Thanks for all the bumps - I think I just made it within the week...
64
“Look who made it on the 6 o’clock news…” Maria said as soon as Liz walked into the apartment, with just enough time to get ready for the dinner shift at work.
Liz moved into the room so she could see the images to go along with the story that the newsreader was already announcing.
“… It appears the on again off again relationship of Max Evans and Liz Parker is now back on… Max and Liz were seen today frolicking together in the water on the Great Barrier Reef where Max is shooting his new movie. Sources on the scenes say that there is absolutely no doubt that Max and Liz are back together. The question now is whether she will be able to keep him this time…”
Liz watched as fuzzy images of her in Max in the water, taken with a zoom lens from a passing boat, were shown on screen as the newsreader spoke.
“Are you okay?” Maria asked, hoping that Liz wasn’t going to freak out about being back in the spot light. It had been less than 24 hours since she had seen Max again and she was already getting attention.
“Fantastic.” Liz replied flopping down on the couch. “I spent the day snorkelling around the reef. I had forgotten how beautiful the coral is out there.”
Maria looked at Liz for a moment to see if she was genuinely not bothered by the news story, or whether she was just trying to allay Maria’s worry.
“Anyway, I’d better get ready for work. Max is coming to watch me work and I’m going to teach him how to make Crème Brulee.” Liz said in a sing-song voice before heading for the shower.
Maria looked perplexed as she watched Liz go. She really seemed to be a different person, but she wasn’t sure how much of it was genuine and how much was Liz trying to be the person she thought she had to be.
* * * * *
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Max asked. “I’m sure the hotel has another room available.”
“Positive.” Liz replied. “I’d rather be with you.”
Liz had just finished her shift at the restaurant and had negotiated with Janet that she would take the next few days off so she could spend them with Max. They were now pulling into Max’s hotel in Palm Cove where the cast and crew were throwing a party for the director’s birthday. It was already late, and Liz didn’t really want to take the hour drive back to Port Douglas later that night so she had told Max she would stay with him at the hotel.
“I can sleep on the floor.” Max offered, pulling the car up to the valet.
“Like you did last night?” Liz smiled, remembering waking up beside Max and his beautiful eyes staring back at her. “I’m sure we can share the bed again just fine.”
The valet opened the car door for Liz and she stepped out, letting Max sort out her small overnight bag with the porter before taking Max’s hand and walking into the lobby and towards the pool where the party was in full swing.
“Max! You made it!” John immediately came over to greet them. “But I see what kept you. Nice to see you again Liz.”
“You too.” Liz smiled.
“Let me get you both a drink. Mango Daiquiri?” John offered.
“Sounds great.” Liz replied.
“No umbrella for me. Just a Corona for me thanks.” Max replied.
Once John had gone to collect the drinks, Max and Liz found an empty table by the pool and took a seat, Max immediately taking Liz’s hand across the table and locking his fingers between hers.
“Can we cut out the public displays of affection?” Jessica asked, taking a seat at an empty seat at the table, with another couple of cast members taking the others.
Max was forced to let go of Liz’s hand, and immediately wished he had taken the seat next to her, instead of the one opposite, because now they were separated by the others at the table.
“So how was the cooking lesson?” Jessica asked Max.
“Good.” Max replied, darting a look at Liz and remembering the way her cheek had brushed up against his while she had placed her hand over his to show him how to whip the dessert properly to make it light and fluffy. He could also still see a speck of flour in her hair from the flour throwing incident he had instigated.
“So are you considering a career change?” Jessica continued.
“Not likely. I still haven’t mastered the ability to make food taste nicer than dirt.” Max replied. “Apparently Crème brulee generally requires sugar instead of salt.”
“He’s just joking.” Liz added. “He did really well. Although when the patrons found out that Max was the one who had made their dessert I think they requested to have it take away so they could immediately try and sell it on Ebay.”
The group continued to make small talk, particularly about the movie, and Liz noticed that Max began to get more and more restless, until he abruptly stood up and asked her to dance.
“There’s only so much ‘shop’ talk I can stand.” Max said, when they were slow dancing on the small make-shift dance floor next to the pool. “Especially when the alternative is to have you all to myself.”
They danced for a little longer in silence just enjoying being able to be close together again. That was until Max broke the silence.
“You’re okay aren’t you?” Max asked, looking at Liz concerned.
“Of course I’m okay.” Liz smiled. “Why do you ask?”
“I just don’t want to rush things and push you away. I don’t want to be apart from you again, and I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to make you happy.” Max replied.
“I am happy Max, just being here with you. I’ve had enough unhappiness in my life to last a lifetime, and I’m determined not to let it continue. Besides, I don’t feel like we are rushing into anything – we’re just catching up for some lost time.” Liz replied.
“You promise that you would tell me if there was anything wrong.” Max asked - just to be sure.
“Of course. I promise you total honesty - as long as you promise the same.”
“Deal.” Max smiled. “And since we are being completely honest with each other, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you…”
“What?” Liz gulped, not sure if she was ready to hear it despite her protests that they had to tell each other the truth, no matter what.
“You are the most beautiful woman here tonight…” Max grinned.
“Thanks Max.” Liz blushed shyly. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”
“I just work with what I’ve been given.” Max shrugged with a grin.
* * * * *
Later that night, after Liz was not able to suppress her yawns any longer, they said their goodnights to the lingering party-goers and made their way, hand in hand, to Max’s room.
“You can get changed in the bathroom.” Max offered after he had given Liz the grand tour.
Liz grabbed her overnight bag and closed the bathroom door behind her, while Max took off his shoes and socks and made himself comfortable, on top of the covers, on the bed. Having seconds thoughts, he got up and moved to the sofa so that Liz wouldn’t feel threatened in case she had changed her mind about sharing the bed with him.
Ten minutes later, the door to the bathroom opened and Max found Liz standing there, wearing a very sheer black nightgown. Max’s mouth gaped and Liz smiled, having received the reaction that she had intended.
Max slowly got up but didn’t make a move towards Liz, so Liz made her way over to him.
“You are wearing far too many clothes…” Liz said, her fingers finding the bottom of Max’s shirt, ready to lift it up over his head.
“Wait.” Max said, placing a hand on Liz’s to stop her.
And this time Liz didn’t run…
“It’s okay Max.” Liz replied, knowing exactly what was on Max’s mind. “I want this.”
“Are you sure?” Max asked hesitantly.
“Yes. I love you Max.” Liz replied.
“I love you too, but that doesn’t mean that we have to…”
“I know. But I trust you. And I think this is what I need to finally be healed completely.” Liz explained.
“If you’re sure…” Max conceded. “But if you want to stop at any time, you know you can tell me and I’ll understand. I’d wait forever if you wanted me to.”
“Thank you for saying that Max …” Liz said as she lifted Max’s shirt off over his head and ran her hands over his chest before adding, “but I don’t think that will be necessary…”
* * * * *
Max was woken in the morning by the sun streaming into his room. Having no scenes to shoot that day he hadn’t been given his usual early morning wake up call and was enjoying the serenity of being able to wake on his own terms.
