School's started back up though. I'm not sure when the next update will be, but I'll try to get it done soon.Thanks,
Strawberry88- I’m glad you’re enjoying the story.
icequeen- Michael’s always full of surprises.
ShadowLight- I’m glad you like A/I because I’m liking where they’re going as well.
RhondaAnn- Wow. A lot to say. I like it. To answer your question, if I recall (LoL. I can’t even remember my own story.), Maria wasn’t introduced to anyone when Max first met Liz. So Michael doesn’t know. And Maria did go to school with Liz, but Michael had no reason to be suspicious of her, so he didn’t think to look. Also, Liz didn’t know about Max.
POM- I’m glad you feel passionate about the chapter. LoL. I liked your reaction.
tequathisy- Michael, caring and sensitive. Yeah, unusual. So does that mean it lasts? Hmmm…
Emz80m- My wonderful beta.
Nicoletta- LoL. I love your thoughts on each couple.
Sternbetrachter- What’s everyone going to do with all this information?
sox- Hopefully this was soon enough for you.
Alien614- Will it turn around at all?
Shadowlynxbehr- I like how you referred to Max as salvageable. That’s a good way to put it.
Thanks again and thanks for reading.
<center>Chapter 26- Falling Apart and Coincidences
“There isn’t coincidence. There’s no such thing.”
–Brandon Boyd</center>
“What happens now?” Isabel wondered.
I consider you lucky and fortunate if throughout your life, you never have to fear for it. I consider you fucking blessed if you, your family, your future and your family’s future are never in danger of being completely destroyed. So I’m pretty much saying that a lot of people are blessed. Max, on the other hand, he’s pretty much fucked over. Maybe.
Michael and Isabel leaned against the side of the limousine that was parked right on the tarmac. They stood with their arms crossed as they stared at the jet already down on the runway. They were just waiting for the hatch to open and for Max to come down the stairs of his jet.
Michael shrugged in response to Isabel’s inquiry. “Let’s hope your brother was thinking about that on his little vacation.”
When Liz ran out of Max’s office that day, Max ran too. He ran away from all of his problems, hopped on a jet and flew away. For a few days, Max disappeared. No one knew where he was, but he did call to let Isabel know that he was safe, he just needed a little break. At first, Isabel was furious. She didn’t receive that call until the morning after he left. She didn’t know where her brother was for about twenty-four hours and then she was angry because he left without telling her. Michael was there when Isabel received the call and when he explained everything, Isabel calmed down.
Funny thing: Amidst the situation they were in, business-wise, Michael didn’t panic. He didn’t stop Max from getting on the plane. Hell, the guy drove Max to the airport. I don’t really get where this calm or rationale from Michael came from. I guess he just realized that there were more important things to worry about than work and everything else besides love. Max was heartbroken. He needed to get away, so Michael let him. Michael was just hoping that while Max was away, that he was thinking, not only about Liz, but also about their business and what the release of their secret meant to their future. When you think about it, especially with a secret like this told to someone in the situation that occurred, you’d assume that you’re fucked, that the future wasn’t even imaginable anymore. Selfish thinking? A little, but a little necessary, don’t you think?
The hatch opened like a drawbridge and stairs appeared. Michael and Isabel pushed off the limousine, eagerly awaiting for Max to come into view. Wearing a brand new business suit, Max coolly walked into the doorway and stepped down the stairs as he placed his hands in his pockets. He spotted his sister and Michael about a hundred feet away. After that, he looked at the ground or to the side as he walked toward his family and he walked slightly sluggishly, solemnly. The confidence that Max normally emitted was just gone. You can tell that there was this void in him.
When Max was about ten feet away, Isabel met him halfway and wrapped her arms around her brother while he kept his arms at his sides. “Don’t do this again,” she whispered into his ear. “I was worried about you.”
Isabel let go and Max nodded understandingly. She got out of the way and Michael stepped forward, shaking his best friend’s hand.
“Welcome back,” Michael said with a nod.
And Max bobbed his head back. He wasn’t really looking up. He didn’t look into their eyes. Michael and Isabel exchanged glances of worry, but took the current situation with a grain of salt and tried to be cheery.
