Stop Crying Your Heart Out (M/L, Mature) A/N 28/10[WIP]

[Erina]

Title: Stop Crying Your Heart Out
Author: Erina aka Erina258 aka Irina
Disclaimer:The characters of "Roswell" belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, WB, and UPN. They are not mine and no infringement is intended.
Pairings/Couples/Category: Mainly M/L, but some M/M, A/I and K/T as well.
Rating: Mature
Summary: This is an AU challenge #55 by dreamon. Liz comes from a wealthy family. Her parents own the famous restaurant chain the Crashdown Cafe and Liz's father is a heart surgeon too. Isabelle is the daughter of wealthy lawyers. Maria's parents are rich too. Michael is the owner of a popular vip club in CA. Alex is also the rich son of a successful computer programer. Max is was an orphan. He works as a bartender at Michael's club. At the age of 18 he found out that he was suffering from a heart abnormality and he needs a heart transplant. He works 3 jobs to keep up with his medical bills and what not. He's also a student
Everyone including Max attent UCLA. Max and Liz met at Michael's club, Liz assumes that Max is also rich cause only the elite get into the club. Max hides is social status..they start to date..Michael tells Max that he should be honest with Liz but he's afraid that he'll lose her. And Max also doesnt tell Liz about his illness. He also has trouble keeping up with liz and her expenses. They have their arguments, etc. Max later on falls ill and is transported to hospital and thats how liz and everyon else find out about MAx's illeness. Needs a happy ending with Max ventually getting a tranplant. Michael and Maria are dating. Has to be angsty but has to have a happy dreamer ending.
Author's Note: First of all, thanks to Heavenli24 for being a beta for this story, dreamon for creating the challenge and EvaLuna for making the banner. Also, this story won't be very long, 10-15 parts, not more than 20. Eventually I plan on updating every Friday. Oh, and btw, this is my 10th fic.




<center>Chapter 1
Morning</center>

He knew the alarm clock would ring in less than five minutes. He knew it without looking at it; without opening his eyes. And he didn’t even need to, since he had done the same thing for years now and it wasn’t a surprise to him anymore.

He would always wake up five minutes before his alarm was due to ring; always the same thing at the same time.

For more than five years.

This morning he heard the same thing as every morning; the same noises; the same life. He always left his window open for the night because he loved the soft and cool breeze in the morning, the quiet sounds of leaves in the trees, birds singing. He could even hear random cars driving by at this early hour.

The day was just beginning and this was his favourite time of the day, when he could lie in bed, eyes closed, knowing that he still had a few minutes undisturbed, before he had to face life. Before he had to open his eyes and stand up, take a shower, brush his teeth, eat breakfast, dress up for the day and finally walk out of the apartment.

Still with his eyes closed, Max reached out to the side and pressed the alarm off, only two seconds before it was due to ring.

A weak smile appeared on his lips and it remained even after he opened his eyes.

Immediately he saw stars. On his ceiling was the whole Solar system, a huge poster, designed by him.

He loved stars. How could he not? Max was a major in astronomy and this had been his passion for all his life.

He stood up and walked to the window, only wearing his boxers. Max definitely loved windows, where he could see everything he desired and wanted, but this apartment had only small windows and he couldn’t afford another place. Perhaps that was the main reason he made the stars on his ceiling, since he didn’t have good access from his window.

He didn’t pull back the curtains, since he never pulled them closed anyway. Why bother if you lived so high and no one could see into your window anyway? Besides he liked to watch the moon at night and see the sun in the morning, as he opened his eyes.

Max couldn’t wait to get out of this apartment. It wasn’t like he hated it, but he definitely didn’t love it either. It was a small apartment, with small windows and thin walls. Not something Max desired. He wanted space. He wanted a home, a house. But he was struggling with his bills anyway; he couldn’t afford to even think about buying a house.

And lately he’d come to the conclusion that he would never have a house anyway. Not with his current financial situation. Not with his current health.

His life had never been easy, but somehow Max always tried to look for the positive things and be happy rather than hold grudges or whine about it. That wasn’t him; he would always go further, looking in the future.

Now he was struggling to have a future. His parents died when he was fifteen. A drunken truck driver ran into his parent’s small car, causing them to die on the spot. Max didn’t have any brothers or sisters and his mother was the only child in her family. Max vaguely remembered that his father had once or twice mentioned a brother who left home young and was living somewhere in Australia. Unfortunately Max had no idea where to look for him and he couldn’t find any address or telephone number in his father’s notes.

Max had decided to get emancipated after that, rather than going from foster home to foster home. He found a job in a museum and somehow he finished high school. Even more, he got a scholarship in UCLA. At that moment, Max only needed one part time job to cover his living and food expenses.

Then his life crashed again.

He had felt pain in his chest and yes, he had been feeling dizzy occasionally, but he always thought it was because of the stress and the lack of the sleep, nothing more. He brushed it off as nothing, not willing to think about it. Not when his life was going so well.

Day after day, week after week, he pretended that nothing was wrong with him. Nothing serious. Like he was this normal 18-19 old guy, working and starting college life. He woke up in the morning, got ready for the day, went to his classes, then to his part-time job at the local restaurant, flirted with some girls, went out, had fun. He lived like he wanted, trying not to think about those couple times when he had fainted in his apartment.

One night however, Max couldn’t hide it anymore. Soon after his 21st birthday, he began working as a bartender in a very popular VIP club. This job paid much more money and the atmosphere in the club was fantastic. Before that evening he had never met the owner of the club, the oh-so-famous Michael Guerin.

Max rarely even glanced at magazines, preferring newspapers or TV, but even he knew who Michael Guerin and his friends were. They all were rich and famous.

Michael was adopted when he was eight by Hank and Jen Guerin. For a couple years, Michael had this perfect family, with a mother who tucked him in and a father who told him stories in the evening. But when he was twelve, Jen died in an awful car accident and nothing was the same again. Hank became distanced from his adopted son and Michael built a wall around his heart, scared to trust again.

Eventually their relationship improved remarkably as they both threw themselves into work, creating the most famous club in LA. As the time flew by, they created other enterprises together and slowly Hank began turning over everything to Michael when he considered re-marrying again.

Michael had been dating the famous singer, Maria DeLuca for a couple of years and everyone was holding their breath, waiting for Michael to propose his girlfriend, but he remained silent in this area.

Some people speculated that it was because of Maria’s lifestyle. Michael wanted to settle down, create a family, but Maria was too busy for that, since her career required travelling, and there were times when Michael didn’t see her for weeks. At the same time he couldn’t ask her to quit doing something she obviously loved and that’s why he remained silent.

Maria’s parents had owned almost everything connected to the music industry, when she was born and it was no surprise that their daughter decided to dedicate her life to music, something that the DeLuca’s could only be glad about. A couple of years ago, they decided that they’d had enough stress and sold everything, putting half of the money in Maria’s account, before jetting off around the world.

Occasionally Maria would get a card or a phone call from her parents, telling her what kind of wonderful things they had seen and done. Many times they had tried to talk Maria into going with them, but that wasn’t her lifestyle. She had recently become successful in the music world and Maria didn’t want to throw everything away. She was happy, her parents were happy, what more could she wish for?

Then there were Maria and Michael’s friends, Isabel Grant and Alex Whitman who were engaged. Isabel was the beauty queen, the most wanted model in the fashion industry. If a magazine got her on its cover, it meant it would be successful. Alex had been completely into computers since his early childhood. Max wasn’t sure, but apparently Alex had created something revolutionary for personal computers and in one night he became a millionaire. Just in one night.

Max was surprised that he knew so much about them, but it wasn’t any wonder with a friend like Tess Harding. She knew everything about celebrities and the gossip of the day.

Max had met her a couple of months after his parents’ death and the truth was that she had been his rock since then. She had blonde hair, blue eyes, a body to die for, but Max didn’t see any of that. Tess was there, by his side, when he needed someone to talk to and despite his moody behaviour, she hadn’t left him, but was always listening, supporting and cheering him on.

Max hadn’t any family left, but he had a friend, a good friend, and it seemed enough for the moment. And that’s why it was so hard to lie to her.

Max knew that Tess suspected that something had been wrong with him lately, always commenting that he should see a doctor, that he was too thin or too pale for her liking, but Max always brushed it off as nothing, convincing her that he had been too busy lately to look after himself. But he could see it in her eyes; Tess didn’t believe him even for a moment. She would press her lips tightly together and narrow her eyes, watching him as he ate or read the book, wondering why had he been lying.

Lately she had been over at his apartment almost every night, watching him like a hawk for any signs that she had been right and something serious was wrong with him, but Max learned to act very well, not wanting to worry his friend because of nothing.

Because nothing was wrong with him.

Tess had even got a job in Michael’s club, working as a waitress. On the one hand, Max was glad that he could look after her; after all, there were many guys who became too friendly with her, but Max was there, telling them in a not-so-pleasant tone to keep their hands to themselves, but on the other hand, she had been watching him all the time, as much as her job allowed her to keep her eyes on him.

Some of her co-workers had noticed her constant staring and even commented that she most probably was deeply in love with him, since she couldn’t take her eyes away from him. Overall, after working together for a couple of weeks, Max wasn’t so glad about them working together. Not only did he have to worry that some guys might be rude to her, but Tess watched his every move and now he had to deal with comments from people he went to college with!!

That one particular day, Max had been feeling unwell for hours, having sharp pains in his chest, but instead of going home and resting, he gritted his teeth and continued working, trying to chat and smile, pretending that everything was fine. Soon, he felt dizzy and broke out into a cold sweat. He was cold in one moment, then hot in another.

