FREYA
"I do not know what you mean," I reply and I do not turn around.
"Freya."
"It is a celebration, Max. I came out for air. There is nothing to read into."
"Do not do that." His voice is low and even, but there is something raw under it. "Do not stand there and tell me there is nothing. I have known you since we were children. You have not looked me in the eye since the ambush. You spoke to me on that road like I was a stranger who had failed you. You put a guard between us in the car so you would not have to sit near me." A pause. "So do not tell me there is nothing. Tell me what it is."
I close my eyes. The cold air sits against my face.
"Leave it, Max. Please. Not tonight."
"Then when?" He moves closer, and I hear the hurt break loose in his voice. “Whatever it is. I would rat
