Diamond in the Rough(M/L,Mature) COMPLETE 3/6/07

[sweetbrowneyes]

Title: Diamond in the Rough
Author: Sweetbrowneyes a.k.a Tiffany
Category: M/L
Rating: MATURE
Disclaimer: Nothing is mine but the story idea. *sigh*
Summary: Max Evans is just weeks away from graduating college at Philadelphia University. Fellow senior, Lilly instantly catches Max’s eye, but her secrets keep him at arms length. What happens when Max’s unrelenting persistence starts to unravel her closely guarded secrets?
A/N: Okay I know I have other stories that need to be updated but I was getting sick of this one just sitting around. I have a few parts written but I'm not sure how often I'm going to be able to update. I'll definately try not to keep you gys waiting too long.

Speacial thanks to everyone over at RC Sneak Peek. You guys helped me out alot with this one. *muah*


Beautiful banner by Raychelxluscious

<center>Chapter 1</center>

I step into Dominique’s with my two friends close behind me. The restaurant, once an abandoned building, just opened months ago and I haven’t gotten the chance to check it out until now.

The place looks nice enough, not to mention the short skirts that the waitresses are wearing. They barely stop at mid thigh and one waitress in particular immediately catches my eye.

I stop in mid step, causing Alex to ram into my back, and watch the petite waitress glide across the room, somehow avoiding any accidents even as her eyes stay locked to the ground. I have seen her around campus a few times and have been tempted to talk to her. Except she has a tendency of slipping from my sight and I never get the chance to catch up with her.

I keep an eye on her as we slip into a nearby booth.

“Would one of you please tell me what the hell I’m doing here when I could be watching the game?” Michael sighs.

Michael snorts at the murals decorating the walls even though he was the one that painted them. The moral depicts a festive picnic in a park scene around the entire restaurant with the words “Philly: City Of Brotherly Love” scrawled across the wall behind the counter.

Alex and I share a look. Tired of Michael’s bad mood I sigh. “Well, since you had a hand in reconstructing this joint, we thought it’d be nice to come down and check it out.”

Michael fingers the paper advertisement of the day’s soup before flinging it across the table. “While the game’s on?”

“Look Michael,” I hiss, “you’ve been laying around my apartment for almost a month now and all you’ve been doing is bitching and moaning about a situation you created and could have fixed by now….”

“Anything that has to do with what’s her name has no interest to me what so ever,” comes his gruff retort.

Alex snorts. “Michael if you honestly didn’t give a shit about Maria you wouldn’t be nearly this pissed.” Michael huffs in annoyance and crosses his arms over his chest. “Why don’t you swallow that overgrown pride of yours and go back to your wife and child?”

“I saw her with that ass wipe in the student union!” Michael growls, catching the attention of the other patrons sitting behind him. “Besides, she’s the one that wants to divorce, not me.”

I roll my eyes in annoyance. I thought that now that Michael was half responsible for another life, he would wake up and quit acting so childish. No such luck.

Michael and Maria have been having their problems before Savannah was born three months ago. They were struggling financially and trust issues were revealed. And in the end it destroyed their marriage.

“Michael how many times does she have to tell you that they’re just friends? Besides, don’t you have that Cynthia girl on the side?”

Michael shrugs in answer. “That’s different.”

I open my mouth to spit out a harsh retort in defense of Maria when my attention is involuntarily diverted by the dainty figure that appears by our booth.

“Hi, I’m Lilly and I’ll be your waitress.” Immediately smitten and tongue twisted when she gives me a small smile, I opt to keep my mouth shut for the time being in fear of saying something stupid. “Can I get you something to drink?”

There was something about her; maybe it was her quiet beauty or her graceful movement that draws me to her. I can’t tell. Her pink, full lips are pulled into a friendly smile and her brown tresses are drawn into a loose ponytail. She pulls her bottom lip between her teeth and brushes a strand of loose hair behind her ear.

She is simply gorgeous.

A sharp pain in my shin snaps me out of my daze. Michael’s knowing smirk and Alex’s quiet snigger has me confused until I look up and see Lilly fidgeting uncomfortably. Obviously I have been caught staring.

“Sorry.” I smile, hoping she’s as susceptible as the unwanted women who fling themselves at me daily.

A rosy blush colors her cheeks and her fidgeting continues. “Um… I was asking if you wanted anything to drink.”

“Water please.”

She nods and slips a menu into my hands. “I’ll be right back.”

Mesmerized by her, I watch as she spins on her heels to retrieve our drinks.

“Hot huh?”

I smile, my eyes locked on Lilly’s creamy legs as she works around the restaurant. It’s definitely time to get to know her.
*********

Michael and Alex have long since left the restaurant; Alex to head to work and Michael to meet up with Cynthia.

I, on the other hand, have one person on my mind and she’s standing in front of me, glowing in all her beauty.

She’s leaning on her elbows over the counter, a frown marring her pretty face. Gathering all of the confidence I have off, I make my presence known. I don't do this often and I pray I don't make a fool of myself.

“A pretty girl like you shouldn’t have that frown on her face.”

Her frown deepens. “Excuse me?”

I gesture to the booth I previously occupied. “Why don’t you join me and we’ll see what we can do about that frown.”

She blushes, her gaze dropping to her feet as she fiddles with her apron. “I-I’m still on duty I…”

“What’s a five minute break to make my week?”

“I um… We don’t even know each other,” she answers innocently.

“Well we can fix that can’t we?” I smile politely. “I’m Max,” he say, thrusting my hand out.

Her hesitance isn’t lost on me and I wait with bated breath as she slides her small hand into mine. “Lilly.”

“See. Now we officially know each other.” She smiles, though she quickly pulls her hand from my grip before I have a chance to enjoy its softness. “Now as I was saying, I was wondering if you would sit down with me.”

“Me?” she squeaks. ”Why?”

“You go to Philly U don’t you?” She nods, seemingly shrinking away from me suspiciously as my hand brushes against her arm. “I’ve seen you around campus. I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”

“Me? Really?”

I laugh, taken by her naivety. Nowadays it was rare to find someone like her and I consider myself lucky. “Yes really. Maybe we could get some coffee or something after your shift.”

Her fidgeting resumes and if I didn’t know better, I’d say that she was nervous. “Max, I’m still on duty. Besides, I have another half hour before I’m off.”

I smile as if it were nothing. “I can wait.”

Her eyes widen in surprise and I could swear that I see her lips twitch to form a small smile before she ducks her head.

“Order’s up Lil,” the cook yells from the kitchen.

Lilly hikes her thumb towards the kitchen. “That’s mine.”

I nod, the easy smile never slipping from my lips. “I’ll wait.”

She simply turns and flees into the kitchen, leaving me to look after her. I move back to my booth and watch her move about the restaurant. I shoot her sweet smiles whenever she glances my way, intrigued when she blushes and avoids eye contact every time.

Forty minutes have passed before I venture back up to the counter. Lilly has disappeared into the back over fifteen minutes ago.

“Excuse me,” I say to the waitress wiping the counter. She looks up with a friendly smile. “Is Lilly in the back?”

Her brow wrinkles as she glances at the large clock hanging on the wall beside the door. “Lilly went home. Her shift was over some time ago.”

I nod my thanks, drop a few bills on the table for the check and tip and step out onto the street. Content that I at least learned her name, I swallow my disappointment and promise myself I’d talk to her next time I see her.

TBC……

[sweetbrowneyes]

<center>Chapter 2</center>

I slow the rocking chair as Savannah’s big green eyes finally flutter. While Michael is out doing only God knows what, I’m left to baby-sit an ornery, screaming baby.

But I can’t fault Michael. Even though he is being an idiot with this situation with Maria, there’s no denying how much he adores his baby girl. Any money he isn’t spending on daily necessities, he's giving to support his child and I don’t mind helping out from time to time.

After countless lullabies and the steady motion of the rocking chair, I succeed in getting Savannah to fall asleep. I gently lay her in her crib beside the couch, leaving my finger she holds in her tiny fist for her to grip when she whimpers.

I press a feather light kiss on my goddaughter’s chubby cheek and watch her sleep. I can’t wait until I have a child, or a wife for that matter. I have always been the type of guy who was willing to commit. I never was one to have a fling, though I did have a few because of Michael and Alex’s muddling. I’m all about long term and I hope the right girl is out there waiting for me to find her.

Once Savannah releases my finger, I back away from her crib just as Michael stomps into the apartment. I quickly hush him.

“Michael, you could have stomped in a little quieter. I just got Savannah to sleep.”

“Thanks for watching her.” He gravitates towards her crib and presses a gentle kiss on her cheek. “The museum called me in for a few hours and there’s nothing wrong with a little extra money.”

“Right, well I’m going to the library. I’ll see you in a bit.”

I step into the warm air, opting to walk to the nearby library a few blocks away. On my way, I pass Dominique’s and gaze through the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lilly. I haven’t seen her in a week besides the occasional sightings around campus.

Sighing after spotting her no where, I continue on my way. Just as well, I don’t know why I’m so hooked on this girl when it seems she has better things to do than spend any time with me. But I can’t help it. There’s something about her.

“Oh my God,” I exclaim as I step into the library. “Are my eyes deceiving me or is that really Maria Deluca in a library?”

“Shut up Max,” she hisses, playfully swatting my arm. “I read.”

“Dr. Seuss doesn’t count.”

“Funny Max. What are you up to? Studying for finals?”

I snort and hold up the books I need to return. “I don’t do that until the night before.”

Maria huffs and follows me to the counter. “How do you do that?”

“What?”

“Study the night before and get A’s in all of your classes.”

I smile wickedly and give the librarian my card. “It’s a gift. Plus I don’t sleep through class the entire semester and then cram an hour before.” I shoot her pointed look which she waves away.

“You try raising a baby and going to school at the same time and tell me you don’t fall asleep in class.”

I smile in sympathy. “How are things with you and Michael?”

Her dramatic eye roll reveals the answer before she even opens her mouth. “He’s so difficult. I ask him to watch Savannah so I can work a couple of extra hours at the resturant and he always has something to say.”

I retrieve my card and follow Maria back to the table she was sitting at. “Maria, you know he just does that to grate on your nerves.”

“He does a good job of that.”

“Because you let him. You two have a child now; you have to work together regardless of your personal issues.”

Maria snickers and lightly jabs my side with her elbow. “You need to get married Max. You have too much knowledge on the subject to be single.”

I can only sigh wistfully. “I know.” My shoulders slump as I slouch in my seat. “I need to find the right girl and its taking longer than I’d hoped.”

“Well…”

Whatever Maria is about to say is lost on me when my attention is drawn to the door.

She walks in, eyes trained to her feet, her hair easily swaying around her face, hiding her beautiful features.

“Hello,” Maria sings while she snaps her fingers in front of my face. “What are you looking at?” Momentarily, I take my eyes off Lilly to regard Maria before watching her take a seat at a table not far from us.

“Ah. A girl huh?” Maria teases. “Who is she?”

“I’ve seen her around campus and she works at Dominique’s, that new restaurant. Her name’s Lilly.”

Maria studies her, looking between me and Lilly before nodding in approval. “She’s cute. You’d look good with her.”

I perk up. “You think?”

“Yeah. I have an eye for these things,” she rejoices confidently. “Don’t use my personal life as an example.”

“Go talk to her,” she urges, already pushing me out of my chair.

“No Maria. I don’t think she’s interested. I tried to talk to her last week, but she just... I don’t know.”

“Maybe she’s just shy. Go talk to her. She’d be crazy not to want to go out with you.” She pinches my thigh and I yelp in surprise, gaining the attention of everyone close enough to hear.

“Fine, Maria. But if she turns me down, you’re buying me lunch.”

She smiles. “Deal.”

I take in a deep breath, feeling the butterflies fluttering in my stomach as I move in her direction.

Before I know it, I’m standing over her. Stuffing my hands in my pockets, I clear my throat.

“Hey Lilly.” I smile when her bright eyes met mine.

“Oh… Max… right?”

“Yeah… is this seat taken?”

“Um… n-no. Go right ahead.” She moves her books over to make room for me.

I glance over at Maria who gives me thumbs up.

“So um… what happened the other day? I thought we were going to talk.”

She blushes and fiddles with her pen nervously. “I’m sorry about that, but something came up and I had to leave in a rush.”

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

“So um…what are you majoring in?” he ask, gesturing to her books.

“Architecture. I-I’m not sure I’m going to actually work in that field though.”

“Why not? I’m sure you could do it.” I place my hand on top of hers, pleased when she doesn’t pull away.

She shrugs. “What about you?”

I hesitant to tell her. She'll probably think that I'm a nerd. Handsome one, but a nerd nonetheless. “I’m into computers. I like to build them and all that stuff.”

“Wow.” She smiles and I’m blown away.

“Hey, listen Lilly, you want to go grab lunch or something?”

Her uneasiness seems to return and she pulls her hand away from mine. “I-I don’t know Max. I have a boyfriend and…”

I can feel my heart breaking into pieces. Of course she has a boyfriend. She’s perfect.

I recover quickly, pasting a smile on my face. “I should’ve known that a beautiful girl like you would be taken. He’s a lucky guy.” She lowers her eyes to the table, her fingers picking at the edges of her book. Her flowing hair almost hides her smile.

“Well what’s lunch between friends?”

“I-I don’t know.”

“It’s just two people out and about… sitting at the same table and eating and maybe if I’m lucky, I could get to know you better. My treat.”

I shift in my chair when she bites her lip. She’s so beautiful it hurts.

“Maybe some other time, Max. I really have to study.” She gives me a polite smile and I take the hint.

“Okay. Some other time then?”

“Yeah.”

Defeated and disappointed, I drag himself back to Maria. “Well?” she squeals excitedly. “What happened?”

“You owe me a big lunch. I’m ordering lobster.”
**********

“Hello?”

“Maxmus!” a gruff voice chimes through the phone.

“Ah, so the old man finally decides to give me a call,” I quip. “How are you Grandpa?”

“Who you calling old?” he shrieks.

I chuckle. “Sorry. How young are you again?”

“Seventy-six and still kickin’.”

“I don’t doubt that,” I laugh. I have always had a close relationship with my grandfather, especially after my parents spilt. It’s hard since I’m in Philadelphia while Grandpa Louie is in Roswell where my father is originally from. We keep in touch via phone and emails and our relationship is stronger than ever.

“So what’s going on in Roswell? How’s everyone?”

“Everyone’s fine down here. The business is doing great, but there is a certain grandson of mine that should be co-owner.”

I roll my eyes. My grandfather and I share a love for technology. He owns a shop that repairs and sells computers and has been trying to get me to come to Roswell and be co-owner for awhile now.

“Grandpa, I’m haven’t even graduated yet. Besides, I have a job interview in a few weeks.”

He snorts. “What ever happened to blood being thicker than water? I swear you youngsters wouldn’t know loyalty if it bit you in the ass.” In the background I can hear Grandma Margaret yelling about Grandpa’s choice profane words. “Back in my day…”

“I know the story Grandpa. Can we move on please?”

“I’m just saying…”

“Grandpa, I’m loyal. I’m loyal to my mom. I can’t leave her here like that.”

I hear a long sigh of resignation and I can just picture him sitting in his overstuffed chair, chewing tobacco with Grandma nagging him about using her good glassware to spit out the juice as she watches Dick Van Dyke.

“Aren’t you supposed to be retired anyway?” I tease.

“Horseshit,” he grunts.

“You mean bullshit?”

“That too. So how are the women up there?”

“Eh. Oh! There’s this one girl… she works at this new restaurant and I tried to talk to her but she seemed like she didn’t want to give me the time of day.”

“Okay… either she wasn’t interested… your eyebrows weren’t wide enough or something. You know how women are. Picky bitches,” he mutters.

“Grandpa!”

I hear a scuffle followed by a loud slap on the other end. “Ow!! Margaret! Damn woman.” I shake my head at my grandparent’s antics. They act like they’re my age. “Anyway, like I was saying, either she wasn’t interested or there’s something else going on.”

“She’s really shy. She blushed every time I looked at her.” I stifle the dreamy sigh that wants to escape and tell him about Lilly and what happened at Dominique’s and the library.

“Ah, the shy ones, it takes awhile to break through those defenses. But, the best things in life don’t always come easy.”

“I know that and I wish it weren’t true.”

“Yeah but it’s possible. When I was in high school, I was always the computer geek and the girl I was in love with was the most popular girl in the school. She never paid much attention to me so one day...”

“You went up to her, talked and you two fell madly in love. Boring story Grandpa.”