Rolling onto his side he watched the steady rise and fall of Liz’s chest as she slept on. Not wanting to disturb her, but being unable to resist, he put his arm across her waist and nuzzled into her neck.
“Morning.” Liz mumbled.
“Morning.” Max replied. “Sleep well?”
“Best sleep I’ve had in a long time.” Liz replied, rolling onto her back so she could look at Max. She blushed, remembering the night before. “And I think I have you to thank for that.”
“The pleasure was all mine.” Max smiled.
They were prevented from saying any more from the sound of rustling outside the door and a key being inserted into the door.
“Expecting someone?” Liz asked, pulling the sheet up over her chest.
“No.” Max replied confused. “Room service generally knocks first.”
Liz jumped out of bed, grabbed her clothes, and ran into the bathroom just before the door had opened completely. When it did, it revealed a very unexpected visitor.
“Isabel?” Max said, seeing his sister walk into the room, followed closely by Alex.
“Surprise?!” Isabel replied hesitantly, not having expected to catch her brother still in bed.
“What are you doing in Australia?” Max asked.
“I thought I’d come and visit. I missed you.” Isabel replied.
“I missed you too sis. I’d get up and give you a hug but …” Max said, looking down to indicate that he wasn’t appropriately dressed.
“I see…” Isabel said, taking the hint and noticing the slept in state of the other half of Max’s bed. “What are you doing Max? Do you really think it’s a good idea to be hooking up with someone when everyone knows you are in love with Liz? How do you think she would feel if she ever found out? I know you’re old enough to make your own decisions, but I really don’t think this is the best move you could have made.”
Max went to interrupt her but she continued on her soapbox.
“I don’t want to come in here and lecture you but I have to know - was it worth it Max? Who was she, a wannabe starlet who thought she could get a leg up in the industry, so to speak? No one night stand is worth ruining things with L-” Isabel abruptly stopped, having heard a noise coming from the bathroom. “Oh my goodness … she’s still here? She probably heard everything…”
“She probably did.” Max smiled. “But don’t worry about it – I’m sure she won’t hold it against you.”
“How could you have let me rattle on like that?” Isabel asked, her face turning beetroot red.
“You didn’t really give me the chance…” Max replied.
“I think I’m just gonna go… C’mon Alex.” Isabel said, picking up her bag and making a beeline for the door.
“Wait.” A voice said from the bathroom door. “You’re not leaving already?”
Isabel turned around in shock – she recognised that voice.
“Liz!?” Isabel exclaimed, seeing her standing at the bathroom door.
Isabel looked at Max and then back at Liz again.
“Oh my goodness! You guys are back together!” Isabel squealed, running over to Liz and giving her a huge hug, before letting go and immediately grabbing a pillow off the bed and repeatedly thumping Max with it for not telling her.
“I … tried … to … call … you … but … you … must … have … been … on … the … plane…” Max tried to appease his sister between the thumps.
“Okay then…” Isabel said, putting down her weapon. “I’ll forgive you as long as you both give me the details over breakfast. I’m starved.”
Against the Tide (AU, M/L, TEEN) Complete 29/11/07
Moderators: Anniepoo98, Rowedog, ISLANDGIRL5, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, FSU/MSW-94, Erina, Hunter, Forum Moderators
Thanks for the feedback everyone.
Very short part, but hopefully you forgive me once you read the content!
The song is 'Everything' by Lifehouse. Oldie but a goodie.
Ladylou - I promise I'll let you know if I'm ever going to be passing through Geelong!
65
One month later …
“So… we finish shooting the movie at the end of the week.” Max began.
Max was sitting with Liz on an empty stretch of four mile beach in Port Douglas just watching the waves roll in. He and Liz had spent as much of the last month together as possible, and things couldn’t have been any better between them.
“So soon?” Liz replied, understanding what Max was really telling her. Once they finished shooting, he would be returning to the US.
“Yeah.” Max replied despondently.
Liz was silent for a moment. She knew that this life that they had together in Tropical North Queensland wouldn’t last forever, but she wasn’t quite ready to see it end. While she had coped surprisingly well with the renewed paparazzi attention, she knew that it was nothing compared to what they would get once they stepped back into the real world.
And then there was the issue of Maria’s impending wedding. Michael had come down to Australia and the wedding plans were in full swing – Maria having decided they should marry in Port Douglas rather than returning to Adelaide. Liz was the maid of honour and was being called on by Maria on a daily basis to help her with various details regarding the wedding plans. Liz really couldn’t contemplate following Max back to the US before the wedding, but the thought of being separated from him again made her heart break.
“… But I was thinking that maybe I would stay on in Australia a little longer.” Max added, stopping Liz’s inner debate.
“Really?” Liz asked, her eyes lighting up.
“Yeah. I don’t have any projects that I have to be back for, and it would be nice to spend some more time here with you … and Michael, Maria, Isabel and Alex. I haven’t had a decent holiday in a long time.”
“I’m not sure that being at Maria’s beck-and-call leading up to the wedding will be much of a holiday for you.” Liz smiled.
“As long as I get to be with you, I don’t care.” Max smiled, putting his arm around Liz and pulling her closer. “Besides, I’m the best man and I have a responsibility to Michael to save him from Maria during the next few weeks or there might not be a wedding at all!”
Another month later …
“I now pronounce you husband and wife… You may kiss the bride.” The priest announced which queued the cheers from the friends and family that had gathered on the beach to see Maria and Michael joined in marriage.
Liz used the moment to look over to Max who was standing just behind Michael. When Max met her eye, he smiled, and mouthed the words “You’re beautiful.” Liz blushed and quickly turned away, returning her attention to straightening Maria’s train for her walk down the make-shift aisle on the beach where people were preparing to throw frangipani flowers rather than the traditional rose petals.
As Liz watched Maria and Michael greet their parents as husband and wife, Liz felt Max’s presence immediately next to her.
“Are you okay?” Max asked, sensing Liz’s quiet.
“Yeah.” Liz looked up and smiled at Max, taking his hand in hers as they followed Michael and Maria down the aisle. “Just really happy for them both.”
“Me too.” Max smiled, squeezing Liz’s hand.
“I don’t think life could get any more perfect than it is right now.” Liz said, partly to herself.
“Oh, I think it could.” Max replied, before they were forced to part company and do their duties to the bride and groom. Liz was left to watch Max go and wonder what he had meant by that comment.
Later that evening, after the dinner had been eaten and the reception formalities were over, Max and Liz were still on the dance floor.
Find me here, speak to me
I want to feel you, I need to hear you
You are the light that's leading me to the place
Where I find peace again
“I love this song.” Liz breathed, letting her head rest on Max’s shoulder.
“I know.” Max smiled. “That’s why I asked the DJ to play it.”