As the night was ending and there were less and less people, Max’s world started spinning faster and he fought the urge to vomit. As Michael’s hand clapped his shoulder in a friendly gesture, Max’s legs gave in and he collapsed onto the floor.

So cold...

~ ~ ~

He woke up in the hospital, with different machines beeping around him and for a moment he was scared, but then he saw Tess by his side. Perhaps it was a cruel thing to think, but lately Max had been scared that if he died, there would be no one at his grave. No one would miss him or cry. And for some reason, it scared him. This loneliness.

But as he watched Tess, who was constantly fidgeting with her hands, he knew that there would be someone at his grave if he died tomorrow. Someone would cry for him and that thought comforted him. He wasn’t alone anymore.

Immediately, Tess started scolding him, that he hadn’t taken good care of himself and that he would give her premature grey hairs if he wasn’t careful in future. For a moment, Max felt at peace, but then the doctor came in and crushed Max’s life.

His heart was sick and he would die if he didn’t take his medicine and go to the procedures. And he needed another heart.

Max wasn’t stupid. He knew how slim his chances were of getting a heart that would be suitable for him. And when he found out how much the procedures and medicines and other stuff was going to cost, Max closed his eyes and almost willed himself to die.

What was the point of living? He didn’t have any relatives, he was still in college with a part-time job. He didn’t have much money saved in the bank. All he had was Tess, but soon he would be just a chore on her shoulders. He didn’t have a girlfriend and what kind of girl would want him now? It was possible to die at any moment and then there were his future bills...He would have to work 24/7 to cover them.

There wasn’t any point, in his eyes....

As soon as the door closed behind the doctor, Tess said, “Don’t worry, Max, I will help you.”

Max shook his head wearily and sighed tiredly, “Thanks, Tess, but I don’t need your help.”

“Stop it,” Tess said quietly. “I’m not going to leave your side.” Before Max could protest, she continued, “Don’t even try to argue with me.”

She placed her hands on her hips, reminding Max of his mother. She had done the same move every time he was sick and didn’t want that chicken soup.

He smiled weakly at the memory. Max missed his parents.

“Do you have any idea how scared I was?” Tess cried. “I knew that something was wrong with you, but no...’Everything is fine, Tess. You don’t need to worry’” she mocked him and then her face turned rather angry. “Don’t even try to lie to me again, Maxwell Evans,” she ordered quietly as the tears appeared in her eyes. “I can’t stand lies, especially yours.”

Max suddenly felt sleepy and as his eyelids became heavier and heavier, he nodded weakly, before falling into a restless sleep. He didn’t want to upset her again. Tess was the only person in his life. The only person who would cry at his grave.

~ ~ ~

Everything changed since that day at the hospital. They both moved to another, very small two-bedroom apartment, thus saving some money. It didn’t matter how much and for how long Max had protested against this, arguing that Tess didn’t have to feel obligated to help him, as they were just friends; just one look from Tess made him shut up. Sometimes he was even scared of her. Tess could put him in his place very well; she held a great power over him.

In some way, Max could understand her. Tess didn’t have any siblings and she didn’t have any contact with her parents as well. They had never cared about her and now she tried to forget that she had any parents. Her father had been an alcoholic for as long as Tess could remember and all he cared about was opening a new bottle. Her mother wasn’t much better. She had constantly cheated on her husband, before leaving him completely, only to live at different man’s apartment every month or two.

Tess indeed wasn’t proud of her parents, but seeing how Max missed his, she swallowed the lump in her throat and sent her dad a letter once in a while, just informing him that she was alive and healthy. Although he never wrote back.

Max was tired and he knew that Tess was washed-out, but she pretended that everything was fine. Max almost chuckled at the irony. At first, he had done everything to hide the fact that he might have some health problems, and now it was Tess’ turn. It was hard for her, but she didn’t leave his side.

At the weekends, they both worked in Michael’s club, while Max spent the other evenings in the local library, working there as a assistant, and Tess helped in a restaurant.

Max had talked to Tess numerous times, trying to persuade her to leave him, that she didn’t have to help him, but her ears were deaf to his pleas. She ignored him. Plus he was seriously worried about her personal life. He was one thing, he didn’t need a girlfriend, but Tess was something more. She didn’t have a sick heart; she had a future, while he didn’t.

Max wanted her to go out, date guys, normal guys, have fun, meet someone, fall in love, marry someone special, have children....in one word, he wanted her to have a life. But Tess once again ignored him.

But Max was desperate by now. He had met a wonderful guy for Tess and was eager for the two of them to meet. Max met Kyle in one of his class and they started talking in one of the breaks. By the end of it, Max knew Kyle was the one for Tess. He wasn’t too serious, but his speech didn’t contain only jokes either. He was lean and good-looking, and he could talk about more than just sports.

“You have to meet him, Tess,” Max pleaded her for the sixth time that night.

Tess glared at him from her side of the table.

“No, I don’t,” was her short reply as she stood up and started washing dishes. In one second, he was by her side, shutting off the tap.

“Just...give him a chance, ok?” he sighed, “It’s like the… first time I’ve ever set you up on a date. The first. Just go and see him, if you don’t like him, I give you permission to be angry at me for as long as you wish,”

“No,” she started the water running again.

Suddenly Max exclaimed, “I won’t take my medicine anymore if you don’t go out with him.”

Tess gasped as the plate almost fell out of her hands.

“You wouldn’t dare,” she hissed.

Inwardly Max felt bad, he knew how worried Tess was about him and his health, and here he was… using it against her.

“Fine,” Tess agreed. “But trust me, if the date is awful, you’re going to pay for that,” she said seriously, but in the next moment she started to smirk. “Oh no, I know something better. Way better,”

Max gulped, he knew very well that it wouldn’t be a good thing to be on Tess’ bad list.

“What?” he asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

Tess starting playing with her necklace, “If you want me to go on this date, you’ll have to go on a date too, with someone picked by me.”

‘I’m doing this for Tess, I’m doing this for Tess’, Max kept replaying in his mind as he finally agreed, “Fine.”



The next update will be on July 27th; and every Friday after that.

[Erina]

Hey! Sorry for being late by one day, but better be later than never, right? Thank you for the feedback, hopefully you'll like the next part.

<center>Chapter 2
Something New</center>


“Have fun!” Max called after Tess and Kyle as he closed the door. As soon as it was closed, Max released the breath he had been holding.

That didn’t go very well.

Although Tess had agreed to go on a date with Kyle, the guy Max thought was perfect for Tess, all week Tess had been reminding him that he would have to go on a blind date as well. Max didn’t want to dwell on the little fact that Tess’ mood had become worse and worse with each passing day.

Until Friday, the day of the date that was.

On Friday, Tess was the worst and Max almost caved and numerous times regretted setting her up on a date with Kyle. But he couldn’t back now; otherwise Tess would know that she had great power over him. And Max didn’t want her to know that.

Most probably she already knew it anyway.

Max shuddered as he remembered the expression on Tess’ face when she walked out of her bedroomearlier, dressed up for the evening.

She had pulled her hair up into a ponytail, leaving the ends curly and free. She had a little make-up on, but she had put on the most beautiful earrings she had. Her dress was simple, yet it looked beautiful on her. It was a dark blue, medium-length dress, which fit her perfectly.

Yet her stare could kill. Or freeze.

She hadn’t talked to him while she was putting the last touches on her appearance. Max heard only some rather angry murmuring aimed at the whole male population.

In spite of her behaviour, Max tried to stay strong. Tess deserved a chance to know what a great guy Kyle was.

Max was slightly embarrassed when Kyle arrived and Tess didn’t stop her rude behaviour, making it very, very clear to Kyle that she didn’t want to go out with him. Judging by Tess’ actions, it was like a chore to her, not a date.

But Kyle’s smile didn’t disappear as he gave Tess a bunch of flowers. Max could see that he was confused, but he continued to smile; trying to act like everything was fine.

Tess quickly handed the flowers to Max and in the next moment they were out of the apartment. Max closed the door, clutching the poor flowers.

Taking a short glance at the clock, Max realized that he had only a little time left before his shift at the club. He hurriedly placed the flowers in the vase and got ready for the busy evening at work. After all it was Friday night and the best night of the week, since it meant more and bigger tips. More money to prolong his miserable and dull life. Although, he ought to take those last thought back; life with someone like Tess could never be dull, he chuckled.

He got to the club within 30 minutes and it was already full, so he had to take his position behind the bar quickly.He made one drink after another, trying to be friendly, but not too friendly, so the customers wouldn’t imagine something that wasn’t there. He already had a couple of stories up his sleeve.

The world was weird and people were weird; although perhaps not so much weird, but misunderstood. Many were lonely, nursing a broken heart, which sometimes took a very long time to heal.

When Max saw such heartbroken people, he almost felt lucky that he hadn’t yet been in love. A broken heart could cause a lot of pain and he’d already had enough physical pain in his life.

On the other hand, he also felt lonely and hopeless. He had Tess, true, but he craved intimacy, something deeper, and so far he hadn’t found it. By the look of his health and finance, he wasn’t sure if he ever would know a crazy little thing called love.

Max glanced at the people who were sitting at the bar. This was the best club in the city and only the rich and famous got into it; although, as Max watched them from the afar, he had to admit that being rich and famous didn’t always guarantee happiness.

There was a redhead sitting at the bar, the same woman who sat there every Friday night, Max guessed that she was in her mid-thirties. She was always alone at the beginning of the night, but she never left without company. Every week, she would have different man and the cycle never ended, although Max didn’t see any sparkle in her eyes. She was lonely, just like the majority of the population.

