Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 3:24 am
Thanks for all the bumps - I think I just made it within the week...
64
“Look who made it on the 6 o’clock news…” Maria said as soon as Liz walked into the apartment, with just enough time to get ready for the dinner shift at work.
Liz moved into the room so she could see the images to go along with the story that the newsreader was already announcing.
“… It appears the on again off again relationship of Max Evans and Liz Parker is now back on… Max and Liz were seen today frolicking together in the water on the Great Barrier Reef where Max is shooting his new movie. Sources on the scenes say that there is absolutely no doubt that Max and Liz are back together. The question now is whether she will be able to keep him this time…”
Liz watched as fuzzy images of her in Max in the water, taken with a zoom lens from a passing boat, were shown on screen as the newsreader spoke.
“Are you okay?” Maria asked, hoping that Liz wasn’t going to freak out about being back in the spot light. It had been less than 24 hours since she had seen Max again and she was already getting attention.
“Fantastic.” Liz replied flopping down on the couch. “I spent the day snorkelling around the reef. I had forgotten how beautiful the coral is out there.”
Maria looked at Liz for a moment to see if she was genuinely not bothered by the news story, or whether she was just trying to allay Maria’s worry.
“Anyway, I’d better get ready for work. Max is coming to watch me work and I’m going to teach him how to make Crème Brulee.” Liz said in a sing-song voice before heading for the shower.
Maria looked perplexed as she watched Liz go. She really seemed to be a different person, but she wasn’t sure how much of it was genuine and how much was Liz trying to be the person she thought she had to be.
* * * * *
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Max asked. “I’m sure the hotel has another room available.”
“Positive.” Liz replied. “I’d rather be with you.”
Liz had just finished her shift at the restaurant and had negotiated with Janet that she would take the next few days off so she could spend them with Max. They were now pulling into Max’s hotel in Palm Cove where the cast and crew were throwing a party for the director’s birthday. It was already late, and Liz didn’t really want to take the hour drive back to Port Douglas later that night so she had told Max she would stay with him at the hotel.
“I can sleep on the floor.” Max offered, pulling the car up to the valet.
“Like you did last night?” Liz smiled, remembering waking up beside Max and his beautiful eyes staring back at her. “I’m sure we can share the bed again just fine.”
The valet opened the car door for Liz and she stepped out, letting Max sort out her small overnight bag with the porter before taking Max’s hand and walking into the lobby and towards the pool where the party was in full swing.
“Max! You made it!” John immediately came over to greet them. “But I see what kept you. Nice to see you again Liz.”
“You too.” Liz smiled.
“Let me get you both a drink. Mango Daiquiri?” John offered.
“Sounds great.” Liz replied.
“No umbrella for me. Just a Corona for me thanks.” Max replied.
Once John had gone to collect the drinks, Max and Liz found an empty table by the pool and took a seat, Max immediately taking Liz’s hand across the table and locking his fingers between hers.
“Can we cut out the public displays of affection?” Jessica asked, taking a seat at an empty seat at the table, with another couple of cast members taking the others.
Max was forced to let go of Liz’s hand, and immediately wished he had taken the seat next to her, instead of the one opposite, because now they were separated by the others at the table.
“So how was the cooking lesson?” Jessica asked Max.
“Good.” Max replied, darting a look at Liz and remembering the way her cheek had brushed up against his while she had placed her hand over his to show him how to whip the dessert properly to make it light and fluffy. He could also still see a speck of flour in her hair from the flour throwing incident he had instigated.
“So are you considering a career change?” Jessica continued.
“Not likely. I still haven’t mastered the ability to make food taste nicer than dirt.” Max replied. “Apparently Crème brulee generally requires sugar instead of salt.”
“He’s just joking.” Liz added. “He did really well. Although when the patrons found out that Max was the one who had made their dessert I think they requested to have it take away so they could immediately try and sell it on Ebay.”
The group continued to make small talk, particularly about the movie, and Liz noticed that Max began to get more and more restless, until he abruptly stood up and asked her to dance.
