It seemed Aaron was about as interested in talking to Max as Max was in talking to him. So why had Max come here? For Eileen’s benefit, obviously. If he could get some answers, maybe he could help his friend. Or maybe he just wanted to deck the guy, even if he’d have to let Aaron beat him up afterward.
When Aaron offered the cigarette and lighter, Max snatched them, lighting the cigarette before handing the lighter back. Now it was his turn to roll his eyes as Aaron pointed out that the guy looked much worse, like that was supposed to scare Max or something. It didn’t. He already knew Aaron could probably kick his ass, even if he was a little bigger than Aaron.
He snorted at Aaron’s attempt to make a dig at him. Yeah, he’d been called Eileen’s puppy before. He’d heard it plenty in high school, especially because Max was apparently a dog name. He didn’t care; if being a loyal friend made him an annoying, desperate lap dog, then so be it. Really, Aaron just sounded jealous. “Nope,” said Max, taking a drag of the cigarette. “She’s been busy, so I’m on my own tonight.” Did wallowing at home count as busy? Probably not, but better to let Aaron think Eileen was having a grand old time keeping herself busy without him. “Hey, how’s your dad doing?” Max asked in a way that indicated he didn’t give a shit about how Aaron’s dad was doing. But if Aaron was going to try to make digs at him and call him a dog, Max would make those digs right back.
Max should’ve kept his mouth shut. Aaron had no self control lately – not since his uncle’s passing, not since his father had gone to prison. Aaron already disliked Max, but hearing him make a jab at his father –
Aaron saw red.
Without much thought, Aaron flicked his cigarette onto the concrete, right before he grabbed a fistful of Max’s shirt. In one fluid moment, Aaron’s knuckles met the side of Max’s face rather harshly. He maintained a hold of Max’s shirt, looking him dead in the eye.
“Don’t fucking talk about my dad ever again.”
