Falling for the Genie (Genie's Love, Book 1) (10 page)

Max and I spend the next two weeks getting to know each other better. I tell him about Daisy and my mother, and he seems sympathetic. But he’s not as caring as I hoped he’d be. I figure he senses I don’t want to talk much about it and doesn’t pry. A part of me is grateful for that, but I suppose I want him to care a little bit more than he seems to do.

I call Macy and ask her opinion on it and she tells me that maybe I need to give him time. Some guys don’t know how to deal with sensitive topics like that. I really like him and am going to give him a chance. Other than Sebastian, he’s the best thing to happen to me since I lost my sister.

He visits me at work and all I want to do is sit down at his table and talk. At my break, I get a chance to do that, but it isn’t enough. Max and I can talk about anything. Though we don’t have much in common other than our love for Italian food, he’s interested in my hobbies and I’m interested in his.

He tastes the food I serve him and frowns. “Doesn’t come close to yours. Too bad you passed on the job.”

“It’s okay. The person who got it deserved it. I’ll get the next one.” I smile, and I mean it. Because as much as I wanted the job, I’m happy for Joshua.

When I’m taking the garbage out at the end of my shift, someone grabs me and pulls me to his chest. Max laughs as he presses his lips against mine. “Off work yet?”

“Soon. I just need to get my things.”

He holds me close, kissing me deeply. Our kisses have gotten better, but they’re still nowhere near the ones I shared with Sebastian.

“I have something special planned for tonight,” Max whispers in my ear. “Been planning it for a few days and I hope you’ll love it.”

I smile against his mouth. “I’m sure I will. Gimme a hint?”

He shakes his head, closing his mouth over mine again. I can feel his passion, but just like usual, it doesn’t move me. It’s still nice and enjoyable, but that’s all it is. A kiss. I hate admitting that, but no matter how much I try, I don’t melt. I wish I could change that. Hopefully with time.

As we’re kissing, Max is yanked back, like he’s pulled by an invisible rope. He bangs into the dumpster behind us and splats to the ground. I look to my left and see Sebastian standing there with the same hollow expression on his face. His eyes move from me to Max, then back to me.

What the hell is he doing here? Did he just
push
Max? I want to yell at him, but checking on Max is more important right now.

I rush to him and help him sit up. “Are you okay?”

His rubs the side of his head. “I think so. What happened? It felt like someone pushed me.”

I glance at Sebastian, who has disappeared into the shadows. I see the outline of his body. I glare at him. “Why did you do that?”

“Who are you talking to?” Max asks, squinting to where I’m looking at.

Sebastian steps into the light. He looks a little apologetic. “I’m sorry, but I told you he’s not a good guy.”

My insides sear with anger. “Get away from here.”

“Lily?” Max asks.

Sebastian just stares at me.

“I said, get away!”

Max grabs my hand. “Lily, who are you talking to? There’s no one there.”

I open my mouth to say something, then close it. What exactly can I tell him? That my genie shoved him into the dumpster?

Sebastian waves his left hand and the dumpster heads for Max. Letting out a yelp, Max covers his head and leaps out of the way.

“Stop it!” I yell.

“I’m gonna go,” Max says, giving me a look like I fell from the moon.

I reach for his hand, but he already starts running. “Wait, Max. What about tonight?”

He stops, but doesn’t turn around. “Something came up. Sorry.” And he’s gone.

I sink down to the ground and bury my face in my hands. I can’t believe this. Max ran out on me because he thinks I’m talking to imaginary people. Do I run after him and explain the genie? No, I can’t do that. He’d think I’m crazy and would break up with me in an instant.

The only solution is to get rid of the genie. Sebastian is still standing there, his gaze pasted on me. Slowly, I get to my feet and march toward him, my breathing heavy, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. “What have you done?” I shout.

He doesn’t answer, just keeps his eyes on me.

