Chances (CC,Adult, M/L) AN 11-29-09 [WIP]

[crazedearthgirl]

*Thank you to pijeechinadoll for the amazing cover*

Title: Chances
Author: crazedearthgirl
Disclaimer: I own nothing Roswell.
Pairings: M/L,some M/M, M/T
Rating: Adult
Summary: An unforgettable night and a few dates between them. Max leaves and when he returns he has some suprises with him. (I'm not good at the summary thing, it has a better plot then I described)
Authors notes : This is my first fan fic so please please leave feedback.

PART 1

Elizabeth Parker made her way down the cold, dark alley and stopped in front of the familiar neon lights that read “Tommy’s Tavern.” She knocked three times on the door and after she heard the peep hole open and shut, the door opened to allow her in. She made her way towards a table across from the bar and glanced around at the scene. It was a typical Friday night for her, the band was loud, and smoke filled the room as the neon lights danced acrossed the ceiling and the walls. There were tons of people but she didn’t notice nor did she care, she wasn’t there to mingle, in all honesty she didn’t know why she was there. That was a lie, she knew why she was there, and she came here every Friday night with the same hope. It has been a two years since she met him here. Ever since then she found herself here, waiting and hoping that she would run into him again.

“What will it be, Liz?” A familiar voice broke through her thoughts. She looked up at the familiar face staring back at her with a friendly smile.

“Hey, Michael, I’ll take the usual.” Michael nodded then left to get her drink. He returned a few minutes later, a vodka and cranberry in hand. He placed the drink down on the table beside her then took the seat across from her.

“So, how’s my favorite customer, tonight?” She smiled up at him.

“Good. Busy with work as usual. How are things with you?”

“Outside of Maria driving me nuts, nothing at all.”

Maria was Michael’s girlfriend and Liz’s best friend. She and Michael had met one night when Liz brought Maria to Tommy’s for her Friday night ritual. The two spent the first few hours fighting and Liz really didn’t think they would ever get along until later that night she went to find Maria and found Michael and her making out in the back of the alley. From that point on, they have been together. Now just because they are together does not mean they don’t fight. Oh, no. They spend just the same amount of time fighting as they do making up. They both have hot tempers and they both never learned how to compromise. Liz wasn’t sure if either one of them knew what the word meant. She smiled as she listened to Michael complain about his girlfriend.

“She is driving me insane. She wants me to come with a romantic idea for our anniversary. Our one year is supposed to be special, she says. I fully agree, but does it have to be so special that I am going to be broke afterwards? She never looks at things from my side.”

“Michael, you don’t have to go broke to make it special and I’m sure Maria doesn’t want you to either. She is looking for romance, Michael, something that will sweep her off her feet.”

“Romance huh? I think I’m better off going broke.” Liz laughed and gave him a pat on the shoulder.

“Don’t worry. I’ll help.” Michael sighed and nodded before heading off to tend to the rest of his tables. Liz watched as he walked away and then looked down at the dark red liquid in her glass. Without Michael there to distract her, her thoughts returned to their previous path, him. Liz knew she was being foolish, it had been two years. Yet part of her couldn’t help but hope.

The room faded as she allowed herself to get lost in her memories. It had been a Friday night. She was walking through the alley and accidently stumbled across Tommy’s. Once inside she made her way to a table across from the bar and listened to the band. She ordered a drink and was studying the scene around her when she heard a voice behind her ask if she was new. She turned around to answer the stranger and found herself staring into the two amber orbs that held an intensity she had never witnessed before. Liz tore herself away from them and took a closer look at the stranger before her. He was gorgeous. He smiled and she felt her heart melt. He told her that this way no place for a lady and she smiled and told him she could handle her own. He bought her a drink and they had spent hours talking about everything and anything. Before both of the realized the bar closed and he offered to walk her home. They spent a few more hours at her apartment talking and she gave him her number. He kissed her right before he left. Liz would never forget that kiss, it felt like nothing she had ever experienced before. It lasted longer than she expected and then he was gone. He called her the next day and they went to a Chinese place for dinner which ended with another kiss. After that, they became inseparable. Until one day she came to his apartment and saw that he wasn’t there and neither was his stuff. Liz had been devastated and thought that they had something special. However, he left without so much as a note to say goodbye.

Liz felt the tears that threaten to fall as her memories came rushing back. She began to play with the straw in her drink as a distraction, desperate to keep her tears to herself. She swirled the dark red liquid around in her glass.

“Hello, Liz?” She froze and felt a chill run down her spine. It couldn’t be. I am just imagining it she thought. She continued to swirl her drink. Get a hold of yourself, Liz. She silently chastised herself.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Liz dropped her straw and turned around slowly. What she saw when she did, she was not prepared for. There he was, looking as gorgeous as the first time she met him. He was in jeans and a leather jacket. She closed her eyes to make sure she wasn’t seeing things and when she opened them again she was staring into those familiar amber orbs

“Max.” her voice was raspy and barely audible as his name passed through her lips.

PART 2

There were a million things running through Liz’s mind as she stared at the only figure in her thoughts for the last two years. She had so much to ask him, she pictured this moment so many times. She wanted to yell at him, cry, and tell him how much she missed him. However, Liz couldn’t think, breathe or speak at that moment. The only thing she could do was stare at him. Part of her didn’t really believe he was standing in front of her.

Max was staring at her. She was still as beautiful as he remembered. She was wearing jeans and red top that in his opinion wasn’t cut low enough with her leather jacket on top. Her long brown hair was cascading down her face, and she looked like the heavenly angel he first laid eyes on. However, instead of the brightness in her eyes that usually shone, there was a dullness that gripped at his heart. Had he put it there? The thought was something he could not bare himself to dwell on.

“Liz, say something, please.” His voice broke through her trance. She met his eyes.

“What am I suppose to say?” Liz asked as she turned away from his heated gaze.

“Can we go somewhere and talk?”

“You wanna talk? Where have you been, Max? It’s been two years.”

“Liz, please, give me a chance to explain?”

“Explain? Explain what? How you left without so much as a word? I haven’t heard from you in two years!” Liz finally found her voice and choked down the sobs that formed in her throat.

“Liz.” Max touched her arm and she felt a shiver run down here spine. Before she could react, he pulled her to him and his lips were on hers. He couldn’t help it. She was standing before him so angry and upset. He watched as her lips moved and couldn’t fight the urge to hold her and kiss those lips. Before he even knew it he grabbed her and was crashing his lips down on hers. She tasted like strawberries and it was a taste he had gone too long without. Liz didn’t know what happened, one minute she was yelling at him and he was pleading with her, the next she was wrapping her arms around his neck and getting lost in the feel of his tongue melding with hers. All of those feelings that she had dreamed about were rushing back to her and she felt her knees grow weak as the kiss continued. When she felt his hands travel down to her hips, she snapped back to reality. What the hell am I doing? Liz thought as she pulled back and push away from Max.
Max realized the sudden lose of warmth as Liz pulled away from him and he cursed himself for being so uncontrolled. He couldn’t help it. Even now with her hands on her hips and the pist off look in her eyes she was breathtaking. Liz also felt the sudden lose of warmth and wrapped her jacket tighter around her ignoring it. Liz picked up her glass intending to take a sip to calm herself but without thinking she tossed the liquid into Max’s face.