“Come on,” Isabel smiled. “You’re just in time. I was worried that you were going to miss the party.”
Michael, Isabel and Max climbed into the limousine and they were on their way back to the manor. It was a pretty silent ride. The only noise came when Michael poured everyone a drink. That was it. Isabel and Michael were nervously looking to each other, wondering what Max was thinking. Meanwhile, Max was just staring out the window.
“I’m not going tonight.”
Startled by the silence disruption, Isabel and Michael’s drinks nearly jumped out of their glasses. The two of them turned to Max and waited for an explanation or clarification, but he just sat there.
“Max, what are you talking about?” Isabel demanded to know. “It’s your party.”
Max turned in his seat to face his sister. “No, Isabel, it’s your party.”
It was New Year’s Eve and every year a ball was thrown at Ronin. On the invitations sent to all the elite, it said that “Max Evans will be hosting the annual Ronin New Year’s Ball,” when it really should’ve said “Isabel Evans” in place of Max’s name. Max hated having to attend the festivity, but it was a really big event, a big PR thing. Black tie formal. Everyone came—Well, all the “important” people. From socialites to celebrities. From businessmen to politicians. Let’s put it this way, when you walk into the restaurant tonight, everyone’s nose is going to be in the air.
“I throw it for you,” Isabel replied.
Max just rolled his eyes, turned back to the window and slouched even lower in his seat. “Whatever…” he sighed.
Isabel raised her eyebrow and stared at Michael, but he just shook his head, giving her that “Don’t Look at Me” look. Isabel rolled her eyes at him. To Max, she glared at him angrily. “You have to go. People are wondering you are.”
Max turned in his seat again; this time, much faster. “What are you talking about?”
“Your little disappearing act made news,” Michael answered. He grabbed the newspaper next to him and tossed it toward Max.
It wasn’t front page news, but it was still news. Max caught the paper and turned to where Michael instructed. There it was, “Evans Takes Unannounced Vacation.” It was just a little blurb, but who knows how else this news was announced?
“What else was there?” Max demanded to know.
“Internet, local news shows, a couple entertainment shows,” Isabel answered.
Max laughed to himself in disbelief. How could he make that much news? “What did you tell them?”
And Michael laughed at Max’s stupidity. “You know better than that,” he told Max. “Whatever we say, they’ll turn it around.”
“Which is what they did,” Isabel added. “You ask a stranger on the street, they’ll say you’ve joined a monastery.”
Max spat out a laugh.
“That’s why you have to be there tonight,” Isabel said. “You need to make an appearance.”
Max shook his head. “I don’t need to do anything. I don’t owe anyone anything.”
“Well,” Isabel said smugly. “I’m pretty sure that Liz is going to think that you’ve taken a vow of silence and have gone celibate.”
Max sighed heavily and stared out the window.
<center>*~*</center>
They walked along the beach with their shoes in one hand while they held each other’s free hand. Things were going great for Thomas and Natalie. Nothing affected them or their relationship. Natalie hadn’t seen Liz in days and though Thomas knew about Max’s sudden vacation, he didn’t know why his brother left since he wasn’t all that in touch with his big brother’s love life. Thomas didn’t really care. He saw it as an opportunity to see Natalie more often without having to worry about Max asking him where he was going. Anyway, what I’m saying is that neither of the two teenagers were aware of their siblings’ love lives.
“I really wish we could spend New Year’s together,” Natalie sighed.
Thomas nodded in agreement and brought his girlfriend’s hand up to his lips. “I know.” He took a deep breath and exhaled sharply. “I can sneak out for a few minutes and we can meet up.”
Natalie nodded. “Sure,” she replied. “So the party’s still going on even though your brother’s not here?”
Thomas shook his head. “I think he just got in. My sister and Michael went to pick him up.”
“You didn’t want to go?” Natalie asked.
“I’m not my brother’s biggest fan,” Thomas replied with a saddened chuckle. “I’m avoiding him at all costs. This thing between him and your father is so stupid, but my brother’s so fucking proud that he doesn’t want to get over it. I hate being around him.”
