Maxie wiped away the last traces of mascara from her cheek when Kate walked in. "Is he gone?"
"Yes. I told Spinelli you would call him later."
Maxie laughed. "What the hell am I gonna say to him? Hey, Spinelli, remember that night I jumped your bones? Guess what?" She choked on a sob. Kate took her by the hand and led her back to her office, shutting the door behind them.
"I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that Spinelli is the father. I thought you two were just friends."
"We are."
"So what happened? If you don't mind my asking."
Maxie sat down. "It was one night a couple months ago. I was really upset and scared about something. Spinelli talked me down and just held me. I felt so safe in his arms. I always do. I just wanted to forget about everything else."
"It sounds like you were just looking for comfort."
"Yeah. But I took it too far. Imagine Spinelli's surprise when I started making out with him." Maxie laughed harshly. "God, I'm such a tramp," She berated herself.
"Maxie, I'm sure he would've stopped you if it wasn't what he wanted, too."
Maxie shook her head. "You don't know him. He is the most kind and generous person I know. He's always been there for me whenever I needed him. And he was there for me that night. But I felt like I had taken advantage of him and begged for his forgiveness. He was so sweet. He told me there was nothing to forgive." She sniffled. "We haven't really spoken about it since, just sort of swept it under the rug, like it never happened."
"Looks like you're going to have to talk about it now."
Maxie got up and paced. "I'm so not ready for this." She started to cry again. "Dammit!" She wiped her eyes.
Kate walked over and took hold of her arms. "Maxie, you are a strong woman. You will get through this, no matter what you decide. But give yourself some time to think it through. You don't want to rush into anything."
Maxie gulped. She knew what Kate meant--an abortion. She never imagined she could do something like that, but right now the thought crossed her mind. Spinelli would never even have to know.
"Why don't you take the rest of the day off."
"No! I need to get my mind off this. I need to work. Please?"
"Okay, if you want to talk I'm here."
"Why are you being so nice to me?"
"I know what you're going through."
"You do?"
Kate nodded. "And that's all I'm going to say about that right now."
Maxie smiled. Her admiration for Kate knew no bounds. "Well, I better get back to work." She walked out with her head held high.
"Oh, Maxie," Kate whispered. "You remind me way too much of myself."
-
It was late when Maxie got back to the penthouse. She had been searching for additional projects at work, not wanting to face Spinelli tonight. She walked in and shut the door quietly.
"Maximista!" he called out and she cringed. Normally she would be smiling at his greeting, but at the moment panic set in. She quietly reminded herself to act normal. He didn't suspect anything.
Spinelli came jogging into the living room, dressed in a chef's apron. "You're home! I've been holding dinner for you." He smiled brightly.
Maxie tried to smile back, but she was sure it came out like a wince. "Thanks, but I already ate. Kate and I ordered in because we had all these last minute plans to lock in. Crazy wedding stuff, ya know." She gave a half-hearted laugh.
"Oh." Spinelli's face fell. "Okay. Can I interest Maximista in some dessert? The Jackal baked some cookies," he said proudly.
"Wow. That's really sweet of you, but I'm just not hungry."
"Later, perhaps. How about a movie?"
"Maybe another time. I need to go pack."
"Pack? Why?"
"Spinelli, I've stayed here long enough. You're all better. And I'm sure Jason is sick of having me around. Plus I really miss my own room. I really value my privacy and all. And I know Mac has been freaking out with me being here. And Robin's gonna have her baby soon--" She bit her tongue.
Spinelli stood there silently as she babbled. "I don't want you to go." He looked like he was about to cry.
Maxie felt the same way. She looked down. "I have to." She ran off before he could see the pain in her eyes.
-
After the fastest packing job in history, Maxie dragged her bags downstairs.
Spinelli hadn't moved from his spot in the living room. "Did The Jackal do something to upset his fair Maximista?"
Maxie's heart tightened at his words. It was what she had done to him that was the problem. She forced a smile. "No, of course not. It's nothing like that. I just don't want to wear out my welcome"
"But you haven't. It's been my extreme pleasure and honor to have you here."
"Spinelli, stop it! This isn't even your apartment! It's Jason's!" Maxie turned away from him, shocked by her outburst. "I'm sorry," she said brokenly before rushing out the door.
She slammed it behind her and he flinched. The room suddenly seemed darker without her in it.
-
Jason came home to find Spinelli slumped on the sofa. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"Maxie's gone."
"Gone where?"
"Home."
"She moved out?"
"There was no need for her to stay. She decided she had worn out her welcome."
"That's weird. I thought she was planning on moving in permanently. She sure acted like it."
"The Jackal had hoped. What a ridiculous notion that was." He looked up at Jason with tears in his eyes. "Something does not compute. This morning she was so happy. I heard her singing in the shower. But then something happened at the office. I went over to bring her breakfast and she was in distress. The Fashionista turned me away before I could inquire further. Tonight Maxie arrived here late and immediately set to the task of packing, stating she missed her privacy. The most unusual thing of all is she left her precious hair products in my bathroom."
"Well, now you have an excuse to go see her."
Spinelli shook his head. "She does not wish to see me."
"How do you know?"
"She yelled at me."
"Why?"
"I know not. But her wrath has wounded me greatly. Perhaps Stone Cold would be so kind as to return her toiletries?" He held up the animal print bag.
Jason groaned.
-
Maxie curled up on her bed, clutching her body pillow. Tears flowed freely now that she was alone. "Oh, Georgie. I really wish you were here. I need you so much. You gave me Spinelli and I messed everything up." A knock on her bedroom door startled her.
"Maxie?"
"Jason?" She wiped away her tears and flung open the door. "What are you doing here?"
"This." He held up the bag. "Spinelli knows how much your hair products mean to you. He would've brought them over himself, but he thinks you're mad at him. What happened between you two?"
"Nothing!" She grabbed the bag. "Thanks. You can go now!" She tried to close the door before he could see her tears, but he stopped her.
He stepped inside and she turned away. "Are you crying? You know, if you want to stay at the penthouse I don't have a problem with it. Spinelli is happy when you're around."
"Don't say that," she whimpered.
"It's true! The guy lights up whenever you're around."
"I'm no good for him! You know that. You know what I did, how I used him."
"That's been forgotten."
"Right," Maxie laughed sadly.
"Look, all I know is Spinelli's really upset and you're the only one who can make things right."
"No, I can't!"
"Why not?"
"I'm pregnant!" Maxie clasped her hand over her mouth. She hadn't meant to blurt that out.
"You're WHAT?" Mac bellowed from the doorway. He gave Jason a murderous glare.