“You think you can just walk back into my life and kiss me like nothing ever happened?”

“Liz, I--”

“Save it, Max. Stay away from me!” She slammed the glass down and ran out of the bar, leaving a very wet and awestruck Max behind.

Max cursed silently as he grabbed a napkin and dried his face. He heard a snicker behind him and turned to find Michael staring at him with a smirk on his face. He along with the rest of the bar had witnessed the whole exchange and he couldn’t help but feel sorry for Max but proud of Liz.

“Smooth move, Maxwell.” Michael said as he handed him another napkin.

“Shut up.” Max growled as he took the napkin and wiped down his jacket.

“Oh, before I forget, I owe you something.” Before Max could react he felt a sharp pain as Michael punched him.

“What the hell?” Max knew he deserved it, but that didn’t mean he was going to take it lying down.

“That was for Liz” Michael simply stated.

Max sighed and made his way out of the bar. He made his way down the cold, dark alley and back to his apartment. He climbed the three flights of stairs and opened the door. Once inside, he laid down on his bed and noticed the answer machine was blinking. He had two unheard messages. He hit play and closed his eyes. The first message was from his sister, Isabel. He smiled, as he listened to her caring yet demanding voice. When her message ended, he felt his smile fade as he listened to the second message.

“Hi, Max. It’s Tess. Just making sure you got back okay. I guess I will see you in three days. Sorry I couldn’t make the trip back with you, but I had a lot of business to finish. Anyway, can’t wait to see you. Call me later. Bye.”

Max sighed as he closed his eyes tighter to block out the high pitched voice on his answering machine. He had three days to explain things to Liz. How the hell was he going to do that when she wouldn’t even talk to him? He growled in frustration, he was just going to have to make her listen. He messed up at the bar. He couldn’t help it. She was looking so tempting and it had been so long, too long, since he had tasted her. Just the thought of doing so was making his shorts tighter. He pictured her with her soft skin and curves, the feel of her beneath him. It was going to be a long night, he sighed. Tomorrow was another day and one way or another he was going to make Liz hear him out.

Author's Note: Thanks to everyone for the feedback! Sidenote: Yes, Tess is in this story but I hate her so she won't be for long

[crazedearthgirl]

PART 3

Liz laid in bed and finally let the tears she was holding in flow freely. She couldn’t believe that he was back. What took him so long? Part of her wanted to go to his apartment and talk to him. She needed to know what was more important than her. She needed to make sure that she hadn’t waited for nothing. That he had a good reason for leaving without saying goodbye. That was the rational Liz Parker speaking. There was another part of her that wanted to run straight back into his arms. There were two reasons she left the bar in such a hurry. One was because she was angry. The other was because that kiss provoked more in her than anything she felt in the last two years. It was taking everything she had not to fall for him again. She sighed loudly in frustration. She had to stay away from him. Her curiosity would have to wait. She knew that if she looked back into those amber eyes she would never be able to hold her ground. She simply did not trust herself around Max. A knock at her door interrupted her thoughts.

Liz froze; it couldn’t be, could it? She slowly made her way to the door and with trepidation and excitement churning through her veins she opened the door. She let out the huge breath she had been involuntarily holding. It wasn’t Max, it was Maria.

“So I hear there is a girl in desperate need for a Ben and Jerry’s night?” she smiled and help up the huge ice cream container and two spoons.

“Maria, I just wanna be alone. No ice cream tonight” Liz sighed as she opened the door and Maria barreled through.

“Oh, no, chica. You are not going to lay around and mope because that jerk came back.” Maria planted herself on the couch and opened the container. She spooned some out and handed a spoon to Liz. Liz looked at Maria and saw that she wasn’t going to be leaving anytime soon, she sighed and then took the spoon from Maria and dug in to the Rocky Road ice cream.

“What am I going to do?” Liz asked as she dug another spoonful and shoved it in her mouth. “I mean I have been waiting for this moment and wishing for it and now that it has finally happened, I’m not sure I can handle this. I mean, what is he doing back? Did he come back for me? Or did he come back because he had to?” She laid down on the couch and rubbed the top of her temples together as she groaned in frustration.

“Chica, he is a jerk. Let him know what he did was wrong and then move on. I have watched you haul your cute little butt to that bar every Friday night in hope. You have told me a million times what you would say if you ever saw him again. Well here is you chance.”

“I’m not so sure talking to him is such a good idea”

“Why not?”

“Well for one thing, I forgot everything I wanted to say as soon as he kissed me. Which brings me to my other point; I don’t trust myself with him.”

“Liz, chica, you are stronger than you think. Just go to him, tell him off and then finally get over him so you can move on.”
“If only it were that simple” Liz sat up from the couch and dug back into the ice cream.

“It is that simple, huni. Just remember everything you have gone through because of him and I guarantee he will not be able to pull any of his crap over on you”

Liz got up from the couch and starting pacing the room. Everything Maria was saying was going through her mind. She was strong. Who the hell does he think he is? He can’t just walk back into her life after all this time and expect her to forgive him. She was going to go to him and give him a piece of her mind. Maria was right; this was her chance to tell him everything. She wasn’t a coward. She would go to him and tell him everything she has wanted to tell him for the past two years. She could do this. She needed to do this. She would do this.

“You are right. I will talk to him.” Liz sighed she just hoped that when she was face to face with Max she was still as confident.

<------------>

Max walked into the bar and took a seat at the table. He sighed in frustration, Tess would be here in an hour and he still hadn’t come any closer to talking to Liz. He had gone to her apartment but she wasn’t there. He had gone to her job but she wasn’t there either. It was like she fell off the face of the earth. He couldn’t understand why she wouldn’t at least hear him out before dismissing him. He knew that she felt what was still between them when he kissed her. So why does she have to make this so damn hard.

“I see you haven’t run away again” Michael said as he came over to the table.

“Shut up, Michael.” Max looked at his once best friend. He knew when he left there would be consequences but he didn’t think Michael would be one of them. They had been as close as brothers. However, judging from his welcome home a few nights ago he knew that was no longer the case.

“What brings you here? And before you ask, yes, I do know where Liz is and NO, I am not going to tell you. Liz has been through enough and Maria will kill me.”

“Damn it, Michael! I need to talk to her.”

“She doesn’t want to talk to you”

“I don’t care! I need to explain why I left. She needs to know what happened. Please, tell me where she is.” Max’s voice was pleading and desperate.

Michael sighed as he looked at Max. He looked like someone ran him over. He definitely hasn’t been sleeping. He looked miserable. Michael began to fight the internal battle. Max was his best friend but Liz is his best friend. He also knew that this was between them and that Liz deserved to know why Max left. Michael let out frustrated growl. Maria was going to kill him.

“If I tell you, you have to promise that you will say what you need to and if Liz tells you to get lost you will respect her decision and stay away from her.”

“Michael, I will and you know that.”

“God help me when hurricane Deluca hits” Michael mumbled. “Liz and Maria went—”.

Michael’s sentence was cut off by a blonde who made her way over to the table. She smiled at Max. Max looked at Michael and knew this wasn’t going to end well. He sighed.

“Tess this Michael, Michael this is Tess”

“He forgot to mention I’m his wife” Tess said smiling as she shook Michael’s hand.