Natalie watched her feet as they walked through the sand. They walked right near the shoreline and she could feel the cold sand between her toes. It felt good, but she didn’t feel good if that makes any sense. She wasn’t happy that Thomas had this relationship with his brother. Natalie knew how much family relationships affected happiness. Look at her family. It was falling apart. Thomas’s family wasn’t big to begin with. She didn’t want him to lose his family.
“Do you think this feud between my father and your brother will end?” Natalie naively wondered.
As far as Natalie was concerned, she was only aware of the restaurant rivalry. Thomas, on the other hand, knew much more than that, but decided to ignorantly overlook it. It was pathetic though. The only reason that Max and Valenti were, metaphorically, at each other’s throats was because they were arrogant men who wanted to be king.
Thomas shook his head. “I don’t know,” he replied. “There’s a lot of convincing to be done. Or we could just shove them off their high horse.”
Natalie rolled her eyes, but laughed and jokingly elbowed Thomas in the ribs. “Really,” Natalie said seriously. “Do you think it’s possible? I don’t want to have to hide the fact that we’re dating.”
Thomas stopped and since Natalie kept walking, he tugged her back. He looked into her eyes and took a deep breath. After exhaling sharply, he smiled. “I don’t want to hide either,” he told Natalie. His smile disappeared. “But we have to. If our families find out, they’ll convince us that we shouldn’t be together.”
“I know,” Natalie nodded in agreement. “My sisters told me to stay away from you, which is so hypocritical of them. I mean, one of my sisters hooked up with your friend Michael and the other’s engaged to your brother.” It didn’t take long for Natalie to realize that she spilled a goddamn pantry full of beans.
Thomas glared at her with narrow eyes. “What?! Liz is your sister?!?”
Natalie’s head dropped down in disappointment. “Shit,” she mumbled beneath her sigh.
“This is so fucked up!” Thomas shouted. “Michael nearly threatened my life about seeing a Valenti, but Max can go ahead and marry one and Michael can fuck another?”
“Hey, don’t talk about my sisters like that,” Natalie snapped. She tugged her hand down, freeing it from Thomas’s grip. “Your brother doesn’t even know,” Natalie said, coming to Max’s defense. “At least, I don’t think your brother or Michael knows that my sisters are Valentis. They changed their last names.”
A regretful look came across Thomas’s face. “Natalie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way,” he insisted. “It’s just not fair.”
“Who cares if it isn’t?” Natalie exclaimed. “None of this is. And why the hell are you so angry at your brother anyway? Because he sent you away? Your brother couldn’t take care of you anymore. He couldn’t structure your life the right way. Are you going to hate him for that?”
“You’re defending him?” Thomas couldn’t believe this was happening. He couldn’t believe they were fighting like this. “When you really look at it, Max is the reason behind all of this. Everything, even this fight right now.”
Natalie rolled her eyes and scoffed. “What is your problem, Thomas? Why do you hate your brother?”
“I don’t hate him.”
“That’s what’s coming across to me.”
Thomas looked down and angrily gritted his teeth. He wasn’t mad at Natalie or Max even. He was frustrated with himself that he couldn’t answer Natalie’s questions. She was right. Why did Thomas feel so spiteful toward his brother?
“Your brother provides for you,” Natalie continued. “Not only that, he spoils you. Look at that car he got you. You told me that you were going to be a better brother because you were grateful to him for getting you that car, but, Thomas, you have this attitude toward Max. You look for reasons to hate him. My family’s going to keep me from seeing you, but I’m not going to be mad at them like you are with your brother. This stupid restaurant feud between my father and your brother is keeping us apart. That’s no reason to hate your brother. Him sending you to military school isn’t a reason either. I don’t get it.”
“And I don’t get why you’re defending him,” Thomas laughed in disbelief. “Look, my reasons are my reasons.”
Natalie rolled her eyes and walked away. “Get over yourself, Thomas. You’re going to regret the choices you make.”
