The sound of the alarm filled the quiet room with its monotone ring, chasing away Hypnos as Max struggled to wake, stirring in her confined spot. Apart from her eyelids feeling heavy as she tried to keep them open, she felt some extra pressure on her torso, weighing her down when she tried to sit up. The brunette looked down to find that at some point during the night Chloe had managed to turn face down and spread out like a starfish, her left arm and leg sprayed across Max’s body while her right leg rested on Rachel.

With careful movements, the photographer attempted to get free from under the punk without waking her but once she saw that to get up she would have to manoeuvre over two bodies, she knew that there was a high risk of waking them up and it was only seven in the morning.

The photographer climbed over her two sleeping girlfriends, trying her best not to step on them. Really now, this was way too much exercise for the morning. That’s what you get for picking that spot, Caulfield. Max thought to herself as she hovered over the small space on the bed between Chloe’s and Rachel’s bodies. Just as the brunette was about to crawl over Rachel and finally be done with this obstacle course, a hand flew out, grabbing her bicep and pulled Max down, who swore under her breath as she landed with her face planted on a soft pillow.

“Mmrrning.” Came a muffled voice from her left. Chloe’s eyes were still closed when she turned to face Max before peaking one eye open. The room was still dark but the punk could make out the brunette’s surprised features. God, it was so early and Chloe was definitely not a morning person but she had committed to getting up the same time as Max on her big day and offer whatever support she could.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up.” Max whispered in the hopes that her fall hadn’t woken up the blonde as well.

“Ss’kay.” The punk grumbled as her mind dragged behind, the words taking more time to reach her mouth. “Was planning to anyway.”

“Why? It’s way too early, go back to sleep you idiot.”

“Because we know how stressed you get and want to be there for you.” Came the reply from a third groggy voice from the right side of the photographer.

“Shit! I woke you too, Sorry.” Max bit her lower lip as she turned to face Rachel who was smiling at her.

“Relax Max. I heard your alarm and I had set one too just in case I didn’t hear yours go off.” Rachel raised her hand to caress Max’s arm with her knuckles, feeling the brunette’s skin prickle under her touch.

“You guys, it’s okay. I’ll be fine.” It was a white lie but Max really didn’t want her girlfriends getting up early on her behalf, especially since they both worked today.

Chloe and Rachel gave Max a pointed look, clearly not buying into it before the blonde finally sat up and got out of bed, freeing the space for Max to follow shortly behind.

Once all three women had washed and changed, they sat around the kitchen island. Coffee cups, cereal bowls and milk resting on top of the counter. Max looked at her option for breakfast, but nothing seemed to appeal to her. Her mouth was dry and her stomach felt like it had turned into the Gordian knot at the thought of any food going down her throat. Yes, anxiety had made Max her bitch and all the photographer could think of was how in the world she’d get through this day. Perhaps there was another Max out there that had stolen all the confidence for herself and left all the others scraping for pieces.

“Love, you have to eat something.” Rachel’s tender voice brought her back from her musing.

“I can’t get anything down.” Max took her cup of warm coffee in both her hands and held it tight. Her eyes not once wavering away from the black liquid that reflected her face as she stared down into it.

“Dude, coffee alone is going to turn you into MadMax in a more literal sense. Try eating some cookies? Those always seemed to do the trick when we were kids.” Chloe offered, remembering how Max had a sweet tooth and how it would be the one thing she always went for when she was stressed and couldn’t eat properly.

Max had completely forgotten about the packet of fresh biscuits they had bought from a small bakery yesterday and for once the thought of them didn’t make her want to empty the non-existent contents of her stomach. The photographer gave Chloe a smile and went to get them from the cupboard they stored their snacks before resuming her seat.

“How about you take us through today’s program, one last time?” Rachel asked, wanting to get Max to talk and not let her brew in her own thoughts for the remainder of their breakfast, even if it was work related.

“Hhmm, let me see.” Max mentally skimmed through the day’s schedule that she had memorised as she tapped her fingers against her cup before bringing it to her lips to take a big sip, savouring the taste and aroma of freshly brewed coffee which she was going to need an insane amount of if she was going to get through the day.

“Well the exhibition opens at 11:00 but I have to be there around 09:30 to make sure everything is in place and set up some last-minute posters. The exhibition is open to the public all day so I will have to stay there and supervise my part, answer questions if anyone is interested in the piece or wants to buy some of the photos.”

“Oh I didn’t know you could sell them. That’s awesome!” Chloe said between mouthfuls of cereal.

“Yeah, so we have to be there in order to discuss the details. But what I’m more worried about are the judges. They are some seriously cool photographers and we will have to talk to them and explain our work.” Max felt her pulse quicken just by mentioning them, she was stressed but also extremely excited to be getting the opportunity to speak with them. These people were practically Gods in the eyes of the photography world and Max a loyal worshiper.

“There’s that smile we love.” Chloe said as she placed her hand over Max’s to give a gentle squeeze. The brunette hadn’t even realised she was grinning.

“I guess I’ve been so stressed and working so much that I haven’t realised how excited I am about all this. Holy shit, I actually have an exhibition!” Max exclaimed, feeling pumped for the first time in weeks. “Thanks for putting up with my grumpy ass for the past few days.”

“We love that ass of yours and we’ll always support it.” The punk winked at the brunette.

“You can come support it then when you’re done from work. The cocktail party starts at eight and at nine the winners will be announced.”

