Jack sat in his office Friday morning trying to focus on work. He had cancelled his massage with Max because he felt like it would be inappropriate to pay her to touch him now.
He knew it was the right choice, but right now he really wished he'd made the wrong choice instead.
Max had spent the night at her friend Katrina's last night and Jack had had some friends over for a very cliché poker night.
He hadn't seen her since Geoff had maliciously spilled her confidential medical information to him.
Jack seldom felt this kind of antipathy for another human. To sink so low and attempt to humiliate your estranged wife was deplorable.
And the reality was Jack really didn't care. First and foremost, he and Max were nowhere near penetrative sex right now. They were still just getting to know each other. Secondly, Jack always used protection unless he attended a clinic with a partner, they both received clean results and there was another contraceptive in play. Jack wasn't a slave to his dick like Geoff seemed to be, just putting it wherever and hoping for the best. Jack took excellent care of his sexual hygiene.
Sébastien knocked loudly on his office door, entering at the same time, forcing Jack back to reality.
"Jack! What time are you heading to the airport tomorrow morning? Can you pick me up on the way? We can split the park and fly fee." Sebastien had a loud, boisterous way of talking that made Jack envision exclamation marks after every few words.
Jack stared at him confused. Then it clicked. The conference in Osaka he and 1200 other sports medicine physicians would be attending.
He had been so caught up with Max he had completely forgotten about it, but covered it expertly. "Yes, of course. I'll pick you up at nine."
Sebastian nodded and headed off.
The conference was slated to be three days. This would only be his second year attending and he was genuinely excited to hear some of the keynote speakers this year.
He realized he hadn't made arrangements for Gumbo while he was away. He was about to call the kennel when his phone chimed.
Max
Hey! You canceled your appointment this morning. Alice is devastated. She even bought you special tea cookies.
Jack smiled as an idea came to him.
Give her my sincerest apologies, I'd be happy to come have tea with her anytime, but today I got a little swamped at the clinic.
I'm leaving for a conference tomorrow and I'll be gone a few days. Would you be willing to stay at my place and take care of the pooch? Maybe even the garden if you're so inclined? No pressure, but I figured you could use a space to unwind as much as I could use some help.
Max
Oh I don't know, spend a few nights tending to a gorgeous garden and and cuddling an adorable dog? Of course I'm down . Would you mind showing me around and where everything is tonight after the gym?
Jack beamed at his phone
Yes, ma'am, I will make you dinner and walk you through it. See you tonight.
His day flew past him in a blur of patients and paper work until finally it was time to meet Max.
Stopping at Sebastians office on his way out he called to him, "I'm off. See you at nine sharp."
Sebastian waved him off, as he was desperately trying to catch up on his files before heading to Japan.
Jack changed quickly and met Max in the lobby. She looked incredible in a matching Lulu lemon ensemble that showed every incredible curve of her body. He walked behind her up the stairs and it took all of his will power not to ogle her hypnotic backside the entire climb.
They settled into a routine, but before long, Max, who was mid row, peeked over at him..
"What's your conference about?" she asked casually.
"It's about everything, really. Mostly biomechanics, but there have been some interesting developments in how to make sport's and physical activity more inclusive, and ways to make it more accessible and prevent injury for the every person. Which is something I'm passionate about. I want everyone in the world to reach their own personal physical potential, but so many enter the world of fitness, with it's cookie cutter training programs, and they get overwhelmed or injured. If you judge a fish's athletic performance based on its ability to climb a tree it will be considered a failure . But when you ask it to swim it can realize its full potential. There's also a track about kinesiogenomics which discusses the role genetics play in movements and I find that extremely compelling."
Max was watching him intently, her lips curling at the edge. "Sounds like it's going to be an incredible experience. You are going to get to meet professionals from around the world that share your passion."
Jack beamed. "I know! I'm sports geeking pretty hard this year because I'm going to get to hear Johan Pion speak about motor skills acquisition and it was his research that turned the course of my career. I'm pretty excited about it."
Max looked genuinely excited for him and that made him even more excited.
***
Jack was walking beside Max, through his garden, showing her what everything was and giving a few tips for care. He had a metal bowl with him which he was using to collect some tomatoes, spinach, basil and garlic scapes. As they rounded the end of the garden Gumbo came bounding back up from the creek. Filthy and thrilled about it, he ran right for Max who shrieked as the big soggy dog stopped right in front of her and shook himself off.
"Gumbo! You rude boy, get out of here! " Jack said, stepping in front of Max to shield her, while simultaneously trying to protect his bowl of harvest from the muddy spray.
They both laughed as the dog stood there tilting his head, looking at them, unsure why they had stopped walking. He came and rubbed his wet head on Max's leg, and she gave in and pet the giant skull.
"You're just a big doggo doing dog stuff, eh. You, didn't mean to soak us."