<center>*~*</center>
New Year’s Eve and her sister was working. Maria walked into the emergency room rolling her eyes. She actually hadn’t seen her sister in a few days. She heard about the big breakup from Liz herself, but Maria hadn’t seen her in a while. Liz was busy working again. She kind of fell back into the old Liz routine and Maria didn’t want months to pass until she saw her sister. She’s didn’t want that to happen again and she sure as hell wasn’t going to let it happen.
Maria strolled up to the main desk. “I’m looking for Liz Parker.”
The desk assistant barely looked up but pointed behind her. “Dr. Parker’s in the second curtain to the left.”
Maria just nodded, but she wasn’t sure why she did because she knew that the desk assistant still wouldn’t look up, and Maria was right. So again, Maria rolled her eyes and walked to where she was directed. The curtain was closed meaning that Liz was in there with a patient. Maria just patiently waited against a wall. It didn’t take long for Liz to finish up, she came through the curtain and Maria walked in step with her sister who didn’t notice her at first.
“Hey,” Maria alerted her sister.
“Maria!” Liz exclaimed, although she continued moving through the emergency not the slight bit bothered. “Wh—What are you doing here?”
The blonde Valenti was losing her breath trying to keep up with her sister. “I wanted to see you. I haven’t seen you in days.”
Liz looked down sadly. She was avoiding everyone and work was helping her do that. “Leslie, I’m taking a break.”
The desk assistant finally looked up. “There’s a MVA coming in.”
“Leslie, I’m taking a break,” Liz repeated assertively.
Maria grinned and wrapped her arm around her sister. “I really appreciate this.”
“Well, I’m not doing this for you. I needed a break.’
Maria angrily glared at Liz, but Liz’s blank facial expression cracked and a smile came through.
“I’m just kidding,” Liz smiled.
The two of them walked out of the emergency room and toward a little hot dog stand where they both ordered good old-fashioned ballpark franks. Maria piled on a dangerous amount of relish while Liz played it safe with some ketchup and mustard.
“So what’s up?” Liz asked with her mouth full.
Maria scoffed. “That’s what I was wondering. I get this call from you days ago about you ending things with Max. I ask if you wanted me to come over, you said no and then that was it. So what’s up? How are you doing?”
Liz stared at her hot dog and pulled off a little piece of her bun and popped it in her mouth. She didn’t tell her sister about Max’s “little” secret. She hadn’t told anyone because, honestly, she thought it was one bad dream. That’s what she was hoping it was. But when she woke up in the morning wondering why she wasn’t with Max, it was because of his little secret. She didn’t really know what to think of it. The initial feeling was fear. That revelation was probably the one thing that frightened Liz. So I guess you can say that Liz’s biggest fear was being surround by her father’s occupation. When Max told her, she felt trapped. It was like she couldn’t escape the one thing she tried to get away from.
“I’m doing ok,” Liz lied.
Maria scoffed. “Do you want me to say ‘bullshit’ or can I just give you the look?”
Liz rolled her eyes. “Neither,” she sighed.
“So what’s the deal?” Maria asked. “And I want to know the truth. Why are you running away again?”
“What are you talking about? I haven’t gone anywhere.”
“You don’t have to leave home to run away.”
Maria just stared down. She was angry that her sister was pulling this shit again. She wasn’t talking about when Liz left for school or when Liz moved out of the house. Maria was thinking about the time when Liz stopped talking to them or seeing them for years. Liz didn’t know how much it hurt Maria or Natalie or everyone, but she was slowly getting the idea thanks to Maria now speaking up.
Liz shook her head absolutely at a lost. “I love him, Maria,” she confessed.
Maria opened her mouth to speak, but Liz continued on.
“I know what you’re going to tell me,” the older sister said. “We’re not supposed to be with them, but I really hate not being with him.”
“And you’re not with him because of what I said,” Maria realized. “Liz, if you really love this guy, then why don’t you just tell me to fuck off and be with him. You’ve done it before.”
Liz stared at her sister wide-eyed and in disbelief. “What are you talking about?”
“Sean,” Maria succinctly replied. “You didn’t give a damn about what anyone said and you went to be with him.”
