This Wicked Tongue. (AU. M/L. Adult) Part 12, 10/1. [WIP]

[Walking Contradiction]

Title: This Wicked Tongue
Author: Walking Contradiction
Couple: M/L.
Rating: Mature/Adult
Disclaimer: Characters belong to Jason Katims and Melinda Metz. But this story is mine.
Summary: Max Evans moves from New York to Roswell for a change. There he meets a wild and cynical woman and wonders how she got to be that way. (I know the summary’s a little vague, but I don’t want to give away the story)

Inspired by “This Wicked Tongue” by PJ Harvey

This wicked tongue says
God is a million miles away
This wicked tongue says
He can't see my day to day
This wicked tongue says
Go on taste everything
And this wicked tongue says
You know you're not really living
And it stares into the sun
And it flies from star to star
Cursing everyone
In my ringing ears
And that noise
Is as much
As I could bare
So I asked you where's the heart
In the rubbish heap of man
And I asked him where's the soul
And the silence rangandrangandrangandrang
So I stare into the sun
And I fly from star to star
Cursing everyone
In my ringing ears
And that noise
Is as much
As I could bare
"I give up"
He said
"I give up you win, creation baby has fell again"

Part 1.

He watched her body gyrate to the loud techno music reverberating throughout the club. It wasn’t shameless, but more captivating. Her long dark hair fell past her shoulders, creating a curtain of silk around her face. Beads of sweat started to form on her forehead, but instead of working against her it only added to her raw sensuality. She was short, but her presence on the dance floor was commanding.

He didn’t know what brought him to Roswell. Maybe it was to visit an old friend. Maybe it was to get away from his sister’s constant nagging. Or maybe he was just bored with his upper-crust life in New York and wanted one that was completely different.

Either way, something brought him here. He found himself driving aimlessly around the streets of Roswell for what seemed like hours before the flashing neon lights of Club Obsidian called out to him.

He’d parked his car and entered the dimly lit club. It was a lot smaller than the ones in New York, which was a welcome change. Merely minutes after his entrance, the dark-haired beauty caught his attention with her arms moving gracefully in the air as she sensuously moved her body to the music. She was dancing with a leather-clad man, whose hands were all over her, running through her wild hair and down the curve of her hips to land on her ass. He took no notice of the man as he stood at the bar, mesmerized.

Watching from the corners was his specialty. He considered himself an observer. He liked to try and piece together the puzzles of the lost souls who came here. Everyone had a story, and he was only interested in finding out what those stories were. It was a hobby of sorts.

He tore his gaze away from her when the bartender’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts. “She comes here a lot.” Came the gentle voice of a woman with short pixie-like blonde hair. “Always leaves with a different man.” The woman shrugged. “Can I get you anything?”

“Scotch. On the rocks.” He said.

She returned with his drink shortly after, and made a small attempt at conversation. “So, what brings you here?”

He shrugged. “Just passing time.”

“Not the talkative type, I see.” Her eyes danced back over to the short brunette that he seemed to be so entranced with. “She usually gets a Cosmo.” The woman paused as she set her gaze back on him, “The name’s Maria. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Before she could walk away, he stopped her with a hand on her arm. “Can you get me a Cosmo, please.”

Her lips curled into a smile. “Coming right up.”

As if fate would have it, the song ended right as Maria came back with the Cosmo. The brunette came walking toward the bar, her long legs accentuated by the black mini-skirt she was wearing.

“Do you want to give it to her and seem like the creepy stalker type, or do you want me to give it to her and say it’s from you?” Maria queried. When she put it that way, the latter sounded like a better idea.

“I’ll go with the second. Thanks Maria.”

“No problem-“

“Max. The name’s Max.”

“No problem Max.” She smiled sweetly before heading over to where the brunette stood.

Max watched as the two women spoke. Maria gestured toward him and the woman briefly glanced in his direction, probably scoping him out to see whether he was worthy or not.

She took the drink and met his gaze with neither a smile nor a frown, but something oddly in between.

Max stayed rooted to his spot, allowing her to make the decision on whether or not to join him.

She walked up to him a moment later, flashing him with strong impenetrable brown eyes. “Thanks for the drink.”

“You looked thirsty,” he replied.

She studied him for a moment. “I can see you’re new here.”

“Is that so?” His brow shot up in question as he took a sip of his Scotch.

She nodded. “The regulars know they don’t need to buy me drinks to fuck me.”

Max coughed, nearly choking on his Scotch. He was caught off-guard by the frankness of her words. His eyes quickly flew to her face to study her expression. He didn’t know if she was serious or not. If the way she had been dancing with those men was any hint, then he didn’t doubt her words. Her lips held no smirk or smile, just the same indifferent look from earlier. His gaze flew elsewhere and landed on Maria. She was standing behind the bar smirking at him. Perhaps she knew this woman more than he thought.

“Well, I wasn’t…” He trailed off.

“And no I’m not a whore. I would be a whore if I accepted the drink or the fine dining experience before the sex. You know, the age-old tradition where the guy wines and dines the girl and she shows her gratitude by giving herself up to him?” she shook her head, “Not for me.”

He was dumbfounded. “I wasn’t expecting anything.”

“Good,” she replied. “Because I’m not going to have sex with you.”

“Because I bought you a drink?” He queried.

“Not exactly,” her eyes slowly traveled down the length of his body. Max held his composure, but couldn’t help feeling nervous as her eyes raked over him. He couldn’t believe she was making him feel self-conscious right now under her scrutiny. “Nice body, but you’re too pure.” She said before fixing her gaze back on his dark eyes illuminated by the faint lighting of the club.