You are the strength that keeps me walking
You are the hope that keeps me trusting
You are the light to my soul
You are my purpose
You're everything
“Max?” Liz suddenly asked, pulling away slightly from Max so she could look at him properly. “About what you said before … about your life not being perfect…”
“I’m not sure they were my exact words, but go on…” Max prompted.
“I’ve been thinking … I know that we agreed that we wouldn’t race back to the US after the wedding, but we can, I mean, if that’s what you want…” Liz replied.
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
“You think I want to go back to the US?” Max asked.
“I just thought … It’s your home Max. It’s your life.”
You calm the storms and you give me rest
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall
You still my heart, and you take my breath away
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now
“My home is wherever you are.” Max replied, dropping his hands from Liz’s waist and taking her by the hand. “Come with me.”
Liz obediently followed as Max guided her down the narrow path from the reception venue to the moonlit beach.
“When I said what I did, that life could be more perfect, I wasn’t thinking about home, or work, or anything like that. All I was thinking about was you.” Max explained.
Liz looked at Max curiously for a moment, wondering what she wasn’t doing right for him to be wishing life was better.
“I’m sorry…” Liz began, feeling as though she should be apologising for something.
Max quietened her by gently placing a finger over her lips.
“Don’t even finish that sentence.” Max warned. “You are perfect in every way.”
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
“I don’t understand.” Liz replied. What else was there?
“I know I promised not to do this for a while, but you make it hard for me to keep that promise.” Max began, before dropping to one knee before her and holding out an open jewellery box containing a diamond ring.
“Liz Parker – will you marry me?” Max asked.
Cause you're all I want,
You're all I need
You're everything... everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything... everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything... everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
Everything… everything
Liz dropped to her knees as well and threw herself into Max’s arms, kissing him as tears ran down her face.
“Is that a yes?” Max asked between kisses.
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better, any better than this?
“Yes … it’s a yes.” Liz smiled.
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Very short part, but hopefully you forgive me once you read the content!
The song is 'Everything' by Lifehouse. Oldie but a goodie.
Ladylou - I promise I'll let you know if I'm ever going to be passing through Geelong!
65
One month later …
“So… we finish shooting the movie at the end of the week.” Max began.
Max was sitting with Liz on an empty stretch of four mile beach in Port Douglas just watching the waves roll in. He and Liz had spent as much of the last month together as possible, and things couldn’t have been any better between them.
“So soon?” Liz replied, understanding what Max was really telling her. Once they finished shooting, he would be returning to the US.
“Yeah.” Max replied despondently.
Liz was silent for a moment. She knew that this life that they had together in Tropical North Queensland wouldn’t last forever, but she wasn’t quite ready to see it end. While she had coped surprisingly well with the renewed paparazzi attention, she knew that it was nothing compared to what they would get once they stepped back into the real world.
And then there was the issue of Maria’s impending wedding. Michael had come down to Australia and the wedding plans were in full swing – Maria having decided they should marry in Port Douglas rather than returning to Adelaide. Liz was the maid of honour and was being called on by Maria on a daily basis to help her with various details regarding the wedding plans. Liz really couldn’t contemplate following Max back to the US before the wedding, but the thought of being separated from him again made her heart break.
“… But I was thinking that maybe I would stay on in Australia a little longer.” Max added, stopping Liz’s inner debate.
“Really?” Liz asked, her eyes lighting up.
“Yeah. I don’t have any projects that I have to be back for, and it would be nice to spend some more time here with you … and Michael, Maria, Isabel and Alex. I haven’t had a decent holiday in a long time.”
“I’m not sure that being at Maria’s beck-and-call leading up to the wedding will be much of a holiday for you.” Liz smiled.
“As long as I get to be with you, I don’t care.” Max smiled, putting his arm around Liz and pulling her closer. “Besides, I’m the best man and I have a responsibility to Michael to save him from Maria during the next few weeks or there might not be a wedding at all!”
Another month later …
“I now pronounce you husband and wife… You may kiss the bride.” The priest announced which queued the cheers from the friends and family that had gathered on the beach to see Maria and Michael joined in marriage.
Liz used the moment to look over to Max who was standing just behind Michael. When Max met her eye, he smiled, and mouthed the words “You’re beautiful.” Liz blushed and quickly turned away, returning her attention to straightening Maria’s train for her walk down the make-shift aisle on the beach where people were preparing to throw frangipani flowers rather than the traditional rose petals.
As Liz watched Maria and Michael greet their parents as husband and wife, Liz felt Max’s presence immediately next to her.
“Are you okay?” Max asked, sensing Liz’s quiet.
“Yeah.” Liz looked up and smiled at Max, taking his hand in hers as they followed Michael and Maria down the aisle. “Just really happy for them both.”
“Me too.” Max smiled, squeezing Liz’s hand.
“I don’t think life could get any more perfect than it is right now.” Liz said, partly to herself.
“Oh, I think it could.” Max replied, before they were forced to part company and do their duties to the bride and groom. Liz was left to watch Max go and wonder what he had meant by that comment.
Later that evening, after the dinner had been eaten and the reception formalities were over, Max and Liz were still on the dance floor.
Find me here, speak to me
I want to feel you, I need to hear you
You are the light that's leading me to the place
Where I find peace again
“I love this song.” Liz breathed, letting her head rest on Max’s shoulder.
“I know.” Max smiled. “That’s why I asked the DJ to play it.”
You are the strength that keeps me walking
You are the hope that keeps me trusting
You are the light to my soul
You are my purpose
You're everything
“Max?” Liz suddenly asked, pulling away slightly from Max so she could look at him properly. “About what you said before … about your life not being perfect…”
“I’m not sure they were my exact words, but go on…” Max prompted.
“I’ve been thinking … I know that we agreed that we wouldn’t race back to the US after the wedding, but we can, I mean, if that’s what you want…” Liz replied.
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
“You think I want to go back to the US?” Max asked.
“I just thought … It’s your home Max. It’s your life.”
You calm the storms and you give me rest
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall
You still my heart, and you take my breath away
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now
“My home is wherever you are.” Max replied, dropping his hands from Liz’s waist and taking her by the hand. “Come with me.”
Liz obediently followed as Max guided her down the narrow path from the reception venue to the moonlit beach.
“When I said what I did, that life could be more perfect, I wasn’t thinking about home, or work, or anything like that. All I was thinking about was you.” Max explained.
Liz looked at Max curiously for a moment, wondering what she wasn’t doing right for him to be wishing life was better.
“I’m sorry…” Liz began, feeling as though she should be apologising for something.
Max quietened her by gently placing a finger over her lips.
“Don’t even finish that sentence.” Max warned. “You are perfect in every way.”
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
“I don’t understand.” Liz replied. What else was there?
“I know I promised not to do this for a while, but you make it hard for me to keep that promise.” Max began, before dropping to one knee before her and holding out an open jewellery box containing a diamond ring.
“Liz Parker – will you marry me?” Max asked.
Cause you're all I want,
You're all I need
You're everything... everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything... everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything... everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
Everything… everything
Liz dropped to her knees as well and threw herself into Max’s arms, kissing him as tears ran down her face.