“You know, you’re a bitch today.”
“And you’re such a flake!” Maria retorted. “You just runaway. All the time.”
Liz rolled her eyes. ‘Maria, I’m finally taking you’re advice. I broke up with Max and I’m staying away from him.”
“If you’re unhappy without him, then maybe you shouldn’t stay away,” she reasoned.
“No,” Liz laughed, “I really should stay away from him.”
Maria shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. “What are you talking about?”
Did Liz really want to reveal this huge, monumental secret? It’s not like she was dying for it to get off her chest. This wasn’t that type of a secret. Yet, Liz figured that maybe she’d feel better if she told someone. Besides, Maria deserved to know. If she ever thought about being with Michael again, Maria would rethink it after this. Liz nodded to herself. It was in the best interest of her sisters to the know the truth about the Evans clan.
Liz took a deep breath and looked at her sister in the eyes. “Maria, I’m staying away from Max because he’s Basil Deo.”
This skeptical look was plastered on Maria’s face when really she was just trying to hold in her hysterical laughter. But when the laugh Maria was expecting from her sister didn’t burst out, Maria’s face dropped and mouth hung open.
“Holy shit…” she breathed out. “You’re serious.”
Liz bobbed her head a few times.
“Um…Oh my God?” Maria guessed as a reply. “I—I don’t really know what to say. How did he tell you? Or did you find out? Who else knows? I need the whole story.”
Liz took another deep breath. “I went to him the day after I broke things off,” she started. “I was going to tell him that I wanted to be with him and I was going to tell him about Dad, but when I showed up, he had already found out. He accused me of using him to spy for Dad.”
“Why?” Maria laughed. “To find out Dad’s newest recipe at the restaurant?”
“Nope. Get this: Dad’s back to heading Il Forza.”
Maria’s mouth dropped even lower than it did when she heard the first shocker.
“I know,” Liz nodded, “and you know what, I don’t really care about Dad and what he does anymore.”
“Liz…” Maria sighed.
“Maria, I don’t. Anyway, I don’t want to talk about Dad. When Max realized that I didn’t know about Dad, he was in a little deep and he told me everything.”
Maria gulped. “What’s everything?”
Tiresome, Liz rubbed the back of her neck. “His whole life, Maria. Max’s whole life is nothing but the ‘business.’ It was surreal, but in a nightmarish sort of way, you know? I never thought that I’d have to deal with this shit again.”
“Wow…” Maria replied. “That must’ve been why he disappeared.”
Liz’s eyes shot off the ground. “What are you talking about?”
Luckily Maria kept up with celebrity news. “Max disappeared probably the same day he told you everything. It’s ok, though. I heard he came back, and just in time for the Ronin New Year’s Eve Ball.” Maria realized something. “Michael…He’s one too?”
Liz nodded and Maria didn’t really know what to feel. She wasn’t devastated or hurt. Nothing. Actually, she was slightly afraid, probably like Liz was, but her heart didn’t sink like Liz’s did when she heard the news.
“Maria, I don’t know what to do,” Liz sighed. “I feel like I’m stuck or that I’m set to live a life of depression and disappointment.
Maria couldn’t completely understand how her sister was feeling and she never would, but she felt for her sister. “You love him?” Maria questioned.
Liz stared at her sister and nodded her head. There was a hint of shame in that reply, but you should never feel ashamed to be in love. You’re really fortunate if you are in love.
“Do you want to be with him?” Maria continued to interrogate.
Tears formed in Liz’s eyes as the weight of her emotions, feelings and frustration just got heavier and heavier. When Liz nodded, a tear dropped onto her cheek, but she quickly swiped it away. Feeling even more sympathetic for her sister, Maria wrapped her arm around Liz and let her sister cry on her shoulder.
“You should be with him then,” Maria rationalized.
Liz pushed away and stared at her sister in disbelief. “First, you told me to break up with him. Now I learn this dangerous secret and you want me to be with him?”
Maria nodded. “If you know what you’re getting into, then go for it and be happy now. Max will be able to take care of you. Dad was able to take of Mom.”