Michael turned to Max and before Max could react, he was on the floor holding his probably broken nose. “Stay the hell away from Liz” he growled as he walked away. Max sighed as he tried to block out the annoying voice of Tess’s whining. There was no way in hell he would get a chance to talk to Liz before Michael did. He groaned as he got up and left the bar with Tess trailing behind him.

[crazedearthgirl]

PART 4

Liz had just entered her apartment after a week away with Maria. Maria decided that she should get away for a little while to collect her thoughts and then approach Max. Liz agreed, so the two of them went on a girls only week, much to Michael’s dismay. Liz had just finished dropping her bags and shutting the door when the phone rang. She ran into the kitchen and answered it.

“Hello?”

“Liz, hi! It’s Izzy!” exclaimed the excited voice on the other end of the phone.

“Izzy! Hey, how are you?”

“I’m good. Listen I be in New York tomorrow. I’ll have Zander with me too. Are you doing anything tomorrow?

“No, I’ll be home all day”

“Okay, great, I’ll be at your house around one, okay?”

“Yeah, one sounds good, see you then”

Liz hung up the phone and smiled. The last time she saw Isabel was six months ago. They went to NYU together and after Isabel met Alex Whitman, she married and moved away. Liz had gone to Boston to visit them. Liz was also excited to see Zander, Isabel’s nephew. She grew fond of the little three years old and he eventually came to call her Aunt Lizzie. She smiled; they would be a good distraction tomorrow. Yes, she knew she agreed to confront Max, but she didn’t say when. She waited two years, what was one more day.

<----------->

“Tess, what the hell do you think you are doing?” Max asked as he slammed the door behind him.

“Nothing, Max, I’m your wife and if you won’t tell people than I will” Tess replied.

“There is a reason I left it out, Tess!” he yelled causing Tess to jump.

“Oh, I see” Tess said recovering from his outburst.

“Tess, it was agreed when you and I-”

“I know what the damn agreement was! That was before all this legal crap was thrown in my face! I want my money! And if you still want your son and your half then you will quiet down, play nice for awhile till the damn lawyers do their investigation and grant me my inheritance!”

Max sighed in defeat, he knew the only way to get Tess out of his life and his son’s life was to put up with Tess and hope this whole thing was over soon. Tess didn’t want Zander, but she knew Max did and she wasn’t above using that to get what she wanted.

“Isabel is bringing Zander by tomorrow afternoon.” Max said before slamming his bedroom door shut behind him.

Max punched the nightstand next to his bed before he flopped down on the bed. He closed his eyes and began to wonder how the hell he managed to get himself in this mess. When Tess had first suggested the idea to him he thought she was crazy, yes, they were friends back than but that was all they were. Tess had begged him saying it would only be for a few years, till she turned 25. When that didn’t sway him she told him she was willing to give him half and they could lead separate lives the whole time. The half she promised him was more money than he could ever dream of, so of course he took the offer. If he knew that he was basically making a deal with the devil he would have told her to forget about the money.

The minute after they were married, he saw the change in Tess. She was no longer the person he thought he knew. They agreed to live together for a year to clear up any suspicions about their hasty marriage. In the course of that year, one very drunk night, Tess had seduced Max and nine months later Zander was born. After that, they parted their separate ways. Tess had made it clear that she did not want anything to do with Zander so Max took Zander with him. However, raising Zander by himself without a stable income was too hard and since his sister had gotten married by then, Isabel offered to take Zander. Max agreed that it would only be until he had a stable environment for his son and then he would come to live with him.

So Max moved to New York and worked as a bartender making sure half his income went to Isabel for Zander and the other half was saved so he could build a life for him and his son. The entire time he was in New York he had not heard from Tess. Tess knew that Zander was with Isabel but she never called to see how he was either. He made friends with Michael when he worked at Tommy’s as a bartender. And then he met, Liz. She had walked into the bar and he knew his life would never be the same. She was an angel and being with her was heaven. Only six months together and he knew that she was special.

Then one night he received a call from a frantic Isabel, saying that Zander had been kidnapped. Without thinking, he packed his stuff and went straight to Boston, a decision he was now paying the price for. Tess had taken Zander. Max’s life would never be the same after that.
Tess was desperate. She was 25 and married but she still couldn’t touch her inheritance money. Apparently, her grandfather, Edward Harding, had conditions. She took Zander, hoping that she could say that his father was away on business or something. It held the lawyers from investigating for a little while but they began to get suspicious. So Tess finally contacted Max and told him that she had Zander. Max had been furious and he immediately went to California to find her. Once there, Tess explained what was going on and that she needed his help once again. So after Tess threaten to take Zander away, Max had no other choice then to comply. So that is where he was now. Living with Tess and waiting for the damn lawyers to approve and give Tess her money so she would be out of his life forever. At least he would be living with Zander, which was the only bright light in this huge mess he created.

<-------------->

Liz had just finished brushing her teeth when the doorbell rang. She opened the door and in charged a very energetic three year old.

“Aunt Lizzie!” he cried as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

“Hey huni.” Liz said as she squeezed him to her waist.

“Zander! Slow down!” Isabel yelled as she followed behind him.

“Hey Izzy.” Liz laughed as she hugged her friend and shut the door.

“Sorry, he’s excited. How are you?” Isabel asked as she sat down on the couch.

“I’m good. So what did you want to do today?” Liz asked taking a seat next to Isabel.

“We goin to see daddy today, aunt Lizzie!” Zander shouted excitedly.

“I have to drop him off to my brother and then you and I can go get lunch or something.”

“Okay, well I’ll come with you. I haven’t met your brother yet.” Liz said grabbing her jacket.

“Okay, then we should be going.” Isabel said standing up.

“Aunt Lizzie, are you coming with us to see daddy?”

“Yes, I am kiddo”

“Yay!” Zander said taking her by the hand and pulling her out the door.

“Slow down, Zander!” Isabel said as she ran after the two of them.

Liz laughed as Zander pulled her down the hall and out the building as Isabel yelled after them. Yes, this is exactly what she needed to get her mind off of Max.

Author's Note: These are the two parts that got lost and needed to be reposted

[crazedearthgirl]

AN: Thanks to everyone for feedback! I am so glad you guys are enjoying this story. Sorry this took me a little longer than I thought to post but I finally have and the next part is a work in progress. Sorry this part is short. I promise the next one will be longer

PART 5

“Tess, could you please do that in another room, the smell is making me dizzy”

“I’m just doing my nails, Max. Open a window or something.” Tess replied without looking up from what she was doing. Max sighed, opened a window, and then walked into the bedroom slamming the door behind him. “Drama Queen” Tess muttered under her breath. The familiar melody of Counting Crows could be heard on the other side of the door. Just then the doorbell rang.

“Max, can you get that?” Tess shouted. When she didn’t get a reply she tried again but there was still no answer. The doorbell rang again. Finally, Tess got up and answered the door.

“Hi, mommy” Zander said as he walked in and then looked around the room. “Where daddy?”

“He’s in the bedroom, Zander.”

“Hello, Tessa.” Isabel said as she shut the door behind her and Liz.

“Isabel” Tess replied as she sat back down on the couch.