“Is that a yes?” Max asked between kisses.
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better, any better than this?
“Yes … it’s a yes.” Liz smiled.
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
"Do you see what we’ve done?
We’ve gone and made such fools of ourselves..."
Paramore - Decode
We’ve gone and made such fools of ourselves..."
Paramore - Decode
We have officially come to the end - and just in time too (just over 1 week to go until bubs is due to arrive). Thanks for all your support with this story, I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
The final song used in this story is 'What's the Deal?' by 28 Days.
Au revoir, arrivederci, see ya later alligators!
66
Twenty One years later …
“Our next guest is one of the most envied women on the planet. Not only is she married to six time crowned ‘Sexiest Man Alive’, twelve time Oscar nominated and nine time winner Max Evans, she is also has one of the most successful cooking shows on television rating higher than even Jamie Oliver, as well as a Pulitzer prize winner for her self-help book entitled ‘Against the Tide: Surviving sexual assault’ … Please put your hands together to welcome Liz Parker-Evans!” Oprah announced as Liz stepped onto the stage and greeted the audience, a walk she had done numerous times in the past twenty years.
“Welcome back to the show Liz.” Oprah began once they were both re-seated and the audience had become silent.
“Thanks for having me.” Liz smiled warmly.
“I understand congratulations are in order… you and Max are celebrating your 20 year wedding anniversary this month…”
“We are. Thank you.” Liz replied as the audience erupted with applause.
“Take us back to your wedding day twenty years ago…” Oprah prompted.
“It was a simple affair … just a few close friends and family …” Liz began.
“Liz! What are you doing holding Marcus in your dress?” Maria asked, bustling into Liz’s room where she was standing by the mirror in her wedding gown, holding Maria and Michael’s baby and not caring that he was currently dribbling all over her shoulder.
“Oh it’s just a little drool.” Liz dismissed Maria’s concerns, as Maria took Marcus away and placed him on the floor with some toys. “And besides, Max is going to have to get used to seeing me covered in baby spit and vomit…”
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Maria froze.
“8 weeks.” Liz smiled, patting her stomach.
Maria’s shocked face transformed into a beaming smile as she threw her arms around Liz.
“I can’t wait to tell Michael!” Maria said almost bolting from the room.
“Wait – I haven’t told Max yet.”
“Haven’t told Max what?” Serena asked as she walked into the room, dressed identically to Maria in her bridesmaid dress.
“That I’m pregnant.” Liz announced.
“Oh that.” Serena replied, indicating that she already knew.
Liz and Maria just looked at her in shock.
“What?” Serena shrugged. “As if I wouldn’t notice the various noises emanating from the bathroom each morning. It’s not a big apartment Roomy.”
After Maria’s wedding, Liz had quit her job at the Mango Leaf Café and returned with Max to LA where she had moved back in with Serena. Max had tried to persuade her to move in with him, but she was adamant that they wouldn’t live together until after the wedding. Besides, Liz had really missed Serena and wanted to catch up for some lost time.
“So when are you going to tell him?” Maria turned back to Liz.
“Tonight, after the reception.” Liz smiled, just picturing what Max’s reaction would be. She knew he would be ecstatic.
There was a knock at the door and Liz heard her mother’s voice call out that they had five minutes until they had to leave. Maria and Serena busily began the final touches including attaching Liz’s veil, before standing back to admire their handiwork.
“Well?” Liz asked, spinning before them for their seal of approval.
“Max is going to be blown away.” Serena replied, while Maria just nodded and dabbed the tissue in the corner of her eye where a tear threatened to ruin her makeup.
“Ready?” Serena asked as Liz took one last look in the mirror.
“Absolutely…” Liz smiled, heading for the door.
* * * * *
Liz walked the make-shift aisle from Max’s front door to his balcony overlooking the sea where they were holding the ceremony. In front of her stood Max with the priest and Michael and Alex by his side. The remainder of the balcony was filled with Liz’s mum, Max’s parents, Isabel, Amy, Jessica and a couple of Max’s long term business associates – less than twenty people in total to witness what would normally have constituted one of the most anticipated weddings of the year. The event had been kept secret, but Liz still breathed a sigh of relief that there were no helicopters in sight containing paparazzi hungry for the shot of the year.
As Liz followed Serena and Maria to the balcony, she saw nothing else but Max, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her either. Upon reaching the balcony, Serena and Maria stepped to the side, and Liz stood before Max. He immediately took her hand in his and leaned in to whisper in her ear how beautiful she looked.
“H-hmm.” The priest cleared his throat with a smile, indicating that he was waiting on them to stop making goo-goo eyes at each other so he could begin the ceremony. They immediately obeyed, although Max couldn’t resist spelling out the words ‘I Love You’ with his index finger on the palm of Liz’s hand that he still had firmly clasped. Liz replied by squeezing his hand tighter in hers.
“Dearly beloved. We are gathered together today to join this man and this woman together in holy matrimony…” The priest began the ceremony.
* * * * *
“I have a wedding present for you…” Liz announced. She and Max had finally said goodnight to the last of the wedding guests and had retired to Max’s, now their, bedroom. The following day they would fly to Italy to spend a few weeks in Tuscany, but right now Max was gently massaging Liz’s sore feet from having danced all night.
“I already have my wedding present.” Max replied.
“Yeah? What’s that?” Liz asked.
“You.” Max smiled, making his way up the bed to where Liz was lying, still in her dress, and leaning over and kissing her softly on the lips.
“Believe me, you are going to like this present just as much.” Liz replied.
“Okay.” Max replied, pulling away and closing his eyes and putting out his hand in expectation of having a gift placed into it.
Liz took Max’s hand and gently placed it on her forehead. Slowly she guided it down the bridge of her nose, over her lips and down her throat. She continued down her chest and watched Max as he raised his eyebrow suggestively at the thought of where she was going to stop. When Liz reached to the point just below her belly button she stopped and placed Max’s hand flat on her stomach. Max opened his eyes slowly, looked at his hand and then quickly back and Liz.
“Really?” Max breathed.
Liz quickly nodded, watching Max’s face as he began to beam.
“I’m going to be a dad?” Max confirmed.
“Yep.” Liz nodded.
Max immediately pulled Liz into a hug and then immediately dropped her back down again onto the bed.
“What?” Liz asked.
“We don’t want to squash the baby…” Max replied, gently stroking Liz’s stomach. “Sorry little guy.”
“And who says it’s going to be a boy?” Liz giggled.
“Call it fatherly instinct.” Max smiled.
“The day couldn’t have been more perfect.” Liz added.
“Seven months after your wedding you gave birth the first of four children, a boy named Jeffrey…” Oprah continued.
“We named him after my father who died a little over a year before he was born.” Liz explained. “He was followed by Alyssa and the twins, Ellie and Matthew.”
“Max used to joke that you were trying to have enough kids to start your own mixed netball team…” Oprah prompted.
