Roswell Fanatics

Thanks for all the feedback as usual

Due to popular demand (2 people counts as popular right?) I'm posting this week (albeit 2 days late). Also thanks to my husband who decided to stay at work until... what is the time now... 9:38pm and counting - which gave me time to write.

But, because I'm still feeling a little uninspired (that jumping ahead 6 month thing is looking good right about now), I've also padded it out with some tunes so it looks longer than it really is! So in order, we have 'Where Would We Be' by Good Charlotte, one verse of 'Adelaide' by Ben Folds and 'Gamble Everything for Love' by Ben Lee.

Enjoy!


54

“So … are you all packed?” Maria asked, walking into Liz’s bedroom as she was zipping up her suitcase.

“I think so.” Liz replied, taking one last look around her bedroom. She really hadn’t been expecting to be leaving so soon, but she couldn’t stay here with all the attention she was getting from the media. She needed air – room to breathe so she could think through things properly.

“You’re travelling light.” Maria observed, as she lifted up Liz’s suitcase.

“Maria – put that down. You’re pregnant and shouldn’t be lifting heavy things.” Liz said, taking the suitcase from Maria. “And yes, I figured if I was taking the bus I shouldn’t take any more than I could carry on my own.”

“Well, Michael’s waiting outside with the car. We’re going to drive you to the bus station.” Maria offered.

“Thanks Maria. That’d be great.” Liz replied, grateful that she could delay the goodbyes for a little longer. She had already said goodbye to her mum, who had left earlier to go to a yoga class – apparently something Amy was trying to get her into to help her through her ‘grief process’. Her mother hadn’t left though without having Liz promise to call her every day, and Liz was actually looking forward to the prospect of getting to know her mother better without having to share the same house. It was just weird to be living back at home after so many years away – especially without her dad around.

“Let’s go.” Maria said, interrupting Liz’s thoughts and heading to the car.

Ten minutes later, after they had successfully escaped the paparazzi, who hadn’t let up on the vigil outside her house despite Max’s apparent complaint about them on the radio that morning, they were on their way, but not in the direction of the city bus station.

“Where are we going?” Liz asked from the back seat when she noticed they were heading in the wrong direction.

“We have a surprise for you.” Maria announced, just as Michael pulled the car over to the side of the road.

“Okay …” Liz said nervously, taking Maria and Michael’s lead and getting out of the car.

“Ta-da!” Maria said as if she was revealing a big surprise.

Liz looked around to try and get an idea of what the big surprise was.

“Uh … You’re taking me on a tour of the Coopers Brewery?” Liz asked curiously looking around at where they had stopped.

“No silly. This …” Maria said, pointing to the little red convertible Holden Astra that was parked on the side of the road.

“You bought me a car?” Liz asked incredulously.

“Yeah. We thought it would make your road trip a little nicer if you didn’t have to sit next to a 200 kilogram stranger on the bus all the way to Melbourne.” Maria replied.

“That’s so sweet Maria!” Liz cried, throwing her arms around her friend.

“You ain’t seen nothing yet.” Michael said, opening the driver’s door and indicating Liz should take a seat. “We have driver side airbags, air-conditioning, six speaker sound system and …” Michael paused dramatically, reaching for the glove box. “Your own 20 gigabyte Ipod which Maria spent all night programming with your favourite songs.”

“You did?” Liz turned to Maria.

“Yeah.” Maria blushed. “So obviously there’s The Whitlams and we also have George, Missy Higgins, John Butler Trio, Good Charlotte, Pink, Jet, The Killers … just to name a few.”

“But wait – there’s more...” Michael said as though he was on an infomercial and about to throw in a free set of steak knives. “We have a mini refrigerator in the back seat filled with coca-cola and snacks to keep you awake on the drive...”

“You guys are so great.” Liz said, climbing out of the car and giving each of them a big bear hug. “I don’t know what I would do without you...”

Liz felt a sudden pang at the thought that she was about to find out – since she was deliberately leaving all of her friends behind.

“Just come back home to us soon.” Maria said, giving Liz an extra big squeeze.

“How much do I owe you for the car?” Liz asked, taking out her chequebook.

“Don’t worry about it.” Maria replied. “You can pay us when you get back.”

Liz looked at Maria incredulously. “That might by six months!”

“Well, you’ll just have to come back sooner won’t you?” Maria smiled deviously.

Liz smiled. It was nice to know that at least this time when she went away, she had someone eagerly anticipating her return home. It was a nice feeling.

“So I guess I should get going.” Liz said, when she heard Michael slam the boot of the car after putting her suitcase in there.

“I’m going to miss you.” Maria said, giving Liz another hug.

“I’m going to miss you too.” Liz replied. “Maybe we could meet up in Sydney or Brisbane in a couple of months?”

“I’d like that.” Maria replied.

“What are you going to do in the meantime?” Liz asked, wondering if Maria was going to stay in Australia now that she was home.

“Michael and I are going to head back to LA. I have a few meetings set up regarding potential opportunities that I want to pursue.” Maria explained. “And then we’ll probably return to Australia to have the baby.”

“And I’ll be there by your side when you do.” Liz promised.

“You’d better – you’re going to be the baby’s Godmother after all.” Maria announced.

“Really?!” Liz exclaimed.

“Of course. I wouldn’t want anyone else.” Maria smiled.

“Thank you Maria.” Liz whispered, trying to choke back the tears.

“I love you chica.” Maria whispered back.

“Love you too.” Liz sniffed, before eventually letting Maria go.

Liz then turned to Michael and gave him a hug too.

“Thank you both.” Liz said as she hopped into the driver’s seat.

“Be safe.” Maria said, standing next to Michael and welcoming the hand that he slipped around her waist.

“I promise.” Liz smiled before starting the engine and beeping the horn as she drove away.

“Are you okay?” Michael asked hesitantly, wondering whether Maria was about to break down.

“Yeah. I’m okay.” Maria replied honestly. “We’ll see her soon.”

“Of course we will.” Michael agreed.

* * * * *

Max stared out of the window of the plane with his headphones on, trying to ignore the world around him. He wasn’t in the mood to be friendly to flight attendants, or to those begging for an autograph. He wanted to be left alone with his thoughts. Serena was sitting next to him, and as yet, had been too engrossed with the complimentary gifts in first class to pay any attention to him.

So he had plenty of time to think about Liz. Time to think that everything would be so much simpler if he had somehow met Liz before she had been raped by Sean. She wouldn’t have had all those years of heartache, she would have had more time with her father, and she wouldn’t need this time by herself to ‘find herself’ or send him away to get some ‘perspective’.

I smile, you laugh, I look away
I sigh, you ask me why, I say
“Its ok and I am just feeling down”
Your hand on mine I hear the words...
“If only love had found us first, our lives they would be different”
So I stand and wait
I am just a man
Where would we be now baby, if we found each other first?
Where would we be now baby?

“Max? How are you doing?” Serena asked hesitantly, interrupting Max’s thoughts of what could have been.

“Just peachy.” Max replied sarcastically.

“She’ll come back to you.” Serena replied confidently.

“Maybe.” Max replied, not quite as convinced.

“She loves you, you know.” Serena added, sensing Max’s doubt.

“Not enough.” Max sighed, thinking about how easy it had been for Liz to give him up.

And now I must confess
That I m a sinking ship
And I'm anchored by the weight of my heart ‘cause its filled with these feelings
But I keep my true thoughts locked inside my heart’s black box
And it won’t be found, it won’t survive through the smoke or the wreckage
So I crash and burn
I got a lot of things to learn

But no matter how much he was hurting, he would welcome her with open arms if she changed her mind and came back to him. He loved her, it was that simple. But would she come back to him after what he had said? She had been trying to explain how she felt and he had told her that he was done running after her. If only he had told her that he would wait for her, instead of accusing her of not loving him enough.

Where would we be now baby, if we found each other first?
What would you do now darling, if I said these simple words?
I'll wait, I'll wait...As long as you want
Where would we be now baby?
I'll wait
I'll wait

If he had said he would wait, he would feel more comfortable at this moment, knowing that one day he would see her again. Instead, he felt as though he had lost her, not because she walked away from him, but because he didn’t give her any reason to come back.

Where would we be now baby, if we found each other first?
What would you do now darling, if I said these simple words?
I'll wait, I'll wait...As long as you want
Where would we be now baby
I'll wait
I'll wait
I'll wait
I'll wait

He would wait for Liz. He’d wait forever if he had to. He just wish he had made sure that Liz knew that too.

* * * * *

Liz had just pulled the car onto the freeway, past the old toll bridge, and put her foot down on the peddle so the car soon sped up to 100kms per hour. All she needed now was some good driving music that she could sing along to as she travelled to the long road to Melbourne.

Flicking on the Ipod, Liz hit the play button, wondering what music Maria had chosen for her listening pleasure. Liz cranked up the volume as the first sounds played through the speakers.

Adelaide on a plane
Far from the United States of LA
Dropping in from outer space takes a day
Now I see the bogans at the motor race
Here you know the world can turn or crash and burn
And you would never know it
Going where the air is clear
There’s better beer
In Adelaide

“Very funny Maria.” Liz smiled, skipping to the next song. Obviously Maria was trying to make her homesick… and it was almost working.

Gamble everything for love, gamble everything
Put it in a place you keep what you need
You can gamble everything for love if you’re free
You gotta gamble everything for love

Baby are ya cold, are ya cold baby
I could wrap you up, wrap you up in my love
If you wanna, you can gamble everything for love
If you wanna, you can gamble everything for love.

Liz stopped smiling. Okay, it wasn’t funny anymore. Liz wondered how many more songs Maria had deliberately chosen as a way of making Liz regret her imposed solitary absence – a way of getting her to miss Max.

Tell me are you feeling lost, have you crossed
In the places that you never knew to get through
Tell me are you gonna cry all night
Tell me the truth, and I’ll tell you the truth
If you gamble everything for love
You gonna be alright, alright

Make a list of things you need, leave it empty
Except for number one, write “love”, gamble everything
Keep it under lock and key
If you wanna, you can gamble everything for love

But Liz hadn’t done that had she? She had hadn’t gambled everything to be with Max. She had told him that she needed space, time to think, away from him.

Love me with an open heart tell me anything
We can find a place to start to gamble everything
We can set this thing apart, cos we’re gonna, gonna
Gamble everything for love

Did she still have a chance to start over with Max? Could they find a way to begin again? Or had she wrecked things for good? She wished that everything was simple, that she wasn’t so damaged and confused, that she could love Max completely and she could believe that he could love her just as she was. Instead she was running away again, trying to make sense of her world, when she should be running towards Max.

Tell me do you lose your way each day
Are there people you don’t recognise, do they lie?
Tell me does it make you feel too real?
Tell me the truth, and I’ll tell you the truth
If you gamble everything for love
You gonna be alright, alright

She hoped she was going to be alright. That she would take this journey and come to terms with her past and her future. More than anything she wanted to one day to be back in Max’s arms and know that is exactly where she belonged.

Oooh you can go your own way,
Oooh you can go your own way,
Oooh you gotta go your own way
If you gamble everything for love
If you gamble everything for love

But that wasn’t today. She needed this trip away to make sure that when she saw Max again, she could give him all of her, not just the parts that hadn’t quite shattered yet.

Gamble everything for love, gamble everything
Put it in a place you keep what you need
You can gamble everything for love if you’re free
You gotta gamble everything for love

Tell me are you gettin’ hurt, is it worth it?
Tell me are the people strange, do they change?
Tell me are you letting go, do you know?
I’ll Tell you the truth, if you tell me the truth
If you gamble everything for love
If you gamble everything for love
If you gamble everything for love
You gonna be alright, alright
Alright.

She was going to be alright. She just knew it. And with that thought, she smiled.[/i]

Thanks everyone!

There won't be any jumping forward 6 months, but we may move through those months at a rate faster than glacial!

Enjoy!


55

As Liz was heading out of Tailem Bend, her first fuel stop, she reached the intersection of the Dukes Highway and the Princes Highway. If she took Dukes, she would cut through the middle of the countryside and was the most direct route to Melbourne. On the other hand, the Princes Highway took the coastal road. Liz hesitated for a moment before heading straight down the Princes Highway. What good was a road trip if you didn’t get to see some of the sights along the way?

She had taken the same trip once before with her father. It had been just her and him, father and daughter, having left her mother at home to look after her sick grandmother. It had been one of the best trips of her life, driving past the Coorong, through Mount Gambier, and along the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne. By travelling that way today, she was able to do something in memory of her father - something to take away the guilt of leaving Adelaide without going to his grave one last time to say goodbye.

* * * * *

“Anyone home?” Max called as he walked through his front door and dropped his bag in the entry.

He could hear whispered voices and a quick scuffling as he made his way into the living room, where he found Isabel and Alex on the couch, straightening their clothes in an attempt to pretend that they weren’t doing what Max knew they had just been doing on the sofa together.

“Max? You’re back.” Isabel said, getting up from the sofa and coming over to give her brother a hug. “You should have called so I could have picked you up from the airport.”

“I was happy catching a cab.” Max replied, and then added with a grin, “and besides, if I gave you a heads up that I was coming, I wouldn’t have just caught you making out on the sofa... Hey Alex.”

Isabel and Alex both went red as Alex stood up to shake Max’s hand.

“Nice to see you again Max.” Alex said, still looking rather embarrassed.

“So how did everything go? Is Liz here?” Isabel asked, looking over Max’s shoulder, expecting to see Liz right behind him.

Max’s smile fell and he diverted his eyes from Isabel’s stare.

“No. She’s not here.” Max replied.

“Is everything okay?” Isabel asked hesitantly, noticing that the cold-front that had suddenly moved into the room between them.

“I don’t think so, no.” Max replied. “Liz has gone on some road trip to ‘find herself’ and told me she doesn’t want to see me for six months.” Max explained, walking back to the entrance to grab his bag to take to his room. Isabel followed.

“Well she’s been through a lot ...” Isabel tried to justify, not liking the sound of defeat in Max’s voice.

“And you would have thought that would make her want her friends around her... Then again, maybe she does want her friends... maybe she just doesn’t want me.” Max voiced his fears.

“Max... I’m sure that’s not true.” Isabel replied, placing a comforting hand on Max’s arm. “She’ll be back, you’ll see.”

“Maybe ...” Max agreed, but then continued “Maybe she would have if I hadn’t told her that I was done with her...”

“You what!?” Isabel exclaimed. She knew her brother, she knew that he could never be ‘done’ with Liz Parker – she was his life.

“I didn’t mean to say it ... the words just came out. I was hurt and angry. I told her that if she still wanted me, she would have to come to me and that I wouldn’t be chasing after her again.” Max explained.

“Well ... maybe in six months time you’ll find her on your doorstep.” Isabel suggested.

“Maybe.” Max replied, not all that confident.

“What are you going to do in the meantime?” Isabel asked.

“Find some perspective apparently.” Max replied. “Liz thinks I need some.”

“Well, maybe she’s right?” Isabel pointed out.

Max just raised his eyebrows at Isabel in disbelief that she was siding with Liz.

“What? All I’m saying is that maybe with some time away you’ll have a chance to clarify your feelings with each other, and know what it is that you both need to make this relationship work.”

“All I need is Liz.” Max retorted. “I don’t need to be on the other side of the world to figure that out.”

“Well, then prove it to her.”

“How?” Max asked.

“Don’t do anything that will get yourself in the tabloids... Spend time with her friends ... Don’t give her any reason to think that you’ve forgotten her.” Isabel replied.

“You’re right. This could all turn out okay...” Max replied more positively.

“Good. Now that that’s settled, you haven’t forgotten that it is Mom’s birthday today? I was going to go around there for dinner tonight. I guess now that you’re back you can join me.” Isabel smiled.

Max couldn’t help but suppress a groan. Dinner with his mother was not something that he generally looked forward to at the best of times. He couldn’t wait to hear all the comments she had to make about his relationship with Liz.

* * * * *

First stop, Mount Gambier - home of the blue lake and a substantial amount of underground caves. Liz found a motel on the outskirts of town and checked in, wanting to freshen up after a day of driving. Why had no one ever warned her about the amount of bugs you get in your hair when you drive with the top down. Slipping under the steaming stream of water, Liz let out a sigh. The road trip wasn’t all that she thought it would be – it was actually very lonely. She spent all day on the road by herself, only to check into a random dingy motel - alone. Feeling homesick, as soon as Liz dried herself off from the shower she reached for her phone.

“Hello mum? Hi. I’m just checking in …”

* * * * *

“Max darling. What a surprise!” Max’s mother greeted him with a kiss on either cheek. “When did you get back?”

“This morning.” Max replied, resisting the urge to get back in the car and spend the night wallowing at home in bed.

“How nice of you to come home just for my birthday. You are such a sweet boy…” His mother smiled.

Max didn’t have the heart to tell her that he had completely forgotten about her birthday until Isabel had reminded him. Luckily they had time to stop pass the florist on the way to dinner.

