Twelve.

This is a short one.. it sets up what I think is going to be the last two chapters. But keep in mind, I thought I was done with this story a few posts back so who knows if it will actually be a done deal or not.. lol

Max's POV

I get out of my car, coffee and breakfast in hand as I make my way up to the door to her apartment. Juggling it all in one hand, I reach to open the door, which I find locked. Hmm.. that's odd, I could have swore I left it unlocked on my way out. With everything in one hand still, I reach down and get her spare key, opening the door and putting the food on the table before putting the key back where I had found it. I'm surprised after all this time, she never moved it.

"Rylie, I got breakfast," I call out, looking for to come bouncing down the steps like she use to all the time. "Ry?" I call again when I don't see her door open after a couple of seconds.

I head in that direction, taking the steps two at a time as a smile crosses my face as I come to the realization that I might have caught her still taking her morning shower.

I open the door, a broad smile on my face only to find the room empty, lights out, and the bed already made. Damn it, I must have just missed her, maybe she had to head into work early or something today..

Feeling a little disappointed, I grab the food on my way out and both coffees and head back to my house to eat before going to practice later in the afternoon. I think about texting her, but decide against it, thinking I would rather wait to talk to her again in person.

Rylie's POV

My mind is literally in a thousand places at once as I get out of my car, my emotions as well.

I walk through the arena toward my office, hoping that nobody notices me. I know that they all saw me leave with Max last night from the bar, and I also know that they are all assuming that we are back together.

My sneaking abilities seem to suck, because I get caught just like I did last time.

"Hey Rylie," Jodi calls while walking to catch up to me. I turn to give her a smile before heading toward the office. I know what I have to do, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for it or not. "So, you and Max back together, or not?" she continues as I open the door and sit my bag down in the chair by the door.

"Not," I say defiantly before heading straight back toward Mario's door and knocking, entering after I get a reply.

"Rylie," he says, shocked to see me. "Is there a problem?"

"Well, kind of," I start while sitting down in the seat across from him. I watch as he turns his chair away from the computer and back toward me, giving me his full attention. He gives me a 'Please, continue..' stare that I'm sure he's used on his own kids, and possibly even Sid from time to time. "It's just that... well," I stutter, trying to get the words out. "I think I need to get out of Pittsburgh for a while."

"Max?" he asks with that knowing stare, sympathy in his eyes. I simply nod my head, feeling the tears welling in my eyes. I blink my eyes, and wipe at them quickly, knowing that there will be time for them later, when I'm alone. I see him nod his head again, as if he knew this would be coming sooner or later. I don't know why I thought he wouldn't have known.. he must see absolutely everything that goes on around here. "Okay, take as much time as you need."

"Really?" I ask, wondering why he is being so nice to me. I figured when I came back, if I ever did, I wouldn't have a job waiting for me. I'm also starting to wonder when I'll stop under estimating the man sitting across from me..

"I know things have been hard on you for a while, and I'm actually impressed you stuck it out this long, so yes, go. Come back when you're ready."

I sigh a sigh of relief, giving him a thousand thank yous before walking out the door, only to find Jodi starring back at me, clearly completely confused. I start to gather my things around the office while she just continues to stare at me.

"What are you doing?" she asks finally.

"Getting my things," I reply simply, wiping at the tears threatening to fall once again.

"I can see that," she says with a small forced chuckle. "Why?"

"I'm leaving town for a while."

"Ry, don't do this," she says while standing up and walking over toward me, putting her hands on my shoulders in support, but the use of the nickname he gave me is making me more adamant about leaving. "Come on, last night you were so in there, you two looked like you could work things out," she adds while shaking her head. Sometimes I wonder how Jodi can always see the best in people..

"Well, they didn't," I add while the tears finally start to fall.

"Where are you going?" she asks, concern clear on her face as she comes to the realization that this is something that I need to do.

"My family's cottage outside of Vancouver. Nothing like a little Canadian air to clear my mind," I add with a small smile.

"If you need anything, just call me," she offers, finally letting go of my shoulders.

"Yeah, okay," I reply while turning to leave. I'm almost to the door, but I stop. "And Jodi?"

"Yeah?" she asks while turning back around to look at me.

"Just... just don't tell him where I am, okay?" She nods her head in response like she understands, so I head home to gather my stuff quickly, ready more now than ever to get out of here.

Max's POV

I head to practice early, hoping I can catch Rylie before it starts. I walk toward her office and open the door, only to find her seat empty, but Jodi in hers. She glances up at me, a look of panic crossing her face before she starts typing away furiously on her computer again, trying her best to ignore me.

"Jodi?" I ask, to which she she finally looks up at me again, but she doesn't say anything. "Where's Rylie?" I continue while pointing toward her empty desk, which now that I look at it is more bare than normal. In fact, it's completely bare.. all of her stuff is gone.

"She's not here," she replies simply, finally speaking to me for the first time before turning her attention back to her computer.

"What do you mean she's not here? I was just at her apartment a couple of hours ago, and she wasn't there either. Where is she, Jodi?"

"She's not here, Max," she adds with a sigh. "That's all I can tell you."

"Not here as in not in this building, or not here as in not in Pittsburgh anymore?" I ask, getting scared quickly.

"Not in Pittsburgh," she replies calmly, bracing herself for my reaction. The news hits me hard, kind of as if I had just gotten into a tangle with Sean Avery or someone like him and came up on the losing side.

"Where did she go?" I ask once again.

"Max, I can't tell you that, now please, leave me alone." I slam my hand down on her desk in frustration before storming out of the room. I can't believe this.. she's gone?