“There’s only so much ‘shop’ talk I can stand.” Max said, when they were slow dancing on the small make-shift dance floor next to the pool. “Especially when the alternative is to have you all to myself.”
They danced for a little longer in silence just enjoying being able to be close together again. That was until Max broke the silence.
“You’re okay aren’t you?” Max asked, looking at Liz concerned.
“Of course I’m okay.” Liz smiled. “Why do you ask?”
“I just don’t want to rush things and push you away. I don’t want to be apart from you again, and I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to make you happy.” Max replied.
“I am happy Max, just being here with you. I’ve had enough unhappiness in my life to last a lifetime, and I’m determined not to let it continue. Besides, I don’t feel like we are rushing into anything – we’re just catching up for some lost time.” Liz replied.
“You promise that you would tell me if there was anything wrong.” Max asked - just to be sure.
“Of course. I promise you total honesty - as long as you promise the same.”
“Deal.” Max smiled. “And since we are being completely honest with each other, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you…”
“What?” Liz gulped, not sure if she was ready to hear it despite her protests that they had to tell each other the truth, no matter what.
“You are the most beautiful woman here tonight…” Max grinned.
“Thanks Max.” Liz blushed shyly. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”
“I just work with what I’ve been given.” Max shrugged with a grin.
* * * * *
Later that night, after Liz was not able to suppress her yawns any longer, they said their goodnights to the lingering party-goers and made their way, hand in hand, to Max’s room.
“You can get changed in the bathroom.” Max offered after he had given Liz the grand tour.
Liz grabbed her overnight bag and closed the bathroom door behind her, while Max took off his shoes and socks and made himself comfortable, on top of the covers, on the bed. Having seconds thoughts, he got up and moved to the sofa so that Liz wouldn’t feel threatened in case she had changed her mind about sharing the bed with him.
Ten minutes later, the door to the bathroom opened and Max found Liz standing there, wearing a very sheer black nightgown. Max’s mouth gaped and Liz smiled, having received the reaction that she had intended.
Max slowly got up but didn’t make a move towards Liz, so Liz made her way over to him.
“You are wearing far too many clothes…” Liz said, her fingers finding the bottom of Max’s shirt, ready to lift it up over his head.
“Wait.” Max said, placing a hand on Liz’s to stop her.
And this time Liz didn’t run…
“It’s okay Max.” Liz replied, knowing exactly what was on Max’s mind. “I want this.”
“Are you sure?” Max asked hesitantly.
“Yes. I love you Max.” Liz replied.
“I love you too, but that doesn’t mean that we have to…”
“I know. But I trust you. And I think this is what I need to finally be healed completely.” Liz explained.
“If you’re sure…” Max conceded. “But if you want to stop at any time, you know you can tell me and I’ll understand. I’d wait forever if you wanted me to.”
“Thank you for saying that Max …” Liz said as she lifted Max’s shirt off over his head and ran her hands over his chest before adding, “but I don’t think that will be necessary…”
* * * * *
Max was woken in the morning by the sun streaming into his room. Having no scenes to shoot that day he hadn’t been given his usual early morning wake up call and was enjoying the serenity of being able to wake on his own terms.
Rolling onto his side he watched the steady rise and fall of Liz’s chest as she slept on. Not wanting to disturb her, but being unable to resist, he put his arm across her waist and nuzzled into her neck.
“Morning.” Liz mumbled.
“Morning.” Max replied. “Sleep well?”
“Best sleep I’ve had in a long time.” Liz replied, rolling onto her back so she could look at Max. She blushed, remembering the night before. “And I think I have you to thank for that.”
“The pleasure was all mine.” Max smiled.
They were prevented from saying any more from the sound of rustling outside the door and a key being inserted into the door.
“Expecting someone?” Liz asked, pulling the sheet up over her chest.
“No.” Max replied confused. “Room service generally knocks first.”
Liz jumped out of bed, grabbed her clothes, and ran into the bathroom just before the door had opened completely. When it did, it revealed a very unexpected visitor.
“Isabel?” Max said, seeing his sister walk into the room, followed closely by Alex.
