Be My Escape (AU M/L ADULT) [COMPLETE]

[Icequeen]

~~Chapter 21~~

It was the night of the new exhibit and Max was a wreck. He had been at the museum all morning. He looked at his watch and realized that he only had 2 hours to go home shower and change. He took one last look around and headed home.

“I’m going home to change. Call me on my cell if you need me.” He said to Mia as he headed out.

“Do you have a date for tonight?” She asked leaning against the door.

“Yes I’m bringing my girlfriend Liz.” He wondered why she asked him that since they went over the fact that he is with someone.

“Oh.” He didn’t notice the disappointed look on her face.

“Ok well if that’s all I really need to go home and change.” He waited to see if she needed something else.

“No that’s all. See you tonight.” She smiled and walked away to check on things.

When Max came home Liz was just finishing getting ready.

“Sorry I’m late. I’ll be out in a minute.” He kissed her quickly and jumped in the shower. A few minutes later he was getting dressed.

“Do I look ok?” She asked having never been to anything this fancy before.

“You look breathtaking. No one will be able to keep their eyes off you.” He winked at her.

“Oh stop it. With all that beautiful artwork there I doubt that.” She laughed.

“Ok I’m ready.” He said tying his tie.

“Me too. Are you nervous?” She asked as they made their way to the car.

“No not really. As long as you are there I’ll be fine.” He kissed her hand as he pulled out onto traffic.

The drove in silence to the museum. Liz knew he had a lot on his mind and wanted him to relax. They arrived and Max handed the keys to the valet.

“Wow it looks great.” Liz beamed when she saw the banners hanging on the outside advertising the exhibit.

“Wait till you see the inside.” He smiled and took her hand as they walked inside.

He was greeted by his boss as well as some collectors. He introduced Liz to everyone and she was welcomed warmly. He didn’t notice Mia across the room watching their every move. Finally after all the introductions and congratulations they had a moment alone.

“I’m so proud of you. Everything is perfect.” Liz said smiling proudly.

“Thank you. I’m glad you got to see it.” He leaned in for a quick kiss. When he looked up he saw Mia standing in front of him.

“Hi you must be Liz. I’m Mia.” She extended her hand to shake Liz’s.

“Hello.” Liz wondered how she knew her name.

“I’m sorry this is my new assistant Mia Valentino.” Max formally introduced them.

Liz looked at Max wondering why he never mentioned it to her before. She would ask him about it later.

The rest of the night Liz stood by Max’s side as he mingled with the guests. She loved seeing him talk about something he was so passionate about. Every now and then someone would ask Liz a question about art. Most of the time she was able to answer without looking like a complete fool. Liz also noticed that wherever they were Mia was not too far behind. She seemed to be following them all night. She also caught her staring at Max a few times.

Liz had never been worried about Max cheating but something about Mia made her uncomfortable. She was everything that Liz wasn’t. She was supermodel tall with beautiful olive skin, piercing green eyes and long flowing black hair. On top of her looks she had brains. She just got her degree is Art history.

Max held Liz’s hand the whole night occasionally wrapping his arm around her waist. She loved the feel of his strong arms around her and hoped that Mia would see that they were in love.

~~

“Man my feet are killing me.” Liz sat on the bed taking off her heels. She was on her feet the whole night.

“Want a massage?” Max sat next to her and pulled her feet onto his lap.

“You don’t have to. I’m sure you’re tired too.” She didn’t want him to stop. It felt good.

“Actually I’m not tired. Did you have a good time? I’m sorry if you were bored.”

“I had a great time. I learned a lot tonight.” She laughed.

“Max?” She asked while he was rubbing her feet

“Yeah.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about Mia?” She felt him stop rubbing her feet.

“There was nothing to say. She’s my assistant that’s all. I’ve been so busy I guess I forgot besides it’s not important.”

“Not important?” She pulled her feet off his lap and sat up straight.

“Amore what’s the problem? Lots of people have assistants it’s not a big deal.” He stood up and walked after her.

