A Change Of Pace (UC/AUWA, Z/Ma, Adult) [COMPLETE]

[Roslover39]

Grnkrystle
FaithfulAngel24
Darknhauntinglove
Irish77
IceQueen
RoswellGirl1967
Hhollings



Sorry ladies,
this chapter is very short. The next one will be much longer.


While Zan and Ava have their heated discussion in Maria’s car, Michael discovers them and automatically thinks the worst. “ Well look at this. I knew what’s his name would shoot himself in the foot soon enough. I gotta go tell Maria.”

Michael is so jubilant at finding Zan in what he thinks is a sticky situation with Ava that he runs all the way to Maria’s with the news. He announces his arrival in the usual way; he bangs on Maria’s bedroom window.

“Hey Maria, are you up? I need to talk to you, It’s important!”

Maria is dressed for bed in multi colored paisley pajamas. She gets up from her desk where she is writing and wondering what’s on Michael’s mind this time. She goes to the window, “Yeah Michael come in. What’s this all about?”

Michael climbs into her room and starts his usual pacing. She takes a seat on her bed and watches him pace around. She soon gets irritated. “Ok Michael, you said you had something to tell me so spill it! I’m tired of watching you and I was just getting ready to go to bed.

Michael stops pacing and stops in front of Maria, “Ok hey where’s your car? I didn’t see it parked out front.”

“If you must know, Zan asked to borrow it, why?” She leans back on her arms on the bed.

Michael stands looking silently at Maria for a few minutes. Maria is getting more annoyed by the minute and starts tapping her foot.

“Michael if you don’t tell me why the hell you’re here, I swear I’m gonna push you back out of my window.”

Michael takes a deep breath and tells her what he saw. “Maria, I saw Zan and Ava in your car tonight.”

Maria looks at Michael and starts to laugh. “Michael, are you smoking those funny cigarettes? Wow man I thought you had finally accepted Zan and me being together. Why start lying now?”

Michael takes a seat next to Maria on her bed. “Maria, you know I’m a lot of things but I’m not a liar. I swear I saw Zan and Ava in your car. You did let him borrow it, right?”

Maria can’t believe what’s going on, “That son of a bitch, I can’t believe him. And of all people to catch his ass cheating it would be you. Damn! Why are you really here?” She stands up from the bed, “To throw that shit in my face? To get back at me for choosing Zan over you?” She then starts shoving Michael, trying to force him off of her bed.


Michael starts to feel bad that he came and told her about what he saw, “No Maria! I just wanted you to know what was going on. I’m not trying to get back at you, I still love you.” He gently grabs Maria and tells her again that he still loves her. She tries to fight him off but starts to cry instead. She ends up turning into a heaving, weeping mass of emotions that Michael folds into his arms to comfort.

After several minutes, Maria looks up at Michael through tear soaked eyes and asks, “Michael what am I gonna do?”

Michael says nothing. He looks down at Maria and does the unthinkable...he kisses her.

[Roslover39]

Gnrkrystle
IceQueen
Earth2Mama
Crazy4Max91
RoswellGirl67
SweetCkandie06
FaithfulAngel24



Liz makes it back to the Cafe before Ava. She checks her room but finds no one there. She peeks her head out of her bedroom window and finds Ava standing near the front door of the Cafe. She also notices that Zan is with her in Maria’s car. She starts thinking to herself, ‘I wonder why Zan has Maria’s car and why did Ava lie to me about turning in early? She’s got some answering to do!’ Liz is patiently waiting for Ava on the stairs leading to the living quarters to ask her about what she saw outside her window.

**

Ava waves her hand to once again open and close the Café’s front door. Thinking the coast is clear, she enters the employee part of the Cafe. She’s shocked to find Liz waiting for her on the staircase.

“Oh Liz, you scared me!” Ava says with one foot on the bottom stair.

Liz raises an eyebrow, “You surprised me Ava. Why were you out with Zan tonight, and why did you lie to me?”

Ava starts her climb up the stairs to face Liz, “Look, Zan wanted to confront me about the assumptions on mind-warping that you mentioned to him.”

Giving Ava a serious look, “I don’t apologize for looking out for Maria by helping Zan out. Max and I have experienced what that type of game playing can do. We know a game when it’s being played. I’ll give you this though, you might not have known what you were doing, but it did happen.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “That’s not cool, you know.” Shaking her head.

“Liz I’m not trying to cause trouble really.” Exasperated from explaining herself, “I told Zan everything I knew about what happened that night. I will admit that I tried to have my way with him, but he told me in no uncertain terms that Maria’s the girl for him. Nothing happened between us but conversation.”

“I didn’t think anything would happen Ava but, I don’t blame you for trying. If I couldn’t be with Max, I’d be miserable. I sympathize with you about the way things turned out.”

“Hey, maybe destiny isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Free will does have a part to play.” Ava bowed her head in defeat.

Liz yawns and rubbed her eyes, “It’s late, let’s go to bed ok?”

Ava nods and says goodnight to Liz and heads toward her room. Liz makes her way to her parent’s room.

**

It’s Maria’s day off from work so she decided to treat herself and slept in. Her cellphone starts to ring; Michael picks it up off of her dresser and answers it before it wakes Maria.

Zan is on the other end and not at all pleased to hear another man’s voice answering his woman’s phone. “Yo, who the hell is this?” He asks in a very angry tone.

“It’s Michael if you must know, you scumbag. Hey, I know what you did last night and with who.” He looked over at Maria, “And now Maria knows too.”

A very puzzled Zan asks, “What the hell are you talking about? What did I do, and to who?”

“Think about it A**H***!” Michael concluded the conversation by hanging up on Zan.

Zan is now fit to be tied. He starts cursing and throwing things around his apartment. Yet, as fast as his tantrum started, it’s over. He has an idea.

**

Maria wakes up and starts to survey her room noticing that Michael’s jacket was still there. She called for him, and when he arrives it is with her favorite breakfast: vanilla and pecan granola, milk and whole grain toast, lightly buttered.

“So you decided to rejoin the living. “Michael says while sitting the tray down on the bed in front of Maria. “How did you sleep?”

Maria’s eyes almost buck out of her head at the sight of Michael Guerin bringing her breakfast in bed. She looks at the food but thinking of Zan makes her loose her appetite and she pushes the tray away.

Watching her push away the tray, Michael pushes it back at her “Maria you gotta eat something.”

She puts her head in her hands and starts to whimper.

Puzzled, Michael asks a question, “Is what’s his name really worth all of this?” He moves in closer to her and sits down on the bed.

Maria raises her head and answers Michael’s question “Yes, he is!”

**

While Maria and Michael are continuing their discussion, Zan decides to find out what’s going on with Maria. “Fuck this, I’m going to the source!” And heads for Maria’s house.

When Zan makes it to Maria’s house, he takes long, deep breaths in order to calm himself before facing her. As he knocks on the door, he thinks to himself ‘What if that idiot Michael is still here?’

Just like a nightmare that’s getting progressively worst by the minute, Michael answers the door.

Zan’s hazel eyes start to glaze over with testosterone charged aggression at the sight of Michael. To say the least he’s not pleased to see him at his girl’s house. “What the fuck are you doing here fool?”

“That’s just the question I should be asking you!” Michael replies stepping forward to face Zan.

“Look, I’m gonna talk to my girl, so you do yourself a favor and step aside before I decide you wanna get your ass beat down!”

A slight grin has formed on Michael’s face from the statement Zan just made, “Well hell, bring it on bitch.”

Maria heard the fighting decided to enter the argument. She steps in-between the two arguing males. With a hand on each mans chest she pushes them away and in a very loud voice she tells both men, “I’m not having this shit at my house. If you two wanna beat the hell out of each other be my fucking guest, but take this alpha male bullshit else where!”

Surprisingly startled by Maria’s outburst, Zan begins trying to get her to talk to him. “Doll, why is he here and why did he answer your phone this morning? Please tell me what’s going on!”

Maria turns to Michael, “Michael I’m fine, I need to speak to Zan Ok?”

A clearly disappointed Michael looks at Maria but doesn’t say a word as he walks off the porch.

Zan faces Maria and places her hands in his, “Doll, did I do something wrong?”

Maria looks him straight in the eye and asks, “Were you with Ava in my car last night?”

“Yeah, but only because I didn’t want anyone to see us and get the wrong impression like that ass Michael did.” Zan moved his hands up to Maria’s shoulders. “When Max came over to see me at my place we talked about what was going on with Ava and the mind-warping. He said that he confronted Tess about what she was doing to him. So I decided to do the same with Ava.” He started to gently massage her now tense shoulders, “Doll, believe me when I tell ya she wanted something to happen but I told her that… that I loved you and…”

Maria put her hand on his chest stoping him mid sentence, “You what? You love me?” She started crying at the sentiment.

Zan now is clearly confused, “Doll, why are you crying, you don’t want me to love you?”

“Oh Zan everything is so fucked up! Michael came over here last night and told me that he saw you and Ava in my car getting all cozy. At first I didn’t believe it but then he convinced me that you and her had something going on. I started crying and he started comforting me. One thing led to another and well… I…we…”

Zan stops her with a very serious voice “Maria, please tell me you didn’t do that guy last night.” His beautiful eyes are looking down at her and pleading with her for the right answer.

Maria returns Zan’s gaze. With tear soaked eyes see answers him, “I can’t.”

Zan is in trouble, he dropped his arms. The woman he loves is crying but he can’t comfort her because she just tore his heart out of his chest by admitting that she slept with Michael last night. He continues to stand in front of Maria in silence. She tries to do damage control.

Maria held her hands on her face, “Oh baby, I’m so sorry. I was so confused last night, and I told you that I had conflicting emotions about Michael. I didn’t want to do anything to hurt you; but when I thought of you and Ava together, I fell apart!”

Maria reaches out desperately to touch Zan’s hand but he pulls away from her. He looks down at her with hurt reflecting in his eyes, filling with tears. Silently he turns on his heels from her and walks off her porch. Is he walking out of her life as well?

[Roslover39]

Gnrkrystle
IceQueen
Earth2Mama
PixieFever
Crazy4Max91
Shiesty23
RoswellGirl67
SweetCkandie06
FaithfulAngel24
Hhollings




I hope you'll enjoy this update:

It’s been weeks since Zan left Maria’s house heartbroken after finding out that she slept with Michael. Maria has been a basket case trying to find a way to get him to talk to her. She’s called his cell-phone everyday without fail, but he doesn’t answer her calls. Her plight hasn’t gone un-noticed. Liz has noticed how her friend has gone from a happy go lucky gal to a shell of her former self with the sadiest eyes she’s ever seen. Maria feels such shame over betraying Zan that she hasn’t told Liz, her best friend why she’s so unhappy. After days of seeing Maria mop around the café, and refusing to discuss why she’s so unhappy, Liz decides to make Maria talk about what's going on.



Liz waits until after her shift to get Maria to spill her guts. She corners her at her locker. She’s putting her uniform away.



“Hey hon, I haven’t seen Zan around in a few weeks. Is everything ok? Oh yeah and are you and Michael avoiding each other?”



Maria turns to look at her friend while slamming the locker closed, showing her displeasure at Liz’s pointed questions.



“Liz, look I have major drama in my life right now and I’m sure you’re gonna be very disappointed in me if I tell you, so why don’t you pretend I told you and we can continue on with our lives.”