“Surprise?!” Isabel replied hesitantly, not having expected to catch her brother still in bed.
“What are you doing in Australia?” Max asked.
“I thought I’d come and visit. I missed you.” Isabel replied.
“I missed you too sis. I’d get up and give you a hug but …” Max said, looking down to indicate that he wasn’t appropriately dressed.
“I see…” Isabel said, taking the hint and noticing the slept in state of the other half of Max’s bed. “What are you doing Max? Do you really think it’s a good idea to be hooking up with someone when everyone knows you are in love with Liz? How do you think she would feel if she ever found out? I know you’re old enough to make your own decisions, but I really don’t think this is the best move you could have made.”
Max went to interrupt her but she continued on her soapbox.
“I don’t want to come in here and lecture you but I have to know - was it worth it Max? Who was she, a wannabe starlet who thought she could get a leg up in the industry, so to speak? No one night stand is worth ruining things with L-” Isabel abruptly stopped, having heard a noise coming from the bathroom. “Oh my goodness … she’s still here? She probably heard everything…”
“She probably did.” Max smiled. “But don’t worry about it – I’m sure she won’t hold it against you.”
“How could you have let me rattle on like that?” Isabel asked, her face turning beetroot red.
“You didn’t really give me the chance…” Max replied.
“I think I’m just gonna go… C’mon Alex.” Isabel said, picking up her bag and making a beeline for the door.
“Wait.” A voice said from the bathroom door. “You’re not leaving already?”
Isabel turned around in shock – she recognised that voice.
“Liz!?” Isabel exclaimed, seeing her standing at the bathroom door.
Isabel looked at Max and then back at Liz again.
“Oh my goodness! You guys are back together!” Isabel squealed, running over to Liz and giving her a huge hug, before letting go and immediately grabbing a pillow off the bed and repeatedly thumping Max with it for not telling her.
“I … tried … to … call … you … but … you … must … have … been … on … the … plane…” Max tried to appease his sister between the thumps.
“Okay then…” Isabel said, putting down her weapon. “I’ll forgive you as long as you both give me the details over breakfast. I’m starved.”
64
“Look who made it on the 6 o’clock news…” Maria said as soon as Liz walked into the apartment, with just enough time to get ready for the dinner shift at work.
Liz moved into the room so she could see the images to go along with the story that the newsreader was already announcing.
“… It appears the on again off again relationship of Max Evans and Liz Parker is now back on… Max and Liz were seen today frolicking together in the water on the Great Barrier Reef where Max is shooting his new movie. Sources on the scenes say that there is absolutely no doubt that Max and Liz are back together. The question now is whether she will be able to keep him this time…”
Liz watched as fuzzy images of her in Max in the water, taken with a zoom lens from a passing boat, were shown on screen as the newsreader spoke.
“Are you okay?” Maria asked, hoping that Liz wasn’t going to freak out about being back in the spot light. It had been less than 24 hours since she had seen Max again and she was already getting attention.
“Fantastic.” Liz replied flopping down on the couch. “I spent the day snorkelling around the reef. I had forgotten how beautiful the coral is out there.”
Maria looked at Liz for a moment to see if she was genuinely not bothered by the news story, or whether she was just trying to allay Maria’s worry.
“Anyway, I’d better get ready for work. Max is coming to watch me work and I’m going to teach him how to make Crème Brulee.” Liz said in a sing-song voice before heading for the shower.
Maria looked perplexed as she watched Liz go. She really seemed to be a different person, but she wasn’t sure how much of it was genuine and how much was Liz trying to be the person she thought she had to be.
* * * * *
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Max asked. “I’m sure the hotel has another room available.”
“Positive.” Liz replied. “I’d rather be with you.”
Liz had just finished her shift at the restaurant and had negotiated with Janet that she would take the next few days off so she could spend them with Max. They were now pulling into Max’s hotel in Palm Cove where the cast and crew were throwing a party for the director’s birthday. It was already late, and Liz didn’t really want to take the hour drive back to Port Douglas later that night so she had told Max she would stay with him at the hotel.
“I can sleep on the floor.” Max offered, pulling the car up to the valet.