“Yes I’m sure lots of people do. I wonder if they all look like they stepped out of vogue.” She walked into the bathroom.

“You’re joking right?” He followed her. She was being unreasonable about this.

“You think this is funny?” she glared at him hands on her hips.

“No. Not at all. I think you’re crazy. I don’t care what she looks like. I didn’t even want an assistant. As long as she stays out of my way I’m fine. You are the only one that I want. If there ever comes a day that I don’t want to be with you, which there won’t, I wouldn’t cheat on you. I would tell you.” He pulled her in for a hug.

“I’m sorry. I just got jealous. She’s so beautiful and she knows all about art and she was looking at you all night.”

“Who cares if she knows about art? And let her look. She can’t have me, she won’t have me.” He tried to make her feel better. He knew that Mia was going to be a problem. He had to figure out a way to get her away from him. He had a feeling that this wouldn’t be the last conversation they would have about Mia.

~~
1 month later

“Calm down will you. You’re going to give it all away. Get your self together you’re a wreck.”

“I’m trying to jeez I can’t help it if I’m nervous I’ve never done this before.”

“Unfortunately you have.” She reminded him.

“Well this is different. Your not helping ok! I’m going home.” He took his things and walked out.

“Wait! Don’t go home just yet. You need to relax a little. Go for a drive or something you’re going to give yourself away. I’ll call you later ok” She watched him get into his car and pull away.

“He is such a mess.” She laughed.

~~

“Hey your home early.” Liz kissed him hello. It had been 2 months since they got back and they were in a comfortable routine. Liz was working with Isabelle getting back into marketing. Bella had really thrown herself into her work and was expanding her business. Max was still at the gallery and still loved it.

Liz talked to Maria often and she and Michael were planning on coming to visit next month. Michael had proposed to Maria last month. She called Liz the minute he slipped the ring on her finger. They hadn’t set a date yet, Maria was just happy that he actually proposed.

“Why is it so urgent that we have dinner with your parents tonight?” Liz asked. They would have dinner with Max’s parents once a week but that was usually on Tuesdays. They would take the train up since it was only an hour and half each way. Tonight was Saturday it was their date night. No matter what was going on they would always spend the whole day together.

“They didn’t say; they just wanted us to come. Bella is coming to.” He went to the bedroom to get ready.

“Why are you getting dressed this early?” They had more then enough time before they had to be there.

“I have to run an errand so I’m getting dressed now. I’ll be back in time don’t worry.” He jumped in the shower.

“Something is up with him.” Liz thought as she walked to the kitchen to get a drink. She decided to call Maria since she hadn’t talked to her in a few days. After a few rings the answering machine came on and she left a message. She called Michael’s cell and no answer either.

A few moments later Max came out of the bedroom hair dripping wet. He was trying to find his wallet.

“What has gotten into you? Why are you in such a rush? We can cancel if you want.”

“No!” He hadn’t meant to shout but there was no way they were going to cancel. ”Sorry didn’t mean to yell. I’m not in a rush, everything is fine. I’ll be back soon.” He kissed her cheek and rushed out.

“Sorry I’m late.” He kissed her on the cheek and grabbed her bag.

“As you should be. Does she know?” She asked as they walked to get her things.

“No she has no clue.” they walked to his car.

“Damn you must be avoiding her then. I was sure you would get caught after the way you sounded on the phone the other day.” She laughed.

“Ha ha ha. Everything is under control. Don’t worry about it.”

~~

“That was fast.” Liz said as Max walked in the door.

“Told you I wouldn’t be gone long. You almost ready?”

“Yeah just let me get my shoes on then we can go.”

They stepped out of the house and Max walked to the car.

“What are you doing? We always take a cab to the station.” She looked at him strangely

“I know but I thought we could drive there this time that way we don’t have to wait when we get back.” He smirked at her hoping that she bought it.

“Ok?” She got into the car and they drove off.

“What’s up with you today?” She asked.

“Nothing why?”