“Ex-excuse me?” He stammered.

“It’s not an insult by any means. You don’t need someone like me coming into your life and ruining it all.” Well, if that wasn’t one of the most depressing things he’d ever heard someone say about themselves, he didn’t know what was.

Her eyes held his, and he was bound by them.

“Would you like to go for some coffee?” He asked, breaking the growing silence.

She laughed. “Didn’t you hear anything I just said?”

“Quite clearly, and maybe I’m not looking for sex.”

“Then what are you looking for?” She asked. Guys always wanted sex.

“Someone to talk to.”

She gave him a skeptical look. “I don’t buy it.”

“Come on, I’m an excellent conversationalist.”

She continued to study him, slightly turning her head to the side as a puppy would do when its owner asked it a question that it tried so hard to understand. The gesture made Max smile. “There are many other people here,” she said, gesturing around the room with her hand, “you can converse with any of them.”

He shook his head. “They all seem so ordinary. I want to talk to someone interesting.” His eyes held hers, focusing on the pupil in the middle that seemed to blend in with the dark iris surrounding it. Her eyes weren’t soft. They were hard and focused, like nothing could get to her. Like she was untouchable.

The silence started to grow between them, and the techno music rumbling through the club seemed to get louder until she finally broke their silence. “You’re gonna regret the day you met me.”

“Sorry, I didn’t hear correctly. Was that a yes?” Max asked with a smirk.

The woman rolled her eyes and shook her head in the affirmative.

“Good,” he extended his right hand. “I’m Max Evans.”

“Liz Parker”. Max wasn’t entirely surprised by the firmness of her handshake

[Walking Contradiction]

Wow, I'm surprised with all the feedback. Thanks L-J-L 76, behrlyliz, Legal Alien, begonia9508, DreamerAZ, Jason's Lover, candycane14, dreamerfrvrp3, rosbuffyangelfanatl, and Oz. Your responses are muchly appreciated.

So, here's part deux.

2
They sat across from each other in a cozy booth at Buddha’s Blend. Over by the baristas at the opposite end of the cafe sat a young man on a stool with his most prized possession in his hands. His voice echoed through the tiny coffee shop as he spoke into the microphone splayed out before him. “I apologize in advance for the lack of vocals, but if you heard me sing you’d all be paying me to leave.” A few of the stoned patrons laughed, while others fixed him with a blank stare.

The acoustic guitar started to hum in the background. Max took a sip of his plain black coffee, relishing in the bitter taste. He silently studied Liz as she blew on her Raspberry Mocha before taking a tentative sip.

She set the mocha down and began drumming her fingertips on the counter before meeting his gaze with her charcoal eyes. “I thought you said you were a good conversationalist.”

He shrugged. “I lied.”

“Well, the conversation’s all up to you, buddy. I don’t do much talking.” Liz took another sip of her mocha, forgetting to blow on it this time.

“Fuck!” she exclaimed. Her tongue started to throb. As Max began chuckling, Liz fixed him with a deadly stare. “You know if you wouldn’t have asked me for coffee, we wouldn’t be sitting here feeling awkward, and I wouldn’t have burnt my goddamn tongue.”

Max leaned back in his seat, “Funny, you don’t seem like the type to get nervous.”

“I never said anything about being nervous,” Liz countered.

“You’re feeling awkward. That means you’re nervous.”

“I am not nervous.” Liz said, bouncing her leg a little bit under the table.

Max shot her with a quizzical brow. “Why don’t you just relax then?”

“Why don’t you make this Raspberry Mocha worth my while?” Liz quickly fired back. Her eyes scanned the café, studying all the workers, the guitarist and the patrons. She wondered if he was here tonight. Why did Max have to bring her here of all places? Anywhere else she would be able to keep her cool, but not here, not with the possibility of seeing him on his own turf.

“Why are you so defensive?” Max broke her from her thoughts.

She whipped her head back at him, looking him straight in the eyes. “Why are you pointing out my flaws?”

“Why are you answering my questions with questions?” Max returned.

“Cause its fun.” He was ready to counter back with another question, but her response stopped him short. She smirked triumphantly at the look of confusion that clouded his face. “I win.”

“Well, that was a nice ice-breaker.” Max said. “How about we actually answer the questions now?”

Liz peered at him. “Okay. Try me.”

“What’s your favorite color?”

“Purple.”

“Favorite flavor ice cream?”

“Vanilla.”

“Favorite animal?

“Cats.”

“How long have you lived here?”

“All my life.”

“How old are you?”

“How old do you think I am?” Liz returned.

Max leaned forward, studying her intently. She leaned back, hating it when people stared. “22.”

“Close. 23. How old are you?”

“I’m 26.”

“And how long have you lived here?”

“As of yesterday.”

“I’m sorry.” Liz said, without any sympathy.

“Why?” Max asked.

“There’s really not much to do here. It’s the smallest of small towns. Where’d you live before?”

“New York.”

Liz’s eyes widened. When she was younger she had wanted to go to New York City. It was her passion to go to college there. Back when she was innocent and optimistic. She quickly learned in life that wishful thinking only led to disappointment. “You left New York for Roswell?”

Max shrugged. “I needed a change.”