Then there was another guy, around Max’s age, who spent almost every night at the club, not really drinking or dancing. He usually just sat at the bar, nursed his drink for the whole night and observed the wild crowd.

Sometimes he just stared into space; just stared, without deeper meaning. He was thinking then and Max observed that he had been deep in his thoughts very often lately.

Max moved closer to him.

“Will you want anything else, Mr.Guerin?” he asked him.

Michael chuckled at first, then turned his eyes to Max, “I’m Michael, not Mr. Guerin, Max. I’m not old enough to be called Mr. Guerin,” he objected.

“Got it, Michael,” Max tried, but after all, Michael was his boss, how could he be so familiar with him?

“Will there be anything else?” Max asked again.

Michael shook his head, “Unless you can deliver me a certain blonde named Maria, this will be all,” he said half-seriously, half-jokingly.

“Problems in your love life?” Max asked cautiously.

Michael nodded and sighed. “I just want to spend some time with her, but she always has other plans,” he complained.

“Have you tried talking with her? Perhaps she doesn’t know what you want?”

“The whole world knows it, Max,” Michael said tiredly and loosened his tie. “She knows it, Maria knows what I want.”

“Oh,” was Max’s only reply.

“And you know what?” Michael said. “I’m not sure I wanna do this anymore. I have waited, I have run after her, I have given her all time in the world and space, but she… just avoids me, and our relationship,”

“We haven’t been a real couple in a long, long time,” he added quietly. “I’m so tired of this.”

Max let him be and turned his attention back to another clients. There wasn’t anything he could say to Michael that would make him feel better.

The evening went on and soon it was early morning. There weren’t many people anymore and Max slowly started looking forward to going home and hearing what Tess had to say abut her date with Kyle.

As Max helped one very drunk, very heavy man to the taxi, Max noticed that it was already 4 am and soon he could go home. Max turned around and walked back to the club, his head slightly turned to the way where the drunken man was still getting into the taxi.

A gasp escaped his lips when he bumped into something, or rather someone, and his arms wrapped around the small body before him, trying to steady themselves, preventing a very painful fall.

The first thing he noticed was her hair – her long, brown hair looked so soft. Then his gaze fell into her eyes and for a moment, Max forgot everything else in the world but those eyes.

“I’m such a klutz,” the girl with the most beautiful eyes exclaimed as Max still had his arms wrapped around her petite body.

“I’m sorry,” Max quietly said as he released his hold and took a step back. “I should have looked where I was going.”

“Were you going back in? The club is kind of empty by now,” the girl said.

Max once again glanced at his watch, his shift was over; he didn’t need to go back inside.

“Nah,” he replied, “I’m not going back in.”

“Great,” the girl said a little bit too cheerfully, but then she cleared her throat, “I know I shouldn’t ask you this, but could you keep me company while I am waiting for my cab?” she asked.

Before Max had a chance to reply, the girl rambled on, “I know, you think I’m weird, but I don’t have my car here and my date ditched me for some blonde, big-breasted bimbo and… and…” the girl was seriously babbling by now. “And look at my shoe,” she cried, waving her shoe. “I lost the heel and now I’m standing almost barefoot on the other side of the town, without a car and without a date,” she exclaimed.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Max said. He didn’t think the girl was weird, only a little bit stressed out and tired.

Without her shoes, she really was rather small, no, petite. Her long, dark hair was fell softly down her back and she wore a beautiful green dress.

She was beautiful.

The girl took a big breath, inwardly calmed herself, smiled and extended her hand. “I’m Liz Parker and I really, really don’t want to be alone on the street so early in the morning,” she admitted, blushing slightly.

Max took her small hand in his larger one and shook it slightly, “Max Evans,” he introduced himself “How long ago did you call for the cab?” he asked.

Liz frowned as she thought about it, “Actually it should have been here already.”

“Where do you live?” Max asked. “Is it far from here?” He hoped he would get a chance to walk her to her home. Thus, he would kill two birds with one stone: he would know where she lived and he would be able to spend some time with her.

Liz raised an eyebrow, “Sorry, pal, but I don’t know you that well. Mom taught me to not get into stranger’s cars,” she said and then added, “I live in Pacific Alley. 1245. Feel free to stop by.” she smiled again.

Max’s thoughts instantly starting running. She lived in the most prestigious part of town; either her or her parents must be very rich to afford living there.

Of course she was rich! If she didn’t have much money, she wouldn’t have been in the club, Max assumed.

Max forced himself to smile. For the first time in his life he had met a girl whom he liked and wanted to know better (even despite their awkward first meeting), but fate had interfered. She would never be with someone like him.

Of course, Max didn’t assume that Liz stayed away from poor people, but they didn’t have any future together. They most probably shared different friends, opinions and views of life.

That was it, Max thought; they weren’t meant to be. How could he even think about a future with her? She didn’t even know him!

Despite himself, when Liz asked where his car was, he answered, “I came with a friend as well.”

~ ~ ~

“You moron; you idiot,” Tess cried as he attacked Max with her pillow.

Max had been remembering the rest of his night with Liz, when he felt the pillow hit his body and he immediately opened his eyes and jumped out of the bed.

He and Liz had taken the bus and then he had walked her almost to her home. They had talked for hours and in the end, Max had to admit that they weren’t as different as he had originally thought.

They shared similar tastes in music, movies… and even in the general aspects of life.

By the time Max got home, it was already midday and the only thing he had the strength to do, was fall down onto his bed. He was exhausted, the night at the club and walking around the city with Liz had definitely not been good for his health. Plus, with all this, he had forgotten to take his medicine.

Tess would definitely kill him because of it.

But, he wasn’t sure why Tess had already found a reason why he needed to be beaten by her pillow so early in the morning....er, evening.

Max’s train of thought was something like this: First, Tess had found out that he had eaten her favourite cookies. Second, she knew that he hadn’t taken his medicine (and he indeed felt very, very guilty because of it). Third, her date with Kyle had been bad… had been disaster.

Right now, Max didn’t know the reason Tess was being so aggressive. Perhaps she only had one reason, perhaps all three? Who knew?

“Hey!” Max exclaimed as he took a few steps back and grabbed his own pillow, “What’s the matter?”

Tess was fuming, “What’s the matter? What’s the MATTER? How can you ask me that? The date with Kyle was... Urgh, I don’t even have words to describe it!” she almost yelled.

Max gulped at the sight in front of him. Angry Tess definitely was scary, but how could the date with Kyle have gone so wrong?

“What did he do?” Max asked.

Tess continued to look angry, “So, you want to know what he did, huh? It was the best date of my entire life!” she exclaimed, changing from an angry person to a very, very happy one in just two seconds.

Max blinked. Huh?

Tess started laughing, “Oh, you should see the look on your face!” She dumped the pillow and collapsed on Max’s bed, still laughing, “Kyle and I, well more me than Kyle, kind of set you up,”

And once again... Huh?

“What are you talking about?” Max asked, clearly confused. How and why did Tess do such a thing?

“Well, although Kyle indeed is a great guy, I wanted you to suffer a little bit for setting me up for a blind date,” Tess explained better now. “Of course, at first I confused Kyle in the beginning, but it was worth it,” she admitted.

Max sat beside her on his bed. “You do realize that I have a weak heart, right?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

Tess gently touched his shoulder, “You’re a big guy, you can take a little bit of pressure, can’t you?” she teased, but then her gaze fell on the glass of water beside Max’s bed.

It was full.

Narrowing her eyes, Tess turned to Max, “Why didn’t you take your medicine? You were supposed to take them… ugh,” she looked down at her watch. “...six hours ago,” she stated.

Max scratched his ear nervously, “I was too tired when I came home and I immediately felt asleep,” he admitted.

Tess’ expression softened. “Why are you working so hard? Perhaps you should take some hours off,” she suggested.

Max leaped away from the bed again, “Tess, what do you want me to do, huh? I can’t sit and relax all day at home, while you work yourself into the ground.”

“I know, I know,” Tess said. “I just suggested that you take a couple of hours off, if you’re so tired,”

Max remained silent, not really wanting to reveal the real reason why he had been so tired this morning. Tess would bug him for every detail of his time with Liz and he wanted to keep it to himself for a little while.

“Okay,” Tess said as she stood up from the bed and walked to the Max’s bedroom door. “I will grab some coffee and cookies and then I’ll be off for work. Please, get some rest, okay?”

Max nodded and Tess walked out. His shift didn’t start for 4 hours, so he had some time to sleep. He lay down on the bed and as soon as he closed his eyes, he heard Tess’ yell from the kitchen.

“You’ve eaten my cookies!”

[Erina]

Hey everyone! Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it. I know I'm late again (two days), but I must say that lately RL is very busy for me and my beta as well. Enjoy the part!


<center>Stranger Never Again</center>

Max laughed at one of Kyle’s jokes. He didn’t just grin as he did usually, but laughed – loudly and soundly – and it was the music to Tess’ ears. Max rarely laughed and she had known him for years.

She had noticed changes in him; Max was different. He smiled much more often, even told some jokes. Overall he was a happy person lately. Since their very first meeting, Tess had rarely seen him laughing; in fact, most of the time he was more of a moody person than a funny person. Sometimes he hadn’t liked to talk much, sometimes he had whined and complained that she was stuck with him. Tess chose to ignore his behaviour for most of the time, but this time she couldn’t let it slip through her fingers.

Max was too happy.

And she had to wonder when it had happened. It did almost seem that he had changed in just one night, like something had changed him in one moment while he had been soundly asleep. On one hand, Tess was happy for him – Max almost seemed drunk when he was so much laughing, but on the other hand Max’s sudden happiness made her to worry. It was totally unlike Max and she couldn’t help but assume the worst.