“These are for you.” Max said as he held out a bunch of flowers. His mother’s favourites – sterling roses.

“They’re lovely. You shouldn’t have.” His mother said, taking the flowers and immediately handing them to the housekeeper to put in a vase. “Come in, come in, don’t stand around on the front porch all night.”

Max waited for Isabel to walk through the door before following reluctantly inside. He had a feeling this was going to be a long night.

* * * * *

“So tell me Max … what’s going on between you and that … that waitress from Australia?” Max’s mother asked.

Max was surprised that she had managed to hold out until after the second course to bring up Liz, and he couldn’t help but hear the sneer in his mother’s voice when she asked.

“She has a name.” Max replied, not hiding his annoyance at the tone of his mother’s voice. “It’s Liz. And she’s not a waitress, she’s a chef.”

“Of course … my mistake.” Max’s mother replied as if she couldn’t really see the distinction. “And where is she?”

“She’s still in Australia.” Max replied.

“Oh?” His mother asked, sounding more positive.

“Her father died recently. She’s spending time with her family.” Max lied. The last thing he needed was his mother knowing that Liz had, for all intents and purposes, dumped him.

“I’m very sorry. You’ll pass on my condolences won’t you?” His mother replied before continuing without taking so much as a breath, “You know who I ran into the other day? Priscilla Prentice - now there’s a lovely young lady. You know what? You should give her a call now that you’re back home.”

“I’m not calling Priscilla.” Max sighed. His mother was constantly trying to set him up with daughters of her socialite friends, and he usually just let it slide, but now it was irritating. Did his mother think he would just forget about Liz and start dating immediately?

“Well, the Golden Globes are coming up aren’t they?” His mother pushed. “I assume your waitress friend will still be in Australia and you’ll need a date. Priscilla would be a perfect accompaniment – she’s so photogenic.”

Max groaned. He had forgotten about the Globes. He would need a date, but he was sure he wouldn’t be taking someone like Priscilla Prentice who would guarantee their photos would be splashed through the tabloids.

“I’d love to, but I already promised to take Isabel.” Max lied, hoping that Isabel would go along with it.

“You can’t take your sister … imagine how that would look.” His mother interjected while Isabel was glaring at Max for bringing her into the conversation which she had so far managed to avoid.

“It would look like I was a very thoughtful and caring brother.” Max grinned.

“No. It would look desperate.” His mother replied. “I forbid you to take your sister.”

“I’m sure I would have been too busy washing my hair or something that night anyway.” Isabel replied, rolling her eyes at Max. She loved her mother dearly, but sometimes she just had the strangest ideas.

“Okay, okay. But I’m not taking Priscilla.” Max replied, putting his foot down.

“What about Tess Harding?” His mother continued, not knowing when to stop.

“I’m definitely not taking Tess.” Max replied more forcefully, as he got up from the table.

“Where are you going?” His mother asked, looking shocked that he had dared to leave the table in the middle of their meal.

“I have to go.” Max announced. “The jet lag is beginning to set in. Happy Birthday Mom.” Max kissed his mother on the cheek and headed for the door.

“Was it something I said?” His mother asked Isabel innocently.

* * * * *

Liz woke refreshed, surprising considering how lumpy the bed was, and the fact that the walls appeared to be paper thin – she had been able to hear everything that had been going on in the next room during the night.

After breakfast, she took a drive into the town to get her bearings. Following the signs, she headed up the hill to the blue lake – a large crater of an extinct volcano which was now filled with water so blue that it looked like a hundred Smurfs had thrown up in it. Her father once told her that it had something to do with a chemical reaction from all the limestone in the area, the same limestone that had created hundreds of caves under the city. After taking the long walk around the edge of the lake, Liz decided to take a visit to one of those caves.

Liz paid her money and waited with the other visitors to be led down into Engelbrecht Cave, a huge cave under the very centre of the city. The place seemed familiar, and she vaguely remembered having been there with her father, although then, she had been much more apprehensive of her impending descent into the cave. When the tour group finally went down into the first section of the cave, she couldn’t help but feel the memories come flooding back.

“It’s too dark – I’m scared.” Liz cried.

“It’s okay. I’m right here. I won’t let you go, I promise.” Her father replied, taking her hand.

Liz took a hesitant step down the steps, going deeper into the cave, telling herself that she was okay - she was alone but she was okay.

“If everyone could just stay where they are. I’m going to switch off the lights to show you exactly how dark it is down here, and give you an idea of what the first explorers had to deal with, exploring the caves with no more than candlelight.” The tour guide announced, after they had finished looking around the first part of the cave.

Liz grabbed hold of the rail of the stairs, bracing herself for the impending dark, trying to breathe calmly without focusing on how dank and stale the air was in her lungs. Her heart was racing. Her father wasn’t here to protect her this time.

Suddenly the lights switched off and they were in complete darkness. Liz couldn’t tell if her eyes were open or not – all she could see was black. Liz felt her breathing start to speed up and her panic rise. She was under the city and if the roof collapsed, no one would ever be able to find them.

“It’s okay. I’m right here.” She heard a voice, and felt a comforting hand in hers. She squeezed back gratefully, relieved that someone was there to take away her fear.

As her breathing relaxed, the tour guide lit a single candle to demonstrate how little that candle would have helped the original explorers. Liz couldn’t help but draw her eyes towards the light emanating from the candle, but she didn’t need it to feel safe, she already did.

The tour guide flicked on the main lights, and Liz looked around for the voice she had heard, or the hand in hers, but there was no one there. All the other visitors were further along the staircase. Strange thing was, Liz could still feel the hand in hers.

“Are you okay?” The tour guide asked, when he noticed that she was yet to follow the group towards the next room of the cave.

“Yeah. I think I am.” Liz smiled.

Hot of the press. A little short, but some pushy people are giving me deadlines to meet

Thanks for all the feedback!

ladylou - have to say I've only been through Geelong once and I don't think we even stopped for fuel . I could potentially have Liz visit a footy game between Geelong and the Crows (with Geelong winning of course because we have to make this story as close to reality as possible ... ) However, then I would give that I know as much about football as I do about Geelong...


56

“Are you just going to sit there all day?” Isabel asked, standing at the doorway that led onto Max’s balcony. He once again seated on a deck chair, staring out at the ocean.

“That was the plan… Why? Do you need something?” Max asked.

“No, I just thought maybe you might like to do something different than what you have been doing every other day this week.”

“Why change when you are onto a good thing.” Max grinned, putting his feet up on the balcony and hands behind his head to demonstrate just how relaxed he was.

“You can’t just sit here all day and wait for Liz to call.” Isabel pointed out.

“I’m not waiting for Liz to call.” Max replied defensively. “I’m waiting for my agent to call.”

“You’re agent?” Isabel asked surprised. “You’re going back to work? I thought you were having a break.”

“I was. I did. Now I’m bored.”

“Well then take up a hobby or something.” Isabel suggested, really not wanting Max to return to the industry.

“Like what? Basket weaving?” Max grinned.

“No. I don’t know.” Isabel rolled her eyes – why did her brother have to be so painful?

“Look, I’m not the kind of person who can just sit around all day – not on my own anyway. I want to be busy to keep my mind occupied. Working has always done that for me.”

“What’s the movie?” Isabel asked, trying to be supportive.

“I’ll let you know when I find out myself.” Max smiled when, on cue, his phone rang.

Isabel left him alone to answer it, praying that he was doing the right thing.

“Hello?” Max answered his phone.

“Max, I’ve got you a meeting with John Stockwell. The studio has brought the schedule ahead for the sequel to ‘Into the Blue’ and they were really excited to hear that your calendar was suddenly open.” His agent announced.

“So how many people are they talking to for the role?” Max asked hesitantly, always nervous when it came to roles he really wanted – even more so when his reputation had been tainted from him breaking his contract on his last film.

“Just you. The role is yours if you want it.”

Max hesitated for a moment. Making this movie was going to mean going back to Australia. Did he want to return so soon, especially when he didn’t know where he stood with Liz? Then again, Australia was a big place – the chance of running into her was very slim…

“Of course I want it.” Max replied.

“Great. I’ve arranged for you to meet with John and your co-star for lunch today. Can I confirm you’re free to join them?” His agent asked.

“I’m sure I can clear my schedule.” Max replied.

“Great. I’ll set it up.”

“By the way … who’s my co-star?” Max asked curiously.

“Jessica Alba has agreed to return for the sequel.” His agent announced.

Max smiled as he hung up the phone. This movie was going to be just what he needed.

* * * * *

On his way to the restaurant, Max decided to make a stop at Serena’s apartment, since he was in the neighbourhood anyway.

“Max? What are you doing here?” Serena asked, surprised to see Max on her doorstep.

“I have a favour to ask.” Max began.

“Sure. I’ve just got Maria here.” Serena announced as she led him into the living room.

“Hey Max.” Maria greeted him.

“Well that kind of works out well because I need a favour from either one of you.” Max said.

“What can we do for you?” Serena asked.

“I need a date for the Golden Globes.” Max announced.

“And you wanted us to find you a date?” Serena asked confused.

“No, I was hoping one of you would like to go with me.” Max replied.

“Don’t look at me.” Maria replied. “There’s no way I’m appearing by your side in the worst dressed photos because I can’t fit into anything slimming.” Maria said, patting her pregnant stomach that was starting to pop out – just not quite enough to look like ‘baby’ rather than ‘bulge’.

“Me either.” Serena replied, her hands up in defence when she saw Max looking at her expectantly. “I have only just managed to slip under the radar of my employers when it comes to my friendship with you… If I went to the Globes as your date, I would never get any peace at work.”

“C’mon … you can’t leave me dateless.” Max begged.

“I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding somebody else.” Maria sympathised, before quickly adding “someone other than Tess Harding, that is.”

* * * * *

At the appointed time, Max arrived at one of the current ‘it’ restaurants in Hollywood and was led to the table where John and Jessica were already seated.

“Max. So nice to see you again.” John stood, taking Max’s hand firmly in his. “And I’m sure you know Jessica.”

“We’ve met on a few occasions but never had the chance to work together.” Max explained, greeting Jessica with a kiss on the cheek. “How are you?”

“Great. You?” Jessica asked in return.

“I’m good.” Max replied, as they all took their seats.

“Can I just start by saying how glad I am that both of you are on board. I think that together we can make the sequel even better than the first…” John began, before continuing through the meal with his ‘vision’ for the movie. His energy was contagious, and Max was soon even more excited about their impending trip to Australia. They were going to spend most of their time in the water on the Great Barrier Reef, which meant learning to dive and swimming with sharks – two things Max had always had on his list of things to do before he died. This way, he could do it and get paid for it.

“Do you both have dates for the Golden Globes?” John suddenly asked both Max and Jessica out of the blue.

Max almost choked on his drink, not expecting the question. “I, uh, no.” Max replied.

“Me neither.” Jessica replied, before joking, “I’m thinking about calling an escort agency.”

“Surely you wouldn’t have trouble finding someone to take you to the Globes…” Max smiled.

“I guess dating me is seen as too much of a challenge… especially after what happened to my last boyfriend.” Jessica added.

Max cringed at the memory of the paparazzi zoo that had chased Jessica and her then-boyfriend after it was falsely reported that she had been seen wearing an engagement ring on her left hand. Needless to say her boyfriend didn’t hang around for long. Max thought that at least he wasn’t the only one who had to deal with that circus.

“Well, how about you guys both go together?” John suggested.

“And I’m sure there isn’t an ulterior motive for that suggestion…” Max smirked.

“Well, I suppose it would be great publicity for the film…” John smiled.

“I’m game if you are.” Jessica replied. “It might be fun.”

“I wouldn’t exactly call an awards night fun… but if we went together, then maybe it wouldn’t completely suck.” Max replied.

“Gee thanks.” Jessica replied. “I’ll try to take that as a compliment.”

“You should.” Max replied. “It takes a lot to improve a long, boring awards night.” Max replied.

“Okay, then I guess it’s a date.” Jessica smiled, raising her glass.

“… As long as we don’t actually call it a date…” Max asked. “We’re just two people who happen to be going to the same place at the same time.”

“Alright then… it’s an appointment.” Jessica toasted, to which Max clinked his glass in return.

* * * * *

“How did your meeting go?” Isabel asked when Max entered the kitchen later that afternoon.

“Great. We have rehearsals for the next month and then we head out to Australia for filming.”

“Australia?” Isabel asked surprised.

“Yeah, the film is being shot on the Barrier Reef.”

“Are you going to be okay with that?” Isabel asked concerned.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Max asked feigning ignorance.

Isabel just raised her eyebrows.

“It’s a big country… I don’t even know where Liz is.” Max continued.

“You might want to check the mail then.” Isabel smiled before leaving Max alone.

Max immediately found the pile of mail on the kitchen bench which Isabel had already filtered from the fan mail. Sorting through a couple of bills and legal letters, Max’s fingers felt something in his hand that didn’t feel like a normal letter. Flicking past the rest of the letters, Max’s eyes were drawn to a photo of the Twelve Apostles in Victoria, Australia. He couldn’t turn the postcard over fast enough, to see Liz’s familiar handwriting.


Dear Max,

Today I woke up before dawn in time to see the sun rise over the Twelve Apostles. It was a beautiful sight, and I thought about how much you would have enjoyed seeing it. I know this is a lousy substitute, but I couldn’t be happy until I was able to share it with you.

I miss you.

Liz


Max re-read the postcard over and over, trying to make sure he didn’t miss anything in her meaning. She didn’t tell him she was sorry, or that she had made a mistake, or even that she loved him, but surely there was something in that postcard that he could hold onto. Liz was communicating and that was a start… but it wasn’t enough – Max needed more from her.

Sorry about that brief break in communication.

I was going to update on Tuesday night but I couldn't get onto the website for some reason. I don't have internet connected at home yet (bloody telephone company), so this is the first chance I've had to post.

The song is 'Ten Days' by Missy Higgins.

Enjoy...


57

Liz stood in the water, up to her knees, not caring that the waves were crashing around her and drenching her clothes. Staring at the massive waves bombarding the shore of Bells Beach, she spread her arms and concentrated on the wind whipping her face. Closing her eyes, she saw the images that was ever present in her mind – her father, and Max – especially Max.

So we’ve put an end to it this time,
I'm no longer yours and you’re no longer mine.
You said this hill looks far to steep,
If I'm not even sure
It’s me you wanna keep.
And it’s been ten days without you in my reach
And the only time I've touched you is in my sleep.

It had been her decision to leave – her decision to push him away, but she couldn’t stop thinking about him and whether she had done the right thing. If he had reacted differently, told her to take her time and he would wait for her, then she would feel easier about being apart. But he hadn’t done that – he had told her that he was ‘done’. She could understand why he would say that. She had put him through a lot and he had always come back, until now. Now it was up to her to decide what she wanted and go after it, and she felt that with every second that passed in which she didn’t contact him, he was slipping away from her. With every second, she was feeling even more lost than she had felt before she went away.

But time has changed
Nothing at all
You're still the only one that feels like home.
I tried cutting the ropes
And I let you go,
But you're still the only one that feels like home.

Taking a few steps further into the ocean, she wasn’t exactly sure what she was doing. Did she want to feel fear? Or was she trying to face it? She had been in the sea once before when the waves had been rough. She was at the beach with her father - the beach that had been nicknamed by the locals as ‘The Dump’ because of the way the waves would just slam down on top of you and push you under. Despite the warnings of her father she had insisted on taking her body board out into where the waves were breaking, wanting so much to join the big kids. But when the first wave came and slammed her into the sand, tossing her around so she didn’t know which way was up, it was her father’s hand that reached down and pulled her to safety.

Is that what she wanted now? Someone to reach out and save her from the place in her life where she was obviously drowning? Someone like Max?

You won't talk me into it next time,
If I'm going away
Your hearts coming too.
Cos I miss your hands I miss your face
When I get back lets disappear without a trace.
Cos its been ten days without you in my reach
And the only time I've touched you is in my sleep.

A single tear rolled down Liz’s face. Why did everything have to be so hard? She had spent ten days on the road already, and nothing in her life seemed any clearer than when she had left home. Sure she experienced that peace when she was in the caves in Mount Gambier, but since then, all she felt was more and more alone. Why hadn’t she asked someone to come with her on her trip? Why hadn’t she asked Max? God she had screwed everything up and she still didn’t know why.

But time has changed
Nothing at all
You're still the only one that feels like home.
I tried cutting the ropes
Tried letting go,
But you're still the only one that feels like home.

She took a few more steps towards the waves, daring them to knock her over, but willing herself to withstand their force. With her eyes still closed, she opened them just in time to see the first wave steamrolling towards her. And then – all she saw was water and froth as she was pushed under the surface.

So tell me did you really think
Ahh, tell me did you really think I had gone
When you couldn't see me anymore
When you couldn't.

It felt like forever until she managed to find her way to the surface – helped by a pair of strong hands grasping her waist.