“I’ll come before the party starts. My rehearsal ends at six, so I’ll change at the theatre and come straight away.” Rachel said before remembering Lara’s text. “Oh and Lara said that she and the gang will arrive fashionably late but definitely before nine.”

“They better or else I’ll take the most unflattering pictures of them from now on.”

“I have to pick up my mom and David and we’ll be there as soon as possible.” Chloe added.

“Alright, we all have our battle formations. Time for me to leave if I want to catch the first of many busses.” Max got up, taking with her her cup and placing it in the sink.

“What are you talking about? I’m driving you there!” Chloe stood up as well and made to get her keys.

“It’s on the other side of your work Chlo, you don’t have to.”

“I know. I want to.”

“But-“ Max started to protest but was cut off by a pair of soft lips on hers. “Okay then, if you put it that way.”  She uttered after Chloe pulled back.

“I’ll go start the car, come outside once you’re ready.” The punk gave her a small smile before kissing Rachel goodbye as well and headed out.

“Come here.” Rachel walked up to Max and took her in a warm hug. “You got this and remember we’ll be there with you.” The blonde assured her girlfriend who was holding on to Rachel tighter than usual without even realising it.

“Honestly, I can’t wait to show you guys the exhibit. Anyway, I better be off before Chloe wakes up the whole neighbourhood by blaring the horn.”

“Yeah better not give her any more excuses to do so, not that she needs one…”

“See you later Rachel.” Max gave her girlfriend a quick peck on the lips before grabbing her backpack and making her way to the door.

“Go kick some ass babe!” The model called out, just as the door closed behind the brunette.

Max stood in front of the exhibition hall. Her hand squeezed around the shoulder strap of her backpack in which she carried her Canon and trusty polaroid. Her heart pumped blood all the faster as she raised her head to look at the numerous stairs in front of her that led to the entrance. There was a slight hesitation in her stride as she started to climb, but that uncertainty gave away to a determination the brunette could feel stir inside her with every step she took. Once at the top and with a final deep breath, the young photographer pushed open the glass door to enter the luminous building that resembled a green house.

All the walls and even the gable roof was made from thick glass and strong iron polls that kept the whole place up. The entire building relied on natural lighting and so used the industrial light bulbs that hang from their cords only at night or during overcast weather. It was the perfect setting for a photography exhibition and today’s sun shone bright; only hiding behind big, white fluffy clouds occasionally as if it were shy. The brunette was thankful for her light attire as it seemed she would be in direct sun for most of the day. She wore loose khaki pants held by a slim black belt, a white thin short sleeve shirt, tucked inside her pants and a navy-blue blazer. Max was grateful that she had found a pair of black ankle boots with short heels because she was never a huge fan of them and mostly, she didn’t want to kill her waist by walking in them all day. She didn’t know how Rachel managed to walk in high heels or even jog in them without twisting an ankle. Maybe that was a superpower Max would never possess.

After getting her badge with her name and credentials from the receptionist, Max made her way to the left side of the specious hall, where her pictures hung on thick plexiglass as if they were floating. All around her, the brunette could see the other contestants putting up the final touches to their work or talking with the organisers. At the far end of the centre, Max noticed that people were already at work, setting the stage for tonight’s event.

Max looked at her watch, she still had a good hour until the official opening so she set to work, labelling some of her photographs that she hadn’t had the time to do the last time she was here before going to speak with the friendly man from the magazine which she had been in touch for the past weeks, to discuss some final details about the exhibition.

Thirty minutes before the opening to the public, all ten participants gathered around the centre of the hall where a woman with thin-rimmed glasses and white blonde hair in a tight and tidy bun officially welcomed everyone and gave a small sermon as to the purpose of this exhibition which was to help promote new and young talent. Once she concluded her speech, she introduced the four judges that would be deciding the winner of this competition. Max knew all of them, but her eyes kept darting to a man on the far left. He wasn’t particularly tall, with a rounded face and a well-groomed beard in his late fifties. The young photographer was practically buzzing in her spot just at the thought of talking to him. The brunette adored his work and the way he used natural lighting to his advantage. He was a big inspiration to Max and some of her own work reflected his technique.

Once the introduction was done, all the participants went back to their battle positions as Max had dubbed them and waited for the four judges to pass by and inspect their work and answer any questions they might have. It was around the time that the doors officially opened to the public that the judge with the well-groomed beard walked up to Max’s corner, hands in his pockets of his loose slacks and leaning in to inspect a photo of a blonde framed in a gold light while she laughed, her eyes creasing at the side from the force of it as she sat next to a blue haired woman. The man’s lips curled into a small smile that was hidden by his beard as he moved onto the next picture.

“Young lady, you have a particularly good eye for using light to your advantage and capturing people’s emotions. It’s not as easy as people think. Emotions are elusive and hard to portray, yet yours tell a story.”

If it was ever a time for Max to have a heart attack it would probably have been at that moment. There she was, trying her best to act casual while one of her favourite photographers not only examined her work but was complimenting her on top of it. The young photographer brought her hand to her nape, massaging the tension away as she tried to remember how sentences were formed.

“T-thank you.” Max cleared her throat, masking the slight tremble in her voice. “I really admire your work. It has been a great inspiration for me.”

This seemed to bring forth a big toothy grin on the man’s face as he turned to fully look at Max.

“Why thank you. I see here you’re called Maxine?” He took out a pair of small round glasses from the side pocket of his button down, squinting at the name under one of the pictures.