Liz can’t believe her ears “Maria, I can't believe you, we’ve been friends since third grade! Why in the world would you think that I would ever judge you? I thought you knew that you could tell me anything.”



Liz moves closer to Maria and puts her arm around her. “I’m always here for you babe!”



Liz’s statement makes the tears that Maria has managed not to show at work flow uncontrollably.
She’s relieved that she has someone to tell her sorted story to, and that that person is Liz seems to lighten her mental and emotional load instantly. As Liz leads Maria to the couch, Maria begins to unburden her soul.



She tells her story in between weepy sighs. “Liz, I did a terrible thing. I let my emotions cloud my judgement. Liz I…. I slept with Michael!” She puts her head in her hands.



Liz is stunned but doesn’t show it so as not to make Maria feel any worst than she already does by admitting her mistake. She asks a question, trying to be as gentle as she can “Hon, why did you do it, did you change your mind and break up with Zan? Is that why I haven’t seen him around?”



Maria looks up at Liz and replies “I slept with Michael because I got over emotional over what he told me he saw. What he thought he saw.” The tears are flowing down her face again as she recalls the look on Zan’s face as he explained that what Michael saw was wrong and how his demeanor changed dramatically when she confessed to him that she slept with Michael.



“Liz, Zan told me he loved me! He told Ava that he loved me. How could I break his heart? His face fell when I confessed to him what I did. What am I gonna do, I love him!”



Liz grabs Maria’s face and answers her with much conviction. “Hon if Zan is the one for you, then damn it we’ll find a way to get through to him. All is not lost.”



Then in typical Liz Parker style, she comes up with an idea.



“Hey, we’re gonna bring the guys into this on your behalf.”



‘Liz, are you insane! It killed me telling you what I did, I can’t , I won’t tell the guys!”





Shaking her head, Liz clarifies what she means.

“Maria, no what I’m talking about is getting the guys to see Zan to see if you come up in a conversation. The only bad thing I could see happening is Zan getting drunk and calling you a bitch or worst and telling the guys what you did. But if you want Zan back, that’s the chance you’ll have to take, do you have a better idea?”



Maria looks at Liz with a very puzzled look “Why? Why do that Liz?”



“Because Maria, sometimes only a man can get through to another man that’s been hurt in a relationship. Let the guys sing your praises. This is your best bet.”



“Ok Liz, I have to try something. He won’t answer my calls and I dare not show up at his place. Ok, it’s a plan Lucy, but let me ask the guys for this favor my way ok?”



“Whatever you want hon. I just want my friend happy. I must admit that I’ve never seen you as happy as when you and Zan were together.” Maria nods in total agreement.

>< >< ><



It takes a couple of days, but Maria realizes that Liz’s idea just might work to get through to Zan. She decides to invite the gang out to dinner so she can ask the guys to help her out.



Everyone shows at the restaurant, everyone but Michael. He’s still blown away by the fact that Maria slept with him but still wants to be with Zan. They've been keeping their distance (aside from working together) since the day of the big blowout on her porch.




Maria arrives at the restaurant first. She’s wearing a short brown dress with southwestern accents, a straw colored weathered cowboy hat, and brown mini cowboy boots. Max and Liz walk over to the table just as Maria is taking her seat. Liz is wearing a white baby tee and jeans, Max is wearing a teal button down and black slacks. Kyle and Colleen arrive next. Kyle’s blue t-shirt adds sparkle to his blue-gray eyes, Colleen is wearing a mauve peasant dress with pink and white flowers. Isabel and Jesse are the last to arrive. They are the most formally attired of the gang, they arrived at the restaurant right after work. Jesse is wearing a brown suit, white shirt and a brown and white striped tie. Isabel is wearing a black skirt suit. Maria looks over at her friends assembled at the table and takes a breath in preparation of explaning why they were asked to come to the restaurant. She stands up.



“Thanks for coming. As you may or may not know, Zan and I aren’t getting along right now. Only Liz knows why, and she’s the only one who will know why other than Zan. I brought you all together because I need help in getting Zan to talk to me. Max, Kyle, Jesse, I need your help.”



Kyle and Jesse both give Maria puzzled looks as Max speaks up. “Alright Maria, but what can we do to help you?"



Maria leans in to get the guys’ full attention while she speaks.

“I’d like you guys to go to Zan and speak to him on my behalf. You know, show him a good time, whatever it takes but make him realize that I’m really a great girl and that what happened was a total mistake. Make him realize that I love him so much.”



Kyle chimes in “Am I the only one that feels that I’m being taken to the edge of a cliff blindfolded?

Maria, how can we help you if we have no idea what happened? Look, I
don't wanna get in your business, how are we to defend you and talk you up when we don't know what we're up against? We don't know why you and Zan aren't getting along. By the way; we're gonna find out what happens from Zan if he opens up and GOD knows what comes flying out of his mouth because he's hurt. Why don't you just tell us what happened."


Maria takes off her cowboy hat and runs her right hand through her hair. She takes a deep breath and prepares to spill what happened. “Zan isn’t speaking to me because I slept with Michael.”



A shocked Isabel cannot believe what she just heard “Maria, how could you do that? I thought you wanted a man to love you and treat you right. You find that man and what do yo do, you cheat on him with Michael, the guy you’ve always complained about. I’m sorry Maria, but maybe this means that you deserve someone like Michael in your life.”



Max tries to stop isabel’s tirade “Hey Iz, aren’t you being a wee bit harsh? You have no idea what happened to make Maria do what she did.”



“You would sympathize with Maria Max. You slept with Tess because you thought Liz slept with Kyle. Is that why you slept with Michael Maria, because you thought Zan slept with Ava?”



A very hurt Maria stares into Isabel’s eyes “Yes, but I’m not perfect like you Isabel. You know I could bring up a less than gractious situation that you were in where you treated a wonderful guy like shit. Time and time again you rejected him, now how could you do that with a clear conscious Mrs. Sensitivity?”



A shocked a taken aback Isabel slowly rises from her seat to answer Maria.

“If you remember Maria, hiding in plain sight was the plan that was keeping us alive. Each person we brought into the secret made keeping ourselves safe much more difficult. So are you saying I didn’t care for Alex? Well Ms. Knowitall, I wanted to keep him safe, and to no avail because he died anyway. But hey, don’t hesitate to shit all over what I thought were good intentions. Someone had to have a level head and not let their heart rule their head.”



She turns to give Max a particularly dirty look. Isabel turns her attention
back to Maria.
“Well Maria, I guess you've put me in my place, so I'm gonna take my leave now. Good night all."



Isabel moves her chair out of the way with her right leg, turns, and heads for the restaurant entrance.

Jesse being the loving husband says nothing but leaves Maria with a parting glance. He follows his wife out of the restaurant.



Kyle is looking at the faces of the remaining friends at the table and decides that now is the time for someone to lighten up a bad situation.

“You know, it’s not good for your digestion to get into a full on argument with someone before the meal is brought to the table. Oh and Maria, you still picking up the tab?”



Colleen responds to her boyfriend’s outburst by elbowing him very hard in his side.

“What?” Kyle says visably surprised by the action she took.



Colleen stays silent but puts a finger to her lips beaconing him to shut up.



Max touches Liz’s hand and gets out of his seat. He heads over to where Maria is seating and kneels at her feet.

“Maria, what can I say. That was Izzie being Izzie. She’s always thought of herself as the moral compass of the group. Clearly she was out of line and I’m gonna tell her that.”



Maria looks down at Max “Max there’s no need for you to apologize for her. She said what she wanted to say. I don’t know, maybe I deserved the reality check.”



Liz is clearly in disagreement with the comment Maria just made.

“Maria, don’t you ever let anyone make you feel that way about yourself. We all make mistakes, that’s a part of life and if Isabel is going for sainthood, she’s not gonna make it because the last time I checked no one’s perfect. Hell, we all know that if Max didn’t follow his heart, I wouldn’t be here today. If she thinks that saving my life was a mistake, then the hell with her and her twisted point of view!”



Maria starts to perk up “Ok ok thanks guys for the pep talk. Now, let’s get to why I invited you guys to dinner. I can’t get Zan to respond to me in any way, so I was wondering if you Kyle and Max wouldn’t mind speaking to him on my behalf. You know, take him out for a men’s night or something?”



“I know I’m about to risk getting hit again, but honey let’s face it that guy doesn’t seem to be the male bonding type. How are we gonna get him to go anywhere with us, especially since we’re your friends?” Kyle says skeptically.



“Kyle is right. Zan doesn’t seem to be looking for male friends to pal around with Maria, what do you suggest we do?” Max adds.



Liz enters the conversation to persuade Max to try to do what Maria asked.

“Max, I know you’ll find a way to do this for Maria. You’ve already been to his place to speak to him, do this for me please?” Liz tries to convince her fiancée by rubbing her hand up and down his thigh. She’s coming dangeriously close to his crouch while gazing into his eyes. That’s all it takes to get Max to promise that he’ll go talk to Zan.



Max turns from Liz’s seductive gaze to speak to Kyle.

“Hey if I gotta do this, you’re coming with me!”



“Whatever.” Kyle responds.

[Roslover39]

RoswellGirl1967
Gnrkrystle
FaithfulAngel24
Maxssoulmate



The guys meet up at the Crashdown since Zan’s apartment is just around the corner. Liz and Maria are there working and Maria greets them first by displaying a glimmer of her usual enthusiasm with a tight hug for each of them. “Thanks for doing me this favor guys.”

Kyle turns to Maria, “I hope we don’t get the door slammed in our faces, or worse… a fist.”

Max taps Kyle on his should in order to bring him back to his rational self. “Come on Buddha Boy, let’s get this over with.”

As the guys head for the front door, Liz runs up and grabs Max’s hand. He stops and turns to his fiancé and smiles down at her. She softly squeezes his hand while gazing up at him in that familiar way she does. “Did I properly thank you for doing this favor for Maria?”

Max starts to grin, and his hazel eyes twinkle as he answers her. “No, but you will, later babe.” Max gives Liz a light kiss on the lips and pats her on the ass as he walks out of the cafe with Kyle.

When they get to Zan’s building, Kyle takes a good look at it and lets out a low whistle, “Are you sure anyone lives here?”

Max turns to Kyle “Wait till you see his apartment, you won’t believe your eyes.”

“Actually, I hope he’s not home so that we can go back to Maria and say we tried. I mean come on Max,” Kyle slaps Max with the back of his hand on his arm, “What are we going to say to this guy to get him to open up to us? Is there really anything we can possibly do?”

“Well, he needed me to help him with a problem he was having. Maybe he can help me with mine.” Max says trying to look confident.

Clearly Kyle is not buying it but they move towards the front door. “Yeah but your problem is Maria, and he’s mad as hell with her. How are we going to get that to change? All I can say to you is go for it sport, I’m going to let you do all the talking.”

Max replies to Kyle’s remark, “Great minds think alike, I was thinking the exact same thing.”

>< >< ><

Max and Kyle make their way up the rickety old wooden staircase. When they reach Zan’s door, Kyle makes the sign of the cross in hopes that they will turn and walk out of this domicile of the damned in the next few seconds. Max knocks on the door, and then the guys hear a very brusque voice reply. “Yo, what do you want?” No such luck.

Kyle’s face looks like it just fell to the ground at the sound of Zan’s voice. Max clears his throat before he speaks, “Hey Zan, it’s Max. Can I speak to you?”

