cut Marcus’s hair. He let me; my mom didn’t–she loved his long locks.”
“Serenity, this really isn’t necessary. What did you want to talk about?”
“Well, first, I don’t have anything to do right now. And second, I’m nervous about starting at your company tomorrow–remember? Also, I think you need to meet someone, go out, have dinner… have sex. You know, normal things that normal men do.”
Maximus felt his face flush. His ears burned with embarrassment. Did his daughter just tell him to have sex?
“You’re a very handsome man, Maximus. It’d be such a waste for you to spend the rest of your life as a lonely widower. You have a great body and good looks. You’re my father, and even though we haven’t spent much time together, it hurts me to see you like this. You told me yourself on Friday–the kids will grow up and move on, and so will I. What’s going to happen to you then?”
“I’ll take care of my grandchildren…”
“Maximus! It’s time to let go of your ghosts. I haven’t lived here long, but I can see it–you haven’t forgiven yourself. I see the way you look at me. You weren’t to blame for us not knowing you were my father…”
“It could’ve been different…”
“But it wasn’t. My mom is happy with Marcus. You should find your own happiness too.”
Maximus couldn’t take those words. He wasn’t ready to let go of his past, not yet. There was too much left unresolved. He didn’t want to talk about moving on.
“What did you want to talk about when you knocked?”
“Take a seat! I’m cutting your hair–I found some scissors
“Are you sure you know how to do this?”
“Of course! I’ve been doing this since I was eight. That’s twelve years of experience. A few mishaps, sure, but I know what I’m doing. Oh, and while we’re at it, today at my parents‘ place, I was talking to Emma. She’s worried about me and about you. She wants to come visit. I told her you’ve been handling everything here by yourself. She swore a bit, called you an idiot, and said she’d like to talk to you.”
“Are you talking about Emma Fiore?”
“Yes. She’s like a grandmother to my mom. After we moved to Valentia, my dad brought her to live with us. She wants to see you. She probably won’t say anything nice, but she still wants to talk.”
“And why would I meet someone who only wants to insult me?”
“She knows Laura is pregnant. She thinks it’s going to be complicated. She doesn’t believe you or I are capable of handling it.”
“I’m Laura’s father! Of course I can handle it!”
“Do you know how to change diapers? Soothe colic? Take care of a baby 24/7?”
1/2
“It can’t be that hard. If Peter could take care of his grandson, I can do it too.”
“Maximus, stay still, or I’ll end up cutting too much hair. Anyway, she’s coming tomorrow afternoon, so we’ll need to leave the office by 5:00 p.m.”
“Do I have a choice?”
“No.”
A few minutes later, Serenity stepped back and told Maximus to check the mirror. She had carefully trimmed his hair and beard with remarkable precision. As he came out of the bathroom, she had already chosen his clothes and even picked out his cologne.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)