For one moment, she’d feared that he had stopped taking his medicine, but she saw him swallowing his pills every day and he had been eating very well lately as well. But something was definitely wrong with him.

She and Kyle were on a date (their third date) and they had come to the club where she and Max worked. Tess had a free night, but Max was working, although it didn’t stop him from joining Tess and Kyle at their booth in his break.

At first Max was a little bit hesitant about imposing on their date, but when Tess and Kyle had brushed it off and literally dragged him into the booth, he hadn’t had any choice.

At the moment, Tess was pleased to see that both Kyle and Max seemed to understand each other very well and she couldn’t help but hope that they would develop a friendship. It was too soon to tell if she and Kyle would be together forever, but at this moment it was important to her that her date and best friend got along.

She watched him, looking for any signs, for something that might help her to understand him. But for most of the time Max was just... happy and she couldn’t find anything wrong.

Could it be only her imagination?

~ ~ ~

He could feel her eyes on him, watching him like a hawk and he tried his best to not to squirm. Tess knew him so well, too well.

He continued laughing and smiling, but it was soon time for Tess and Kyle to leave the club. Tess wanted to take a walk along the beach and who was Kyle to refuse her? Max watched them disappear into the crowd as he continued to sit in the booth. Then he sighed and looked down at his watch – his break was over.

Just as he had decided to stand up and collect the dirty glasses from the table, he happened to glance at the crowd once again. He stilled, but smiled widely as he saw a certain brunette appear from the crowd and move toward him.

He had been looking forward to seeing her again the whole week. They had spent so little time together, yet Max had to admit that it did a wonderful thing to him. Liz seemed special, so… true, so real, although he had to admit that they came from different social circles.

He definitely felt something, although he didn’t believe in love at first sight, especially nowadays. Yes, they had bumped into each other and, yes, his hands had been reluctant to leave her body, but… love?

No, Max had to keep his feet firmly on the ground; he couldn’t dreaming about love. He and Liz barely knew each other, yet Max hoped they would get to know each other better. Much better.

Perhaps exactly that little fact (that they didn’t know each other that way) made Max hesitant when it came to talking about himself. He wanted to know Liz better, to spend some time together, but he feared that once she found out his health and financial situations, she would turn away from him.

Although Max didn’t know Liz that well, he knew she wouldn’t turn her back on him immediately. She wouldn’t suddenly look down on him, she wouldn’t call him names or humiliate him, yet he feared that sooner or later she would lose any wish to remain in contact with him.

Perhaps Max was being unfair to both of them. After all, if they got close, Liz would have the right to know the truth about him, but wouldn’t it be too late by then?

Despite everything, Max decided to pretend that he was a visitor to the club and not a worker.

“Hey,” Max greeted Liz as she came closer and closer.

Liz smiled. “Hi there. Wow, I didn’t expect to see you tonight, although I have to admit I hoped to,” she said, a sparkle in her eyes. “Do you come here a lot?”

Max blinked. “Sometimes,” he said at first. “I’m here at least once in a week,”

“Wow, I have to admit that this is like the third time I’ve come to the club,” Liz admitted.

“You mean this club?”

Liz shook her head. “No, I’m not very much into clubbing at all,” she admitted. “Being in a noisy crowd isn’t exactly my favourite way to relax.”

Max nodded, “And this is the second time here, I suppose, right?”

“Yep,” Liz replied. “Usually my friends do everything possible to drag me to clubs, but I didn’t have that much time before. Now I’m kind of new in town and a friend of mine just insisted that I had to go to this one; she said it is the best one in the world,” she laughed.

“So,” Max started. “Did you come here with someone?” he asked, trying to sound casual.

She shook her head, “Nope, I’m alone this time. How about you? Have you been here long?”

Max shrugged, “I’m alone here and I haven’t been here long”

“Well,” Liz said. “If you’re alone and I’m alone… perhaps we can spend some time together?” she asked shyly, “Of course if you don’t have any other plans...or anything.”

Max smiled; he would love to spend some time with her. But he was at work and his break was over. His buddies over at the bar were most probably waiting for him to return.

But if he went back to the bar it was bound to happen that Liz would see him there, thus finding out the truth about his work. On the other hand, if he didn’t return, he could lose his job and it paid too well to lose it.

Max fought to solve the dilemma. Why couldn’t he have both?

Composing himself, Max smiled again, “Sure, I’d love to keep you company,” he replied. “Just let me make one phone call, ok?” he asked. “Just sit here and wait for me, I’ll be back in a minute.”

When Liz had sat down and promised to wait for him, Max hurriedly disappeared into the crowd and made his way to the bar.

He was about to do a very bad thing.

His co-worker, Brad, saw him approach, “Hi, Max, where have you been?” he asked. “I was getting ready to search for you,” he teased.

Max offered him a weak smile and took a big breath. “Listen, Brad,” he started, “I need to ask you something,” Max said seriously.

Brad’s smile and teasing tone disappeared, “What’s the matter, Max?”

Max couldn’t lie, “You see, I know this is wrong, that I shouldn’t even ask this, but… I’ve met someone,” he admitted.

Brad gave a knowing smile, “Oh.”

“And,” Max continued, “I...I really want to spend some time with her and....and can you cover for me?”

Brad narrowed his eyes and observed Max, “Whoa! I always knew you weren’t as quiet as you seemed,” he laughed. “And here we were, joking that you’re some kind of saint.”

Max wasn’t sure if he had understood him correctly, “What?”

Brad slapped his shoulder. “Of course, I’ll cover for you,” he said. “Not sure if you know, but you don’t need to go far. You and… your new-found friend can use the storage room. You know that barely anyone goes in there at this time of the night and there is a lock on the inside and....” Brad continued on, but Max interrupted him.

“Woah! Wait a minute,” Max called, blushing slightly that Brad assumed that he and Liz would go in that room and do God only knows what. “That’s not what I meant.”

He had heard about that room, he knew what sometimes happened there, when the workers used it for… uh, activities and it wasn’t a place Max wanted to take Liz to.

He shuddered just at the thought of it.

Brad was slightly confused, “No?”

“No,” Max repeated. “I just want to spend some time with her. Talking, dancing… you know, spending time,” he explained.

Brad looked slightly disappointed, “Yeah? You sure about that, huh?”

Max nodded firmly.

Brad sighed. “Well, I guess I can let you go for a bit,” he said. “Will an hour be enough for you two?”

Max again frowned at the tone Brad used. “Yeah,” he replied. “I’ll be back in an hour,”

“Then go,” Brad instructed. “But you owe me this one.”

Max nodded and disappeared back into the crowd.

~ ~ ~

Max laughed as Liz described yet another disaster on her date.

But soon she turned attention to Max. “So, tell me, Max,” she said. “What do you do?”

Max stiffened. So far they had spent a wonderful time together. He and Liz had sat down a little bit at first, then danced, then again spent some time in the booth.

Liz continued, “I have observed that you don’t drink, why so?” she asked again.

Max found it easier to answer this one. “I drink very little,” he admitted. “But otherwise I reduce my alcohol limit to zero for most of the time. I just don’t think that drinking is a way to solve problems or relax in some company. If the company is good, you don’t need any alcohol to relax and have a great time together,” he said truly, meaning every word.

Liz smiled. “I like that. I rarely drink as well. Just on some holidays or birthdays, nothing much,” she said. “I’ve never been a big drinker, I usually just embarrass myself when I have more than two glasses of wine,” she admitted, blushing slightly. “And I guess you don’t smoke either?”

Max nodded.

“Wow, don’t tell me you’re a vegetarian too,” Liz said half-laughing, half-seriously. “I don’t think I have met a person like you so far. You don’t drink, don’t smoke and probably eat a proper food as well, no?”

Max laughed along with her. “Well, I have to admit that I’m watching what I’m eating, but...” he paused. “Before you ask...no, I don’t go to yoga or anything like that,”

“Why not yoga?” Liz asked. “A year ago, with all that stress with school, I went to yoga classes and I have to say that they were great, you should try,” she encouraged him. “It’s a great way to relax and just… be with yourself.”

Max shrugged it off. “Nah, I really don’t think that’s my thing,” he said seriously, “Anyway, you mentioned that you were new in town,” Max reminded her, nothing slipped out of his mind, when it came to her – it was something that both scared and fascinated him at the same time. He just couldn’t stop thinking about her.

Liz took a sip of her drink before answering, “Well, originally my family was from New York, but when I was six we moved to Boston,” she explained. “And a couple of months ago my Dad got an excellent offer from a hospital here, something he couldn’t turn down and....here we are,” Liz waved her hands. “We’re in LA,”

“You probably love your family very much,” he stated. “If you chose to come across the country to be close to them,” he said.

Liz nodded. “Yes, we have always been close,” she told him. “My father was always busy with his work, but for some reason, he always had time for his family,” she laughed. “Mom never had to complain that he was too busy or that she rarely saw him or anything like that,”

“What does your father do?” Max asked.

“He is a heart surgeon,” she replied, taking another sip of her drink, missing the expression on Max’s face.

So, Liz’s father was a heart surgeon, huh?

Still missing the change in Max, Liz continued, “He now runs the whole ward here and ... you know, he has been like this inspiration in my life. He has got a wonderful life, wonderful job and a great family. I can only wish for a small part of it in my own life,”

Max nodded, truly understanding her. He wanted the same in his life. The same.

~ ~ ~

“Will you tell me or not?”

Max slowly opened his left eye, too tired to open both eyes. He had been sleeping soundly, but Tess had once again decided that it was time to wake him up .