“No. Actually she threw her drink in my lap and embarrassed me in front of the entire school. Don’t interrupt boy, this is my story,” he scolds.

“Sorry.”

“Now, after that I wasn’t sure if I ever had a chance with her. I knew that no one who ran in her crowd never even talked to people like me. But I was in love and crazy so, at lunch I went up to her and said, ‘Hello, my name is Louie Evans and I was hoping that we could talk and get to know each other and hopefully go out sometime.”

“And what’d she say?”

“Her drink somehow found its way down my pants again,” he says with a small chortle. “Anyway, everyday at lunch I went up to her and introduced myself and after awhile she stopped throwing her drink at me. It took awhile, but I wore her down and she finally agreed to one date with me. We went out and had a great time.”

“So what happened to her?”

“Right now, she’s glaring at me and watching Murder She Wrote at the same time. It’s crazy. I don’t know how she does it.”

I laugh. “So you think I should keep trying?”

“Well if you really like her son, then I say you have nothing to lose, but your pride and you lose that anyway when you get married. Hey! Ow, Margaret!…”

My laughter is interrupted by a loud pounding on the door. I curse when Savannah’s crying pierces through the room. “Grandpa, I gotta go. Tell grandma I said ‘hi’.”

“I will if she doesn’t kill me first.”

I sit the phone back in its cradle, and with newfound persistence, I hope I at least get to speak to her again.

TBC…….

[sweetbrowneyes]

Hey all! Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad you all are enjoying this. I know you all have questions about Lilly, but they will be answer in due time. I forgot to mention this but halfway through the story we'll switch to her POV so you'll get to see what's going on with her. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy.

<center>Chapter 3</center>

I swing my jeep into Mom’s driveway and kill the engine. I frown when I spot her standing in the doorway, perched on crutches and a proud smile gracing her lips.

“There’s my favorite college graduate,” she coos when I reach her.

“Mom, what are you doing out of bed!” I scold as I wrap my arm around her waist and steer her back into the house. “I thought I told you…”

“Oh hush,” she says, though she lets me ease her on to the couch, “It’s just a broken leg. I can take care of myself.”

“Yeah I know mom,” I sigh as I go about fluffing her pillows and making sure her leg is properly cushioned on the couch. “I just don’t want you to hurt yourself again. You’re a forty-one year old…”

“Thirty-three,” she counters.

I roll my eyes. “Forty-one.”

“Thirty-seven,” she haggles.

I sigh and relent. “Fine Mom. You’re ‘thirty-seven,’” I tease, motioning the quotation marks with my fingers. “In any case you shouldn’t be hanging off the side of the roof trying to fix the gutters,” I chide in a tone that reminds me of the one she used to and sometimes still uses on me.

“I was not hanging off the roof,” she argues. “I was standing on a ladder that was hanging off the roof.”

“Ah, that’s much better,” I quip dryly.

She smiles as she shoos me away when I continue to dote on her. “I’ll call someone to come and look at the gutters.”

She sighs with resignation. “Fine. But I was doing perfectly fine,” she argues defiantly.

I trot into the kitchen and retrieve two cups from the cabinet. “I don’t think a glue gun and duct tape with do the job, Mom,” I laugh as I pour us both some apple juice.

“I’ll have you know that duct tape fixes everything.” I simply smile at her. What would I do without her?

Mom has always been independent, especially after she divorced Dad when I was two. We weren’t always as well off as we’d like to be, but Mom always found a way to make a good life for me.

“So what are you up to today?” she asks as she sips her juice.

“You mean besides running all your errands?”

She smiles. “Yeah, besides that.”

“Nothing much. I’m at your service all day Mom.” Since she broke her leg, I, being the good son that I am, volunteered to help her out until she’s able to do her errands on her own. Not that a broken leg would stop her. I practically had to tie her down to get her to let me help her.

After chatting for a few minutes, I sit my empty cup on the coffee table and stand, clapping my hands together in the process. “What should I do first?” I ask as I sweep my eyes around the room. Everything is already pretty much spotless.

“Just take those clothes to the laundry mat,” she says, pointing to the three bags of dirty laundry.

“Mom! I’ll be there all night.”

She shrugs innocently. “You volunteered.”

“Is that it?”

She gestures to another two boxes stacked in the corner. “And those need to go to the good will.”

After loading the clothes in my car, I return to the house. “Is that it? Do you need anything else?”

“I’m fine honey,” she assures me as she embraces me when I lean down to kiss her cheek. “I’ll be here when you get back.”

I haul the three bags of clothes into Coin Laundry. The place is packed, not unusual for a Sunday. Still, I manage to elbow my way through the crowd and find a few unused machines in the back. I use two machines, stuffing in a load in each washer and making sure to separate by color, knowing if I mess up any of the clothes Mom has, she’ll have a fit.

I start the machine and head out again to drop the boxes of clothes off at the Salvation Army.

“Hey Max,” a gruff voice greets me as I stagger towards him, my view obstructed by the boxes I’m carrying.

“That you Sam?”

Sam coughs out a laugh. “Yep. Need a hand there?” Sam grabs the top box, revealing his crocked grin to me.

“Thanks.”

“Another load?”

Sam and I make our way to the large truck being loaded with used clothes, toys and furniture. “Yeah. She’s been going through her dressers and finding all theses clothes she can’t fit anymore.”

“Ah, I see.” I hand the full box to one of the workers loading the truck. After saying my goodbyes, I head back to the laundry mat

Once again, I have to elbow my way through the crowd to reach my machine in the back of the building.

Sighing when I see that the clothes were still washing, I sit on the bench conveniently placed in front of the machines and pull out the magazine I brought. But the slight woman who takes the seat next to me catches my eye instead.

Unwillingly, my pulse races, my heart thumps against my chest. I can’t believe my good luck and I silently thank my mom for sending me to do her laundry. She hasn’t seemed to notice me yet and I take the time to admire her from the corner of my eye.

Lilly’s wearing her hair loose, unlike the required ponytail she sports at Domingue’s. It covers her face like a curtain as she flips through the magazine in her lap. Her jean clad legs are crossed and I can almost picture the smooth skin beneath the dark denim.

She is so beautiful.

After working up the nerve and doing a quick breath check, I turn to her and make my presence known.

“Lilly?” I say in a mock stunned tone as if I had just noticed she was there.

She frowns in confusion before recognition falls over her pretty features. A small smile tugs at her lips. “Max?... It is Max right?”

“For as long as I can remember,” I joke with a nervous laugh. I’m such a dork.

She ducks her head, her hair shading her face once more. “Right,” she smiles.

“So um… what are you doing here?”

She lets out a little giggle. “Um… I-I’m doing my laundry.”

I blush as I scratch my ear. “Yeah that... that was kind of a stupid question.”

I rub my clammy palms against my thighs. I hate that I get so jumpy around women I like.

“So…” I start, catching her shy glance. She turns away quickly and I bite back a smile. “How have you been? I haven’t seen you in awhile.”

I wish I could brush back her hair to see her pretty face. “Yeah I’ve been busy… with work I mean.”

I frown. “You still work at Dominique’s don’t you?” She nods, shooting me a glance before returning her gaze to her hands that are laced carefully in her lap. I have been to Dominique’s every chance I get since our last meeting just to see her and she’s never there. Not that I tell her that, of course.

“I’ve a… I’ve been busy with finals and everything. I mean, graduation is in a few days.”

I smile, thrilled that we are actually having a conversation. “Yeah. It’s sort of weird, don’t you think?”

She looks up, her big brown eyes sparkling with curiosity. “How so?”

“Well, you spend four years here, studying, trying to figure out what you’re going to do with the rest of your life and then suddenly you’re just thrust into the world. It’s kind of…”

“Scary? Overwhelming?”

I nod in agreement. “Yeah. We’re finally really adults.” My comment gets a small giggle out of her. I smile in achievement. “So Lilly, what have you been up to besides work and school?”

Again her head drops before she answers. “Nothing much. I’m a pretty boring girl,” she admits with a blush.

“Pretty, yes. But boring, I don’t think so,” I laugh.

Her head lifts, her eyes meeting mine and my heart does somersaults. “And how would you know, Max?” If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she’s teasing with me. In just a second’s time, she looks lighter, her eyes brighter and I have to wonder if I have anything to do with that.

“I have a way with people, Lilly. I can just tell. It’s part of my repertoire.”

“Your repertoire huh?” she challenges playfully. “What else can you tell about me?”

“Well,” I drawl, thoughtfully studying her soft features as I tap a lone finger against my chin. “It’s obvious to anyone who looks at you that you’re stunningly gorgeous.”

I’m growing to love her shy blush. “I’d say that you’re very studious…” I glance at her neatly folded clothes, “Organized. You’re one of those people who was actually able to keep her trapper keeper organized aren’t you?”

Even when she gives an embarrassed nod, she giggles, encouraging me to continue.

“Let’s see.” I motion for her to stand and once she does, I circle her, burning her every feminine curve to memory. She’s wearing blue jean capris with a white belt wrapped around her tiny waist. She sports a Philadelphia University t-shirt and her hair is flowing free around her shoulders.

“I’m guessing that you’re very conservative...” I nod, realizing the description seems to fit her. “You know, strait-laced. Rules are there for a reason and they are not meant to be broken, right?” I tease. “And…" I swallow and go in for the kill, "I’m thinking that you want to go out with me sometime.”

My charming smile falls when I notice how tense she is, nervously shifting from foot to foot as she bites on her fingernail. I’m making her uncomfortable and I stop circling her and watch as she takes a seat on the bench, carefully avoiding eye contact.

“Or…” I start, hoping to ease the tension that has suddenly fallen over us. “You think that I’m some weirdo with no chance in hell.”

Her laughter is unexpected, but so welcome. I chuckle along with her while taking a seat beside her.

We are rudely interrupted however when the washer holding my clothes buzzes, signaling the end of the washing cycle.

Pulling out my tongs from my bag, I move away from Lilly, throwing her a smile as I pull open the washer.

"What are those for?"

“I’m washing my mom’s clothes,” I tell her as I pick up my mom’s bra with the tongs and drop it into the empty dryer. “It’s bad enough that I have to see her underwear, but I sure as hell ain’t touching them. Clean or not.” This ignites another spurt of laughter from her and I make it my own personal mission to see to it that I hear that glorious sound whenever she’s around.

“It’s nice that you’re doing your mom’s laundry. You know, helping her out and all.”

“Yeah well, don’t make me out to be a saint. This is only because she broke her leg and I just want her to stay at home and rest.”

She nods and seems to drift off into another place until her own washer buzzes. She’s up with a start and busies herself with carefully transferring her clothes into the dryer.

I playfully bump her with my hip and offer her my tongs. She shakes her head with a light giggle.

We continue with a light conversation, and by the time I can tear my eyes away from her long enough, I notice that the crowd has thinned out. It’s already mid afternoon.

This girl entrances me like no other and I can’t put my finger on why. Numerous times I have stared when she wasn’t noticing. Maybe it’s the way she bites her lip when she’s nervous, or the way she looks up at me from beneath her lashes. Whatever it is, she has unknowingly caught me.

Her uncomfortable squirming next to me brings me out of my trance and I realize she's blushing wilding. I've been caught staring.

“You’re uh… you’re making me a little uncomfortable,” she confesses quietly.

That’s the last thing I want. “I’m sorry. You’re just really beautiful.”

She shakes her head as if to protest before she murmurs out a soft ‘thank you’.

She glances at her watch just as her dryer buzzes. “Oh my god! I have to go.” She quickly stuffs her last load of clothes into her bag, a complete contrast to the neat way she has done it before.

“Are you okay?” I ask, sensing her distress.

“Yeah. I just have to go,” she hastily replies as she hoists her bag on her shoulder. “I didn’t realize how late it was.”

“Lilly wait!” I step in front of her, preventing her from leaving me once again.

“Lilly, I was thinking that maybe we could go out for coffee sometime. O-Or lunch or something,” I stutter.

Immediately she’s shaking her head. “Max, I told you I have a boyfriend…”

“As friends Lilly,” I interject. “No pressure. You can bring a friend if you like.”

She gives me a polite smile before she side steps me and heads for the door. “Maybe some other time,” she calls back. Before I can protest, she’s gone.
********

I enter my apartment just as the phone starts to ring in its cradle. Glancing at Michael engrossed in the basketball game on the couch, I know he isn’t going to answer it. Sighing in annoyance, I reach for the phone.

“Hello?”

“What does it take for a girl to get her big bro to call his little sis once in awhile?”

I roll my eyes as I make my way into my room to gain some privacy from the loud game blaring from the TV. “This wonderful devise works two ways Isabel,” I counter.

“Which is why I’m calling now.”

I flop on my bed and sink into the worn impressions. Once I get enough money, the first thing I’m going to buy is a new mattress. “Have you heard from NYU yet?”

“Not yet,” she sighs. “And if they don’t accept me, I’ll completely die.”

I roll my eyes heaven-ward. My step-sister is always the drama queen. “You won’t die Isabel,” I chuckle.

“I will, Max,” she whines. “I’ve wanted to go to NYU’s design school since I was like two and if I don’t get accepted…”

“You’ll die?” I joke.

“Max.”

“You’ll get in. They’d be idiots not to accept you. You’ve got the grades and you’ve got the extra curricular activities to back it up. You could probably get into Harvard if you wanted.”

Having a very wealthy mother helps things a lot, I’m sure.

I look around my own dingy room. It isn’t much but it’s all I need. But sometimes I find myself jealous of Isabel. She gets the rich mother, the exceptional grades - not that I’m stupid by far - the huge house and my father. She gets all of Dad’s time and love while I will always be ‘the other child.’

“I’ll be closer to you if I get in, Max!” she squeals. “Just a few hours away.”

“I know. You’ll get in. Don’t stress over it,” I advise. “Speaking of stress, are you guys still flying out next week for my graduation?”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world.” I can hear the smile in her tone. “But I’m not too sure about Mom. She’s got this business trip…”

“It’s okay Isabel.” I know how uncomfortable for everyone it is when Dad, Elaine and Mom get together. It’s best that Elaine stays home. The less stress, the better.

“I have to go,” she says suddenly.

“Hot date?” I tease, all the while wishing that I had my own date with a certain wide-eyed woman.

“Something like that,” she giggles. “This guy I like just texted. Max he’s gorgeous…”

“Okay. Okay,” I wince. “I don’t need to hear of your prospering love life while mine is practically non existent.”

“Aww. What’s wrong Max? The girls in Philly aren’t flocking to your side?”

I roll my eyes at my step-sister’s teasing. “Bye Iz.” Her laughter is the last thing I hear before I hang up the phone.

TBC…….

[sweetbrowneyes]

Hey all...I plan on posting this every Saturday, but I'm graduating tommorrow so I won't be around. Anyway, if there are any Australians out there, I apologize in advance if I've butchered your dialect. lol Enjoy

<center>Chapter 4</center>

The dining room is bathed in silence, only the sound of the silverware clinking against the plates breaking through.

I look around the table at my family, wishing that this could be easier. Isabel looks nervous, as she always does in Mom’s presence. She had once told me that she worried that Mom didn’t like her and named her as the reason Dad left. I explained that that couldn’t be father from the truth, but she still feels guilty.

Mom and Dad have barely spoken two words to each other as they concentrate on the meat loaf and potatoes on their plates. The grudges from their nearly twenty year old divorce still linger and I wonder if the tension will get any thicker.

I glance at my grandparents. Grandpa Louie is shoveling through his meat while Grandma Margaret, looks on in disapproval. Every once in a while she’ll complain about the lack of vegetables on his plate and remind him of his high cholesterol. Through their arguments, I don’t think they notice the uncomfortable silence around them.

Oh what a great family I have.

“So um…. Max,” Isabel starts, “What time is your graduation on Saturday?”

I throw her a smile, grateful for the break in silence. “It starts at ten, but I have to be there at nine.”

“I’m so proud of you, Max,” Mom chimes with the brightest smile I’ve seen all evening. “It seems like it wasn’t too long ago that you were running around here naked as a jaybird…”

“Mom!”

“Here we go,” Dad sighs as he drops his fork with a loud clang and Isabel cringes on the other side of the table.

Grandma perks up, always up for reminiscing. “Diane, remember when he was little…”

“Oh God,” I moan. “Grandma, please.”

“Hush and let your elders speak,” she scolds. I shut up like the well raised boy I am, though I pray for the floor to open up and swallow me whole. “Oh my little prince had the cutest bum I’ve ever seen,” she coos as she reaches across the table for my cheek.

“Grandma!”