“I’m not sure that he was actually joking.” Liz smiled. “He would have loved to have had more kids but I had to put my foot down after the birth of the twins.”
“Liz – a boy and a girl, aren’t they beautiful?” Max beamed as the doctor passed one to himself and held the other out to Liz. “Liz?”
“She’s haemoriging!” The doctor called out, as Max watched Liz’s eyes shut and her face turn white.
“Get him out of here.” The doctor motioned to a nurse to take Max out of the room and another to take the babies to the special care ward.
“Liz!” Max cried out, resisting the nurse from forcing him out of the room.
Half an hour and a worn out vinyl corridor later the doctor emerged and took of his surgical mask.
“How is she?” Max asked with bated breath.
“She lost a lot of blood but she’s in a stable condition. I’m afraid there was too much damage to the womb. She won’t be able to have any more children.”
“But other than that she’s going to be fine?” Max asked.
“Yes. She’s asking for you.” The doctor indicated that Max could go in and see Liz.
Max didn’t need to be told twice and rushed into the operating room where he found a couple of nurses fussing over Liz before stepping away to make room for Max by Liz’s side.
“Hey.” Max said, sitting down and taking Liz’s hand.
“Hey yourself.” Liz croaked from her dry throat.
“Can you promise me something?” Max asked.
“What’s that?” Liz asked.
“Never, ever do that to me again.” Max requested solemnly. “I don’t know what I would have done if anything had happened to you.”
“I promise.” Liz smiled. “How are our babies?”
“They’re fine.” Max replied. Being so worried about Liz, he hadn’t been up to see them in the ward, but a nurse had come down to tell him that they were fine and were waiting to meet their parents. Max hadn’t been able to bear the thought of seeing them without their mother by his side.
“Can we go and see them?” Liz asked, attempting to sit up, before the nurses immediately rushed over and encouraged Liz to lay back down, knowing that she would regret the move once the anaesthetic wore off.
“Can you do us a favour?” Max sweet talked one of the nurses. “Can you bring our children in to see their mother?”
“Of course.” The nurse blushed at being spoken directly to by Hollywood’s superstar, before rushing out of the room.
“Liz?” Max began more solemnly once the nurse had left the room. “I need to tell you something.”
“What?” Liz asked worried.
“The doctor said … he said that you won’t be able to have any more children. There was too much damage…”
Liz was silent for a moment, before telling Max that she was sorry.
“What are you sorry for?” Max asked.
“Because I know how much you wanted a big family.”
“I think our family is perfect the size it is.” Max replied, kissing Liz on the forehead.
“Thank God for that. I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to do this again anyway. There’s only so long a girl can go without being able to see her ankles. I miss them…” Liz smiled.
“After Jeffrey was born Max cut back on his commitments to spend more time with the family…” Oprah prompted.
“We had both been working so hard, Max with his back to back movies and me with the book. Once Jeffrey came along we just needed to take a step back and realise what was important to the both of us.” Liz explained.
“This is just what we needed…” Max sighed, looking up at the sky. He was lying on the beach with Liz by his side and two year old Jeffrey nearby playing in the sand.
The beer is ice cold
And it's sold
From a supermarket that keeps their prices down
This day is not pretentious or fake
Home town sun is shining
And it takes a day like this to make me understand
That you can't beat the sweet feeling of sand
Between your toes, this is how it goes
Down with a beer in my hand
“Mmm-hmm.” Liz replied, enjoying the peace and quiet from the solitude of four mile beach. They hadn’t been back to Port Douglas since leaving it almost two years earlier, and had flown in the previous day for two weeks of uninterrupted sun, sea and sand.
My best friend's to the left
She's closest to the esky
She passes me a Coopers
And she glistens in the sun
Babe you made a good call to take me from the fish bowl
Looks all cool on videos but sometimes it's no fun
It had been Liz’s idea to get away for a while. They had both been working so hard and juggling parenthood that they had been a little too stressed out. The movie scripts kept coming in, and for a while there had been some great roles that Max just couldn’t pass up – and Liz hadn’t wanted him too. But now they both needed to concentrate on their roles as parents to Jeffrey and their second child that was on the way.
(Oh that was so good)
It's all very good at first
All the beer and cocaine
I'm on the beach in the first verse
With my kid and no fame
And it just feels so very real
So I'm asking myself
Baby, what's the deal?
“What would you say if I told you I don’t care if I never make another movie – ever?” Max asked, rolling onto his side and addressing Liz.
I spent two years with the summer in my rear view
Now I'm looking through my shades
I've finally got a clear view
Of blue skies and wet sand
All this and how could you
Want any more than this
Tell me how can this be true?
“I’d say that would be a waste of your talent.” Liz replied.
“You don’t want me to be home more?” Max asked surprised.
“I’d love to have you home more.” Liz replied. “But it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing arrangement. I love watching you on the set, I love watching your movies, and you know what? When the kids grow up, they’re going to love seeing their dad’s movies too. I would hate for you to feel like you had to give it all up.”
(Oh that was so good)
It's all very good at first
All the beer and cocaine
I'm on the beach in the first verse
With my kid and no fame
And it just feels so very real
So I'm asking myself
Baby, what's the deal?
Asking myself what's the deal?
What's the deal?
“What if I want to give it up?” Max asked.
Liz just smiled. This conversation was typical of the conversation they would have on every holiday they took. Every time they spent a few days away, Max would decide that he was ready to give up acting for good, but as soon as they were back in LA, a great script would come in and he’d have that fever back again – itching to be back on the set.
“How about we make a pact?” Liz suggested. “You only take on one role each year – that’s generally three months of shooting and a month of publicity. The kids and I will travel with you wherever you need to go during that time and the rest of the year we can spend as a family in either LA or Australia.”
And it's like so hot
And I'm not no matter what you say
Ain't gonna stray from this wicked spot
I've frozen in Germany
And burnt up in Spain
Man, Amsterdam nearly fried my brain
So on the plane I had a day to think
About being here and sipping this drink
So I'm playing with my kid
Hanging with my girl
Watching my belly turn pink
“Deal.” Max replied, rolling over and kissing Liz before having sand poured down his back.
Liz and Max looked up to find Jeffrey with an empty bucket after having tipped it over his father’s head.
“Why you little ratbag!” Max teased, waiting for Jeffrey to giggle and start to run away before Max jumped up and picked up Jeffrey and spun him around until they both fell down dizzy.
(Oh that was so good)
It's all very good at first
All the beer and cocaine
I'm on the beach in the first verse
With my kid and no fame
And it just feels so very real
So I'm asking myself
Baby, what's the deal?
Asking myself
What's the deal?
Asking myself
What's the deal?
I’m asking what’s the deal?
Yeah
I’m asking myself what’s the deal?
Liz sat and watched Max and Jeffrey play together in the sand and felt a sense of contentment wash over her. The life she and Max had was amazing, and she knew, placing a hand on her stomach, that their lives were only going to get better.
