A/N - In my defense it is still Monday where I live lol! Sorry guys, I've had such a bad week at work and this week isn't looking any better. Now I just want to tell you this is sort of a transitional part *sigh* but the next one will delve deeper in the world of living with Max
Now I wish I had more energy to thank each of you personally for your very kind words. Seriously, guys if you only knew what your feedback did for me to write. I am bone tired but I wanted to get this part to you guys before I seriously passed out lol! I hope you enjoy it and thank you!
Chapter 9
“Mommy, when are we leaving?” Alexis jumped off the bed and ran into the bathroom, where her mother was fixing her hair.
“In about an hour, honey. You need to eat something and make sure you have all of your stuff packed. I have to go and talk to Max for a few minutes and I want you to stay here.” Liz kneeled down in front of her daughter. She could clearly tell she was excited to not only be leaving the hospital but also to be moving in with Max. Liz needed to just make sure one last time how it was all going to work, as well as set some ground rules. Liz wasn’t naïve in realizing that although Max appeared to be single, that it meant he didn’t have several female friends that he would eventually be entertaining at his home. She just wanted to make sure that things didn’t get awkward when situations arose in the future.
“Okay, mommy I’ll check to make sure I have everything,” Alexis smiled and skipped off in the direction of the nightstand beside her hospital bed, in search of anything she may have left behind. She honestly didn’t care if she did. She was going to be leaving the hospital and that meant that she wouldn’t have any more needles or doctors asking her questions. Plus, she was going to get to live with Max and even better her mommy liked Max, she could tell by the way she looked at him. A smile formed on Alexis’ lips. If her mommy liked Max then maybe she would like him enough for him to be her daddy soon, she thought happily.
“Alright, I’ll be back in a little bit. If you need me you know where I am.” Liz turned and looked at her daughter one last time. She saw her on her knees beside the bed stuffing a few crayons into her backpack. Alexis lifted her head to the side and smiled at her mother, “Bye mommy!” Liz couldn’t help but smile. Maybe she was just biased but her daughter was beautiful.
****
“Max are you sure this is a good idea? Did the doctor’s even say this was…” Max had been listening to Michael give him the mother treatment, as he liked to call it. Max knew that he should stay at the hospital longer, but truth was he was sick of it. He couldn’t do anything for himself and he sure as hell needed to eat a decent meal before the colored products they tried to pass off as food, actually killed him.
In fact, the doctor had already given him the entire speech about not doing anything for the next two weeks. Then Max would need to come in and they would make sure he was still healing properly before they sent him to get physical therapy. Max had even agreed to allow the hospital to choose the nurse. At that point, anything to make them happy and get him out of there was his priority.
“Yes, they approved it. They may not like it, but I’m telling you with the nurse, the maid and the cook at the house, trust me when I say I won’t be moving unless it’s necessary,” Max explained quickly. He knew that Michael was only looking out for his best interests.
Michael on the other hand knew, from talking to Max’s doctors that he was recovering rather quickly, but he was still a little worried. He didn’t want Max rushing out of the hospital only to re-injure himself.
“Do you want me to come stay with you?” Michael offered. He didn’t live that far from Max to begin with, so it wouldn’t be a problem.
“Nah, you have a life. And I’m sure you and Maria would want some alone time,” Max winked suggestively and Michael just flipped him the finger.
“So are you still going to argue with me on this or just trust me to know what’s good for me?” Max asked crossing is arms over his chest in challenge.
“I trust you. Just don’t fuck around with this, Maxwell. Just wait the two weeks. I can show Liz and Alexis around so they can get familiarized with the house. And then you can give them the official tour of, Casa Evans.” Michael joked.
“Sounds good. Now I have to make a few phone calls and I need to talk to Liz. She has her car, so I’m not sure if she wants to just follow me home or if I should arrange for someone to drive her car,” Max was tossing around a few ideas in his head when Michael spoke up with the solution.
“How about this? I’ll drive home, and then have the limo pick me up there. Then we’ll swing back here to pick you, Alexis and Liz up and I’ll drive Liz’s car to your place. If she doesn’t mind,” Max thought it over for a brief second before nodding his head in affirmation.
“Okay. I’ll be back in a few.” Michael said as he exited Max’s room.
Max grabbed his phone and starting dialing, he had a lot to do in a little bit of time.