I easily deflect her pinching fingers as I bury my face in my hands. “I know,” Mom squeals. “He has that little mole on his right cheek…”

“Eww,” Isabel shrieks.

“Are we really talking about this at the dinner table?” Dad ponders. But he is ignored as the two older women continue to gush.

“Remember when he got into your makeup kit and we found him in the closet painting his little jewels with your red nail polish?” Grandma reveals. I groan deeply in embarrassment and Isabel’s chair scraps against the floor as she pushes away from the table.

“I can’t eat anymore. This isn’t even right.” Isabel excuses herself from the table, flouncing out of the room. I’m left alone, wishing that I was following behind her.

“Grandma, please,” I wince, resulting to my infamous pout in hopes of getting her to stop. “Can we not relive this story again?”

She easily waves me away. “Oh nonsense.”

I looked to my father and grandfather for help. Dad merely shrugs. No big surprise there. Grandpa shoots me a wink. I could always count on him. “Marge, let the boy have some dignity. There’s nothing worse than hurting a man’s pride.”

“No one’s hurting anything,” Mom retorts.

“Speaking of jewels,” Grandma begins ignoring her husband, “When are you going to work on some great grand babies for me?”

“He’s got plenty of time for that,” Grandpa reasons. “Leave him alone.”

“He might as well start while his little swimmers are still nice and fresh,” she retorts, her waving hand gesturing to my crotch beneath the table. I’m sure my cheeks are bright red.

“Can we not talk about my little swimmers?”

Mom even checks out of the conversation, but Grandma continues. “Everything’s all in the up and up down there?” I merely grunt and realize that in her old age, Grandma doesn’t know how much embarrassment one person can take in a night. “You get your prostates checked and all that… make sure you don’t have the STDs.”

“Mom, please,” Dad begs, finally taking pity on me. “We’re all trying to eat here. We don’t need to be talking about this right now.”

Grandma opens her mouth to reply, but instead her attention is averted as Grandpa places another slab of meat on his plate. While she berates him, the rest of the table sighs in relief and dinner resumes, talk of my prostates forgotten.

“Well,” I sigh as I lean against the front door after seeing my grandparents, Dad and Isabel out, “that went well.”

Mom let out an unflattering snort. “If you say so.”

“Mom,” I sigh.

“What?” she huffs as she moves into the kitchen. “He didn’t say a word to you all night. No congratulations, no ‘I’m so proud of you son’, no nothing.”

“He did say congratulations.”

“When?” she challenges as she begins to clear off the table. I help her and set the dirty dishes beside the sink to be washed. “When has that man ever done anything decent? When has he done anything for someone else and told his only son that he was proud?”

My mouth flaps open like a fish out of water. The truth is, is that he hadn’t said a thing to me. Just a nod and acknowledging look was all I got and I hate that every time I see him, I hope I’ll get a different reaction.

I’ve been hoping for twenty-one years.

I look to Mom, who’s now vigorously scrubbing the table. She’s had to make excuses for Dad ever since I was little. She used to tell me that his attitude wasn’t my fault. But as I got older, the excuses from her stopped and I picked up from where she left off. He’s my father and it scares me to admit that I don’t like him or love him like a son should.

Mom hobbles quickly around the kitchen, angrily turning on the tap to fill the sink. Her movements are haphazard and I hate to see her so worked up. But I let her stew. It’s the only way for her to calm down.

“Left up to me, he wouldn’t even be invited,” she growls as she stabs at some food stuck on a plate. I move to her side, rinsing the dishes that she has already washed.

“He comes to my house and acts like he can’t even give you a simple congratulations. His own son.”

When she nearly misses cutting off her finger with a sharp knife, I gently guide her away from the sink.

“Mom, why don’t you go and lay down. I’ll handle this.”

She takes in a deep breath and pushes her graying hair out of her face. “Are you sure? I’ll calm down. Just give me…”

“Mom,” I interrupt laughingly, “this is like one of the few times I’m going to wash the dishes without you having to threaten me, so I’d advise you to take advantage of the situation.”

She smiles. “Yeah, okay. I’ll just go watch a little TV.”

I kiss her cheek and watch her limp into the living room. She finally got the cast of her leg a few days ago. But she refuses to just sit down and relax even though she’s still recovering from a broken leg. She’s hot headed and stubborn and won’t listen to reason.

But that’s what I love about Mom.

Shaking my head I return to the kitchen where a mountain of dirty dishes awaits.
************

I have a date.

Thanks to the meddling ways of my dear friend Michael who insists on interfering in my life and neglecting his own, I’m on my way to a smoky, dark bar to meet the supposed girl of my dreams.

At least that’s what Michael tells me.

But I know different. My dream girl is probably serving some lucky bastard at Dominque’s. I have been inconspicuously checking the diner everyday just to catch a glimpse of her. Maria says I’m being a stalker and if Lilly found out what I was doing she’d run for the hills. Though she’s 99.5% right, I still can’t help myself.

There haven’t been many girls that I’ve really been into, but when I find one, I dive in head first. I get sucked in so quickly which ultimately is part of the reason the relationship doesn’t last. I forget that being in love means being friends too. I’ve never really gotten to know the girls that I’ve been fond of, but this time will be different.

If Lilly would just give me the time of day, I would die a happy man.

I step into the bar, scanning the room for the familiar face of my friend. I spot him at a booth in the back, making out with some unknown woman while another bored looking woman twirls her blond curls around her finger.

I assume she’s my date and I sigh as I make my way over to them.

The woman lifts her bright blue eyes to meet mine and I give her a warm smile. She smiles back before glancing at Michael and his companion. He hasn’t noticed that I’ve arrived.

I loudly clear my throat and the blond woman unsubtly jabs Michael’s date in the side with her elbow.

“Oh, hey Max,” he says as he wipes the lipstick off his lips. I roll my eyes as I glance at the red head in his arms. She looks nothing like his current girlfriend, Cynthia.

I nod in greeting. “Michael.”

He gestures to the red head. “Max, this is Allison, Allison this is my best friend Max.”

“Are all your friends so hot Mikey,” she giggles.

Michael smiles before turning to the bored looking blond. “Tess, this is Max, Max meet your date, Tess.”

“Nice to meet you,” I say, reaching out my hand to shake hers.

“Same here.” She smiles and I must admit that she’s pretty. At least Michael got that part right.

“Betcha’ this one’s crown jewels are enormous,” she whispers in Allison's ear. But she speaks loud enough for me to hear her thick Australian accent.

I feel my cheeks burn as their eyes wander south. I can already tell this night is going to be a disaster.

“Ah, don't get your knickers in a knot. We’re just foolin’ Max,” Tess laughs, patting the empty space beside her. I reluctantly sit down. “Michael told us you were a good bloke.”

“Yeah. Um… will you two ladies excuse us for just a minute?” I stand and motion for Michael to join me. Though he grunts in reluctance, my harsh glare has him following me quickly to the other side of the bar.

“What?”

“Michael, what the hell do you think you’re doing? Didn’t I tell you I didn’t want to do this?”

He shrugs as his eyes wander away to some passing brunette. “What’s the problem? Tess is gorgeous. You haven’t even given her a chance.”

“Because I don’t want to,” I argue.

“Why? Because if you’re holding out for the one chick… Lilac or whatever, it ain’t gonna happen.” I huff childishly and defiantly cross my arms. “Get over it, Max. She has a boyfriend.”

“First of all her name is Lilly and this has nothing to do with her.”

He stares at me through the smoky air with a knowing smirk and I sigh in defeat. I really hate him.

“Fine,” I groan. But just to seem like I’ve got my point across loud and clear, I jab my finger harshly against his chest. “But just for the record, I’m not happy about this.”

“Dully noted.” He smirks and I know he’s enjoying getting the best of me.

Before returning to the girls, we stop at the bar and order a few more drinks. “I hope you know that’s not Cynthia that you’re kissing,” I joke, though I’m half serious.

“Yeah I know smartass. I dumped her days ago.”

The bartender slides our drinks across the bar. I let Michael pay. “What’s this? Girl number five?”

“Fuck you Maxwell. You just worry about getting yours and I’ll get mine.”

“I’ll get mine,” I reply as we trek back to our table. “But you already have yours, you just don’t want to see it.”

He frowns. I’ve confused him. “What?”

I want to scream out ‘Maria you dumbass!’, but I don’t. I’ll let him figure it out on his own.

“Whatever man,” he snorts. “All I know is that I’m getting laid tonight. I’m just warning you if you walk in on anything offensive on the couch tonight.” I grimace at the thought. “Unless you’d be gracious enough to lend me your bed.”

“Not on your life.”

“Ohh. More drinks,” Allison squeals, though from the slight slur she’s probably already had more to drink than she should.

“So Max,” I turn to Tess and see her blue eyes twinkling. This girl makes me nervous. “What do you say we get pissed as a fart huh?” she says, holding up her drink.

“Um…Look Tess, you’re a very beautiful woman and all…”

Her bright eyes dim and become bored looking once again as she slams her drink on the table. “Look Max, I’m not one for cock-and-bull stories. So if you’re not up to this, just tell me.”

“What?”

She leans forward as if she were going to tell me her deepest secret. “You’re a sexy fella, Max, built like a brick shit house. Now, if you want, we can get plonked, head back to your place and have a nice round of root or two.”

I blush and shift uncomfortably. “Do I get another option?”

“We can sit here and enjoy ourselves. Like I said, you’re a good bloke.”

I smile, feeling slightly better. “I like option two. No offense. I’m just not into that.”

She waves me off and takes a sip of her drink. My attention is diverted to Michael and Allison, who are going at it again. I wonder how long they can go at it without taking a breath.

Tess wiggles her way into my line of vision and I’m internally grateful. “Max, you’re a handsome fella, you must have a girl on the side.”

She must have caught my wistful look because she smiles knowingly. “So there is someone.”

“No.” I glance at her out the corner of my eye and I find it unnerving that she can unravel me with one look. “Okay, so maybe there I someone. Sorta.”

She glances back and Michael and Allison with a look of disgust. “Why don’t we go over to the bar?” she suggests.

I don’t get a chance to reply before she’s pulling me out of my chair.
*********

An hour later, I’m back in my car with Tess’ number tucked safely in my pocket. I have to admit that the “date” could’ve gone worse, though I spent most of the time talking about Lilly.

Tess brazenly accused me of wanting her just for the chase. According to her philosophy, that’s what all “blokes” are after.

But I find myself smiling nonetheless. I could get used to Tess. She’s like an Australian, female version of Michael.

I spot Dominque’s just up the street as I turn the corner headed for home. Before I can stop myself, I’m pulling into the parking lot and peering through the windows in search of my favorite waitress.

My heart flutters when I spot her taking orders from the only other person in the restaurant. I step toward the entrance, fully intending on getting her to talk to me. But her bright smile stops me in my tracks. I’ve never seen her smiling like that before and it’s blindingly beautiful to me even if she’s smiling at another man.

My unnecessary jealousy spikes up another notch when she leans down and kisses her patron. My heart breaking, I step back from the door.

The man that’s obviously her boyfriend pulls her into his lap and the two continue to embrace. I knew she had a boyfriend and yet I continued to torture myself.

Unable to watch anymore, I make a run for my car and dejectedly head home.

TBC………

[sweetbrowneyes]

Okay, because of numerous typos from me and plain blatancy, you probably already know that Lilly is Liz. I probably should’ve named her Ockbar or something to lessen the typos but whatever lol. Max doesn’t know her real name is Liz, yet. Now as for why she’s Lilly and not Liz right now, that’ll be explained later, unless you can figure it out.

Anyway, thanks for the fb. I really appreciate it ad I love reading your comments. Love ya Lindz! lol

Enjoy!

<center>Chapter 5</center>

The day that I have been waiting for has finally arrived. After years of dealing with teachers, professors and homework, I’m finally and officially free.

I’m sure my smile could blind someone if they looked directly at it.

“Max, man!” I spot Alex, Michael and Maria standing outside the auditorium. They wave as I make my way over to them.

“We did it!” Maria squeals as she jumps into my arms. I catch her easily, hugging her back tightly. But as I catch Michael’s angry glare over her shoulder, I let her go, but she insists on latching on to my arm.

I catch the evil look she sends Michael. “What the fuck are you looking at?” she snaps.

Here we go. “It’s a free country,” he retorts, deliberately staring hard at her, “I can look anywhere I please.”

She snorts and releases her hold on me to step in his direction. “Not after I scratch those wandering eyes of yours out.”

A few of the graduates and their families look our way and I feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment.

“Here we go again.” His arms fly up in exasperation. “Just because I look doesn’t mean I touch. I was always faithful.”

I tug on Maria’s arm as she inches closer. “Come on guys. This isn’t the time or place for a showdown.” My words fall on deaf ears.

When Maria shrugs me away, I look to Alex for help and he immediately steps between them.

“Aren’t we all supposed to be enjoying this? We’re graduating,” he says, holding his arms out to separate them. “You know, happy, happy… joy, joy?”

“Do we look like Ren and Stimpy to you?” Alex backs off, when Maria sends him a deadly look. “Someone needs to tell him what an asshole he is,” Maria snarls.

To prevent any further embarrassment and a potential all out war, I grab Maria’s arm and lead her away. “I tell him that every day, so let’s just let it go, Maria.”

She huffs, but allows me to pull her along until I can safely deposit her with her family. Seeing the look on their daughter’s face, Amy and Jim look to me for answers.

“Michael,” is all I have to say and they understand. Maria is then whisked away with promises of a grand dinner to celebrate and help forget all about Michael.

I start to search for my own dysfunctional family, praying that this is the one time my grandmother won’t embarrass me or my parents aren’t at each other’s throats.

But my search is deflected when I spot a short brunette just a few feet away from me. She’s standing alone, eagerly searching through the crowd. My feet start moving before I can even think to protest.

I don’t know why I have a need to torture myself the way I do. She’s happily in love with her boyfriend. As painful as it was, I saw so myself. She has with her boyfriend what I want and I curse myself for getting myself so invested with someone that barely knows my name. And I curse her for being so perfect and unattainable.

The raging war inside of me screeches to a halt as I step in front of her and she looks up at me. I smile, though I’m half expecting her to punch me for coming up to her. I should just put my tail between my legs and scamper away now while I still have some dignity.

Instead of listening to logic, I say, “Hey Lilly.”

“Hi, Max.” she smiles, her eyes glittering and I’m enamored. Surprised that she remembers my name, I can only stare. Damn her.

“Um… I saw you over here and…” I clear my throat, hoping to swallow some of the nervousness I feel. “And I thought that’d I come over and say ‘hi’.”

She bites her lip and brushes her hair behind her ear. I shuffle my feet, unable to come up with anything intelligent to say. Funny since I just graduated from college, I should be able to come up with something coherent.

“So uh, congratulations on uh…” she gestures to the diploma in my hand.

Oh duh! “Oh yeah! You too!” She giggles a bit and I smile. “Sorry. It’s been a hectic day.”

“I can relate.” Her smile dims a bit as something over my shoulder catches her eye. “I have to go. My family’s waiting.”

“Right.”

She gives a little wave and heart stopping smile before she side steps me and joins her family. I watch her longingly and wonder how I let these women get to me so easily.

“Well, now I can put a face to the name.” I find Tess a few feet away, smiling smugly.

I ignore her and resume the search for my family. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Cut the crock, “she laughs. “It stands out like a shag on a rock.”

I frown. “Who shags on a rock?” I ask in an attempt to change topics. But I’m suddenly intrigued as an image appears in my head. “How… I mean it’s got to be uncomfortable, right?”

She quirks a brow as her icy eyes shine with amusement. “Are you sure you want an answer to that?”

I’m not sure I do. “What the hell goes on in Australia?”

She laughs. “Enough of that, now about this girl…”

“Oh there you are!” I’m saved by my mother charging forward, her arms opened wide and ready for a clutching embrace. I don’t protest as she crushes the breath out of me because I know she likes to have her moments.

“Look at my baby,” she cries. “So grown up.”

I’m passed around the circle of my family to be poked, prodded, and crushed. My father even pats my arm and mumbles out a congratulations.

“Max, where are your manners? Aren’t you going to introduce us to your friend here?” Grandma slaps my arm and gives me a disapproving look. She wags her finger at me and it never fails to make me feel guilty even if I haven’t done anything wrong. I wonder where grandmothers get that ability from.

“Family, this is Tess, Tess, this is my family.”

“Oh I know who this is,” Grandpa says, shooting me an approving look. “Is this the girl you were telling me about?”

What? “No, Grandpa I…”

Mom is next to slap my arm. “Girl? Max you never told me you were involved with someone.”