After a few seconds later the door opens. Zan looks almost pleased at the sight of Max,

“Yo Max man, how’s it hanging dude?”

His demeanor changes slightly as he takes in a quick glance at Kyle. He says nothing to Kyle; he just gives him a very nonchalant head nod. Kyle responds with a hand wave that looks very out of place.


Max answers Zan, “I’m…Um…holding it down.” Max’s greeting to Zan sounds so un Max like that both Zan and Kyle smirk a little.

Zan slowly backs away from the door to let the guys in. As they walk in, Kyle can’t resist making fun of Max and what he said. He leans in and whispers,
“And you’re holding what down?”

“Shut up!” Max furiously whispers to Kyle, clearly annoyed.

Zan is the first to have a seat in his living room. He arranges himself on his black leather chair, and watches the guys as they have a seat on the couch opposite him. Zan takes his time, then asks: “So, what’s up?”

Kyle looks at Max as he clears his throat again. He takes a few seconds to collect his thoughts. Taking a deep breath, he starts what’s gonna be a very complicated conversation. “Look Zan, I know I have no right to be here doing what I’m about to do,” He shrugged, “But I’m here on behalf of a friend.”

Zan’s glance at Max turns slightly menacing as he starts to think of the friend that he’s speaking of. He leans in and with a very controlled but angry voice says “Yo, if you two are here to talk about…HER, then I suggest you hit the bricks right now. There’s nothing to talk about.”

Max shakes his head in total disagreement. “We’re here because Maria misses you. She knows she f***ed up. She wants you back in the worst way, if you’ll have her.”

Zan laughs, “She f***ed up a’ight. She should have thought of that before she let your boy do her. That ass**** hit it, why should I want her ass back now?”

Kyle chimed in, “She really loves you. She slept with Michael because she thought you slept with Ava!” He finished with a squeak.

“Why the hell would she ever think that? She knew how I felt about Ava.” He gives Kyle a pit bull like stare.

Max takes over the conversation “Let’s just say that she took the word of someone and assumed it was right.” He shakes his head thinking about Michael running to Maria and telling her what he thought he saw.

“Well Max, assuming made an ass out of her.” Zan leaned back in his chair.

“Zan look, I came here once and helped you out with a problem, I’m asking you to do the same for me. If you can look me in the eye and tell me you don’t still care for Maria, we’ll leave you alone. Can you do that?”

“I got news for ya Max, you’re gonna leave me alone anyway, got it?” Zan’s hazel eyes start to flicker in that familiar way when he’s about to kick someone’s ass. Max isn’t intimidated, but he does realize that he’s worn out his welcome. He bumps shoulders with Kyle, “Come on Kyle, our job is done.”

“So, it’s time for the door to hit us in the ass Max?” Kyle is full of sarcasm.

“Whatever you clown, let’s just go.” Max is clearly not amused by Kyle’s shenanigans.

Max stands to his feet and walks toward the door with Kyle not far behind. Zan made it to the door first. He’s holding it open for them. Before Max walks out into the hallway, he stops and says one last thing to Zan. “I had to talk to you. Maria’s my friend and she really misses you.”

Zan turns up his nose and says “Whatever!” in a very nasty tone. He goes on to glare at Max as he walks out and slams the door as soon as Kyle exits. He runs his hand over his dreadlocks as he walks over to his bed. “I can’t believe that shit. Max and his funny little friend, here to talk about Maria. I’m through with that bitch!” He thinks to himself.

He makes it to the bed and sits down. He then makes the mistake of letting his mind wander to the memories of him and her making love on that bed, and the times where being around her made him feel as human as he’s ever felt. He lies on the bed and closes his eyes while thinking about how having Maria in this life made him feel special and how he loved doing things for her; making her happy. He holds his head in his hands as he asks himself “Why did she have to f*** him?”

A single tear falls from his right eye down his beautifully tanned cheek. He stands up suddenly slamming his fist into the wall, “Damn it, I still love her, now what the hell am I gonna do?”

>< >< ><

Isabel hasn’t seen the gang since the blow out at the restaurant a week ago. The melee is on her mind as she wakes up. She sits up in bed and starts thinking about what she said and how stinging her words were; not to just Maria, but to Max as well. She’s so deep in thought that she doesn’t notice her husband stirring in bed next to her. She also doesn’t hear him when he starts speaking to her. “Hey babe where are you?”

Startled Iz looks down at Jesse, “What? Oh, I was just thinking about how I let my so-called convictions hurt Maria and Max at the restaurant the other day. Who made me judge, jury, and executioner?”

Jesse looks at his beautiful but troubled wife with both love and concern as he sits up next to her, “You were just being you, no offense hon but no one would say that you didn’t have very strong opinions about a lot of things. The question is, what are you gonna do to get back into their good graces?”

Iz put her hands in her lap, “I don’t know, beg, plead, grovel? Whatever I have to do, I’ll do and as soon as possible. Life is just too short to have the people I love have hurt feelings.”

Jesse leans over and kisses Isabel on the cheek, “Now that’s my favorite girl talking. I have every confidence that you’ll work things out with Max and Maria.”

Isabel gives her handsome husband a bright smile, and asks a question.
“Hey babe, how about some breakfast?”

Just as she gets out of bed and heads to the bedroom door, Isabel starts to feel faint. She clutches on to the nearest wall to prevent herself from stumbling, Jesse watches with growing concern. He then jumps out of bed to assist his wife pulling her into his arms, “Babe, are you alright? What’s wrong?”

Isabel takes a few deep breaths before she speaks, “I’m fine honey, I just felt woozy for a minute there. Don’t worry.”

“Isabel, it’s been a while since you’ve seen a doctor, I think an appointment is in order.”

Clearly not wanting to hear that, Isabel looks him straight in his eyes trying to reassure him that she’s fine.

Jesse isn’t buying it, “Honey, promise me that you’ll make an appointment to see the doctor if this happens again, ok?”

“Ok Jesse, I promise, but really honey there’s nothing wrong with me.” She pats his arm reassuringly.

“Alright.” Jesse kisses Isabel then heads for the bathroom to start his morning rituals.

He leaves his wife in the middle of their bedroom deep in thought.

[Roslover39]

Zanity
Earth2Mama
Maxssoulmate
Gnrkrystle
Hhollings
RoswellGirl1967



I hope this update makes up for the short ones I've posted
in the past. ENJOY

Max and Kyle return to the Crashdown. They will have to tell Maria that their mission to speak to Zan on her behalf wasn't a success (or was it?) It's 9:30pm and the cafe is still open but there are no patrons so as soon as the guys get there Liz decides to close the cafe early. That familiar door chime heralds Max and Kyle's arrival, Liz greets the guys at the door while Maria is in the back changing. "Hey guys, how was the meeting with Zan?" Liz's eyes are glistening with anticipation.

Kyle speaks first. He doesn't mince words, "How do you spell failure?"

"Kyle!" Max says very disappointed at the way Kyle decides to explain what happened. He tries to soften the blow with Liz as Maria walks into the front of the cafe. Max directs his revised answer to both girls. "Well ladies, the meeting went the way I thought it would. Zan was not willing to speak to us about Maria. He doesn't want it to show but he's really hurt by what happened between you and Michael.” He turns to face Maria directly, “Sorry Maria."

Maria isn't a bit surprised by what she heard, but she was hoping against hope that Zan's heart would soften towards her. "Thanks for going over there on my behalf guys. I really appreciate it. So, how is he?"

"Menacing!" Kyle answers her question with conviction.

Max corrects Kyle again. "He wasn't that bad Kyle. Ok, granted he's not the most genial person in the world, but that's probably pain making him that way. Remember how sweet and attentive he was to Maria when things were good between them? It seems that he really loved you Maria."

Liz walks over to Maria and rubs her back. "Max, from what you described I think he still does. The question is how do we get him to realize that and forgive Maria?"

Kyle asks the gang, "Can that guy's feelings be penetrated? That's the $64,000 question."

"Nobody is made of stone. Everyone has a soft spot." Liz goes on to explain her thoughts. "Zan doesn't want to think that Maria can still have an effect on him but I'd be willing to bet that she can change his mind under the right circumstances. We just have to make those circumstances happen.”

--

It's been established that Max and Liz would get married after they graduated from Roswell University, Liz in Biochemistry and Max in Medicine (that way he can heal in plain sight). That was the plan until Liz gets the news of a lifetime. Unbeknownst to her, her biology professor is a close personal friend of Liz's idol Dr. Laura Holt the world-renowned biochemist at Harvard University. Liz's professor told Dr. Holt about how bright and talented Liz was and how she was doomed to be a big fish in a little pond if her horizons weren't broadened. Liz receives a letter in the mail. Enclosed is a letter of invitation to transfer to Harvard on a full scholarship and become Dr. Holt's protégé. When the letter arrives, Liz is happy beyond words but then she thinks of how her life is going to change. Her thoughts then go to Max and if he would want to become uprooted from school and his life in general in Roswell.

She starts thinking to herself OMG! Studying under Dr. Holt, I can't believe it. The only thing is that I'll have to leave Roswell, my family and friends. What about Max? What if he doesn't want to go with me? I can't stand being away from him for a second much less months at a time. Should I accept this amazing opportunity?

After adequate time to contemplate their situations, Liz and Maria decide to put their problems on hold for an afternoon and spend some time and money at the Roswell Galleria. As soon as they enter the mall and take in the mall ambience, emotional issues seem to melt away, but in a flash Maria brings up Liz's dilemma. There's no getting around it.

"So Liz, when are you gonna tell Max about your big opportunity at Harvard?"

Liz shrugs her shoulders at the question. "Maria, I really don't know. It seems like every dream I've ever had is coming true. I'm going to marry Max and I've been given the opportunity to study under the great Dr. Laura Holt. I should be on top of the world, but I'm not. What if Max decides he wants to stay here? I don't want to be without him. What do I do Ria?"

Maria looks at her best friend with what could be described as a Duh face. "Liz, I don't know why you're stressing over this. You know that Max Evans would follow you to Outer Mongolia to be with you. Moving away from friends and family isn't easy but you should know by now that you Liz are his family. Tell him your news and let him prove me right."

A smile comes across Liz's face just as an unexpected person notices her and Maria. She rushes over to say hello. "Hey girls, what a coincidence that the three of us are here at the same time. I haven't seen you two in a while, how are things?"

"We're just fine Isabel, and you?" Liz answers with a twinge of sarcasm in her voice. The tongue lashing that Izzie gave Maria that day at the restaurant is still fresh in her mind.

Maria stands there and looks at Isabel. Seeing that she's not going to have an easy time apologizing Izzie takes a deep breath and starts the groveling process. "Maria, you've been on my mind since I said those awful things to you at the restaurant. I had no right to say those things. What you do with Zan, Michael or the man on the moon is your business. You're a grown woman, and I'm so sorry for opening my big mouth. Can you forgive me for my temporary insanity?"

"Is that what it was Isabel, temporary insanity? I wonder. You've always had this I'm better than you vibe going from the day I met you. Maybe you were expressing your true feelings for me after all these years.” Maria crossed her arms angrily over her chest, “Maybe you've been tolerating me because Michael made me a part of this alien chaos, and since we aren't together any more you figure that all bets are off. Let me tell you, you don't have to be cordial to me, hell you don't have to nod at me in passing, if that's how you really feel."