“You’re crazy.” Liz shook her head, pondering why anyone would want to leave the big city lights for the dimly lit ones of Roswell. Everything in her soul screamed of getting out of this place. At least it did when she was younger, and slowly faded over the years when she realized she could never leave. She was born and bread in Roswell, it was where she belonged. This town was a constant reminder of her anger, her guilt, and her whole fucked-up life. All she had to do was look at him and she’d be hit with the reality of what she’d done, of what she’d been through. She needed that reminder to make sense of it all. It was silly to dream about packing up her bags and leaving it all behind when this was what she deserved.

Despite her desire to leave this place, Roswell served as more of a jail-sentence than anything else.

She looked around the café again, surprised she hadn’t seen him. It was a Friday night, and the owner of Buddha’s Blend wasn’t even at his own café?

“Liz,” Max said, redirecting her attention back on him. Why did she keep looking away? Was he making her nervous? His eyes bore deeply into hers. “What’s your story?” He didn’t mean to be so direct, and he was certain she wouldn’t downright tell him. But those eyes of hers held so much inside, that he couldn’t help asking.

She met his eyes, feeling a slight surge of electricity pulse through her veins at the intensity of his look, but calmed herself enough to answer. Her response didn’t come quick this time.

“Stories are for children. They’re the tales you tell them before they go to bed to help them sleep,” her tone was grave. “I never got tucked into bed at night.”

Max was surprised she was willing to share that much insight with him, a total stranger. He got the feeling not many people asked her questions, or cared for that matter. The thought took a tiny swing to his gut, and he felt the slightest bit of remorse for the woman sitting across from him.

Acting on impulse, Max stretched his hand out across the table and lightly curled it over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Liz’s eyes wandered from the distance past his head down to where their hands lay lightly touching. It was oddly comforting. She lifted her eyes back to his, “Why do you care anyway?” Her words weren’t demanding, but soft and curious.

He removed his hand from above hers and brought it around his coffee. “Well”, he begun, trying to voice his words as gently as he could, “You seem very pessimistic. I just wonder how you got to be that way.” Max answered honestly.

Liz slowly nodded her head. It was a long time since she spoke with anyone as honest as he was. Sure, there was Maria. But she’d known Maria practically her whole life. This guy, on the other hand, just moved here and he was already trying to pick her apart. With every move she made, she could feel his eyes raking over her, studying her so intently. That alone was unsettling, but his blatancy in pointing out her flaws only made it worse. The thought started to make her head pound a bit.

This wasn’t what she wanted. She didn’t want to think and reflect on her past, she wanted to go out and party, immerse herself in something wild and crazy so she could feel like she was having fun.

So she did the next best thing. She flashed him with those strong brown eyes of hers, “Maybe I was born that way.”

“I doubt that.”

“What’s wrong with being pessimistic anyway? It’s actually a lot better than being optimistic.”

“How so?” Max asked.

“Well, if you’re pessimistic you naturally assume the worst,” her dark eyes bore into his gold-flecked ones. “So, when something good happens it’s an added bonus. But if you’re optimistic, then you keep on hoping for the best.” Max couldn’t help but become more enthralled with this woman as she spoke with surprising intellect. This certainly was a contrast to how he’d seen her earlier, dancing at the bar with random men. “What if something really bad happened to shatter all of that optimism? Then you’re fucked.”

“Not necessarily,” Max shook his head. “It depends on how you deal with the situation. You could either learn from it and grow, or use it as an excuse to hate the world.”

Liz nearly snorted at that last statement. “That’s easy to say, but what if the bad stuff just keeps on coming. Then I doubt you’d say the same.”

“Are you saying that you had a whole lot of bad stuff happen in your life?” Max asked.

Liz shook her head, “I already told you, I was born this way.” She smirked at him smugly, but couldn’t stop the pounding going on inside her head. She hated all this talk. He kept on trying to figure her out, and it was unnerving.

“Well, what about a boyfriend. Have you ever-“

The words went through her foggy head and she snapped at him, “Didn’t you ever hear the phrase ‘curiosity killed the cat?’ Jesus.” She looked back at him, her eyes penetrating.

He chose not to say anything, which was probably the best decision he could have made. She started to massage her temples with her index fingers, circling around in a constant motion. Max just watched her in silence, knowing he’d asked way too much. He couldn’t help it though; it was some weird quirk of his. He always wanted to know what was going on. He liked trying to figure people and all of their little inconsistencies out.

As a child he’d spend countless days watching all the grown-ups at the stuffy country club and analyze them. He had it all pegged down to whom was having an affair with whom, who was a junkie, who was a recovering addict, and who was someone he could trust. He’d been silently observing people his whole life, but this woman sitting across from his was something else.

She continued to look down and massage her temples with her eyes closed. “Thanks,” Liz started.

“For what?” Max queried. She looked up and fixed him with those decadent dark eyes of hers.

“For the coffee. But as for all the brain-stimulating conversation, it’s not for me.” She started to get up and he followed suit, his taller body standing merely inches away from her small frame. “It was nice to meet you. But if you want to find out people’s stories, go to someone else.” She started to turn, but he quickly halted her with a hand to her arm. The touch alone caused a jolt of electricity to shoot through her body.

“We don’t have to talk about stories and pasts. I was just curious; I have this tendency to get my foot in my mouth when I talk. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Liz shook her head, a little too quickly. “You didn’t upset me,” she chuckled. “I just think you’re pretty creepy, and I don’t want to end up in a ditch somewhere with my body severed into millions of tiny little pieces.”

“Then why’d you join me in the first place?” Max softly questioned.

“I didn’t know you’d be asking so many ridiculous questions. You’re not normal.”

“And you are?” Max pressed.

Liz shook her head. “Your lack of normality surpasses mine.” She turned again, “Don’t try to stop me this time.”