“Like you did last night?” Liz smiled, remembering waking up beside Max and his beautiful eyes staring back at her. “I’m sure we can share the bed again just fine.”
The valet opened the car door for Liz and she stepped out, letting Max sort out her small overnight bag with the porter before taking Max’s hand and walking into the lobby and towards the pool where the party was in full swing.
“Max! You made it!” John immediately came over to greet them. “But I see what kept you. Nice to see you again Liz.”
“You too.” Liz smiled.
“Let me get you both a drink. Mango Daiquiri?” John offered.
“Sounds great.” Liz replied.
“No umbrella for me. Just a Corona for me thanks.” Max replied.
Once John had gone to collect the drinks, Max and Liz found an empty table by the pool and took a seat, Max immediately taking Liz’s hand across the table and locking his fingers between hers.
“Can we cut out the public displays of affection?” Jessica asked, taking a seat at an empty seat at the table, with another couple of cast members taking the others.
Max was forced to let go of Liz’s hand, and immediately wished he had taken the seat next to her, instead of the one opposite, because now they were separated by the others at the table.
“So how was the cooking lesson?” Jessica asked Max.
“Good.” Max replied, darting a look at Liz and remembering the way her cheek had brushed up against his while she had placed her hand over his to show him how to whip the dessert properly to make it light and fluffy. He could also still see a speck of flour in her hair from the flour throwing incident he had instigated.
“So are you considering a career change?” Jessica continued.
“Not likely. I still haven’t mastered the ability to make food taste nicer than dirt.” Max replied. “Apparently Crème brulee generally requires sugar instead of salt.”
“He’s just joking.” Liz added. “He did really well. Although when the patrons found out that Max was the one who had made their dessert I think they requested to have it take away so they could immediately try and sell it on Ebay.”
The group continued to make small talk, particularly about the movie, and Liz noticed that Max began to get more and more restless, until he abruptly stood up and asked her to dance.
“There’s only so much ‘shop’ talk I can stand.” Max said, when they were slow dancing on the small make-shift dance floor next to the pool. “Especially when the alternative is to have you all to myself.”
They danced for a little longer in silence just enjoying being able to be close together again. That was until Max broke the silence.
“You’re okay aren’t you?” Max asked, looking at Liz concerned.
“Of course I’m okay.” Liz smiled. “Why do you ask?”
“I just don’t want to rush things and push you away. I don’t want to be apart from you again, and I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to make you happy.” Max replied.
“I am happy Max, just being here with you. I’ve had enough unhappiness in my life to last a lifetime, and I’m determined not to let it continue. Besides, I don’t feel like we are rushing into anything – we’re just catching up for some lost time.” Liz replied.
“You promise that you would tell me if there was anything wrong.” Max asked - just to be sure.
“Of course. I promise you total honesty - as long as you promise the same.”
“Deal.” Max smiled. “And since we are being completely honest with each other, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you…”
“What?” Liz gulped, not sure if she was ready to hear it despite her protests that they had to tell each other the truth, no matter what.
“You are the most beautiful woman here tonight…” Max grinned.
“Thanks Max.” Liz blushed shyly. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”
“I just work with what I’ve been given.” Max shrugged with a grin.
* * * * *
Later that night, after Liz was not able to suppress her yawns any longer, they said their goodnights to the lingering party-goers and made their way, hand in hand, to Max’s room.
“You can get changed in the bathroom.” Max offered after he had given Liz the grand tour.
Liz grabbed her overnight bag and closed the bathroom door behind her, while Max took off his shoes and socks and made himself comfortable, on top of the covers, on the bed. Having seconds thoughts, he got up and moved to the sofa so that Liz wouldn’t feel threatened in case she had changed her mind about sharing the bed with him.
Ten minutes later, the door to the bathroom opened and Max found Liz standing there, wearing a very sheer black nightgown. Max’s mouth gaped and Liz smiled, having received the reaction that she had intended.
Max slowly got up but didn’t make a move towards Liz, so Liz made her way over to him.