Isabel is shaking her head frantically and her mouth is open wide enough to let in flies as she tries to convince Maria that she does care for her and what she said was a gigantic lapse in judgment. “ No, that's not it at all! Please accept my apology."

While Isabel is pleading with Maria to forgive her, once again she feels lightheaded and almost falls to the floor. Maria and Liz are taken aback by what just happened. Together they grab Izzie to prevent her from falling. "Are you ok?" Liz asks as she helps to steady Isabel.

"I...I'm fine I think." She doesn't look fine though.

Maria notices this and comments, "Hey girl you turned three shades of pale. When was the last time you saw a doctor?"

"You sound just like Jesse." Isabel states as she smoothes her hair away from her face. I see we’ve been alien chaos free so long that you two as well as my darling husband has forgotten that I can’t see a doctor.

Maria and Liz nod their heads in agreement to what Izzie just said.

“Don’t worry ladies, whatever this is, I’m sure it will pass. Luckily Max, Michael, and I don’t get sick and if we don’t feel well, it’s usually a passing thing, trust me I’ll be just fine.” (Isabel tells the girls that to put them at ease, but who’s going to calm her fears? She has an idea what’s wrong but she dares not give it voice.)

Isabel throws her concerns out of her mind, takes a deep breath and takes Maria's hand. "Maria, you and Liz are the closest things to sisters that I have. Please don't turn away from me because I said some stupid things." Isabel's eyes start to water. She means what she is saying. Maria and Liz are finally convinced of that.
Maria decides to accept Izzie's apology. "Ok girlfriend I accept your apology. Please don't start the water works, I don't think I could take that."

Isabel hugs Maria then puts her arms around Maria and Liz's shoulders.
"Let's go to the food court. If you two are hungry, lunch is on me."
The three head arm in arm happily through the mall.
****

Zan is at the apartment thinking about Maria and mopping around. He's admitted to himself that he still loves her, but can he take her back? Can he welcome her back into his strong muscular arms after she slept with her ex-boyfriend? Zan has never been affected by love in this way before and he doesn't like it one bit. He's very upset, confused and irritated. He doesn't know what to do. There is one thing he's not confused about. He wants to kick the shit out of Michael Guerin so bad that just the thought of inflicting pain on him makes Zan get instantly hard with aggression. He stops thinking long enough to stroll into his bathroom to view his naked body in a full-length mirror located behind the door. In typical Zan style he gazes conceitedly over his beautiful body and wonders to himself.
"Yo, I'm all that why the hell am I pinning for blondie?"

Blondie! that's the first time he's thought of Maria by his favorite favorite pet name for her since the big blow out at her house. Is Zan weakening? Will he be able to take Maria back? After he finishes inspection of his beautifully sculpted body, he decides to get dressed. Just by chance he walks over to the window. What do you know; just by chance Maria's Jetta just happens to pass by his building. He sees her car and she see's him starring down at her. In seemingly slow motion he watches her car pass the building. For a split second Zan's heart has a twinge of pain, pain of wanting to be with Maria but his pride just won't let him take her back.... at least not now.
*****

Maria just drove past Zan's building and caught a glimpse of him looking out the window. Her heart felt like it was gonna leap out of her chest at the sight of him. She thinks to herself.
"That's it, I'm going over there right now."

She makes another pass around Zan's building. She notices that he's not in the window this time. She parks the Jetta by the cafe and heads for the building. She takes her phone out of her purse and calls Liz for moral support before she goes in.

"Chica, I'm about to go see Zan. Wish me luck."

"Maria, I'm proud of you. You know I'm hoping that everything works out. Go get your man girl!"

"Thanks Liz, I'll call you later, Bye!"

When Maria makes it inside the old warn building, she gets flash backs of how things used to be between her and Zan. How he used to treat her like a queen, the way he made love to her so passionately. She takes a deep breath to keep from crying and heads up the rickety wooden staircase to his apartment. Once there, Maria takes another deep breath and knocks on the door. Surprised that someone is at his door he yells out.

"Yo, who is it?"

Maria clears her throat. "It's me Zan , Maria."

He doesn't move one muscle; he just stares at the door. He doesn't say a word.

" Let me in please, I...we need to talk."

Zan remains silent as Maria continues talking to him in the hallway. He walks slowly to the door, but doesn't open it. He just runs his hands up and down the door, the way he'd love to do Maria if only his stubborn pride would allow him to.

" Baby, I know what I did was wrong. Please let me talk to you face to face. We can work this out, please let me in."

After many minutes, it dawns on Maria that Zan is not gonna let her in. Heartbroken, she lightly touches his door. She leaves him with a parting thought.

"Zan, just remember that I love you and I want you back. I'll do whatever I have to to make things right again. Bye."

As Maria makes her way down the shabby staircase, Zan slowly opens his door. The smell of her perfume wafts through the hall and for a split second Zan loses control and calls out to her, but she's already made it to her car. She doesn't hear him. He runs back into his apartment and watches her drive off.
*****

A heartbroken Maria heads to the Crashdown for much needed support from the only person who truly understands her, Liz. As soon as she walks through the door, the solemn look on her face tells Liz that the meeting with Zan wasn't the success they both hoped it would be.

Maria notices Liz who is at the counter filling saltshakers.


A very concerned Liz asks "What happened hon?"

Maria runs behind the counter for a much-needed hug before she tells Liz what happened.
She takes a seat at the counter. After taking a deep breath, she starts the sorted story of what happened or more importantly what didn’t happen at Zan’s place.


"Liz, You know from my phone call how optimistic I was about going to talk to Zan. You won’t believe this shit! Do you know his ass left me in the hallway the whole time I was there? He didn't bother to open his door."

Liz is shocked by what she hears.

"What? He didn't let you in? What did he say to you?"

"Not a damn thing! I thought that maybe he would holler at me or cuss me out; which would have been an improvement over feeling totally ignored but no, he didn't say or do anything. Hell, I'm not sure if he even bothered to listen to anything I said?"

As the conversation continues, the girls are startled. Maria swivels quickly in her seat, and Liz looks on as Ava walks into the front of the cafe seemingly out of thin air. She's heard enough of their conversation to presume to offer her two cents on their concerns. She’s also going to give the girls some unexpected news.

"Ladies, the man that you’re describing, that’s not the man I grew up and fell in love with.

"What?" Maria is pissed. She rises from her seat and walks over to face Ava.
"So, how long have you been ease dropping on our private conversation?"

Ava stands her ground.
"Long enough to tell you that Zan is operating in a way that is definitely different from how I remember him. Maria let me help you out here. Zan.... the Zan I know is blustery, loud and outspoken. He says and does whatever he wants. I never
meant to ease drop on your conversation. Ladies I’ve heard enough and I think I can help. I feel that Zan is dealing with feelings and emotions that he can’t wrap his mind around. Max Evans he’s not. He’s fallen in love for the first time in his life and he can’t get a handle on anything that he can’t control or intimidate into submission. What you did with Michael makes an already hard situation unbearable for him.

Liz decides to ask some questions.
"Ava why are you trying to help? We know how you feel about Zan. Why would you attempt to help Maria understand what's going on with him? What's your motive?"

"It's like this, yes I love Zan but I can’t make him love me. Above all I
want him to be happy and Maria seems to do that for him. I said that to say this;Maria you have his heart, do whatever you have to to get him to open up to you. Oh I have something else to tell you. I think the time is right for me to move on from Roswell. Zan doesn't want me, there's nothing keeping me here. I'll be leaving tomorrow."

Ava has one more surprise before she leaves town.
*****

Maria goes home to think about everything that Ava said. Liz went on to do last minute tidying up of the café. It’s late and the café is closed. While going about her chores she’s had time to do more thinking about Harvard and her future.
She decides that the time is right to share the good news with Max. She runs upstairs to her room after locking up the cafe. She plops down on the bed and dials him up.

"Hey babe, are you busy?"

"You know I’m never too busy for you gorgeous. What's up?"
Max is in his bedroom at home watching TV. He’s wearing his white wife beater and blue and white striped boxers looking ever so sexy on his bed.

"Max, I have something to tell you. I hope you’ll find this news as wonderful as I do, but I don't want to discuss it over the phone. Can you come by right now?"

"Hey this sounds important, sure babe I’m on my way just let me throw some clothes on.” “
A lusty grin forms on her face at the thought “ ok come on.” After hanging up the phone, Liz passes the time waiting for Max conjuring up a mental snapshot of her gorgeous fiancée undressed.

When she hears that familiar sound of footsteps on the balcony stairs, Liz climbs out of her bedroom window to meet him.
The first thing he does when he stands face to face with her is greet her with a very warm kiss. After that Liz doesn't waste any time telling him her news.

"Max, We’ve known each other long enough for you to answer this question.” She looks him straight in the eyes “I expect to get the right answer Evans. Now,

what is my dream?"

Max starts to rub on her shoulders as he answers her question.
"Well, other than being my wife, going to Harvard and studying under Dr. Holt right?"

Liz's eyes start glistening in recognition of what Max just said.

Quickly Max puts two and two together.

"Liz, is that it? Did you apply to Harvard and they accepted you?"

"Yes!
Well actually my biology professor applied for me. I had no idea that
my biology professor is a friend of Dr. Holt's. She recommended me as a protégé and Dr. Holt extended a written invitation to come on a full scholarship. Can you believe that?
Liz is so excited by the words she just spoke that she starts doing a dance.
Quickly her excitement turns to brutal realism when she thinks about being separated from the ones she loves. The thought jolts her back to reality.

“Oh Max, I know that we decided to get married after college but if I accept this offer I'll have to leave Roswell. I want you with me. I know that I'm asking you to leave school, family and friends to be with me and.....

Liz is starting to ramble on. Max rightfully decides to stop her.

"Liz honey, this is wonderful news. I'm so happy for you."

Liz looks Max straight in his eyes.

"Max this opportunity means nothing if we're not gonna be together. Can you....will you be able to leave everything you hold dear here and come be with me?"

Max decides to play with Liz.

"Well let me see, on one hand I have my friends, family and school and you on the other. What do I do?" He starts to pace like he’s in deep thought over the issue. Liz runs up behind him to regain his attention.

"Max Evans, are you playing with me?" She asks while playfully slapping him on his arm.

"Liz darlin you should know by now that you are my family. I established that when I gave you that ring you're wearing. Don't you know that I would follow you to Siberia? The question is how long do we have to plan a proper wedding?"

Liz is taken totally aback with joy and anticipation at his revelation.
"You wanna get married before we leave?"

Max gazes down at his beautiful fiancée witha totally bewildered look.
"Do you think I want you traipsing around Harvard as a single woman? Oh no we're getting hitched babe!"

Liz's eyes fill with joyous tears as she hugs Max
"I love you so much Max!"

"Not as much as I love you Elizabeth Parker!"

Max and Liz will be leaving town in a month. There is a lot of planning to do. Kyle’s girlfriend, Colleen and the gang will be helping them with the plans. While Max and Liz bask in their happiness, Ava makes her way to Zan's place.

[Roslover39]

SweetCkandie06
Maxssoulmate
Gnrkrystle
Earth2Mama



Enjoy

A surprised Zan opens the door to let Ava Inside his apartment,
"What's up girl?"

Ava walks over to the leather couch and has a seat, "I wanted to say good bye. I've stayed here long enough. It's time I moved on."