“He didn’t do a great job,” Liz scoffed, which frightened her even more.
“Dad neglected Mom,” Maria admitted. “You’ll know not to let Max do that to you.”
Liz fell back onto her sister’s shoulder, staring at a spot on the asphalt. “He was so angry at me, Maria. I went to see him twice and both times he had this hatred in his eyes.”
“Just to cover his hurt,” Maria replied. “Listen, I have an idea,” she told her older sister. “We’re going to that ball tonight. Black-tie event, so make sure you wear gown that’ll make him want to rip it off of you.”
<center>*~*</center>
“It was gorgeous, Tom. I bought this great villa in this cliff-side village. It’s not big, just like the village, but that’s perfect. I’d wake up in the morning, sit up and see the greatest view of the Mediterranean Sea. It was beautiful. The water was a blue you’ve never seen before.”
The barkeep nodded as he wiped down the bar. “That’s great, boss.”
Max bobbed his head and took another swig of his fourth Newcastle. He rattled it around, letting the rest of the beer swish around, then he downed it. Max handed the empty bottle to Tom and ordered another one.
“I think you’ve had enough for now. The party hasn’t started yet,” the bartender laughed.
Tom was wearing the white dinner jacket and black bow tie, which was different from the ordinary uniform consisting of a plain black dress shirt. Behind Max, roaming around the restaurant floor, several waiters and waitresses wore the same, identical outfit as Tom, as ordered by Isabel. As for Max, he was already dressed as well and waiting for guests to arrive. He hated wearing the wingtip collar shirt, small black bow tie, black tuxedo vest, embassy peak lapel jacket and trousers. So he always needed to start this night off with a few drinks. Tom was new, he didn’t know that.
“I just need one more,” Max explained. “It’s sort of a ritual for me with this party. You’ll learn the ways. Next year you’ll be doing the same.”
Max flashed a playful grin causing Tom to laugh as he popped the bottle cap off the bottle before handing it to his boss.
“Don’t you dare grab that bottle, Max!”
Tom and Max looked up and there Isabel was. She was upstairs standing in a beautiful gown at the area on the second floor that was open to the restaurant floor. Her hands gripped the railing as she looked down at Max at the bar ready to grab that next Newcastle. She assumed that he was on to his fourth, maybe fifth, beer.
“Can I see you for a second?” she requested.
Max looked at Tom and chuckled. “Keep it cool for me?” he asked. After Tom nodded, Max headed up the stairs, meeting his sister at the top. “Gorgeous, you look gorgeous.”
Isabel sighed and rolled her eyes. “Come on,” she gestured.
She led the way into his office and closed the door. Max walked in and moved to the center of the room. He turned to his sister and held up his arms.
“What now, Isabel?” he wondered.
Max’s older sister shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. “Nothing,” she replied. She walked toward him and grabbed the ends of his bow tie, adjusting it slightly. “I was just wondering how you’ve been.”
Max shook his head, scoffing to himself. “Don’t,” he told Isabel, taking her hands off his tie. He backed up, continuing to shake his head. “Don’t give me that bullshit.”
“Hey,” Isabel said firmly, angry because of his reply. “Don’t talk to me like that.”
“And don’t pretend like you care if you don’t.”
Isabel spat out a laugh. “Excuse me?” she questioned. “You don’t think I care? Ok, so when I get called at work to go to the police station to bail out one of your goons, that’s not caring? I’ve been covering your back your whole life, Max. I guess that means I don’t give a shit,” she sarcastically concluded.
“Don’t think I’m not grateful for your legal help,” Max started, “but that has no relevance to what I’m saying. Don’t come to me claiming you care when one of the first things you said to me when I got off that plane was that you were worried I was going to miss the infamous Evans Ball. You don’t care about me or what I’m going through.”