“Max. Never Maxine.” The brunette blurted out of habit but then realised who she was speaking to and all the blood rushed to her cheeks. She mentally kicked herself. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to correct you or anything.” She attempted to explain. Oh, please just shut up before you make this anymore awkward! Max scolded herself. The moment the organisers had told her that she needed to use her “official” name, she hadn’t been exactly ecstatic about the idea but it was mandatory to use the one on her ID.

“Don’t worry about it Max! No offense taken.” The photographer huffed out a laugh. “I do the same, do you think my friends call me Alexander? I go by Lex. It’s more catchy! It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Lex extended his hand to formally greet Max who was staring at his open palm like it was from another planet. When she woke up this morning, she had no idea that she would be standing here, shaking the hand and chatting with one of her biggest inspirations in the field of photography.

“The pleasure is all mine sir.”

“Lex, please. Say, is that a polaroid camera? May I see it?” He pointed at the aforementioned camera that lay on a stool Max used to sit while waiting for people to pass by her exhibition. She had apparently forgotten to pack it up after she used it to steal some shots of the exhibit hall and the people attending.

“Oh, um, yes. I love instant photography. It’s how I actually started out.” Max took her Polaroid and gave it to Lex who inspected it carefully, turning it in his hands and looking through the viewfinder.

“This is an old model; I’m surprised to see someone so young going around with it and not the newer pieces. It’s beautiful.” Lex handed the camera back to Max who held it closely to her heart.

“Yes, it was a gift. It belonged to my girlfriend’s dad.” She said with a bittersweet smile upon remembering William with it.

Lex noticed the longing and distant look in Max’s eyes and decided it was best not to ask anymore questions regarding the specific camera.

“I also love instant and analog photography. I have quite the collection of old cameras if you don’t mind me bragging.” He smiled gently at Max. “There’s just something deeply satisfying about holding a printed photograph that you put time and effort into capturing.”

His smile seemed to be contagious and his words resonated within Max. That was exactly how she felt about holding a psychical printed picture. However, despite her strong love for analog film as well, it would take a long time until she would be able to step into another dark room.

“I couldn’t agree more. Although as years pass, storing so many pictures is becoming an issue…” She joked but there was truth in what she said and no foreseeable solution to said problem.

“I wish I could tell you that it gets better but I would be lying. Half of my attic is filled with boxes of film and prints and my husband is one step away from losing it if I dare add one more box.” Lex chuckled as he removed his glasses and wiped them clean with the end of his vest before tucking them back into his shirt’s pocket.  “So, I believe I’ve taken enough of your time. It was wonderful talking to you Max. I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for your work. Oh! Before I forget. Here take this.” Lex said as he patted his vest down, trying to find by touch where he had placed his business card which he retrieved shortly after and handed it to Max before shaking her hand once more.

“I-uh. I don’t know what to say really. Thank you.” Max’s mouth gaped open reassembling a fish, standing awestruck as she fiddled gingerly with the small black card in her hands that felt like it weighed heavier than it should, filled to the bream with potential as to what it could entail. It was a little piece of cardstock engraved with the name of Lex’s studio in Courier font and nothing else. Minimalistic yet elegant and Max thought it suited the man carrying them.

“Try and enjoy the rest of the day Max and trust in your work.” Lex patted the side of the brunette’s arm and smiled warmly at her before walking past her and continuing his tour around the exhibition.

What just happened? It was the only question Max’s weary brain could ask. She had chatted with her favourite photographer like they had been friends out for coffee and who not only complimented her on her pictures but also gave her his card. Yeah, Max was totally cool, it wasn’t as if it took all of the brunette’s strength to not scream from the top of her lungs from how jubilant she was. No, nothing of that sort. She was calm and collected apart from the small fact that she needed to sit down for a moment and take it all in. With shaky hands she fished out her phone from her bag after packing her Polaroid to text her girlfriends with shaky hands in their group chat a very well-constructed message on the lines of:

ALEXANDER FUCKING CROMWELL just complimented my work.
NOT ok.
Spirit has left body. I’m– _._

As if either Rachel or Chloe were supposed to know who that was.

The brunette felt like she had already won today and that actually winning the competition would just be the cherry on the top. That didn’t mean she wouldn’t fight for the top spot and so she took a deep breath and a moment to collect herself so as to be able to get back to work and greet the people that stopped by her corner of the exhibition.

Throughout the day Max managed to barely grab a bite or two from a sandwich she had packed as the amount of people that showed up to the gallery exceeded all expectations which meant no rest for the wicked and as time passed, it got easier for the young photographer to talk to people and interact with them.

And so Max didn’t realise how fast time flew by and before she knew it, it was close to seven in the afternoon which meant Rachel would be arriving shortly and the brunette couldn’t help but glance frequently at the entrance, hoping to see a familiar face.

“Caulfield. Why does that name ring a bell?” A voice drew Max’s attention away from the glass doors and onto a slim man with dark hair who was looking at her photograph of a young man on a bus who was smiling while listening to music.

“Were you by any chance the winner of that competition in San Francisco a few years ago?”

“Aah, yes. That’s me. Were you there?” Max inquired as she tried to rack her brain to remember if she had seen the man standing in front of her in San Francisco but in vain. That period of her life had been so hectic she was lucky she remembered half the things she did.

“I knew it! The Everyday Hero’s contest winner, right?! I was a reporter covering the story then. I’m glad to see you’re still at it!” The reporter grinned at her as he took out a small notebook from his messenger bag. He was practically vibrating in his spot with untamed energy that either came from way too much caffeine or simply a limitless source of energy.

