EIGHT

The shopping went downhill fast. Zander refused to get in the car because he didn't want to go anywhere with his father. It was understandable, since he had this notion that Max didn't like her. Any enemy of Emilia's was Zander's too, and she appreciated the loyalty most of the time, but not that day.

They were supposed to redecorate his room, but he was being difficult, thinking it would dissuade Max from going with them. Emilia had to threaten to leave him behind before he finally gave in. Only to pout and mumble incoherent answers every time she tried to initiate a conversation. She thought he was adorable, but didn't dare mention that in fear he'd throw an even bigger tantrum.

She’d invited Max along because she'd seen his desperation. He wanted to bond with Zander, but didn't know where to start. He did everything wrong and, for some strange reason, their son always showed up whenever they were in the middle of a fight. To Zander, Max was the bad guy. Knowing how stubborn her son