Chapter 3 Ballet

Hey guys I hope you enjoy this chapter. I laughed when I looked back over it while posting so I hope that's a good sign... or just that I'm super lame.


“Please I am so bored.” I say into the phone my chin resting on the kitchen table at my Parents house. Mal was being stupid about wanting to keep her job when I wanted her to come visit me in Montreal. “Sarah and Kris made me have dinner wif dem yesterday and it was gross how cute they were. Wif no hockey they are just sickening in love.” I said turning my head to lay it on the table my phone just laying on my ear. I see my Mom walk by rolling her eyes. She must have flashed back to when I was 14 since I used to do this all the time and she was carrying a basket of my laundry.

“I can’t. Really I have to work this week. I’m off when you get back that week you’ll be practicing and such we’ll be able to hang out. I can come do whatever pretty much whenever.” she said. “I really can’t just drop shit and ran to Montreal.”

“I know. I’m just bored.” I say with my Mom glaring and saying something about having a list of things I could do like shovel the driveway if I was so bored. I really might be flashing back to when I was 14.

“You whine all the time about missing your family. Go grab a board game and make the best of it Max” she said. I know she had to have had at least one hand on her hip.

“You’re right.” I say with a sigh getting up from the table to go find my Mom to do something. “Have a good day at work. Keep saving the future generations. I mean the next Max Talbot could come in with a flu and because he meets you he will be touched by greatness.”

“Shut the fuck up Max. Go have fun at home. I’ll talk to you tonight.”

She always makes me laugh before hanging up. I like that she always calls me on my shit. No one calls me on shit except my family which would be why I miss them a lot. Thankfully Mal isn’t like a sister to me. I definitely don’t want to sleep with my Sisters but Mal pops into my head and my cock twitches just at the thought of her. I push that out of mind though as I find a deck of cards and hunt for my Mom. I need to spend time with the #1 woman in my life.
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“Don’t you have to get up for practice?” I hear Mal say as I nuzzle the back of her neck. I got in late last night and she picked me up. We stayed at my place and now there here she is next to me in bed. She sleeps in a cute tank tops and panties. They match and I love it. She sleeps with her hair pulled up too which is what has allowed me to get at her neck. She smells like sex, sleep and the faintest hint of her perfume. I nip the skin there and she shivers.

“Yes, but I do not want to. I want to stay with you.” I smile to myself liking the sound of those words. I don’t ever want to stay with anyone but here she was and I wasn’t pretending to be asleep till she got the fuck out of my house. In fact I’m trying to think of ways to keep her here.

“You have a job ass. You get ready to go and I’ll make you breakfast. Don’t get any ideas though because I’m not a cooking girl. You’re getting toast with peanut butter and banana.” she said as she gingerly got up pulling on a pair of my sweat pants before heading down stairs with Stanley hot on her heels. Funny how pets take to people.

I jump in the shower and get ready as fast as I can which is pretty fuckin fast when there is a hot girl in my kitchen making me toast. I put my gear bag by the door and head for the kitchen where she had indeed made me toast with peanut butter with slices of banana on it.

“I thought you were joking.” I say looking at the toast and then at her.

“No, I don’t cook. This is breakfast. It has just as much protein as an omelet, extra potassium and whole grains to keep you full.” she said making the same for herself.

I shrug and eat it. It’s good which is shocking considering I’ve never had peanut butter and banana together before. “What are we doing tonight?” I ask as she hops up on one of the stools at the breakfast bar next to me.

“Well I have this family obligation.” she said sighing. “I have to be there. They always hold this event.” she explained though it made little sense.

“Your family has a lot of obligations.” I say trying to push for more info. “When can I see one of these obligations.”

She coughs and I’m pretty sure she almost chocked on her toast.

“Are you asking to meet my family?” she said point blank. She’s honest like that but in moments like these it’s a bit scary.

“Um no… yes? I don’t know. They are obviously a big part of your life.” I explain with a shrug.

“If you notice I’m always trying to get out of these obligations.” she reminded me taking a measured bite of her toast so as not to accidentally chock again.

“yes, but you never do. So I guess yes, I want to go.” I say with a nod.

She sighs reaching for her phone which was in her purse where it had been all night. She sent out a text and in less than five minuets there was a reply.

“Ok, we’re going to the opening of Sleeping Beauty at the ballet. So you’ll have to dress up. My Mom said I have to talk to Fanfare as well so if you’re with me they’re going to ask questions. They’re nosey.” Mal said looking at me pointedly. “Sure you want to go.”

‘Fuck no’ I thought to myself but the words that came out were different. “Yes. I want to go.” I have no fucking idea why I say I want to go because I don’t. Ballet is boring and I only like to deal with the media on my terms not anyone elses. “Why do you have to talk to Fanfare?” I asked confused. They were a glossy Pittsburgh society kind of magazine. It was pretty lame.

