Chapter Title: (137) Worth The Risk-01

"I didn't like the way we left things, Lee." Marley set the kettle on the stove and turned on the flame, leaning against the counter to face Max sitting down on a stool at the island. She was momentarily at a pause on how to respond — witnessing her brothers' best friend sitting in her kitchen again was a bit of a memory whiplash. She cleared her throat, "I've been told I have a bit of an obsession. I'm beginning to think I need to let it all go." Max's sea eyes softened considerably at the torn expression on her face, "If there's anyone who understands your need for answers, it's me. I was obsessed, too. But eventually all of the questions — the wondering why he would leave us behind — got the better of me. I just didn't want the same to happen to you." "I get it," Marley reassured him quickly, "Because you were older when he left it was more difficult for you to deal with. You had the same questions I do and I can see why it drove y