****
Liz was on her way down the hall to Max’s room, she saw Michael leave just a second ago. She was preparing her speech when a soft, familiar voice broke her out of her thoughts.
“Liz?” Maria called out as Liz passed the nurses station.
“Maria. Hi, how are you? I didn’t know you were on duty today?” Liz and Maria had become more than acquaintances for the past year, unfortunately they weren’t able to form a friendship that consisted of more than a few long sentences here and there.
“I had to see my best patient off today, didn’t I?” Maria smiled brightly. She admired the woman standing in front of her. Maria had been around when Alexis first came to the hospital and saw the bad shape the young girl was in, but through it all, Liz was by her side. She put up such a brave front for her daughter’s sake but Maria knew when Liz’s daughter slept, Liz would cry to herself. Maria had tried to comfort her, but Liz never accepted it. Maria suspected it had a lot to do with Liz’s pride, she didn’t want to appear weak and she wanted to handle everything herself. That’s why Maria was especially surprised to hear that Liz would be moving in with Max Evans.
“I guess not,” Liz started and decided that she wanted to say a few things to Maria before she left.
“You know, I never got to thank you for all those times you helped me. I felt like I couldn’t go on when Alexis would go for treatment and you were always talking to me or smiling. You brought me food and made me eat it, even when I yelled and screamed at you to leave me alone. I appreciate that more than I could ever explain to you. I wish we had a chance to get to know one another better,” Liz began getting choked up. These past few months seemed to tick by slowly. The days felt like months and the months felt like years.
“Me too, Liz. But maybe we will this time around,” Maria hinted vaguely, not really sure if Liz knew about her dating Max’s friend.
Liz eyed Maria questioningly, “This time around?”
“Oh sorry. I thought you knew. Michael and I are seeing each other,” Maria smiled reflecting back on their date last night. It was one of the best dates Maria had ever had and she wasn’t about to let Michael go either. They made plans for tonight as well, and she couldn’t wait.
“That’s really great Maria. He seems like a great guy, and if he’s friends with Max then I know he must be something special,” Liz smiled and tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. She was getting edgy. She really needed to talk to Max and soon.
“He is. I’m going to let you go, but I did just want to pass along a message from Max’s doctor,” Maria started and knew Liz would be confused as to why she would be saying anything about Max to her.
“Does everyone know I’m leaving with Max?” Liz placed her hands on her hips, amazed at how gossip flew through the hospital.
“Are you kidding? Max Evans is like the biggest football star, everyone knows him and his business, for the most part. So of course we know, hell the media knows too.”
“Media?! Are you serious?! That’s crazy! What do they care? I’m a nobody,” Liz was starting to feel sick to her stomach. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea, she thought.
“They care because Max Evans is a hottie. He’s single, rich and great looking. Girls beat down his door daily for a date with him. Come on Liz, you can’t tell me you don’t look at him that way?” Maria edged on in a staged whisper.
“Of course not! He’s been nothing but kind to Lexi and I. I would never use him or…think….” He was beautiful and sexy, and had a smile that practically melted her heart? Her mind screamed out. No! Liz chided herself. She was not in a position to get involved. Involved? What was she thinking? A guy like Max would never be interested in a plain Jane as herself. He was probably used to dating models and actresses, not some homeless twenty three year old girl with a five year old. Then again, Liz wasn’t interested in getting involved with anyone anytime soon.
“Whatever you say, Liz. Look I know you have to get going, but I needed to just tell you that the doctors only agreed to let Max leave under a few conditions. I’m sure you know about the nurse, but since I know he can be stubborn I’m telling you this because maybe you can help him out. He should not leave the bed unless he has to. It’s only two weeks, but he’s a guy and he’ll fight ‘til the end to get what he wants. So I just ask that you keep an eye on him.”
“Keep an eye on him?” Liz raised her brow at that.
“Yes, pretend you have another five year old running around. Only this one shouldn’t move.”
“And how do you suppose I keep him in bed?” Liz’s face blushed when the words left her mouth.
“I’m sure you can figure that out, you’re a smart girl. Use your charm,” Maria winked and pulled Liz into a quick hug.
“I wish you the best of luck and I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around soon.” Maria gave Liz a quick hug and went back to her paperwork.
“You too Maria, and thank you again.” Liz smiled and continued down the hall until she was in front of Max’s door.