“Me either,” Isabel pouts.

“I’m not.” I look to Tess for help, but by the mischief gleaming in her eyes, I doubt she’ll be of any assistance. “Tess, would you tell them?”

“What? That we’re madly in love and I’m preggers with your child?” As she flutters her lashes and my family erupts into a frenzy, I give her the evil eye and she sighs, surly annoyed that I’m interrupting her fun.

“Maxwell,” Mom gasps.

“Geez Max, what a way to keep it in your pants,” Isabel says.

“Tess,” I growl.

“Okay, okay. Don’t get your kickers in a knot. I was just mucking around. Max and I are just good mates.”

“So you’re not pregnant?” Mom asks.

Tess pats her stomach. “There’s no bun in this oven.”

Grandma pouts and I roll my eyes. She is so desperate for a grandchild. “There’s no baby? You’re just friends?”

Tess saddles up to me and wraps her arm around mine. “Though I get the feeling that this friendship isn’t going to be as much fun for me as it is for you,” I mutter for only her to hear. She simply smiles and pinches my butt. My cheeks burn even as I bite back a smile.

“Oh what a lovely accent,” Mom says once she stops hyperventilating. “Where are you from?”

“Australia,” I answer for her and I untangle myself from Tess’ grasp before she has the chance to embarrass me further. “And now she has to leave.”

“But…”

Again I shoot her an evil glare as I push her away from my family. “Remember you have that thing to take care of?”

“Right,” she laughs. “My family’s waiting anyway. Nice meeting you good people.” She turns to me and winks before slapping my butt. “I’ll see you later handsome.”

Red all over, I’m sure, I pray for the ground to swallow me whole.
**********

Dad treats us all to an expensive dinner. It wouldn’t have been so bad if he didn’t flash his money around like we were all his clients he was trying to impress. Tonight, I’ve lost count on how many times he’s tried to persuade me into joining him in Roswell to work for him at his firm. I have absolutely no interest in law, but he can’t understand that.

For once I would like him to treat me as his son and not some business deal.

Mom is quiet for most of the dinner and I know it’s just because she’s holding her tongue. Only because I asked her to keep the arguments down to a minimum just for tonight that she’s keeping her comments to herself.

Grandma and Grandpa are arguing as usual, but it’s always the highlight of my night. I find it amusing that even though they are always at each other’s throats, it’s obvious to anyone who sees that that they are still very much in love.

They remind me of Michael and Maria. And they have the relationship that I’m desperately searching for.

Because his parents couldn’t get out of working to take him out, Alex joins us for dinner. He eases the tension with his corny jokes, though most of his time is spent hitting on Isabel. I roll my eyes as she giggles at something he whispers to her.

Dad gives Alex the evil eye and quickly puts the flirting to a stop.

After dinner, I drive Dad, Isabel, Grandma, and Grandpa to the airport. Alex tags along, albeit just to be with Isabel. Dad says that he has a case tomorrow that he absolutely can’t miss. Mom snorted when he gave his explanation, but ultimately said nothing.

After spying on Alex and Isabel kissing in front of the bathrooms, I see them off.

“That wasn’t too bad,” Alex says as we drive away from the airport.

“Yeah,” I snort. “Right.”

“Why don’t we go have some fun? There’s supposed to be this big party…”

“I’m not in the party mood Alex,” I sigh.

The looks he sends me is incredulous, but I ignore him. “We just graduated! How can you not feel like partying?”

I shrug. “I just don’t.”

“There’s going to be hot girls there,” he sings as if he were dangling a piece of steak in front of a starving man.

I simply shrug as I turn off of the highway.

“Oh man! I know what you want to do.”

“What?”

He smiles knowingly and it makes me nervous. “You want to go see that girl, don’t you? The one that works at Dominique’s.”

Damn straight I do! “Who?” I say instead.

“Don’t play stupid with me. What’s her name Lilac?”

“Lilly,” I mumble.

“Ah ha!!” he laughs triumphantly.

Damn it! “I’m not going to go see her. I doubt she’s even working tonight.”

His eyes twinkle in amusement and I could really punch him right now. “Yeah, but you’re going to drive by there just to check, aren’t you?”

“Am not!” I defend quickly, which only serves to prove Alex right. I pull into the parking lot of his apartment building and throw the car in park. “Stop looking at me like that. She has a boyfriend.”

“What does that have to do with you pining over her? Cause you know you’ll do it anyway.”

I hate that he knows me. “Get the fuck out my car, Whitman.”

He laughs and reaches for the handle. But before he opens the door, he turns back to me. “Hey, while you’re there, can you get me a burger, with extra cheese?”

“Out, now!”

He laughs and climbs out the car. As soon as the door closes, I my tires squeal as I tear out of the parking lot, leaving Alex laughing in front of his door.
************

Guess where my car drives straight to. I shake my head at my lack of self-discipline as I pull into the empty parking lot and pull the key from the ignition. I don’t know why I like to torture myself like this, and yet I’m here again to watch my dream girl be happy in another man’s arms.

I don’t know why I’m here, but this place seems to bring a calming comfort that I can’t find anywhere else. Maybe it’s the service.

I spot her rubbing down the counter as she stares off into space. I wonder why she’s working on her graduation day. I wonder what she’s daydreaming about and I wish upon all wishes that it has something to do with me.

I try and convince myself that the reason I’m here is for a late night meal as I pull open the door and step inside.

The ringing bell above the door gets her attention and without any prompting from me, she blushes.

I smile. Maybe those daydreams were about me.

I help myself to a menu as I slide into a booth. I’ve already practically memorized the thing, but I still look on as if I’m seriously considering what to order.

“Hi Max.” I look up to find her smiling softly at me. But as soon as our eyes meet, she ducks her head. I wonder how she manages to capture me with just a smile and I curse the bastard that already got her.

“Hey Lilly.”

She holds up her order pad. “Can I get you anything? The grill’s closed, but Mark’s still back there. I can talk him into making something for you.”

I clear my throat as I play with a straw wrapper left on the table. “I wouldn’t want to…”

“It’s no problem,” she quickly assures me.

Unable to deny her, I order some fries and a coke. And with a twinkle in her eye and very little persuasion, she talks me into getting a piece of cake.

“Do you do this for everyone?” I ask when she sets my drink in front of me.

As she fiddles with the hem of her apron, her lips curl into a slight smile and she peeks up at me from beneath her lashes. That look is going to be the death of me. “No.”

“So this means I’m special?” I ask causally, teasingly, but my heart is racing against my chest.

Her smile grows, but I get no answer.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” I laugh.

As I eat, I occasionally sneak peeks at her as she tends to the two other people in the restaurant. The last thing I want to do is make her feel uncomfortable with my staring, but when my gaze finds her, I find her looking right back at me.

She blushes and ducks into the backroom.

Her shyness is endearing. It makes my heart flutter every time she looks at me from across the room which makes me want her all the more.

When she returns moments later, the last of the patrons are ready to leave. She finishes cleaning the counter once they leave and I’m suddenly nervous when I realize that we’re alone. The dirty thoughts of what’d like to do to her on that very counter doesn’t help matters much which is directly related to why my cheeks are so heated right now.

She’d think I was perverted if she knew what I was thinking.

I throw some cash down to cover the bill and tip, before I go in search of a bathroom to calm down.

After a pep talk and cool water against my face, I return to find Lilly at the register. She smiles when she sees me.

To my surprise, she hooks her finger, playfully beckoning me to her. I don’t hesitant in following her orders.

“You like milkshakes?” she asks an easy smile adorning her pretty face. She seems more relaxed now that we’re alone, compared to the ball of nerves I am.

I squeak out a painful ‘yes’ as she glides over the milkshake machine.

“It’s to make up for the ten dollar tip,” she giggles over her shoulder.

She slides a straw and a freshly made milkshake across the counter as I slip onto a stool. “Well I had the best waitress in town. The service was exceptional. I was perfectly satisfied and you deserve it.”

Her look is skeptical but I can see her lips twitching in her attempt not to smile. “Max, I served you fries and a coke.”

“And what fine job you did. Best fries I’ve had in years. Salted just perfectly and the coke had just the right amount of ice in it.”

She smiles. “Well technically, Mark is the one who made the fries and the soda machine automatically makes the drinks so…”

I huff. “You just like to burst my bubble don’t you?” I tease.

She laughs. “I didn’t mean to burst your bubble. I’m sorry.”

I like the lighthearted feeling between us and I decide to play with her a little more. “No you’re not,” I pout. “You’re laughing at me.”

Her smile shrinks as she lays her hand on top of mine. “No, Max. I promise I’m not laughing at you,” she says even as she lets a small giggle loose.

“Liar,” I growl playfully. “My feelings are hurt now.”

“Okay.” Her eyes are twinkling with merriment and she leans over the counter. I smell vanilla and it makes my head spin. Vanilla is my new favorite scent. “I’m sorry for real this time. How can I make it up to you?”

I rub my chin as if I have to seriously think about her question. “How about I get back to you on that?”

She nods. “So Lilly, if you don’t mind me asking, what are you doing working on graduation night?”

She shrugs and turns to wipe a spot on the counter that she had just cleaned. “They were short staffed and I need the extra money.”

“I know what you mean.”

“Where do you work?”

“Best Buy,” I answer sheepishly. “I can get you a discount on anything in the store.”

She laughs and I melt. “Thanks.”

Glancing at my watch, I’m disappointed at how late it is. “Speaking of work, I have to go. I have to be in at seven tomorrow.”

“Oh.” She looks disappointed and my heart skips a beat.

I spot a pen sitting next to the register and I scribble my number on a napkin. “In case you want to do this again,” I say as I slide it in front of her. “You don’t have to call…”

Her eyes flash and I can’t imagine what she’s thinking. “But just in case I do,” she folds the napkin and tucks it in the pocket of her apron.

“Goodnight, Lilly.” I lean across the counter, she tenses, but I can’t stop myself. My lips find her cheek, lingering for a few seconds before I pull away and stand.

I head to the door, my head in the clouds and her scent lingering around me. I hear her voice calling after me and it makes it even sweeter.

“Goodnight, Max.”

TBC……

See you next Saturday

[sweetbrowneyes]

Thanks for the feedback guys. All of your questions will be answered soon, I promise lol

<center>Chapter 6</center>

I leave work with a new DVD and CD that I don’t need. Alex is waiting for me at the entrance, smiling eagerly. I can already guess what we’re going to be talking about on the way home.

“So…”

“No, Isabel hasn’t called,” I answer before he asks. It somewhat bothers me that he’s so into her. But if there was anyone that my sister could be with, I’m glad it’s Alex. I trust him. And if he does her wrong, I know I can beat him down.

“That’s not what I was about to say.” He doesn’t have to see my disbelieving look before he caves. “Fine. Well at least do you know when she’s visiting again?”

“Sorry dude,” I laugh as we climb into my car. “You know if my father finds out about this…”

“I know. But I can’t help it. Do you know how gorgeous your sister is? You know we made out at the airport… in the bathroom.”

I cringe. Why does he have to be so open? “Eww. I’d thank you not to tell me about you and my sister’s excursions.” I shudder as an image of Alex and Isabel in the bathroom pops into my mind. “It’s not right.”

“You know she said she was going to ask if she could come and spend the summer up here.” He turns to me with a wide smile and I can honestly say that I’ve never seen him so giddy before. It’s kind of sickening. Mostly because I wish I were the one feeling what he is.

“Sorry to burst that little happy bubble you’re floating in, but my dad’s not going to go for that.” Still his smile stays. “He’ll say that you’re too old for her. And knowing Isabel, it’s probably not as serious for her and it is for you.”

That brings him down from his high quickly and he glares at me for ruining it. “Why do you always have to bring the negative into the situation? You couldn’t just let me revel in my happiest?”

“Sorry,” I chuckle.

“I swear, you and Michael are the worst friends…”

“You don’t give me gas money,” I retort. “I deserve to ruin your happiest once in awhile.”

I laugh when he flips me off, returning with a jab to his arm.

When I drop him off, he drops a twenty dollar bill on the passenger seat. “You really know how to lay on the guilt,” he laughs.

“It’s a gift.”

We knock fists, something we’ve done since we were in the fifth grade before he disappears into his building.
*************

I ignore my mom’s suspicious eyes as I make my way around the kitchen, gathering the ingredients I will need to make my world famous peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

I glide pass Mom who is sitting at the table, trying to get my attention with her wary glare.

“So Mom how’s life with new gutters?” I ask, temporarily turning from my sandwich masterpiece.

She reaches for a grape from the bowl in front of her and the smile she’s sporting has me suspicious now.

“Oh the gutters are fine.”

“They’d better be after going through five different companies,” I grumble.

She pops another grape into her mouth. “I just wanted to make sure the guy was going to do a good job and not charge me an arm and a leg,” she rebukes. “Money doesn’t grow on trees you know…”

“I know, Mom,” I sigh.

I put the finishing touches on my sandwich and take it, mouth watering, to the table. Mom continues to send me looks across the table and I get halfway through my sandwich before she breaks.

“Well?” she shrieks.

“Well what?”

“Aren’t you going to share why you’re in such a chipper mood today?” Probably spotting my smitten smile, her wary glare turns into a knowing grin.

“Who’s the girl?”

I sputter, huffing, not only because she’s right on target, but because she seems to think that I can only be this happy when a girl is involved. “What makes you think this has anything to do with a girl? I could’ve won ten million dollars, discovered Jimmy Hoffa, figured out the meaning of life… sooo many possibilities.”

“Yeah well,” her smile widens and I know it’s only a matter of time before she gets the truth out of me. “Out of all those possibilities, a good woman is the only one that can put that goofy smile on a man’s face. It’s our gift.”

Abandoning my sandwich, I lift my hands in surrender. “Okay, fine. There is someone… sort of. Her name’s Lilly and I really like her.”

“Aww,” she coos.

“But she has a boyfriend so… there’s not much I can do.” Her smile drops into a pout and I have to laugh. She acts like she’s the one with the crush as big as a two ton whale. “But last week, after graduation, I went to the restaurant where she works and we talked…”

“And?” she prompted, leaning forward for more.

“And nothing,” I shrug. “I gave her my number and I think she likes me but, we’ll see.” I causally return my attention to my sandwich and finish it off with ease.

Though I play it cool, I’ve been antsy all week, practically waiting by the phone for her to call. It wasn’t until Michael laughed at me for how ridiculous I looked sitting on the couch, staring at the phone as if it would make her call me any sooner that I decided I needed to get a life.

Lilly makes me feel like I’m back in high school, uncertain, albeit horny. It sounds bad, but I’m still a guy.

I’m broken out of my thoughts however when Mom waves her hand in front of my face. I had obviously drifted off in my mind and I blush at being caught.

“You’re really falling for this girl aren’t you?” As she fans at her welling eyes, she holds one hand to her chest.

“Mom, it’s not like that. I don’t really know her all that well.”

“Well you know if it’s meant to be, it’ll be.” She gets up to put her now empty bowl in the sink. “Besides, I raised you well. No girl should be able to resist you.”

“You’re blowing your own horn there aren’t you Mom,” I tease. “I have something to do with it.”

She shrugs and I laugh. “Maybe.”

“Yeah, maybe,” I snort. My sandwich properly devoured, I set my plate in the sink for her to wash. She gives me an evil look to which I simply smile.

“Since, I’m so graciously letting you have all the credit for all the women that find me so irresistible, I think I deserve a special dinner tonight.” I hop onto the counter and put on my best smile, the one that I’ve learned that mothers can’t resist. “I’m thinking pasta… or baked chicken possibly.”

She pats my knee as she limps by, headed for the living room. “How about you get off my counter and you cook your own dinner.”

Prepared to whine, I follow her. “Mom...”

“Max, you’re a grown man now. You can cook for yourself.”

“But…”

“I have plans,” she says simply. She walks into her bedroom, leaving me standing alone.

“What’s more important than you’re only son?” I call. I know it was a low blow, but I’m in the mood for a good home cooked meal. And since when did my mom have plans? And since when did I have to cook for myself? Not that I can’t. She’s always taught me to be independent, but still, there’s nothing like my mom’s cooking and she’s never minded cooking me a hot meal every once and a while.

Highly curious now, I make my way down the hall and stop in front of her door.

She’s standing in front of her closest, hands on her hips. “All I want is a little pasta Mommy,” I pout.

“Mommy?” she laughs, but doesn’t look away from the closest. “You’re an evil son. Now you’re making me feel guilty.”

I make myself comfortable on the edge of her bed and watch her rummage through her clothes. “You don’t look it.”