“You are wearing far too many clothes…” Liz said, her fingers finding the bottom of Max’s shirt, ready to lift it up over his head.
“Wait.” Max said, placing a hand on Liz’s to stop her.
And this time Liz didn’t run…
“It’s okay Max.” Liz replied, knowing exactly what was on Max’s mind. “I want this.”
“Are you sure?” Max asked hesitantly.
“Yes. I love you Max.” Liz replied.
“I love you too, but that doesn’t mean that we have to…”
“I know. But I trust you. And I think this is what I need to finally be healed completely.” Liz explained.
“If you’re sure…” Max conceded. “But if you want to stop at any time, you know you can tell me and I’ll understand. I’d wait forever if you wanted me to.”
“Thank you for saying that Max …” Liz said as she lifted Max’s shirt off over his head and ran her hands over his chest before adding, “but I don’t think that will be necessary…”
* * * * *
Max was woken in the morning by the sun streaming into his room. Having no scenes to shoot that day he hadn’t been given his usual early morning wake up call and was enjoying the serenity of being able to wake on his own terms.
Rolling onto his side he watched the steady rise and fall of Liz’s chest as she slept on. Not wanting to disturb her, but being unable to resist, he put his arm across her waist and nuzzled into her neck.
“Morning.” Liz mumbled.
“Morning.” Max replied. “Sleep well?”
“Best sleep I’ve had in a long time.” Liz replied, rolling onto her back so she could look at Max. She blushed, remembering the night before. “And I think I have you to thank for that.”
“The pleasure was all mine.” Max smiled.
They were prevented from saying any more from the sound of rustling outside the door and a key being inserted into the door.
“Expecting someone?” Liz asked, pulling the sheet up over her chest.
“No.” Max replied confused. “Room service generally knocks first.”
Liz jumped out of bed, grabbed her clothes, and ran into the bathroom just before the door had opened completely. When it did, it revealed a very unexpected visitor.
“Isabel?” Max said, seeing his sister walk into the room, followed closely by Alex.
“Surprise?!” Isabel replied hesitantly, not having expected to catch her brother still in bed.
“What are you doing in Australia?” Max asked.
“I thought I’d come and visit. I missed you.” Isabel replied.
“I missed you too sis. I’d get up and give you a hug but …” Max said, looking down to indicate that he wasn’t appropriately dressed.
“I see…” Isabel said, taking the hint and noticing the slept in state of the other half of Max’s bed. “What are you doing Max? Do you really think it’s a good idea to be hooking up with someone when everyone knows you are in love with Liz? How do you think she would feel if she ever found out? I know you’re old enough to make your own decisions, but I really don’t think this is the best move you could have made.”
Max went to interrupt her but she continued on her soapbox.
“I don’t want to come in here and lecture you but I have to know - was it worth it Max? Who was she, a wannabe starlet who thought she could get a leg up in the industry, so to speak? No one night stand is worth ruining things with L-” Isabel abruptly stopped, having heard a noise coming from the bathroom. “Oh my goodness … she’s still here? She probably heard everything…”
“She probably did.” Max smiled. “But don’t worry about it – I’m sure she won’t hold it against you.”
“How could you have let me rattle on like that?” Isabel asked, her face turning beetroot red.
“You didn’t really give me the chance…” Max replied.
“I think I’m just gonna go… C’mon Alex.” Isabel said, picking up her bag and making a beeline for the door.
“Wait.” A voice said from the bathroom door. “You’re not leaving already?”
Isabel turned around in shock – she recognised that voice.
“Liz!?” Isabel exclaimed, seeing her standing at the bathroom door.
Isabel looked at Max and then back at Liz again.
“Oh my goodness! You guys are back together!” Isabel squealed, running over to Liz and giving her a huge hug, before letting go and immediately grabbing a pillow off the bed and repeatedly thumping Max with it for not telling her.
“I … tried … to … call … you … but … you … must … have … been … on … the … plane…” Max tried to appease his sister between the thumps.
“Okay then…” Isabel said, putting down her weapon. “I’ll forgive you as long as you both give me the details over breakfast. I’m starved.”