I move closer to him until our faces are only inches apart. “You had no right push him.
No right
. I don’t care about your reasons. I don’t care how you feel about him. I told you to stay out of my life.”

“Lily—”

“No.” I try to keep my voice steady, but it’s shakier than a ship caught in a storm. “Get away from me, Sebastian.”

“Lily, please. I wasn’t going to hurt him. Just scare him off.”

“I said, get the hell out of my life. Take your lamp and leave.”

He holds out his hands. “Please.”

“Genie, I wish for you to leave.”

Nothing happens. He shakes his head. Clearly that doesn’t work.

“We’re not attached at the hip. Take your damn lamp and get the hell away from me.”

He doesn’t move. I step closer to him. “Do you not understand what you just did? You ruined a great relationship for me with a great guy.”

He twists his nose, shaking his head with a sigh. I want to slap him, and my hand itches to do so. But I hold back. As much as I hate him right now, hitting him will accomplish nothing. Using my last two wishes is an option, but I want nothing to do with Sebastian right now. I don’t need favors from him. I want him out of my life.

“I don’t want to see you ever again.”

I flee the area in the direction Max ran off to. I know he thinks I’m crazy, but I need to make things right. I don’t know how I’m going to explain it, but I’m not going to give up.

As I strut down the streets, my anger doesn’t subside. What was Sebastian thinking? What’s so bad about Max that he wants to tear us apart? Is it jealousy or something more? No, I know Max is a good guy. Sebastian is the problem. If I have been blinded by someone, it’s Sebastian. I thought he was this kind, honest, sweet, caring genie, but the truth is he’s an awful person. No, not person. He’s an awful being.

I don’t give a crap if I never talk to him again. He doesn’t deserve my friendship. I don’t care if he’s stuck because I can’t wish. I don’t care if he dies because of it.

I stop. No, of course I care if he dies, but right now my rage is taking over and I can’t think straight.

“Lily!” someone shouts in the distance.

Turning to my right, I realize I’m in the street and a truck is zooming toward me. My limbs are locked in place. The truck speeds closer and closer.

Someone crashes into me, shoving me onto the sidewalk before the truck slams into him with a sound of cracking bones.

When I look to see who pushed me out of the way and saved my life, my heart leaps in my throat.

“Andy,” I whisper, tears filling my eyes.

He’s sprawled on the street, inches away from the truck, covered in blood. Oh, god. What have I done?

Andy is alive, but barely. He’s in critical condition in the ICU. Macy and I are in the hospital waiting room, wrapped in each other’s arms. We both haven’t stopped crying, and I haven’t stopped apologizing for causing this to happen. If not for my running into the street, Andy wouldn’t have had to push me out of the way. He’s such a good person. Why do these things always happen to good people?

He was in the area because he was out shopping for something special. They found a small box in his pants pocket. An engagement ring for Macy. He had just bought it before saving my life. When Macy learned he was planning to propose to her, she burst into tears and was unable to breathe.

Andy’s father jumped on the first plane leaving California to New York. His mother is sitting in a chair at the other end of the room. She assured me that it wasn’t my fault, that accidents happen, but I’ll never forgive myself. She was surprised to find out about the ring, too. I bet he couldn’t wait to tell his parents the good news. Will he have the chance to do that?

Only a few hours have passed since he was brought here, but it feels as though we’ve been sitting here for days. I haven’t seen or spoken to Sebastian. The anger I feel toward him is still there, and I don’t really want to blame him for what happened. Yes he caused me to be upset, but it was me who let my emotions take over. I should have paid attention to my surroundings.

I texted Max to tell him what happened, but he hasn’t responded. I’m not going to think about the pain I’m feeling due to our fight or whatever happened between us. Max is still alive. I’m not going to be selfish by crying over him when Macy doesn’t even know if Andy will be alive for the next hour.

Macy shifts in the chair next to me and dabs her eyes. She looks at me and I look at her. I’ve never seen her this upset, and it breaks my heart. If Andy doesn’t survive…I don’t know what I’d do.

