Page 44 of Can We Skip to the Good Part?

Saturdays with nothing pressing on the calendar had become Ella’s favorite kind, especially when they included Max.

That morning, they’d joined a painting party at Doug’s, tackling the freshly restored walls with rollers, laughter, and a rotating playlist. Doug’s sister came, the rest of the Weepers showed up, and even Beverly made an appearance, tie-dye scarf keeping her gray hair out of her face.

She spent most of her time getting more paint on her clothes than the walls and needling Doug every chance she got, purely for her own amusement.

“You know, Doug, you might get the wall done by Tuesday if you go just a little slower.”

“You worry about yourself,” he told her amid a measured stroke. He’d opted for a sage color this time, moving away from basic white.

Ella had a sneaking suspicion he liked the back-and-forth.

Or maybe it was simply the romantic in her, pairing everyone up.

Before leaving the house that morning, she’d even suggested Rachel might consider pursuing a romance with her former supervisor, who’d reached out about helping her find a new position somewhere.

Rachel hadn’t been able to let go of the grudge, which seemed like excellent fodder for a tension-filled romance. Sign her up.

“Just because you’re giddy over Max-fucking-Wyler doesn’t mean I should date Millicent, who is so uptight that I don’t think I’ve ever seen her hair out of a French twist. She’s the reason my position was eliminated,” Rachel huffed. “She’s also twelve years older than me.”

“This just gets better and better.” Ella chewed the inside of her cheek. She felt the urge to design the cover for this story. “She’s gay, right?”

“From what I’m told. But it’s hard to imagine Millicent dating.”

Ella’s brain raced ahead. “And with the layoffs, she was probably just doing what the company’s bottom line told her to do. I have a feeling she was conflicted about it, Rach. That’s why she reached out. And maybe she misses you. Have you considered that angle?”

“No, because it’s weird. You’re reading too many romance novels. And now you work on them, too. We’re going to need an intervention.”

Ella examined this thing from all angles. “She’s also beautiful. I saw her photos on Instagram.”

“Millicent? It doesn’t matter. She has ice in her veins.

” She waved a hand, over it. “I can’t with you.

It’s never gonna happen,” Rachel said, scoffing.

“You must have birds and butterflies chasing each other around your head and blinding your vision. The most logical explanation. I’m off to shower. ”

“Big Saturday plans?” she called after her.

“Getting my nails done this morning and headed to Lisa’s tonight for her informal engagement party. Remember her from my holiday party two years ago? Wanna come?”

Ella closed one eye. “Max and I kinda made plans to not make plans.”

“Ah. Well, I’d say bring her, but I’m not there yet.” She held up a hand. “Not that I won’t ever be. I’m working on the evolution of Rachel, but it’s gonna happen one step at a time.” She turned for her shower.

“Hey,” Ella called again, a softness coming over her.

Rachel turned, and the lighthearted smile fell away when she saw the look on Ella’s face.

She shifted her weight. Vulnerability flashed.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?” She’d never been one for interpersonal moments, which was why their relationship rarely dipped out of the playful realm.

“I wanted to say thank you for the effort you’ve been putting forth. I know none of this has been easy.”

“No. It hasn’t. Thank you for seeing that.” She pulled in air as if gathering her courage. “But you’re my person, and I want the world for you, so there’s that. And now we’re done with the sentimental display. Thank God.” The words came out as one long run-on sentence that made Ella grin.

“We’re done,” Ella said. “Go. Find the shower you seek.” But she understood the sentiment of that blurt. After all, they were all works in progress attempting to take shaky steps forward in the world. It wasn’t all that easy. Extending each other a little grace went a long way.

“Where did you drift off to?” Max asked as they strolled the outdoor nighttime market Everly Springs hosted every third Saturday.

“Just wondering why I haven’t hit every one of these things. It’s so quaint out here.”

The cobblestone street was lit with string lights zigzagging overhead, casting a golden glow on vendor tents and perusing locals.

The scent of kettle corn, spiced cider, and something smoky—maybe brisket or grilled peaches—hung in the air.

The day had been long, but Ella refused to give in to her fatigue, very much enjoying the night with Max, warm at her side.

