Me?
Dave nodded. Yeah. Youve got a really fat file.
Lots of women have a helluva lot to say about you.
And none of it is very nice.
Nah, Lauren must have it wrong. Theres probably another Angela Weatherby.
Look for yourself, Dave said. You can use the computer in my office. Im just saying, if youre going to invest time in this girl, maybe you ought to get to know her a little better.
Its not going to make a difference, Max said.
So shes writing a book.
And maybe youre just research?
Jeez, David, give me a break. Were sleeping together. Dont you think thats a little extreme to be research? Shes a nice girl. She wouldnt do that.
Im just looking out for you, man. You have to admit that you havent made a lot of sensible choices when it comes to women. Half of them were flat out crazy, and the other half were only interested in sex.
And you think Angela fits in one of those two categories?
Just go take a look and form your own opinion. I just think you might have a few questions you want answered.
Max stared at his brother for a long moment, then cursed beneath his breath. All right. Ill go look. But its not going to make any difference. He shoved away from the bar and stalked back to the office, slamming the door behind him.
Over the next half hour, he looked at every Google link that had to do with Angela Weatherby of Chicago, Illinois. By the time he was finished, Max was forced to admit that he didnt know her at all.
Who the hell was this woman? She seemed to be determined to exact some kind of revenge on any guy who didnt automatically fall in love with the woman he was dating. His own profile was filled with detailed stories of Max Morgans pathological inability to commit.
Hell, if shed read his profile, why in the world would she want to date him? If he were a woman, hed stay as far away from himself as possible. But was he really that bad? Hed never made any promises and then broken them. All the girls he dated knew he wasnt interested in marriage. But theyd all been certain theyd be the one to change him. Its not like he forced them to hop into bed with him. They were perfectly willing partners.
Max leaned back in the desk chair, rubbing his hands over his face. Now that he knew, what was he going to do about it? He could pretend it didnt make a difference, but he knew it did.
How had he missed this? His experience being in the public eye had given him a keen radarlike sense that detected anyone with suspicious motives. When hed come home to Chicago, hed let his guard down and shut the radar off. And now, he was left to wonder just who Angela Weatherby really was.
Max pushed away from the desk and walked back out into the bar. Ill see you later, he muttered as he passed Dave.
Hey, didnt I tell you? Its weird, huh?
Maxs jaw tensed as he fought the impulse to turn around and curse a blue streak at his brother. Though he ought to appreciate the fraternal loyalty, he didnt like his family interfering in his social life. But wasnt that what hed come to Chicago for-to be closer to his family? When it came down to it, hed always trust them first.
When he got out to the street, Max realized he didnt have his car. Hed either have to run back home or run all the way to Wicker Park to talk to Angela. He turned west, toward Angela, and toward the answers he needed.
By the time he reached Angelas office, he was drenched in sweat and even angrier than he was when hed left the bar. He wiped his face on his T-shirt, then walked inside. A receptionist sat at a desk in the lobby, her gaze fixed on her computer. She turned and smiled and then caught her breath in surprise. Hello, she said. Youre-
Angela Weatherby, Max interrupted. Can you tell me where her office is?
Down that hall and to your right. Last door.
Angela Weatherby, Max interrupted. Can you tell me where her office is?
Down that hall and to your right. Last door.
When he found the office, Max drew a deep breath and then opened the door. Though he wasnt sure what he planned to say, he knew hed come up with something the moment he saw her. Unfortunately, he saw Ceci first. She stood beside a table, a sheaf of papers in her hand, a stunned expression on her face. Max. Hi.
Ceci. He glanced around. So this is where you two work. The tension had seeped into his voice and Ceci forced a smile as she glanced around nervously.
Cecis shoulders slumped and she sent him an apologetic smile. Max, believe me, she never thought anything would happen with you two. She just wanted to interview you. And I think, part of her wanted to see if the feelings she had for you so long ago were finally gone. I talked her into going out that night. If I hadnt, you two would have never met. She wouldnt have gone on her own.
Why do I feel like Im only getting half the story? First, she doesnt know me. Then she does. Then she was madly in love with me. And now-I dont know whats going on now.
Maybe you better talk to her. She just went out to get coffee. Shell be back in a few minutes. Ceci grabbed her purse from a nearby chair. Im just going to leave you two alone.