“What’s so great about normal anyway?” He called out to her, catching the gazes of the few other patrons, workers, and even the guy who had been playing guitar.

Liz visibly flushed, but luckily for her, Max and the patrons didn’t notice since all they could see was her long hair bouncing as she strode to the door.

“Just one more thing,” Max proceeded.

“What?” Liz snapped her head around as she started to open the door.

“How are you gonna get back? I drove.” He thought he got her there, but he was surely mistaken.

Liz laughed. “This is Roswell, not New York. There’s little chance of getting mugged.” And just before she bounded out the door, she winked at him and added, “I’ve got legs and I know how to use ‘em.” Of course she meant she’d use them to walk, but damn did those words stir something inside of him that made him want to follow her home and have his way with her.

Max turned to the audience that had just witnessed a bit of entertainment for the night and shrugged sheepishly. Liz just made him look like a fool in front of all these people.

The guy who had been performing earlier came up to him, “Go get her man.”

Max shook his head, “She said not to.”

“Come on, she didn’t mean it. Girls never mean it.”

“I have a feeling this one did.” Max stated.

“I have a lot of friends who are women, and when you’re around them almost 24/7 you know these kinds of things,” he said.

“Well, I have a sister. She’s not like most women. And I don’t think that the woman who just left is either.” Max explained.

The guy shook his head. “You’ve got to introduce me to your sister then.” The words elicited a laugh out of Max. “I’m Alex Whitman.” He said, extending his right hand.

Max returned the gesture, “Max Evans. You play guitar pretty well.”

“So I’ve been told,” Alex said. He took a look towards the door where Liz just left. “I still think you lost your chance.”

“We’ll see about that.” Max said, his eyes also directed at the door.

“That Liz Parker is a handful, huh?” Alex stated.

Max looked at him in surprise. “You know her?”

“You live in a small town long enough and you sort of get to know everybody. Besides, she’s Maria’s friend. And Maria is my best friend.”

“Maria from Club Obsidian?”

“That would be Maria, a.k.a Hurricane DeLuca.”

Max immediately thought of his childhood friend. She moved here a long time ago and he lost touch with her over the years. “Do you happen to know a Tess Harding?”

Alex chuckled. “I know of Tess Harding. And if you thought that this town couldn’t get any smaller, you were wrong. She works at this alien-themed restaurant called The Crashdown, with Liz.”

Max nodded, finding this information all too convenient. He could kill two birds with one stone. Reunite with an old friend, and attempt to make a new one. “Well, looks like I know where to go for breakfast tomorrow.”

[Walking Contradiction]

Thanks for the feedback belleoftheball, tiredmuse, Blink1lit, begonia9508, Jason's Lover, behrlyliz, and Oz. I'm glad you guys are enjoying this.

And now, on to the next part.

3

Liz stood behind the counter, flashing customers with fake plastic smiles as they came up to her with their bills. Having worked at The Crashdown since she was 17, she’d mastered the art of pretending to care about the customers and their concerns. The friendlier she could be, the better tips she would get.

“How was everything this morning?” She’d ask one after another, feigning interest in their responses. Good, great, fantastic.

Tess bounded over in her clingy alien waitress uniform, complete with silver antennas.

“Mornin’ Liz,” She flashed a genuine smile, her pearly white teeth sparkling. Liz always wondered how someone could be so chipper all the time. Tess was the epitome of southern hospitality, minus the accent. It was a wonder she wasn’t born in the south.

“Morning, Tess.”

“How are you today?” Tess asked.

“I’m fine,” Liz responded, “Gotta catch up on those tables, though.”

She slid around the counter and over to her designated tables, taking orders from the regulars. In Roswell, everyone was a regular. There was “Ketchup-Man”, an old senile man who demanded freshly-filled ketchup on his table, although he hardly ever used any. There was “Frosty”, a middle-aged woman with graying hair and a nack for complaining. She would end her tirades with a vehement, “See if I ever come here again!”, only to return for breakfast the next morning.

And of course there was Kyle Valenti, the sheriff’s son, owner of Buddha’s Blend, and ex-boyfriend extraordinaire.

The bells of the doorway rang as Liz started to take Ketchup-Man’s order and she just knew it was him.

Tess’s squealing further proved that she was right. She could just see it now. Tess running into Kyle’s open arms, and him picking her up and twirling her around like they’d just reunited after a long absence. And not once would Kyle look in Liz’s direction. Not once would he acknowledge her existence. Then the familiar feeling of guilt would well up inside Liz and her insides would turn to jelly as she watched the two interact while masterfully taking tables.

But when she turned around she wasn’t prepared for what she’d seen.

Tess’s arms curled around the man from last night. Liz’s body immediately tensed.

So he came to Roswell for Tess. Why was she so surprised? All the guys loved Tess, with her bouncy blonde curls and her bubbly personality. It sickened Liz and she couldn’t help but sneer at the two. Just as she was about to turn her attention back on Ketchup-Man, Max caught her sneering at them. He smirked at her with a hint of laughter in his olive eyes.

Liz quickly averted her eyes back on Ketchup-Man as he lovingly caressed the full bottle of ketchup. At least he wasn’t complaining.

She turned around and bumped into a strong muscular body. Damn. Her eyes scanned his chest and slowly looked up to meet his gaze.

“Hi,” he said.

Liz nodded, “Matt is it?”

Max put a hand over his heart, “Ouch, that hurt.”

“Not as much as a swift kick to the nuts will if you don’t get out of my way.” Liz said in a sweet voice while batting her lashes.