She took a deep breath and knocked.
“Come in!” Max called out. He was in his chair and waiting for the last of his paperwork to be brought to him.
“Hi Max, how are you feeling today?” Liz asked as she entered fully into the room.
“I’m great! I’m getting the hell out of here, so I can’t complain. How are you and Alexis?” Max asked watching as she wrung her hands together and crossed the room. He watched the emotions cross her face, and he just knew she had something serious on her mind.
“She’s excited. Practically bouncing off the walls. Max I…” Liz started to turn to face him and realized she couldn’t. Her mind kept wandering back to Maria’s words. Max did make her feel things she’d never felt before; she was just now realizing it. That however, didn’t mean she could give in to those feelings. She knew in the end, she would be the one that would be hurt by it.
“Liz, are you okay? I mean you’re not having second thoughts or anything?” Max’s heart plummeted. What if she changed her mind? Deep down Max knew that Liz didn’t have another option but she could still say no.
“No, it’s not that Max. I just…I need to talk to you about a few things,” Liz began softly. She shifted uncomfortably on the windowsill, still not able to face Max.
“Okay. Whatever it is just tell me,” Max coaxed her gently.
“We need ground rules Max,” she started and finally turned to face him.
“Ground rules? For what?”
“I want you to know I respect that it is your house but I need you to respect that I have a daughter and there are things I’m not ready for her to ask questions about,” Max watched as Liz’s nostrils flared and she began to pace the room. He thought she looked so beautiful. She was passionate; he’d give her that one. He wondered what it would be like to kiss her soft, pink lips or to feel her warm breath against his skin. Heaven that was the only word that came to mind at the thought. In fact, he was so lost in his thoughts that he’d missed half of what she was saying already.
“…so, I just think we should have some kind of rule. If you want to have a girl over, fine. I’ll take Alexis out of the house and then when you’re done you can call me and we’ll come back. Or we can…”
“Liz, I respect that you are taking my social life into consideration, but I don’t plan on entertaining guests, at least not in the capacity you are referring to, anytime soon.” Max did feel a slight pinch of hurt at the thought that Liz might actually believe he was some kind of male whore.
But wasn’t he? Max couldn’t deny that he couldn’t remember the name of half the women he’d been with in the past. He wasn’t proud of it, but it never really mattered, at least not until this very moment. A moment, where Liz Parker thought he slept around…a lot.
His emotions must have been written clearly on his face because Liz was quick to defend her words.
“Max, I didn’t mean to make it sound like you…that you’re…that…” she couldn’t even look him in the eye.
“I’m a man whore?” Liz almost choked at his words. That was not what she meant at all. She tried to explain but the damage was done.
“Liz, it’s okay. I know you didn’t mean it that way. But I can’t lie about it or hide it, so let’s just move on from there,” Max looked at her hopeful.
“Yes. Okay, so how about we talk about this at a later date?” Liz smiled and came to kneel in front of him. Max couldn’t resist he placed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed gently. He knew she was nervous, how could she not be? It was all new and different, but Max vowed silently that he would make it memorable.
“Mommy!?” Alexis yelled from behind Max’s closed door. Max and Liz looked at each other and laughed.
“Come in sweetie!” Liz answered back making her way to the door. As soon as Liz swung open the door Alexis barreled passed her and made a beeline straight for Max.
“Hello princess,” Max smiled brightly and Alexis threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek with a big smacking kiss.
“Hello! I’m so excited Max. We’re going to live with you in your house,” Alexis smiled brightly. Today she was wearing a denim skirt and white t-shirt that said ‘cutie’ on the front in big purple letters.
“Yes, you are princess. You and your mommy will have your own rooms and everything.” Max couldn’t wait to get them to his house; it felt like a new beginning not only for them, but for himself as well.
“Max, do you think we could take Riley to your house too? He’s really little, smaller than me and he’s quiet. He doesn’t bark or anything,” Alexis blinked rapidly, stuck out her bottom lip and pouted. She was good, Max thought. If she kept up with those kinds of pouts he would buy her, her own Toys R Us, if she asked.
“Lexi, mommy has to talk to you about Riley. So how about we wait until we get to Max’s house?” Liz wasn’t sure how to explain what happened to Riley.
Max on the other hand didn’t want to wait until later, he would have to pull Liz to the side and find out.