“I hide it well.”

“My mommy always told me to never hide my emotions,” I retort teasingly.

“Wise woman,” she quips. I’ll wear her down. I know it. It was what I was put on this earth to do.

“And she also said that family comes first.”

“Family is first. But now that family is a grown man, it’s time to work on number two for a little while.” She pulls out a little black dress, one that I never knew she had. It looked like something a woman my age would wear. “What do you think of this?”

“It’s very…short.”

“Good.” She sets it aside and begins rummaging through her many shoes.

“Okay. What’s going on here? You’re not going on a date are you?”

She shrugs. “It’s just dinner. No big deal.”

In an instant, I’m on my feet, taking the little black dress from her hands. Moms aren’t allowed to date. And they especially aren’t allowed to wear little black dresses. “With who?”

“Robert and I have been talking for awhile now.” She snatches the dress back, giving me a warning look. “Every since he came over to give me an estimate on the gutters…”

“The gutter guy?!” I shriek, surprising myself with my high tone. She raises a brow and I step back to calm down. “You’re dating the gutter guy? Mom…”

“Max, relax. I’m allowed to have a life you know. It’s been years since I’ve gone out.”

I shake my head in disgust. This isn’t right. My mom should be home, watching TV, flipping between Martha Stewart and the WWF. “But… but what about your leg?”

Grasping me by the shoulders, she turns me towards the door and gives me a slight nudge. “My leg will be fine. It’s just dinner.”

“But…”

“Go!”

Recognizing her tone, I, although reluctantly high tail it out of there.
***********

I can hear Savannah’s high pitched giggles even before I open the front door. When I step into my apartment, I see Maria sitting on the couch as she tickles her daughter senseless.

“Hey Mar.”

“Look who’s here,” she coos. Savannah stands on Maria’s legs, waving her arms at me. “It’s your fairy Godfather.”

“Sidesplitting. Really Maria,” I snort dryly as I steal Savannah from her lap. “It wasn’t funny the first time you said it and it’s not funny now.”

I hold Savannah above my head, nibbling on her chubby cheek as she giggles. “I’m a manly Godfather, don’t you think Sav?” I take her gibberish as a yes and send Maria a triumphant glare.

“What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were off today.” I place Savannah back onto her lap and head into the kitchen in search for a beer.

“I am, but Sav wanted to see the grinch and I couldn’t deny the look on this little face.”

“Keep calling me names and see what happens,” Michael roars as he storms in from his room, working on the buttons to his shirt.

“Are you threatening me?” her tone clearly asking for a challenge.

Maria stands, ready to fight, but I step in, pushing her back down before whatever ridiculous thing they’re fighting about now gets out of hand. “Would you guys chill out?”

Michael scoffs, and moves to take his daughter from Maria’s lap. She grudgingly lets him seeing as Savannah was calling for him.

“You two are the most infuriating people in the world. Both of you are too stubborn to see what’s right in front of you and if you keep acting like kids, you’re going to lose it. You’re so perfect for each other it’s not even funny.”

Maria snorts in protest. “Yeah right.”

“No, I’m serious Mar. You guys have something beautiful here. You have a gorgeous daughter and if you’d just grow up and handle this like adults, then this whole thing wouldn’t be an issue. It’s a weird concept to you guys, but you’d probably be happy for once.”

Their gazes fall on each other and for awhile, I think I’ve actually knocked some sense into their thick heads.

Maria is first to turn away and she quickly gathers her things. “I’ll be back in a few hours.” She brushes pass him and storms out the door. Okay, maybe it didn’t penetrate as much as I thought it did.

Michael huffs. “Whatever.” He holds Savannah higher on his hip and shoots a glare at me before turning down the hallway. “Check your messages, Maxwell.”

I collapse onto the couch, wincing as I land on a broken spring. Getting a new couch is another thing on my ‘to do list’. I reach for the phone behind me and punch in the numbers so I can listen to my messages.

There’s one from Tess, going on about some guy she met. I quickly click to listen to the next one.

“Hey Max…” The soft voice has my attention in an instant and I sit up straight, my heart quickening its pace in excitement. “Um this is Lilly… You know from the café.” I snort. Yeah, like I could forget her.

“I feel really stupid doing this and … So I’ll just… Why am I doing this?” she adds in a whispered moan. I highly doubt that was supposed reach my ears.

“When is the next time you’re doing your laundry? ... You probably think I’m crazy for asking. I um… I just thought that we could do our laundry together and talk like before um…”

I let out a loud whoop. “Fuck yeah!” Immediately I cover my mouth, remembering Savannah in the other room.

I tune back in just as she lets out a nervous laugh. “I’m really embarrassing myself right now so… i-if you want to, I’m going to be at Coin Laundry on Saturday around three so…. Yeah…. bye.”

It almost hurts to smile so wide, but I couldn’t care less. Falling back against the lumpy cushions with a giddy albeit unmanly sigh, I replay the message, her voice sweeter every time.

I realize that maybe I’m reading too much into it. Maybe she just wants to be friends. But it doesn’t right now because I have a quasi-date with the woman of my dreams.

TBC……

See you next Saturday.

[sweetbrowneyes]

Okay, this one's little long, but I couldn't find a cut off place. lol Thanks for your comments. I really appreciate it guys. Now, on with the story.

<center>Chapter 7</center>

“Have you talked to Dad yet, Is?” I shift positions on my bed, cradling the phone between my ear and shoulder as I watch as Tess rummage around in my closet.

When she turns around to see me watching her, she smiles. “You watching my arse?” she giggles, wiggling her butt.

I roll my eyes.

“Actually, I did,” Isabel says.

My brows rise in curiosity, all the while denying the shirt that Tess has picked out. She rolls her eyes, tosses it aside and searches for another. “And?”

“And…” Isabel teases.

“What?” I demand.

“Guess.”

My sister can be so annoying sometimes. “Since you’re not screaming in my ear and I haven’t heard that Roswell’s been drowned with your tears, I’m guessing he said that you could come for the summer.”

She lets out an ear piercing squeal, one that gets Tess’ attention from deep in my closet. She gives me a funny look before returning to her search.

“Mom was a little reluctant, but I can be very charming,” she laughs.

“You mean you whined and she gave in.”

“Exactly. We double teamed Dad and he only gave in because I told him it was the perfect opportunity for me to go apartment hunting in New York. He said that you’re going to have to help me with that.”

I reject another one of Tess’ choices with an impatient look. She chucks a shoe at me which I promptly dodge. “Of course… Wait, you got in to NYU!?”

“Surprise, surprise! We’re practically going to be neighbors!”

“Oh joy,” I joke wryly.

“I’ll ignore that sarcasm and pretend you’re really excited about this.”

I am. “I’m ecstatic, and I can’t wait to see you.” Tess’ glare kind of has me scared when I reject another shirt. “But we’re going to have to figure out the details later…” I dodge another shoe and this time, I retaliate with a pillow to her face.

“Arse,” Tess giggles.

“I have to get ready for a date,” I tell Isabel.

“Oh wow! You finally have a date!”

“Shut up, Is. Just because you go out every night…”

She laughs. “I’m not saying anything. It’s just been a long dry spell for you…”

I hate sisters. “I’m hanging up now.

The blush turns up on its on accord when she starts making kissing noises and I quickly hang up. But just as I do, I’m smacked in the face with a pillow.

“Tess!”

“Get off your arse, you barely have thirty minutes to get ready.”

“I don’t know what to wear. This is a delicate situation,” I whine, following her over to my closet. “I don’t want to look like I just threw something on cause then I’ll seem like I don’t care. But then again, I can’t look like I spent too much time finding something cause then I’ll seem anxious and desperate…”

“Which you are,” she snorts.

I glower at her, to which she simply flutters her lashes. “You know, you’re not being very helpful.”

“Well, you’ve pooped on every shirt I’ve shone you. You asked for my advice, didn’t you?”

I huff, anxiously itching to see Lilly. “Well, you’re a woman aren’t you? Where’s your sense of fashion…sense.”

“Fine.” Sighing heavily, she pulls out a pair of worn jeans and a light blue button up shirt. “Fashion, meet sense.” I wrinkle my nose in distaste.

“What now?”

“I don’t like that shirt.” I hurry to my dresser and pull out my favorite green shirt and hold it up for Tess to see. “What about this?”

“That’s about as ugly as a bowl of arseholes.”

I quickly yank off my t-shirt and pull the green one over my head. “This is my favorite shirt.”

Still, she’s grimacing as I model for her. “It’s not my cup of tea. But, whatever.”

Satisfied with her semi-approval, I rush into the bathroom for a quick shower. And after dressing and styling my hair, I step into the living room. Tess looks up from the TV.

“Well?” I do a spin for her. “Is this not Laundromat attire?”

“Sure,” she snorts, returning her attention to Family Feud. “Bloody hell. You look like walking chunder in daks.”

I frown in confusion. “Translate that in American please.”

She smirks. “You look like walking puke in jeans,” she drawls in perfect all-American accent.

“But this is my favorite shirt,” I argue.

“Okay, but that doesn’t mean your favorite shirt doesn’t look like chunder.”

My jaw drops open and I wonder how she has the audacity… “I don’t care what you say, I wearing this shirt.”

She shrugs as if this isn’t an important decision. I have to make a good impression. “Fine. Wear it.” I send her a hateful glare as I grab my keys, wallet and laundry bag and head out the door.

“But don’t be surprised when she hurls all over your chunder shirt,” she laughs as the door closes.

When I heave my bag into the back seat of my car I catch my reflection in the side view mirror. I let out a string of curses before I hurry back to my apartment.

Tess is waiting, smug smile in place with the blue button up dangling from her fingers.

“Shut up,” I mumble before she can utter a thing.

I tug on the shirt and I must admit… but not to Tess… that it does look better. Tess unbuttons the top three buttons, exposing my chest.

“There’s the sexy bastard I know.”

“Thanks.” I pull her into a quick embrace before rushing out the door.
***********

“This machine is taken.”

The woman answers my polite smile with a sharp glare. “Being stingy never got no body anywhere,” she mumbles.

“There’re other machines that aren’t being used,” I say, still trying to keep my polite demeanor. I’m in a good mood lady, don’t test me.

“I can use this one if I want to,” she argues.

“Not if it’s already taken, ma’am” I growl. She huffs, throwing her unruly red hair over her shoulder as she stalks away.

I’ve been waiting for over fifteen minutes and Lilly still hasn’t shown. I’ve been forcing myself to remain calm. Maybe she’s not a very punctual person. Or she’s possibly running late. I imagine that’s she’d distressed over what to wear. Maybe she wants to look good for me.

With that thought I decide to start my first load. I shove my carefully separated clothing into the washer and deposit a few coins in the slot.

Someone taps my shoulder and I growl in frustration. “Look lady, go find someone else to pester… Oh! H-Hey Lilly.”

“Hi.” I stare stupidly with a goofy grin as she drops her bag beside her feet and tucks her loose flowing hair behind her ear. “I didn’t mean to pester you.”

I jump to assure her. “Oh! No! Not you… never you… I…” she giggles and I realize she’s teasing me. “This woman was trying to steal your machine,” I explain, nervously shuffling my feet. Gone is my calm demeanor, I’m nervous as hell.

My eyes are drawn to her mouth as she pulls her bottom lip between her teeth. I would love to nibble on her lips. They move gracefully as she speaks and I’m so entranced, I realize she’s waiting for me to reply.

Berating myself for staring, I manage out a stupid, “Huh?” and concentrate on listening to what she’s saying.

She shifts uncomfortably on her feet. “I said I’m sorry for making you wait. I got caught up at work.”

“It’s okay. I just got here myself,” I lie.

She nods, and begins to load her clothes into the washer. I take a seat on the bench in front of the machines, watching her and enjoying the view immensely. She’s wearing a simple pink t-shirt and jeans that hug her hips perfectly. Her neatly trimmed dark hair falls halfway down her back in a smooth wave.

I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful.

I can smell her soft vanilla scent when she sits next to me. “Hi.”

“Hi,” I return, laughing at the awkward tension.

“I like your shirt,” she says, blushing as she reaches out, fiddles with one of my buttons before pulling her hand away.

Thank God for Tess.

“Thanks. I like yours too.” She laughs and I can tell she relaxes a little. “So uh… I didn’t think you were going to call.”

“Yeah well, doing laundry with a friend is always better than sitting here by myself,” she laughs.

I gasp in mock distress. “So you mean I’m just a step up from loneliness? How come my ego deflates ever time I’m around you?”

She smiles. “That’s not what I meant. I just mean that you’re a nice guy. There aren’t enough guys like you around.”

My heart does a flip. She thinks I’m a nice guy. And nice guys always finish first… most of the time… hopefully.

“Thanks. And I think you’re a nice girl.”

She slips a lock her hair behind her ear as her lips curl up in a coy smile. “Thanks.”

“I uh… I bet your boyfriend wouldn’t be too thrilled to find out that you were hanging out with a nice guy.”

I immediately regret bringing that into the conversation. Not only because it tears my heart in two knowing she’s taken, but because her smile gradually dims until her lips are pursed in a thin line.

Mouth, meet foot.

“Actually,” she starts quietly, “I’m… as of a few days ago we’re not seeing each other anymore.”

I’m not sure what to make of the expression on her face. “Oh. I’m sorry. I hope it wasn’t anything I did.” Once I realize what I’ve just said, I wince at how it sounded. “That has got to be the most self-centered thing anyone has ever said,” I chuckle nervously. “I meant, I hope he didn’t find my number and…”

She smiles, immediately putting me at ease. “No, it wasn’t that.”

I nod, but I still feel responsible. Maybe it’s because I’ve been praying for them to break up since I found out she had a boyfriend. “Lilly, I just want you to know that I never meant to overstep any boundaries when I gave you my number. I knew you were with uh…”

“Ethan,” she adds.

“Yeah. Right. I knew you were with him, but I’m not one to step on another guy’s toes. I wanted us to be friends.”

Her smile returns. “I know Max. Like I said, you’re a nice guy.”

We fall into an easy conversation and I realize the more we talk, the deeper my crush grows.

At one point, I ask her if she’d like to get ice cream while we wait for our clothes. She readily declines, fidgeting while saying she wouldn’t want to leave her stuff and come back to find it stolen. I shrug, content to just be near her.

I’ve lost track of time and we stay and talk long after our clothes are done washing. It’s late into the afternoon when she starts to pack up.

“I had a great time today Lilly,” I tell her, “Finally I found someone I can have an intelligent conversation with about CSI.”

“I had fun too, Max.”

“Good,” I sigh, stalling for time. I’ve been trying to gather the courage to ask her to dinner. I decide to just come out with it. “I was wondering, maybe you’d like to have dinner with me tonight.” She looks surprised and her fidgeting returns. “That is if you don’t have any plans. I’d understand…”

She’s biting her lip. “I don’t know Max. Maybe we shouldn’t…”

“Come on Lilly. Don’t make me beg because I’m not above it.” I’m desperate, but I don’t care. I’m sure she’s realized this by now and I’ll do anything just to be with her.

“I’m starting to realize that,” she giggles.

I ease my hand towards hers. First lightly trailing my fingers over her arm and judging her reaction to see if my touch is welcome. She subtly pulls away, and resumes putting her clothes in her bag. I can take a hint and instead, shove my hands into my pockets.

Feeling rejected, I begin to pack up, but as I look at her, I can’t help but feel that funny feeling in the pit of my stomach. Maybe I’ll try again another…

“What time?”

I almost get whip lash as I turn to her in shock. I stammer horribly. “Oh! Um… I uh, maybe six… I guess.” My casual shrug greatly contradicts the maniac pounding my heart is doing. “I know this great Mexican restaurant…”

She shuffles her feet, tucking her hands in her back pocket. “I was thinking that maybe we could have dinner at your place. I… I just don’t feel like being around a lot of people right now,” she explains when I lift my brows in surprise. “I-If it’s okay with you, I mean.”

You can move in if you want to. Luckily I don’t embarrass myself by saying that out loud. “That’s fine. We can hang out at my place. I can pick up a few movies.”

She lets a nervous smile touch her lips as she hoists her bag on her shoulder. I run out to my car to retrieve a pen and paper and I quickly scribble down my address.

“How about we decide what to eat when you get there?” She agrees readily, and I quickly say goodbye and hurry home all the while wondering how the hell I’m going to get my apartment clean by six o’clock.
***********

Lilly buzzes just as I stuff the vacuum back into the closet. “Come on up,” I say through the intercom. Her soft answer filters through the apartment and I have to take a moment to calm my excitement.

