TEST DRIVE: A Night of Forbidden Desire

“It’s true, Max is like that sometimes. One should be understanding, right, Von? He’s an only child, you know, and sometimes he gets a little spoiled.”

It was hard for Vonda to keep from bursting out laughing. Fortunately, she was in the bathroom when Riley called her during the break. At least she wouldn’t disturb anyone with her giggling.

Ugh! Vonda could not imagine having to suppress her laughter in the office cafeteria. She could become a spectacle again.

“Even the chicken thigh can make him like that.”

Vonda tried to hold back her laughter by taking a deep breath, but it was so hard. She kept laughing until the corners of her eyes were moist.

Now that she thought about it, Vonda had answered Riley’s call five minutes ago, that’s when her laughter had started. After Riley had started telling her about Max questioning him about the three cases of chicken thighs.

“I didn’t expect Max to actually talk to you about the chicken legs. Hahaha! Oh, my goodness. How can a guy be jealous over three boxes of chicken thighs?”

“It’s not really envy,” Riley chimed in with a chuckle. “More like jealousy. Well… he is an only child. I’m been thinking, too. It’s true, I haven’t sent him any food all this time.”

“Ugh! You’re so cruel.”

“Tsk! Speaking of me being cruel,” Riley sighed. “But… what can we do? It’s kind of pointless sending him food. He won’t eat it. I’m pretty sure of that.”

Vonda blinked quickly, feeling tickled for a moment. Because she was standing in front of a mirror that allowed her to see the movement of her eyes.

“Max is the type who doesn’t like to eat much. Look. His refrigerator is full of frozen pizza. If I send him food, it’s useless. He won’t eat it.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Someone who doesn’t like to eat much?

Um. Somehow Vonda felt something was wrong.

~

“This chicken mushroom noodles are delicious, you know. You should feel grateful to have this. “Especially you’re treated by me.”

“Well, the melon is very refreshing too. Here, try it!”

~

Vonda furrowed her brow. Flashes of several occasions when she and Max had eaten together flashed through her mind. Which made the girl think even harder.

“Um.”

“What’s wrong, Von?” Riley asked.

“Why do I feel like you’re talking about a different Max?”

“What do you mean?”

Vonda let out a short breath before answering Riley’s question. “I don’t think Max is like that, Mom. In my opinion, when it comes to food, he’s really enthusiastic. He’ll eat anything. I mean, if there were ten dishes on the table, he’d definitely eat them all.”

This time it was Riley who was laughing on the other end.

“Oh… that’s a different story,” Riley said. “When I said he didn’t like eating much, I meant if the situation wasn’t right.”

“The situation?”

“Yes. Max doesn’t like to eat alone. When he’s alone, he eats just to survive, nothing more.”

Vonda grinned. Whether it was because of Max’s aversion to eating alone or the other way around.

“When he’s alone, he only wants to eat simple things. Like frozen pizza. He won’t eat food he considers complicated. Especially if it involves washing too many dishes. Uh… don’t ask. He definitely doesn’t want to. That’s why he doesn’t like to eat much food when he’s alone,” Riley explained, pausing to take a deep breath. “But… it’s a different story when he’s with you. I’m sure he eats hearty then. Hihihi.”

“Ah.”

This time Vonda felt her face stiffen a little at Riley’s teasing behind his words. Although, in the end, Riley’s next words actually surprised Vonda.

“Being born without siblings, Max was automatically close to me and Dad. So, we try really hard to always be close to him. Maybe that’s why Max doesn’t like to eat alone. He must feel lonely.

For some reason, Vonda’s mind wandered to something else entirely.

He doesn’t feel like I’m stealing his mother or anything, does he? Does he feel like I’m taking his mom’s attention? Like Kitty?

Maybe that’s why Vonda found herself knocking quietly on Max’s office door when the break was over. She entered as soon as she heard Max’s voice.

“Come in.”

Max examined Vonda, looking at her hands. At first, he thought Vonda had come for work-related matters. But she didn’t bring anything. Max lifted his head and put his pen down on the table.

“What’s up?”

Vonda approached. “I have three cases of chicken thighs.”

Max’s expression changed immediately. He looked tired as he looked at her lazily.

“I already know.”

Vonda couldn’t help but be amused at Max’s sulky face. “Seems like three boxes is way too much for just me.”

“What do you mean?” Max squinted. “Are you saying you want to give me a box or something?” He sighed once. “No need. I don’t think I have any cooking oil in my unit. Like I’m going to fry the chicken with hair oil or perfume.”

Vonda burst out laughing. “Oh… you’re sulking just like that?”

“Who’s sulking?” Max replied, glaring.

“And then…” Vonda looked. “… if you’re not sulking, does that mean you’re willing?”

“Willing for what? A box of chicken thighs? No need. I-”

“Willing to stop by my unit?” Vonda interrupted. “I’ll fry them. So, you can just eat.”

“Huh?” Max blinked. “What do you mean?”

Ignoring the question, Vonda said instead, “I also have frozen French fries. Chili sauce and a big bottle of Coke. A perfect combination, right?”

Max’s face, which had appeared annoyed, instantly brightened. This amused Vonda and tempted her to be a bit mischievous.

“Well… if you don’t want-”

“Okay!”

This time Max cut Vonda off.

“Rather than disappoint you by declining your offer, well… I’ll accept it, albeit reluctantly.”

Vonda laughed. “I wouldn’t be disappointed.”

“Come on! Don’t be shy,” Max grinned. “It’s okay to be honest sometimes. Same goes for me.”

“Ugh! Seriously? A sulking guy is just annoying,” Vonda teased playfully.

“Sulking guy? Who’s that?”

“Hello! Someone suffering from amnesia?”

Max burst out laughing. “I’ll come back to you later, okay?”

Vonda changed her amused smile to an accepting chuckle and nodded once.

“Sure.”

Finally, their conversation ended with Max’s joyful exclamation.

“Yes!”

*