Chapter 245: A dinner meant for family and friends
Andrew’s personal worry that he was going to break the marble countertops never came to pass. What did come to pass was Andrew having a great time with Jenny, Luis and May. May was the glue that kept everything together, since Jenny and Luis were new to Andrew’s life. It helped that May was able to play off of most people who came into her life.
Jenny and Luis were no different.
They were all in fairly social facing roles, and had started to form real friendships because of Andrew and Maxwell. That meant being around them, listening to them and speaking with them while they drank and Andrew consumed his non alcoholic beverage alongside them. The pasta was made, and at some point, he knew when Maxwell was nearby.
Maxwell came in, wearing Andrew’s sweater, and Andrew had to pause, aware that he’d practically frozen like a predator that caught scent of his favourite prey. Maxwell didn’t seem to notice, but he was sure that some of the others had. Kim had, and she wasn’t letting him live it down, and the other women were just as observant as Kim was.
"Is it time to set the table?" Maxwell asked, coming up behind Andrew and sliding his hands along Andrew’s waist, gripping onto his stomach from behind. Andrew held perfectly still, worried that if he inhaled too deeply he would disrupt this moment.
"Uh, May?" Andrew asked, turning his head towards her to find her watching the two of them, her gaze narrowed.
"Maxy, you know better." May said, a warning to her tone and Andrew felt Maxwell’s face bury against his back. Andrew flinched, his face warm and watched as Luis and Jenny took a sip of their drinks, hiding their smiles.
"It’s just a hug." Maxwell protested and May snorted.
"You know what you’re doing to him. Tell me, do you want Andrew to regret anything he’s ever done with you?" May asked a hard hitting question and Maxwell’s grip on Andrew tightened before it loosened considerably.
"No. I would hate that." Maxwell whispered and May nodded.
"So then don’t put him in that situation, alright? I know you are also vulnerable right now, but just get hugs from someone else right now." Andrew couldn’t see Maxwell’s face, but he could envision what he was looking at May like. Like a deer caught in the headlights. He’d never gone to his parents for affection. Andrew was pretty sure that Andrew was the only option for Maxwell. The list was very, very short.