“You’ve both had your fair share of paparazzi attention in the past. When the news hit the tabloids that Max had been caught cheating with his old flame Tess Harding not long after the twins were born, you stood by your husband.” Oprah began. “Was there any doubt in your mind about whether there was any truth to the rumours?”
Liz rolled out of bed to the sound of the doorbell. She had gotten about two hours sleep the night before with the twins, and was now trying to catch up some of that lost sleep while the twins happened to be timing their sleeps together for once. Max was currently in Asia doing a short publicity tour for his latest movie, and it was the first time in a long time that Liz hadn’t joined him.
“Coming!” Liz called as the doorbell rang for the second time and she pulled on her dressing gown.
As she opened the front door she was bombarded with flashes of cameras aimed at her face.
“Liz – any comment on the pictures that your husband was seen leaving a nightclub in Hong Kong with Tess Harding?” The paparazzi asked before she had a chance to slam the door.
Rushing to the television set, Liz didn’t have to scan through very many channels before she found the story. Sure enough, the images showed Max with his arm around Tess, walking out of a club and into a waiting taxi.
At that moment the phone rang, and worried that it was more reporters, Liz let the answering machine pick up the call.
“Hi Liz?” Max’s voice came through the answering machine speaker. “If you’re there, can you please pick up?”
Liz reached for the phone and placed the receiver to her ear, still watching the images flashing on the television set.
“I’m here.” Liz answered.
“Thank God. I need to warn you that there’s a horrible story about me all over the news…” Max began.
“I know. I’m watching it.” Liz replied.
“It’s not true Liz. Yes I was at the club and ran into Tess, but nothing happened – I swear.” Max said desperately. “You have to believe me.”
“I do believe you.” Liz replied.
“Y-you do?” Max replied, surprised. He’d seen the footage too and knew exactly what it looked like.
“Of course I do. I know that you would never do anything to hurt me or the kids.” Liz explained. “I trust you 100%.”
“I could never hurt you. I love all of you too much.” Max replied.
“But Max … what was she doing there?” Liz had to ask.
“I don’t know – up to her usual tactics I guess. She made a pass at me, I turned her down, she got drunk and I helped put her into a taxi to take her back to her hotel before she did something she would no doubt regret. I saw her off at her hotel and got the taxi driver to take me to mine. Nothing happened. I’m going to get Michael to obtain the hotel footage to prove it…” Max explained.
“When he’s finished that, can you get him around here to clear away the paparazzi? I don’t want them to wake the twins.” Liz said before yawning.
“Rough night?” Max asked, sensing Liz’s tiredness.
“I’m alright. Just come back soon okay?” Liz asked.
“I promise I will. I miss you all so much.” Max replied.
“We miss you too. Jeffrey’s been asking for you every five minutes and Alyssa refuses to eat the pancakes I made her for breakfast because I don’t make them as well as you.” Liz smiled at the memory of Alyssa’s tantrum.
“And who’s supposed to be the cook in the family?” Max laughed. “Tell them both I’ll be home soon and give the twins each a kiss for me.”
“I will. I love you.” Liz said.
“I love you too Liz.” Max replied.
“None whatsoever.” Liz replied adamantly. “I have absolute faith in my husband and believe in the sanctity of our marriage as much as he does.”
“One last question before we have to go. If you could change one thing in your life – what would it be?” Oprah asked.
Sean’s face immediately flashed into her mind but she dismissed it as soon as it had come. If Sean hadn’t done what he had, she would have never left Australia and she would have never met Max. She wouldn’t have her children or her friends. She didn’t know what type of life she would have led, and she didn’t want to know. All she knew is that her life was perfect the way it was.
“Absolutely nothing.” Liz smiled.
The final song used in this story is 'What's the Deal?' by 28 Days.
Au revoir, arrivederci, see ya later alligators!
66
Twenty One years later …
“Our next guest is one of the most envied women on the planet. Not only is she married to six time crowned ‘Sexiest Man Alive’, twelve time Oscar nominated and nine time winner Max Evans, she is also has one of the most successful cooking shows on television rating higher than even Jamie Oliver, as well as a Pulitzer prize winner for her self-help book entitled ‘Against the Tide: Surviving sexual assault’ … Please put your hands together to welcome Liz Parker-Evans!” Oprah announced as Liz stepped onto the stage and greeted the audience, a walk she had done numerous times in the past twenty years.
“Welcome back to the show Liz.” Oprah began once they were both re-seated and the audience had become silent.
“Thanks for having me.” Liz smiled warmly.
“I understand congratulations are in order… you and Max are celebrating your 20 year wedding anniversary this month…”
“We are. Thank you.” Liz replied as the audience erupted with applause.
“Take us back to your wedding day twenty years ago…” Oprah prompted.
“It was a simple affair … just a few close friends and family …” Liz began.
“Liz! What are you doing holding Marcus in your dress?” Maria asked, bustling into Liz’s room where she was standing by the mirror in her wedding gown, holding Maria and Michael’s baby and not caring that he was currently dribbling all over her shoulder.
“Oh it’s just a little drool.” Liz dismissed Maria’s concerns, as Maria took Marcus away and placed him on the floor with some toys. “And besides, Max is going to have to get used to seeing me covered in baby spit and vomit…”
“Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Maria froze.
“8 weeks.” Liz smiled, patting her stomach.
Maria’s shocked face transformed into a beaming smile as she threw her arms around Liz.
“I can’t wait to tell Michael!” Maria said almost bolting from the room.
“Wait – I haven’t told Max yet.”
“Haven’t told Max what?” Serena asked as she walked into the room, dressed identically to Maria in her bridesmaid dress.
“That I’m pregnant.” Liz announced.
“Oh that.” Serena replied, indicating that she already knew.
Liz and Maria just looked at her in shock.
“What?” Serena shrugged. “As if I wouldn’t notice the various noises emanating from the bathroom each morning. It’s not a big apartment Roomy.”
After Maria’s wedding, Liz had quit her job at the Mango Leaf Café and returned with Max to LA where she had moved back in with Serena. Max had tried to persuade her to move in with him, but she was adamant that they wouldn’t live together until after the wedding. Besides, Liz had really missed Serena and wanted to catch up for some lost time.
“So when are you going to tell him?” Maria turned back to Liz.
“Tonight, after the reception.” Liz smiled, just picturing what Max’s reaction would be. She knew he would be ecstatic.
There was a knock at the door and Liz heard her mother’s voice call out that they had five minutes until they had to leave. Maria and Serena busily began the final touches including attaching Liz’s veil, before standing back to admire their handiwork.
“Well?” Liz asked, spinning before them for their seal of approval.
“Max is going to be blown away.” Serena replied, while Maria just nodded and dabbed the tissue in the corner of her eye where a tear threatened to ruin her makeup.
“Ready?” Serena asked as Liz took one last look in the mirror.
“Absolutely…” Liz smiled, heading for the door.