“Are you trying to kill yourself or something?” The male voice asked over the noise of the next wave.

“No … I … I just ...” Liz spluttered, spitting out the salt water and sand she had ingested.

When she pulled the hair out of her eyes, she looked up at her rescuer. He had long bleached blonde hair and a dark tan from spending so much time in the sun – and very kind eyes.

“I think you’re safer sticking to the shore.” He said, grabbing his surfboard that was floating past, which he had obviously dropped in his rush to pull her out of the water.

“Thanks for helping me.” Liz thanked him, getting to her feet.

“Do you have some dry clothes to change into?” He asked, looking at how soaked she was – dressed in jeans and a t-shirt.

“I’ve got some in the car.” Liz replied, heading back in the direction of the car park - her rescuer following closely behind.

“You’re not a local are you?” He observed when they reached her car and he noticed the South Australian licence plate.

“I’m just passing through.” Liz replied, grabbing a towel off the back seat and attempting to dry her hair.

“If you’re looking for a place to stay, I own the hotel down the road in Torquay. I can get my girlfriend to fix you up a nice hot breakfast and you can have a warm shower.” He offered.

“You also throw in a nice hot cup of tea and you’ve got a deal.” Liz replied, more relaxed after the mention of a girlfriend.

“Deal. I’m Jason by the way.” He said, holding out his hand.

“Liz.” Liz replied, taking his hand in hers.

“You’re freezing.” Jason observed from her cold hands. “Let’s get going. Just follow me into town – it’s not hard to miss.”

Liz nodded and put the towel down on the driver’s seat before getting in. As she waited for Jason to pull out of the parking lot, she thought about what she had just done. She knew Jason must have thought she was suicidal – but that wasn’t what she was trying to do. She just wanted to feel fearless for once – and for a moment she had – just before nature slapped her back to reality. And with that wake up call, she knew what she wanted to do. She wanted to hear Max’s voice.

Cos baby time has changed nothing at all
you're still the only one that feels like home
And oh I tried cutting the ropes
I let you go
But you're still the only one that feels like home
Yeah you're still the only one that feels like home
You're still the only one I've gotta love
Ohh yeah, yeah yeah yeah...

* * * * *

Max stood at the mirror, straightening his bowtie. It was the night of the Golden Globes and Max was waiting for the limo to arrive. God he hated these things, but at least he would have some good company for the evening. He had spent the last few weeks in rehearsals for ‘Into the Blue 2’ and he and Jessica were getting along like a house on fire. It was such a relief to finally have a co-star that wasn’t always trying to get them linked romantically in the tabloids, or worse still, trying to get him into bed.

In fact, it was odd that their characters were supposed to be in love, when in real life, they acted more like brother and sister. There was no denying that Jessica was a ‘catch’ – good looking, intelligent, and could drop kick a 200 pound guy without even breaking a sweat, but there was no spark of anything more than friendship. They spent their time in rehearsals hatching plots to play practical jokes on each other, and on the rest of the cast. Max smiled at the thought that it was going to be a very interesting few months.

And it was what Max needed at the moment - diversion from his continual thoughts about Liz. He hadn’t received anything more from Liz in the past week, so he clung to the postcard she had sent him, keeping it by his bedside table and reading it over and over. He knew he was pathetic, trying to hold to her like he was, but he just wasn’t ready to give up on her just yet – he had to believe that they would be together again soon – that one day he would hear her tell him how much she loved him.

* * * * *

“Jen? I’ve brought home a stray…” Jason called as he led Liz into the hotel through the back door to the kitchen.

The woman who Liz supposed must have been Jen, looked up from where she was cooking and smiled.

“Hi.” She said, wiping her hand on her apron and holding it out to Liz. “God, you’re soaked through. Let’s get you in out of the cold.”

Liz felt instantly warmed by the welcome she was receiving from this complete stranger. Without even being asked, Jason took over the cooking so that Jen could show Liz to one of the guestrooms upstairs and making Liz promise to come down for breakfast after she had showered and changed - which Liz did.

“So where are you from?” Jen asked, as she poured Liz a cup of black tea and watched her eat the bacon and eggs that Jason had cooked for her.

“I’m from Adelaide.” Liz replied.

“That’s funny… I’ve never been to Adelaide but your face is so familiar.” Jen pondered.

“I get that a lot.” Liz replied, diverting her eyes – knowing it wouldn’t take long for Jen to put two and two together.

Luckily Jen’s attention was diverted to the breakfast show that was showing on the television in the background. But as Liz tuned in, she thought that maybe it wasn’t so lucky after all…

“The Golden Globe Awards are just hours from starting in LA, and we’ll have the showing here on Channel 7 tonight, including full coverage of the red carpet.” The male presenter announced.

“And the bookies currently have Max Evans as the most likely contender to take out the award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Kurt Davis in ‘Shinning Star’. His co-star Tess Harding is set to take out Best Actress for the same movie…”

Somehow over the last ten days, Liz had managed to miss the news, and hadn’t even realised that the Golden Globe Awards were happening, or even that Max had been nominated – although it didn’t surprise her. For a moment she pictured what it would have been like to have accompanied him to the award show, but quickly shook that thought as quickly as it had come. That wouldn’t be happening and she only had herself to blame.

“I can’t wait to watch the award shows and see what everyone is wearing…” Jen began, interrupting Liz from her thoughts. “And seeing which ones get too drunk to give their speeches by the end of the night…”

“Hmmm…” Liz nodded distractedly, before asking “Do you have a phone I can use?”

“Sure.” Jen replied, looking from Liz down to the mobile phone that she could glimpse poking out the top of Liz’s bag, before grabbing the cordless phone from behind the counter.

“Thanks.” Liz blushed. She had bought a new phone that had a new number, and despite her desire to talk to Max, she wasn’t quite sure she wanted him to have her new number yet.

Jen headed out the back to the kitchen to give Liz some privacy, while Liz dialled Max’s number.

“Hello?” A female voice answered.

“Hi Isabel? It’s Liz.” Liz announced hesitantly.

“Liz! Hey!” Isabel replied surprised.

“How are you doing?” Liz asked, feeling terrible for not having kept in touch with Isabel since she had left the US.

“Fantastic – couldn’t be better.” Isabel replied, and Liz could hear the happiness in her voice, before she added “Although…”

“Although what?” Liz asked hesitantly, hoping that Isabel wasn’t about to tell her that the cancer was back.

“I would be much better if Max wasn’t moping around the house like he has been.” Isabel replied, wondering whether she had overstepped her sisterly bounds, but feeling like it needed to be said.

“He’s moping?” Liz confirmed. “I’m sorry Isabel, I …” But she wasn’t sure exactly how she could explain to Isabel why she was doing what she was doing when she didn’t even know herself.

“Do you want to talk to him?” Isabel asked.

“Yeah, thanks Isabel.” Liz replied, trying not to show just how much her heart was racing with nerves.

“I’ll just get him. Oh, and Liz?” Isabel said. “I’m sorry about your Dad.”

“Thanks Isabel.” Liz replied, trying not to tear up at the mention of her father.

“Here he is…” Isabel announced, and Liz waited hesitantly at the other end.

“Max? There’s a phone call for you.” Liz could hear Isabel say, although she had obviously tried to cover the mouthpiece.

“I’m about to go. The limo should be here any minute.” Liz heard Max’s voice, and he sounded frustrated.

“Believe me – you want to take this call.” Isabel replied.

There was the sound of shuffling and then Liz heard Max’s voice on the line. “Hello?”

“Hi Max … its Liz.” Liz replied hesitantly.

There was silence at the other end as Max seemed incapable of speech, and Liz began to wonder if she had really done the right thing in calling him out of the blue.

“Liz?” Max choked.

“Hey.” Liz said softly, warmed by the overwhelming emotion in Max’s voice.

“How are you?” Max asked.

“I’m okay.” Liz replied, although she didn’t even attempt to sound like it. “You?”

“I’m okay.” Max said with an equal amount of enthusiasm.

There was an uncomfortable silence – Max waiting to hear whatever it was that Liz had called to say, and Liz trying to make sense of the million feelings that were coming to the surface so she could put something intelligible into words.

“I just wanted to call and wish you good luck for tonight. They’ve been saying on the news that you are likely to win the Best Actor award...” Liz said, before mentally kicking herself for not saying what was truly on her heart.

“Thanks Liz.” Max replied, but couldn’t help but feel disappointed that that was all she had called him to say. When he first heard her voice on the phone he had let himself get his hopes up - that she would tell him that she had made a mistake and that she loved him, and was going to be on the next plane home. Instead she called to wish him luck for an award that meant nothing to him.

There was another awkward silence, before they were interrupted by Isabel’s voice announcing that the limo had arrived.

“I’m going to have to go Liz.” Max announced. Under any other circumstances he would have ignored the rest of the world if it meant he could spend just one more second with Liz, but he knew that talking to her longer would just disappoint him more. She obviously wasn’t ready to come back, and he wasn’t going to force her.

“Okay.” Liz replied, disappointed.

“Bye Liz.” Max said, his heart breaking in the process over the words that remained unspoken.

“Bye Max.” Liz whispered, and just before Max pulled the phone away from his ear to hang it up, she added “Max wait!”

“What is it?” Max asked hopefully.

“I miss you.” Liz admitted.

“Unfortunately it’s not enough.” Max sighed regretfully before hanging up the phone.

Hi all. Sorry for the delay - still having internet problems.

I hope it is worth the wait!


58

Liz put down the phone to see Jen staring at her in from the doorway with a shocked look on her face.

“I knew I knew you from somewhere!” Jen practically squeeled. “You’re Liz Parker – Max Evan’s girlfriend!”

Liz looked around the room cautiously to see how many other patrons were in earshot, but luckily they were all alone besides the drunk down the end of the bar who was drinking way too early in the morning.

“What are you doing here?” Jen continued when Liz didn’t deny it.

“I’m ... holidaying.” Liz replied, somewhat truthfully.

“But you’re missing out on the Golden Globe awards!” Jen replied confused. “Didn’t Max ask you to go?”

“No, he didn’t... Can we not talk about it?” Liz begged, not really wanting to confide in a complete stranger no matter how nice she had been.

“Have you two really broken up?” Jen continued, ignoring Liz’s plea. “They said that in the papers but you know how reliable they are...”

“It’s complicated.” Liz replied. How could she possibly put into what they were to each other at the moment, especially after the phone call they had just had? She hadn’t been able to find the words to tell Max exactly what she was feeling, and he made it obvious that he didn’t want to hear anything else. She just felt like crawling into ball and hiding from the world. She definately didn’t feel like having to tell her life story to a stranger.

“It’s always complicated when it’s ‘the one’.” Jen replied, clearing away Liz’s dishes and wiping down the table. “It was the same with me and Jace – I was living in Melbourne at the time and dating his best friend Matt, when one night Jason and I got talking down the beach at some party and just hit it off. He refused to ruin his friendship over me so he took off for sixth months to do some work up in Cairns. Six months later I broke up with Matt when I found him cheating on me with my next door neighbour. Jace came straight back and we bought this hotel and moved down here together. Been together ever since.” And then without breaking a sweat she continued, “I can’t believe you were just talking to Max Evans from my hotel... just wait until I tell Janice and Betty.”

With that Jen raced off, and Liz decided it was time to leave, despite the promise to stay the night in their establishment. It was getting a little too crowded with the sudden attention. After her disappointing phonecall to Max, being in a hotel around alcohol was not the best place for her to be right now. She just wanted to be back on the road and away from the television where images of Max would be streaming for most of the day. After placing money for her breakfast, and a large tip to cover the international phone call, on the bar, Liz went upstairs to her room to grab her things.

She just kept thinking about the phonecall and all the things she hadn’t said but should have. Liz knew she had screwed it up – again. Max made it clear that he didn’t really want to speak to her any longer, and she couldn’t blame him. Maybe they both just needed more time ...

As Liz was zipping up her suitcase and picked it up to leave when Jen’s face appeared at the doorway.

“You’re not leaving are you?” Jen asked.

“Yeah, I think it’s time for me to get going. Thanks for your hospitality.”

“But you can’t go yet.” Jen insisted. “Janice and Betty are coming around to watch the Golden Globes with me tonight, and I’ve told them both you’ll be there too. They are so excited...”

“I’m sorry, I just ...” Liz began to excuse herself.

“After Jason rescued you from the beach too, I thought maybe you would stay a little bit longer...” Jen tried to make Liz feel guilty – and it worked. How could she just run out of here when these people had been so nice to her? And hadn’t she been complaining that she was lonely? Spending the night with some friendly strangers may be just what she needed to perk her up. As long as they weren’t too nosy...

“Sure – what the hell.” Liz said, putting her suitcase back down, and hoping that she wouldn’t regret it.

* * * * *

“What’s wrong with you? You look like you’re going to be sick.” Jessica observed. Max was already in the limo when it had picked her up for the Globes, and he had barely said a word in the last ten minutes. Something was definitely on his mind.

“I got a call from Liz.” Max answered.

“Really?! That’s great.” Jessica beamed. Max had confided in her all about his relationship with Liz, and she was always telling him that Liz would come around – it seemed she was right.

“It should be...” Max replied. “But I think I screwed up.”

“What did you do?” Jessica replied, not hiding the reproach in her voice.

“I just ... I guess I had my hopes up about what she would say when we spoke for the first time, and it didn’t go exactly how I had imagined it. She told me she missed me and I told her it wasn’t enough and hung up.”

“Oh, Max.” Jessica sympathised.

“I have been waiting to hear her voice all this time, and when I did, I couldn’t get off the phone soon enough. God, what was I thinking?”

“You were disappointed and still hurt from the way she left – I guess it was only natural...” Jessica attempted to reason.

“I’ll be lucky if she calls back again...” Max pointed out.

“Well then, call her.” Jessica suggested.

“I don’t have her number.” Max pointed out.

“Well you are going to have the world’s undivided attention tonight when you make your acceptance speech for the Best Actor award – say something then.” Jessica suggested. “They televise these types of things Down Under don’t they?”

“Firstly, who says I’m going to win.” Max replied, ignoring Jessica’s raised eyebrow – okay, Max had to admit that it was likely. “Secondly, I really don’t want to put Liz back on the paparazzi’s radar, which is what my speech would do. Thirdly, she’s probably not even watching...”

“We’ll figure something else out then. But in the mean time, you’d better find some way to cheer up as soon as possible.” Jessica replied.

“Yeah? Why’s that?” Max asked.

“Because we’ve arrived.” Jessica replied as the limo began to slow down. On cue, a hundred cameras started flashing as their limo pulled up to the red carpet.

The limo door opened and Max climbed out first, with an award-winning smile plastered to his face. He then held out his hand to assist Jessica out of the limo. The cameras started shooting more wildly when they realised who Max had brought as a date.

“Ready?” Jessica asked, sensing from Max’s grip on her hand that he was ready to run in the other direction.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Max replied through a clenched smiled before leading Jessica along the red carpet to the waiting journalists.

They spoke to some of the usual faces in the crowd, but when Max spotted a familiar face, he bypassed some of the reporters and made a beeline for her.

“What are you doing here?” Max asked.

“I got a promotion.” Serena replied. “Not just music and movie reviews now, I get to do some interviews.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I would have given you an exclusive.” Max smiled.

“I know. But I didn’t want to put you in that position. Besides, I thought you needed a bit of time…” Serena replied giving Max a knowing look.

“Have you heard from her?” Max asked.

“Yeah, she has called a couple of times.” Serena replied. “She seems to be doing okay – not great, but okay. I take it she hasn’t contacted you?”

“She did today… briefly. We didn’t really get the chance to talk properly.” Max admitted.

“Well that’s a start at least.” Serena replied reassuringly.

“So are you going to interview me or what?” Max asked, pointing to the Dictaphone that Serena had yet to turn on.

“Oh, yeah, right...” Serena said, fumbling with the buttons of the Dictaphone when Jessica caught up to Max on the red carpet.

Serena looked up and saw the two of them and then gave Max a look that told him that he had better be behaving himself.

“So Max and Jessica... Are the rumours true that you guys are the latest couple in Hollywood?” Serena asked, trying not to choke on the words as they came from lips.

Max rolled his eyes at Serena and let Jessica do the talking.

“Nothing could be further from the truth...” Jessica replied. “I only agreed to come as Max’s date to save him from the embarrassment of having to go alone.”

“C’mon Jessica, you can tell people the truth ... I only agreed to take Jessica because I found her on the phone dialling an escort service because she was so desperate. I mean with her looks it would be impossible to find someone to agree to be seen with her in public.” Max teased, digging Jessica in the ribs.

“Look who’s talking!” Jessica replied.

“So the two of you are about to begin filming the sequel to ‘Into the Blue’… The location for the original was the idyllic Caribbean – where will the sequel be set?” Serena asked.

“The Great Barrier Reef.” Max replied, waiting for the explosion.

“Australia!?” Serena spluttered, unable to retain her professional journalistic disinterestedness. “You’re kidding.”