A devilish grin appears on Zan's face as he gazes at her, "Yo I'm glad you came by.” He walks from the door over to the couch. As he sits next to her, he lets his left hand graze her cheek. He then leans over and tries to kiss her.

An excited and stunned Ava backs away from him and asks, "What are you doing, what about Maria?"

Zan Is shocked that Ava resisted his sexual advises. He asks her, "What about her, you're here with me. Yo, we can do this. You know you want me."

Ava’s eyes sparkle with lust as she responds to Zan, "Oh yeah, I want you Zan, but not this way. I refuse to be second best, even to get you to sleep with me."

Ava's statement has left Zan very Irritated, "Whatever,your loss!" He gets up off the couch angrily and turns to walk away from Ava.

Seeing that Zan Is clearly upset that she won't sleep with him, she decides that now is the time to leave him. She imparts to him a pearl of wisdom before she goes.

"Zan, let me leave you with a parting thought. I know what Maria did to you, we both know it was a mistake. She loves you and she's so sorry about what happened. Why don't you at least let her talk to you before you write her off for good, you know you still want her."

As Zan holds his door open to let Ava out, his mind starts going over the some of the times Maria and him spent together. He visualizes the way her eyes would glisten and the way she used to giggle when he touched her. The scent of her perfume seems like it's coming straight to his nostrils from an otherworldly place. These assaults on his senses are starting to get to him, wanting to divert his attention from all thoughts of Maria; he turns on his stereo system. He's totally forgotten that the last time his stereo was on, Maria set it to a romantic easy listening station. We all know that Zan Is not the easy listening type, so it is a total surprise to him as he listens to this particular song, but instead of turning it off or throwing the receiver out of his window he walks over to his leather couch and stretches his gloriously built body out on it and listens to every word of this song.

A Heart Needs A Second Chance by 38Special

Since you've been gone
I feel my life slipping away
I look to the sky
And everything is turning gray
All I made was one mistake
How much more will I have to take
Why can't you think it over
Why can't you forget about the past

When love makes this sound babe
A heart needs a second chance
Don't put me down babe
Don't you know I love you
Since you've been gone I've been in a trance
This heart needs a second chance
Don't say it's over I just can't say good-bye.

Just like kismet, Maria is at home sitting on her bed listening to the exact same song on the radio and thinking of Zan.

So this Is love standing In the pouring rain
I fooled on you, but she didn't mean a thing
And I know I ain't got no right
To ask you to sympathize
But why don't you think It over
Why can't you forget about the past

I never loved her I never needed her
She was willing that's all there Is to say
Don't forsake me please don't leave me now
A heart needs a second chance
You've been gone and I've been In a trance
This heart needs a second chance
Don't say It's over I just can't say good bye

Imagine Maria and Zan In a split screen-like scenerio. He's on one side and she's on the other. Their thoughts are in sync and the memories are flooding their minds. The caresses, the tender feelings, the sweet nothings expressed in the heat of passion.

The song makes Maria so sad that she decides to take a walk to clear her head but before she walks out her bedroom door, the cell phone on her paisley vanity table starts to ring.

"Hello?" She says

There's no answer on the other end. All that is heard is a husky voice breathing into the receiver. Not like a sick maniac but as a man aching to end his suffering, end his separation from his woman.

"Zan is that you?" Maria asks and hopes. There's still no answer on the other end.

It's Zan because his name shows up plain as day on her phone readout.
"I miss you babe.” Maria declares hoping he’ll speakup.

After a few more seconds the line goes dead. Maria is very confused now. She wonders why he called and not say a single word?

Why didn't he speak to me? Maria starts pacing the floor of her room in deep thought. She then decides to call Liz. "Hey Liz, are you busy? I need to talk to you now!"

Liz is in her bedroom on her bed with Max. He's kissing a line from her cheek downward as she speaks to Maria. "No, I just have a sexy, pesky man kissing me right now. What's up?"

Maria shakes her head at Liz's reply, "Tell Moon-doggie to cool his jets for a few. Zan called my cell phone but didn't say a thing."

Liz puts her hand on Max’s chest and pulls away from his heat seeking lips, "Maria… if the caller didn't say anything, how do you know it was Zan?"

"Duh, his name was on the phone readout.” Maria pulls the phone away from her ear and looks at it like it was insane, “I guess he forgot to use his hocus pocus to prevent It from showing up besides I didn't need that to pick up his vibes. It all happened so strangely. I was lying down on the bed listening to the radio when that song by 38Special about a heart needing a second chance came on. It got me thinking about Zan and then totally out of the blue my cell phone starts ringing.

Maria hears Liz laughing into the phone and Max takes the phone and speaks.
"Maria, you know I love you but you're a major buzz kill right now. Is it ok if I give you my two cents about Zan and the male psyche In general?"

"Sure Max…" Maria stops pacing and sits down at her vanity stool.

Max goes on to explain what he means, "Ok from what I saw when I was at Zan's place, he wants you but male pride prevents him from coming to you or to anyone on the subject. You're going have to find a way to get him to open up to you. The good news is that since he called you, that's a sign that he's already weakening. I guess you and Lucy here can come up with some kind of scheme to get him right where you want him. Good luck!"

Max hands the phone back to Liz and gets down to the business of nibbling on her neck. Liz gets the hint and goes on to conclude the conversation.

"Ria, don’t worry, we'll find a way to get Zan to crack, now I've got to go. I'll call you tomorrow, bye.

Liz puts down the phone at break neck speed with a sinfully sexy grin on her lips. She pushes Max down on the bed.

"What am I gonna do with you Max Evans?"

Max pulls Liz down on top of him settling her in between his thighs, "A whole lot I hope!" He says sporting a seductive smile.

Their sexual symphony begins!

***

A week has passed since Zan called Maria, and she's having a very hectic day with the lunch crowd at the café. The food orders are backing up and Michael Is acting like his normal grumpy self. Liz and Maria are frantically talking orders when another customer enters the café. He takes a seat by the front door (Liz's station) and glances at Maria. Liz makes her way to the table and she's very surprised. "Zan, haven't seen you around in some time, what can I get you?"

In typical Zan style, sarcastic, "My nuts back!"

"What?" His statement is totally lost on Liz but as a clue, Zan was starring at Maria when he said it.

Zan looks at the confused stare Liz has, "Forget it. I'll have pancakes, bacon, and coffee black and strong."

Just as Liz is finishing up at the table, she sees Max walk into the café. He zeros in on Liz as she stands by Zan jotting down his order. Max walks over to her and gives her his typical greeting, a warm kiss on her cheek. Amazingly Max's presence has a calming effect on Zan. "Yo Max what's up man, sit wit me!"

Max nods and takes the seat opposite Zan as Liz flies over to Maria to let her know that Zan is there. She whizzes through the swinging employee door and over to the kitchen where Maria is arranging parsley on a plate.

"Guess who's here?" Liz asks with a huge smile on her face.

"More customers? Man I can't catch my breath as it is and Michael’s not making things any better by delaying my orders."

"No silly, Zan’s here!" Liz peeks out the pass through window and indicates Max and Zan sitting at the front booth.

"What?" Maria almost drops a plate of hash browns and eggs." I can't go out there Liz! He's damaged my ego with his rejection. He ain't gotta go home, but he's gotta get the hell out of here!"

Liz stares at Maria like she's crazy, "Girl, have you or have you not been obsessing about getting back with the man? Well now here’s your chance.
Work your magic!" Liz pats Maria on the back and heads back out of the kitchen to Zan and Max's table where Max is trying to make conversation.

He looks at Zan with a sheepish smile. "Maria's here."

Zan tries to be nonchalant "I figured as much." very sarcastically.

"Look Zan you don't have to tell me but I gotta ask, do you want Maria back?" Max looks Zan dead in the eyes.

Just when Zan was leaning in to answer Max, Liz walks up to the table. Max gives her a very disappointed look. "You've got great timing babe."

"Huh?" Liz has no idea what he means.

Max rolls his eyes, "I'll tell you about it later." Max Informs her.

Just then a loud argument erupts in the kitchen. It's the usual banter over orders that Michael and Maria have (you could almost call It foreplay if they were still together) but to the ears of an unsuspecting person like Zan, the ruckus sounds more serious than it actually is. For a split second Zan forgets that he's mad at Maria as he continues to listen to the conversation.

"Michael I want my order now!" Maria slams her hand hard on the prep table.

"Maria you know what you can do? You're not gonna make me cook any faster than I am." Michael tosses over his shoulder while flipping burgers at the grill.

Like a shot Zan is in the doorway of the kitchen. "I can make you speed up BITCH!”

A stunned Maria stands motionless at the sight of Zan coming to her rescue. Her mind starts swimming as he swaggers toward Michael at the grill. Michael starts motioning to Zan with a spatula "You need to get the hell out of here right now.“ Michael points the spatula at Zan’s chest, “And who you calling a bitch, bitch?"

Zan is close enough to touch Michael as he says, "I'm calling YOU a bitch."

Zan pulls Michael away from the steaming grill and delivers a right cross to Michael’s jaw knocking him to the ground. "That's for sucker punching me Halloween. And yo, watch what the f*** you say to Maria."

Maria doesn't know what to do first, help Michael up off of the floor or jump into Zan's big strong muscular arms for caring enough to cause some shit. She just stands there and does nothing, glancing between Zan standing there seething and Michael spread eagle on the floor. Zan says nothing to her in passing but now she knows that he does care by what he did to Michael, who's now starting to slowly sit up holding his chin. As Zan walks out into the café area Max sprints over to find out what happened in the kitchen, Maria finally comes out of her fog and decides to corner Zan. As Max comes face to face with Zan thereby stopping him in his tracks, Maria gets caught up in the momentum and bumps right into his back.

BAM!

Zan turns around and glances down at her but still says nothing. After seeing the anger still simmering in his eyes she decides to go back into the kitchen and check on Michael who's still on the floor. As Zan tries to get to the café's front door, Max has every intention of stopping him to have another drawn out conversation about you know who.

Zan can sense this and tells Max of his intention, "Yo man I'm out."

As he tries to maneuver his way to the front door of the café, Max steps into his way blocking his path to the door. He wastes no time starting his interrogation of Zan and the things he said and did. "Zan I noticed the commotion you conjured up over Maria, now why did you get so upset about Michael yelling at someone you said you're through with?"

"Damn dude why do you care what happens between Maria and I anyway, don't you have your own love life to be concerned about? By the way, Liz doesn't mind you playing Maria's knight in shinning armor?" Zan is getting more annoyed by the minute, and starts shifting back and forth on the balls of his feet, itching for a fight.

Hoping that he can get Zan to admit his feelings for Maria If he keeps this banter up, he continues the conversation with Zan. "Liz asked me to do this for Maria. They've been friends long enough not to worry about us betraying her trust.” Max takes a step back slightly with a grin, “And, don't try changing the subject."

"Well, there you go. That's great that Liz can trust you and Maria. I thought I could trust her. Damn I knew she was making my ass soft!” As Max lets Zan go outside he follows close behind. The interrogation continues.

Zan and Max are in deep conversation when an acquaintance of Max walks by.

"Max, is that you?" A slim brunette stops mid stride just in front of the two.

A very surprised Max looks up and a radiant smile forms on his lips. "Lisa, well what a small world, how are you babe." he leans in and gives her a warm hug.

"Better now!" As she snuggles up against his toned and muscular chest, breathing in the scent of his cologne.