* * * * *
Liz walked the make-shift aisle from Max’s front door to his balcony overlooking the sea where they were holding the ceremony. In front of her stood Max with the priest and Michael and Alex by his side. The remainder of the balcony was filled with Liz’s mum, Max’s parents, Isabel, Amy, Jessica and a couple of Max’s long term business associates – less than twenty people in total to witness what would normally have constituted one of the most anticipated weddings of the year. The event had been kept secret, but Liz still breathed a sigh of relief that there were no helicopters in sight containing paparazzi hungry for the shot of the year.
As Liz followed Serena and Maria to the balcony, she saw nothing else but Max, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her either. Upon reaching the balcony, Serena and Maria stepped to the side, and Liz stood before Max. He immediately took her hand in his and leaned in to whisper in her ear how beautiful she looked.
“H-hmm.” The priest cleared his throat with a smile, indicating that he was waiting on them to stop making goo-goo eyes at each other so he could begin the ceremony. They immediately obeyed, although Max couldn’t resist spelling out the words ‘I Love You’ with his index finger on the palm of Liz’s hand that he still had firmly clasped. Liz replied by squeezing his hand tighter in hers.
“Dearly beloved. We are gathered together today to join this man and this woman together in holy matrimony…” The priest began the ceremony.
* * * * *
“I have a wedding present for you…” Liz announced. She and Max had finally said goodnight to the last of the wedding guests and had retired to Max’s, now their, bedroom. The following day they would fly to Italy to spend a few weeks in Tuscany, but right now Max was gently massaging Liz’s sore feet from having danced all night.
“I already have my wedding present.” Max replied.
“Yeah? What’s that?” Liz asked.
“You.” Max smiled, making his way up the bed to where Liz was lying, still in her dress, and leaning over and kissing her softly on the lips.
“Believe me, you are going to like this present just as much.” Liz replied.
“Okay.” Max replied, pulling away and closing his eyes and putting out his hand in expectation of having a gift placed into it.
Liz took Max’s hand and gently placed it on her forehead. Slowly she guided it down the bridge of her nose, over her lips and down her throat. She continued down her chest and watched Max as he raised his eyebrow suggestively at the thought of where she was going to stop. When Liz reached to the point just below her belly button she stopped and placed Max’s hand flat on her stomach. Max opened his eyes slowly, looked at his hand and then quickly back and Liz.
“Really?” Max breathed.
Liz quickly nodded, watching Max’s face as he began to beam.
“I’m going to be a dad?” Max confirmed.
“Yep.” Liz nodded.
Max immediately pulled Liz into a hug and then immediately dropped her back down again onto the bed.
“What?” Liz asked.
“We don’t want to squash the baby…” Max replied, gently stroking Liz’s stomach. “Sorry little guy.”
“And who says it’s going to be a boy?” Liz giggled.
“Call it fatherly instinct.” Max smiled.
“The day couldn’t have been more perfect.” Liz added.
“Seven months after your wedding you gave birth the first of four children, a boy named Jeffrey…” Oprah continued.
“We named him after my father who died a little over a year before he was born.” Liz explained. “He was followed by Alyssa and the twins, Ellie and Matthew.”
“Max used to joke that you were trying to have enough kids to start your own mixed netball team…” Oprah prompted.
“I’m not sure that he was actually joking.” Liz smiled. “He would have loved to have had more kids but I had to put my foot down after the birth of the twins.”
“Liz – a boy and a girl, aren’t they beautiful?” Max beamed as the doctor passed one to himself and held the other out to Liz. “Liz?”
“She’s haemoriging!” The doctor called out, as Max watched Liz’s eyes shut and her face turn white.
“Get him out of here.” The doctor motioned to a nurse to take Max out of the room and another to take the babies to the special care ward.
“Liz!” Max cried out, resisting the nurse from forcing him out of the room.
Half an hour and a worn out vinyl corridor later the doctor emerged and took of his surgical mask.
“How is she?” Max asked with bated breath.
“She lost a lot of blood but she’s in a stable condition. I’m afraid there was too much damage to the womb. She won’t be able to have any more children.”
“But other than that she’s going to be fine?” Max asked.
“Yes. She’s asking for you.” The doctor indicated that Max could go in and see Liz.
Max didn’t need to be told twice and rushed into the operating room where he found a couple of nurses fussing over Liz before stepping away to make room for Max by Liz’s side.
“Hey.” Max said, sitting down and taking Liz’s hand.
“Hey yourself.” Liz croaked from her dry throat.
“Can you promise me something?” Max asked.
“What’s that?” Liz asked.
“Never, ever do that to me again.” Max requested solemnly. “I don’t know what I would have done if anything had happened to you.”
“I promise.” Liz smiled. “How are our babies?”
“They’re fine.” Max replied. Being so worried about Liz, he hadn’t been up to see them in the ward, but a nurse had come down to tell him that they were fine and were waiting to meet their parents. Max hadn’t been able to bear the thought of seeing them without their mother by his side.
“Can we go and see them?” Liz asked, attempting to sit up, before the nurses immediately rushed over and encouraged Liz to lay back down, knowing that she would regret the move once the anaesthetic wore off.
“Can you do us a favour?” Max sweet talked one of the nurses. “Can you bring our children in to see their mother?”
“Of course.” The nurse blushed at being spoken directly to by Hollywood’s superstar, before rushing out of the room.
“Liz?” Max began more solemnly once the nurse had left the room. “I need to tell you something.”
“What?” Liz asked worried.
“The doctor said … he said that you won’t be able to have any more children. There was too much damage…”
Liz was silent for a moment, before telling Max that she was sorry.
“What are you sorry for?” Max asked.
“Because I know how much you wanted a big family.”
“I think our family is perfect the size it is.” Max replied, kissing Liz on the forehead.
“Thank God for that. I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to do this again anyway. There’s only so long a girl can go without being able to see her ankles. I miss them…” Liz smiled.
“After Jeffrey was born Max cut back on his commitments to spend more time with the family…” Oprah prompted.
“We had both been working so hard, Max with his back to back movies and me with the book. Once Jeffrey came along we just needed to take a step back and realise what was important to the both of us.” Liz explained.
“This is just what we needed…” Max sighed, looking up at the sky. He was lying on the beach with Liz by his side and two year old Jeffrey nearby playing in the sand.
The beer is ice cold
And it's sold
From a supermarket that keeps their prices down
This day is not pretentious or fake
Home town sun is shining
And it takes a day like this to make me understand
That you can't beat the sweet feeling of sand
Between your toes, this is how it goes
Down with a beer in my hand
“Mmm-hmm.” Liz replied, enjoying the peace and quiet from the solitude of four mile beach. They hadn’t been back to Port Douglas since leaving it almost two years earlier, and had flown in the previous day for two weeks of uninterrupted sun, sea and sand.
