Page 180 of Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal
Max:I mean, I think so. I can’t be sure. There is a truckload of lust parked on my heart, that’s for damn sure, but also, I feel different about her. Like, I need to protect her at all times. I need to be around her at all times. I think about her constantly. That’s... that’s love, right?
Storee:That’s the start of it, yeah.
Max:Then I’m starting to be in love with her.
Storee:Oh my God, Max, that’s... ahh my heart.
Max:I know. It feels crazy, but I swear to you, this is it. I’ve never felt this way before, and with Christmas coming up, I want to get her something really nice.
Storee:What do you have in mind? Chocolate-covered cherries?
Max:LOL. Obviously, but something else too.
Storee:Do you have any ideas?
Max:Well, I was sort of thinking about getting her something to do with the cottages, but then I thought that maybe Dwight might not go for the cottages, so I don’t want to do that, plus I already got her a snow globe to represent the cottages.
Storee:Yeah, and you don’t want to go all in on the business. What about some jewelry?
Max:I thought about it, but she doesn’t wear a lot of jewelry.
Storee:Yeah, that might not be a good gift then.
Max:What about a map of the town? Do you think that’s lame?
Storee:What kind of map?
Max:Well, what if it was a map that I get commissioned, and I have the artist put hearts where we’ve kissed or I’ve had moments with her, special moments?
Storee:OMG, Max, that’s actually really cute.
Max:Yeah? Not lame?
Storee:No, I love that, and I think she will love it too, especially since she wants to make Kringle her new home.
Max:Okay, then I think I’ll do that.
Storee:You have to pick a nice frame for it.
Max:Obviously. Jesus, do you think I’m just going to hand it to her in a manila folder?
Storee:I don’t know. You’re a question mark to me. Sometimes you do the right thing; sometimes you don’t.
Max:I like to keep you on your toes.
Storee:Not necessary.
Max:Okay, if you think that’s a good plan, then I’m going to go for it. Martha has a cousin who could commission the piece for me, and she said he works fast. He’s done a map of the town before, so I don’t think it would take too long.
Storee:Better not. You only have a few days until Christmas. Oh, by the way, my husband has information for you—he wouldn’t tell me what it was, but he said he had to talk to you.
Max:Oh shit, really? Better head to the reindeer barn then. Thanks for the advice. You’re the best.
Storee:I know.
Smiling, I lift my axe off the ground, throw it over my shoulder, and start walking toward the reindeer barn, but I shoot a quick text to Betty on my way.
Max:Hated not waking up next to you.