Moments later, she knocks on the door and I count to ten before I swing it open. “Hey. I’m glad you made it,” I say, stepping aside to let her in.

“Yeah… uh me too.” She stands rooted to one spot, her hands tucked into her back pockets as she surveys the room.

“Have a seat,” I say, guiding her gently to the couch. “Make yourself at home.”

“Thanks,” she murmurs softly, stiffly sinking onto the couch.

I frown. She bites her lip and begins to fidget, wringing her hands together tightly.

“Do you want anything to drink? Soda, water, juice, beer…”

“Um… I’m okay. Thanks.”

Nodding in acceptance, I sink onto the space beside her. “Does it smell in here?”

She looks at me for the first time since she’s been here. “What?”

“You just seem really uncomfortable. I sprayed that Febreze stuff… My roommate emits odors sometimes…” I chuckle at my sad attempt at a joke. “Am I making you uncomfortable?”

“No I…” A nervous laugh escapes. “I’m sorry. I… I’ve never seen a guy’s apartment so clean before.”

I laugh, choosing to ignore her sudden subject change. Whatever was bothering her, she seems to have let it go. She relaxes and an easy smile adorns her lips.

“Yeah well, it’s only because I’ve been running around here like a crazy person trying to clean. Would you like a tour?” After busting my ass to make this place spotless she damn well better want a tour.

She nods. I grab her elbow and lead her down the hall. After the tour and five minutes of her laughing at my “chunder shirt”, I throw the damn thing in the box to be taken to the Salvation Army and we order pizza.

I’ve inhaled close to seven slices and Lilly is looking at me weird. I shrug sheepishly, and even though I want another slice, I refrain from grabbing one.

“You can’t tell me that if say… Jessica Simpson was 50 pounds heavier that she’d still be as popular as she is,” Lilly argues. “It has to do with image.”

Somehow we’ve gotten onto the subject of unrealistic body images and what’s considered expectable for men and women. Sadly, I’m losing the argument, because she’s slowly drawing me to her side.

“I’d still like her,” I argue weakly.

She snorts and I laugh. “Of course.”

“What? She sings really well.” She gives me an incredulous look and reaches for another slice of pizza. “Okay, miss smarty. What if I was some pounds overweight?”

She shrugs. “What about it? You’d be no different. I mean you’d have the same personality. I’d still hang out with you.”

“Yeah, cause I’m such nice guy.”

She nods. “You are.”

“And nice guys, regardless of weight, finish first right?” I tease, finally giving in and reaching for another slice.

“Well,” she drawls. “Not unless the bad guy is bigger and stronger, yeah?”

“But a true good guy will always find a way to over come,” I argue, triumphant that I’ve won.

She shrugs and says, “But it doesn’t always work out like that. Not everyone gets a happy ending.”

I sputter, unable to come up with a rebuttal. “Whose side are you on anyway?”

She laughs. “Naturally the good guys,” she says. “But some bad guys can have appealing qualities.”

Her eyes are bright and twinkling as our gazes meet. It sends a shiver down my spine and I lean and little closer. “Well, I can have a bit of a bad side once in a while.”

She doesn’t respond, but she looks at me from under her lashes and I’m a goner. That look gets me every time and I’m sure if I wasn’t sitting, I’d be swaying on my feet.

“You have sauce on your face.”

She looks down as if she could see her own face. “Where?”

I laugh. “Here.” I have a perfect excuse to lean closer and I scoot over until we’re practically sitting on the same cushion. I gently wipe her face clean with a paper towel. Finishing it off with a kiss to her cheek, I linger there for a few extra seconds, loving the feeling of her smooth skin beneath my lips.

“Thank you,” she breathes softly.

Her cheeks are stained with a pretty blush. My lips meet her other cheek, and get lost in her scent, in her.

She’s tense, albeit unsure of what I’m doing. I’m not even sure. But I can’t stop myself. Her fingers twine with mine and I squeeze gently. She relaxes, knowing its okay. Still I breathe out, “I won’t hurt you.”

I can’t explain what’s happening. Before I know it, I’m traveling along her jaw, peppering slow, soft kisses on her warm skin. It leads me to her neck, her velvety, elegant neck. I don’t know where to land first and I drift a breath’s width away, leaving ghost kisses behind.

She shivers. My arms slide around her waist. I watch her to judge her reaction. Her eyes are closed, her brow furrowed in a slight frown, but still, she leans against me. Still I can’t explain what’s going on inside of me. I can’t put a name to what I’m feeling.

I feel her pulse beneath my lips, elated that her heart is beating just as fast as mine. My journey leads me to her collarbone and the mole just above it. I want to go further and I travel along her shoulder until her silk is replaced by cotton as it disappears beneath her shirt.

I don’t get to explore her further and taste the other birthmark I spotted on her shoulder because she pulls away, violently ripping me from my trance.

“I… We can’t. I’m sorry.” Her eyes are still closed and her frown has grown deeper. She folds her arms across herself as her eyes flutter open. Then, I know she wants this just as much as I do.

I can see it in her eyes. And in the moment, I know, I can feel myself falling.

TBC……..

Saturday

[sweetbrowneyes]

Hey all. I know I missed two Saturdays, but I’m finally back with a new part. But before that, I just wanted to respond your comments.

Erina: Yes, Lilly really did have a bofriend. Why they broke up, I can’t tell you, but you’ll find out soon.
begonia9508
FSU/MSW-94: I was beginning to think that everyone had forgotten about this fic. So thanks to you for all of the bumps lol.
linliz68: I can’t wait to see where I’m taking this either, Lindz lol.
Michelle in Yonkers: I’m glad you refound this. I’ve been put in a similar situation as Max so I know how he feels.

Hmmm....

I don't know, but something tells me that it wasn't a birthmark that he was kissing. I'm thinking it was a bruise of some sort and Lilly didn't want him to notice or investigate it further so she moved away.

Did her ex beat her?

You’re the only one who mentioned that. I’m not confirming nor denying it though cause that would be telling.

anonymousarfan: Lilly’s story will be revealed in time.
Luzser1800
Elci
RoninBehr

I try and put a lot into this story and I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you guys are reading and enjoying. It makes me forget how much I hate my boss at work. Lol

Anyway, on with the story.


<center>Chapter 8</center>

From over the top of my menu, I watch this guy with narrowed eyes. I don’t like how close he’s sitting to my mom and I’ve got a mind to wedge myself in between them. I bet he has his hand on her knee, the pervert.

“Wow,” Mom exclaims, obviously trying to break the tension surrounding the cramped booth we’re crammed into, “these sausages look delicious.”

“I don’t know,” Robert drawls. “I think I’m going for the bacon and eggs.”

He’s so unoriginal, I sneer to myself.

“What about you Max?” he asks, his polite smile meeting my glare.

“I’d order baloney, but there seems to be enough of that here already,” I mumble to myself.

Obviously, Mom, with her eerily superior hearing, heard me anyway. I know this because I feel a sharp pain in my shin just after I said it. I wonder if I’m too old to claim child abuse. That way she’d be locked up and kept away from this Robert guy.

“I’ll just order pancakes,” I say. The sugary sweetness in which that statement came out could rot your teeth within seconds.

He swings his arm across the back of the booth, his hands landing on my mom’s shoulder like it belongs there; like he has a right to touch her. I resist the urge to snort out loud because I don’t want another kick in the shin.

“So Max,” he starts, “your mom told me you just graduated from college. Congratulations.”

“Thanks,” I mutter into my cup as I sip my orange juice.

“He studied computers,” Mom gushes proudly. “He’s probably going to be the next Bill Gates.”

Robert smiles and Mom says more, but I tune her out because the only thing I can focus on is how she’s leaning into him. They’re sitting so close. I doubt a hair could get between them. Who is this asshole and how did he manage to steal my mom within a span of two weeks?

“You know, Robert used to work with electronics too, Max. Tell him Rob.”

He shrugs as if it’s no big deal, which it isn’t. “I used to work with electronics.” It’s not like I’m going to automatically like him just because we may share one thing in common.

Mom smacks his chest and giggles. I almost throw up. “Tell him.”

“Sweetie,” he drawls, running his hands up and down her arm.” I just used to work at Radio Shack.” He turns to me wit a sheepish smile. “It wasn’t a life altering career or anything. I enjoyed it though and I can see why you’re so into it.”

I nod, pasting a bogus smile on my lips.

After the waiter takes our orders, Mom excuses herself to use the restroom. As soon as she’s gone, Robert gets the full force of my glare.

He acts like he doesn’t notice it and it makes me dislike him even more.

“Your mom and I have been dating for about two weeks and it’s funny we’re just meeting because she talks about you all the time,” he laughs, “and I feel like I already know you.”

“Funny,” I sneer, “she’s said close to nothing about you.”

He raises his eyebrows. Yeah buddy boy, you’re not that important. “Really?”

I sigh. “Look, Robert, I’m just going to come out with it because there’s no reason to dance around this. I don’t like you.” His attentive look turns into one of shock and I almost burst into laughter. “And I’m not going to pretend that I do.”

He regains his composure. “You shouldn’t have to,” he answers calmly.

“You’re not good enough for my mom and until she realizes that, I’ll hold my tongue around her. But if you hurt her, I swear I will come after you. Got it?”

“I got it, but I’m not going to hurt her,” he says. “I’m sorry you feel that way. But your mother is a grown woman and I think that she knows what’s best for herself. I’m not trying to take your place, but you are just going to learn how to share her.”

He doesn’t flinch from my glare, but meets it head on. It’s how Mom finds us a few minutes later when she returns. When she resumes her position in his arms, I start to gather my things.

Mom grabs my hand as I stand. “Where are you going?”

“I have to go pick up Alex from work,” I really do… in about two hours. I reach into my pocket and pull free some cash. “This should cover my bill. Thanks for breakfast Mom.” I kiss her cheek, unable to spare a glance to Robert before I high-tail it out of there.

Having nothing else to do, I decide to take it out on my gas tank and drive around the city for awhile. Before long, I find myself in the parking lot of Best Buy, waiting for Alex to get off.

When he steps out, I pull in front of the building. As soon as he slides into the car, I spill my frustrations out to him as I tear out of the parking lot. He holds on to the door handle for dear life as he calmly listens.

“Well, if you’ll slow down to the legal speed limit, I’ll tell you what I think,” he offers when I’m done ranting.

“I don’t want to know what you think,” I growl as I take my foot off the gas.

“I’ll pretend you do,” he retorts easily, “I think you need to get your head out of your ass and realize that your mom has her own life. She’s a big girl and she has enough wisdom to choose who she wants to see.”

“But that’s not the point,” I argue.

“Well then what is? Is it that even though this guy seems to make your mom happy you’re so selfish that you don’t want to share her.”

Damn him. “Well, when you put it like that…”

“And don’t you agree that it might be true that you don’t like this guy just because he’s dating your mom.”

“You might be a little bit right,” I sigh, now feeling guilty about the way I reacted. “But for the first time, I’m not the only man in her life. It feels like we have to compete for her attention.” It’s a little weird, but I guess its time to cut the cord. My mom’s all grown up now.

“Well, you shouldn’t have to, Max. You’re always going to be her son and you’re always going to be a priority for her, but you… you have to let her go.” He laughs a little as I do at how ridiculous that sounds. The roles have switched, it seems like I’m the parent and my mom is the child. I’m sure this is some indication of how I will be with my first daughter.

“I’m just not ready for her to date. But I guess that’s not my decision to make, huh?”

“Nope.”

I spare a glance his way. “When did you get so wise?”

“I’ve always been wise for my years.” I snort, earning a sharp glare from him.

“And I’m assuming when you got wasted at prom and barfed all over your date, you were wise then?”

“Totally,” he grins. “Her dress was hideous, I was just trying to glam it up for her, you know?”

“Yeah, because puke always brightens up an outfit.”

He laughs and I smile as we head for home.
*******

Standing outside my apartment door, I should’ve known not to enter when I heard the strange moans from the other side. But, being in the mood I’m in, I thought nothing of it.

I’m paying for that terrible decision.

Now, I find myself staring wide eyed at Michael’s naked butt as he mauls some woman beneath him.

“Oh my God!” the woman squeals. I know that squeal.

My cheeks burn harshly when I catch sight of Maria’s terrified green eyes as the two scramble to untangle themselves from the position they’re in.

“Fuck Max, don’t you know how to knock!?” Michael growls. I don’t look again until I hear the distinct sound of a zipper fastening.

“Last time I checked, this was imy apartment,” I glance at Maria who is trying desperately to act as if I didn’t just walk in on them going at it like horn dogs. I can’t help my amused smile.

“It’s about dame time.

“I thought you were spending the day with your mom and that guy,” Michael says.

“Change of plans.” With my brow raised and my arms folded, I stand in the awkward silence, waiting for someone to make a move.

Michael is first to cave under the tension. “I’m going to go check on Savannah.” He scampers off into his room and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him move that fast since Maria’s mom found out he got Maria pregnant and chased him with a wooden spatula.

I’m next to cave. “So, I’m just going to go in my room.”

Maria is eager to follow me. “I’ll join you.” Well then that kind of defeats the purpose of going in there anyway.

“I didn’t mean to do it,” she wails as soon as she closes my bedroom door. “I just came to drop off Sav. We started talking, we played with Sav and when she fell asleep, he said I looked cute…”

I laugh. Of course she would jump him because he said she looked good.

“One thing led to another and then…I’m just really confused right now.”

“Maria, this could all be really simple.”

“It’s not Max. I mean what if we start this thing over again and then end back up where we are. I can’t do this again Max. The dating scene sucks. There are like… no good men out there.” She blows out a long breath and rubs her temples, before she adds as an afterthought, “What is wrong with your sex?”

“We’re just misguided, I guess.”

“Badly.”

“Come on Maria. You act like Michael is the worst guy in the world. You know there’s worse out there.”

She shuffles over to my bed and lowers herself onto the edge. I join her, wrapping a comforting arm around her shoulders.

“Maria, are you sure you should be going through with this divorce. Are you sure this is really what you want?”

She shrugs and shrugs out of my embrace to pace in front of me. “I started thinking about what you said to us the other day. You know about how we were acting like kids and how we were perfect for each other… Max, I haven’t even signed the divorce papers yet.” She looks at me with such guilt in her eyes. And I’m speechless. “They’re tucked away in the back of my closet.”

“Well then what’s the hold up?”

“Every time we try and have a decent conversation, we end up in an argument and I don’t want to put Sav through that.”

“That’s something you can work on Mar. It’s not like you two have to jump right back into a heavy relationship. Maybe you should try working on being friends first.”

After a moment, she stops pacing and looks down at me with a smile. “Why the fuck are you so good at this. And why didn’t I fall in love with you instead?”

“Mental issue maybe?”

“For which one?”

“Both.”

She laughs and playfully punches my shoulder and I wonder when my turned into an episode of Dr. Phil.
************

I make it to Dominique’s just before it closes. The restaurant is empty except for a couple of waitresses cleaning up for the night, one being the object of my affections.

I haven’t spoken to Lilly since last week when she was at my apartment. I wanted to give her a little bit of space. She had, after all, just broken up with her boyfriend and I didn’t want to scare her off before I had her.

I purposely stayed away from this place as the urge to reach out a touch her would be too much. Now, I can’t resist and I stride confidently up to the counter. She looks up with a tentative smile as I slide onto a stool in front of her.

“Hey.”

“Hi.” She drops her rag into the bucket of water in front of me and wipes her hands on her apron.

“You keep showing up after the cook leaves. I’m starting to think you’re not here for the food,” she teases.

“Your burgers and fries aren’t what have me hooked on this place.” She smiles, biting her lip as she blushes.

I wait for her to duck her head as I would expect, but when she keeps her eyes locked on mine, it’s hard to look away. Her eyes are intense, a deep, dark brown. Mahogany. I find myself locked in a spell, swaying closer even in my seat.

What secrets lie beneath her deep depths and would she ever let me unlock them? I know there’s something more to the shy woman in front of me and I want to know everything there is to know about her. I want her to know me.

“Lil?” The other waitress’ voice quickly brings me back to the surface. Lilly spins on her heels, surprised by the outsider, and knocks the bucket of water over in the process.

I’m not quick enough to avoid the water from spilling into my lap.

“Lilly!” The waitress yells.

Seeing what she’s done, Lilly quickly grabs a hand full of napkins, runs around the counter, and then furiously rubs my thigh.

“I’m so sorry Max.”

Under different circumstances, I’d enjoy having her hands where they are. Okay… under these circumstances I’m enjoying having her hands where they are. I am still a guy after all.