Max shot an eyebrow up in question. “What’s with all the hostility, Liz?”

“Don’t you dare act like you know me. I certainly know nothing about you and your stupid past.” When she saw the corners of his lips curl up into a smirk, she quickly added, “Nor do I care.”

“Are you still upset about last night?” Max asked.

“I was never upset. I was tired and you were getting annoying,” Liz said.

“I was making you nervous,” Max stated smugly.

Liz shook her head, “You thought that you were making me nervous?”

“Well, if you bouncing your leg under the table and looking everywhere but at me was any indication, then yes, I think I made you nervous last night,” he responded.

Liz flashed him with defiant eyes. They were hard and focused, with every intention of showing him that she was in control here.

She inched her way closer to him until he was just a breath away and placed a delicate hand on his chest. Her eyes delved into his as she brought her other hand up achingly slow to curve around his neck. Her fingers softly brushed across his skin, causing the slightest bit of havoc to his senses and she felt him tense at her touch. His eyes fluttered closed from the gentleness of her caress, and his heart-rate started to beat erratically. She leaned upward, her chest lightly grazing his, until her lips were just below his ear.

Her hot breath tickled the sensitive skin, “The way I’m making you nervous right now?” She asked thickly.

Max gulped, and in an instant, her breath was no longer on his ear tingling his senses, and her fingers were no longer on his skin tempting him to do the same to her. He opened his eyes to find her standing a few feet back.

“Despite your wonderful observational skills, I wasn’t nervous,” she started, “not because of you.”

Max took a moment to recollect his senses. “Then why were you acting that way?”

“Some things you’ll never know,” she said before darting off.

Max scratched his brow. For once, he didn’t have a thing to say. She certainly caught him off-guard and now he felt a bit awkward.

When he broke away from his thoughts, he noticed that Liz was on to her other tables. He looked to Tess and she gave him a broad smile before making her way over.

“Did you just come here to say hi to an old friend, or are you gonna eat some breakfast?” She asked.

“I plan on eating a nice greasy breakfast.”

“Then you came to the right place,” Tess said. “Come on, I’ll seat you in my section.”

“Actually,” Max interjected, giving her a sheepish smile, “could you seat me in Liz’s?”

Tess directed her gaze to Liz before giving him a puzzled look, “Really?”

Max nodded.

Tess quickly pulled out her order pad and scribbled down her phone number. She handed it to him, “Only if you promise to catch up with me sometime soon. I’m dying to know how Isabel is doing.”

Max took the paper out of her hand and kissed her on the cheek, “Will do.”

“Well then, follow me,” Tess’s smile lit up the room as she led him to a corner booth tucked safely in the back of the restaurant.

Liz came up to his table shortly after. “I thought you came here for Tess,” the words left her lips before she had time to register them.

“Nope,” Max met her gaze with full-on intensity. Liz felt her insides stir with the way he was looking at her. “I came here for breakfast. I’m starving.”

Her insides stopped doing loop-de-loop’s and she quickly composed herself, “Well then let me suggest the Spaceboy Special.” Liz leaned forward and pointed to it on his menu, “It comes with three eggs, meat of any choice, hash browns and toast. All for just $4.39”

Max caught a whiff of vanilla and lavender. “You smell good,” he said.

Liz pulled back, “So, Spaceboy Special or what?”

“I’ll have the Spaceboy Special.”

“What kind of meat?”

“Bacon”

“What kind of bread?”

“White”

“Anything to drink?”

“Coffee”

“Cream and sugar?”

“Come on Liz. You should know this,” Max said.

“Not if I wasn’t paying any attention,” she smiled at him.

“Black,” Max returned.

“Regular or decaff?”

He fixed her with penetrating eyes, “Now you’re just pretending.”

Liz smirked, “Regular black coffee, coming right up,” she said before spinning on her heel.

“Hey, Liz.” Max called out.

“Yes?” She turned around.

“Love the antennas. They’re very becoming on you.”

“Very funny,” Liz said flatly, quickly turning back around to hide the smirk forming on her lips.

She came back a minute later with his coffee and quickly placed it down before running off to her other tables. It was starting to pick up now, and Max watched Liz as she gracefully dodged through oncoming trays, skillfully cleared-off tables, and expertly took orders. She was surprisingly good at this customer service stuff.

Tess came by to refill his coffee, “I remember how cranky you used to get when waitresses wouldn’t fill up your coffee as often as you thought they should,” she teased.

“Hey, I’ve matured since then,” Max said.

“So have I,” Tess said, her tone turning serious. She narrowed her eyes, “How come you never wrote?”

“I’m a bad writer,” Max said.

“You’re also a bad liar,” she voiced, looking sad. “You could have contacted me some way.”

“Hey,” Max spoke gently, “I’m here now. Part of the reason is to see you. The other part, well, I needed to get away. Things at home were starting to get-”

Tess shook her head, her antennas bouncing wildly. She remembered how much he hated his life-style back in New York. While Isabel enjoyed all the lavish parties and banquets, Max resented it. Both were born with an air of sophistication they couldn’t seem to rid themselves of even if they wanted to, but while Isabel was the perfect socialite, Max remained the quiet guy in the background. “Just forget about it. You’re here now and that’s all that matters. We can catch up soon, right?” Tess asked.

“We will catch up soon,” Max assured her.

“Good,” she said. She caught Kyle out of the corner of her eye and her heart immediately kicked into gear. She flashed Max with a quick smile. “Well, I have other tables to attend to. You better call me soon!” She yelled out to him as she hurried over to Kyle.