She was standing on his bed, her hands on her hips and she had that look on her face – ‘do-not-even-try-to-lie-to-me’ look, something he didn’t want to see.

Max forced a weak smile; he knew this talk was coming, he had intended to start this conversation by himself in the morning. Apparently Tess had other plans. She wanted some answers and she wanted them now.

Max sat up and Tess sat down, so they were both at the same level. Still rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, Max started telling her about a beautiful girl named Liz.

“Her name is Liz,” he quietly said.

Tess gasped. She knew it was something big, but… this big? Had Max finally got his eye on a girl? This was her dream come true!

She squealed and hugged him fiercely, almost knocking the air out of his lungs, “Whoa, calm down there,” he laughed.

“I’ve got to meet her,” Tess said. “How many dates have you been on?” she asked eagerly.

“Well,” Max scratched his ear. “We haven’t had a real date… yet,” he said. “So far, we have just hung out together.”

Tess’ expression suddenly darkened as she remembered something. “Oh,” her shoulders slumped down. “Remember the blind date I told you I would set you up on?”

Max nodded; of course he remembered it. He just hoped Tess wouldn’t make him go through it, especially now when he had this thing going on with Liz.

“Well,” Tess said slowly. “I have already told the girl you would go out with her and ... I can’t back out now,” she admitted. “She is gorgeous and wonderful and she had liked you for a long time. Max, just give her a chance, ok?” she pleaded.

Max opened his mouth to object, but Tess cut him off even before he started, “I know, I know, you have already met Liz, but... just one date, ok? I went out with Kyle and turns out he is a wonderful guy, just... give this a go. Please, Max.”

Max really didn’t want to go on a blind date with some girl he didn’t know, he would prefer a night with Liz, but seeing Tess, so desperate and… .he knew he would regret it later, but ...

He closed his eyes and groaned, “Just let’s do it quickly, ok?”

[Erina]

Hi everyone! Here is the long waited part. Today I got back Chapter 5 as well, so I am going to post it next week, August 8th.

September is going to be hard. I almost decided to quit my job, but in the last minute I changed my mind and stayed. Full time job and full time student....Yeah...I think you'll understand me if sometimes in the near future I don't update this story in time, right?

Enjoy the part!

<center>Chapter 4
Inevitable
</center>

Max’s shirts were scattered on his bed and he looked over them again. Which one would be the best for dinner in a restaurant? He had been looking at his clothes for an hour now, not being able to decide what to wear.

And now he had to wonder, since when he was so picky about his clothes? It was just a date.

His shoulders slumped down at that thought. Yeah, it was just a date, but it wasn’t a date with Liz. He was going out with someone else and Max felt like he was cheating on Liz, although theoretically it wasn’t possible.

He and Liz weren’t together; they hadn’t even been on a date. All they had done was spend some time together and he had no right to call her his girlfriend or feel guilty about going on a date with another woman.

At the same time, he wanted to whine and pout and just refuse to go out with the woman Tess had found for him. When he had sent her up on a date with Kyle, she hadn’t already met someone else, she was free, her heart was free, but Max’s situation was different. Why did Tess want him to go through it?

Speaking of Tess...

“Why aren’t you ready?” she asked, as she entered his room, not even caring that he was half-dressed. “Did you take your medicine?”

Max sighed and rolled his eyes slightly. “Yes, I took my medicine and,” he paused, “I will be ready in the minute.”

Tess eyed the shirts on the bed suspiciously,. “You sure?” she asked, not sounding convinced. “I was here thirty minutes ago and I have to say you haven’t made much progress.”

“Do I really have to go?” Max whined and sat on the bed.

Tess came closer to the bed, still looking at his shirts, “Yes, you have to. She is nice, pretty and a good person overall. She won’t bite, she likes you,” she said, picking out a shirt and handing it to Max. “Take this one, it will look good on you.”

Max hesitantly took the shirt and finished dressing in silence, deciding to ignore Tess. Fine, he knew he was acting ridiculous and childish, but he had to do something, right? After all Tess hadn’t talked to him on her date evening either and was even rude to Kyle, although he hadn’t deserved it at all.

No, Max would be better than Tess; at least he wouldn’t be rude to the girl. What was her name again?

“By the way,” Max said as he put his jacket on. “What is her name?”

Tess signed almost in irritation, “Max, have you cleaned your ears lately? I told you everything yesterday.”

When Max just shrugged, Tess repeated, “Her name is Serena. She is twenty, studying art history and works part-time job the museum. She is tall, has blond hair and green eyes and you,” she paused handing him a piece of paper, “are going to meet her in this restaurant in 30 minutes, don’t be late, Max,” she said.

Max read the name of the restaurant. It was good, not fancy, and cheap enough for Max.

He looked at Tess once again, pouting and hoping she would at least go with him. If she took Kyle with her too it could be like a double date. Max could live with a double date, where Tess and Kyle could do all the talking, but... being just with her, with a stranger… he wouldn’t know what to say, what to talk about.

~ ~ ~

Max took another sip of his water. He had arrived at the restaurant on time and he and Serena had both recognized each other. Everything went well, she was beautiful and smart and, just as Tess had said, she was a good person, if Max could judge by spending an hour with her.

But something was still off… And so far the dinner had been rather awkward.

Serena wasn’t boring, nor did she only talk about herself; they both exchanged small topics here and there, but for most of the time, Max was uncomfortable since he didn’t know what to say.

“Listen,” Serena said, putting her fork down and pushing her plate slightly away. “I know this is rather awkward,” she said, reading Max’s mind.

Max nodded slightly. “I’m not very social,” he tried to reason.

Serena chuckled, “You work in a bar, Max, you have to be social,” she said and then continued. “And I think we should change the setting.”

“What do you mean?”

She gestured around her, “I guess this just isn’t the right place for us right now, perhaps we should go somewhere else, a little less formal,” she suggested.

Max’s brow furrowed, where did she want to go in this rather late hour?

Serena stood up and took Max’s hand, pulling him out of his seat. “Come on, let’s go to the club where you work,” she suggested and pulled Max’s hand again when he remained seated.

“The club?” Max asked confused. “Why do you want to go there?” he asked, but stood up as well and followed Serena.

“Well, first of all, I heard it is a wonderful place,” Serena explained. “Besides, perhaps we will be more free there and this date won’t be so awkward anymore.”

“And I just love to dance,” she added as the last thing.

Max signed and finally agreed, perhaps she was right in some way. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so awkward anymore if there were in a noisy place. Perhaps she would meet someone else in the club.

They managed to get to the club in less than in 30 minutes and Max hesitantly led Serena inside. Michael’s club policy said that all employees could go to the club free and now Max just loved this rule. Otherwise he wouldn’t be able to get in it at all.

As soon as they were inside, Serena pulled him onto the dance floor. For a while they danced and although Serena now seemed more comfortable, Max’s feelings hadn’t changed.

It wasn’t like Serena was ugly or that Max couldn’t stand being around her, but at the same time he wished he was somewhere else, preferably in other company. Overall, Max just didn’t want to give Serena false hopes that there could be something between them.

Tess had made him go on this date and he had done his duty; he had given Serena a chance. Nothing more.

He still longed for Liz’s company.

When Max started feeling a little dizzy, he stopped dancing and told Serena that he needed a break.

“Are you okay?” Serena asked concerned. “I’m sorry if it was too much for you. Gosh, I can’t believe that I just dragged you out here for so long time, knowing your situation,” she rambled, suddenly feeling guilty.

His situation? Apparently Tess had filled Serena in on everything.

Max shook his head, “Don’t worry, I’m okay. I just need a little break, that’s all.”

He gestured her to the nearest booth. “Sit down, while I get us some drinks, ok?” he said and disappeared into the crowd, making his way to the bar.

Brad looked surprised at seeing him. “Hi, Max,” he said. “You’re not working tonight, are you?” Brad asked confused. Max rarely was in the club when he wasn’t working. In fact...this was the first time.

“No, I’m not working tonight,” Max replied politely.

Brad didn’t back off, “Then what are you doing here?” he asked boldly.

Max resisted the urge to tell Brad some not-so-good things, but in the last moment he decided not to. A conflict with his co-worker wasn’t something Max needed at the moment.

Instead he replied, “I have some business to do, that’s all.” He shrugged and then quickly added, “Listen, can you give me one glass of water and another glass of… some good wine, ok?”

Max knew he had made a mistake when he noticed the look on Brad’s face. Brad wasn’t a bad person in general, but he liked to know everything about everyone and Max wasn’t entirely okay with this.

“So,” Brad’s lips curved into a small grin. “What do you need two glasses for?” he asked. “Is someone here with you? A girl?”

Max rolled his eyes. “No, a dog,” he replied sarcastically and sighed in defeat. “Can you just give me my drinks, Brad?”

“Sure,” he replied, still grinning, “no need to be so aggressive, Max.”

Although Max had hoped to get over it as quickly as possible, apparently Brad had other things in mind as he took his time.

“So, tell me Max,” Brad began. “Where do you find all those beautiful women, huh?”

Max regretted agreeing to go to the club tonight. And why did he go to Brad for the drinks?

“What do you mean?” Max asked.

Brad handed Max his glass of water, “First the brunette; you know that short one with brown eyes… what was her name again? Eli, Lin… It’s Liz, am I right?”

“And now I see you with this blonde beauty, Max. You surely have a good taste in women,” he praised.

Max had had enough. “Look, Brad, you’re a good guy, but my private life is… private, do you understand that?” he said sharply. “I’m not like you and I don’t want to hear your nasty comments about me and Liz anymore.”