“I don’t think I will ever be able to put the camera down.” Max said, not knowing how else to respond to the enthusiastic reporter.

“Oh! Can I quote you on that? I’m writing a piece for this exhibition, you see.”

“Uum sure, I guess?” Max looked at him as he happily scribbled down on his small block.

“When did you move to L.A? What made you decide to enter the competition?” The reporter bombarded Max with questions she didn’t really feel like answering but didn’t want to appear rude and completely ignore him, so she forced a smile and answered away.

At some point however, her eyes drifted once again towards the entrance. And that’s when Max stopped talking mid-sentence as her breath caught in her throat and any form of intelligible thoughts vanished on the spot like cards disappearing from a magician’s hand.

Rachel had just walked in and all at once time seemed to flow so slow that Max had to do an actual mental check to be sure that she hadn’t unconsciously stopped it herself. Turns out, that was just the effect Rachel had over Max who realised she was suddenly feeling a bit too warm under her blazer.

Deep blue eyes darted to black laced high heels before slowly dragging them up, over silk long legs and the ink that was embedded in the form of a dragon on her right calf, up and up until Max’s eyes met burgundy fabric just above the knees that wrapped around Rachel’s body and accentuated her figure.

The brunette couldn’t look away, despite knowing how cliché it was, from the deep V formed in front of the dress and found herself imagining how it would be to slowly peel it off Rachel’s body and bring her lips to soft skin and- Max psychically shook her head as if to scatter the images. Wow, now was not the time for that.

Like a magnet being drawn in, her eyes returned to the reason of her distracting discomfort. Her eyes continued their journey past Rachel’s neck which was encircled with wavy blonde hair, let loose, past red painted lips until her eyes locked with a pair of intense hazel that seemed to set her whole body on fire.

“Max?” The voice of the reporter sounded like it was coming from miles away by the time it registered in her brain and reminding her that she was still in the middle of an interview.

“Yes! Sorry. Could you repeat that?” Max said startled, having completely lost focus and not hearing a word the reporter had said.

Rachel saw that Max was in the middle of talking to someone who was eyeing her quizzically as he played with his pen and decided not to interrupt so she altered for making a small circular move with her finger, pointing towards the other exhibitions, indicating that she would go have a look around until Max was free. The brunette’s face dropped at that but nodded, nonetheless.

Finally, after a gruelling five minutes of constant questions the reporter bid her farewell and Max sighed in relief once he was out of hearing reach. She then turned her attention to the crowd again in search for her girlfriend who she desperately wanted to hug and feel some form of familiarity after a full day of talking to complete strangers. It was then, that she felt a warm hand on her shoulder and an even warmer voice speak behind her.

“Hey you!” Rachel smiled brightly as Max turned to face her. “You look amazing!”

“Rachel!” Max practically flew into her arms, easing into the embrace and feeling her muscles relax when Rachel hugged her back.

“Wow there Max. Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, I just missed you.”

“You saw me this morning, love.”

“I know, it’s just been a long day. I’m glad you’re here.” Max tilted her head and breathed in, taking in a mixture of Rachel’s scent and her perfume. It calmed her down so much that the photographer only now realised how tense she had been all day. Feeling the pressure from her neck gradually dissipate.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Rachel pulled back and landed a soft kiss on the brunette’s lips.

When Max stepped back from their embrace she was once again struck by Rachel’s beauty and how the entire outfit and makeup not only made her feel a certain way but also how it made her want to do certain things to Rachel.

“Babe, you’re staring.” Rachel teased even though she ate up all the attention she received from her girlfriend like a famished woman.

“Yeah, I am. Rachel you’re gorgeous. I almost forgot my name when I saw you enter the gallery.”

It was moments like these, when Max openly admitted how she felt without any inhibitions and  when all filters vanished, that Rachel’s heart skipped a beat and Max could have sworn that she saw a light blush creeping in on the model’s cheeks. The lack of verbality on Rachel’s part didn’t last long though.

“Well…” Rachel lowered her voice, eyes twinkling with mischief as she stepped into Max’s personal space. “I can think of a few other ways to make you forget your name…” Her breath brushed against the brunette’s ear, sending a full body shiver down Max’s spine and igniting a fire inside her because she had absolutely no doubt that Rachel was capable of carrying out her word.

“You’re the worst but also the best. I love you.” Max grumbled against Rachel’s temple. The blonde could get her undone in the middle of a crowd without breaking a sweat and all the photographer could do was weather the storm.

Rachel chuckled as she wrapped her arm around Max’s elbow and led her to where the brunette’s pictures were displayed. “Love you too. Now, I think it’s time my talented girlfriend showed me her photographs. I’ve been dying to see them all day.”

“Right this way!” Max beamed at Rachel and gave her the same small tour she gave to everyone that day.

Not even thirty minutes after Rachel arrived, the photographer caught sight of her parents walking towards her.

“Mom! Dad!” Max waved at them before hugging each one separately once they made their way to her. “You found it!” she said, not hiding the small innocent jab at her father.

“Of course we did!” Ryan puffed his chest in a comical way while crossing his arms.

“What your father means is the GPS found it. He may have an internal compass and excellent orientation when in the forest but put him in a big city and he’s like a lost puppy.” Vanessa joked as she cast an amusing glance between her husband and Max who was laughing with Rachel by her side.

“Rachel, sweetie! It’s great to see you again.”

“You too. You must be really proud of Max.”

“Yes! We couldn’t be more happy for her! Max, sweetheart, congratulations.” Vanessa took her daughter in for another tight hug.