My best friend's to the left
She's closest to the esky
She passes me a Coopers
And she glistens in the sun
Babe you made a good call to take me from the fish bowl
Looks all cool on videos but sometimes it's no fun
It had been Liz’s idea to get away for a while. They had both been working so hard and juggling parenthood that they had been a little too stressed out. The movie scripts kept coming in, and for a while there had been some great roles that Max just couldn’t pass up – and Liz hadn’t wanted him too. But now they both needed to concentrate on their roles as parents to Jeffrey and their second child that was on the way.
(Oh that was so good)
It's all very good at first
All the beer and cocaine
I'm on the beach in the first verse
With my kid and no fame
And it just feels so very real
So I'm asking myself
Baby, what's the deal?
“What would you say if I told you I don’t care if I never make another movie – ever?” Max asked, rolling onto his side and addressing Liz.
I spent two years with the summer in my rear view
Now I'm looking through my shades
I've finally got a clear view
Of blue skies and wet sand
All this and how could you
Want any more than this
Tell me how can this be true?
“I’d say that would be a waste of your talent.” Liz replied.
“You don’t want me to be home more?” Max asked surprised.
“I’d love to have you home more.” Liz replied. “But it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing arrangement. I love watching you on the set, I love watching your movies, and you know what? When the kids grow up, they’re going to love seeing their dad’s movies too. I would hate for you to feel like you had to give it all up.”
(Oh that was so good)
It's all very good at first
All the beer and cocaine
I'm on the beach in the first verse
With my kid and no fame
And it just feels so very real
So I'm asking myself
Baby, what's the deal?
Asking myself what's the deal?
What's the deal?
“What if I want to give it up?” Max asked.
Liz just smiled. This conversation was typical of the conversation they would have on every holiday they took. Every time they spent a few days away, Max would decide that he was ready to give up acting for good, but as soon as they were back in LA, a great script would come in and he’d have that fever back again – itching to be back on the set.
“How about we make a pact?” Liz suggested. “You only take on one role each year – that’s generally three months of shooting and a month of publicity. The kids and I will travel with you wherever you need to go during that time and the rest of the year we can spend as a family in either LA or Australia.”
And it's like so hot
And I'm not no matter what you say
Ain't gonna stray from this wicked spot
I've frozen in Germany
And burnt up in Spain
Man, Amsterdam nearly fried my brain
So on the plane I had a day to think
About being here and sipping this drink
So I'm playing with my kid
Hanging with my girl
Watching my belly turn pink
“Deal.” Max replied, rolling over and kissing Liz before having sand poured down his back.
Liz and Max looked up to find Jeffrey with an empty bucket after having tipped it over his father’s head.
“Why you little ratbag!” Max teased, waiting for Jeffrey to giggle and start to run away before Max jumped up and picked up Jeffrey and spun him around until they both fell down dizzy.
(Oh that was so good)
It's all very good at first
All the beer and cocaine
I'm on the beach in the first verse
With my kid and no fame
And it just feels so very real
So I'm asking myself
Baby, what's the deal?
Asking myself
What's the deal?
Asking myself
What's the deal?
I’m asking what’s the deal?
Yeah
I’m asking myself what’s the deal?
Liz sat and watched Max and Jeffrey play together in the sand and felt a sense of contentment wash over her. The life she and Max had was amazing, and she knew, placing a hand on her stomach, that their lives were only going to get better.
“You’ve both had your fair share of paparazzi attention in the past. When the news hit the tabloids that Max had been caught cheating with his old flame Tess Harding not long after the twins were born, you stood by your husband.” Oprah began. “Was there any doubt in your mind about whether there was any truth to the rumours?”
Liz rolled out of bed to the sound of the doorbell. She had gotten about two hours sleep the night before with the twins, and was now trying to catch up some of that lost sleep while the twins happened to be timing their sleeps together for once. Max was currently in Asia doing a short publicity tour for his latest movie, and it was the first time in a long time that Liz hadn’t joined him.
“Coming!” Liz called as the doorbell rang for the second time and she pulled on her dressing gown.
As she opened the front door she was bombarded with flashes of cameras aimed at her face.
“Liz – any comment on the pictures that your husband was seen leaving a nightclub in Hong Kong with Tess Harding?” The paparazzi asked before she had a chance to slam the door.
Rushing to the television set, Liz didn’t have to scan through very many channels before she found the story. Sure enough, the images showed Max with his arm around Tess, walking out of a club and into a waiting taxi.
At that moment the phone rang, and worried that it was more reporters, Liz let the answering machine pick up the call.
“Hi Liz?” Max’s voice came through the answering machine speaker. “If you’re there, can you please pick up?”
Liz reached for the phone and placed the receiver to her ear, still watching the images flashing on the television set.
“I’m here.” Liz answered.
“Thank God. I need to warn you that there’s a horrible story about me all over the news…” Max began.
“I know. I’m watching it.” Liz replied.
“It’s not true Liz. Yes I was at the club and ran into Tess, but nothing happened – I swear.” Max said desperately. “You have to believe me.”
“I do believe you.” Liz replied.
“Y-you do?” Max replied, surprised. He’d seen the footage too and knew exactly what it looked like.
“Of course I do. I know that you would never do anything to hurt me or the kids.” Liz explained. “I trust you 100%.”
“I could never hurt you. I love all of you too much.” Max replied.
“But Max … what was she doing there?” Liz had to ask.
“I don’t know – up to her usual tactics I guess. She made a pass at me, I turned her down, she got drunk and I helped put her into a taxi to take her back to her hotel before she did something she would no doubt regret. I saw her off at her hotel and got the taxi driver to take me to mine. Nothing happened. I’m going to get Michael to obtain the hotel footage to prove it…” Max explained.
“When he’s finished that, can you get him around here to clear away the paparazzi? I don’t want them to wake the twins.” Liz said before yawning.
“Rough night?” Max asked, sensing Liz’s tiredness.
“I’m alright. Just come back soon okay?” Liz asked.
“I promise I will. I miss you all so much.” Max replied.
“We miss you too. Jeffrey’s been asking for you every five minutes and Alyssa refuses to eat the pancakes I made her for breakfast because I don’t make them as well as you.” Liz smiled at the memory of Alyssa’s tantrum.
“And who’s supposed to be the cook in the family?” Max laughed. “Tell them both I’ll be home soon and give the twins each a kiss for me.”
“I will. I love you.” Liz said.
“I love you too Liz.” Max replied.
“None whatsoever.” Liz replied adamantly. “I have absolute faith in my husband and believe in the sanctity of our marriage as much as he does.”
“One last question before we have to go. If you could change one thing in your life – what would it be?” Oprah asked.
Sean’s face immediately flashed into her mind but she dismissed it as soon as it had come. If Sean hadn’t done what he had, she would have never left Australia and she would have never met Max. She wouldn’t have her children or her friends. She didn’t know what type of life she would have led, and she didn’t want to know. All she knew is that her life was perfect the way it was.
“Absolutely nothing.” Liz smiled.
"Do you see what we’ve done?
We’ve gone and made such fools of ourselves..."
Paramore - Decode
We’ve gone and made such fools of ourselves..."
Paramore - Decode