Brad’s face became rather blank as he handed the other drink to Max. “Fine,” he replied, “I just thought I would tell you that Liz was looking for you.”

Max had already begun turn around and leave the bar, when he heard Liz’s name on Brad lips once again. Liz was looking for him?

He turned back to Brad again, “What did she say?”

Brad shrugged, “Nothing much, I just told her I haven’t seen you tonight, that’s all. Then she went to the dance floor, but a few minutes later she walked out of the club and I haven’t seen her since.”

Max’s mind was running. Did Brad tell her that Max worked at the club? Why was Liz looking for him? Had she seen he and Serena dancing?

“How long ago did she walk out?” Max asked quickly, already forming a plan in his mind.

“Not long,” Brad replied, taking a glance at the clock. “It was like five or ten minutes ago.”

Brad didn’t even have a chance to finish his sentence as Max had already placed the drinks back down on the bar and was running out of the club.

He knew he shouldn’t have left Serena all alone waiting for him, but he would clear things with her as well, it was just… Liz was more important at the moment. He needed to know what she knew and what she saw.

He hurriedly opened the door and he thought about where Liz could have gone; which direction would she take to get home?

When his eyes landed on the petite body sitting on the pavement, Max was relieved; she was still here.

“Liz?” he asked hesitantly and took a step forward.

She didn’t turn around completely, just a little bit and Max could clearly see her profile. She didn’t look happy, yet she hadn’t been crying. She just looked sad.

Had she found out that he was working at the club? Or perhaps she had seen him together with Serena? What if both?

“I heard you had been looking for me,” Max said and took another step forward.

Liz nodded, yet she hadn’t spoken.

Max sat down beside her. “What is it, Liz?” he asked quietly, fearing the answer.

Liz just shrugged at first, but still replied in a whisper, “I saw you with her.”

“Liz,” Max started, determined to tell her that there wasn’t anything between him and Serena, but she interrupted him.

“No, Max,” she shook her head. “You don’t need to explain anything, really,” she said. “After all, it isn’t like we’re in a relationship or… anything”

“But I want us to be in a relationship,” Max argued softly, “I like you, Liz, I like you a lot,” he admitted.

For the first time, Liz looked into his eyes, turning her head to him, but she didn’t say anything.

Max took her hand in his, “I have liked you since the very first time I met you,” he said softly. “And I haven’t been able to get you out of my head since then. I look forward to our meetings and I want to be near you all the time.”

Liz smiled and the sadness disappeared from her eyes, “Oh, Max, I like you too.”

Slowly, yet surely, their lips started to move to each other. When their noses bumped, Liz asked, “So, if we kiss now… I won’t be kissing another girl’s boyfriend, right?”

Max smiled. “Only yours,” he replied, before placing his lips over hers.

~ ~ ~

Max was definitely grinning from ear to ear when he and Liz made their way back into the club. They were together now and Max couldn’t be happier.

After their first kiss, Max had explained everything about Serena, that he didn’t want to go on this date, but his friend, Tess, made him. He had added some things here and there about his best friend Tess and now Liz couldn’t wait to meet the person who played such big role in his life.

But right now Max had to clear things with Serena, it wasn’t right to leave her all alone in the club, and he was determined to correct his mistake.

He checked the booth he had left her in, but she wasn’t there. His grin faltered a little bit, fearing Tess’ anger if she found out that he had basically ditched the girl. But most of all he was scared that he had truly upset her and that she had left.

With a sigh, Max moved to the bar where Brad would be working. For some reason Brad knew everything Max wanted to know lately and now he didn’t have any choice than go to him.

Liz excused herself and went to the bathroom to freshen up fully knowing that Max had to talk to Serena by himself.

Max made his way to the bar and signed in relief when he saw Serena sitting by the bar, sipping a drink.

She didn’t look angry or sad, Max noticed. In fact, she was smiling.

He hesitantly made his way over her, “Serena?”

She turned to him. “Max! Where did you go? Is everything okay? You didn’t get sick, right?” she asked in concern.

Max shook his head. “No, no, I’m okay. I’m sorry I disappeared for so long,” he apologized, “I...”

Serena interrupted him, “No need to apologize and explain, Max, I know everything.”

Max swallowed, “You do?”

Serena smiled, “Yeah. When you didn’t come back in ten minutes, I went looking for you to the bar and Brad explained everything to me.”

“He did?”

Brad seemed to appear almost from nowhere as he stood beside Serena and put his arm around her shoulders, “Yes, I did.”

“Max, I really didn’t know that you were seeing someone else,” Serena said, yet she didn’t seem upset, “I thought you were single and I have liked you for some time and… I just wanted to give us a chance,”

“Serena...” Max began.

“No, Max, like I said, you don’t need to explain anything,” she said. “When one door closes, other opens, you know and...” she paused, looking at Brad, “I guess I have found another chance,” she replied and stood up.

“Good-bye, Max. Brad is taking me home,” Serena said as she and Brad left the club.

Max watched them leaving as a hand touched his shoulder. “Max? Your date definitely didn’t look upset at you for ditching her,” Liz said.

Max did the only thing he wanted to do at that moment – he turned around and kissed her.

His girlfriend.

[Erina]

Thanks for the feedback!

Enjoy the part!

<center>Chapter 5
Possibilities</center>

He had expected her to jump into his bed again, waking him up immediately, but for some unknown reason, the door to his room didn’t open that morning.

Was it possible that Tess was so angry that she wouldn’t bounce and jump on his bed in the early morning? Somehow, a silent Tess made him more scared than an angry Tess.

When he got back from his so-called date with Serena the night before, Tess wasn’t home. Although she had left a note saying that she was spending the night at Kyle’s – something Max wasn’t sure he liked. Of course, he had been the one who introduced them, but he wasn’t exactly happy that their relationship was progressing so... quickly. In Max’s opinion, they had to date for longer than a month and… what plans did Kyle have regarding Tess? Max made a mental note to himself – to talk with Kyle man-to-man. He wouldn’t let anyone hurt Tess.

Finally gathering his courage, Max stood up, threw on a t-shirt and walked out of his room barefoot.The small hall between the rooms and the kitchen was dark, but Max could see the distinct light from the TV in the living room. He smiled; no matter how tired Tess was, she would always watch her Sunday morning cartoons. It was like a ritual for her - she would be still in her pyjamas, with a box of cereal in her hands, still with messy hair, but in Max’s eyes, she looked especially natural and beautiful then. Like an angel. And the truth was… she was an angel, his angel.

But one thing worried him. If she had spent the night at Kyle’s, why was she home so early in the morning? Why hadn’t she watched cartoons with Kyle?

Max moved to the living room, but had to stop when he heard Tess’ voice.

“No, I haven’t told him yet,” she whispered. “He is still asleep, but I promise… I will talk to him today,”

Tess paused and Max took another two steps forward; now he had a full view of the living room.

His best friend was sitting on the couch and the TV was on. The cereal was on the small table as well. Yet some things had changed. Tess was not still in her pyjamas, nor was her hair messy. She still had her black dress on – Max assumed that she had just come home.

“Yes, I know, Kyle,” Tess said. “I know I said yes, but now I have my doubts. I just don’t want to leave Max; who is going to take care of him now?”

Why didn’t she want to leave him? And where was she going anyway?

He took another step forward, finally coming out of the shadows and into the room. Tess saw him immediately, her eyes widening in shock at first. Max’s face remained blank; he knew he hadn’t lately updated Tess on all aspects of his private life, but apparently Tess had something to tell him as well.

“I’ll call you later,” Tess said quickly. “I have to go.” She placed down the phone.

Max didn’t hesitate, “What were you talking about?”

Tess started fidgeting, “As you probably have noticed, Kyle and I are… really close now,” she said. Max nodded. “And,” she continued, “He asked me to move in with him and… I said yes,” she admitted.

Max forced a smile. “Congrats!” he moved forward and hugged her.

It wasn’t that he didn’t feel happy for her, but at the same time he knew he would miss her. Max loved that they were living together; neither of them was lonely and he could talk to her any time he wanted. On the other hand, this was something he had always wished for her – a true chance to live. He didn’t want her to be bound to him. Yet deep in his heart he felt somehow sad.

“When are you going to move?” he asked a moment later, as he picked up a piece of paper and a pencil, “We need to start organizing your stuff… we need boxes and…” he wrote down the info quickly.

When he realized that she hadn’t replied, he looked up from the paper and saw her watching him, as always.

Yet soon she wouldn’t be here to watch him all the time.

“Max, perhaps you want to talk about this. Are you really okay with this?” Tess asked hesitantly.

Was he okay with it? Yes and no. Tess hadn’t had an easy life and she deserved some happiness and… Kyle made her happy, while he was like a… duty. He wasn’t a small child, but he still feared what he was going to do without her. Who would remind him to take his medicine now? Who would make him laugh from day to day?

“Yeah,” Max smiled again. “Of course I’m okay with this, why wouldn’t I be?” he lied.

“Because I realize that everything is happening so quickly,” Tess said. “We met just a month ago and I know it’s too soon to move in and… perhaps we shouldn’t,” she concluded, sitting down and taking her head into her hands.

“What?” Max asked confused and kneeling in front of her. “What are you talking about? Of course you want to be with him,”

But Tess wasn’t quite listening to him anymore, “Oh God, what have I done? We can’t live together,” she threw her hands in the air. “What was I thinking? We’ve known each other just for a month, we don’t know each other that well yet and… what if I am a horrible roommate? What if he becomes bored or sick of me in two days?” she rambled.