“I haven’t won anything mom.” Max tried to explain while struggling to breathe.

“This is already a reason to be proud kid, look around you and where your hard work has brought you.” Ryan stepped to his daughter’s side and placed a gentle kiss on her head. “We’re extremely proud, honey.”

“Thank you, both of you.” Max smiled at her parents feeling grateful to have them here with her on such an important day for her.

After showing her parents around, Max noticed people setting up glasses on the round tables close to the stage that had been put up earlier today. While others brought out drinks from a small storage area at the back of the room. The photographer guessed that it must be nearing eight since that was when the cocktail party would begin. She looked down at her watch and indeed it was just ten minutes shy of eight.

It was then that Max saw Rachel facing her way and smirking at something behind her.

“What is it?” The brunette asked, eyeing her quizzically.

Before Max had any time to turn around and see what had caused Rachel’s Cheshire cat grin, she felt two arms close around her waist and before she knew it, her feet were off the ground.

“What the-?” Max yelped, taken completely by surprise, her hands automatically coming to rest on the arms around her waist and squeeze tightly. When her feet finally landed on something solid she turned and was met with a pair of pale blue eyes and a smile that split the other’s face from ear to ear.

“Chloe! You-mmf.” Max was cut off by a pair of lips colliding with hers hard and with little finesse.

“Dude! This place is insane! I’m so proud of you! And you look… well fuck me, you look hot.” Chloe breathed the last part out, her eyes roaming over Max hungrily. She wasn’t allowed to look that good in a blue blazer. Max wasn’t wearing a suit per se but the whole undertone of control it was extruding had the punk weak in the knees and maybe a little bit turned on.

Max would have warranted the flush in her cheeks to the compliment if it weren’t for what she saw Chloe wearing. For the second time tonight, she felt her mouth go dry and that indisputable tingle spread in her lower half of her body. Chloe was wearing short black docs, dark cerulean chinos, that even she never thought she’d wear but these actually felt nice and well, she wanted to try new things, held by a leather belt. But what had Max and Rachel, who had come to stand next to the brunette, reeling was the top Chloe had chosen. It was a sheer mesh top that was practically transparent as both Max and Rachel could see the black bra Chloe was wearing but most importantly could see how the punk’s abs contracted with every move she made and maybe they were staring a bit too much and Chloe knew it. To top off the entire look, the punk had her black leather jacket on that just made the entire outfit all the more mouth-watering. The photographer decided there and then that she would probably die from heart failure or have long lasting cardiac problems because her two girlfriends were simply drop-dead gorgeous.

It seemed, however, that the same thought process was occurring in Chloe’s mind as well, judging by the way her eyes darted between Max and Rachel, taking them in slowly.

“Rachel. Um…Wow.” Chloe finally managed to say.

“I’m glad I’m not the only one that was at a loss for words.” Max grinned. Okay, Rachel was definitely blushing now.

When Chloe stepped forward to give a kiss to Rachel, it cleared the way to allow Max to see the two people standing behind the punk.

“Max! Come give me a big ol’ hug! It’s been so long!” Joyce’s voice in that sweet accent of hers was heard loud and clear.

“Oh my god! Joyce! Thank you for coming!” The brunette lit up like a beacon upon seeing her and immediately rushed to greet her.

“Of course I would! You’re like my second daughter. I would never miss it.” Joyce spoke in a caring tone which went straight into Max’s heart.

“Stop it, you’re going to make me cry.”

“Congratulations, not only for this but for you, Chloe and Rachel.” Joyce gave her a knowing smile.

“Oh-uh thank you.” Max felt a bit sheepish as she struggled to maintain eye contact. She had had a few qualms about what she was going to say or do when she saw Joyce tonight because it would be the first time they met after all three had gotten together, but Joyce’s warm smile abated the worry inside her as the older woman placed her hand on Max’s shoulder.

“I know that look Max and don’t you worry. As long as you three are happy and take care of each other, I don’t care about the rest. Now go and enjoy the party, I’ll go and catch up with Ryan and Vanessa.”

“You’re the best Joyce.” Max smiled at her before turning to great David who was standing next to his wife, back straight as a rod and looking firmly at the photographer before breaking into what resembled a small smile. He wasn’t the biggest fan of a three-way relationship, but he had learned to keep any snarky remarks to himself.

“Good you see you again, Max. Good job on the exhibition. It’s very nice.” David said in his usual gruff voice while shaking the brunette’s hand.

“Thanks for coming David. It means a lot to have everyone here.” Max replied genuinely. It was true that she and David hadn’t exactly kicked things off in the best of ways but everyone had turned a clean page and had made truce, deciding to gradually let go of the hurt and learn from past mistakes.

“Don’t mention it. Anyways, don’t let me keep you waiting.” David patted Max’s shoulder before leaving to go and take his spot besides Joyce who was happily chatting away with Max’s parents.

The photographer excused herself and went in search of her girlfriends. Chloe and Rachel had moved to the party area and were standing by a pub style round table that the organisers had set up.

“There she is. Finally managed to slip away from the ‘rents?” Chloe said before kissing Max’s temple and sliding her arm behind the brunette to rest on her lower back, a gesture that brought forth a fluttering feeling in Max’s chest from the protectiveness of it.

“Can I slip out of the gallery? I’ve done enough socialising to last me a lifetime.” Max groaned as she leaned to rest her head against the punk’s shoulder.

“Not until we party, then grab your first prize reward and then party some more!”

“You’re that certain that I’ll win?”