As they end the embrace she stands back slightly looking him up and down, "Damn you still got it Max. I'm sure you're still joined at the hip to Parker right?"

"Now you knew the answer to that question before you asked it, so...” Before Max can get the rest of his words out, Zan is chomping at the bit for some attention.

He taps Max on the arm to get his attention.
"Yo dude you're not gonna introduce me to your friend?" Zan stands casually off to the side but staring hard at the new female.

Max totally forgetting that Zan is there starts apologizing for the oversight. "Oh sorry about that, this is Lisa, a friend from college.” Moving to the side to introduce Zan, “Lisa this is Zan.”

"So…Liz let you have friends other than her?" Zan asks while giving Lisa a thorough once over. "So what kind of friends were you two?” His hazel eyes are glistening with anticipation of the answer, but knowing how square Max is he knows the answer isn’t gonna be all that exciting.

Lisa leans over to Zan slyly and states, "Well, I wanted more but we found out that we were better friends than anything else. Besides I love Liz and I wouldn't want to hurt her!"

Max’s cheeks take on a decidedly scarlet hue upon hearing what Lisa just said. "Stop that Lisa!" Max says with the bashfulness of a 5yr old.

"You know they're engaged right? He's going off the market very soon, but I'm quite available.” Zan has his arms spread wide open to illustrate his intentions.

Max buts in, “Yeah but you are involved. Don’t pay any attention to him Lisa, he’s just mad at his girlfriend right now”.

She crosses her arms over her chest and looks at both men, a slight amused expression on her beautiful face.

“Whatever Mr. Bigmouth” Zan is clearly upset by what Max told Lisa.

"Yeah, I heard that you were getting married." Lisa says shaking her head.

"How'd you hear?" Max asks with a surprised look on his face.

"Small town... big mouths. Anyway," Going into her purse she hands a business card to Max. "If Liz needs any help or jewelry tell her to call me.” Shaking her head, "Man! Two attractive men off the market, where was I when they were handing you out?" She gives both guys a very warm smile.

Then Lisa looks at her watch, “Oh hell I’m late for my appointment, it was great as always to see you Max. Liz Parker is a lucky girl “ She says starring at Max’s body grinning like a Cheshire cat. She gives him a big hug. “Can’t forget you Zan is it? It was nice meeting you, maybe next lifetime.” She gives him a seductive smile and wink.

Before Lisa walks off, Max remembers to invite her to the wedding. “Hey hope you can make the wedding, Liz and I would love to have you there.”

Zan offers, “I’d just love to have you!” wearing a seductive grin guaranteed to melt the panties off of any red blooded straight female.

“Flatterer!” Lisa says and pats Zan playfully on his shoulder.

Max just shakes his head and laughs at Lisa and Zan’s flirtation.

Pulling her red leather purse closer on her shoulder Lisa tells Max one more thing before she goes. “Max tell Liz I’d love to come to the wedding, don’t forget to send me an invite. Bye.”

Zan is wearing a lusty grin as he watches her hips sway as she walks off. Max on the other hand hasn’t forgotten why they were taking a walk. He hasn’t gotten the answers he knows he should be getting from Zan and tries again to get him to finally open up.

>< >< ><

[Roslover39]

IceQueen
Zanity
Gnrkrystle
Earth2Mama
Maxssoulmate


>< >< ><

Max’s friend Lisa caused Zan to become so distracted that Max was never able to get him to fess up to how he feels about Maria that day.
><><><

It is three weeks and counting before Max and Liz’s wedding. Liz has an appointment to see Colleen; her sorority sister, Kyle’s girlfriend and certified wedding planner at her dorm room. Maria decided to come along. When the girls arrive, Colleen opens her door with a radiant smile, and ushers the girls inside. As the girls take their seats, Colleen picks up a large brown leather tote bag that was propped up against a chair. As soon as she grabs the tote bag and has a seat, she starts rummaging through it to retrieve the items intended for Liz. Out comes a huge glossy magazine with a beautiful woman in white on the cover.

“This is what I call the wedding bible.” She passes Liz the latest copy of Weddings Today. Immediately she starts glancing at some of the pages as Maria looks on. Next Colleen retrieves a checklist from the tote and passes that to Liz as well.

Colleen regains their attention, ”Liz, I think it’s very important for a couple to have an organized schedule as far as buying what and when. Usually the average couple has at least six months to plan a proper wedding.” Noticing Liz’s fallen face she pats Liz on the hand reassuringly, “But knowing that you have less than a month, I took the liberty of scaling the checklist down to keep you on track for your timeframe.” Indicating the list in her hand, “This checklist will help to eliminate a lot of headaches. Ok, let’s move on. What about Max and his groomsmen?”

Liz shrugs her shoulders. “The only thing I know for sure is that Michael will be Max’s best man.”

Colleen nods. “Then I’ll have to get with him and Max about what they will wear. You do know that one of the duties of the best man is walking the maid of honor down the aisle, right?”

Maria isn’t happy to hear that at all. “Oh no Liz, that’s not happening! It’s bad enough that I have to be in the wedding with him, but I’m not and I repeat not going walk down the aisle with him. Besides, what if I get Zan to come with me? You know he’s not having that.” She looks between Colleen and Liz with a horrified look on her face.

Colleen and Liz look at Maria and laugh as she has her emotional tirade. Liz starts to calm her down. “Don’t worry hon, I wouldn’t put you through that!”

“Whew! that was close.” Maria runs her hand over her forehead dramatically in relief.

Colleen continues the consultation. “You’re gonna need ushers to make sure the guests know where they’re supposed to be.” Thinking for a moment to herself, “I think two will do nicely. Do you have anyone in mind?”

“I’ll ask Jesse.” Looking at Colleen questioningly, “Do you think Kyle would mind?”

“I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse!” Colleen winks at the girls.

“Great.” Liz is delighted at Colleen’s cooperation. “By the way, since Maria is my maid of honor," She turns to face Maria. “I was thinking that since I’ve got so much on my plate concerning the wedding plans that I would let you pick your own dress. I trust your judgment.”

Maria is ecstatic. “Chica, I love you! You have no idea the disastrous dresses that were flashing through my mind. I thought you were going pick out some frou- frou concoction in a pukey color. Thanks for trusting me girlfriend.”

A very surprised look comes on Liz’s face. “What kind of a friend do you take me for? Brides do that to girls they want to get back at. I’d never, ever do that to you hon.” The girls smile and hug each other warmly.

She turns her attention back to Colleen. “As you can see, I’m in desperate need of your expertise. I’m happily placing my wedding in your capable hands.”

Colleen smiles to show her approval, and changes the subject of their conversation. “Alright ladies, I think that’s it for now. As I said earlier, I’ll give you a couple of days to think everything through. We’ll meet again and start to put the plans in motion. Now let’s switch to a more interesting conversation. Liz, I got to tell you how lucky I think you are to be marrying someone like Max. Tell me, is he as wonderful as he is attractive?”

Liz smiles at the compliment and answers the question. “I’m very happy to be able to say yes. Yes he is. The Key to his attractiveness is that he has no idea of his appeal to women.

Maria chimes in. “Liz, you’d have hell on your hands if he did.”

“Maria, I thank GOD every day that Max is the gorgeously selfless person he is, and that of all the girls in Roswell he chose me.”

As the gabfest continues at Colleen’s, Max and Michael are having their own conversation at the apartment. Michael is leaning on the counter area; while Max is stretched out on the couch thinking in peace, but not for long.

“Since you’re getting hitched, how about letting me throw you a bachelor party?” Michael is wearing a toothy grin at the prospect. Max on the other hand isn’t sure that’s such a good idea.

He lightly rubs his toned torso as he thinks of what to tell Michael, “I don’t know Michael, let me think about that ok?”

Not one easily deterred, Michael keeps the campaign for the party going to Max’s annoyance. “Oh come on dude, you’re getting married in less than a month. I just wanna send you off in grand style. Besides, I’m sure Maria is planning something like that for Liz.” As usual Michael doesn’t know what he’s talking about but figures she can get Max to agree to the party by saying that.

As usual, Max can see through Michael’s scheme. He quickly moves from the laying position to a sitting position with his feet on the floor. “Look, I said I’d think about it!” Slightly irritated.

Mercifully Max’s cell phone rings in the nick of time. Max puts his finger out as a time out to reach into his side pocket and answer it.

“Hey Iz, what’s up?”

Isabel is clearly disturbed by something.

“Maxwell Philip Evans, why is it that I had to hear about your rapidly approaching nuptials from someone other than you?”

Max’s face cringes and turns beet red at the sound of all three of his names being said by a member of his family. It always means he’s in trouble. Running a hand through his hair, he tries to placate his sister. “Sorry Iz, but Liz’s wonderful news about Harvard took us both by surprise. Honestly, I’ve been walking around in a daze ever since. But, I’m glad you called. I hope you won’t mind giving us a hand with the wedding plans.”

“Sure, I’d love to help you guys out.” Even Michael can hear the cheeriness in her voice.

Looking out into space with a worried look on his face, “Iz, we have so much to rush through, a rehearsal, the rehearsal dinner, etc. etc. etc.”

“Don’t worry Max.” A small pause on the other end, “What if you have your rehearsal dinner here, will that set your mind at ease somewhat?”

A grateful Max accepts Izzie’s suggestion, “Oh thanks so much Iz, Liz will be thrilled that at least that’s taken care of.”

“No problem just have her get with me on the details for the rehearsal dinner. Oh Jesse wants to speak with you.” Isabel hands the phone over to her husband.

“Max, you have my sympathies. You know I know first hand what it’s like to have a wedding in such a short amount of time. Please tell Liz that I’m available if she needs me.” His slight amusement is heard over the airwaves.

A smile of thankfulness graces Max’s face as he thanks his brother-in-law for his kind gesture. “Thanks Jesse, I’ll certainly tell Liz. I’m sure she can use your help.”

Just as Max hangs up the phone, Michael’s campaign for a bachelor party continues. “Now back to the issue at hand. Dude, a bachelor party would be really great.”

Max sits back down and glares at Michael. “Michael, do you remember what happened at Jesse’s bachelor party? Fights broke out and I broke his nose by mistake. I can’t believe that he let me put a raw steak on his face, but what really trips me out is the fact that he didn’t question the miraculous recovery that happened to his nose afterward.” He shakes his head at the memory.

Michael shakes his head in protest to what Max is insinuating. “Max that fight broke out because we went solely to dig up shit on Jesse. Your party on the other hand will be hostility free.” He holds his hands out in mock surrender, “I mean come on Max, can you think of anyone who would dare invade your shindig and start shit?”

Max stands up, puts his hands on his hips and shakes his head at Michael’s audacity. “You just don’t quit! How can it be possible to be your lifelong friend and not develop debilitating migraines from your constant scheming? Look Michael,” Max says putting a hand on his now throbbing head, “No I can’t think of anyone human or otherwise trapped on terra firma that wants to do me bodily harm. The question is can you say that?”

Michael cuts his eyes at Max. He’s clearly not pleased with what he just heard.
“If you’re referring to your new best friend Zan, I don’t waste time or neurons worrying about him.”

Max walks over to Michael to get a better look at his still swollen and violently scarlet hued chin that Zan popped with lightning speed. Then he looks Michael squarely in the eyes and says quietly, “Maybe you should!”

With that comment Michael lets out an angry huff and storms out the front door of his apartment.

