Could it be

23 - Complicated Deception

Max

As Alex reflected on the evening's events, she grappled with the task of conveying to Max the unexpected encounter with his mother. Choosing to ease into the conversation, she initiated contact by inquiring about Max's well-being through a text.

Despite a brief delay, she plunged into her workday, deferring the impending conversation and reassuring herself that she will address it later in the day.

As Max's response popped up on her screen, a subtle tension gripped Alex. The relief that he's feeling better is eclipsed by the encroaching dilemma she must now confront. Her mind became a tumultuous sea of conflicting thoughts and emotions, each wave urging her to navigate the impending conversation with finesse.

Caught off guard by Max's unexpected invitation to meet in the evening, an internal whirlwind of expletives echoed in her mind. The realization that she might have procrastinated too long dawned on her, triggering an anxious pulse beneath her composed exterior. Uncertain whether Max was already aware of the encounter with his mother, she debated internally whether to inquire about the purpose of their evening rendezvous. The thought of confronting the situation head-on flickered briefly, but she hesitated, contemplating the potential consequences.

Does he already know? The question lingered in her thoughts like an elusive shadow. An internal tug-of-war between curiosity and caution played out as she wrestles with the decision to unravel the mystery before their evening meeting. Yet, a moment of introspection brought clarity: if he was already informed, the evening provided an ideal setting for her to extend an overdue apology. On the other hand, if he remained unaware, this could be the opportune moment to set the record straight, to rectify the misconception and extend a genuine apology.

With a deep breath, Alex composed a succinct "OK" in response, masking the whirlwind within her. As she typed, the weight of uncertainty lifts momentarily, allowing her to resume her work. Yet, beneath the surface, an undercurrent of anticipation and trepidation continued to ripple through her thoughts, setting the stage for a complex evening ahead.

In the quiet of the evening, Alex made her way to Max's place. The door swung open, revealing Max in a familiar ensemble, the warm brown sweater from the café hugging him. A stand-up collar framed his features, and a mischievous smile danced on his lips. It's an expression that gave away hints at the prospect of a hidden agenda. Inviting her inside, they got into to the kitchen.

As her eyes met Max's, an unspoken understanding permeates the air. She sensed that he ax already aware, that the intricate web she tried to avoid is now woven tighter around them. A pang of guilt surged within her, a silent acknowledgment that her doing had led them into this convoluted situation.

Summoning the courage to broach the subject, Alex stumbled over her words, "About last night..." Her voice trailed off, uncertainty clouding her thoughts. The commitment to honesty clashed with the realization that misinterpretations could manifest swiftly. She grappled with the tension between her principles and the reality unfolding before her. "As I was leaving, I ran into your mother."

Max, unruffled by the revelation, calmly responded, "I figured." His words hung in the air, a confirmation that he was privy to the encounter. A furrow formed on Alex's brow as she seeks clarity, "You figured? You didn't hear from her?"

Max tapped on the box on the kitchen island, signaling that he knew his mother came by. "I know she came by." Max, wearing a subtle smile, "But no, she didn't mention anything to me. You don't know my mother. We don't talk to each other that often. Outside of business that is, or formal events. It was highly unlike her to come over last night. She won't want to talk about it, she'll just draw her conclusions." He laughed as he said it, knowing it built the feeling of guilt that Alex had been carrying.