“Its okay, Lilly, really,” I assure her, though she keeps dabbing at my pants. Her hands are dangerously close to my crotch and I catch them before she can go that far.

She looks at me with innocent eyes before her attention is captured elsewhere.

“Lil, I’m going to head home,” the waitress says. “Are you going to be okay?” She throws me a suspicious look. I frown, returning her look.

“I’m fine Serena. I’ll be home later, okay?”

This Serena girl throws a disapproving look at me. “You sure, cause I can…”

“It’s okay. I’ll be fine.”

She nods, though obviously reluctantly. She pulls Lilly into a hug. “Be safe,” she adds softly. Another look at me and she disappears through the back door.

Lilly, returns her gaze to my crotch and I shift uncomfortably. “I’m sorry, Max.” She takes my hand and pulls me from my seat. “Let’s get you dry.”

“It’s okay,” I reassure her again, though I’m unwilling to let go of her hand. “I like being wet from time to time.”

She laughs as she pulls me into the bathroom. “Take off your pants, Max.”

I gasp dramatically. “Why Lilly, I didn’t know you could be so forceful.”

Her cheeks stain a deep red. “Oh, I… I didn’t mean it like that.”

Realizing I’m teasing, she rolls her eyes as I laugh. She spins around, turning her back to me as I get my pants off. I feel a bit vulnerable standing in the middle of a public bathroom in my boxers.

Lilly takes my jeans and sits them under the hand dryer, avoiding turning towards me at all costs. I can’t help but smile.

I lean against the sink, trying to look as causal as I can, standing in just my shirt, boxers and shoes. “I haven’t seen you in awhile. How have you been?”

She shifts, murmuring a soft, “Good,” as she does. “You?”

“I can’t complain. Though this is the fifth time this week I’ve been half naked in a public bathroom,” I joke.

She laughs. “That’s got to suck.”

“Story of my life,” I add.

She inches her way to the door. “I should start closing.” I nod even though she won’t look at me to see it.

As soon as my pants are dry, I slip them on and join her in the restaurant. She’s sitting at the counter, sipping a milkshake. There’s another one beside her for me and I quickly take a seat beside her.

We fall into an easy conversation, effortlessly picking up where we left off a week ago at my apartment. Time is my worst enemy as it quickly flies by and I almost forget the reason I came here in the first place.

“There was actually a purpose for me coming here tonight. I wanted to ask you something.” She nods, encouraging me to go on. “I was wondering what you were doing tomorrow.”

She shrugs oblivious to my nervousness. “Nothing, why?”

“I was wondering if you wanted to hang out tomorrow. I want to take you somewhere.”

“Like a date?” She look apprehensive though her eyes brighten, my confidence increases.

“Sort of. I mean if you want it to be, that is.”

She nods. “Where to?”

“It’s a surprise.” I wince, hoping she doesn’t think I’m some kind of perverted kidnapper.

“I don’t know,” she drawls, biting her lip.

“It’ll be fun,” I assure her. “That is if you don’t mind the hour long drive with me.”

“I wouldn’t mind at all.” A small smile dances on her lips. “Can you at least give me a hint?”

She pokes her bottom lip out in a pout. What I wouldn’t give to kiss her right now. With that look I’d give her the world if I could. But I hang tough. I have some control.

“Sorry, can’t do that. But you’ll like it. I promise. Can I pick you up at your place around eleven?”

An uneasy look passes over her features. “Actually, um… can you meet me here instead?”

A heavy breath escapes me. She said yes! “Sure!”

“It’s just I remembered I have something to do….”

“It’s no problem.” She walks me to the door. I’m not sure if she’s aware of how close she’s standing. And I’m not completely clear that she didn’t just brush against me on purpose or by accident. Either way, I suck in a breath.

“Are you sure I can’t get a hint?”

Instead of answering, my fingers loop with hers as I lean in and kiss her cheek. “Goodnight Lilly.”

With a goofy grin, I leave, already anxiously waiting until I can see her again.

TBC………..

Saturday

[sweetbrowneyes]

Okay, I know it's not saturday, but I find that I'm really incapable of sticking to a schedule, so here's the next part.

FSU/MSW-94
Jason's Lover
begonia9508
anonymousarfan
sonii
RoninBehr

Thanks for your feedback. I hope you enjoy.

<center>Chapter 9</center>

Lilly is already waiting outside when I pull up, promptly at eleven. She sits with her legs crossed at the ankles at an empty table outside the restaurant. She’s wearing a fitted t-shirt and shorts to show off her shapely legs.

I don’t think I’ll ever get over how beautiful she is.

I pull along the curb. A smile brightens her face when she sees me and gives a little wave.

Along with lively butterflies, I feel nerves and excitement in my stomach as she gathers her purse and makes her way to my car. I unlock the door for her and she leans inside.

“Hi.”

She smiles at single lily that’s waiting for her in the passenger seat. She slides inside and brings it to her nose.

“I know you’d be rich if you had a dollar for every guy that’s given you lilies but… I couldn’t resist.” My cheeks burn with my lameness.

“I love it.” As to prove her point, she breaks off the stem and places the lily in her hair. “Thank you.” She grins, leans across the space between the seats and kisses my cheek.

My breath leaves me in a swift whoosh and my cheeks burn even further. I pull into traffic then, hoping that having to concentrate on the road would keep me from staring at her.

“So, can you tell me where we’re going now?”

I catch her playful smile when I steal a glance at her. “I told you, it’s a surprise.”

“Well can I get a hint?”

“How about we wait for about an hour and then I’ll tell you where we are.” I laugh when she pouts, obviously not falling for the bait.

“You’re going to actually make me sit here and suffer, wondering where you’re taking me for a whole hour?”

“Ah, the guilt trip,” I nod in approval. She definitely has skills. “I like your style. But it’s not going to work.”

“You sure? Cause I can lay it on pretty thick.”

“Positive,” I laugh. “I use that on my mom all the time and I’ve become a master at it.”

“You’re an only child?”

“Yeah. Well, I’m my mom’s only child. I have a step-sister.”

“Oh your parents aren’t together?”

“No. They divorced when I was like two and my dad moved to Roswell.”

“That must have been hard for you.”

“Yeah, we didn’t have much and my mom struggled, but she was good at playing both mother and father.” That’s exactly the reason why no one is good enough for her. My mom was everything to me when I was younger. She was my superwoman.

“Why’d your father move to Roswell of all places?”

I snort. “Because he was born there and that’s where his high school sweetheart, the woman he left my mom for lives.”

I’m met with her sympathetic smile. “A little bitter?”

“Just a bit,” I laugh. “You should’ve seen me when I first got old enough to understand why my dad wasn’t around as much like other kids. Bitter couldn’t even describe it.”

“That’s understandable.”

“Yeah, but as I got older it was more that I was angry that he’d hurt my mom than it was about leaving me.”

“Aww, you’re a momma’s boy.”

Taking my eyes off the road for a second, I send her a playful glare. “There has to be a manlier term for that.”

She laughs. “I think it’s cute. There aren’t too many guys that really appreciate their moms.”

“I told you I was a good guy.”

“And I never doubted you.”

We fall into silence but still my lips stay curled into a small smile. I can’t help this feeling that’s coming over me. Being with her, in this moment, it feels right like nothing has before. The little moments like this, it’s what makes me fall even deeper.

Nelly Furtado’s ‘Promiscuous’ plays for about the tenth time and I groan.

“Urg, I hate this song,” she cries.

“You too? I thought I was the only one.”

She shakes her head and turns down the volume. “I liked her before. You know when she wasn’t all ‘promiscuous’. Now she’s just like everyone else.”

“I guess that’s what you have to do to be successful.”

She gives me an incredulous look. “Selling out? Why does success ad money outweigh staying true to yourself? I mean, I like to see one person, just one stray away from the crowd.”

“Who’s to say that she didn’t change and now she’s promiscuous? Maybe she’s grown...maybe that’s just one side to her.”

She suddenly laughs, and she turns in her seat to face me. “You like to argue with me, don’t you?”

“I’m just looking at it from both sides.”

I flip stations. The same song is playing. Groaning, I switch off the radio and reach in the compartment between the seats for my CD case.

“Please pick something other than this.”

She shifts through my collection before she pulls one CD free.

One brow raised, she dangles it for me to see. “The Backstreet Boys?”

“What? I’m secure enough in my manhood to admit that I like them.”

She laughs and slips the CD into the player and as the first song plays I feel the need to add, “Just don’t tell anyone I do.”
**********

“Do you want your hint now?”

She gazes out the window as we pull into the paring lot of our destination. “I’m not sure I need it.” She gasps, her eyes widening in wonder. “Oh Max.”

“Welcome to Longwood Gardens, Lilly. I thought since you were studying landscape architecture, this place would be right up your alley.” I thank God for Tess. She was the one who found this place and thought it would be a good idea to bring Lilly here.

Once I find a parking spot, we get out and stretch before heading to the entrance. Even the outside of this place is beautiful, though I can’t tell one flower from the other.

Once we get admitted inside, I look to Lilly who is absolutely beaming beside me.

“So, where to first?” I ask, pulling out the map I grabbed. “How about we start at the West Gardens and then go from there.”

She turns her beaming smile from her surroundings to me. I’m momentarily blinded. “Okay.” Eager to get started, she grabs my hand and pulls me along, marveling at the different plants as we go.

We stop at the Chimes Tower and Waterfall and she points out the different types of flowers and trees. She says something about Japanese snowball and full moon maple, but I’m too focused on her hand tucked into mine.

As a test, I randomly point out a plant. She names it without hesitation. “Crabapple,” she says, scoffing. “Come on, I need a challenge.”

I marvel at her. “How do you remember all of this?”

She shrugs, looking out over the waterfall. “I just love this stuff.”

“When I was younger, I wanted to own my own landscaping business. Nothing big, just something so that I could do what I love to do.”

I can tell this is a passion of hers and I love seeing the light shining in her eyes as she’s talking about it.

“It was just a silly dream.”

“Why? I’m sure you could do it.”

She shrugs and continues down the paved walkway. Confused and curious, I follow her. We continue on in silence. Somewhere along the way, I manage to slip my arm around her waist. There is no protest from her and I continue pointing out things for her to name.

We ogle at the eye of water fountain before moving on to the central gardens. I excitedly guide her into the rose garden and the rose arbor simply because it’s the only flower that I can recognize. Lilly laughs at me and I’m content to let her teach me about the rest I don’t know.

As we leave the central gardens, I hear a low roar and she looks up at me with a blush as she holds her stomach.

“Hungry?” I tease.

I head back out to the car to get the cooler and blanket I brought before we make our way to garden’s picnic area.

We weave through the trees until we find a small clearing away from the crowd. I spread out the blanket and gesture for her to take a seat.

While she kicks off her shoes, I lay out our lunch. I had no idea what she liked, so I stuffed the cooler with various fruits, sandwiches, drinks and container full of cold chicken.

She watches me as I pull out all of this food and I blush. I am really a dork.

“Were you planning on inviting more people,” she teases.

My cheeks burn even more. “I didn’t know what you liked, so I wanted to play it safe.”

“I’m glad you did because all of this walking has made me hungry.”

“Help yourself.”

Once the majority of the food is eaten, she helps me clean up and we stretch out on the blanket. She lies on her stomach, propped up on her elbows. I rest on my back.

“We spent the car ride talking about me, what about you? What’s your story?”

“My story,” she says as a matter of fact. The hesitance is apparent, but throughout the course of the day, I can tell she’s relaxed around me. Hopefully she’s comfortable enough around me to open up so I can get to know her better. “I don’t know where to start.”

“Well, let’s start with this… Have you lived in Philly your whole life?”

“I was born here, but we moved to New Jersey before I started preschool.”

“Really? Where about?”

“Woodlynne. It’s not too far from here and it’s not nearly as big. My mom was pregnant and my parents had just bought this house they were going to fill with kids. I was the first, so I was excited that I was going to have siblings and I was going to be the boss over them.”

“Oh, you have siblings?”

“I had a sister. She was born months too early and died shortly after birth.” I roll onto my side, placing a comforting hand on the small of her back. “There were some complications during birth so my mom couldn’t have kids anymore.”

“I’m sorry.”

She smiles sadly. “Me too. I was five then. My mom didn’t cope well with losing Sarah… that was her name…my dad didn’t know how to comfort her so he lashed out when she would have her bouts of depression. They divorced when I was six. But they started dating again when I was eight and soon got remarried. I was their little flower girl.”

“I bet you were beautiful.” I brush a strand of her hair behind her ear. She smiles and my heart flutters. “Do your parents still live in Woodlynne?”

“They’re no longer living. My dad died in a car crash when I was sixteen and my mom died of a stroke three years ago.”

“Wow, I’m sorry. That must’ve been hard.” She nods, dropping her eyes to try and hide the few tears that have fallen. “I’m sorry, I didn’t meant to bring all this up. We can stop now if you want.”

Obviously these are scars that has yet to heal.

“No. It’s okay. It’s nice to talk to someone that genuinely cares.”

I nod, but still I change the subject o something lighter. “So how did you get into landscaping?”

“My dad first introduced me to gardening. I was terrified of getting in the dirt, you know. Having an encounter with a live worm wasn’t my idea of fun. I didn’t like it at first, but I did it anyway because it was always like this father daughter thing with us. It was our time. After awhile, I found myself thinking of ways to redo the back yard and I went crazy keeping the flowers healthy and the weeds away. Once I got good, I started giving tips to neighbors. I’m sure they got sick of me.”

I smile when she laughs and its only then that I notice that I’ve been running my fingers through her hair. I’m silently pleased she hasn’t moved away from me. So I take a chance and move closer. She’s so addictive and I hesitant for only a moment before I lean into her. I can’t help it.

I start with her cheek, and then her chin, my lips hovers close to hers. I wait for her to move away. She’s doesn’t.

With the first touch, it feels like my heart stops completely until she responds, moving her lips along mine. I slip my hand through her hair to cup the back of her neck. I could stay like this forever.

But just as I decide to do just that, she pulls away. In a daze, I stare when she sits up.

“Max, we can’t,” she insists.

“I didn’t mean to overstep my boundaries. I just… Lilly, I really like you and…”

She’s shaking her head before I’m even finished. “I’m not who you think I am.”

What? “What do you mean?”

“You don’t know me.”

“I thought that’s what we were doing, getting to know each other.”

“That’s trivial stuff.”

“It’s the little things that matter,” I retort.

“But it’s the big things that overshadow the little things. People don’t break up if they don’t share the same favorite color.”

I shake my head. “You’ve told me about your parents, your family, that’s not trivial. It’s a part of you.”

“They’re gone now.”

“They’re still a part of you. I want to get to know you.”

Her gaze meets mine. The spark is immediate and I wonder why it’s so difficult for her to see what’s obviously between us? While I’m falling head over heels, she’s trying to hide the obvious emotions swimming in her brown depths.

“My name is Elizabeth Parker.”

I perk up. “What?”

“My real name,” she clarifies, her head dropping, “Lilly’s just a nickname.”

It’s not her deepest secret, but I’ll take it. It’s something and we’re just in the beginning of this and although I have a feeling there’s more to it, I won’t push her. “Elizabeth.” I love it.

“I’d really prefer ‘Liz’. I haven’t been Liz in a long time,” she admits quietly.

“Liz.” It easily rolls off my tongue. It suits her. “Nice to meet you.”

Smiling softly, she takes my offered hand.

“Anything else you want to tell me? Ex con maybe? Mafia?”

“No,” she laughs, lightening a bit.

“How about we pack up? We still have a lot to see.”

She agrees readily, the excitement returning to her eyes and we quickly pack up.

After I run the cooler back to my car, Liz and I wander around the east gardens, hand in hand. We spend the most time at the Italian Water Garden before we move on the conservatories.

Liz is awed by the Exhibition Hall in the main conservatory and I’m particularly taken with the ballroom in the east conservatory. Even so, I ask Liz to dance in the middle of the room.

She laughs and gives me a crazy look, “Max, there are people here.”

“Yeah, but you’re the only one that I see.” It’s corny, but its how I feel.

Blushing, she takes my hand and we sway in the middle of this beautifully massive room. She laughs out loud when I twirl her and then pull her close again. The dip is next and she giggles when I pull her up again.

“You’re very graceful Max.”

“I try.”

We finish with light applause from a few people before we continue our tour through the gardens. We exchange stories of our childhood despite inevitable embarrassment until nightfall and we head towards the main fountains for the fountain display and fireworks.