“Well…Yeah. Unless the judges are blind and don’t know what hard work and talent is even if it hit them in the face, I don’t see how you wouldn’t.”

“Have you seen the rest of the competition? There’s some crazy good stuff out there.”

“Meh.” Chloe said nonchalantly, raising her shoulders to emphasize her indifference.

“You’re an idiot.” Max giggled at Chloe’s antics.

“Whatever happens, we’re proud of you.” Rachel added before raising her glass, inciting the other two to do the same.

Before the three had time to take a sip from their drinks, a sharp voice was heard from a few meters behind them, calling out for the young photographer.

“Yooo! Max! Don’t tell me you started drinking without us!” Conor strode towards her with a big grin across his face followed by Lara, Seth and Warren.

“You’re here!” Max instantly put down her drink and rushed to hug everyone, finally feeling complete that the most important people in her life were all gathered in one place and all so eager to support her.

“We said we’d be fashionably late but Conor here wanted to arrive earlier to get to the free booze.” Lara whacked Conor on the head as she eyed him with a prim expression.

“Hey! That’s not what I said. We’re here for support. Now if that means helping support the gallery by emptying their bar so be it. They paid for it, we can’t let it go to waste!”

“How considerate of you.” The brunette poked his side before breaking into a smile herself.

“What can I say I have a big heart and an even bigger-“

“I’ll stop you right there!” Seth interrupted him.

“Whaaat?! I was going to say…um… soul. Yeah, cause I’m compassionate like that.”

“Yeah, sure and I’m into guys!” Chloe interjected, never one to miss an opportunity to tease.

Conor’s mouth dropped open to a wide O shape and his brows creased as he feigned hurt.

“The betrayal! I thought you always had my back!”

While Conor and Chloe continued with their charade, Max managed to escape and go talk to Warren.

“Aah Dr.Maxstein. Congrats! Those shots are amazing. Oh, and you look great tonight!”

“Only tonight? What are you implying Warren?” Max hugged her best friend, sporting a sly grin when the younger fumbled with his words trying to paraphrase. “I’m just messing with you.” She playfully nudged his shoulder with hers.

“Chloe’s personality is rubbing off on you.”

“Among other things….”

“Max!” Warren protested, groaning into his palm as his ears turned red.

“I’m sorry, I just couldn’t resist!” Max said once her laughter had died out upon seeing her friend’s reaction.

After chatting for a little while, the two joined the rest of the group around the table to enjoy the rest of the party while they waited for the clock to strike nine. Max was grateful to be surrounded with the people she loved but a small part of her brain kept her alert and filled her with anticipation as the minutes trickled down.

Without even realising it, she kept glancing between her watch and the stage while rolling the stem of her champagne flute between her fingers. It’s then when she saw a waiter pass with a new round that she quickly gulped down the remainder of her drink before grabbing a new one to replace the now empty flute. She knew it wasn’t the smartest idea to increase her alcohol intake, but she would take anything right now to subdue the upcoming wave of nervousness.

“Easy there, Max. You doing okay?” Seth eyed her apprehensively, his dark, soft eyes examining the brunette from across the table.

“Yes? No? I don’t know… I just got real anxious all of a sudden.”

“Hey, breathe.” He said as he made his way round the table to stand next to the brunette, rubbing her back gently. “Whatever happens, you did an excellent job-No don’t give me that look. I work with you, I’m immune to it.”

“I know and I’m already happy just being here. I just can’t really explain it.”

“I feel you, I do. I remember my first exhibition. I nearly passed out, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

“I find that hard to believe.” Max eyed him suspiciously. Seth was always the laid back one and never seemed to get anxious about anything.

“Cross my heart. I might not show it but I was terrified. So try to enjoy your time, you got this.” He gave her a bright smile before squeezing her shoulder reassuringly.

“Thanks Seth.” Max mirrored his smile and focused on her breathing.

That’s when the same lady from earlier that morning with the tight bun stepped on the stage and called for everyone’s attention.

She started by thanking everyone for supporting this event and of course the participants. A round of applause spread across the small crowd when the organiser stopped talking and Max saw her parents beam like two stars as they clapped enthusiastically. She stifled her laugh when she saw Ryan try to hide his sniffles by clenching his jaw tightly and look unphased when Vanessa offered him a tissue which he secretly took and tucked away for future emergencies.

“So now let’s move on to the night’s event you’ve all been waiting for; the opening of the dance floor.” The organiser was heard saying with a wave of laughter following right along with someone shouting their approval.

“But before we get to that, I think it’s high time we announced the winner of the competition. First, of all I would like to thank all ten participants for their amazing contribution and we look forward to seeing more of their work.” 

Max listened intently as the third and second place were announced and the two participants walked on stage to receive their prize. The young photographer clenched her hand in a tight fist. This was it, all or nothing but her heart was beating so loud in her ears that she was not sure she could hear the organiser speak even over the microphone.

“Maxine Caulfield.”

The photographer thought she had heard wrong. That she had thought so hard about hearing her name come from the speaker that now her mind was simply playing tricks on her. It’s then when she heard a muffled shout coming from someone in her group and ten pairs of eyes looking directly at her when the organiser called again.

“Miss Caulfield?”

“DUDE! That’s you!” Chloe was ecstatic besides her and Max’s brain had a hard time registering what was happening. She nearly choked on air when the punk grabbed her in a tight hug and before it was even over a swirl of blonde hair was flying in her vision and Rachel was planting a big kiss on her cheek, all the while her friends were cheering, her parents and Joyce were in tears, with Ryan using that tissue he had saved. Even David had a wide grin across his face as he clapped.

