Page 11 of The Reverse Cinderella

“Um, no,” Max was perplexed. “I prefer women my own age. It makes it easier when we have more in common.”

Dix turned into an interrogator, “Do you date more than one woman at a time?”

“No.”

“What’s your opinion of men who cheat or abuse?”

“That they should never be in a relationship.”

“Have you ever hit a woman?”

“No.”

“Have you done or do you use any drugs?”

“Weed, in college. Not anymore.”

“Alcoholic?”

“No.”

“Employed?”

“Yes.”

“Any weird fetishes or fantasies?”

“No.”

“Dix! Stop it,” Piaget put a hand on Max’s arm. “I’m sorry about this. I had no idea.”

“No, it’s okay.” Max smiled. “She’s doing what any good friend would do.”

Dix smiled. “I like him. You can keep him.”

“Thanks,” Piaget said dryly. “Let’s go before she starts asking more embarrassing questions.”

“It was nice to meet you Dix,” Max smiled.

Piaget flushed and grabbed Max by the arm, pulling him out of the café and along the streets.

“So,” Piaget cleared her throat. “How was your day?”

“I got a bunch of paperwork out of the way for a bid we’re putting in on a project which was tedious but necessary. Mostly it was just business as usual. However, now my day is complete since I get to see you. How was your day?” Max threaded his fingers through hers. Piaget had to admit, she liked it.

“It was good. Nothing big happened but I did decide to call this guy who seems really sweet.”

“Oh really?” Max asked.

“He even offered to walk me home.”

“Wow. That was really nice of him.”

Piaget smiled. “I know.”

They were approached by a man who had obviously seen better days. “Hey Max, my man. You got some money to spare for me?”

“Nope. But if you’re at the bridge in the morning, I’ll be bringing by coffee and breakfast to the crew there,” Max replied. He stepped just slightly in front of Piaget, shielding her from the man.