“This is Liz” Liz smiled politely and held out her hand “Nice to meet you”

Tess looked at her hand and gave a huff “I just finished my nails,” snubbing Liz’s hospitable gesture completely. Isabel rolled her eyes and gave Liz an apologetic smile. Liz just shrugged and sat down. She looked at the girl woman in front of her. It was clear to her that everything she had heard Isabel say about this woman was correct. She was attractive looking with blonde curls and from what Liz could tell large and fake breasts that she was revealing all too clearly. She was indeed a rude, stuck up bitch.

“Aunt Izzy, will you get daddy?” Zander smiled hopefully at her.

“Why don’t you do it? I’m sure it would be more of a surprise.” Isabel said as she smiled encouragingly at her nephew. Tess just rolled her eyes at the display. Zander began pounding on the door, “Daddy, Daddy, Daddy.” The music stopped and the door opened but before he could step out Zander cried out and ran towards him. Max smiled and hugged his son.

“Hi, daddy” Zander said as he kissed him on the cheek.

“Hey, buddy.” Max replied as he ruffled Zander’s hair.

“Aunt Izzy wait for you”

“Okay, I be out in a second buddy, I have to go to the bathroom” Zander nodded then went back to living room and sat on the couch next to Liz.

“Wanna play cars?” Liz smiled and nodded and then sat on the floor with Zander and unloaded his cars from the bag and set up his racetrack. Zander picked up a yellow car and Liz picked up the red one.

“My car is faster, aunt Lizzie” Zander said as he held up his yellow Ferrari car.

“Really? Do you want to have a race?” Liz asked smiling and holding up her red Viper car.

“Yup. I’ll win though.” Zander replied as he set his car on the track.

Liz smiled and set her car on the track and waited for the count. Max emerged from the bedroom and stood there watching the woman playing cars with his son. Her face was shielded by her long hair. There was something familiar about her that he couldn’t put his finger on. He felt his skin crawl and he only experienced that with one person and he knew it couldn’t be her because she hated him.

“Hey you, long time no see” Isabel said breaking him out of his thoughts and giving him a hug.

“Okay, one, two, three, go!” Zander shouted as he and Liz let go of their cars and watched to see who won the race. In the end Zander’s car made it to the finish line first.

“I won!” Zander cried as he picked up his car and then saw his dad. “Daddy, I won!”

Liz smiled and stood up from the floor and dusted herself off, preparing to meet Zander’s father. She finally looked up and what she saw were those all too familiar amber orbs and felt dizzy.

“Oh my God, Max?”

[crazedearthgirl]

PART 6

Liz smiled and stood up from the floor and dusted herself off, preparing to meet Zander’s father. She finally looked up and what she saw were those all too familiar amber orbs and felt dizzy.

“Oh my God, Max?”

There Max stood in front of her with Zander clinging to his side. This can’t be happening, Liz thought to herself.

Max looked into her brown eyes and saw the confusion and pain. His angel was standing in front of him. He continued to stare at her wondering why and how she could be here.

Isabel completely oblivious to the looks passing between Max and Liz stepped between them and smiled at her brother and her friend.

“Liz, this is my brother, Max. Max, this is my friend-“

“Liz” Max said her name before Isabel did. He continued to stare at her and wondered if for some reason he had been granted a second chance with his angel. Isabel looked at the two of them and realized there was more going on than she knew.

“You guys know each other?” she asked, but clearly she already knew the answer.

Liz was the first to break away from her daze and she looked at Isabel.

“No. I don’t this person.” Her voice was cracking and both Max and Isabel could see the tears in her eyes. It was the truth as far as Liz was concerned. The person that stood in front of her was not the same man that had swept her off her feet. This one was married with a child and God knows what else he had been keeping from her. The Max she knew was an illusion.

“What’s wrong Aunt Lizzie?” Clearly even Zander could see she was upset he went over to her and hugged her.

Liz looked and Zander and tried to muster a smile for him so she could ease his mind.

“Nothing, sweetie.” She said as she ruffled his hair and then looked back at Max.

Oh God! This whole time she has been playing Aunt to a child that belong to the man she loved. He is married with a child! The thought was something that was suffocating Liz every second she stayed in the room near Max. Liz slowly rose and turned to Isabel.

“Izzy, I just remember I have some things to do. Why don’t you call me when you finish up here and we will meet at my place?”

Isabel just nodded and then looked at her brother who still had yet to say anything but was staring intently at Liz. Something was definitely not right here and as soon as Liz left she was going to get some answers.

Liz gave Zander a hug and then walked as fast as her legs could carry her out of the apartment and ran down the stairs. The tears she had been so desperately holding in now ran down her cheeks.

Max looked at the empty space where Liz had been standing and sighed. She was gone again.
Before Max could stop himself he broke out of his fog and ran after her. He had to explain this all to her. Fate had given him a second chance and this time he didn’t want to screw it up.

No one noticed the evil smirk Tess had plastered to her lips as quietly watched the scene unfold before her. So this was her.

<---------------------->

Liz stood outside trying to catch a cab. She had forgotten that Isabel drove her here and it was more than 2 miles back to where she lived. She felt like such an idiot. Here she was Liz Parker, capital sucker. Was anything he said to her true? One thing was for sure, for the last two years she had hoped he would come back. Now she was just hoping he would be lost again. She couldn’t face the truth of everything they share had been lie.

Max was out of breath as he made his way down the stairs and out the door. There she was standing on the sidewalk, waving frantically at the cabs that drove by. God she was beautiful

“Liz! Liz, wait please.” She turned to look at him and then turned and walked down the street.

Max ran down the street after her and caught up to her easily. He grabbed her arm softly and spun her around to face him.

“Let me go, Max.” Her voice was barely audible as she deliberately tried not to meet his eyes as she talked to him.

“Liz, please. Just talk to me. Just listen to what I have to say and then I will leave you alone. You deserve an explanation.” His voice was pleading and desperate. He moved his hand and cupped her face and moved her chin so that she was looking into his eyes. “Please, Liz.”

Liz sighed in frustration. “Fine, Max, you wanna talk? Let’s talk. Do you wanna talk about the fact that you have a wife? Or how about the fact that you have son? No, okay, how about how everything between us has been a lie! Which one Max! Huh? Which one do you wanna talk about!” Liz could feel the tears building but was trying hard not to let them fall. Instead she focused on her anger and broke free from Max. “What could you possibly have to say that could explain any of this?”

“Liz, please. I know you are upset but don’t say that what we had between us was a lie. What we had…have, it is the only thing real I have ever know. It wasn’t a lie.”

“It was a lie Max. You see while I was pouring my heart out to you, you were hiding things from me. I meant what I said to Isabel, I don’t know you. The Max I know is a lie. I have no idea who you are. You are a stranger to me. And you want to know what hurts the most Max, I love you. I fell in love with an illusion!” With those words said Liz ran in the middle of the street and flagged down a taxi. She got in and let the tears fall once again.

<---------------------->

Max stood there and watched as she took off. She loved him. He loved her too. Damn Tess and this stupid deal. He needed to talk to her. He couldn’t just let her go. He ran back up to the apartment with one goal.

“Max, what is going on?” Isabel asked as she watched her brother go into his bedroom, change and grab his keys off the table.

“Not now, Iz. Zander, wanna go for a ride with daddy?” Max asked as he went to grab Zander’s coat.

“Where we go, daddy?” he asked as he put on his jacket.

“The park, buddy.”