With one final push and a gogogo from Chloe, Max made her way to the stage still in a confused haze and not entirely sure, she fully understood her victory. It only hit her like a kick in the stomach when the organiser shook her hand and handed her her award which was a certificate with her name on it on high quality paper and which meant she would be getting a two-page spread in the magazine. In a magazine that could potentially alter her career.

This was beyond surreal and Max could slowly feel the realisation settle in like an anchor thrown in the sea as it took hold and grounded her.

She then took in her surroundings and heard the applause, but it reached muted in her ears as the thrumming of her heart was way louder than anything else in the room.

The brunette focused on her friends and family who were smiling at her. At Chloe wolf-whistling, giving zero fucks that she was in an exhibition and not at a concert. At Rachel, who was beaming and looking at her like she was the only person in the room. It was all too much and the photographer had no idea what to do with all these emotions she felt coursing unchecked through her body.

Despite the initial shock, she caught herself smiling as she shook hands with the other contestants on the stage while the organiser wrapped up her speech and congratulated everyone one last time. When Max returned to the two tables her friends and family had occupied she became trapped in a warm hug between Vanessa and Ryan that refused to let her go until she herself had to wiggle out, only to be caught by Joyce into another smothering embrace.

By the time everybody congratulated her one more time, Max was ready to get this party started now that the weight and stress of the day had been lifted off her shoulders. Her parents left shortly after with Joyce and David for a drink leaving the young photographer to enjoy the rest of the night with her friends and girlfriends.

The music increased in volume as more and more people joined on the makeshift dance floor, in front of the stage. The organisers had really gone all out and even hired a DJ who seemed to be lost in her own little world as she rocked to her own beat. The lights had slightly dimmed and Max for a moment forgot she wasn’t at a club.

That’s when Conor popped up behind Chloe and Rachel and wrapped one arm around each woman.

“You two better give our girl here the best orgasm of her life!” Conor grinned as he looked from Chloe to Rachel and then to Max, wiggling his eyebrows and acting like he hadn’t just shouted that at a very public place.

“Conor!” Max shot daggers at him as she clenched her jaw but it did nothing to scare him off because the bright blush burning on her cheeks devalued any other threat the brunette had in store.

Despite their initial reaction being to snort out a laugh, Chloe and Rachel did give him a light smack on the head upon seeing their red-faced girlfriend.

“Oh please! Don’t go playing innocent on me!”

“Well…No, but you don’t have to declare it to the world.” Max retorted and did her best to ignore the meaningful looks her girlfriends were giving her.

“Fine, fine. Sorry!” He said before squeezing past Chloe and Rachel and taking Max by the hand. “Now, if you’ll excuse me ladies, I’m going to steal your girlfriend for the next dance!” He grinned at them and whisked Max off to the dance floor before the brunette had anytime to protest while the punk and the model waved her off with a wiggle of their fingers.

Max ended up dancing with Conor and Seth for a couple of songs but not long after that she found herself in a very precarious position, without knowing how. Said position being the cream in a Rachel-Chloe sandwich. One minute she was with the rest of her friends, fooling around to a silly song and the next thing she knew, she had Chloe flush behind her while Rachel was mere inches away from her face as they danced, if one can call it that, to a sensual song.

Mind you, she wasn’t about to complain, but it was getting exponentially hot in there, wasn’t it? Or was it because she felt hands caressing, gripping or holding her waist, arms or wherever they found purchase and the photographer didn’t even know who they belonged to as her mind was swimming in a lovely haze of elation and yes, a bit of arousal which only seemed to increase when she felt a pair of soft lips caress along her cheek until they paused next to her ear. Max tried to fight the shivers when she felt Rachel’s breath against her skin but the blonde’s next words, and the promise they held, threatened to turn her legs to jelly and she was actually grateful that the punk was behind her for support.

“I hope you realise, we have every intention of going through with Conor’s suggestion.”

Before the brunette had the chance to gather her scrambled thoughts and form them into an intelligible sentence, she felt another set of lips brush the side of her neck and a pair of hands squeeze her sides in a silent agreement. Max realised, both Chloe and Rachel were toying with her. Never lingering too much or pressing any actual kisses on her skin. It was maddening and working her up with unsettling ease.

She suddenly felt an intense urge to kiss Rachel senseless, drag her nails down the blonde’s scalp to feel her gasp in her mouth while grinding against Chloe, anything to scratch the bubbling need that had settled between her legs. She really, really wanted to. Decency be damned, she could always reverse time and regain her lost dignity. Oh it was so, deliciously tempting but she knew she would never do that despite how appealing it sounded.

Max must have been staring at Rachel’s red-painted lips because she saw them catch in a smirk and not two seconds later they were on hers in a heated but short kiss.

“Get a room you three.” Lara’s amused voice cut through the heavy atmosphere that surrounded them like a hot knife through butter.

“And then they have the nerve to complain about me!” Conor interjected; his arms crossed in fake annoyance.

Well…He did have a point.

The photographer did chuckle as she hid her pink cheeks in the nook of Rachel’s neck, who wrapped her arms around her small frame when the punk pulled back, holding her securely.

“Don’t worry, we will.” Chloe flashed them a grin, not phased one bit at being caught by her friends.

“Aah, when am I going to get a room?” Conor sighed heavily as he rested his weight on Lara.

“Wow, desperate much?” Lara side glanced at him but nevertheless gave him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder.