“Well you’ve been on like 5 errands today alone not to mention all the errands you’ve had all week and you’re going the opposite direction of the train station.” She pointed to the signs.

“Shit!” He thought. He didn’t think she would notice.

“Umm I have to pick someone up.” That was all he could think of. “I’m busted.” He thought.

“Who?” She knew that Bella was close to his parent’s house and they wouldn’t be bringing any guests for dinner.

“A uh friend from work. He wants to talk to my mother about a painting.” Max knew she would see right through his crap. It was total B.S.

“Really?” She said thinking that he was lying his ass off. She would just go along till he came clean. They had to stop somewhere soon. In the meantime she would keep asking him questions about his so called friend.

“Who is it?” She asked.

“Who is who?” He looked over at her.

“The friend. Who is it?”

“Oh umm.” He couldn’t think of one name. Not one person came to mind. “What an idiot.” He thought

“Antonio.” He blurted out.

“Right.” Now she knew he was lying. Max never socialized with him outside of work. There was no way he would invite him to his parent’s house. That plus the fact that this was a special dinner that had been called upon by his mother. She wouldn’t do it to discuss work that’s for sure.

Max drove on going as fast as he could so she wouldn’t ask anymore questions. He hated lying to her but hoped that all would be forgiven soon.

“Where does he live?” She asked loving seeing him squirm trying to come up with an answer. When he named a street Liz broke out in laughter.

“What?” He asked not getting the joke.

“You are the world’s worst liar. There are no houses or apartments on that street. Only restaurants. You should know that. Now, tell me what is going on and don’t you dare lie to me.” She crossed her arms over her chest waiting for an answer.

“Amore just give me a few minutes ok? I promise you will know then. Trust me ok?”

They drove for a few more minutes and were finally there. Max found a parking place and they got out of the car.

“Now can I know what’s going on?” She asked as they crossed the street.

“Just a minute.” He laughed at how anxious she was.

“Max this place is closed. You should know that.” She said when they stood in front of a restaurant that they frequented regularly.

“Just follow me.” He held her hand and turned the doorknob. The place was dark and did look like it was closed.

“Max?” She asked unsure of what was going on. The place was pitch dark and he was fumbling for the light switch. When he flicked the lights on the place was decorated with tiny white lights resembling the stars in the sky. There was only one table in the middle of the restaurant with a red table cloth. There were white roses on a simple vase in the middle of the table.

“What is all this?” She asked taken back but the beauty of it all.

“I wanted to do something special for you.” He glanced towards the kitchen and knew that everything was set.

“Everything is just so beautiful.” She felt tears in her eyes. He led her over to the table and held out the chair for her.

“You’re not sitting?” She asked when he just stood next to her chair fidgeting with something. Suddenly he got down on one knee and Liz lost it. Tears started rolling down her face like someone turned on a faucet suddenly.

“Don’t cry baby.” He wiped the tears from her face.

“Liz. You gave me a reason to be, to live and to feel love. I breathe your love: it is my air.” He stopped for a minute trying to get himself together. He has been preparing this for months and he was going to finish it.

“I can only hope to be able to wake up everyday to the sound of your breath on my neck to the warmth of your lips on mine to the touch of your fingers on my skin, and the feel of your heart beating next to mine. I lose myself within your love; I live within your heart.” He had her hands pressed against his chest. “You bring a joy to my heart, I've never felt before. Elizabeth Parker will you marry me?” He pulled out a small box from his jacket and held it open waiting for her answer.

She was speechless. She knew the answer but for some reason couldn’t find her voice. She looked into his eyes, his beautiful amber eyes and said the word.

“Yes.” It was barely a whisper but she knew he heard it. He stood up and hugged her tightly. They held each other for a few moments. And he slipped the ring on her finger.

“You ready to eat?” He asked still feeling anxious. They sat at the table waiting for their meal to come out. The first course was brought out and Liz almost choked on her wine.

“Maria!” She screeched. “What are you doing here?”