Jessica gave Max a sideways glance, wondering what on earth was going on. Something told her that Serena was more than just a reporter.

“Jessica – Serena.” Max introduced. “Liz’s ex-roommate.”

“I’m ex-nothing.” Serena replied offended. “Liz is coming back.”

“Of course, my apologies. Liz’s current roommate.” Max corrected.

“Wow. Okay. Cool.” Jessica replied, now understanding Serena’s reaction.

“We’ll be heading down to Australia in a month.” Max explained to Serena.

“And if you happen to run into Liz?” Serena asked.

“Australia’s a big place…” Max replied, although not meeting Serena’s eye. If he happened to run into Liz then it was obviously meant to be.

“We should probably move along…” Jessica interrupted, referring to the line of people still trying to get up the red carpet.

“We definitely need to continue this conversation…” Serena warned Max as he excused himself to move onto the next waiting journalist, giving Serena a somewhat-nervous backwards glance.

* * * * *

Liz had spent the day wandering around the town of Torquay, which really didn’t take too long, that is, until she found the surfshop outlets. Emerging with bagfuls of clothes, including a couple of pairs of bathers which she was unsure she would ever be game to wear in public, Liz returned to the hotel. Immediately after placing her new purchases in her room, she found Jen running up the hall to greet her.

“You’re just in time – the red carpet telecast is beginning.” Jen announced excitedly. Liz wondered how on earth someone could get so excited over seeing a bunch of celebrities walk in a straight line, but dutifully followed Jen to her living room off the back of the hotel where the TV was.

“Liz – this is Janice and Betty, guys – this is Liz.” Jen introduced.

Liz smiled politely, but felt very uncomfortable under the scrutinising gaze of Jen’s friends.

“You’re the one dating Max Evans?” Janice asked disbelievingly.

“We’re friends, yes.” Liz replied defensively.

“Whatever you say.” Janice replied smugly.

Liz took the seat as far away from the others as she could and prepared herself to sit through hours of torture with these unfriendly people. Her one consolation was being able to see Max’s face again – which she was longing for. She hated to admit that she had spent a few hours over the past few weeks just trying to remember ever little detail of his face, down to his freckles, and was worried that she was starting to forget them all, and only see him as everyone else does – made up for the camera.

When Max eventually appeared on the screen, Liz felt all eyes in the room on her, but she didn’t care – her eyes were only on Max as he stepped out of the limo. He looked gorgeous dressed in his standard black tux, and Liz couldn’t help but think that she was getting a preview of what he would look like on their wedding day. She then mentally berated herself for letting her think that way – she had no right to think of marriage when she was the one who had put a stop to their current relationship. God, he looked so happy...

As she continued to watch, her heart skipped a beat when she saw Max’s date for the evening. It was Jessica Alba, beautifully decked out in a strappy white gown. She looked beautiful, and Liz couldn’t help but feel a twinge at how good they looked together. No wonder he had such a huge smile.

Moments later the camera cut to their interview with the Australian correspondent, Angela Bishop.

“What does it feel like to be up for the most coveted award – Best Male Actor?” Angela asked, shoving a microphone in Max’s face.

“It’s an honour to be amongst such great company…” Max replied. “I’m a huge fan of both Anthony Hopkins and Denzel Washington, who are both much more deserving of this award than I am.”

“And you have only just come back from a visit to Australia… What did you think of the country?” She continued without pausing, knowing she only had a few minutes with them both.

“It was a very beautiful place and I’m looking forward to return to shoot our new movie very soon.” Max said, acknowledging Jessica by his side.

“Jessica, you’re looking lovely this evening.” Angela finally turned her attention from Max. “Who are you wearing?”

“Thankyou, it’s a gown by Versace.” Jessica smiled politely before she and Max headed up the red carpet.

The camera than focused on other celebrities that were walking up the red carpet, and Liz was finally able to turn her attention away from the screen. Max was coming back to Australia. He had obviously won the part to the ‘Into the Blue’ sequel that he had so desperately wanted. She was happy for him, although she felt somewhat apprehensive about how he would react if they ever ran into each other again – especially if he was beginning to move on... After his phone call earlier she had been resigning herself to the fact that she had irrecoverably screwed everything up.

“So is Max Evans now dating Jessica Alba?” Janice asked no one in particular.

Liz gulped. She hoped not.

* * * * *

Max had managed to sit though the first half of the awards show without too much trouble, but it was beginning to get tedious. There was only so many times he could put up with being congratulated for the nomination, or being grilled about his recent falling out with the studio over his last movie. All he wanted to do was go home to bed – not to sleep, but to stare at the ceiling thinking about Liz – like he did every night. The food had been consumed, and now the others on the tables around him, who were not up for nominations or presenting any awards, were doing their fair share of consuming their weight in alcohol.

Speaking of presenting awards, Max was then given the cue that he was needed backstage to present one of the up coming awards. He unsuccessfully suppressed a groan, knowing exactly who he was presenting the award with.

“Tess.” Max acknowledged Tess as she waited in the wings.

“Max.” Tess replied, unable to suppress a smile. “How are you?”

“Fine.” Max replied shortly, grabbing his prompt card to see what he was supposed to say once on stage.

“We can be civilised, you know.” Tess huffed over his obviously desire to be as far away from her as possible.

“Why start now?” Max replied, referring to Tess’ previous behaviour which was far from reasonable.

“Aren’t you at least going to ask me how I am?” Tess asked, making it obvious that she was referring to the pregnancy. She was so used to people coddling her, that she was taken aback to find someone who didn’t care about her welfare.

“No.” Max replied.

“Fine, whatever, I don’t care.” Tess brushed him off, but unfortunately didn’t give up. “So where’s Liz?”

Max didn’t reply.

“Don’t tell me you two have broken up?” Tess taunted. “I knew it wouldn’t last.”

“Actually, Tess…” Jessica came up behind them after having just walked off the stage herself. “Liz couldn’t make it because she is spending time with her family in Australia. I’m just here as a very poor substitute. Isn’t that right Max?”

Max smiled at Jessica gratefully, and Tess was prevented from saying anything further when they were given the cue to make the long walk to the podium.

“We’re here to present the award for Best Newcomer.” Max announced.

“And while my child will be too late for this year’s award, there’s always next year…” Tess joked, while patting her slight baby bump.

Max’s cue card had a line for him to reply to Tess, but Max just rolled his eyes and skipped straight to the nominations. “And the nominees are…”

Tess was thrown, unprepared for Max’s deviation from the script. “Oh, uh… Noah Thompson for ‘Cowboys Without Guns’…”

Tess read the rest of the nominees out, the winner was announced, and Max gratefully stepped away from the podium for the winner to accept their award.

“What the hell was that?” Tess whispered through a clenched smile.

“I won’t be forced into conversation with you.” Max replied, his smile equally strained. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re breaching our agreement just by being on the same stage as me. I may have to pay a visit to the police…”

“You wouldn’t …” Tess said nervously. “It wasn’t my fault they wanted us to present the award together…”

“Then don’t say another word and I’ll let it go...” Max replied, before adding “…this time.”

The wind up music began, and Max followed the winner off the stage, leaving Tess to follow meekly behind.

* * * * *

Later in the evening, Max was sitting at the table staring intently at the condensation forming on his glass – trying to find something, anything, that would take his mind off Liz’s phonecall.

“I have something for you.” Jessica said as she returned to the table from what she claimed was yet another bathroom break.

“Yeah? What’s that?” Max asked.

“Liz’s phone number.” Jessica replied, handing Max a piece of paper with an international phone number scrawled on it.

“What? How?” Max asked, staring at the paper.

“I called your sister. She was able to recover the call from the history on your phone.” Jessica beamed, proud of herself.

“Thanks.” Max replied, placing the number in front of him.

“Aren’t you going to call?” Jessica asked, surprised at his hesitation.

“She was probably just calling from a payphone…” Max replied. “She’s probably long gone.”

“And what if she’s not? What if it’s the number of where she’s staying for the night?” Jessica pushed. “What if she leaves tomorrow and it will be too late?!”

“Why are you so keen for me to call her?” Max asked.

“Because I’m sick of you just sitting here brooding. Maybe if you called her, you would actually be able to look like you want to be here when you accept your award.” Jessica reasoned. “And maybe one of the photos in the tabloids of the two of us won’t look like I must be the most boring date ever…”

“What if calling her makes me more depressed?” Max argued.

“I’m willing to take that chance.” Jessica replied. “Are you?”

Max stared at the number for a moment then picked up his phone and headed for the foyer.

* * * * *

“Max and Tess make the perfect on screen couple don’t you think?” Janice said as Max and Tess walked onto the stage to present the Best Newcomer award.

“Janice!” Jen warned. Janice had been dropping comments like that ever since she arrived in an effort to get a reaction from Liz. So far it hadn’t worked – Liz wasn’t taking the bait, but Jen could see her getting more sullen.

“What?” Janice asked defensively, as though she hadn’t said anything wrong.

Jen was stopped from replying by the phone ringing. It was the line for the hotel and the staff had obviously diverted it because they were so busy.

“Hello? Torquay Hotel.” Jen answered.

“Hi. You wouldn’t have anyone staying there by the name of Liz Parker would you?” Max asked hesitantly.

“Who’s calling?” Jen asked suspiciously.

“It’s Max Evans.” Max replied.

“Max Evans?” Jen practically squealed, to which Liz’s ears picked up. Max was calling? Glancing from the television where he was currently presenting an award. She wondered how much the telecast had been delayed by.

“I know for a fact that Max Evans is currently at the Golden Globe awards...” Jen replied doubtfully, encouraging Max to prove it.

“Hang on a sec.” Max said, before making his way back into the auditorium. He held the phone away from his ear just in time for Jen to hear Keifer Sutherland announce the nominees for Best Original Musical Score.

“Can I talk to Liz now?” Max asked, making his way back into the foyer where it was quieter.

“Liz? Max is on the phone for you.” Jen yelled across the room, and then began rambling, “I can’t believe it – Max Evans is calling my hotel… Who would have thought… I wonder if I can get that into our marketing campaign somehow…”

Liz made her way over to the phone, trying to ignore the stunned expressions on the faces of Janice and Betty. If she hadn’t been feeling so nervous about talking to Max again, she would have enjoyed being able to gloat. When Jen handed her the phone, she discovered that unfortunately it wasn’t a cordless, and she was chained to the wall in everyone else’s earshot.

“Hello?” Liz asked hesitantly, really not knowing what to expect.

“Hey Liz.” Max said, and then suddenly at a loss of what to say, he said “How are you doing?”

“Fine.” Liz smiled, realising that they had already had that part of the conversation earlier in the day. Max must be feeling as nervous as she was.

“Are you having a good time?” Liz asked. “We’ve been watching the telecast.”

“I guess it’s as fun as these nights can get. They’re not really my thing.” Max replied.

“Yeah, you haven’t looked that happy when the camera has cut to you during the night.” Liz observed.

“Is it that obvious?” Max asked.

“Is anything wrong?” Liz asked. “Did Tess say something?”

“Tess was in her usual form.” Max replied. “But that’s not what’s been bothering me.”

“What’s been bothering you?” Liz asked hesitantly.

Max was silent for a moment. Part of him wanted to tell her exactly how he felt about her and the whole situation, but the other half wanted to stand his ground and make him come to her. She had to be the one who talked first.

“I’ve been feeling really bad for being so abrupt with you before. You called to talk to me and I cut you off. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay Max. That conversation didn’t really go the way I wanted it to either. What I wanted to say didn’t come out right.”

“What did you want to say?” Max pushed.

Liz looked around the room at the three eager faces that were hanging on every word. What she had to say was personal, but she knew she wouldn’t get another opportunity so she continued.

“That I miss you so much that sometimes I feel like I can’t breathe.” Liz replied. “I took this journey to find myself again – to make myself whole. But the thing is … the thing is that I feel completely empty without you.”

“Liz…” Max sighed. She was beginning to say the words that he had been waiting to hear – that she needed him.

“I’m seeing all of these beautiful places and experiencing all these new things, but after everything I think to myself how much nicer it would have been to experience them with you.” Liz continued.

“What are you saying Liz? Do you want to come home? Home to LA?” Max asked.

Liz thought it was funny to think that LA was her home, when Australia was where she came from, but they say that home is where the heart is – and right now, that was LA.

“I don’t know…” Liz replied. She wanted to see Max more than anything, but she wasn’t ready to face the paparazzi again. Also, she wanted to finish what she had started with this journey.

“What do you want Liz?” Max asked confused. Did she really want him or did she want to stay away.

“I … I want to know that I haven’t ruined everything between us. I want to know that when I get back, we have a real chance – that you might consider waiting for me.”

“I’d wait forever for you Liz Parker…” Max replied.

Liz almost sobbed with relief. She hadn’t realised just how much seeing him with Jessica tonight had affected her until he said those words.

“Maybe … maybe when you come to Australia I could come and find you?” Liz suggested. “When will you be coming?”

“In four weeks.” Max replied.

“Four weeks…” Liz repeated to herself. “Okay… in four weeks I’ll come and find you and we’ll … we’ll talk.”

Max smiled – this phonecall had gone so much better than he could ever have anticipated. His smile faltered however when a cameraman burst into the foyer and hovered the camera on Max.

“You’ve just been awarded ‘Best Actor’.” One of the organisers whispered. “You’d better get back in there.”

“Uh … I think I’d better go.” Max said, before quickly hanging up the phone.

Somewhat embarrassed, Max walked into the auditorium to find everyone looking his way and applauding. He smiled meekly, and after making a quick bypass by his own table to receive congratulatory hugs and kisses from Jessica and the others on this table, he made his way to the podium.

“Wow … well I didn’t time that very well did I?” Max said into the microphone, while everyone laughed. “At least I wasn’t in the bathroom…” Referring to the actress who once accepted an award with toilet paper stuck to the bottom of her shoe.

Max then began listing the obligatory people he would like to thank including the writers, director, studio, and crew, glaringly obviously excluding any reference to his co-star.

“I’d also like to thank my sister Isabel, who has always been there for me, even though this year has been a difficult one. To Mom and Dad who supported me when I broke the news that I wanted to be an actor instead of going to college. And to my very good friends who have also been a great support to me…”

Max hesitated for a moment, as though he was choosing his next few words carefully. He had felt bad for cutting Liz off for the second time that day and felt like he needed to say something more than he had the chance to earlier.

“And to absent loved ones…” Max began. “I hope that you know you’re always in my heart and we will see each other again soon.”

The wind up music began to play, and Max made his escape to the wings of the stage, ready to answer the barrage of questions from the backstage reporters. He knew that there would be questions about his cryptic speech and his phonecall, but he didn’t care. Everything was beginning to look up for once.

* * * * *

Liz hung up the phone and couldn’t wipe the smile of her face when she turned around and saw the other girls still staring at her in bewilderment.

“So you and Max are together still?” Janice asked.

“I guess you could put it that way.” Liz beamed. She still couldn’t believe it. Max told her that he would wait for her. She couldn’t help but think she was being given a gift that she really didn’t deserve.

“Can you sign this beer coaster for me?” Jen asked, after having found the only thing in the room that had the hotel’s logo on it, and quickly handing Liz a pen.

Liz looked at Jen bewildered, but signed it anyway. She had never been asked for an autograph before – it was a weird thing to have someone believe her messy scrawling were worthy of keeping on display.

But what topped it all off for Liz was hearing Janice say – “Just wait until I tell all the girls at work that I watched the Golden Globes with Max Evans’ girlfriend!”

Just a short-ish update to keep you going through the week...


59

When Liz got out of bed the next morning, she had a spring in her step that had been missing for far too long. After hearing Max’s message to her at the end of his speech, her heart had felt so overwhelmingly full and she had to try desperately to stop the tears of happiness that were threatening to betray her. Max had referred to her as an absent “loved one”… It was so much more than she could have hoped for – that he still had feelings for her after everything she had put him through.

As Liz opened the window to let in a breeze and check out what kind of day the weather had in store, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes, letting the smell of spring – and of hope – fill her senses. As she opened her eyes and looked down to the ground beneath her window, she continued to hold her breath – but for different reasons. Below her window was a camera van, out of which climbed a reporter and cameraman headed for the hotel’s front bar.

Liz quickly ducked out of sight as they surveyed the outside of the hotel before disappearing inside. There was only one explanation for this – Janice. She had obviously spilled to the media exactly where Liz was staying. Liz was surprised that she was still considered newsworthy, but after turning on the TV that was in her room, she cold see why – it seemed Max’s speech had stirred renewed interest…

“The highlight of the Golden Globe Awards last night was the speech made by Max Evans on his acceptance of the Best Actor award …” The presenter began, before they cut to an excerpt of Max’s speech.

“I’d also like to thank my sister Isabel, who has always been there for me, even though this year has been a difficult one. To Mom and Dad who supported me when I broke the news that I wanted to be an actor instead of going to college. And to my very good friends who have also been a great support to me… And to absent loved ones… I hope that you know you’re always in my heart and we will see each other again soon.”