If the situation weren’t so serious, Max would have laughed at her grave expression and her rather ridiculous thoughts. Max knew that Kyle wouldn’t ask her to move in with him if it wasn’t serious. And why did she think she would be horrible to live with?

“You’re the best roommate I’ve ever had,” Max said.

“I am the only roommate you have ever had,” she grumbled in reply.

Max chuckled, “If he asked you something like this and you agreed, then… there is a reason for it,” he said. “I have seen you two together; believe me Kyle won’t be tired of you in two days,” he paused and then added, “Nor will you.”

Tess still was shaking her head. “I’m not sure about this anymore,” she admitted. “Of course, at first the idea seemed wonderful, but then I came home and… how am I going to leave you?”

“You’re not going to leave me,” he said. “You will just live somewhere else; it doesn’t mean we won’t see each other at all,” Max reminded her.

They sat for a moment in silence, just thinking.

“Do you really think I should do this?” Tess asked later.

Max nodded and gave her a small smile, “I’ve always wanted you to be happy, Tess, and… I believe that Kyle is going to make you happy,” he said. “That’s all I want for you.”

“Do you really mean it?”

He nodded again, “Yes, Tess. And believe me, he really should beware of me if you aren’t completely, completely happy in a week.”

Tess chuckled, “I am happy.”

“Mission accomplished.”

~ ~ ~

Later in the evening they were sitting on the couch, eating ice cream and other junk food and watching TV.

In other words, Max was simply enjoying Tess’ presence; he wouldn’t have that privilege anymore soon. He would have to share her with Kyle.

“So,” Tess said as she switched off the TV and turned to him. “You still haven’t told me more about Liz. Don’t think that I have forgotten.”

“What do you want to know?” he asked. “Except the little fact that yesterday she and I became a couple.”

Tess’ mouth felt open, mainly because of the way Max said it. He had said it like that little, yet huge, fact was nothing, but Tess could see the smile that was forming on his lips.

Yet she didn’t yell or squeal, just smiled, “I’m happy for you, Max, really. Congrats,” she hugged him. “Although you should have let me know sooner.”

Max raised an eyebrow, “When? At 3 am? Especially when you are in Kyle’s place.”

“And?” Tess challenged. “The fact that I’m at Kyle’s shouldn’t disturb you. You’re my best friend, Max, you can call me anytime you want,” she said seriously. “Even at 3 am.”

“By the way,” she said a moment later, “How did your date with Serena go?”

Max’s smile disappeared and he cleared his throat before replying casually, “Good. It was good.”

“And?” Tess said, “I want details, Max.”

Max dug into his ice cream, hoping that this topic of the conversation would be forgotten as soon as possible, “What do you want to know?”

Tess sighed dramatically, “Max! Why do I have to drag everything out of you?”

“She is nice, we went to dinner then to the club,” Max said quickly. “Just a casual date, nothing more.”

Tess was silent for a moment, eyeing him suspiciously again, “Are you sure you’re telling the truth?”.

“Huh?” Max was confused, was she reading him that well?

Suddenly she started laughing and Max became even more confused. Tess read him like an open book and he understood her as well… most of the time..

When she finally calmed down enough to speak, she said, “Relax, Max. I called Serena while you were in the shower earlier.”

Max visibly paled; he was still confused. Why Tess wasn’t angry that he had basically ditched Serena?

“She told me everything, Max,” Tess said.

“And,” she added a moment later when Max remained silent, “she told me to thank you for the best night of her life.”

He really needed a handbook of how to understand women, Max thought, more confused than ever. He left her alone in club to be with another woman and that had been the best night of her life?

Tess placed a hand on his shoulder, comforting him, “Relax, Max. Serena told me everything. I know that you left her to go after Liz, but like she said yesterday, she isn’t angry with you.”

Max nodded briefly, “I still don’t feel good about that.”

“But she has met Brad and apparently they are really into each other now,” she informed. “Although I have to admit I find it slightly weird. After all, I thought she liked more reserved men, a little bit dorky with huge ears, just like you,” she teased.

Max reached behind him and grabbed a pillow. Unfortunately for him, Tess had seen his move and by the time he attacked her, Tess had a pillow in her hand as well.

The war could begin.

~ ~ ~

Max was tired and out of breath.

During the evening they had managed to eat all ice cream and drink all lemonade. Max was full with junk food and the recent pillow fight made him even more tired. Right now they were on the floor, just lying and looked at the ceiling. Just being together.

Soon he would be all alone in this apartment.

“Max?” Tess whispered.

“Hmm,” Max grumbled and closed his eyes.

“I am really going to miss you,” she admitted quietly.

“I’m going to miss you too, Tess,” he replied. “But eventually we had to face the truth. We couldn’t live together for all of our lives. Some day one of us would have to move on...move out. And that day was today.”

“I know,” Tess sighed and Max could clearly hear sadness in her voice.

“How will I be able to wake you up in the morning?” she asked. “I won’t be the first person who sees you in the morning and the last in the evening. I won’t tell you to take out the garbage anymore and… ”

Max had to interrupt her, “Tess, you have Kyle in your life now. I have to share, I knew that.”

Suddenly a smile appeared on Tess’ face, “Well, if I have Kyle, then you have Liz then, right? Perhaps the two of you can move together as well?” she said half-seriously, half-joking.

Max stayed silent. Too silent for Tess’ liking. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

He still hesitated to answer, “I haven’t been honest with her.”

When Tess didn’t say anything, he continued, “Liz… she doesn’t know where I live or that I work at the bar.”

Tess was confused, “Why?”

Max let out a frustrated sigh and sat up, “Because she won’t want me anymore,” he admitted, fearing just that. “She is beautiful and smart and ... wonderful,” he said dreamily. “And she is rich, Tess, very rich. People like her don’t spend time with people like me.”

Tess had heard enough, “What the hell are you talking about?” she said sitting up. “You’re the most wonderful person I know in the whole world. I bet you’re even more beautiful and wonderful than her. Has she told you something that made you think that she wouldn’t be in a relationship with someone who doesn’t have as much money as her?” she asked rather angry. “If yes, then she doesn’t deserve you.”

Max shook his head furiously, “No, no....she hasn’t said anything like that, but… she lives in this different world, Tess, and I’m afraid she’ll realize that we are… incompatible.”

Tess’ anger disappeared. “If you two really like each other, if the feelings are there and they are deep... Then you can’t be incompatible, Max,” she said. “You are a wonderful person, but sometimes I have to say you’re too afraid to let someone in. You have a big heart, Max.”

“I have a sick heart,” he grumbled. “And she doesn’t know that either.”

“And I thought she was the bad person,” she cried. “But apparently you’re the one, Max. You can’t hide your social status and the fact that your heart is sick.”

Max lowered his eyes, “I know.”

“You can’t treat her like that,” she added. “If she really likes you, she won’t be scared that you don’t have money or have heart problems.”

“She likes me,” Max said. “Liz is my girlfriend now, but our situation is still fragile, I don’t want to scare her away.”

“And what will change later?” Tess asked. “What if your financial situation is really important to her? What if she refuses to be with you then?”

Max shrugged. “Then I will let her be,” he replied quietly.

“By dragging this out, you will hurt both her and yourself in the end. I don’t know Liz, I haven’t met her; and although I know that your silence would hurt her as well, it’s you I’m worried about. Because I know you, Max. Your feelings towards her are deep and soon you will realize that you’re in love with her and ... then what? Will you let her go so easily? You will, by breaking your own heart.”

“Don’t hurt yourself, Max. Don’t break your own heart,” Tess pleaded.

[Erina]

Thanks for the feedback! Enjoy the next part!

<center>Chapter 6
Tension</center>

Max poured Michael another drink as he looked at the other man worriedly. It was still very early, the club wasn’t even open yet, but Michael had been there since Max had begun his shift.

The club would start to fill up soon and Max knew that Michael couldn’t stay there for much longer. It would be very, very bad if other people saw the famous club owner, who was known for being reserved, so drunk.

Max looked at his co-worker for that night – thankfully it wasn’t Brad tonight – and motioned to Michael. His co-worker nodded and Max put down the bottle he had in his hand and moved over Michael.

“Come on, Michael,” Max said, “We have to get you out of here.”

Michael looked up from his bottle and looked around for millisecond, “It’s empty, Max, give me five minutes more.”

Max shook his head; Michael had been saying the same thing since he had started his shift. Taking matters into his own hands, Max simply pushed Michael out of his seat, supporting him, so he wouldn’t fall on the floor.

Michael seemed uninterested in where Max was taking him; he simply followed in the direction Max was dragging him. Yet it seemed like an eternity for Max before they reached Michael’s office.

Michael fell down on his couch rather loudly and Max fully expected him to fall asleep in a minute, but by some miracle, Michael was wide-awake and he showed no sign that he would fall asleep in the near future.

“I miss her so much,” Michael whispered quietly, mostly to himself.

Max didn’t know what had caused Michael to get drunk so fast, but he had a strong feeling that this had to be somehow connected to his girlfriend, Maria.

“Why did everything end in this way?” Michael said, again asking mostly to himself, but then his attention suddenly turned to Max. “Was I a bad boyfriend, Max?”

Max frowned, how was he supposed to answer that?

Saved by the bell, or rather by a mobile phone tune, Max excused himself and went out in the hall, to answer it.

Before picking it up, he smiled, noticing who the caller was.

“Hi, Liz,” he said, finally answering the phone.

“Hey, Max,” she answered and he could hear a tint of sadness in her voice.

He couldn’t help but ask, after all, he was her boyfriend now, “What’s wrong?”