Liz came up with his food a moment later. “Enjoy,” she said, setting the dish in front of him. “Can I get you anything else?”

“How about your number?’ Max asked with a smile.

Liz glared at him. “So now you’re laying on the charm?”

He shrugged, “I might as well give it a shot.”

“Not a snowball’s chance in hell,” Liz returned before scurrying off to her other tables, pausing on the way to stare at Kyle seated in a booth with Tess standing next to him. Her insides turned to mush when Kyle glanced up and caught her eyes for the slightest of seconds before returning his gaze back on Tess. The rest of the morning he wouldn’t look at her. She knew that looking at her was a constant reminder of defying his father. Liz was grateful for that, but she couldn’t tell him so. They had a silent agreement not to speak to one another, not since that one night.

Max noticed her pause and a look of sadness envelope her face before she continued on to her tables. He looked to the table with the man maliciously flirting with Tess. Had the guy sitting at the table been one of her late-night conquests? Was she jealous of Tess? And if so, was it because she’d seen Tess and Max, or was it because Tess was returning Kyle’s charm with equal attention?

Max ate his breakfast in silence, watching Liz work. Not once did she come back to ask him how everything was. It wasn’t until he was finished eating that she came back to hand him his bill.

“You can pay up at the counter whenever you’re ready,” Liz said.

Their eyes met, and Max blurted out, “Let me take you out tonight. For dinner or something.”

“I already told you, I don’t do that stuff,” she replied.

“You said you don’t do that stuff before sex,” Max paused, thinking back to her words the previous night, “since we won’t be having sex, you can let me take you out to dinner.”

“No,” Liz pressed, pushing past him. He was wasting enough of her time. She couldn’t help but look at Kyle and Tess again. It was easy to avoid him when it was busy, but it was so hard to look away when she knew he was here solely for Tess. She knew if it weren’t for Tess, Kyle wouldn’t be caught dead in the same vicinity as her. She watched as he lovingly tucked the few strands that flew out of Tess’s pony tail and onto her face behind her ear.

“Liz,” Max was right behind her, his body towering over her small frame.

“What?” She snapped. He’d noticed the look in her eyes as she watched Tess and the young man interact, and was now certain it had to do with the man more than with Tess.

“Don’t make me beg,” Max said, laying on the charm as he started to lower himself down to the ground.

“Max?” Liz hissed, “What are you doing?”

He was down on two knees, reaching out for her hand, which she quickly pulled away. Her cheeks were burning red. “I’m begging, Liz. Please.”

“Why are you so fucking relentless?” Liz asked.

Max reached out for her hand again, but she was too quick for him and moved it out of his reach. He shrugged, “I guess I just have a thing for girls with mouths like pirates.”

Liz rolled her eyes.

“Oh, I remember that from last night.” Max wiggled his eyebrows, “You’re gonna say yes soon.”

“You’re not gonna leave unless I do, huh?”

“Nope.”

Liz gritted her teeth. “Red Lobster, 8 o’clock. I’ll meet you there.”

“How about I pick you up?” Max asked, still kneeling and looking up at her with sparkling amber eyes.

“Nope.”

“Please?” Max tried to give her the puppy dog eyes, but to no avail.

“I’m a cat person, not a dog person. Remember?” Liz said.

“Alright,” Max relented, accepting defeat. At least she’d agreed to meet him. He stood back up, “I’ll see you tonight,” he flashed her with a dazzling smile, and he heard her grumble before wandering off.

Max paid for his bill and went back over to the table he’d been sitting at. Whistling, he quickly set down a hundred dollar bill and scrawled a few words on a napkin for Liz. Smiling with a hint of mischief in his eyes, he gave her one last look before exiting the Crashdown.

[Walking Contradiction]

Wow, talk about feedback like woah! Thanks for all the encouragement, guys. Especially Alex Balex, behrlyliz, Erina, kittens, Jason's Lover, Cocopucks, candycane14 (you know Liz well ), Luzser 1800, Mica, LairaBehr4 (I just love your comments, especially the analysis of Tess and Liz, hopefully some of those questions will be answered in the next few chapters), begonia 9508, Poison Ivy, Emz80m, L-J-L 76 (no need to apologize for all the questions. It's cute!), and tiredmuse.

You guys are great. So, onto the next part. Which is kind of, sort of longish...


4

The air conditioned restaurant was a welcome change from the humidity outside. It was a quarter to eight and the sun was still peaking out from behind small fluffy clouds. Max vaguely wondered about the man who seemed to catch Liz’s attention earlier at The Crashdown. Was he the reason Liz was so pessimistic? Surely one failed relationship couldn’t be the cause of such a bitter outlook on life.

Max smiled as he thought of the way Liz always seemed to have a quick response for everything he said. She had some fire, and he found it very endearing. Hell, he’d even gotten down on two knees to beg her to date him. He’d never done anything as rash as that back in New York. Not for any girl. But none of them were like Liz Parker. This woman was mysterious, captivating, and quite a challenge.

Liz stood in front of her bathroom mirror, angrily applying a hint of purple eye shadow and a bit of mascara. She didn’t bother wearing lip gloss; it would just end up smearing against her next one night stand. She was tired of Max Evans and his persistence to try and get to know her. On that fucking napkin he wrote “See you at 8:00 sharp.” And as if to mock her, he left her a hundred dollar bill. Well, if he thought leaving her a hundred dollar bill would make her come running, he was surely mistaken. She wasn’t a charity case. She couldn’t be bought out. And she certainly didn’t need some hot-shot from New York try and turn her little world around. If he knew anything about what she’d done, he’d be running back to his perfect life in New York and never dare see her face again. The poor guy was so dense. So naïve to think that there was any more to her than her body, which he could have had if he’d played his cards right.