“Hey Maxwell,” Michael chose that particular moment, much to Liz’s relief, to walk into the room.
“Hey Michael, you made it back quick,” Max stated as he made his way over to his friend.
“I know but I figured you wanted to blow this popsicle stand soon,” Michael joked back and then they all turned towards Alexis.
“Alexis, what’s wrong?” Liz kneeled down and placed her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. She looked surprised, or was it shock?
“Mommy, they have a popsicle stand here?” Alexis pouted and crossed her arms, “How come I didn’t know that? I was here for a whole year and I never saw it, mommy,” Alexis blinked back her tears and Liz couldn’t help but laugh.
“It’s not funny! I want a popsicle, mommy,” Alexis pleaded softly and then turned her tearful gaze towards Max. His heart stopped beating for a moment, and Liz honestly tried to regain her composure but the things that came out of her daughter’s mouth sometimes made her laugh beyond distraction.
“Max, can I have a popsicle? Will you share it with me?” Max’s heart broke for her, he reached out his arms as best as he could.
“Of course, as soon as we get to my house you will get your popsicle, any flavor you want,”
“Yeah?” she sniffled. Liz looked at her daughter with Max and thought they looked beautiful together. Finally she regained her composure and came to stand in front of them.
“Honey, I’m sorry for laughing but that was funny sweetie. That was just an expression that Michael used,” Liz tried to explain and when Alexis finally realized what her mommy meant, she turned towards Michael and crossed her tiny arms over her chest.
“That wasn’t very nice, Mike.” Alexis turned on her heels and Michael just feigned innocence when Max gave him the ‘nice going asshole’ look.
“Okay! Let’s get out of here. Liz, did you want to come with me? Or did you want to drive yourself?”
“I can drive myself,” Liz watched both Max and Michael’s reactions and then questioned them.
“It’s nothing,” Max answered quickly.
“Nothing at all,” Michael piped in right after. Liz looked between both men and placed her arms on her hips.
“What are you not telling me?”
“There are about I don’t know, maybe a hundred reporters outside,” Michael started.
“And they will probably follow us, and if not then we are guaranteed to be greeted by at least that many at my front gate,” Max finished trying to sound as casual as possible. Then again how do you explain the paparazzi to someone whose only seen it on television?
“That’s crazy! Don’t they have a life?” Liz asked.
“Yeah, it’s taking pictures of other people,” Max finished with a smirk on his face. Liz just rolled her eyes.
“So what do I do about my car then?”
“Mike can drive it mommy! He’s big and those people will be scared,” Alexis jumped in with her random thoughts about how to fix the problem.
“Actually princess, that is a great idea! Michael would you mind?” Max looked up at Michael who had a questioning glare in his eyes, but quickly caught on to Max’s plan.
“No problem. Liz you want to tell me where your car is, and what it looks like for that matter?” Michael asked reaching his hands out for her keys, but Liz hesitated.
“Ah, Michael would you mind taking Lexi to our room and grabbing our things? There isn’t much but I just need to talk to Max for one minute,” Liz let out a nervous laugh and Michael decided not to ask questions.
“Come on squirt, show me to your room,” Michael opened the door and waited for Alexis’ come back.
“I’m not a squirt! I’m just petite for my age,” she stuck out her tongue and brushed passed him.
“Where did she learn that from?” Max asked in awe. Alexis always had a comeback for everything.
“Me. I taught her she should speak her mind, but I don’t know, Michael is the only one she just gravitates to and has that smart comeback to. I have to talk to her about that, but anyway Max you know that we were homeless,” she looked at him slowly and saw him nod.
“So that means that all my stuff and all of Lexi’s stuff is in there, well as much as I could fit so…”
“It’s okay Liz. Michael is just going to drive the car, and then he’ll unload it into any room you guys want in the house. Trust me,” Max gave her a reassuring smile and Liz let out a breath of relief.
It wasn’t going to be as bad as she thought.
****
Liz was now in the midst of camera flashes and people yelling and screaming Max’s name, not anything at all like she had expected. It was so much worse. They had went to the back of the hospital but there were people waiting there, there were people waiting everywhere for a glimpse of Max. Liz had to wonder when they were safely inside the limo, how Max did it everyday and she asked him as much.
“I don’t know. At first it was all too overwhelming but then I just got used to it. I know most of them by their first names,” Max looked at Liz’s worried eyes and her hand clasped in Alexis’ smaller one. A sense of overpowering need to protect the two of them washed over Max.