Max walks over to the couch and sits down. He twists his body and plops his feet up on the couch. He wraps his hands behind his head and lays back down. He thinks to himself. Peace at last!

[Roslover39]

Earth2Mama
Gnrkrystle
Zanity
Maxssoulmate
FaithfulAngel24
Hhollings


Liz pulls off her apron at the end of another workday at the Crashdown. She threw her apron into her locker and went to sit at a stool at the counter. She starts thinking about how happy she is and how unhappy Maria is. In typical Liz Parker style, she comes up with a plan to get Zan and Maria on the road to recovery.

If Max couldn’t get through to Zan, maybe I can. I know he thinks he can’t get past Maria sleeping with Michael. Maybe my telling him that I’ve been through the same thing with Max and I forgave him, then maybe I can convince him to talk things through with Maria. It’s at least worth a shot. I can’t tell her what I’m going to do. I can’t risk further disapointment if it doesn’t work.

Liz gets up from her stool and calls Kyle for Zan’s apartment number.

Kyle is clearly not happy that she’s going over there. “Does Max know you’re going over there alone?”

Liz looks at the ceiling, “Oh yeah don’t worry everything will be alright.” Clearly lying through her teeth.

“Alright Liz.” Kyle knows better than to argue with her. He gives her the address and hopes she knows what she’s doing.

When Liz reaches Zan’s apartment, she says a quick silent prayer that she hasn’t gotten in over her head trying to help. Taking a deep breath she gathers her courage and knocks on the door.

Zan answers in a voice that sounds like a low growl. “Who is it?”

“It’s me Zan, Liz.” reluctantly she answers. “Can I come in?”

In the same growling tone, “No!”

“Oh come on Zan. If you don’t let me in, I’ll camp out in your doorway until you do!” Placing her hands on her hips; clearly Liz means business.

After a loud F*** and some mumbling about how can a dude get these yokels to leave him alone, the door opens sharply.

The open door reveals a man with ahardness to his jaw, showing he is clenching his teeth in displeasure. “Why are you here.” He glares down at her.

She tries to show an encouraging smile while she speaks, “I’ll tell you after you let me in.”

Zan rolls his eyes and invites her inside with a simple hand gesture. Liz rushes inside as he steps away from the door before he changes his mind. She takes inventory of the room and stops and sits in his scarlet fainting couch, while Zan walks over and plops on his favorite black leather chair.

“Ok Liz, let’s hear it.” Trying for a calm sounding voice as he waits for her to speak.

She takes a moment to carefully choose her words before speaking. Sitting down across from him she leans forward to get his full attention. “Zan” Liz holds her hands in front of her, “We have something in common.”

After hearing that, Zan starts running his fingers over his dreads roughly, showing his obvious agitation.

“And nobody is willing to let me forget that shit. First Heckle and Jeckle, Ava and now you. Damn! Can’t a dude get a f***ing break in this town?”

“No I’m not talking about Maria, and I’m referring to Max.” Liz looks at Zan a little irritated.

Zan is thoroughly confused, “Why are you talking to me about Max?”

“Because, Max betrayed me the way Maria did you under false circumstances.” Liz looks Zan dead in the eyes, “He thought I slept with someone else.”

Zan can’t believe what she just said, and slinks down in his comfy chair.

Unbeknownst to Liz, Max just got some unwarranted respect from Zan at the admission. He never figured that Romeo would have the balls to even attempt to cheat on Juliet over here. He starts to laugh but only for a minute before a wave of emotion hits him like a ton of bricks. He remembers how his heart felt like it was being torn from his chest as Maria admitted that she slept with Michael. Laughter gives way to a concerned glance at Liz.

“Do you expect me to believe that your boy, the guy that you’re gonna marry f***ed someone else?” Zan raises a pierce eyebrow.

Liz winces like someone just smacked her as she listens to what Zan is saying. She realizes that she’s still very sensitive when it comes to Max and Tess. “Yes, it happened. He slept with someone else, and I eventually forgave him.”

“That’s obvious; the question is, why the hell did you do that?” Zan shakes his head in disbelief.

“Because I love him and it was my fault it happened, just like you love Maria and it was your fault she slept with Michael.” Liz leaned back on the couch sensing that she might be getting somewhere, and trying to put physical distance from the conversation.

Zan protests Liz’s assumption. “Yo I didn’t put a gun to Maria’s head and make her sleep with that fool.” Zan slumps down into his chair, “That was all her.”

“I disagree, I feel that if you were honest with Maria and told her you were going to settle things with Ava, she would have told Michael to go away when he came to her saying that the two of you were together.”

"Michael!" I thought it was that rat bastard! I'm so glad I got to lay his ass out. He hits his hand with his fist to show his pleasure. "Hey what's done is done."

Suddenly Zan's eyes take on a luminescent glow like a cat as he stares at Liz. “I’m not buying what you’re saying but if you can’t beat them let’s join them.” Zan walks over behind Liz and leans into her so close that she can feel his breath on her neck. Liz is getting antsy trying to think of a way to prevent him from doing what she thinks he’s going to try to do, she moves her head away from his. He goes on to massage Liz’s shoulders and runs a finger down her neck. His usual intense glare turns into a sexy smirk. “Hey doll, why don’t we get even with Max and Maria together.” And inclines his head over to his huge bed.

Liz is almost breathless thinking how much he favors Max right down to the touch of his hands on her body. She shakes her head in an effort to regain control over the situation. “Forget it, that’s never gonna happen, two wrongs don’t make a right Zan.” Zan moves around to her front and runs a smoldering gaze over Liz.

Liz folds her arms over her chest and tries very hard not to stare at the enormous bulge in Zan's jeans. Never one to give up easily, Zan tries to lean in and kiss her, but her look of total disinterest stops him in his tracks.

Clearly not pleased by that, “Damn how come Maria couldn’t do to that fool what you just did to me?”

“Zan, you need to throw all of that out of your mind. The important thing is that you do love her right?” She knows her tone sounds pleading but anything to get his mind off of seducing her is a step in the right direction!

Zan goes back to his chair and has a seat. He looks at Liz then puts his head in his hands. Finally he admits defeat. “Yes, yes damn it I do love her, but she tore my f***ing heart out. How do I forget what she did?

“Simple, think of how you can’t hold her, kiss her or make love to her because your pride and ego won’t let you. Hell, it worked for me.” A small smile plays over Liz’s lips.

Zan slumps down again in his chair, “Ok you got me to admit that I love her, now how do I work things out and still maintain my pride?”

Liz thinks for a minute, “I got it, meet me at the Crashdown tomorrow.”

[Roslover39]

Liz opens the Crashdown in anticipation of another busy business day. Maria comes in soon after and gets a radiant smile from her best friend. “Hey Maria, It’s a wonderful day isn’t it?”

“What?” Maria looks around the restaurant, and then back at her goofy looking friend, “Have you started smoking those funny cigarettes? The day hasn’t started yet.”

Liz starts to grin. “Yeah I know, but somehow I’m feeling very optimistic.” Liz goes over and puts an embracing arm around Maria.

Maria thinks she figured out the reason for Liz’s happiness. “Oh I get it. Moon-doggie put out last night right?”

Liz’s grin turns into a full-blown smile. “Yeah but…well.” She starts blushing. “Come on Maria, I’m expecting something great to happen today. Don’t ask me why, I just do.” She gives Maria a quick squeeze and a knowing smirk.

“I’m glad someone does!” Maria heads to the kitchen while Liz fills the salt and peppershakers.

When Michael shows up for work, Liz stops him by the lockers. It’s time for Lets Make a Deal. “Michael, I need you to do me and Maria a huge favor.”

“What’s that?” He folds his arms over his strong chest in anticipation of the favor.

Without warning, she pulls him to the side so Maria won’t overhear the conversation. “Zan is supposed to come in and patch things up with Maria today. She has no idea he’s coming. I want you to stay in the kitchen and ignore him while he’s here, ok?”

Michael looks like Liz just cussed him out. “Liz, are you out of your mind? That fool punched me in the chin. I owe him a boot up the ass.”

Liz sets him straight on what happened and why. “Michael, he hit you because you sucker punched him at the Halloween party. He and Maria aren’t together because of what you thought you saw. You clearly owe this to Maria.” Liz puts her hands on Michael’s crossed arms, feeling the muscles bunch in anger under her touch, “Now, can I count on you?”

Michael steps away from Liz and starts pacing the floor for a minute until she convinces him to go along with the program. She starts yelling at him! ”Michael, just do it ok?”

Liz’s yell brings Maria out to where they are to find out what’s going on. “Do what?” She stands at the kitchen door with a peppershaker half full.

“Oh I’m trying to get Michael to…take out the garbage, right Michael?” Liz starts pleading with her big, brown eyes.

With clenched teeth, Michael reluctantly agrees with Liz. “Fine! Ok, I’ll take out the damn garbage.”

“Man, I thought that was a part of the job?” Maria is heard mumbling as she heads back to the kitchen.

With Michael no longer a threat, the scene is set for the reconciliation. Liz is on pins and needles waiting for Zan to come in. And when he does, she almost can’t contain her happiness. She runs right for the front door. “You made it.” Sporting a smile as bright as the sun.

“Yeah let’s get this over with ok?” Zan starts shuffling his feet indicating how very anxious he is.

“Sure, have a seat and I’ll get Maria.” Liz looks down at him. “Zan please make this as easy for her as you can, ok? Her feelings are hurt too.”

He nods and says “A’ight!” Just like a whinny child.

Liz runs gleefully through the revolving door to find Maria. “Maria, you got a customer at your station.”

“Man, a girl can’t catch a break here!” Shaking her head with her arms folded on her chest. Thinking about how useless it is to complain; she takes a deep breath, turns around and heads out to her customer.

Maria is so pre-occupied with taking the pen and order book out of the pocket of her apron that she doesn’t notice who’s at the table until she hears a familiar velvety voice.

“Can I get a cheeseburger and fries?” The sound of that voice almost stops Maria’s breathing. She can’t speak, just stares at him.

Zan keeps the conversation rolling along. “How the hell are ya blondie?” That voice and those hazel eyes are doing a number on her.

Still unable to speak, she just stares into his eyes.

Zan gestures for her to come closer. He whispers in her ear, “Is it a’ight to tell you I miss ya?”

Maria’s eyes get as big as saucers and she starts to melt inside from Zan’s charisma. Then in a split second she remembers how he made her feel bad by refusing to talk to her or let her into his apartment that day.

She decides she’s going to play the mad role. She plops her pen and order book on the table and her hands on her hips. “Excuse me? But you’ve got some explaining to do buster! Like why didn’t you let me into your place or talk…”

Zan still finds her spunkiness arousing. Before she can go any further, he rises from his chair, grabs her by the shoulders and places a three-alarm blaze of a kiss on her lips. “I had to find a way to stop ya from going on and on.”

The few customers witnessing this reunion break out in spirited applause.
Maria blushes from the kiss and all eyes on them.

She is beyond euphoric by the gesture and what it implies. “Oh baby, I missed you so much.” She throws her arms around his shoulders and presses her face into the crook of his neck.




“Yeah me too babe.” Embracing her in a tight hug he nuzzles her neck and nips at her ear, “Yo, can we get together tonight at my place?” His smile could light up Broadway.



“Hell ya. I’ll be there after work!” Maria smiles.

“Bet! Call me, I’ll meet ya here.” He gives her a wink.