“Max, you can take Zander to the park after you explain what the hell just happened.” Isabel was irritated and the lack of answers from her brother wasn’t helping any. Max ignored Isabel and buttoned up Zander’s coat.

“We will talk later Iz.” Max grabbed Zander’s hand and made his way out of the apartment.

“Max, why don’t I come to the park wit you and Zander?” Tess said getting up from the couch and trying to walk on her newly painted toes.

“Tess we will be back in a little bit. Just gonna throw the football around in the field.” Tess wrinkled her face in disgust at the mere thought of it.

“Never mind” Max smiled triumphantly knowing Tess wouldn’t find the muddy field appealing in the first place.

“Max, Zander doesn’t have his football.” Isabel said holding it in her hands.

“I have one in my car but I better grab that one just in case.” He said as he took the football from her hands. Isabel looked at her brother doubtingly. He was up to something.

“Bye, mommy. Bye Aunt Izzzy.” Zander said as he left with his dad.

Isabel looked at Tess and then made her way to the door. No way was she getting stuck there with Tess.

Max put Zander into the car and drove off. After a few minutes Zander spoke up.

“Daddy, the park is the other way.” Max smiled, his son was too smart for his own good sometimes.

“We need to make one stop before the park, okay buddy?”

“Okay, daddy.”

Behind Max's car, Isabel was trailing behind him. She wanted answers and she had a feeling that if she followed Max that she would get them. Where are you going dear brother of mine?

[crazedearthgirl]

Hey guys, I have been crazy busy with midterms and work. I finally had a chance to write an update. Enjoy Thank you to:
pijeechinadoll
Emz80m
keepsmiling7
booboo
ShatteredDreamer
Alien_Friend
greydestiny
begonia 9508

PART 7

Liz entered the apartment and collapsed on her bed, tears streaming down her cheeks. Max is married and Zander, the boy she had come to adore over the years, is his son. What had she done to deserve fate to play this cruel joke? Where was the man she fell in love with? Did he even exist? These were just some of the thoughts swimming around in her mind as she heard a knock on her door. She wiped the tears from her cheeks, walked to the door and opened it. There stood Zander in her doorway holding a football in his hand.

“Zander, what are you doing here huni?” Liz asked, stepping back and opening the door a little wider. When she did she saw that he was not alone and Max was standing behind him.

“Aunt Lizzie, will you please come play football with us in the park?” Zander asked with hopeful eyes.

Max stood behind her not meeting her eyes and looked down at Zander. Liz glared at Max, “This is low.” She looked at the hopeful expression on Zander’s face and her heart melted.

“Zander, sweetie, Aunt Lizzie isn’t feeling up to it, but I promise I will come another day.”

“Pleaaaaaaasssseeee, Zander begged her as he looked up at her with sad eyes.

“Please, Liz,” Max spoke up for the first time and met her eyes. She could see the pain in his eyes and that gave her hope that maybe everything he said wasn’t a lie. Or maybe he is just a really good actor.

Liz glanced at the hurt eyes of the little boy and then at the man that held her heart. She hated Max for this, he put her in this position and she couldn’t very well turn down the little boy even if his father was a cheating bastard. She sighed knowing she would regret this.

“Fine, just let me change.”

“YAY!” shouted Zander as he jumped up and down.

They waited for Liz to change and then the three of them got into the car. Liz sat upfront and slid as close to the window as she could. She did not glance in Max’s direction and was only talking or looking at Zander. She was there for Zander, she did not want to talk to Max and she wasn't interested in hearing anything he had to say. At least that is what she kept telling herself.

Max sighed as he looked over at Liz. It broke his heart to see her like this and knowing it was him who did this to her just made it worse. He had seen the tear stains on her cheeks when she answered the door. He knew bringing Zander to her apartment was a low move and he didn’t care. He needed to play any card he had to be around her. He pulled into the park and shut off the engine.

Liz immediately got out of the car and took Zander with her. Max watched as she ran with Zander to the swings and as far away from him as possible. She wasn’t going to make this easy, was she? He thought to himself as he watched her from the distance. Max walked over to the swings and took a seat on the swing next to Zander.

“Zander, you wanna play with the football now?” Liz asked. Zander eagerly nodded and once again the two were running away from Max. Damn it, he thought. This wasn’t going at all how he wanted.

Meanwhile, Liz and Zander were tossing the football over in the field. Zander looked at Liz and then back at where his dad stood watching them.

“Aunt Lizzie, why you mad at daddy?”

Liz smiled at the little boy; sometimes the kid was too smart for his own good. She sighed wondering what to tell him. How do you tell a little kid that you are mad at their dad for lying to you about being married and having a kid? And oh yeah, because he broke your heart.

“It complicated sweetie. Your daddy lied to Aunt Lizzie.”

“Daddy says you never lie. It’s not nice.” Liz smiled, your daddy should practice his own advice, she thought to herself.

“Well, Aunt Lizzie found some stuff out that daddy didn’t tell her.”

“About mommy and daddy?”

“What about mommy and daddy, huni?” Liz asked, her curiosity getting the best of her.

“They don’t like eachother.” Zander replied as he continued throwing the football at Liz.

“What do you mean? They are married.”

“Daddy said he doesn’t like her. Mommy is mean, I don’t like her either.” Liz knew she should tell Zander to stop talking about his parents but a part of Liz wanted to know.

“Why doesn’t daddy like your mommy?”

“He doesn’t love her. I hear dem talking.”

“Maybe they were fighting, huni. Married people fight sometimes and say things they don’t mean.” Liz couldn’t believe she was getting information from a three year old.

“Mommy needs daddy. Mommy needs me too. Mommy can’t get money without us.”

“What money?” Liz knew she was prying but she deserved to know.

“Money mommy’s daddy left mommy. I hear dem talking, Aunt Lizzie.”

Before Liz could asked Zander another question, Max showed up and grabbed Zander from behind making him squeal with laughter. Liz watched as the two played in front of her. It was clear that Max loved his son. Could what Zander said be true? Liz didn’t have much time to think it over before she was thrown the ball again and then tackled by Zander. She smiled as she tickled the little boy and he squirmed on the ground next to her.

“Stop, stop Aunt Lizzie.”

“You give up?” Liz asked as she tickled his sides laughing.

“Yes, YES!” Zander screamed.

Liz smiled and then lifted Zander to his feet and handed him the football. Max held out his hand to help her up. She looked at his hand and then looked at the uncertainty that shown in his eyes. She took his hand and allowed him to help her up.

“Thank you,” she said not meeting his eyes.

“Liz, I-”

“Daddy, Aunt Lizzie, come and catch me!” Zander yelled.

Before Max could finish what he was saying Liz took off after Zander. Max sighed, she took his hand, that’s a start, right? He thought to himself as he took off after Liz and Zander.

Meanwhile, Isabel sat in her car across the street and watched the scene unfold before her. Liz was tackling Zander as Max tickled him trying to get the ball. That was more like it, she thought looking at the three of them. Clearly there is more to her brother and Liz then she had been led to believe. Oh well, if they weren’t going to tell her she would just find out on her own.

A few cars down from Isabel, was a black Escalade. In it sat an angry Tess watching the scene in front of her. This won’t due, she thought to herself.. She was going to have to figure out a way to get rid of little Miss Liz Parker before she ruined everything she had worked so hard to get.