“The question on everyone’s lips since then has been to whom he was referring and whether it had anything to do with the mysterious phone call that he had made while his award was being announced. The consensus is that he was talking about Australian Liz Parker – previously rumoured to have split with Max during his recent trip to Australia… Sources say that the phone call was definitely to Liz…"

And then Janice’s image appeared on the television.

“Yes – they are definitely back together…” Janice excitedly announced to the camera. “I was there when Liz took the call from Max last night…”

‘Damn…’ Liz breathed, realising that her time away from the cameras and paparazzi was officially at an end. Quickly throwing her clothes into her bag, she left a quick not of thank you to Jen and Jason, with money for the night’s accommodation, and quickly made her way to the nearest fire escape.

“Whoa. Where are you going in such a hurry?” Jason asked as Liz almost knocked him over in the stairwell.

“Sorry – I just have to get out of here …” Liz said, before hearing Jen’s voice talking to the reporters, just the other side of the wall.

“Come with me.” Jason said, nodding in understanding – Jen had filled him in on everything the night before.

Jason led Liz downstairs and made sure the coast was clear while she put her bag into the boot of her car.

“I guess you rescued me again…” Liz smiled. “Thank you.”

“No problem. Just keep safe okay?” Jason asked before giving her a wave goodbye.

Liz got behind the drivers seat and waved goodbye in return, only leaving a cloud of dust from the spin of her wheels as she pulled out of the parking lot.

* * * * *

“Max!” Tess’ voice cried out, stopping Max dead in his tracks.

Max had been on a high since the night before – feeling much more positive about his future with Liz – so much so that Jessica had told him to stop looking so deliriously happy otherwise instead of looking depressed in the tabloid photos, he would look either mad, drunk, high or something equally stupid. It had only made Max smile more.

Now he was doing the post-Globes media circuit to discuss his award, and was currently walking the halls of NBC when he heard Tess’ desperate voice.

“I thought I made myself clear that I didn’t want to talk to you…” Max replied without even turning around.

“Please…” Tess begged. “I need help…”

“What?!” Max replied, not hiding his annoyance that she had the nerve to bother him while he was in such a good mood. As he turned around he saw Tess clutching her stomach in paid and her face was deathly pale.

“What’s wrong?” Max asked hesitantly, not sure if Tess was just putting it on for the attention or if something was actually wrong…

“The baby…” Tess said before her knees buckled and she slid to the ground.

“Tess!” Max called, kneeling down beside her. “Are you okay?”

When Tess didn’t respond, Max called down the corridor for help. A few heads poked out of various doorways and, after the shock of seeing Max and Tess in the corridor had worn off, one of them called for an ambulance.

By then, beads of sweat were beginning to form on Tess’ brow and Max started to get very worried about her.

The ambulance came after what seemed like forever, and the officers placed Tess on a gurney to wheel her to the waiting ambulance downstairs. Max stood back and watched them take Tess away, until Tess called out to him.

“Please stay with me…” Tess begged. “I’m scared…”

Max hesitated for a moment before following Tess into the ambulance. He still hated Tess at this moment, but he equally hated the thought of Isabel or Liz having to go through something like this alone. No one deserved that.

Tess wouldn’t allow Max to leave her side while the doctors performed the necessary tests, but when she was rushed to the operating room Max was forced to wait in the waiting room – giving him a chance to think.

No matter how much he hated Tess and everything she had done to him, and to Liz, he couldn’t wish her harm. He hoped she would survive – and that her baby would survive.

When she came out of surgery, the doctors broke the news to Max about the fact that she lost the baby as though he was the father. If that’s what the doctors thought, he could on imagine the headlines in tomorrow’s tabloids. When Max walked into Tess’ dark room, he thought she was asleep, until he saw the fresh tears on her cheeks.

“I’m sorry Tess…” Max said apologetically.

Tess wiped away the tears and shrugged. “Things happen for a reason I guess…”

Tess was silent for a moment before she continued.

“When I knew the baby wasn’t yours, I didn’t want to keep it… but I guess I got used to the thought of being a mother – even if I was going to have to do it alone. Now it’s over…”

“Tess…” Max began, wanting to comfort her, but Tess dismissed him.

“It’s okay Max… Maybe it’s for the best. You know, now that I’m not carrying another man’s baby, you and I might have another chance to be together.”

Max’s back straightened immediately. Tess had just lost her baby and was already thinking about her love life.

“Tess – we’re not going to be together ever again. How could you even think there was a possibility?” Max asked.

“You came to the hospital with me. You waited for me while I was in surgery…” Tess stated.

“Because you asked me to!” Max retorted. “I came because I didn’t think you should be alone. But it hasn’t changed anything between us…”

“You can’t mean that after you’ve been so nice to me… I know you still have feelings for me.” Tess replied sincerely.

“I’m going to ignore that comment because you are obvious still high on the morphine they gave you. So this is what I’m going to do…” Max replied slowly, steeling himself. “I’m going to walk out of this hospital room and never look back. But before I do, is there someone you want me to call to come and stay with you?”

“No.” Tess replied sorrowfully. “There’s no one to call.”

* * * * *

After stopping for fuel in Geelong, Liz looked at the sign to Melbourne but decided against making that her next stop. Despite the episode with Janice in Torquay, she felt she was safer from the spotlight if she kept to the smaller towns. So instead of taking the highway, Liz turned her car around and headed for the ferry that would take her across the Mornington Peninsula so she could stick to the coast. There was something about being near the sea that always made her feel more at ease.

The following day, Liz was in the supermarket stocking up on some snacks for the car when she curiously picked up the ‘Who Weekly’ magazine while she waited for the check-out chick to scan her purchases. Half expecting to see a story about herself and Max, she was surprised instead to see the feature story was about Max and Tess and her miscarriage. The article suggested that they had reunited, evidenced by Max’s vigil by her hospital bed. Liz immediately pulled out her mobile phone and dialled Max’s number.

“Hello?” He answered on the third ring.

“Hi. It’s Liz.” Liz announced.

“How are you?” Max asked, and Liz could immediately hear his voice relax.

“I’m good. You?”

“I’m good.” Max replied. “Where are you?”

“A little town at the bottom edge of Victoria.” Liz replied. “I just wanted to call because I just saw the news … about Tess.”

“I can explain.” Max replied immediately, knowing exactly what Liz must be thinking – he had seen the headlines too.

“Is Tess okay?” Liz asked concerned, not waiting for Max’s explanation.

“She’s okay – the same as ever.” Max replied and then added. “You’re not mad?”

“No. I’m glad she had someone with her when she needed it.” Liz replied honestly. “It was very selfless of you… But are you okay? I know it must have been hard after what she did to you…”

“I’m okay.” Max replied. “It was hard, trying to be supportive of her when I still hold so much anger towards her – but I just kept thinking how I couldn’t bear to think of you, or Isabel, being alone in the same situation.”

“Max…” Liz replied gratefully, trying to ignore the interested glare of the person behind the supermarket check out. “Look, I have to go. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks for calling Liz. I’ll see you soon.” Max replied.

Liz beamed. “Yeah – see you soon.”

Hanging up the phone, Liz slipped her phone back into her bag and quickly paid for her groceries and left the store – desperate to get out of the town before any more calls were made to alert the media to her whereabouts.

Max smiled as he hung up the phone – staring at the mobile number that was now saved into his phone.

Surprise! Posting early this week. The upside of having the 5th cold in about 6 months...

Anyway, we are building up to the finale (unless I get inspired to throw yet another spanner into the works), and it's probably must last chance to throw in some Australian music... First up is 'I Make Hamburgers' by The Whitlams, then 'Seeing Angels' by The John Butler Trio, and then (to show I'm an equal opportunitist) some American flavour with 'Here by Me' by Three Doors Down.


60

The next four weeks passed quickly. Liz continued to travel up the coast from Victoria, to the top of New South Wales where she had stopped in Byron Bay for over a week learning to surf – something which she had thought the ‘old her’ would never do. But while she managed to learn to stand on the board and catch a few waves, she preferred instead to take her board out past where the waves were rolling in and just float – watching the world go by. Occasionally she would be surrounded by a pod of dolphins, and it was in these moments she felt complete peace.

Liz had called Max almost everyday over the past four weeks, and on the days that she didn’t, he had called her. It had surprised her the first time he had called - she had been so concerned about him over the Tess-thing that she hadn’t even realised that she had called him on her mobile phone. But she was glad that she had. She loved hearing his voice out of the blue, just telling her that he was thinking about her. They hadn’t yet talked too seriously about their relationship, or where they stood with each other, but it felt good to hear that he was thinking about her as much as she was thinking about him.

Liz was now packing her car, getting ready to move on to her next destination – Brisbane. While she had bypassed the other capital cities of both Melbourne and Sydney, she was making an exception with Brisbane for two reasons – one, there was a charity concert that ‘The Whitlams’ were playing at and she couldn’t pass up an opportunity of seeing them perform, and two, Maria was flying in that afternoon to join her for the rest of her road trip up the coast of Queensland. Michael would join them in Cairns in a couple of weeks.

Ready to hit the road, Liz decided to make one more phone call to Max before she left – knowing that it would be her last chance that day with the time difference. She had tried calling him a couple of times over the past few days but always seemed to miss him – constantly getting put through to his voicemail. She had left messages but he hadn’t yet called her back. It was the longest they had gone without talking to each other in the past month.

“Hello?” Max asked gruffly when he finally picked it up, as though her phone call was inconveniencing him.

“Hey Max, its Liz…” She began hesitantly. “Is this a bad time?”

“Yeah, it is.” Max replied honestly.

“Sorry, I just haven’t been able to reach you lately. I just wanted to check in.”

“I’ve been busy.” Max replied sternly as though he had more important things to do then talk to her. “Look I have to go. I’ll call you later.” Max said.

And just before Liz heard the dial-tone she heard the sound of a woman’s voice in the background calling him back to bed. Liz tried to find a reasonable explanation, but coupled with the gruffness of his voice and his cutting the conversation short, it made her nervous. What was going on?

* * * * *

“What time is it?” Jessica asked shading her eyes from the light.

“11am.” Max replied glancing at the alarm clock by the bed.

“I feel like it should be 11pm…” Jessica replied. “God I hate jet lag.”

“Ditto.” Max mumbled, willing himself to go back to sleep, but the sun was doing its best to light the room through the drawn curtains.

“Can you please turn off your phone so we can at least try and get back to sleep – we have a big day tomorrow.” Jessica said, pulling the covers higher over her waist.

Max rolled over, and fumbled with his phone, switching it to mute before hurling it across the room for good measure. Falling asleep immediately – he had already put the phone call out of his mind.

* * * * *

“Maria!” Liz called out, having spotted Maria in the crowd. She had been waiting in the Brisbane airport, waiting at the gate for Maria to disembark.

“Liz!” Maria waved, with her hands full of luggage and duty free shopping.

Liz pushed her way through the crowd, and pulled Maria into a hug.

“I’m so glad you’re here.” Liz confessed. She had been obsessing over her phone call with Max for her entire drive up the South East Freeway from Byron Bay, through the Gold Coast to Brisbane. She really needed to talk to Maria about it – or more accurately, she needed Maria to tell her that there was nothing to worry about when everything was beginning to indicate otherwise.

“Me too. I’ve missed you.” Maria smiled.

“I’ve missed you too.” Liz smiled in return. “Let’s get out of here.”

“I’ve still got to pick up my luggage from the conveyor belt.” Maria stated.

Liz looked at all the bags already surrounding Maria and raised her eyebrow.

“What? This is just my hand luggage.”

“How did they even let you on the plane with that much luggage?” Liz asked.

“I sweet-talked the captain. He even let me sit up front.” Maria winked.

Liz just rolled her eyes. Maria could always talk her way in or out of anything – pregnant or not.

After struggling with Maria’s luggage in the baggage collection area, they managed to pack all of the luggage into Liz’s car by jumping up and down on the boot until it finally latched. Liz wasn’t looking forward to having to do that every day when they were on the road.

“Ready?” Liz asked.

“Absolutely. Roadtrip!” Maria exclaimed throwing up her arms and jumping into the passenger seat, with the plan of getting some sleep on their drive up to the Whitsundays.

“Actually, I was thinking … how would you feel about spending the first couple of nights in Brisbane?” Liz asked.

“Sure. Why?” Maria asked.

“There’s a concert on tomorrow to raise money for the farmers who are struggling in the drought. Jet, Pete Murray, John Butler Trio, Bernard Fanning, Missy Higgins, The Whitlams …” Liz emphasised, knowing the last name on the list would get Maria to say ‘yes’.

“Sounds great.” Maria smiled. “So I guess we should find somewhere to stay tonight so I can get over this jetlag before tomorrow.”

* * * * *

The following day, Maria and Liz were in the crowd, screaming at the top of their lungs when ‘The Whitlams’ walked onto the stage and began their first song – one of Liz and Maria’s favourites.

My first customer was Megan
She came in for a hamburger with the lot, no meat
“Hey that’s a salad roll” I said
And we started going out

My second customer was Susan
She came in for Diet Pepsi morning tea each day
And I said “You don’t need to be on a diet
Do you wanna come out tonight?”

By this stage Liz and Maria were jumping around like crazy – well Liz was jumping and Maria was doing her best to keep her balance with her every-growing belly.

I said “I’ll bring Gringo he’s got a lot of money
And he’ll take us to the bars where they’ve got a view
He’ll buy us those beers they give it to you in bottles
They put lemon in the top and it don’t taste too bad
I’m telling you, telling you”

My third customer was Maria…

To which Maria threw her hands in the air and ‘whoo-hooed’.

She came in for hot chips and sauce…

“More sauce!” The crowd cried out in unison.

“More sauce” she said
“I said now you’re talking”
And she took me home to meet her mother

My fourth customer was Sandy
She came in for nothing I could see, except me
So it was I too was eating a hamburger of sorts
Within an hour

I make hamburgers I get all the girls
And I take ‘em out to dinner and I give ‘em all a whirl
If they work I keep ‘em if they don’t I keep ‘em too
But I teach ‘em all how to be d-d-d-d-dirty girls like you

“Let’s try and get closer to the stage.” Maria said, grabbing Liz’s hand. Liz obediently followed, dancing and singing along as they went.

I said “I’ll bring Gringo he’s got a lot of money
And he’ll take us to the bars where they’ve got a view
He’ll buy us those beers they give it to you in bottles
There’s lemon in the top and it don’t taste too bad
I’m telling you, telling you”

I make hamburgers I get all the girls
And I take ‘em out to dinner and I give ‘em all a whirl
If they work I keep ‘em if they don’t I keep ‘em too
But I teach ‘em all how to be d-d-d-d-dirty girls

“Pregnant woman coming through…” Maria called, forcing people in front of her to make a path for her and Liz to walk through. It seemed pregnancy had its advantages sometimes…

I make hamburgers I get all the girls
If they work I keep them, if they don’t I keep them too
I make hamburgers I get all the girls
And I take them out to dinner
If they work I keep them, if they don’t I keep them too
But I teach ‘em all how to be d-d-d-dirty girls
I make hamburgers I get all the girls
Take ‘em out to dinner
If they work I keep them, if they don’t I keep them too

After performing a couple more songs, The Whitlams left the stage and the MC returned.

“And now would you please put your hands together for two of the hottest movie stars in Hollywood right now, and who are in our country shooting their latest movie. Please welcome Max Evans and Jessica Alba!” The MC announced.

The crowd went wild with applause as they all walked onto the stage.

Liz and Maria just looked at each other.

“Did you know about this?” Liz asked Maria.

“I knew he was in the country. I didn’t know he would be here today.” Maria replied, trying to make herself heard over all of the cheering.

Liz could only wonder why he hadn’t called her before now to let her know he had arrived. And why he hadn’t called since the weird call the day before. She and Maria had discussed the phone call at length and despite Maria’s assurances that to her knowledge there wasn’t anything going on between Max and Jessica, Liz hadn’t been left feeling any more comforted.

“Hello everyone. Having a good time?” Max asked the crowd, to which he got a screaming response in the affirmative.

“Thank you for coming out today and showing your support for this worthy cause.” Max began, and to which the crowd screamed again. “You’re all about to see a world first. If anyone knows anything about me, it is that I don’t sing in public, well, not without a few too many beers anyway…”

“There’s probably a good reason for that…” Jessica teased, sitting next to the empty stool next to Max with a microphone.

“… And since I’ve given up drinking …” Max continued, to which there was more cheering, “… this will be the first time that anyone has seen me sing in public - sober.”

There were more cheers as the crowd realised that Max and Jessica weren’t just there to persuade people to donate more money. They were actually going to put their money where their mouths were, or more correctly, their mouths where their money was.

“I didn’t know Max could sing, did you?” Liz asked Maria, to which Maria mumbled something incoherently.