She clicked her tongue. No, Max Evans wasn’t what she needed; getting laid was what she needed. Skin against skin, tongue against tongue, panting, moaning, and undulating until she got her release. If the guys had the stamina, they would go at it all night. And the next morning, she would ease out of their bedrooms and their lives forever.

That was her routine. That was her life.

Max checked his watch for the tenth time. It was 8:20. They’d agreed to meet at 8. Where was she?

The waitress came by to ask him if he wanted anything to drink besides water.

“I’m fine, thanks.” Max said. His eyes scanned the restaurant. Maybe she was here and just hadn’t seen him?

The lines started to build-up and Max checked his watch again. 8:35. He didn’t want to sit here nursing water while the hungry people at the door had to wait.

The waitress came by again, “Sir, would you like to order now- or?”

“No, I don’t want to hold you up any longer.” Max grabbed his wallet and pulled out a 20. “I’m sorry for all the trouble,” he smiled sheepishly as he handed her the money. The woman nearly melted looking at his adorable dimples and smoldering eyes.

“I- uh- you, “she stammered.

“You’re welcome,” Max flashed a dazzling smile. “Again, I apologize for holding you up,” he said before exiting the restaurant.

He couldn’t believe it. She stood him up. He checked his watch for the last time. 8:45. He shook his head as he walked to his car, gunned the ignition and drove off.

It was 9:25 by the time she entered Club Obsidian. The familiar music blasting through the club and the smell of smoke was like a second home. This was where she belonged. Not at some fancy restaurant discussing pseudo-intellectual things, but at a club dancing and drinking.

She saw Maria out of the corner of her eye and approached her.

“Hey, ‘Ria,” She greeted.

“How’d things go with Max?” Maria asked.

Liz shook her head, “I never want to see him again.”

“Come on, it couldn’t have been that bad. Was he too shy or something?”

Liz shook her head again.

“Couldn’t get it up?”

Liz laughed, “We didn’t have sex.”

Maria’s eyes widened, “You didn’t have sex with him?”

“I did not have sex with him,” Liz confirmed, “But now I’m horny as hell and in dire need of getting some.”

“Give him a call, that boy was practically panting for you.”

Liz studied her lightly polished nails, “Nah. I don’t want to give him false hope of a repeat performance.”

“You are bad, chica.” Maria teased.

“He gave me a hundred dollar tip this morning.”

Maria’s jaw literally dropped, “He what?”

“I know, he-"

“I can’t believe it. All I got was a measly five dollars from him!” Maria interjected.

Liz laughed, “And here I thought he was under the impression that money grew on trees.”

Maria pursed her lips together in thought before speaking, “Seriously though. What made you go off with him in the first place last night? You never leave with a guy without the intention of fucking his brains out.”

Liz shrugged, “I don’t know.”

“Come on, there had to be something.”

“I liked the way he looked at me,” Liz answered honestly.

“So what did he do that was so bad… Well, other than the hundred-dollar tip thing?” Maria asked.

“He asks a lot of questions.”

“So, he wants to get to know you. Is that really such a bad thing?” Maria asked.

“Yes,” Liz said. “And he took me to Buddha’s Blend of all places.”

“Eek. Was Kyle there?”

“Nope,” Liz said. “But he was at the Crash this morning to see Tess.”

“Of course,” Maria said, “The perfect couple.”

“Tell me about it. Mr. Do-Good and Mrs. Do-Me right now,” Liz said, prompting Maria to burst into laughter.

Despite Maria’s laughter, Liz immediately felt bad after saying it. Tess hadn’t been anything but kind to her over the few years they’d been working together. She was sweet and minded her own business. Who could ask for a better co-worker? And Kyle wasn’t so bad either. He really did try to do the things that would make everyone around him happy. He even carried the secret they shared for Liz’s benefit, but the price she had to pay for it was to never speak with him again. And just like that their one year relationship ended.

To everyone else it was a horrible break-up. To everyone else, Kyle had torn her heart into millions of tiny little pieces and that was why she was so bitter. That was why she slept with random men. It was a good cover-up. It was a good reason. Such a good reason that even Maria believed it.

“Ready for your Cosmo?” Maria asked, breaking Liz out of her thoughts.

“I certainly need one,” Liz responded.

“Coming right up,” Maria said before walking to the other side of the bar.

Max angrily pushed through the doors to the smoky club, his eyes feral. When Liz hadn’t shown up to dinner he ended up eating at a tiny hole-in-the-wall diner before coming to Club Obsidian. If Liz wasn’t at dinner with him, he assumed that this was where she’d be.

His eyes fervently scanned all the hot bodies on the dance floor before falling on Maria at the bar. He walked up to her in quick strides.

“Have you seen Liz?” He asked. Maria didn’t even look at him, engrossed in making whatever cocktail she was concocting. She merely pointed down to the opposite side of the bar, and Max followed her direction to find Liz decked out in an outfit that left little to the imagination. He momentarily stiffened when he saw her in the purple halter top, black vinyl skirt, and black stiletto heels.

Max approached her, his eyes like steal. As soon as she caught sight of him, she returned his gaze. “Fancy seeing you here,” she said.

“Why didn’t you come?” He asked softly, despite the fury shining in his eyes.

“I don’t like seafood,” Liz answered flippantly.