“So what else, Liz Parker?” I ask as she leans against me. We’re sitting on the grass, looking up at the exploding fireworks. I gladly embrace her in my arms. “What makes you tick? What makes up Elizabeth Parker?”

“I don’t want to tell you,” she says with wide eyes.

“Why?”

“You won’t like what you hear.”

“Try me.”

“I don’t know if I can handle the disappointment.”

“You won’t have to.” Lifting my hand, I touch the soft skin of her cheek with my finger tips, lightly brushing over her flushed skin on my way to tuck her hair behind her ear.

“I won’t hurt you.” I faintly remember saying those same words to her a week ago in my apartment. And I still see the hesitation in her eyes. But as my hand flattens out to cup her cheek, she leans into my caress.

We meet halfway. Whatever this is between us is too hard to avoid and I don’t want to. She wraps her arms around me, holding on tight as we go deeper.

I know this feeling doesn’t come everyday. It’s rare and some spend their live looking for it. But I’ve found it and I’m going to do everything I can to keep it around.

TBC………

Here's a few pictures I found of the gardens on their website. There's like a million exhibits there so I'm only posting the few that I mentioned.

Chimes Tower and Waterfall (West Gardens)
Eye of Water (West Gardens)
Rose Arbor (Central Gardens)
Italian Water Garden (East Gardens)
Exhibition Hall (Main Conservatory)
Ballroom (East Conservatory)
Silver Garden (West Conservatory) This one wasn't mentioned, but I thought it was cool anyway. lol
Fountain Display

If you want to see more, go to the Longwood Garden's website. The place is beautiful.

[sweetbrowneyes]

Sorry for the wait everyone. I just got new furniture and I've been hauling ass trying to clean out my room. I've got junk piled up from junior high lol

FSU/MSW-94: Liz's secret will be reveal in about two chapters actually. Hang tight, we're almost there lol.
Ner
Ellie
anonymousarfan
Behrsgirl1230: 4 concerts! I'm so jealous. I've never seen BSB live. Though looking at them on TV ain't bad either. lol
Earth2Mama

Okay, but how do you get Lillie from Liz? Hmm....

Good question. It'll be answered soon.
begonia9508
RoninBehr
sonii
vampyrax
Erina


<center>Chapter 10</center>

I search for my ringing cell phone between the seats as I try and keep my eyes trained on the road.

Next to me, Alex is staring out the window in a trance, smiling stupidly at the passing scenery. He is so hopeless and it kind of creeps me out that he’s so into my sister which is why he insisted that he come along when I mentioned I was going to be picking her up from the airport today.

I almost expected him to come out of his apartment, drenched in strong cologne like he used to in high school. But luckily, he has learned from his mistakes.

Finally finding my phone underneath the seat, I flip it open.

“Hello?”

“Where the hell have you been you stupid bastard?”

I cringe at Tess’ thick accent from the other end. “What ever do you mean Tess?”

“You’ve been avoiding me…”

“I have not…”

“You have. You know I’m dying for details about your date with Lilly. It was my brains that came up with the good oil. I should reap some benefits.”

“You only found the place,” I return. “I paid, I drove, I did all the wooing…”

“There was wooing? You wooed her?”

“Maybe,” I smile secretively, thinking of the long kiss she gave me when I dropped her off at the restaurant. It left me so dazed I didn’t think to ask her why I was dropping her off at Dominique’s and not at her home at twelve at night.

“And as a reward for this wooing did you have a naughty?”

I can immediately feel a blush coloring my cheeks “Tess!”

She answers with a loud laugh. “Where are you? Come and get me. I’m bored shitless and I want to hear all about this.”

“Alex and I are on our way to get Isabel from the airport.”

“Well cut a yewy and get me.”

“Tess…”

“Please Max.” I can just hear the pout in her voice and I feel myself begin to cave. “Remember your chunder shirt? I saved you. Besides, I want to be there to greet your sister. You know, give a good hearty welcome to Philly. With me there she won’t have to be stuck with you two blokes as her welcome party.”

“Okay,” I moan, just to get her to be quiet. “You’re lucky I’m not that far from your house,” I tease.

“Oh you love me Max. You would’ve come no matter what.”

After I hang up with Tess, I turn the car around and head for Tess’ house. Alex looks panicked and I can’t help but snicker.

“What are you doing?” he shrieks.

“Calm down. You sound like a girl,” I laugh. “I’m going to pick up Tess.”

“Why? What about Isabel?” He turns in his seat, looking longingly back in the direction we were going, towards the airport. He is so hopeless.

“Her flight doesn’t land for another half hour. Relax.” His lips fall in an unmanly pout as he huffs irritability.

Like the ball of energy she is, Tess hops into the car, sprouting off immediately, demanding to know what happened between Liz and me.

“I swear she’s another Maria,” Alex jokes. I snicker in agreement.

Tess glares at the back of his head from the back seat before turning to me again. “So tell me, what happened? Did she fall into your arms? Did you kiss her?”

My grin answers it all and she covers her mouth to quiet her squeal as she falls back against the seat.

“Evans, you dirty dog you,” Alex grins, “You’re finally getting some ass.”

Even though I’m still reeling inside from the memory, I try and play it off like it’s an everyday occurrence that I get to be with the woman of my dreams. “It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Like hell it is,” Alex snorts. “You’re bursting at the seams.”

Pulling my lips inward, I try to contain my growing grin. “Admit it,” Tess demands, “Lilly’s got you by the short and curlies. It stands out like a dog’s balls. Details.”

“Okay,” I sigh, as if I’m not happy to relive one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. “First of all, her name’s not Lilly.”

“What? Does you have a secret identity or something?” Alex asks.

“No. She said that her name was Elizabeth, Liz for short. Lilly is just a nickname.”

Tess wedges herself between the front seats. “How do you get Lilly from Elizabeth?”

I shrug. I’ve been wondering that myself. I have a feeling that there’s more to that than meets the eye, but I’ve decided its best to let her tell me when she feels comfortable enough to. It’s not my business anyway.

For the rest of the way to the airport and during to wait until Isabel’s plane lands, I relay the details of my day out with Liz. When I’m done, I realize how anxious I am to see her again.

“Well,” Alex starts, patting me on the back, “I guess you now know how I feel about…. Isabel!!”

He takes off toward the terminal and I look on in confusion until I spot my sister’s blond head among the crowd. I follow Alex’s quick strides and soon find them locked in a tight embrace.

Looking at the two of them, I can see how much they like each other. I hadn’t realized how serious they were until now. I know Alex is a good guy and if Isabel has to date anyone, I’m glad it’s him. But still, I’ll have to “talk” to Alex about the proper way to treat my sister later.

“Hey lil’ sis,” I greet her, ruffling her hair before I pull her into a hug. “How was the flight?”

“Okay, I’d preferred not to wake up so early to catch it though,” she grumbles. I release her from my arms. She always has something to complain about.

I step back as she gravitates to Alex’s side. I start to suggest that we head out, but before I do, I feel a sharp sting in my side where Tess’s elbow has just connected.

Rubbing my side and pouting slightly, I gesture to the slight girl beside me. “Isabel, you remember Tess don’t you?”

A friendly smile brightens Isabel’s face and she reaches out to shake her hand. “Yeah, nice to…” Tess pulls her into a hug instead, “see you again.”

“Welcome to Philly, mate!”

“Thanks. So um… where’s Diane?”

“She’s getting your room ready,” I answer as Alex shoulders her carryon.

An uneasy look passes through her face. “Are you sure its okay for me to stay with her. I mean, I wouldn’t want to impose.”

I throw my arm across her shoulders. “Relax, you’ll have a good time.”
***********

Mom had a big dinner prepared when we arrived. Pork steak, rice and macaroni; Isabel’s favorite. After stuffing our faces, I dropped Alex and Tess off at home.

Now, I find myself in front on a familiar building, looking for a familiar face through the front window.

It’s mid evening now and the diner is half full. Pushing through the front doors, I pick through the remaining customers, looking for Liz among the crowd.

I spot Serena working behind the counter. I casually stroll up to her.

“Hey.”

“Hi,” she says with a polite smile. “What can I get for you?”

I scratch behind my neck. “Actually, I was wondering if Liz was here.”

She frowns. “Liz?”

“Parker. She works here.” This is that Serena girl, right? “She’s short with long brown hair, brown eyes.”

She’s still frowning, and I’m confused. How does she not know her? “I’m sorry, I don’t know a ‘Liz’.”

“Wait,” I call when she starts to walk off, “maybe you know her by Lilly? I’m the guy she spilt water on a few nights ago.”

Her green eyes widen in recognition. “Oh! Are you Max?”

“Yeah.”

She leans across the counter. “Liz has mentioned you a few times. You’ve made quite an impression on her.”

I’m really confused now. Didn’t she just say she didn’t know Liz? What the hell is going on here?

Serena digs into her apron and pulls out her order form. She rips off a sheet and scribbles something on it before tucking it into my hand. “I’m only giving this to you because I think you can help. If she’s let you in this much, she obviously trusts you.”

Unfolding the paper, I realize it’s an address. “It’s Liz’s,” she clarifies at my confused look. “You can do with it what you want. She’s a good girl but she’s caught up in some shit. Just don’t hurt her.”

The look she gives me leaves me with more questions than answers. She moves away to tend to another customer. But as I get up to leave, she catches my eye, nods, and then returns her attention to her patron.

I tuck the address in my pocket and walk into the evening air.
***********

I struggle to hear Michael’s lame attempt at a joke over the loud music thumping from the other room. When he throws his arm around Maria’s shoulders and bursts into laughter, I assume he’s just gotten to the punch line.

Maria is shaking her head and giggling beside him. I simply smile. I’m just happy that my friends are happy. Ever since I caught them going at it on the couch, they’ve been inseparable. They’ve started dating again and from what both of them told me, they’ve been trying to work out the problems that caused their split in the first place.

“Hey Max,” I’m met with Maria’s bright smile as Michael tugs her towards the living room where the dance floor is. “We’re going to dance, okay?”

Before I can answer, Michael pulls her out of sight, leaving me among the large crowd of partiers, feeling incredibly alone.

They’re the ones that dragged me to this party and yet they leave me here alone. Tess has disappeared with some random guy and Alex refused to come, saying college parties weren’t ‘his thing’ anymore, though I have a suspicious feeling that it has to do with the fact that my sister is in town.

I realize I won’t be seeing my friend much this summer with her around.

Now everyone has someone but me and wonder if it’s something I’m doing. What’s wrong with me?

Then, as if on cue, the throng of college goers part like the red sea and I catch a glimpse of the girl who has, since some months ago, ruled my world.

She looks unreal in a short blue jean skirt and fitted t-shirt. She has a way of making simple things beautiful and it has me captivated.

Before I know it, I’m just a few feet from her. I stuff my hands in my pockets and move the rest of the way to her.

She tenses when she sees me. “Hey Liz.”

“Hey.”

“I…”

“Babe? What are you doing?” We both turn to the intruder to see a tall blond guy slip between us. I’m sure my eyes bugs out of their sockets when he curls his arms around her and she leans against him. I wait for her to push him away, slap him… something!

Instead, she leans her head against his chest.

Wasn’t she just kissing me the other day? Wasn’t she just in my arms? Granted it was for one day, but still. I wonder what kind of game she’s running.

“Who are you?” the asshole asks. I shoot him a deadly look.

She looks up at the asshole that still has his arm around her. “Um, Ethan this is Max. Uh… He’s a client.” I frown at the obvious lie. Client? What is she hiding? “Max, this is Ethan.”

Ethan slaps my arm good-naturedly. “Nice to meet you.” I nod just as she starts to pull him away. “I guess I’ll see you around?” he calls back.

I watch them leave, my stomach dropping and my heart shattering into a million pieces. She’s back with her boyfriend. It’s obvious and I’ve lost her before I even had her.

Suddenly; I feel less like partying than I did when I came.

I go in search of Michael and Maria. I find Michael by the keg. “I’m leaving.”

He grabs my arm before I can leave without explanation. “What? Why?”

I gesture to Liz and Ethan dancing together. She looks uncomfortable and she glances my way before pulling him deeper into the crowd.

“Tough shit,” Michael grunts. He hands me a beer. “That’s just one broad. There are plenty of broads in the bank… I just made that up.” He grins proudly.

“I can tell,” I mumble.

“Anyway, what I’m trying to say is the fish and the sea.” He waves his hand around at the crowd. “There’s other women here that’s more than willing to be with you. If she wants to play games then you don’t need her.” He pops open the top to my bottle. “Go fish.”

He pushes me in the direction of a busty brunette who’s been eyeing me since I walked up. But I swing the other way. I don’t need to go “fishing”. How come the one I want is so damned hard to catch?

I make a beeline to the kitchen and out the backdoor, hoping a little fresh air will help.It’s a cool night.

I breathe in the air. It doesn’t help.

I walk along the short path through the small garden, silently naming off the variety of flowers I could remember Liz taught me. I wonder if she’s been out here, doing exactly this.

Settling on a nearby bench, I spot a couple making out on the other side of the lawn. I guess I know where Tess made off to. From the look of things, they’ve been at it for a while.

I turn away and instead, focus my attention to the half moon above as I gulp down a mouthful of beer.

I’m just about down the bottle when someone settles beside me. I don’t even have to look to know who it is.

She doesn’t say anything for a long moment. She tucks her hair behind her ear but it only falls back in her face when she ducks her head.

“It was just a misunderstanding,” she tells me. “Between Ethan and I,” she clarifies.

I chug the rest of my beer. Lord, help me, but I don’t want to leave right now.

“We’re back together now. He gave me flowers,” she adds as if that’d somehow make it okay in my eyes.

But it doesn’t matter. She was never mine to begin with. It was just a few simple kisses that rocked my world.

“Why are you telling me this?” In other words, why are you torturing me?

Her features are glowing from the soft light from the outdoor beams lighting the pathway. Her eyes meet mine and I see there the desire that I feel. “I thought you and I…” I gesture between us, wondering if what happened between us affected her as strongly.

“Max, it didn’t mean anything. I-I was caught up in the moment.”

She ducks her head and I don’t buy it. With newfound persistence, I scoot closer. “So you were caught in the moment while we were kissing during the fireworks and then again when I dropped you off?” She’s silent and I know that she wants what I want. And suddenly I need to know, “Why are you with him?”

“What?”

“I know you felt what I felt. You’re with the wrong person.”

“It’s complicated.”

“Why?”

“I love him. I…”

“Why don’t I believe you?”

“I-I don’t know. I…”

“Liz,” tentatively, I cup her cheeks, my fingers caressing her skin, “if you love him so much, then why are you out here with me?”

Her answer isn’t immediate. What ever wall she put in front of me to prevent me from getting to her is tearing down. But it’s the last thing I expected when she leans into my caress. And when she tilts her chin, I lean in.

“Anyone could walk out,” she whimpers though she leans closer.

I shut my eyes in sweet anticipation. “I don’t care,” I murmur just before our lips meet. We start where we left off, our tongues naturally tangling. There’s an added rush knowing her boyfriend is just inside. I’m never one for cheating, but I think I’ve fallen hard and I’ll take any opportunity to be with her.

At that thought, I pull away, noting the glazed look in her eyes and her slight pout. I bite back a smile.

“Come on.” Feeling giddy all of a sudden, I pull her up and quickly move to the tool shed at the far end of the yard. I want no interruptions. As soon as the door is shut, I once again drown myself in her.

I don’t mind that she’s clinging to my neck, her arms tightly wound around me. I fasten my arms around her petite middle and hoist her onto a workbench.

I groan trying my damnedest to get closer as I step between her legs which screw around my waist. Instead of calming the intensity, it only seems to fan the flames and I want more. I want all of her.

Liz whimpers. I know she wants the same thing and I swear I feel moisture against my cheek.

Liz pulls away, her eyes watering. I’m sure the confusion is clear on my face as I reach out to wipe a tear her cheek.

“Liz?”

“I’m sorry Max,” she cries, trying to slip from my embrace. But I hold strong. I’m not letting her get away from me again.

“Sorry? What’s wrong?”

Her legs fall from my waist and I step back a bit to give her some room. I duck down to try and meet her eyes but she looks away. “Liz?”

Grabbing her chin gently, I tug her face up. As soon as those beautiful eyes meet mine, her features contort and she whimpers out, “I’m so confused,” before she falls into sobs.

My heart twisting, she’s back in my tight embrace in seconds. And I make a silent vow that whatever she’s going through, I’ll be right by her side.

TBC……

Just as a heads up, starting with Chapter 13, the story will switch to Liz's POV so you'll get a look into what's going on in her head. I'll be back witht he next part as soon as I can.