“So, to help me out, the John Butler Trio have agreed to come back to the stage and let us ruin one of their songs.” Max announced, indicating to the threesome who were walking onto the stage.

“And just because we’re here for a cause, there is a catch.” John explained, taking a microphone. “If we can raise $250,000 from our home viewers during the duration of this song, Max will follow up this duet with a solo. The number should be appearing on your screen now.”

“And if you want me to never sing again, please dial 1800-get-him-off-the-stage!” Max joked, and the audience laughed with him. “So get your fingers dialling now.”

The music began and Max put the microphone to his lips for the first verse.

Why do I deserve such a visit?
From the one I thought I’d never meet
Beyond my greatest expectations
You exceeded everything.

Jessica’s voice then came in for the next verse. Singing to Max as though the crowd wasn’t even there.

Well here I am
Take me for what you see
For I’m transparent in the light of you
And look inside, see that fire burning bright
The same one that you rekindled inside me.

“I really don’t need to hear this.” Liz announced, wondering if she was the only person there who could see the obvious chemistry between Max and Jessica. She made a move to go, but Maria grabbed her arm.

“You can’t go without talking to him.” Maria argued.

Liz looked back up at Max and knew that Maria was right – she had waited over a month to see him again, and now that he was right in front of her, she owed it to him to stay.

She watched as Max and Jessica looked into each others eyes and sung the chorus together.

My mouth was dry
Only you quenched my thirst
And I thought I was last
You told me that I was first
And I thought I was seeing angels and now I know I was
Your wings round me feel good - they always does.

Liz couldn’t take her eyes off Max. It was the first time that she had seen him since she told him to leave, and she had to admit that he looked good. He looked happy. She wondered who it was that had put the smile on his face.

So there I was
Aint the same man I used to be
But do you still like what you see in me?
Still see through
Always will be with you
Can you stand to see my vulnerability?
For I am frightened
Shed so much I clung onto
The only things I have are this guitar and you.

Jessica sung in reply, and Liz saw how Max beamed at her when she did. Liz wondered if anyone could see the knife currently stabbing her in the heart. After the weird phone call the day before, she was feeling less and less convinced that there was an explanation other than the obvious…

Nowhere to run
Been out here too long
Under the sun
Am I too afraid to get some?
To afraid to give myself some shade
I hope and pray I do some day.

As Max and Jessica sung the final chorus together, Liz debated her decision to stay and talk to Max. Surely she should take the time to regroup her thoughts – to think of convincing arguments as to why Max should choose her over Jessica. At the moment she was at a loss…

Jessica was what Max needed. She was beautiful, confident, successful, and could understand what it was to live the kind of life Max lived. She knew how to deal with the media, and most of all she wasn’t scared. Despite how much Liz had grown over the last month and tried to overcome her fears and insecurities, when faced with competition that came in a package like Jessica, she suddenly felt inadequate.

My mouth was dry
Only you quenched my thirst
And I thought I was last
You told me that I was first
And I thought I was seeing angels and now I know I was
Your wings round me feel good - they always does.

During the instrumental, Liz saw Max’s face take time to scan the crowd. For a moment she felt as though he was looking straight at her. She saw a momentarily look of surprise and confusion on his face, so as he turned away briefly, she ducked behind the person in front of her, in case he looked in her direction again to confirm what he had seen. She really didn’t want him to know that she was there just yet.

“Liz? What are you doing?” Maria asked, realising Liz was crouching down.

“Tying my shoelace.” Liz replied.

“You’re wearing thongs.” Maria pointed out.

“Oh, um, oops, my mistake.” Liz shrugged, getting to her feet, just as the song was finishing.

The MC returned to the stage, and stood next to Max and Jessica.

“Well, the results are in. It seems like the viewers liked what they heard.” The MC announced. “We’ve managed to raise almost $300,000 in the last five minutes, and only five votes for you to stop – and they were all from your mum.” The MC joked.

“Thanks mom.” Max smiled. “Always my biggest fan.”

“Guess it’s over to you now mate.” John said, offering his guitar to Max.

Max took the guitar from John and tried to look as relaxed as possible, but the thought of singing, and playing, on his own scared him to death. At least with the duet he wasn’t the only one putting himself out there – now it was all on him.

“Okay. I’m a huge ‘Three Doors Down’ fan.” Max began, and then waited for the fellow fans in the audience to stop cheering so he could continue. “So a friend of mine has been teaching me one of their songs, and I’d like to play it for you today.”

Liz gave Maria a pointed stare.

“What?” Maria replied innocently.

“We really need to talk about where your loyalties are.” Liz stated, although only half serious. For some strange reason it made her happy to think that Max had stayed friends with her friends, as though that validated what she meant to him. But she would have thought, as Liz’s friend, Maria would have mentioned it …

“I want to dedicate this song to a beautiful Australian girl I know.” Max continued, and the crowd cheered to hear that he was singing to one of ‘their kind’.

Max took a moment to focus before strumming on the guitar, stumbling over the second chord, but the crowd barely seemed to notice.

I hope you’re doing fine out there without me
Cause I’m not doing so good without you
The things I thought you’d never know about me
Were the things I guess you always understood

“Look. It’s her…” Some people in the crowd began to point at Liz. “That’s Liz Parker.”

The whispering began to spread like wildfire, and soon there were cameras headed in Liz’s direction.

So how could I have been so blind for all these years?
I guess I only see the truth through all this fear
Of living without you

And everything I have in this world
And all that I’ll ever be
It could all fall down around me
Just as long as I have you right here by me

“Maria...” Liz began, looking at the crowd around her with trepidation. “I need to get out of here.”

I can’t take another day without you
Cause baby I could never make it on my own
I’ve been waiting so long just to hold you
And to be back in your arms where I belong

Maria looked around at the amount of people in the crowd who were now staring at Liz.

“Okay, I’ll get you out of here.” Maria promised, taking Liz by the hand and leading her through the crowd. Liz didn’t even notice where they were going, being so caught up in the sound of Max’s voice.

Sorry I can’t always find the words to say
Everything I’ve ever known gets swept away
Inside of your love

It was only when Liz heard Maria talking to the security guard that she realised that they were at the very front of the stage, barely metres away from Max. If she concentrated hard enough, she could almost smell that familiar scent of his aftershave – the smell that brought back so many memories of being held in his arms. Five minutes ago she would have thought that it wasn’t possible, but she could hear the words he was singing now and she felt almost hopeful again. Almost…

And everything I have in this world
And all that I’ll ever be
It could all fall down around me
Just as long as I have you right here by me

“Look mister, Max Evans is up there pouring his heart out about this girl here.” Liz heard Maria explaining to the security guard and pointing at Liz. “You’ve gotta let us through.”

“Do you realise how many girls in the last two minutes have come up there with that exact same claim?” The security guard replied. “Sorry, I can’t let you through.”

As the days roll on I see
Time is standing still for me
When you’re not here

“I’m not ready to see him yet Maria.” Liz announced suddenly. She had just caught a glimpse of Jessica waited for Max in the wings like a groupie. She knew Maria was only trying to help, but she wasn’t ready to see him, and not in front of this many people – and not in front of Jessica. “I’m gonna go.”

Sorry I can’t always find the words to say
Everything I’ve ever known gets swept away
Inside of your love

“No you’re not young lady.” Maria replied defiantly. “This has gone on long enough. The two of you need to sit down and have a nice long talk…”

And everything I have in this world
And all that I’ll ever be
It could all fall down around me
Just as long as I have you right here by me

“I know Maria, just not here.” Liz replied, looking nervously around at the amount of cameras that were around, pointed both at her and at Max. The last thing she needed was for their reunion to be televised.

“Okay.” Maria conceded. “I’ll see you back at the hotel?”

Liz nodded. “Tell Max that I thought he was great.” She said, before disappearing through the crowd.

And everything I have in this world
And all that I’ll ever be
It could all fall down around me
Just as long as I have you right here by me

Max finished the song to the sound of cheering, a sound that seemed inappropriate to the emotions that were coursing through him. The whole time he had been singing, he couldn’t get the image of Liz out of his mind, and the feeling that she was hearing every word that he was singing just for her. But as he finished the song, he felt a sudden emptiness.

Talking a reluctant bow, Max used the opportunity to scan the crowd on the off chance that the vision he had of Liz in the previous song hadn’t been his mind playing tricks on him. He couldn’t see Liz, but in the front row he noticed someone waving at him more pointedly than the rest of the crowd. Max motioned to the security guard to let her through, and then met her near the steps to the side of the stage.

“Maria, Hi.” Max said, hugging her. “How have you been? I didn’t know you were here. What did you think? Did your tutelage pay off?”

“You were great Max.” Maria replied. “I wasn’t the only one who thought so either.”

“The crowd seemed to enjoy it.” Max replied.

“Max.” Maria said, putting her hands on his shoulders to refocus him. “I wasn’t referring to the crowd.”

Maria then watched the expression on his face as it dawned on him. Liz had been there.

“Where is she?” He asked.

“She just left.” Maria sighed.

“She left?” Max asked incredulously. After he had poured his heart out on stage – saying the words that he hadn’t said on the phone, and she just left?

“You were fantastic!” Jessica bounded up, giving Max a huge hug.

“Hu-hmm.” Maria cleared her throat and raised her eyebrow at Max.

“Maria, Jessica, Jessica, Maria.” Max introduced them.

“Nice to meet you.” Jessica smiled.

“You too.” Maria replied unconvincingly before she returned her attention to Max.

“What about Liz?” Maria asked.

“What about Liz?” Max replied.

“Aren’t you going to go after her?”

“No.” Max replied stubbornly. “We had an agreement. She has to come to me.”

“And until then you’ll continue to dismiss her phone calls and share your bed with other women?” Maria asked, referring to what Liz had told her about the phone call yesterday.

Max suddenly went pale. When he had woken up that morning he had vaguely remembered talking to Liz on the phone, but he had been so out of it from the jet lag that he had put it down to just a dream.

“The hotel mixed up the reservation so Jessica and I had to share a room until there was an extra one ready…” Max explained.

“Nothing happened…” Jessica added. “Scouts honour.”

“I don’t really want to know.” Maria dismissed their explanation. “All I’m saying is - stop making it so hard for her to come to you.”

Hi All...

Thanks for the feedback.

This is just a short part to keep you going until last week.

PS - Go the Power!!! (sorry, football reference for those of you not down under)


61

“Liz?” Max answered, having dived to answer his phone on the first ring.

“Max?” Liz said surprised when Max’s phone didn’t go straight to his voicemail. “I didn’t expect you to answer the phone.”

“Why not?” Max asked.

“I don’t know… just going on the last few days. I haven’t been able to reach you and then when I do…”

“Sorry about that.” Max immediately apologised for the phone call the previous night. “I was jet lagged. I don’t even remember answering my phone – I must have been that out of it.”

“It’s okay Max, really.” Liz replied, but Max could tell by her voice that she was still hurt, or confused, or something. “I just wanted to call and tell you how well you sung today.”

“Thanks Liz.” Max smiled.

“… And that song you sang for me was … it was really sweet. It meant a lot to me.” Liz said.

“I’m glad.” Max smiled. “I was hoping … when Maria told me that you were there… I guess I was hoping that you would have stayed to talk to me afterwards…”

“I really wanted to Max…” Liz replied. “… I just… There were cameras everywhere… It wasn’t what I had wanted for our first meeting…” Liz tried to explain.

“It’s okay Liz.” Max replied. “I understand…”

“I think that … I think that maybe one month was a little too optimistic…” Liz added.

“What do you mean?” Max asked.

“I need more time.” Liz admitted.

Max was silent.

“Max?” Liz said when he didn’t respond.

“What Liz? What do you want me to say?” Max asked. “This last month has been so hard being away from you, and now you are telling me that you need more time?”

“Hard on you?” Liz questioned. “I’m sure it’s been real hard having someone as beautiful as Jessica throw herself at you. I’m sure it’s been hell.”

Liz didn’t mean for the words to come out like that, and the moment she had said them she wished she could take them back. She trusted Max. In her heart she knew there was nothing going on between him and Jessica, but she let her insecurities take over - again.

“There’s nothing going on between me and Jessica.” Max stated.

“I know… I’m sorry … I just – I can’t help but think that maybe you deserve someone like her, someone who’s confident and self assured, and not threatened by anyone – especially the paparazzi.” Liz replied.

“What are you saying?” Max asked.

“I’m saying that while this past month has been really good for me … I don’t think I’m quite where I want to be. I’m saying that I need some more time to become that person for you.”

“Okay.” Max replied.

“Okay?” Liz repeated, expecting him to fight her decision, or get angry or something.

“It’s okay Liz. You originally said six months. As long as it won’t be longer than that, I’ll accept it.” Max replied.

“It won’t be that long.” Liz promised. “I just need to find my confidence again.”

“And how are you going to do that?” Max asked curiously.

“I think it’s time I went back to work…” Liz smiled.

She had been thinking about it constantly for the last month. While it had been nice to take time out and see Australia without having any obligations tying her down, she knew that something was missing. What was missing was her passion for cooking and hearing customers praise her food - as though she was able to make their lives better even just for that one hour that they sat in her restaurant. With her cooking she was somebody.

* * * * *

Three weeks and two thousand kilometres later, Liz and Maria rolled into Port Douglas in tropical north Queensland. Their past 21 days had been filled with sunshine, sand and sea, which was not at all hard to take. Every town they drove through, Liz would try to get a sense of whether it was somewhere that she could put some roots down for a while, but she always had a sense that there was somewhere further down the road that was calling her on.

“What do you think?” Maria asked, wondering what feelings this new town was giving Liz.

Liz just smiled and pulled the car over in the main street.

“What?” Maria asked.

“Let’s take a walk.” Liz said, getting out of the car and waiting for Maria to pull herself up out of the passenger seat.

“That’s easy for you to say.” Maria smiled, straightening her top over her ever-growing belly.

They walked the main street, peering into the cute little shops that sold souvenirs featuring the coral of the Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree Rainforest to the north.

“Well?” Maria asked - the suspense was killing her.

“I think we could stay here for a while…” Liz replied, taking a deep breath and inhaling the smell of the tropics – humidity mixed with the sweet smell of frangipani flowers.

“Thank God for that.” Maria sighed, not even attempting to hide her relief at finally being able to stop in one place for a while. “Let’s find something to eat – the baby’s starving.”

Liz obediently followed Maria, knowing that Maria’s cravings would be the decider, as usual, of what they ate that day.

“This place looks cute.” Maria said, stopping at small little café hidden behind frangipani and palm trees. Studying the menu on the footpath for a moment, Maria indicated that she had found something to eat that the baby found acceptable, and they should find a table.

“They could improve the service though…” Maria commented after they had been seated for ten minutes and no one had come out to take their order. There were no other patrons sitting outside, so it wasn’t as if the staff were overly busy either.

“I’ll go and see if I can find us some menus.” Liz said, walking inside to where there were additional tables – which were also empty except for one couple that sat quietly by the window.

Liz scanned the counter for a menu, but couldn’t see any.

“Hello?” She called out, when she heard some banging going on in the kitchen.

Moments later a young girl of no more than twenty came bustling out of the kitchen carrying two plates of food and taking them to the couple by the window.

“I’ll be right with you.” The waitress called over her shoulder to Liz.

Liz couldn’t help but smile at this young girl who had flour smeared across her forehead and grated carrot in her hair. She would have been worried about the various breaches of health regulations if she hadn’t found it so amusing.

“Sorry. The chef didn’t come in today and it’s just me here.” The waitress apologised when she returned to grab the menus that were behind the counter.

Liz couldn’t help but smile that exactly the same thing had happened in LA when she had wound up working for Amy at Café Blu. She briefly wondered if it was fate …

“He hasn’t gone to prison has he?” Liz joked.

“Hank? No way. Probably just out surfing or diving. It’s hard to keep good help around here – not with the beach and sun always calling.” The waitress replied. “Mental note – never hire anyone with sun-bleached hair and a great tan.”

“Do you own this place?” Liz asked surprised. The young girl had seemed so, well, young.

“Yeah. I just bought it. Came up here to get out of the big city. Thought it would be a piece of cake, but I think I should stick to waitressing.” The young girl replied, pulling the carrot out of her hair.

“How’s those menus coming along?” Maria asked, walking into the café. She was getting famished.

“Sorry Maria.” Liz apologised. “Apparently the chef hasn’t turned up today so we may have to eat somewhere else…”

Maria looked from Liz to the waitress and then back to Liz.

“You know Liz here is an excellent cook…” Maria began. “And it just so happens that she needs a job.”

“Maria!” Liz admonished. She really didn’t need Maria talking her up.

“Really?” The waitress perked up. “You’re hired.”

“Don’t you want to interview me, or taste some of my food?” Liz asked.

“Can you cook bacon and eggs?” The waitress asked.

“Of course.” Liz replied.

“Then you’re hired.” The waitress replied, handing Liz an apron.