Liz sighed. “Unfortunately I won’t be able to come to the club tonight, Max. My best friend is having a bad time at the moment and I just can’t leave her right now,” she explained.

Max nodded, although he knew that Liz couldn’t see him anyway. “I understand,” he said. Although he had been looking forward to seeing her again, he could understand that he had to share her as well. They both had other friends and other responsibilities.

“I will call you tomorrow, is that okay?” Liz asked. “Although I’m not sure when I will be able to leave her; after all her boyfriend just broke up with her,” she added sadly.

“Sure, call me anytime you want,” Max replied.

“Fine, then I will call you tomorrow. Listen, Maria is calling for me, I have to go. See you hopefully tomorrow, bye,” Liz said, before finishing the conversation.

Max sighed as he placed the phone back in his pocket, he would have to wait for tomorrow to see her. Although it was possible that he wouldn’t see her for days now...

Walking back in Michael’s office, Max saw that he wasn’t on the couch anymore. Now Michael was sitting in his chair, behind the desk, looking at the framed picture in front of him.

“Did Liz call you?” Michael’s blunt question left Max shocked.

Michael even seemed different and Max could only admire that he could look so drunk in one moment, yet so sober in the next one.

But Liz? How in the hell did Michael know about her?

Yet Max had to find out how much Michael knew, “What are you talking about?”

Michael sighed and turned the picture around, showing Max what had he been looking at a moment before.

Max’s face went from shocked to blank.

In the picture were five people and two of them Max knew rather well. There was Michael at one side and next to him was a blonde girl. After living with Tess for such long time, Max could easily tell that she was Maria DeLuca, Michael’s ex-girlfriend. Next to them stood another blonde woman and another young looking man with dark hair and Max wasn’t sure who were they.

The last person in the picture was Liz. His Liz was a friend of Michael’s. And Liz’s friend Michael knew everything about him.

Michael stood up and walked towards Max. His slightly unsteady walk was the only indicator that he was rather drunk. Michael placed a hand on Max’s shoulder and said, “I know more than you think, Max.”

“Liz is one of my best friends,” he continued. “And she is also Maria’s friend, so I’m not surprised that Liz might just have called you to cancel your meeting tonight, am I right?”

Max could only nod.

Michael managed a small smile before returning back to his chair, sitting down. For a minute he just stared at Max, waiting for a reaction.

But Max remained silent. What was he supposed to say or do? He wasn’t scared of Michael, he was scared what Liz would do finding out the truth. If she hadn’t found out by now...

Max found it hard to make his vocal cords work. “How did you find out?” he asked, although he feared he already knew the answer. After all, it was Michael’s club and Liz was his friend. If he had seen him and Liz together, it wouldn’t be very hard to figure out the rest.

“One night Liz and I and ... Maria went out to the restaurant with our other friends Isabel and Alex,” Michael explained. “She had been smiling all the way to the restaurant and finally there she told us the reason for her good mood.”

Max swallowed.

“Apparently in my club she had met a man,” Michael paused. “Liz told us his name, your name.”

“Michael...” Max started.

“Let me finish,” he insisted. “At first I didn’t think she was talking about the same Max Evans, although I know it isn’t very likely that there would be two Max Evans in the same club at the same time. That night at the restaurant, I just smiled along with others, without saying a word.”

“Then one night I saw you and her together. Dancing, drinking, sitting and laughing, just spending time together,” Michael said and paused. “She doesn’t know you work here, Max.”

“I know,” Max said. “I haven’t told her… yet.”

Michael was silent for a moment. “Why are you lying to her? She doesn’t deserve to be lied to,” he said, his voice rising with each word.

“I know,” Max said weakly. “But… you don’t understand, Michael. You’re rich; you don’t have to worry about money. You’re different than me, you can’t understand my reasons for doing this.”

“No, I can’t,” Michael said. “What are you scared of? Liz has right to know the truth about the man she is dating.”

Max shook his head. “You can’t say tell her. If…. if she found out that I’m just a club employee, she wouldn’t want to be with me anymore,” he reasoned.

Michael’s face softened a little bit, “Who has told you that? Liz isn’t like that, she doesn’t care about money.”

“Then why it is so important to tell her the truth that I’m not rich, if it is not important to her?” Max asked.

“You’re lying to her and you know it, Max,” Michael said quietly, knowing that Max was aware of the risks he was taking, yet he was still hiding this rather important information from Liz.

“Tell her the truth, before everything gets out of control,” he advised and grabbed his jacket. “While you were on the phone with Liz, I called myself a cab. I’m going home tonight to sleep, hopefully you will take my advice, Max.”

Max nodded hesitantly, “I know that you’re right, Michael. You’re not even the first person who has said that I should tell Liz the truth,” he said. “Yet I just...can’t make myself do it.”

Michael slightly opened the door and sent Max one last glance, “I like you, Max, you’re a good guy,” he admitted sincerely. “But I am not going to lie to you. If you don’t tell Liz the truth about yourself, then… I will tell her, Max. I promise,” he said before walking out of the office, leaving a stunned Max behind.

Would Michael really be capable of that?

~ ~ ~

“So, how was your week?” Liz asked.

Max opened one eye lazily to see her beside him.

It was Sunday and by some miracle, Max had a free day, so he decided to spend it with Liz. A quick call and they had arranged a wonderful and romantic afternoon in the park. Now they were lying on a blanket, surrounded by food, looking the different shapes of the clouds.

Life was wonderful. Wasn’t it?

Max shrugged, “Good, as usual. What about yours?”

Liz smiled, “Can’t complain. I rarely saw my parents this week, Dad was busy at the hospital and Mom was organizing this charity ball, which was yesterday and I have to say it was really fun and interesting, not like some others I have been to,” she rolled her eyes slightly.

Max only smiled. He’d never been to a charity ball, so he couldn’t share with his impressions. After all, he hadn’t been to any ball at all.

“And,” Liz continued, “Since Mom and Dad had a busy week, he came up with an idea,” she said, hesitant suddenly.

“What idea?” Max asked.

“He wants us to go on vacation next week,” she told him. “And since I have told my parents that I have met someone, someone rather special,” she said with glint in her eyes. “They have expressed an interest in you,” she admitted.

Max gulped. He would love to meet her parents, no matter how scary that would be.

“Would you like to meet my parents?” Liz asked, voicing Max’s thoughts.

Max only nodded at first, “Yeah, I’d love to meet them. They have raised a wonderful daughter, it would be such honour to meet and get to know them.”

Liz smiled brightly. Her relationship with Max was still new and fragile, so she hadn’t been sure how he would react. After all, they hadn’t been together for very long and here she was, already planning for him to meet her parents.

Then she realized something and her smile diminished a little bit. “What about your parents? You never talk about yourself much, so I still don’t know many things about you,” she admitted.

Max gave her a small smile. He could talk about his parents, even if it still brought sadness in his heart, he didn’t have to lie to her about them.

“There isn’t much to say,” he admitted sadly. “They died while I was still in high-school. Car accident.”

“Oh, Max,” Liz said and leaned towards him, hugging and trying to comfort him. “I’m sorry, I didn’t want to upset you.”

Max wrapped his arms around her, bringing her body closer to him; it was so great, so comforting to have someone so close to you. Especially someone you care about as much as he cared about Liz.

“It’s okay,” he whispered softly in her ear. “You didn’t know. I knew I’d have to tell you about my parents sooner or later.”

They remained in each other’s arms for a little bit longer, both enjoying being together.

Hesitantly Liz pulled slightly away from Max, yet her hands remained on his shoulders and she was still situated in his lap.

“Tell me more about yourself?” she asked him. “I want to know more.”

Max smiled. “Why you have such a sudden interest in me?” he teased.

Liz smirked, “I have to admit that I couldn’t tell my parents much about you, when they asked last week,”

“I don’t have much to tell you,” he replied. “I have had a pretty boring life.”

“That can’t be entirely true,” Liz argued. “There has to be something. What about your friends?”

“Ok, let’s make a deal. I will tell you about my friends, if you later tell me about yours,” Max offered a solution.

Liz quickly agreed, “Deal.”

“Well,” Max started. “Once again, I don’t have much to tell you. I didn’t have many steady or good friends before my parents death, but soon… after the accident I met a girl,” he said.

Liz raised an eyebrow. “A girl? Do I really need to know this?” she groaned.

Max laughed, “You were the eager one to know more about me.”

Liz surrendered, “Fine, continue.”

“She is blonde, with blue eyes and as short as you,” he teased.

“Max,” Liz whined. “Do you really want to make me miserable?” she groaned. “I know I’m not that gorgeous as many girls, especially at the club, I’m short and plain and....”

Max had to silence her and the best way to do that in his opinion was to kiss her. Why did she have such ridiculous thoughts that she wasn’t gorgeous? Max guessed he got pretty far with his teasing. Liz was the most beautiful girl in his eyes and he intended to prove that to her.

“Don’t ever say such things about yourself, you are more gorgeous than all of them put together,” he said when they finally came up for air, their breathing still heavy and unsteady.

Liz bit her lower lip nervously, “But...”

Max interrupted her, “No ‘buts’, Liz. Tess was there when I needed a friend and, although I admit that she is beautiful, I see only a good friend in her. A sister.”

Liz smiled shyly, “Really?”

Max nodded, distracted by her lips only inches away from his.

“And what do you think of me?” she asked.

Max kissed her lips softly and hugged her tighter, bringing her once again closer to him. God, he needed her close.

A moment later Max asked, “You?” he grinned. “Oh, believe me, I really don’t see you as a sister.”

Liz smiled as Max’s lips covered hers once again.

Neither were aware that someone had been following them and taking photographs of them all day.