She sighed adjusting her ponytail. “My family is kind of involved in stuff.” she was being vague and I didn’t like that. “We’re patrons of the ballet.”

“So?” I ask still wanting all the facts.

“Ugh. My Mom was a model and my Dad is a Hillman. I know that doesn’t mean a lot to you but within the city people have come to the conclusion that this is important.” she shrugged.

“So your name is Mallory Faith Hillman I knew that.” I’m still confused especially why this seems to be a big deal.

“Basically my grandparents are billionaires.”

“Ohhh…” I say shocked but trying not to show it to much. “Well I still want to go.”

She shook her head. “It’s going to be a special evening to say the least.”

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I put on one of my nice suits. A navy one with a light blue shirt and a slightly patterned tie. I look good but not to over the top. This is a ballet after all. I can only assume ballets are understated given what I’ve learned from the film ‘Center Stage’ today. I do not think the performance we are going to see will include Michael Jackson as much as that pains me.

Mal picks me up in a private car which is weird even for me. The only time I’m driven around by someone else is when we do ticket delivery everything else is buses with the team or driving myself.

“You look good.” she said straightening my tie. We match kind of. She has on a blue and black satin dress that skims her curves and then heels that make her legs look so curvy and like I want to lick up them or something. “Good enough to make this car go back to mines but I know that is not an option.” I say with a smirk.

She just smacks me with her little clutch purse as we cross the river bound for Heinz Hall. We’re early but let in for some special cocktail thing she presented and invitation to. We ride up in the elevator and she turns to me talking.

“Ok so My Mom has a boutique clothing store all high end hand picked shit that gives her an excuse to attend fashion weeks. She was a model back in the day.” Mal rushed out. “And my Dad is the chairman of the foundation in our family name. He’s never really worked a day in his life. My Grandma is going to be here and she’s a right old uppity bitch so beware. My Grandpa sadly isn’t coming. He’s staying home but you’d like him. He’s the one who actually worked for all this money. Everyone likes him.” she sighed and I could tell she actually liked her Grandpa the best. “I’m an only child by the way. No one is to fond that I work as a nurse but I don’t see how it’s any of your business. I made them aware you’re coming with me and they’re pleased so they’ll be on their best behavior. Though don’t be to shocked if they aren’t to pleased with me and say so expecting you to join in.”

It was a lot to take in and I didn’t even get to respond before the elevator dinged opening to a lounge area. Our coats were immediately taken and Mal made a b-line for the bar with my hand in hers.

“So do they think I’m your boyfriend?” I asked with a sly smile.
“No they think the truth which is we’ve been on some dates and I’m fond of you.” she ordered up a martini for herself and I just shook my head no. I liked to drink but not when I was about to meet the family of a woman I was actually interested in.

“I’m fond of you too.” I saw with a goofy grin. “I like that word I think I’ll use it more. I’ll be fond of everything. I’m fond on velvet and fedoras…” I say a bit missed and making fun of her.

“Shut-up Max you know I like you… a lot.” she said leaning into my shoulder. I think that was the Mal way of saying she had feelings for me other than liking when I went down on her.

“I like you a lot too and not just because you have the best ass in the room.” I have to make an effort not to grab her ass since I notice several pairs of eyes on me.

A woman in her mid-50’s approaches us. She’s the kind of mid-50’s that has had a few cosmetic procedures to keep herself looking as young as possible without looking like Cher. She was attractive with the same coloring as Mal and her hair pulled back in what I believe Tyra calls a chignon. I guess I learnt something from watching top model on marathon all the fucking time.

“Mother, Father, Grammy this is Max Talbot.” she said introducing me.

I shook hands with them in the last cheesy way I could manage. I did the two hand comforting introduction for the women and the single hand firm grip for Father. I figured I didn’t mess up to badly yet. They seem like cold people. They were standoffish even to Mal which I’m assuming they don’t see to often given her schedule I don’t see her that often myself and she actually wants to see me. Except for that one time when we had the stupid fight about if Jess had been with it sooner he would have been perfect for Rory on Gilmore girls. I always thought Dean was better but it could have just been my inner stupid but lovable guy identifying with Dean who loved the smart girl. Either way I watch to much ABC Family and it was a stupid fight. Anyway her family asked me polite questions about what I knew of ballet and how Mal and I met. I tell them about Sarah introducing us and they give one another a look that said they didn’t like Sarah which confused me because I thought she was cool and maybe the nicest person I’ve ever met. Mal found a way to excuse us and pulled me to a corner by some fancy looking sofa.

“They don’t like Sarah.” she said with a sigh. “I had her over for dinner once our first year of nursing school and she came in jeans and brought a candle as a hostess gift.

“Aw, that is just Sarah being sweet.” I say my grin coming back thinking of our mutual friend trying to do the right thing.