“You want to call bullshit?” Isabel exclaimed. “Then fine, I call bullshit on you. What the hell is in front of your face that you can’t see anything else that’s going on in your life? I’m a part of your life, Max! Do you know what I’m going through? Have you ever thought to ask?” She delicately rubbed her forehead and scoffed. “You have no idea what I’m going through. I’m so fucking unhappy, but you don’t see that.” The tears gathered in her eyes. “All I’ve thought about today was, ‘A new year of nothing.’ That’s what’s in my head, Max, because I’ve got nothing anymore. I’ve lost Jesse, ok? I bet you’re happy to hear that. I’ve practically lost him. There’s nothing left anymore and why? Because I can’t let him in. Oh, God forbid that I let Jesse into my life, but hell, Max can spill the beans to Liz Parker, love of his life for all of a month!”
Max couldn’t believe he was taking the blame for Isabel’s unhappiness, but she right. Max was suffocating her and he didn’t even know it.
“Isabel, I’m sorry,” he offered.
But his older sister just laughed and shook her head. “You know what? You’re right. I don’t care. I just don’t care anymore.” Isabel whipped around and left the office, bumping into Michael on the way out.
“Wow,” Michael chuckled. “What’s her deal?”
Max gritted his teeth and turned away to his desk. “What do you want, Michael?”
Michael nervously played with his tie, loosing it and then tightening it back up. “I know this isn’t the time to talk about it, but I just need to know.”
“What?” Max wondered as he slowly walked down the length of his desk, letting his hand drag across it.
“What is the deal with this situation with Liz?”
Max shrugged. “What situation?”
Michael grinned and scoffed a laugh. “Don’t do that. Don’t joke about this.”
“There is no situation, Michael,” Max insisted. “Is our secret out in the open? Has Liz told the press or the police? No, because we’d be arrested by now.”
Michael stared at Max skeptically. Who the hell was this guy standing in front of him? Because it wasn’t Max. This was just one bad dream. Way unreal. Michael shook his head. No, they weren’t going to just leave something like alone. That was just suicide.
“Max,” Michael said assertively. “You seem like you’ve been doing a whole lot of thinking. I just want to know what’s in your head right now, because even though I let you tell her, it doesn’t mean that it’s ok to be with her. It wasn’t permission.”
Max let his head drop as he started laughing to himself. “You’re such a hypocrite,” he said when he looked up at Michael.
“What the hell are you talking about?”
On Max’s desk was a single manila folder which he picked up. He walked toward Michael and placed it against his best friend’s chest. “Why don’t you find out who Maria DeLuca really is, and get back to me?”
A shocked expression slapped across Michael’s face. “How do you know about me and her?”
Max chuckled and gave a heartless smirk. “You should know better, Michael. You spy on me, I spy on you. You research my girlfriend, I research your…Well, your hook-up.”
Michael clenched his jaw angrily and glared at Max, and the two engaged in an intense staring contest. To be the bigger man, Max just scoffed and started to walk away.
“Where the hell are you going?!” Michael shouted.
“To reevaluate the situation.”
Max didn’t bother looking over his shoulder as he left his office, leaving Michael standing alone with the folder in his hand. He had no idea what the folder contained, but it would be something that would force every member of the Evans family and Valenti family to “reevaluate the situation.” I guess you could call this folder “Pandora’s Box.” All hell was going to break loose when the folder’s contents are revealed to Michael, because he’s going to make sure that his family’s future remains safe. In other words, he’s not going to let anything happen to himself or Max, Isabel and Thomas.
Michael opened the folder and there it was in plain English.
“James Valenti Sr. wed Amy DeLuca Parker, 1973. Children: Alexander Charles Valenti, a.k.a. Alexander Charles Whitman, born 1975. Elizabeth Nancy Valenti, a.k.a. Elizabeth Nancy Parker, born 1979. James Kyle Valenti Jr., a.k.a. Kyle Valenti, born 1980. Maria Adriana Valenti, a.k.a. Maria Adriana DeLuca, born 1980.”
Michael felt sick to his stomach.
So, unfortunately, it cuts into writing time. It's only two days a week, but if you've gone to summer school, you know how it is. It's pretty accelerated. I'm unsure if they'll drop a crapload of work on me or not. I'm really hoping that it'll be a breeze. It's a film class. Watch movies and write about them. Shouldn't be too hard, right?