[crazedearthgirl]

Hey everyone! I am back yay! haha I promise to try and update more frequently. Thanks for all the feedback and support!
Jake17- Welcome! I am trying to get rid of Tess soon haha
Destinyc-Welcome! another Tess hater yay!
EVE- You have stumbled on to something
Nikki04- Glad to see you are all caught up. Answer to your question soon.
Alien_Friend- Tess isn't going to play nice. Next chapter for the Max and Liz confrontation.
Keepsmiling7-Tess makes a good villian haha Max messed up big time.
Natalie36- Yup it will.
Katydid-Isabel is going to be a help.
PING- Hey hun! I am trying to get rid of Tess but she makes the plot so much better. I am going to minimize her though.
Behrluv32-It was and it worked. Max needed to get to Liz and that was the only way he knew how.
Janetfl-WOW! thank you soo much!

Okay, so here it is just in time for Christmas. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!!


PART 8

Max pulled up in front of Liz’s apartment. Liz had been quiet the entire ride, he could tell by the expression on her face that she was thinking. If only I could see into her mind, he thought. She allowed him to help her up and after the park, they took Zander to get ice cream and she allowed him to pay for hers. He thought he was making progress, but he wasn’t so sure now.

“Hey, this is where Aunt Lizzie lives!” Zander exclaimed from the backseat.

Liz suddenly broke out of her thoughts and realized that Max was parked outside her apartment complex. She looked at Max, and saw the uncertainty that was reflected in his deep amber orbs. She smiled before turning to give Zander a hug and kiss good-bye. Then she turned her attention back to Max.

“Thanks for the ice cream. Tell Isabel that I will call her later.” She grabbed her purse and and opened the car door. She was almost out of the car before she felt a warm hand on her arm stopping her.

“Liz, please, give me a chance to explain things to you. I know I hurt you and I am truly sorry but please, just hear me out. Then if you decide that you don’t want anything to do with me I will understand.” Max knew he was asking a lot of her too soon but he needed to talk to her and at least this time if she walked away from him, she would have all the facts and he would know he did what he could to hang on to her.

Liz sighed and decided that she didn’t owe him anything but she deserved to hear the truth. That much he owed her. Without turning to him she nodded.

“Alright, Max, but after I hear you out, you have to promise to leave me alone.”

“I can stop by later tonight, around 9:00pm, if that is okay?”

Liz nodded and before Max could say another word, she broke his grip on her arm and hurried into her apartment.

Max watched her go. He had promised he would stay away from her after he explained, but what he didn’t tell her is that he wasn’t going to give her up without a fight.

<-------------->

Liz had just collapsed on her couch when there was a knock at the door. She sighed, now what, she thought to herself. She opened the door and found herself staring at the one person she never expected to see at her apartment.

“Tess? What can I do for you? Zander and Max aren’t here, they went home.”

“I know, I came to talk to you.”

“Me?”

“Can I come in?”

Liz nodded and opened the door wider to allow Tess inside. She didn’t know what Tess wanted, but she did notice that she was not the same person she had meet earlier today. However, there was something about her that put Liz on her guard.

“Do you want something to drink?”

“No, I won’t be staying long.” Liz, it is Liz right?” Liz nodded. “Liz, let’s stop with the pleasantries. You know why I am here. I saw the way Max looked at you in the apartment and the way you looked at him. I don’t know what you and Max were to one anther before, and I really don’t care. I can see you still have feelings for him but him and I are married now.”

“Tess, I don’t know why you are telling me this. I have no intention of stealing Max from you.”

“Liz, I am not stupid. Anyway, I don’t know how much you know about him and me. How much Isabel has told you. So I am going to tell you. Max and I were married because of a deal we made to split my inheritance money.” Liz nodded and sat down next to Tess on the couch.

“I had to be married to get my inheritance. Shortly after Zander was born and I still couldn’t touch my inheritance. Max took Zander because I had too much to handle in my life at the time and we lived separate lives. When things cleared up in my life, I took Zander from Isabel so that I could raise him. I missed being around my son and I wanted to make up for the lost time. Max found out and he came to live with me for awhile. So to make this short, right now they are investigating to see if our marriage is legit because of everything that has gone on.”

“Why are you telling me this, Tess?” Tess turned to her with tears in her eyes.

“Liz, what started as a deal with Max grew into something bigger for me. I am in love with Max and I want me, him, and Zander to be a real family. I never had that, but Zander deserves to have it. He deserves to have both his parents around. Once the lawyers clear up this mess I want to try and have a real life with my husband and my son. I haven’t been the best mother or wife but I want to change that.”

Up until this point, Liz really didn’t get why Tess was here. However, seeing her crying her eyes out and talking about Zander and Max, she knew why. Tess was worried she would lose her family to her.

“Tess, I would never take that away from you. You are right, Zander needs both of his parents and you deserve to have your family.” Liz was falling into a dark hole with every word she said to Tess. She couldn’t work things out with Max. She was not a homewrecker and she wouldn’t be. Tess dried her eyes and stood up.

“Well, I won’t take up anymore of your time. Thank you. Oh, and please, don’t mention our little conversation to Max.” Liz nodded and with that Tess got up and left shutting the door behind her.

Liz leaned against the door and looked at the clock. It was 7:00pm; Max was going to be her in two hours. She would send him home, home to Zander, home to his, ehh wife. It was the right thing to do. There could be no her and Max. She would just have to accept that and move on.

Meanwhile, outside Tess sat in her car with a satisfied smile on her face. That should take care of her. Liz made that too easy; Tess knew she was the type to buy into her emotional act. With any luck she would have her money, and Max since he precious Liz wouldn’t want him now. She really wasn’t cut out to be a mother but she could always hire a nanny for Zander. Yes, she would get everything she wanted now.

[crazedearthgirl]

Author's Note: I AM BACK!!! Thank you to everyone who has given me support, feedback and waited patiently........ THANK YOU!!!

PART 9

Max paced the hallway nervously as he stared at Liz’s apartment door. He knew what he was going to say but he was still nervous. He was praying she would hear him out and he would be able to convince Liz that she was the only person for him and despite the current situation he wanted to be with her. He stopped and raised his hand to knock on the door. He let out the breath he did not even know he was holding in and waited. He came here for Liz to hear him out and he was not going to give up on her without a fight.

Liz heard the knock on the door and froze, her pacing currently forgotten. She went to the door but did not open it. She swallowed hard and took a deep breath. When she didn’t answer right away she heard Max call out to her.

“Go away Max, this was a mistake.”

Max’s fear had come true, she had changed her mind. He sighed; he didn’t expect this to be easy. He knocked on the door again. “Liz, please…Open the door."

“Go home, Max. Go home to Zander and T-Tess.”

“No, not until you at least give me a chance to explain. Please, Liz, I owe you that much and so much more.” Max was slumped against the door a pleading tone in his voice.

Liz hesitated; she was torn between what she wanted, Max’s pleading voice and Tess’s wishes. After a couple minutes she sighed and raised her hand to the door. She would hear him out and then send him home. After all, she deserved to hear the truth. She unlocked the door and opened it slowly.

Max was smiling at her; dressed in dark blue jeans and a black shirt that showed off his sculpted abs. He stood there nervously, his hands shoved into his pockets.