“You think I would miss this? I had been hoping for this day since you first come to Italy.” She winked and set down the plates. When Maria walked away Liz was surprised.

“Where did she go?” Liz asked.

“She’ll be back.” Max said as if it was nothing. A few moments later Michael appeared with another wine bottle.

“Oh my God Michael!” She stood up to hug him.

“Congratulations.” He said to them both.

“What is going on? Who else is here?” She looked around for anyone else.

Moments later Bella came out followed by Max’s parents. They all sat down to dinner and gave their congratulations to the couple.

“When did you plan all this?” Liz leaned over and asked him. This was the best night of her life.

“My errands.” He winked at her. They laughed and talked for hours until Max’s parents decided to head home. They still had a two hour drive back.

“Thank you so much for coming.” Liz hugged his parents as they were leaving.

“It was our pleasure honey. Welcome to the family.” They kissed her on both cheeks and left.

“Where are you guys staying?” She asked Michael and Maria.

“Max set us up at a local hotel so we have all day tomorrow just you and me.” Maria said.

“I wasn’t expecting you for another month.”

“I know but Max called and I re arraigned my schedule so I have 2 weeks to spend with you. Michael has to head back in a week for work though.”

They all helped clean up, one of the conditions of being able to use the place tonight and headed out.

“Who is that?” Max asked when he saw someone wave to Bella from across the street.

“That’s Alex Whitman. I’ve been seeing him for the past few weeks.” Bella said waving back to him.

“Why didn’t you invite him tonight?” Liz asked.

“Tonight was about family.”

“Well bring him by the house sometime I want to meet him.” Max said in a brotherly tone.

“Max please. I’ll bring him by but don’t get all brotherly on me.” She laughed. It had been so long since Bella was in a relationship Max wanted her to be careful.

“Love you. Bye.” She hugged them all and got into the car.

“She looks happy.” Liz said as Max stood on the street corner watching the car drive down the road.

“Yes she does.” Liz nudged him to walk towards the car.

“What’s wrong?” She asked sensing he was preoccupied.

“Nothing.” He didn’t want to tell her that he had a bad feeling about that guy. He shrugged it off and blamed it on him being over protective of Bella.

“Let’s head home and properly celebrate.” He winked at her and started up the car.

~~

They were married 4 months later. They wanted it to go to the court and get it done but Isabella would have none of it. She wanted to properly plan the wedding down to every detail. She worked like crazy to pull everything off but she did it. The ceremony was moderate with about 100 guests. Mostly Max’s family and co workers. Maria and Michael came but had to leave a few days later.

Max and Liz walked out from the reception hall and towards the limo. Their guests followed and were waving them off.

“Everything was beautiful. Thank you.” Liz hugged Bella for the 100th time that night.

“It was my pleasure.” She said adjusting Liz’s dress.

“Thank you.” Max hugged her.

“Go. You are going to miss your flight.” She kissed him on the cheek and watched them get into the limo.

When the limo pulled out Bella noticed a black Mercedes across the street. Someone rolled the window up and took off behind the limo.

“That’s strange. It almost looked like…..” She was pulled out of her thought when her mother called her to come back inside.

“Any regrets?” He asked as they boarded the plane to Greece.

“None. You?” She asked settling on the back bench while she took her shoes off.

“None whatsoever. Everyday you have been in my life you have brought be joy. I don’t regret a single moment even if they all haven’t been the best. It’s what makes us who we are and what makes our relationship strong.

“I love you Massimilio Evans”

“And I you Elizabeth Evans.” He said as he brought her feet up to rest on his legs and began massaging them.

“That’s Elizabeth Parker Evans.”

END

As you can tell there are a few things that were left up in the air like Jackson’s body and the mystery man that bought the house. The reason is that I plan on doing a sequel to this. I don’t have a title yet but I know pretty much where I want to go with it. It should be up in a month or so. I have to get a few parts written out before I post so I don’t leave you guys hanging. Thank you all for reading this was my first finished fic and I loved writing it and reading your comments. I hope to see you all when I post the sequel.