“Stop,” she says in an empty voice.

“What?”

She takes in a deep, shaky breath. “Stop blaming yourself.”

“I can’t help it…if he doesn’t survive…”

She takes my hand.

I pull away. “I should be the one comforting you. Not the other way around.” I shut my eyes, feeling the tears drip down my cheeks. “How can you stand looking at me?”

“Because I know you must have been really upset to run into the street like that.” She squeezes my hand. “And even though my boyfriend’s in there fighting for his life, I’m thankful he pushed you out of the way and saved your life.”

“He shouldn’t have. It should be me lying in there.”

She lightly slaps my arm. “Don’t say such a thing.” I don’t care. Macy and Andy are in love. He wanted to
propose
to her. They had a bright future together. And I spoiled it all.

“Andy’s a fighter,” Macy says. “He’ll…he’ll survive this.”

I nod encouragingly, but my insides twist in many different directions.

“What happened?” she asks. “What made you run into the street?”

I shake my head. “We don’t have to talk about it.”

“I want to. I need to know if you’re okay.”

I force a bitter laugh. “Your boyfriend’s in the ICU and you’re worried how
I’m
doing?”

She nods. “Is it your mom? Did she say something?”

“No, I haven’t heard from her.” I run my hand through my hair. I’m not going to tell her my genie shoved my boyfriend aside while we were kissing. “It’s stupid, really. Max and I got into a fight. A stupid fight. I ran after him and now Andy is…” I stop as a new batch of tears fill my eyes. “I’m really, really sorry, Mace.” There are no excuses for what happened. I should have watched where I was going, regardless of how upset I was.

“Lily? Macy?”

We look up and find Max standing before us. “Is Andy going to be okay?”

“He’s in critical condition,” Macy says, her voice deadpan.

His face drops as he takes the seat next to me. He’s been Andy’s good friend since they were kids, and even though Andy moved when he was thirteen, they have kept in touch. I can understand exactly what he, Macy, and Andy’s parents are feeling, and it’s one of the most terrible things. Not knowing if your loved one is going to make it. Wondering how you’ll move on if they don’t.

Max says reassuring words to Macy, but they’re only words. None of us will feel better until we hear good news. Max wraps his arm around my shoulder and pulls me close. I clasp Macy’s hand in mine. He doesn’t bring up what happened in the alley at Inferno and neither do I. It seems so stupid now.

A doctor emerges from behind the doors and talks with Andy’s mom. She sways and grabs the wall for support. The doctor says a few more words before touching her shoulder sympathetically and walking away.

Macy, Max, and I exchange a glance. This doesn’t mean…? No! He’s can’t be dead.

Mrs. Levitt approaches us. With tears in her eyes and her voice wobbling, she whispers, “He’s in very bad shape. They don’t think he’s going to make it. We shouldn’t…we shouldn’t be too hopeful.”

We all break down. Macy and I hold each other tightly before she slowly gets up and envelops Andy’s mother in her arms.

It feels like the chair disappears from beneath me and I fall into quicksand. I can’t move as I’m being sucked in until my head is under and I can’t breathe. I can’t accept this. I won’t accept this. Just a few hours ago, he was looking forward to a future with the girl he loves. Now she’s going to mourn him, possibly for the rest of her life. How is she going to get through this? How can I be strong for her when I can’t be strong for myself?

Max’s hand is on my shoulder as he stares into my eyes. He’s saying something, but it sounds like he’s underwater. I can’t bear this. I can’t stand to see all their faces. Their heartache. I wish there was something I could do.

Wait a minute. I spring up. Of course there’s something I could do. Why didn’t I think of it sooner?

I leap to me feet and rush over to where Macy and Andy’s mom are sitting, barely able to keep themselves together. I pat Macy’s arm. “I’m going to be right back.”

“Where are you going?”

She needs me, but what I’m about to do can save her future fiancé’s life. “Just trust me.”