“Hi.”

“Hi” Liz replied as she closed the door behind him. She did not move to the couch.

“Can we sit down?” Max asked as he gestured to the nearby couch.

“Max, you said you were here to explain. So explain.” She replied not moving and not meeting his eyes.

“Liz, please, I am trying to make things right between you and I.”

“You don’t need to, Max. Just say what you came to say, please.” Max sighed, this was getting them nowhere. She wouldn’t even look at him. She was not the same person he had talked to a few hours ago and he wondered what happened to bring about this change.

“Liz, did something happen? You seem different from the last time we talked.” Liz sighed; yeah, your wife came by and told me that she wants to be a family with you and Zander and that I am in the way. That’s what happened.She thought to herself. She swallowed hard and then met his eyes.

“Last time I was caught up in the moment. Now I am aware of the situation and thinking clearly. Now, you came here to explain yourself, so explain. Otherwise, this was a mistake and I think you should leave.” Liz ignored the coldness in her voice and the pang in her heart as she spoke.

“I guess you should know how this whole mess started. Tess and I were good friends at one time. We were also from two different families, as you know, Isabel and I didn’t have much money when we were younger. Anyway, Tess’s grandfather, Edward, passed away and she was granted her inheritance which Tess would not be able to touch until she was 25 years old. However, the catch was she needed to be happily married. So Tess came to me and asked me to pose as a married couple with her for a few years. I agreeded and we were to split the money. Tess changed during the marriage she was no longer the friend I once knew. She seduced me one night when I was drunk and feeling sorry for myself and that’s how Zander was born. We agreed to live together for a year and when the year was up she wanted nothing to do with Zander, so I came here with him and became a bartender. Tess and I lead separate lives and when the time came,we were going to claim the money and split it and never see one another again.”

“Zander was here when I met you?” Liz asked interrupting Max’s tale.

“No, this was before I met you. So after realizing I had no way to take care of Zander and work at the same time, Isabel offered to take him once she and Alex were married. We agreed it would only be till I could establish a home for him and I would send Isabel money.”

“Which is how I became Aunt Lizzie to your son.” Max nodded and paused before continuing his story.

“I never heard from Tess and neither did Isabel. She never called to see how Zander was and she never called to let me know how things were going with the lawyers. I considered her forgotten for the time being and focused on building a life for my son. Until I met you, you walked into the bar that night and I knew my life would never be the same. I saw you there with Michael and I thought—I thought you looked like an angel.”

“Can we get to the part where you left me without a word and then reappeared with a son and wife?” Liz knew she was being cold but she needed to be. She had to keep reminding herself why she could not be with Max and him calling her an angel and stirring up the memory of how they first met was not helping.”

“Umm right. One night I received a call from Isabel telling me that Zander had been kidnapped. So I made a decision, one I regret and I would spend the rest of my life making up to you. I left without telling you anything.”

“Not one damn word, Max. Do you have any idea what it feels like to get up in the morning and go see your boyfriend and find out not only that he isn’t there but that his stuff is gone too? Do you have any idea what I went through? Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you call? Did I mean so little to you that you could just walk away without a second thought?” Liz was fighting back the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes.

“Liz, please. Say anything you want about me, call me every name you can think of, but please, don’t say that I never cared about you. I love you. I am sorry that I left the way I did and it was dumb and like I said, I regret it and wish I could do it all over again and make things right between us. I didn’t call because Tess took Zander. I didn’t want you to get mixed up in any of this. I have seen firsthand what Tess is willing to do for this money and I didn’t and still don’t want you to be in any harm because of this. She is a cold hearted woman; she threatened to take Zander away if I don’t cooperate with this mess. She doesn’t even want him. She is just spiteful and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.”

Liz didn’t know who to believe. Tess said she had changed her ways and wanted to be a family with Max and Zander. Liz did not want to get in the way of that. Max was now telling her that Tess was basically lying to her when she was here and that she wants nothing but the money. She didn’t know Tess at all; she could certainly see the way Max painted her to be. She knows Max, correction, she thought she knew Max. The Max she knew is a lie, how does she know he isn’t lying to her now? Liz groaned in frustration.

“How do I know any of this is the truth? It wouldn’t be the first time you have lied to me, Max.” Max grabbed her by the hand and pulled her to where he was. He raised her chin to look at him and asked her to look at him. When she finally did, he spoke to her.

“I know I haven’t exactly been Mr. Honesty in the past. I messed up. I’m not asking for you to forget what happened, Liz. I am asking you to give me a chance to make things right. I love you, Liz. I lost you once, I don’t wanna lose you again. Please, Liz. Let me make it up to you. Give me a chance, a chance to make it right, to prove to you that I mean every word I said.Please, Liz. Don't throw away what we had. I promise no more secrets, this is me.” By this point he was in front of her on his knees begging her to take a chance on him. Max looked into her chocolate brown eyes, gripped her hands and waited for her answer.

[crazedearthgirl]

Author's Note: Thank you guys soo much for the bumps, comments and feedback. I am really glad you are all enjoying the story. I have a lot of more time to write now that schools have let out! Yay summer! This part is short but necessary. Enjoy!


PART 10

Meanwhile back at Max’s apartment Tess was polishing her nails and watching the clock. An hour had gone by and Max was still not back yet. She thought he would be back by now, she figured little Lizzie would have turned him away and he would be back in her arms since he had been rejected by his precious Liz. Damn, what if she didn’t buy the story? No, she knew Liz would take the bait, she was too nice to break up what she thought was a happy home. Max would be home any minute now.

Just then a knock sounded on the door and Tess jumped to answer it. She gave herself a once over in the mirror and then opened the door.

“Max, did you forget your-Oh, it’s you. What do you want?” Tess asked when she came face to face with the person at the door.

“Where is my brother?” Isabel asked as she brushed past Tess and into the living room.

“He went to see that girl. He should be back any minute now.” Tess said smugly as she sat back down on the couch.

“What did you do?” Isabel demanded.

“Me? I didn’t do anything. Liz knows he has a wife and a son, I just don’t think she will want to talk to him after that.” Tess replied innocently as she added another coat to her nails.

“You don’t fool me, Tess. Besides I hope she does talk to him. Maybe she will forgive my airhead of a brother and he can finally be happy.”

“You forget, dear Izzy, your brother is currently married to me.”

“Not for long, Tessa. Don’t fool yourself, you think once this is over Max will want to be with you? You kidnapped his son and you blackmailed him, he is gonna toss you straight out on your ass once Zander is his and you have your damn money.” Isabel said as she towered above Tess.

“I wouldn’t be too sure of that Izzy dear.” Tess replied as she rose from the couch.

“I would bet on it. Hmm, just think, Liz forgives Max and I am once step closer to get rid of you for good. I wonder what they are doing right now.” Tess glanced nervously at the clock, damn; he should have been back by now. Isabel watched as Tess checked the clock.

“Get out of my apartment!” Tess yelled as she walked to the door and pulled it open furiously.

“This is my brother’s apartment, not yours, so you can’t kick me out, dear. But since he isn’t here and I can not stand your skank ass, I will leave.” Isabel walked to the door and looked at Tess.