Before leaving the café, Zan lightly touches her fingertips, then turns and struts toward the front door. Maria stands motionless staring at his ass as he leaves. The first thing she does is look for Liz.

“I’m feeling optimistic?” Maria says to Liz in a mocking voice. “ You set this up didn’t you?” She doesn’t wait for an answer. Maria runs close and hugs her….hard, “Whatever you did to make this happen, thanks so much chica. I love you girl!”

Both girls start jumping around while embracing each other. “Maria, I wanted you to be as happy as I am. I knew that meant getting through to Zan. Thank GOD he cracked!” Both girls nod and giggle like school kids.

><><><

The day is done at the Crashdown and Maria is practically beside herself in anticipation of being alone with Zan again. Liz notices how she’s pacing the floor of the employee lounge. “Maria, you look ready to go what are you waiting for?”

Maria is too excited. “Liz you know the expression Be careful what you wish for?”

“Yeah, and?” Liz lifts an eyebrow, totally puzzled by Maria’s attitude.

Maria goes on to explain. “It feels like the last time Zan and I were together was an eternity. I know I shouldn’t be nervous but I am.”

“Oh girl. Call the man and get the party started!” Liz nudges her into action.

Maria retrieves her phone out of her purse and calls Zan, who comes right over. She leaves her car at the café and they walk hand in hand over to his apartment.

><><><

Zan opens his door and lets Maria in first as usual. She's so glad to be back, she almost can’t stand still. She walks over to the couch, has a seat and takes a deep breath. Zan follows her over to the couch and sits next to her. He takes her hand in his and speaks. “Blondie I gotta tell ya, Liz is one helluva friend to you. She came over yesterday. She bugged me until I admitted that I still loved you.” He starts kissing her fingers while he continues. “I missed you something awful, but my pride wouldn’t let me admit it to anyone…. but her. Can she mind-warp or is she a witch or voodoo priestess? Anyway, Liz brought up a good point about not letting you know I was gonna talk to Ava that night in your car. I’m sorry about that babe. I’m sorry that I’m to blame for what happened between you and what’s his name that night. Can you forgive me?” He flashes those radiant amber eyes at her.

He goes back to kissing Maria. Zan’s kisses go from her fingertips and travels up her arm. He ends up at her neck where he lingers for a while. Maria’s breath almost catches in her throat as she takes in the sensations of Zan’s silky lips on her skin.

By the time he reaches her lips, Maria is about to explode from erotic overload. He rises up off the couch and presents her his right hand. She takes it as he leads her to the middle of the floor. He waves his left hand and the stereo system comes on. It starts to play You’re Beautiful by James Blount. Zan takes Maria into his strong muscular arms. As they sway to the music, the smell of Zan’s skin and his rock hard body is making Maria wild with desire. She wants to lead him over to the bed and push him down on it, but finds the strength to play it cool. Instead she starts rubbing his ass as they dance. He was already aroused but now he’s harder than steel. Realizing that this is their first night back together, he’s not sure if she’s willing to give in to him so soon, so he asks ever so nicely.

He gazes down into her big green eyes and pleads his case. “Babe, I know it’s been awhile since we’ve been together, and I understand if you don’t wanna…”

Maria stops him with a smoldering kiss while caressing his face. She takes his hand and leads him over to the bed. She gestures for him to sit on the bed and she straddles him, she can feel intimately just how ready he is for her.

Not wanting to screw things up, Zan is ever so cautious with her tonight. “Are you sure about this?” his eyes search hers for the answer.

Maria leans down to whisper in his ear. “I’m sure that I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you! Take me now you sexy stud of a man!”

Zan’s face takes on a glow as he takes in her words. He lies back on the bed taking her with him. At first his kiss is slow and gentle, then slowly but surely it takes on an urgent quality. He changes places with her on the bed and gets up to take off his shirt. Maria sits up on her elbows and watches intently. He takes off his black leather belt, flicks it in the air and tosses it on the couch. He goes to unbutton his pants, but she stops him.

“Let me!” Maria purrs seductively.

He comes closer to her and lets her unbutton, unzip and pull down his jeans. Of course he’s wearing no underwear.

Maria licks her lips in anticipation. She gets up and sits him down on the bed while she slowly removes her clothing. Her shoes come off first, her pants then her panties. Zan motions her back on his lap. He patiently takes off her t-shirt and bra. He kisses her for a while then gently rolls her over on her back and lies on top of her. He starts to kiss a line down her body. When he stops, he’s on his knees in between her legs. Looking up at her, he places molten kisses on each thigh.

“Oh My GOD!” Maria sighs breathlessly.

“Yo, it gets better babe.” Zan speaks softly for the last time before he possesses her secret garden. Before going to work, he growls low in his throat and says to her, “Welcome back babe.”

The air in the room is electric as Zan takes Maria to heights of ecstasy previously unknown.

[Roslover39]

ENJOY!

It’s a perfectly beautiful day in Roswell for Max and Liz’s wedding. Her alarm clock goes off and she wakes with a radiant glow. The first thing she does is roll over to her left and gaze at the 8x10 glossy of Max located on her bedside table. She thinks to herself, today I become Mrs. Maxwell Philip Evans. With the grace of a prima ballerina she rises out of bed and sashays over to the mirror. She starts reciting her wedding vows. I Elizabeth Claudia Parker take Maxwell Philip Evans to be… but she is interrupted by her mother Nancy.

“Knock, knock.”
She walks in to see her daughter standing at the mirror in her pink and white nightshirt.

“Well honey, today is the big day. How do you feel?” She asks while picking up her daughters wedding veil and tiara.

Liz is euphoric! She can’t wait to get married to the only man she has or will ever love in this lifetime. “How’s dad this morning?”

“A wreck! It’s not everyday he walks his only child down the aisle to get married. He’ll be in later to speak to you.” Nancy walks up and hugs Liz from behind.

“And you mom, how are you?” Liz turns to her mom and lovingly returns the hug. She rubs her back.

“As well as a mother could be on the day she’s losing her baby girl.” The trace of a tear is reflected in her mother’s adoring blue eyes at the thought of losing Liz. “I’m sorry baby, I told myself I was gonna keep it together, at least until the ceremony and look at me!”

“Oh mom!” wiping away a tear from her mother’s cheek.” You’re not losing a daughter you’re gaining a King!”

“King?” Nancy looks at her daughter laughing.

With an embarrassed laugh she covers up her slip, “Oh well Max has always possessed a regal quality to me.”

Nancy shakes her head “Oh ok. Come help me fix breakfast for the last time.”

“Ok mom.” They walk arm in arm out of Liz’s room.

>< >< ><

At Michael’s apartment, Max has been up for a few hours. He’s pacing the floor nervously.

His pacing finally wakes up Michael who isn’t too happy about the disturbance. “Dude, it’s the butt crack of dawn, why aren’t you sleeping?”

Max looks at Michael like he’s gone insane. “Do you know what happens today?”

Wiping the sleep from his eyes he looks at Max with a look that says duh, “Yeah you get married, and?”

“Not just that, Liz and I will be together tonight as man and wife. Just think I’ll see her face first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. Liz Parker will finally be my wife. I’m so excited to start our life together.” Max continues pacing across the living room floor.

Michael tries to get him to calm down, “Hey dude you better calm down before you blow a gasket.” Then starts laughing at him, “You don’t want to end up being a dud spud on your wedding night.”

But there’s no stopping Max, he’s practically giddy with anticipation. He walks over to the coffee table and picks up his cell phone to call Liz while Michael goes into the kitchen to make coffee.

“Good morning beautiful. It’s a wonderful day to get married!”

>< >< ><

Maria is hanging out at Zan’s. The last couple of weeks since the reconciliation have been perfect, he’s has been so wonderful that it’s hard for Maria to remember that terrible span of time when they weren’t together.

The lovebirds are in bed. Maria is asleep in Zan’s arms, while he is quite awake tenderly stroking a few strands of her golden hair. Unbeknownst to Zan, Maria set the alarm on her cell phone. She has plenty to do today, and lateness is not an option. She has to have a final run through with the Kit Shickers, and be Liz’s shoulder to lean on before the wedding.

When the alarm goes off, Maria jumps and Zan is startled. “Yo, what the hell was that?” He looks around the room confused.

“Sorry babe, I set the alarm on my cell phone to make sure I’m right on time for Liz’s wedding.” She rubs the sleep from her eyes and sits up on her elbows. Gazing into Zan’s crystal clear eyes she asks, “Can I convince you to come with me?” batting her glowing green eyes while touching his tender lips with her index finger.

Zan feels caught between a rock and a hard place; wanting to make her happy by accompanying her to the wedding but feeling he’d be out of place there. “I don’t know babe, those are your friends. I don’t think…“

Before he could say another word, Maria locks eyes on him. His apprehension surprises her. “What? Since when did you care how anyone viewed you? I know we’ve been together less than a year but your vibes tell me that you’ve always been an alpha male.” She moves her fingers from his lips and lightly caresses his shoulder, making her way to his chest. “You know you’re the shit, got nothing to prove to anyone. That’s one of the many things I love about you.” She starts playing with his chest hair. “I’m not going to be a nag, but I will say this, I would love for you to come to the wedding with me.” She moves her hand back up to his face. “I want everyone to see my sexy stud.” Those words were spoken with the subtlest tinge of desire as she runs her fingers over his dreads.

“I’ll think about it a’ight?” Giving off what could be loosely described as a prideful grin, “You’ve made your request, now I got one. Gimme some sugar baby!”
Zan reaches around and places his right hand on the bed around Maria, gently persuading her to lie back down. He places a smoldering kiss on her neck and makes a trail up her to her chin then makes contact with her lips.

The rest is ecstasy.

>< >< ><

There’s a different kind of action going on at the Ramirez home. Jesse is in the shower as Isabel takes her hot pink bridesmaid dress from the closet and out of the customary plastic dry-cleaning bag. Izzie opens up the bathroom door and shouts over the running water, “Jesse, we don’t have all day. Please don’t use up all the hot water!”

Isabel grumbles under her breath about men being rude and makes her way into the bedroom. She has to shower and get dressed, but foremost in her mind is the thought of not being late for her brother’s wedding.

“Well, you could join me in here!” Jesse shouts with his head peeking out from the shower curtains.

Isabel laughs and rolls her eyes, “Now you know what would happen if I joined you in there. Come on honey we can’t be late today.”

“Ok babe, I’ll be right out.” The water shuts off and she can hear the shower curtain pull across the metal rod.
Isabel lays the dress on the bed when the phone rings. She glances at the caller id and picks up the receiver.

“Hey Kyle what’s up?”

“Me, About to get into a monkey suit! I knew I shouldn’t have let Colleen talk me into being an usher for this shindig.” He looks disdainfully over at the tuxedo jacket hanging from the closet door.

Isabel shakes her head, “Stop complaining, you’ll be fine, besides God only knows what Colleen had to do to get you to do this.”

A devilish grin comes across his face, “And I enjoyed every minute of it as I’m sure she did.”

“Oh definitely TMI, Kyle!” Iz wrinkles her nose.

“What is that, TMI?” Kyle starts to buckle his pants as he walks over to the closet.

“Too Much Information, now get off this phone so I can get ready. I’ll see ya later.” She moves over to her dresser and pulls out a pair of pantyhose.

“Later Iz.” Isabel hears a laugh trail off as Kyle puts down the phone.
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