“You have no idea…” Conor said heavy-heartedly while holding their gaze for a few seconds before everybody started laughing at his comment.

By the time the three women said their goodbyes and the group congratulated Max one last time, the sky was still dark outside yet it had reached a time where it was either too late or too early in the morning to decide on a proper farewell.

Max sat between Rachel and Chloe in the old truck as they cruised the calm streets. The driver’s window was cracked open to allow the fresh and crisp air flow in and the smoke from Chloe’s lit cigarette, seep out. The need for words was redundant as the three sat in silence, occasionally exchanging glances that only served to add to the building anticipation that had followed them all evening and now hung heavy over them…

Max turned to lie on her back as she stretched, her eyes blinking rapidly as she adjusted to the morning sun creeping in through the blinders in Rachel’s room. Sitting up, she noted that her muscles still felt slightly tense and the unwelcoming presence of a looming headache made itself known. How much had she drunk last night? She was certain it hadn’t been that much but maybe in combination with how drained she was by the end of the night, it wasn’t an unrealistic conclusion to come to.

With a final sigh, Max got out of bed and made a beeline to the bathroom to wash up before slowly dragging her feet across the cool floor to the open kitchen to find Rachel and Chloe already sitting on the stools by the kitchen island with their plates empty. Someone had made pancakes and had saved a healthy portion of them, stacked and waiting for Max to devour.

“Morning.” Max said groggily, rubbing her eyes as she too took her seat next to Chloe.

“Hey babe.” Chloe greeted her freshly woken girlfriend by leaning to plant a kiss on the lips and pour her some coffee.

“Morning love. Sleep well?” Rachel asked with an amused cadence of her voice which by now Max could easily pick up. It made the brunette’s eyebrows furrow as to why the blonde was smirking at her over her cup of coffee with that characteristic teasing glint in her eyes.

“Why are you-Oh my God, I-I-ah…” Max stammered as her drowsy brain finally caught up with the events of last night and definitely the reason behind Rachel’s playful mood.

After entering the apartment, Chloe had immediately grabbed Max by the waist, pushing her back until her back had hit a wall and began to kiss her silly. Somewhere between Max moaning into the kiss and revelling in the feel of the punk’s warm hands sneaking under her shirt, the brunette had registered the sound of a door locking and seconds later, Chloe’s lips had been replaced by Rachel’s. One minute the photographer had been up against a wall and the next she was being led into Rachel’s room. With her shirt split open by Chloe’s greedy hands and her neck painted red in Rachel’s lipstick, Max’s brain had been struggling to keep up with all the excitement and fatigue of a long day, as she lay in the blonde’s bed, short of breath.

Sensing that Max may have been a bit overwhelmed, Chloe had stepped back and suggested they take five to maybe change and wash up. After Rachel and Chloe had left the room to do just that Max had ordered her limbs to move and get up as well but they had rebelled against her, refusing to listen and after a full minute of fighting the brunette had realised the battle was futile. That was the reason she had decided to just rest her eyes a bit until her girlfriends returned. Big mistake, because when Rachel and Chloe had come back, they had found Max out cold in the middle of the bed.

“I’m sorry, that was hella lame of me.” Max said with a sheepish smile, cheeks burning hot at having fallen asleep right at the start of what would have undoubtedly been a fun night. The emotional and physical exhaustion must have caught up to her the moment she had felt something soft beneath her. However, that didn’t stop her from feeling bad about it.

“Relax babe, I’m just messing with you. We should have known better and dialled it down.” Rachel gave her an apologetic smile.

“No it’s alright, it’s not like I didn’t want to-Ugh I can’t believe I did that!” Max hid her face in her hands even if both her girlfriends were reassuring her it was fine.

“Don’t sweat it Supermax.” Chloe spoke while pushing the plate of pancakes in front of her. “You were hella cute and it’s not like there won’t be another time.” She winked at her girlfriend, feeling satisfied that even after all this time of being together, she could still make Max blush.

“Y-yeah. I guess I didn’t realise how tired I was.” Max admitted and took her first anticipated bite of her breakfast, softly moaning at the sweet taste.

“You know what you need?” Chloe inquired.

“More coffee?” Max countered by extending her already half-empty cup that she had almost finished alarmingly fast.

“A vacation!” The punk answered her own question.

“A vacation?!” Max parroted.

“Yes Max, you know those things people go on and pretend to relax? Only difference is we actually know how to party.” Chloe grinned at her girlfriend before continuing. “I finally finished making the adjustments I wanted on the truck and she is ready to hit the road! What do you say Rach?”

“You don’t need to ask me twice!”

“Where would we even go? It’s not even summer anymore.” Max eyed her two partners curiously but couldn’t contain the smile that broke past her lips at seeing them this excited.

“Dude! Who gives a shit?! Imagine it Maxipad.” Chloe got up and wrapped one arm around the brunette’s shoulder while stretching the other in front of them. “You, Rach and me. A big campfire and nobody else.”

“That does sound nice…” Max admitted as her mind wandered off playing out the scene. Holidays right about now didn’t sound half as bad, especially if it was just the three of them. The perfect setting for Max to recharge her social batteries and spend some quality time with her partners.

“So what do you say babe?” Chloe wheedled her with that smile she knew the brunette couldn’t resist.

“I say… when do we leave?” Max replied before laughing at Chloe thrusting her fist in the air victoriously and shouting “ Fuck yeah!” while Rachel watched her two idiots look at each other with heart-shaped eyes before resuming their seats and begin their enthusiastic planning of their holidays.