They held hands as they browsed the various tents and booths, looking for the next great find.

“My mother would love this.” Max picked up a white and blue tea kettle with a very intricate floral pattern. “Honestly, she could probably use a nice gesture about now. She’s starting to feel the effects of the treatment.”

“Oh no,” Ella said, frowning. “Is she just feeling weaker overall or nauseous?”

“I don’t actually know. She says she’s fine.”

Ella paused. “I’m not following.”

“Because you were raised by a mother who probably admitted when things were hard. That wasn’t my mom, still isn’t. You have to be the best, work harder than everyone else, and show superhuman strength and resilience.”

Ella blinked. “That’s a lot.”

“I don’t think I realized how much until I moved out and started life on my own.” She shrugged. “But I know her well enough to see that she’s much more tired than usual. She’s not staying at the office as late. All of the signs are there that the medication is beginning to take its toll.”

“So, if she won’t admit anything is wrong, how do you help?”

Max handed the man behind the table with kind eyes her credit card. “You bring her a beautiful tea kettle and hope it cheers her up and lets her know you care.”

“What about a simple hug?”

“Um, that’s tricky. Under the right circumstances, sure. But it’s something I generally feel out first.”

Ella frowned, trying to understand. “Because it might show weakness?” she said slowly.

“Now you’re with me.” Max touched her arm. “Is that Olive?”

“It is. Olive!” Ella yelled. Their friend turned at the sound of her voice. She offered a shy wave, but made no point to come over. That was weird. She was standing with a man of about her age, who leaned into her ear and whispered something, making her laugh.

“We might be intruding,” Max said quietly.

“Are they on a date?” Ella asked.

“The mystery of Olive and her personal life continues,” Max said with a perplexed grin.

They walked on. A busker strummed an acoustic guitar near the fountain, his open case scattered with singles and change.

Max dropped a five as they passed, and they all exchanged a smile.

As they rounded the corner to the new row of vendors, Ella let what she learned about Max and her upbringing sink in.

It explained why she was so driven, so put together, and unflappable.

Because those things had been required of her.

Ella touched her heart where it tugged for the little girl who just wanted to be good enough.

She wasn’t quite sure what to say, but at the same time, felt it should be something.

She turned, her lips parted, grasping for words, but the beauty before Ella stole the air from her lungs.

Max’s profile, lit by the amber market glow, was all sharp cheekbones and soft curves.

A breeze caught her dark hair and let it fall again, and Ella knew—without question—that she’d remember this moment for the rest of her life.

“Your hair’s a little tousled.”

Max lifted her hand to smooth it.

“No. Don’t.” Ella caught her wrist and slid her hand back into Max’s, lacing their fingers slowly. “You’re stunning.”

Max seemed struck. Her features relaxed into a small smile, and if Ella wasn’t mistaken, Max Wyler’s cheeks colored the slightest shade of pink. Was that even possible?

“And I’m sorry if you’ve ever felt that you weren’t good enough.”

Max squeezed her hand, but didn’t say anything.

Instead, she leaned in and brushed Ella’s lips with her own.

She pulled back slightly, but didn’t go anywhere.

Instead, she lingered in Ella’s space and met her eyes.

The scent of her raspberry shampoo wrapped around Ella, sun-warmed and sweet.

For a second, the world went still. Max’s eyes searched hers, steady, open, like she was asking a question without words.

And that’s when Ella understood. Max was letting her see all the way in.

Ella’s breath caught, not from nerves, but from recognition.

This wasn’t just attraction—it was safety. It was history and hope layered together in one moment of connection.

She reached up and tucked a strand of Max’s hair behind her ear, letting her fingers linger.

“I see you,” Ella whispered.

Max smiled, something soft and unguarded breaking across her face. “I know.”

For Ella, the day had felt like an important one for several reasons.

They’d helped Doug piece back together his store.

She’d shared a few key moments with Rachel.

But the most significant part of her day was the step forward she and Max had taken in their relationship; their emotional bond was stronger for the honest moment they’d shared.

Max was opening up to her, and it felt like the curtains were being lifted.