“What about Hank?” Liz asked. She really didn’t like the idea of some big burly guy coming back to find his job had been stolen.

“I wouldn’t worry about Hank. I was going to have to fire him anyway. He couldn’t even cook toast without burning it.”

“If you’re sure…” Liz hesitated.

“Absolutely. I’m Janet by the way.” The waitress said, holding out her hand, after wiping the excess flour off of it.

“Liz.” Liz replied, taking it and shaking it in hers.

“So … are you single?” Janet asked, giving Liz a wink.

“And straight, but thanks for asking.” Liz replied.

In the meantime Maria had grabbed one of the menus and was perusing it.

“Okay, so I’ll have a strawberry milkshake, chicken foccacia and side of fries.”

“Orders up!” Janet replied, scribbling down Maria’s order and handing it to Liz.

Liz took it in her hand, and walked into the kitchen. The moment she entered it, she felt like she had come home. It was much smaller than the one at Café Blu, but it had everything she needed. A smile crept over Liz’s face – this was exactly where she needed to be right now.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

I expect to hear a collective sigh of relief by the end of this chapter...

The song in this chapter is 'Steer' by Missy Higgins.

Oh, and ladylou - i've momentarily forgotten the words... I should have known - they always choke in finals (but the biggest loss in history? That takes skill...)


62

“How long are you going to keep this up?” Maria asked, flopping down on the sofa next to Liz. They had been in Port Douglas for a couple of weeks in which time Liz had managed to find a nice third storey apartment overlooking the beach. It was fully furnished, so it had taken hardly any time at all for Liz and Maria to settle in.

“Keep what up?” Liz asked hesitantly.

“Keep avoiding the fact that Max is less than one hundred kilometres away shooting his movie.”

“I’m not avoiding it.” Liz replied.

“But you haven’t gone to see him yet.” Maria pointed out.

“I’ve been busy with work. Speaking of which…” Liz said, standing up to grab her bag for the short two minute walk to work.

“I thought you and Max were getting along really well over the phone.” Maria continued, ignoring Liz’s attempts to avoid the conversation.


“So what have you been doing today?” Liz asked.

“Oh, you know, scuba diving, sun-baking, racing million dollar yachts, beating up bad guys… the usual.” Max replied. “You?”

“I bought a plastic indoor plant.” Liz replied. “I’m sorry that your life isn’t quite as exciting as mine.”


“We are.”

“Then why haven’t you told him where you are? Why haven’t you told him that you are practically just up the road from where he is staying?”

“I’m … I … well…” Liz stuttered.

The truth was, she had gone as far as to find out what hotel Max was staying in in Palm Cove, but hadn’t taken it any further and actually tried to see him face to face. She really didn’t know what she was waiting for. Work was going really well and she was feeling back in control of her life. Vouge had even come to the café to do an article on the restaurant, apparently having heard rave reviews about the new chef.


“Liz Parker ... Liz Parker ... where do I know that name from?” The interviewer incessantly tapped her pen on the table, trying to recall a memory. “Where did you work before here?”

“Cafe Blu in LA.” Liz replied.

“No that can’t be it … Why is your name so familiar?” The interviewer continued, unable to let it go.

The old liz would have made up some story to allay the interviewer’s suspicions, but the new improved Liz was ready to face the journalist head on.

“Mysteriously absent recent girlfriend of Max Evans ring any bells?” Liz asked. “What are the papers saying about me now? Oh yeah, that I’m hauled up somewhere in the middle of New South Wales at a scientology ‘boot camp’.”

The interviewer just gaped at Liz, obviously shocked that she had the Liz Parker right in front of her.

“Would you mind...” The interviewer began to ask, and Liz could see the dollar signs shining in her eyes.

“I’d actually prefer to stick to the topic at hand, and that would be the cafe.” Liz replied, knowing exactly what the interviewer was thinking – that she had a scoop for her magazine. “I’m enjoying my brief absence from the spotlight and I would like to keep it that way, so if you could even not mention me by name in the article that would be great, thanks. Otherwise we can finish the interview right now…”

“Oh, oh okay.” The interviewer replied, a little taken aback by Liz’s confidence. “How long have you been the head chef at the Mango Leaf Cafe?...”


Liz wondered how much that article would change what she loved about the café. At the moment the café was a lesser known oasis where it was peaceful and quiet, and where at night the fairy lights and whistling of the wind through the surrounding palm trees made you feel like you were in a forest surrounded by fire flies. The only patrons were locals, who liked to take their time and have a relaxed meal. The magazine article could only bring tourists who wanted cheap and fast food that they could devour before getting on one of the many boats that would take them out to the reef.

Besides work, she and Max were back to talking daily on the phone, although not talking too much about what they were really up to. Liz occasionally saw stories on the news about rumours as to Max and Jessica’s blossoming romance, but Liz knew that there was no way anything could be happening between Max and Jessica when Max spoke to her the way he did over the phone.

“You’re stalling.” Maria observed.

“I’m not stalling… I’m just waiting for the right moment.” Liz replied defensively.

“And when will that be?”

“Soon.” Liz replied wistfully. “Very soon.”

* * * * *

Liz decided that she needed to go for a run to clear her head – and she had just enough time to fit it in before Janet would send out a search party for her. It was becoming a daily habit for her since they had settled in Port Douglas. She generally worked from around 11am to 11pm, with a couple of hours off in the middle between the lunch and dinner shift. She tried to go for a run either before work in the morning or between shifts. Four Mile beach was her usual track – a beautiful palm lined beach that, out of the tourist season, was generally empty of people who preferred to spend their time on the reef or by their resort’s pool.

As Liz ran she wondered to herself why she was putting off finally being happy. She knew that she loved Max, and she was fairly certain he loved her too, so why was she enforcing this distance between them? But she knew what the answer was – it was because she didn’t believe she was good enough for him. Although the word ‘didn’t’ was becoming more and more like past tense. Feeling a surge of confidence, she decided that she was through with her self-doubt and loathing.

Feel it falling off like clothing
Taste it rolling on your tongue
See the lights above you glowing
Oh and breathe them deep into your lungs

Running harder and faster, Liz felt as though she was trying to outrun her past. Yes she had been broken, yes she had been lost, but that didn’t mean that she didn’t deserve to be happy too. And okay, so maybe there was a chance that Max was beginning to move on, like the papers were suggesting, but Liz knew that no matter what, she couldn’t let someone else determine whether she was going to happy or not – she was the only one who could make herself that way.

It was always simple, not hidden hard
You've been pulling on the strings
Playing puppeteer for kings
And you've had enough

So she made a decision. Within the next 24 hours she would find Max, tell him how she felt about him, holding nothing back. If he still wanted to be with her, then she would be over the moon – if not ... well she would deal with that too. She was in control of her own life and it was time to take charge and live it the best way she possibly could – with or without Max.

But the search ends here
Where the night is totally clear
And your heart is fierce
So now you finally know
That you control where you go
You can steer

And she believed she was – she was in control. She was back cooking again and being inspired to create new dishes in the kitchen. She had Maria with her, and they were getting along like a house on fire. It was beginning to feel as though they had never been apart for all those years. She had a nice apartment, a good job, she felt healthy. She had been calling her mother almost every day and was managing to rebuild that relationship. She missed her father, but instead of focusing on all that she had lost, she concentrated on all the good times she had had with him when she was growing up.

So hold this feeling like a newborn
All the freedom surging through your veins
You have opened up a new door
So bring on the wind, fire and rain

She felt as though she was ready for anything. The paparazzi could even turn up on her doorstep flashing a thousand cameras in her eyes, and she wouldn’t care. She was who she was and the world was just going to have to accept that.

It was always simple, not hidden hard
You've been playing at a game
Called remembering your name
And you stuffed it up

Liz knew that she hadn’t handled things well in the past. She had overreacted, run away, and not put her trust in those around her. She had spent the last couple of months trying to ‘find herself’, when all she really found was that she liked the person she already was – a successful chef, a daughter, a friend, even a girlfriend. So she had gone through a rough patch, so what? She was not going to let that be an excuse for her to let the world walk all over her. She was stronger than that.

But the search ends here
Where the night is totally clear
And your heart is fierce
So now you finally know
That you control where you go
You can steer
Oh
And now you finally know
That you control where you go
You can steer

Liz headed back to the restaurant with a newfound determination and spring in her step. She would no longer sit around waiting for good things to happen to her – she was going to go out and make them happen for herself.

'Cause you've been listening for answers
Oh but the city screams and all your dreams go unheard

And she was going to do it right now, before she lost her nerve.

But the search ends here
Where the night is totally clear
And your heart is fierce
So now you finally know
That you control where you go
You can steer

Well, as soon as her lunch shift was over anyway...

Oh
And get out of the box
And step into the clear
Oh
Cause now you finally know
That you can steer

“I need you to make a delivery for me.” Janet burst into the kitchen.

“Delivery?” Liz questioned. Since when did the chef make deliveries?

“We got this big lunch order and I can’t leave the restaurant…” Janet explained.

“And I can?” Liz asked, wondering who was going to cook if a customer came into the restaurant in the meantime.

“Please … pretty please.” Janet battered her eyelids.

“What’s going on?” Liz sighed, used to Janet’s weird behaviour.

“Okay, so when they phone through the order, I kind of made a pass at the chick on the phone and it turns out she has a boyfriend who is a black belt. I really don’t want to run into her - or him for that matter.” Janet explained.

“Okay, fine. So where’s this food you want me to deliver?” Liz asked.

Janet handed her a slip of paper. “You haven’t made it yet.” She smiled, before leaving Liz with an order for almost one hundred sandwiches.

* * * * *

An hour later, Liz pulled the car up to the marina where there was practically one hundred people milling around, amongst whom was various cameras and lighting equipment.

Liz’s chest started to beat faster. This was a movie set…

Opening the car, Liz pulled out the first tray of food and began to make her way over to where all the activity was happening, scanning the crowd for Max.

“Can I help you?” A security guard approached her as she neared the set.

“Lunch delivery?” Liz replied hesitantly, as this large, burly man towered over her.

“Thank goodness for that – I’m starved.” He replied. “Let me help you with those…”

The security guard helped Liz get the other trays out of her car while he explained the dramas they had with the caterers – hence the desperate call for outside catering.

Liz put the food down on the waiting empty tables, and soon the crew and extras made their way over and started devouring the sandwiches as if they hadn’t eaten in days.

“You look familiar.” A voice said from behind Liz as she was turning to leave.

Liz turned around to find John Stockwell, the director, talking to her.

“Hi. Liz Parker.” Liz held out her hand.

“Of course… Liz. Good to see you again. Let me find Max for you.” John offered, immediately looking around for Max.

“No, that’s okay … he’s probably busy.” Liz replied hesitantly, worried about interrupting Max while he was at work, no matter how much her heart had leapt at the thought of seeing him again – sooner than she had anticipated. She had just pictured it as just being the two of them ...

“Nonsense. We’re all on a break anyway…” John replied.

Liz followed John to the other side of the Marina to where there was a small patch of sand. On the sand Liz could make out two figures, one on bended knee. Liz watched for a moment, as that figure stood up and threw his arms around the woman he was with.

“Are … are they rehearsing a scene?” Liz asked hesitantly, praying that the answer was ‘yes’.

“Nah. That’s not part of the script. I’m not sure what they are doing.” John replied.

“Max!” John called out, but Max was out of earshot.

“I … I have to go…” Liz said, backing away.

“Already?” John asked. “Don’t you want to see Max?”

“He looks … preoccupied.” Liz stammered, reeling from seeing what looked awfully like a marriage proposal. She was too late…

“Do you want me to tell him you were here?” John asked.

“No.” Liz replied quickly, her new-found resolve quickly evaporating. “Please don’t.”

John just watched Liz in confusion as she walked away.

* * * * *

“There’s an absolutely reasonable explanation for this...” Liz said to herself as she paced the kitchen. It was later that night, just before the dinner shift, and Liz had not been able to get the image of Max and Jessica out of her mind.

It didn’t make sense. There had to be another explanation. There is no possible way that Max would be proposing to Jessica... would there? Liz remembered the tabloid she had seen earlier on in her relationship with Max, when the tabloids had spouted that Max had proposed to Tess, but it turned out he was just tying up his shoelace. But if that was the case, why would Max throw his arms around Jessica as though he had been given the best answer of his life?

Liz gulped. Maybe with all this time apart, and with Max seeing Jessica everyday on set, the romance had started to blossom, just as the tabloids suggested... But why wouldn’t Max give her some kind of hint while they were on the phone. Each time she called he acted as though she was his only priority in the world at that moment. Any mention of Jessica would just be side comments as to what they had been up to, with no betrayal of any feelings past friendship. And Liz had been listening for it... No, Liz shook her head, there was something else going on here and she wouldn’t even pretend to guess what was going on until she heard it from Max himself.

Making a decision, Liz took off her apron and grabbed her bag, ready to find Janet and tell her that she had to go. She had to go and find Max and find out the truth before her imagination ran away from her any further. There was no point panicking without a good reason to.

“You wouldn’t believe who’s just come into the restaurant!” Janet exclaimed excitedly as she walked into the kitchen, almost bumping into Liz who was almost at the door.

“Who?” Liz asked, putting the brakes on so they wouldn’t collide on her way out.

“Jessica Alba! Can you believe it?”

“No, I can’t.” Liz replied, honestly. Jessica was here? That could mean...

“Is there anyone with her?” Liz was almost too afraid to ask.

“Oh, I don’t know, some guy… How do I look?” Janet asked, fixing her hair in the mirror.

“You look fine… But you do realise that Jessica Alba is straight don’t you?” Liz tried to warn Janet so she wouldn’t take the rejection too hard.

“She just hasn’t met the right girl.” Janet winked, before grabbing her order pad and heading out into the almost empty dining room.

As Liz watched Janet exit into the dining room, Liz couldn’t help but peer through the window from the kitchen into the dining room, where she usually delivered the food for Janet to take to the customers. Hiding off to the side, she tried to get a look at the guy sitting opposite Jessica. Unfortunately his back was towards her, and she couldn’t see his face. She watched anyway and waited for some kind of indication that it wasn’t Max.

“Hi, my name’s Janet. Welcome to the ‘Mango Leaf’. Can I get you some drinks to start?” Janet asked, handing out the menus before staring pointedly at Jessica.

“Just an iced tea thanks.” Jessica replied, diverting her eyes from Janet’s steady gaze.

“I’ll have the same. Thanks.” The man replied, realising that Janet was too preoccupied with Jessica to ask him what he wanted.

“I’ll be right back with your drinks.” Janet smiled at Jessica.

As Janet was walking past the swinging doors, Liz reached out her hand to grab Janet’s arm and pull her into the kitchen.

“What the …” Janet began, straightening herself up.

“What’s wrong?” Janet asked, noticing that Liz was shaking and looked like she had seen a ghost.

“I need you to do something for me.” Liz said slowly, trying to restore her power of speech, after feeling like she had the wind knocked out of her by the sound of the man’s voice. “I need you to go back out there, hand Jessica her drink, and then slowly turn to her companion and have a good look at him.”

“Okay …” Janet replied, wondering what on earth had gotten into Liz.

“And I need you to tell me whether the man is Max Evans.” Liz explained.

“Max Evans!” Janet exclaimed before Liz covered Janet’s mouth with her hand and indicated for Janet to whisper.

“Max Evans?” Janet whispered. “Here?”

“Just go and have a look. Please.” Liz begged.

Janet saw the desperation on Liz’s face and realised that this was more important than just a fan meeting her favourite star. Liz looked as though her life depended on the answer. Janet straightened herself up and slowly made her way back out to the dining area. She deliberately took her time with the iced teas so she would look calm and collected when she approached their table.

“Two iced teas.” Janet said, placing one in front of Jessica, and then turning and deliberately looking at the man’s face as she placed the second glass in front of him.

“Thank you.” He smiled, before returning his attentions to Jessica.

Janet walked away from their table as quickly as she could and headed straight for the swinging doors to where Liz was waiting.

“Well?” Liz asked expectantly.

“It’s him.” Janet announced, unsure at this point whether Liz considered that a good or bad thing.

Liz didn’t say anything for a moment, seeming to have lost the power of speech. Max and Jessica were in the restaurant for dinner together. Liz hoped it wasn’t a celebratory meal... at least they hadn’t ordered champagne – that was a good sign.

“Did you hear what they were talking about?” Liz asked.

“No, they weren’t really talking.” Janet replied looking at Liz, equally concerned and confused.

“I have to go.” Liz announced abruptly.

“Go? Go where?” Janet asked, starting to panic. Liz surely wasn’t going to leave Janet to attempt to cook the fancy meals that Liz had added to the menu.

“I’m going into the restaurant for bit.” Liz replied, taking the side door that led around to the long way to the dining room, and with any luck, without either Max or Jessica realising that she was there.

Janet watched Liz silently walk up to the table directly behind Max, partially hidden by some strategically placed palms.

