27. The Lie

Hunter

The staff swapped the traditional centerpieces with individual mini-Thanksgiving feasts at every table, providing guests the opportunity to serve themselves. As servers took drink and dessert orders, the lively tunes of an upbeat instrumental jazz band filled the air. Combined with the clinking of empty dessert plates, the room came alive with laughter and animated chatter, signaling the start of the dance floor.

Logan pulled Stacy out to dance, and Mr. and Mrs. Parker joined them. Hunter loved how much the Parkers always had a good time wherever they went. He watched Maxine intently from across the room as she walked from person to person, occasionally checking her phone.

Rip this dress off me,was her last text to him. Her glances from across the room had a way of making his face tingle with a pleasant warmth. The wine didn’t help much, either.

“Hunter, are you happy?” his mother asked from across the table, drunk, more than likely. He nodded. “I really hope you’re happy. You’re on track for three As this semester. You’re co-captain. I just couldn’t be prouder. You’ve really shown me what a responsible person you’re becoming. We’re, both, very proud of you.”

“Thanks,” he said, unmoved by his mother’s flattery, watching her movements becoming less precise with each sip of her drink. He looked around for Maxine but didn’t spot her anywhere.

“She’s dancing with Logan,” his father said, as if reading his mind. “It’s kind of strange, right? How close they are?”

Logan effortlessly spun her around, their joyful laughter echoing through the room, until he gently pulled her in for a close dance. She wrapped her arms around his neck as they danced forehead to forehead.

He focused on Logan this time, the love of his life. Logan could do anything, and Hunter would love him unconditionally. He imagined himself dancing with Logan, swaying back and forth with their bodies pressed against one another, their foreheads touching for all to see.

“That doesn’t bother you?” his father asked, staring at the dancing pair.

“Logan is like that with everyone. He was flirting with Mom earlier. You can’t take him seriously.” Hunter scoffed. He didn’t allow his parents to get to him. No one would understand the connection the three of them had.

Follow me. A text from Maxine came through on Hunter’s phone a few minutes later.

“Hey, where are you going?” Logan asked on his way back from the dance floor as Hunter walked away from their table.

“I’m just stepping away for a second. I’ll be right back.”

He spotted her near the entrance of the banquet hall, observing as she walked toward a seating area in the main hallway, greeting people as she passed them by. Hunter waited a few moments before walking across the hall behind her.

The black door on the left, she texted him.

Hunter returned to the table sometime later, his disheveled appearance giving away his recent escapades.

“Where were you?” Logan asked him loudly.

“In the bathroom,” Hunter said, annoyed. Mrs. Parker motioned for Hunter to wipe his face, and the table laughed, noticing the makeup all over his lips and nose. Hunter grabbed a napkin and wiped his face while turning beet red.

“How is everyone doing?” Maxine sat in the empty seat beside Hunter and noticed the lipstick on his mouth. After dabbing a napkin in a glass of water, she wiped away her lipstick from his lips, a warm smile illuminating her face.

“We’re stuffed, it was amazing!” Mrs. Richardson said, her smile widening with each heartwarming moment between Hunter and Maxine.

“We’re heading out,” Mr. Richardson announced. “We have an hour ride home. It’s getting late.”

“Max, why don’t you come with us? Stay the weekend and we can drive back to school on Sunday,” Logan suggested.

“I don’t know,” she said, her voice filled with hesitation. “Are you sure that’s alright?” she asked the parents.

“Of course! We’d love to have you over and get to spend more time with you,” Mrs. Parker assured her.

“Alright! I’ll inform my parents and pack my things,” she said. “I’ll be down in twenty minutes.”

“Are you guys fucking behind my back?” Logan asked Hunter, waiting in the foyer for Maxine to come downstairs.

“What? No, Logan, we just made out a little. It was your idea to say she was my girlfriend. She’s staying at my place now until Sunday. Are you going to be alright with that? ‘Cause that was your suggestion, too,” Hunter said tersely.

“I know. It’s just that, I know you guys have a special thing going on that I’m not really part of.”

“Are you joking? You two are all over each other, constantly. Laughing and hugging and flirting.”

“This was supposed to just be fun, but—” Logan started.

“But what?”

“You’re falling for her, aren’t you?”

“Alright, ready!” Maxine announced at the top of the stairs. She was back in her loose pants that were tight at the ankles and her oversized coat.

“I’ll help you with that.” Logan grabbed the bag off her shoulder.

“Is everything alright?” Maxine asked Hunter. He nodded and smiled, faking it in a way he wasn’t used to.