“Oh, and Tessa, by the way, I wouldn’t wait up for Max tonight.” Isabel said as she winked at Tess and left. Tess was pist when Isabel left and slammed the door. Damn her! She thought as she sat back down on the couch and glanced at the clock. Any minute now, Max would walk through that door. She was confident of that.

<----------------------->

Liz looked down at Max on his knees in front of her. He looked so hurt and sincerely sorry but how could she ever trust him again? One part of her wanted to scream “yes” and the other part of her wanted to say "no" and send him back to Tess. She had always done the right thing and the right thing was to send him home to Tess. But what about what she wanted? She had waited so long for this moment. Would she regret sending him away? No, this was about doing what was right not what she wanted. But what about what she wanted. Even now after everything, she wanted Max. She knew as she looked down at his pleading eyes, if she did not at least try with Max she would be always wondering “what if.” What if he is the one? What if she never finds another person to make her feel this way? What if she is a better choice for Zander? She saw the way Tess was around him. You know what, screw doing the right thing!

“Okay, Max, I will give you a chance.” Liz replied as she looked into his eyes and smiled softly.

“Thank you, you will not regret this, I promise.” Max said as he rose and took her into his arms. He leaned down to kiss her and she stopped him with a finger to his lips.

“But we have to start all over. I didn’t get to meet the real you and I have changed a lot since the last time we were together. Agreed?” She asked as she pulled herself out of his arms and extended her hand.

“Agreed. So first things first, Hi, my name is Max Evans.” Max said as he grasped Liz’s hand.

“Liz Parker, nice to meet you.” Liz said smiling and shaking his hand.

“So where do we go from here?” Max asked still holding her hand.

“Well, I guess we can sit on the couch and I could make some coffee and you can tell me about yourself.” Liz said as she released his hand and walked into the kitchen.

Max sat down on the couch and waited for Liz to return. When she did, she had two coffee cups in her hand and handed one to Max.

“Okay, Miss Parker, what would you like to know?” He asked as she sat down beside him.

“Everything and anything, Mr. Evans.” Liz replied as she pulled a blanket over her legs and snuggled near Max. Max began to talk as Liz listened. The two took turns talking and catching up until the night turned into morning and Max and Liz were fast asleep.

[crazedearthgirl]

Author's Note: I am sorry that this update took so long. I took a break from this to start Department Store Desires and then I had a writer's block But I am happy to report that the block has been broken and I am once again writing! Thank you to everyone that has commented! Enjoy the next part...and I promise that the next part will be posted within a week.


CHAPTER 11


Max woke up to a still sleeping Liz snuggled in his arms. He smiled; she was so beautiful when she slept. He glanced at the clock on the wall and saw that it read 8am. They had fallen asleep. He smiled as he thought back to the events of the night. Liz had forgiven him; there was still hope for them. He had learned things he didn’t even know before about Liz and he had told her things that he hadn’t even told Isabel. He sighed as he thought about the best way to tell Tess about himself and Liz. He knew it was a battle he was not prepared to endure just yet but he didn’t want to hide anything about him and Liz. He wanted everything to be out in the open so that he could show Liz she did the right thing last night by forgiving him.

Liz stirred from her sleep and found herself snuggled against Max’s hard chest. She smiled and then sat up suddenly as the realization hit her. She looked at Max and then herself to make sure all clothes were present. Whew, she thought.

“Morning.” Max said as he brushed her hair behind her ear.

“Morning, we must have fallen asleep. I can make you some coffee before you go.” Liz said as she quickly stood up and went into the kitchen.

“Liz, about last night, I want you to know I meant everything I said. I will find a way to deal with Tess. I don’t wanna lose you again.”

“I don’t wanna lose you either, Max.” Max smiled relieved that she hadn’t changed her mind.

“So about that bar dancing story I heard last night…I was wondering if I could you know, get a personal show one day.” Max asked wiggling his eyebrows up and down. He was trying to lighten the mood, even though part of the statement was true.

“Shut up! I told you that in confidence. Maria is the only other person that knows!” Liz said as she slapped his arm playfully and handed him his cup of coffee.

“I would still love to see it.” Max said earning another smack in the arm.

“Oh really, I bet you would,well I think Isabel would be dying to know what really happened to her misplaced journal or her favorite sweater.”

“Okay, truce.” Max said holding out his hand and taking Liz’s.

“Thought so, now what are you going to tell Tess?” Liz asked as she sipped her own cup of coffee.

“The truth, we fell asleep talking.” Max said purposely avoiding the question.

“Not what I was talking about and you know it, Max.”

“I know, let me worry about Tess, okay?”

“Okay, besides I have enough to worry about with Isabel. She let it go once but the next time I see her she is going to want to know everything.” Liz said as she shook her head. She forgot to mention that she would have to explain to Maria too.

“Well, thank you for the coffee but I think it’s time I go home and face the reality of this.” Max said as he finished his cup and put it in the sink. Liz grabbed his arm.

“Max, wait…If you are…you know…if you're having second thoughts…I mean if you think that this is…isn’t what…you know…”Max put a finger to her lips and met her eyes.

“Liz, I am not regretting anything. I am not gonna lie, this will not be easy for either one of us once she finds out. I lost you once, I love you and I think what we have is worth fighting for. Please never doubt the way I feel about you.” Max removed his finger from her lips and pressed his lips softly against hers,before saying good-bye and leaving.

Liz pressed her fingers to her lips and she watched Max leave. She smiled, confident in the decision she had made.

<---------->

“You did what?” Maria yelled sitting on the couch in Liz’s apartment hours after Max left.

“I forgave him, Maria.” Liz sighed annoyed at the fact that she was repeating herself for the fifth time in the conversation.

“Liz, chica, you know I love you and I have never doubted you but are you sure about this? I mean the man has a wife who clearly has some issues and not to mention a son that he didn’t tell you about. He isn’t exactly excellent boyfriend material here, sweetie.”

“Maria, I know all of this but I believe him. You weren’t here last night; you didn’t see or feel what I felt. I am making the right choice.” Liz stated firmly.

“Oh my God, you are the homewrecker! You are Max’s mistress! You are---”

“Mariaaa! ” Liz shouted digging into the container of ice cream Maria had brought over for comfort for her.

“Hey, I am just telling you the way it is, babe.”

“It’s not like that. He doesn’t love her, it’s all about money.”

“In that case, I’d be careful if I were you. A woman in love will do anything to keep her man and a person who has their money threaten will do anything to keep that money. Blondie is both, which makes her extra dangerous.” Maria said as she dug into the container of ice cream.

Liz sighed, trying to ignore Maria’s dramatics but a tiny voice in the back of her mind was thinking the same thing. Tess had already kidnapped Zander for the money. How far would she be willing to go? Liz shuddered at the thought and tried to push it away.

“So how are things with Michael?” Liz asked hoping to change the subject.

“Oh girl, don’t get me started.” Maria said as Liz successfully diverted the topic.

<----------->

Max entered the hall and put his key in the door. He had left Liz’s place hours ago but avoided going home because he didn’t wanna face Tess just yet. He had gone to Tommy’s deciding that a little drinking wouldn’t hurt before he went home. He wasn’t scared to face Tess. He just knew her reaction and had been thinking of ways to get Zander out of the way of her wrath. He called Isabel about an hour ago and told her to pick up Zander and take him to her place. Well, it was now or never; he thought as he opened the door.