“I know this and you know this but to my family it was this great big deal. Except for my grandpa who I really wish you could meet tonight. He still has the candle she brought in his office. It’s cinnamon and he says it goes well with his cigars.”

She ran a hand through her hair and stood up taller. I knew something was up immediately.

“Heads up Fanfare.” she said through clenched teeth putting on the fakest smile I’ve ever seen her put on even more fake than the time Jordan attempted to drunkenly dance with her and spent the whole time standing on her feet.

I smile and think of the scene in Gilmore Girls when Jess and Luke go to the lake to look for the swan that beaked Jess in the eye. That shit was funny. My smile is genuine when people approach me then. It’s part of the Superstar media face.

“Hey Mal!” the thin blond woman who was dressed in some kind of weird wrap dress thing. She hugged Mal like she knew her and gave awkward air kisses.
“Hi Jeanie, how have you been?” Mal asked. “I don’t think I’ve seen you since last years holiday party.” Mal’s smile got more and more fake with each word she spoke.

“I’m still sad we didn’t get to speak at this years party. We can make up for it now.” The Jeanie woman said extremely perky like she was a former cheerleader or something.

“Have you met Max?” Mal said putting an arm around my back. She was throwing me under the bus a bit but I was willing to take the hit for her.

“Not yet but it’s lovely to do so max. Obviously we all love our Pens.” she said in the fakest way I’ve ever heard anyone say they are a fan and this includes many a drunk girl. “I’m just so happy to see our Mal has an escort tonight. She so often turns up alone.”

I see Mal’s jaw clinch in hurt, anger and pure resistance to not deck this woman.

“Oh yeah? Mal’s amazing. I love spending time with her. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather go to my first ballet with.” That was sure some media quote but oh well. At least I really do like Mal so it was the truth.

“Jeanie and Mallory Faith took ballet classes together when they were little girls.” a voice chimed in from behind this Jeanie.

“Mrs. Hillman it’s lovely to see you.” Jeanie said giving the awkward air kisses to the woman I can only say looks like a younger version of the queen with an even bigger stick up her ass than the actual queen.

“Do you remember doing the nutcracker Mal?” Jeanie said with one of those smiles that was laced with the venom of a snake lulling some defenseless animal in only to attack it.

“Sure do Jeanie. It was a lot of fun right?” Mal said trying to not go there.

“Mallory Faith was one of the mice. They had to put her in the fur suit like the other chubby girls. We couldn’t have fat sugar plums now could we?” This evil bitch masquerading as a Grammy laughed with the Jeanie woman and I wanted to see both of them trip on a rolled up carpet somewhere as they laughed.

“I’m sure Mal would look adorable in any costume.” I say giving her a squeeze.

“Can I have a picture for the magazine?” Jeanie asked snapping her fingers beckoning a photographer over to our group. “Mrs. Hillman would you step in as well?” Jeanie asked as we posed together.

The photo was taken and the lights flashed and a tone chimed. “I guess that is our cue eh?” I ask looking between the women around me. I clap my hands together. “Lets get our ballet on .”

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“It was so pretty.” I say to Mal as we are driver through traffic back to mines. “I am not often a man who calls things pretty but dat was pretty. I never think of motion being so emotion filled except in cases of da obvious.” I joke trying to make her laugh. When she doesn’t respond I reach out and take her hand. “Hey..”

“Hmm?” she asks not looking away from the wonder.

I love when she makes that little sound. The little sound that says she is so comfortable with me there is no need for words.

“Talk.” I prompt her.

“This is awkward. My Grandma called me out as a fatty in front of you. Excuse me for retreating internally and reliving every single cubby girl comment and embarrassing boy hell I’ve ever experienced.” she said still not looking at me.

“Shut your mouth.” It came out harsher than I intended but it got her to look at me. “You are sexy. So fuckin’ sexy. I mean not a single one of those ballerina’s had a rack or ass like yours.”

“Ha, thanks for objectifying me.” she said rolling her eyes but the tiniest hint of a smile burst through.

“Serious. This is going to make me sound like an ass.” I sigh but continue on. “I have my pick of girls, I really do and I pick you. You are sexy, smart, work hard, have a heart and are apparently loaded. What more could a guy ask for?” I give her one of my trademark grins only to be met with a punch in my good arm though she was smiling knowing I was joking. “Stay with me tonight?” I asked finally meeting her eyes.

“I don’t have any of my stuff.” she protested.

“I’ll take you home in the morning.” I offer. “I have practice so I can even take you early.” I beg because I don’t want to let her go home feeling like this. Stupid uppity bitches.

She thinks for a moment before answering “Fine.” and putting her head on my shoulder as we cross the river. I put my arm around her and kiss the top of her head. I’ve seen Tanger do it to Sarah hundreds of times and I never understood it till now when I found myself kissing the head of the girl next to me in the car.