“Thank God that day’s over …” Max sighed, looking around at the fairy lights and breathing in the smell of the frangipani trees.

“C’mon, work hasn’t been that bad. Getting to snorkel around the reef all day isn’t exactly tough work.” Jessica replied. “Especially when you get to check out your hot co-star in swimming trunks.”

“I could say the same about you …” Max replied. “Actually, I think I’ve got the better end of the deal.”

Liz cringed. It sounded awfully like Max was flirting with Jessica. If only Liz could catch a look at Jessica’s left hand…

“Vogue said that this restaurant had the best food in the town.” Jessica began. “It’s a pity they didn’t mention anything about the service…”

“Where has that waitress gone?” Max asked, looking around.

“She seemed a bit jittery.” Jessica had noticed. “I think she was a little star-struck by your presence.”

“Don’t even pretend she wasn’t checking you out the whole time. She couldn’t take her eyes off you.” Max teased.

“Shut up!” Jessica blushed. “She was not.”

Max just raised his eyebrow.

“Well at least someone is checking me out.” Jessica conceded.

“What are you talking about? You have fifteen year old boys drool over you every day.” Max pointed out. “And I’m sure you have plenty of guys knocking down you’re door.”

“Not lately. Well, no one I’m attracted to anyway.” Jessica explained.

“Maybe you’re too picky.” Max replied.

“Well at least I’m considering it. What about you? You’ve locked yourself away from the world pining after the love of your life. How is Liz by the way?” Jessica asked.

“She sounds fine. Great actually. I just wish I could see her again. I miss her.” Max replied, and Liz caught the sound of despondency in his voice.

“So is it true? You’d give it all up for her? Your career, your fame?”

“In a heartbeat.” Max didn’t hesitate.

“Wow.” Jessica replied in admiration. “I wish I found someone to love that much.”

“It’ll happen. You’ll see.” Max promised.

“I hope so.”

Their conversation was interrupted by the approach of Janet with an order pad.

“Are you ready to order?” She asked.

“I’ll have the Mediterranean Risotto.” Jessica stated.

Max hesitated for a moment, unable to think of anything but the last time he had eaten that. It was on the menu at Café Blu and he remembered it had been one of the best meals he had ever had. Ordering it now didn’t seem right. Nothing could taste as good as Liz’s risotto.

“I’ll have the Calamari. Thanks.” Max ordered.

Just as Janet was about to take the menu from him, he hastily grabbed it back.

“Can I keep this? Thanks.” Max said, without waiting for an answer.

Janet just shrugged. He was Max Evans – he could do whatever he liked. If he had a fixation with the menu, he could keep it for all she cared. Janet indicated to where Liz was hiding behind the palms that she was needed back in the kitchen. Liz nodded, but waited a few more minutes.

“Why are you staring intensely at the breakfast menu?” Jessica asked, having watched Max pouring obsessively over the menu for the past few minutes.

“Have you ever tried this?” Max asked, pointing to an item on the breakfast menu. “Staked pancakes with bacon, egg, banana and maple syrup.”

“Yuck.” Jessica screwed up her face.

“Sweet and salty…” Max muttered.

“Excuse me waitress!” Max called out to where Janet was hovering near the register, despite the lack of other customers. “Can you come here for a moment?”

Janet made her way over to Max, and Liz stood up so that Janet would have a clear view of her, but Max wouldn’t.

“How can I help you?” Janet asked.

“This menu… who came up with these interesting dishes?” Max asked, pointing particularly to the pancake stack.

“Oh, we have new chef … she’s fantastic.” Janet replied, before she saw Liz madly indicating that she didn’t want Max knowing anything about her.

“He – he’s fantastic.” Janet corrected her previous statement.

“He?” Max confirmed.

“Yeah, big burly bloke. Used to be in the army. Wrestles crocodiles in his spare time.” Janet over exaggerated.

“Okay, thanks.” Max replied, handing back the menu, and unable to mask his disappointment. For a moment there he had thought he recognised some of Liz’s signature dishes on the menu. But what were the chances of finding her here in this small town? On the phone she had never given him any indication about where she was in the country.

“Are you okay?” Jessica asked, noticing that Max had gone abnormally quiet.

“I’m fine.” Max replied unconvincingly, staring past Jessica.

Liz used that moment to slip back to the kitchen. Her mind was reeling. Max wasn’t engaged to Jessica – that much was clear. She hadn’t missed her chance after all. She gave a huge sigh of relief, to the point she actually thought she might cry from happiness. Max still loved her.

“What’s going on?” Janet asked, coming into the kitchen.

“N-nothing.” Liz replied before making herself busy preparing their order.

Max was not engaged, and he was still in love with her. Despite everything that had happened, it was still so hard to believe. She had made it so hard for him to love her, yet he still did. She had once promised that she would come to him when she was ready – well, she was ready.

“What are you doing?” Janet asked, watching as Liz threw out the calamari and began cooking sausages.

“I think we should add bangers and mash to the menu.” Liz stated.

“Okay … you’re weirding me out – and that’s saying something coming from me.” Janet replied.

“It will all become clear in a few minutes.” Liz said, giving no further explanation.

Janet just watched as Liz moved around the kitchen, until the two dishes were ready.

“Well? What are you waiting for?” Liz asked, indicating to the dishes.

“That’s not what he ordered.” Janet stated. “What do you want me to say when he asks me where his calamari is?”

“Trust me, he won’t.” Liz replied. As long as Max remembered their time together as well as she did, she would know exactly what this dish meant.

“Okay…” Janet conceded. “But what are you going to do?”

“Wait here.” Liz replied, taking off her apron and smoothing down her hair.

Janet muttered something about Liz having lost the plot, before heading out into the dining room.

“One Mediterranean Risotto and one, well, sausages and potato?” Janet said as she placed the food on the table. “Enjoy your meals.”

“What’s this?” Max asked, trying to remember whether he had ordered calamari or not.

“I believe that in England they would call that Bangers and Mash.” Jessica explained, swiping some of the lightly whipped potato from his plate. “Ooo, it’s good.”

“Liz…” Max whispered.

“What?” Jessica asked.

“Liz.” Max stated louder.

He immediately looked up to locate the door to the kitchen.

“Are you okay Max?” Jessica asked concerned.

“Yeah, I think I am …” Max smiled, before jumping out of his seat and rushing to the kitchen door.

“Liz?” Max asked as he stepped into the kitchen. It was then that he caught sight of Liz standing before him. She looked more beautiful than ever, and he had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. It felt like an eternity since he had last seen her.

“Hi Max.” Liz replied nervously.

“I can’t believe you’re here …” Max said disbelievingly.

“I’m sorry it was such a long time coming.” Liz replied.

“How long have you been here?” Max asked.

“A few weeks.”

“I’ve been filming all through this area … I never thought…”

“I know.” Liz replied. “I saw you on the set today.”

“You, you did?” Max replied surprised. “Why didn’t you come and say hello?”

“You looked a little preoccupied…” Liz replied, and then felt she needed to explain further. “You were on the beach - with Jessica…”

“You saw that?” Max smiled.

“Yeah.” Liz replied, wondering what was so funny.

“I suppose you thought I was proposing to Jessica…” Max replied still smiling.

“The thought had crossed my mind…” Liz replied confused. “What’s so funny?”

“Because that couldn’t have been further from the truth...”



“I’m starving…” Jessica moaned. “When are they going to bring the food?”

“How ‘bout we go for a walk – keep your mind preoccupied while we wait?” Max asked.

“I think I’m too weak from starvation.” Jessica complained.

“Well then I’ll have to carry you.” Max replied, scooping Jessica up and carrying her down the beach away from the rest of the crew.

“You are being ridiculous, you know that right?” Jessica pointed out.

“You said that you were too tired to walk.” Max replied. “I’m doing the gentlemanly thing.”

“You look like you’re carrying me over the threshold.” Jessica observed.

Max immediately dropped Jessica onto the beach.

“Hey!” Jessica complained at the sudden descent, kicking sand up at Max in retaliation.

Max sat down next to where he had dropped Jessica and looked out at the ocean. Jessica’s mention of the ‘threshold’ made him miss Liz more. He wondered if he would ever be able to do that with Liz – carry her over the threshold as his wife.

“You’re thinking about her again, aren’t you?” Jessica observed.

“Yeah.” Max replied, with a sad smile.

“Have you ever thought about how you would propose to Liz if you got the chance?” Jessica asked.

“Countless times.” Max admitted.

“So how would you do it?” Jessica asked.

“I don’t know. I guess I always pictured that it would be on a beach…” Max replied.

“And what would you say?” Jessica pushed.

“I’m not going to tell you.” Max replied embarrassed.

“C’mon. I could critique you from a female perspective.”

“You’re not serious are you?” Max asked.

“Of course I am.” Jessica replied.

Max was silent for a moment, and then stood up, pulling Jessica to her feet.

“Okay – stand there and whatever you do - don’t laugh.” Max warned.

“Okay.” Jessica agreed, watching as Max got down on one knee…


“Wha- really?” Liz asked.

“Don’t freak out.” Max quickly added. “I’m not going ask any time soon.”

“I’m not going to freak out.” Liz replied. “I’ve spent so much time running. I don’t want to run anymore.”

“So you’re saying what exactly?” Max pushed.

“I’m saying that I love you and I would like to try this again … if you’ll still have me.”

“Well I’d have to think about that…” Max grinned.

“Hey!” Liz punched him playfully in the arm.

“Of course I still want you… I love you Liz.” Max replied more seriously. Cupping his hand behind her neck, he lent in for a kiss, but then pulled away at the last second to add - “but things are going to have to be different.”

“I know.” Liz agreed reluctantly. “I know things can’t go back to the way they were…”

“No they can’t.” Max replied, before adding with a smile, “They’re going to be even better.”

Max then leaned in to steal the kiss again.

“Huh-hmm.” Jessica cleared her throat at the doorway.

Max and Liz broke apart reluctantly.

“Sorry to break up this happy reunion…” Jessica interjected. “Hi, I’m Jessica, I’m assuming that you’re Liz.”

“Nice to meet you.” Liz replied shyly.

“We were kind of in the middle of something.” Max explained to Jessica.

“I could see that… It’s just – you can’t leave me out there alone with that waitress… there’s only so many times I can get hit on before it becomes stalking…”

“And you were complaining that you didn’t have anyone knocking down your door.” Max teased.

“This isn’t what I had in mind.” Jessica replied, sticking her tongue out at Max.

Liz watched the interchange between Max and Jessica and wondered why she hadn’t seen it before. What they had between them wasn’t chemistry – it was more like they were brother and sister.

Sorry for the delay (and for the very short update) - But I'm finding it harder to find the time to write, especially since the pregnancy means I no longer have room on my lap for my laptop! 7 weeks to go...

Thanks for all the bumps! It's nice to know I'm missed


63

“Maria? I’m home.” Liz announced as she opened the front door to the apartment, hesitating on the threshold.

“It’s about time.” Maria replied. “I’m starved.”

It was becoming a habit that Liz would always bring Maria home something for supper or ‘Maria’s 2nd dinner’ as Liz liked to refer to it. She now understood from spending so much time with Maria what it really meant to be eating for two.

“Why do you look like the cat that got the cream?” Maria asked suspiciously.

“I have a surprise for you.” Liz replied with a grin.

“Please tell me you drove all the way to Cairns and back to pick me up a Big Mac meal and a strawberry milkshake.” Maria replied, salivating. She never ate McDonalds before becoming pregnant, and vowed to never eat it again after, but right now the baby had a craving …

“It’s much better than that.” Liz replied, still grinning.

“Honey, nothing could be better than greasy junk food at the moment.”

Liz stepped into the room and it was only then that Maria noticed her hand was tightly grasping another’s. A second later Max appeared through the doorway.

Maria jumped off the sofa where she had been lounging and let out a squeal, immediately running over to the recently united couple and giving them a group hug.

“You’re right – this is so much better!” Maria squealed again before letting them both go to catch their breath.

“So tell me everything …” Maria asked, taking a seat back on the sofa and waiting for an explanation of how they found each other.

Liz handed Maria a plastic bag containing her supper and went into the kitchen for some cutlery while Max gave Maria all the details.

“So you are back together for good?” Maria asked them both once Max had finished.

Max and Liz just looked at each other for a moment, before Liz replied “I hope so.”

Max smiled and clasped Liz’s hand as she took a seat next to him on the arm of the chair. Within seconds, he pulled her down onto his lap and let her head rest on his shoulder.

“Ahhh, you guys are so cute together.” Maria beamed.

Liz didn’t say anything but concentrated on the Max’s arms around her waist. When she had woken up that morning she couldn’t even imagine that she would end the day feeling so happy.

Maria vaguely attempted to suppress a yawn before making excuses that she was heading off to bed. Liz noted that it was hours before Maria usually went to sleep.

“I think she’s trying to give us some space.” Liz said to Max as soon as Maria’s bedroom door was shut.

“I won’t look a gift horse in the mouth.” Max replied. “I want you all to myself a little longer.”

“Really? And what do you plan to do with me now that you have me all to yourself?” Liz asked curiously.

“Never let you go.” Max whispered into Liz’s ear as he nuzzled closer.

“That might become impractical… especially when you are shooting your next scene tomorrow.” Liz pointed out the literal implications of Max’s statement, while secretly beaming at his words.

“I’m sure I could get the writers to work it into the script somehow…” Max suggested.

“Conjoined twins?” Liz suggested.

“I don’t think I want that kind or relationship with you.” Max smiled.

“And what kind of relationship do you want with me Max Evans?” Liz asked.

“The kind that lets me kiss you whenever I want for the rest of our lives…” Max replied, giving Liz a kiss on the neck.

Liz turned around to face Max and leant in to give him a kiss on the lips. The way Max kissed her back was slow, soft and tender, and made Liz’s heart melt.

“I think that can be arranged…” Liz breathed huskily when the kiss was over, leaving her wanting more.

* * * * *

Ring ring … ring ring …

Max sighed as his eyes fluttered open, fumbling on the night stand for his phone.

“I’m not here.” Max said, answering the phone and then hanging it up. He then turned to where Liz was still lying asleep next to him, her long brown hair falling down over her shoulders and her tank top riding up her back to show her waist.

“Who was that?” Liz murmured, rolling over to face Max, her eyes still closed as though she was trying to cling on to the last seconds of sleep.

“Just the director …” Max replied, pushing a strand of Liz’s hair back behind her ear. “I think they have noticed that I’m MIA.”

Liz’s eyes fluttered open and she gave Max a smile. “Morning.”

“Morning.” Max replied smiling back.

Max’s phone began ringing again and he sighed, reaching for it - ready to turn it off.

“You should get going.” Liz suggested, judging by the amount of light that was filling the room, she knew it must be getting late in the morning.

“I don’t want to go to work today – I want to stay here with you.” Max replied.

“Well, I have to go to work – I have hungry customers to feed.” Liz replied. “But I’ll do you a deal. I’ll come to work with you and then you can come to work with me. And tomorrow we’ll both take the day off.”

“Sounds like a good plan.” Max said jumping out of bed and putting on his shoes - the only item of clothing he had removed overnight.

“Where are you going?” Liz asked, noticing his sudden rush to leave.

“If I’m going to go to work – we’d better go now. The boat is about to leave without us.”

Liz got out of bed too and rummaged through her draws for something to wear before making a bee-line for the bathroom. Five minutes later, and much to Max’s surprise, she was dressed and ready to go.

“I didn’t realise it was humanly possible for a woman to get ready in less than an hour.” Max observed having noticed how long it usually took Isabel to get ready each morning.

“I’m not your average woman.” Liz winked before leaving the room, with Max trailing behind.

* * * * *

A couple of hours later Max and Liz were on a large boat floating off the Great Barrier Reef. The cameramen were already in the water with their waterproof cameras, waiting for the stars to hop in the water.

“Are you going to be okay on your own while I go and shoot some scenes?” Max asked Liz. It was the first time since the previous day that Liz was going to be out of his sight for more than a few minutes.

“I thought I might go for a swim around the reef.” Liz replied, stripping down to her bathers.

“I’ll grab you a snorkel, flippers and life jacket.” Max replied, about to head off to the equipment area.

“No need.” Liz replied, climbing onto the edge of the boat where she balanced precariously.

“Liz?” Max said, looking a little worried and moving forward to grab her before she fell into the water. Instead, by the time he reached the ledge, he watched her jump off the side, performing a perfect dive into the water below.

He waited for Liz’s head to reappear from under the water before racing down the stairs to the water level, where Max dove into the water and came up next to Liz.

“Are you okay?” Max asked, looking Liz over for any sign of injury or breathlessness.

“Perfect.” Liz replied, wrapping her arms around Max and kissing him.

“You are full of surprises Liz Parker.” Max observed, in awe at the dive he had just seen and her fearlessness in the water.

“You ain’t seen nothing yet.” Liz smiled before swimming off towards the coral, leaving Max to watch her with increasing admiration.