“I’ll never let anything happen to either of you,” Max tried to assure Liz and Alexis with his words.
“Max, I know you won’t let anyone hurt me or mommy.” Alexis didn’t say anything else the entire car ride, in fact that was the first time she'd spoken since they left the hospital. Liz wasn’t sure if she should be worried or relieved.
****
About twenty-five minutes later the limo pulled up to a huge black iron gate, and as predicted there were at least a hundred reporters standing in front of it.
Max watched as Alexis looked out the window with worried eyes. How he longed to just hold her and reassure her that everything would be okay. As soon as the limo came to a stop, Max rolled down his window and the cameras started flashing and people started yelling. Max watched from the corner of his eyes as Alexis jumped into Liz’s lap. Max turned to Liz and made a motion for her to cover Alexis’ ears. Liz did so quickly.
“Guys! Seriously, I have a little girl in here who is terrified, so if you ever hope to get another interview from me, you will back the fuck away from the limo.” Max ground out through clenched teeth.
Most of them stepped away but some still stayed, which only further upset Max. “You get one last chance, back away or I will personally go up that driveway and run your ass over. I’m not kidding either, you know I’m not.” Max tried to be as vague as possible. After all it wasn’t like he made it a habit of running people over, but he has gently brushed against a body or two on his way out of a club in his car. Not his fault they wouldn’t move.
Soon, they all backed away quietly and Max thanked them. Then they started up the long driveway. Liz and Alexis watched with wide eyes as the three-story mansion came into view.
They were speechless and Max was somewhat embarrassed. Here he was with a home big enough to fix twenty people comfortably and here sat Liz and Alexis who didn’t have much more than a car filled with their belongings.
“It’s okay, Max. You worked hard for this,” Liz turned and reached out her hand to him. Funny how she could just read his expressions, she thought. Max gave her a grateful smile.
“Wow! Max you live in this big house? It’s bigger than me and my mommies whole entire apartment! Wow! Do you have a pool Max?” Alexis turned and Liz tried to get her to hold her tongue.
“Yes, I do. I have one inside and one outside,” Max chuckled when he saw Alexis’ eyes widen in excitement.
“Do you have dolphins Max?”
“Lexi! Max doesn’t have dolphins,” then again, she thought. “Do you Max?”
“No. I don’t.”
“Oh, it’s okay I still love you.” Alexis smiled and jumped out of the limo as soon as it stopped.
Max however was left speechless, as well as Liz. Had Alexis said what he thought she said?
“It’s okay, Max. You can breathe,” Liz smiled at him.
“But…do you think she means it?” Max searched for the right words. The right question.
“Of course. She doesn’t lie. Especially not about her feelings,” she explained gently. It seemed as though Alexis’s words really threw him for a loop.
“Now, Mr. Fancy Pants, you ready to show me around your mansion or what? I don’t like to be kept waiting Max,” Liz winked and hoped out of the limo behind her daughter.
Max was left speechless. He’d love to hop out of the limo, but instead he had to wait until the driver brought him his chair and helped him into it.
****
Once they reached the garage, which was where the elevator was located. Alexis stood and waited then turned to Max.
“You have an elevator in your house?” she turned curious eyes to Max.
“Yes I do.”
“Why?”
“Because sometimes it’s easier to use than the stairs,” Max replied but Alexis’ gaze didn’t waiver.
Oh no, Liz thought.
“But why?”
“Cause I like it.”
“Why?”
“Sometimes I’m so tired after playing a game that I don’t feel like climbing all those steps to my room on the top floor,” Max figured that would suffice the young girl.
“How come?”
“How come?” Max asked looking up to Liz for help. But she was not offering any.
“Because, I just…I…feel like it.” Alexis nodded her head and stepped into the now open elevator doors.
Max turned to Liz who simply shrugged her shoulders. She helped wheel Max into the elevator and waited until he pressed the button for the first floor. She then leaned down and whispered in his ear.
“She just wanted to see what you felt about it. Strange I know, but usually she waits for your most honest answer and then she’ll move along.” Max barely heard a word Liz said. Her breath on his neck felt just as he suspected it would, like heaven.
Things were already looking up. He couldn’t wait to see how the rest of the day turned out.
TBC…