That would probably be best, he muttered.
She stopped halfway out the door, then turned back. For what its worth, I really do think she loves you. She just wasnt prepared to still feel that way. And certainly not after a week. You caught her by surprise.
Everything seems to be catching me by surprise, Max said.
The door swung closed and Max was left in the silent office. He sat down in one of the desk chairs, bracing his elbows on his knees as he shoved his fingers through his damp hair. He wasnt sure whether to believe Ceci or not. Did Angela love him or was Ceci simply trying to cover for her friend?
A minute later, the door opened again. Angela froze when she saw him, two large paper cups in her left hand. For a moment, her arm wavered and Max jumped up and grabbed the coffees from her, setting them on a nearby desk.
Tell me something, Max said, his gaze fixed on the coffees.
Anything, she said in a shaky voice.
He looked at her, his eyes locking on hers. Are you writing about me in your book?
Am I or was I? she asked. Theres a difference.
Max cursed softly. We are not going to play word games, Angela. Am I in your book? Yes or no?
Yes, she said. But its not you. I mean I dont use your name. Theres no way anyone would-well, maybe a few people would make the connection, but-no, youre not. Not anymore. I decided to take you out.
And all that happened between us? Was that just research? Or was all this just some elaborate scheme to meet me?
It wasnt research. And it wasnt a scheme. She took a step toward him, then stopped when he held out his hand. I know this all looks bad, Angela continued, but its not. I have never done anything more than love you. It sounds stupid, but I think I knew the moment we met that we belonged together. All those years ago. And then again, in the bar that night. Ceci thinks its karma and I have no idea if shes right. But I think Ive been waiting for you my whole life. Kind of like those penguins.
And this is the way you get my attention? By trashing my name on the Internet?
It wasnt me, Angela explained. Those women have a right to their opinions. I-I dont happen to share their views, but that doesnt make their feelings any less valid. Max, I didnt expect to feel this way. I just wanted to prove that you were everything they said you were. And that these feelings I had for you were silly and childish. Only you werentand my feelings werent. I didnt know what to do.
The truth might have been nice.
Angela nodded, a tear sliding down her cheek. Probably. But after a while, I just didnt want to ruin it. I figured youd put an end to it sooner or later. I guess this is it.
Max closed his eyes and leaned back in the chair. You knew how I felt about the press. What youre doing here isnt much different.
No, Angela said. Its not. And I can understand how you might think its an invasion of your privacy. But maybe you need to see a bit of truth in it as well. These women all felt they had a good reason for writing about you. And I think, if youre honest with yourself, you know you didnt treat them well.
So you think I deserve to have my reputation trashed?
No. But I think my opinion of you might be a bit prejudiced. We are sleeping together. Angela took a ragged breath. I didnt know what to do. Being with you was like a fantasy come true. I couldnt help myself from getting caught up in it.
That doesnt make me feel any better.
Im not going to make excuses, Angela said. This is what I do for a living. You dont have to like it.
But youre doing it to me, he said. What does that say about us?
There was no us a week ago, Angela said. And Im not sure therell be an us next week. I dont know how this is going to turn out, Max, but if your profile is any evidence, its not going to turn out well. Im going to be just another notch on your bedpost.
How can you be such an optimist and a cynic at the same time? he asked, shaking his head.
Thats always been my problem. I want the fantasy, but Im too practical to believe it when I get it. She closed the door and crossed the office. Kneeling down in front of him, she placed her hands on his knees. I know Ive probably messed this up. And I dont know if you can forgive me. But if you cant, Im all right with that. I had my chance and I blew it. But at least I had my chance. No matter what you say to me, I dont regret it.
Max looked down at her, his anger waning. He wanted to gather her in his arms and kiss her until all the confusion went away, until he was sure of his feelings again. But at the moment, he wasnt certain of anything. He quickly stood, stepping around her, and walked to the door before he could touch her.
I have to go. Ill talk to you later.
Angela sat down on the floor, then nodded as he closed the door. Max stopped, bracing his hand on the wall as he looked back at office. Every instinct told him to go back inside, to begin again, to forget everything that had happened. This was a woman who had just admitted she loved him and he was ready to throw that all away because of-of what?