Max stared at her, his dark eyes seething, “But you suggested Red Lobster.”

Liz narrowed her eyes, “Yes, and that was before you left me a hundred dollar tip,” she said, reaching into her cleavage to pull out the bill and shove it in his hands. “I don’t need your fucking charity.”

With that, she turned to head toward the dance floor, but he wasn’t going to let her get away that easily. Max quickly caught her arm in a tight grip and spun her around to face him, bringing her body against his. Her breasts pressed against his muscled chest ever so lightly. He loosened his grip on her arm and let his fingers linger on her smooth skin. The action caused her heart to thump wildly in her chest and her nipples to stand on edge, slightly poking through the thin material of her halter top. Their eyes met harshly in mirrored images.

Heat surged between them as they stood staring at one another, liquid fire meeting liquid fire.

“Liz!” Maria called out. Liz thankfully tore her gaze away from Max and onto Maria. “Cosmo’s ready, babe.”

Liz nodded, returning her scathing eyes on Max, “Now if you’ll excuse me I need my drink.”

Liz pressed past Max, released a much-needed breath, and walked over to Maria. She claimed her Cosmo while Max stared on, his jaw tightly clenched. No one had ever gotten him so worked up before. His lower anatomy was just aching when he felt the tips of her nipples poke hard and proud into his chest. He’d worn a gray silk shirt with very thin material that allowed him to feel every nuance of her hardened peak when meshed against the thin material of her halter top.

Liz downed her drink and quickly sauntered over to the middle of the dance floor, her black stiletto heels clicking against the floor as her hips swayed wildly to catch the attention of any guy who was handsome, willing and able.

It didn’t take long before guys started to surround her as she moved with all the grace of a call girl.

Damn, Max thought each time someone parted through the sea of sweaty bodies to show him a glimpse of her dancing wildly between men. She looked like a goddess on that dance floor, being worshipped by the men surrounding her. She shook her hips to the beat while her hands moved down her body with sensuous ease. The strobe lights flickering made it all the more alluring. Her eyes were closed and her mouth slightly parted as men grabbed her from behind and rubbed up against her.

Max gulped heavily, unable to tear his gaze away from her. God was she wicked in every sense of the word. Each time someone moved and blocked her from his view, he growled in frustration.

He found himself pushing through the gyrating bodies to find her, a few girls clutching at him as he made his way through lightly swatting their hands away. He certainly wasn’t into dancing, least of all like this, but he wasn’t into getting down on two knees and begging either. He might as well go all out on this one.

As he approached her, Sneaker Pimps’ Spin Spin Sugar blasted through the speakers, the beat loudly reverberating through the club.

I’m everyone- I feel used
I’m everyone- I need you
I want perfection- I’m real need
I’ve seen attention- see through me

Her eyes were still closed as she grinded with one of the guys. Max tapped the man she was dancing with on the shoulder. When he turned around, the look in Max’s eyes spoke ten-thousand violent words and he backed away in fear. He didn’t know this chick had a boyfriend.

Call on me, spin spin sugar
Crawl on me, spin spin sugar
Stinks on me, spin spin sugar
Twist for me, spin spin sugar

Max ran his hands down Liz’s sides, pulling her body flush against his. Instinctively, one hand brushed against her ass to pull her lower body against his groin, while the other snaked up along her back to land at the nape of her neck. His fingers skillfully glided through her hair, and he saw her mouth part a little wider as he’d done so.

I’m everyone- hang your label on me
I’m everyone- paint it black and white and easy
I’ve seen attention- see through me
I want perfection- I’m real need

If it weren’t for the loud music booming through the club, he could have sworn he’d heard her softly moan. His eyes darted from her closed eyes to her parted mouth. Her lips were full and becoming, tempting him to inch his own closer. Before he could stop himself, he used her hair as a leash to bring her head closer to his and he crushed his lips against hers. Not missing a beat, her tongue expertly darted between his lips to glide against his own. Fire shot up through his body, his heart pulsating along with the beat to the music and the movements of their hips grinding mercilessly against one another.

Call on me, spin spin sugar
Crawl on me, spin spin sugar
Stinks on me, spin spin sugar
Twist for me, spin spin sugar

He gently sucked on her lower lip, his teeth lightly scraping the soft flesh before he swiped his tongue along the same spot and back into her mouth against her waiting tongue. Liz felt herself getting wet as their bodies grinded and his tongue worked wonders on hers. This guy was an amazing kisser, and he definitely knew how to move his body. He’d certainly make a good fuck.

Call on me, spin spin sugar
Crawl on me, spin spin sugar
Stinks on me, spin spin sugar
Twist for me, spin spin sugar

She slowly opened her eyes. As soon as she saw who it was, she tore her lips away from his. Max looked at her in a daze, the image becoming fuzzy as he saw her forehead crease and face weave into anger.

He tightened his grip, pulling her closer. His hot breath tickled against her ear, “Dance with me, Liz,” he commanded before lightly biting the shell of her ear. She fought against the desire to close her eyes again. She wasn’t supposed to be getting hot and bothered with him. This was Max. Max Evans. She hated him and his fucking-

“Oh,” Liz panted before she could stop herself. He was kissing his way down her jaw to her neck. She had to stop this. She could fuck anyone else tonight, but not him. Not with his growing obsession with her. If he’d done this yesterday instead of asking her for coffee, she’d have hands down given him the best sex he’d ever experience.

She pulled back, her eyes stone cold. “Stop,” she said.

“Do you really want me to?” Max pulled back a little, but kept his grip on her.

“Yes,” Liz answered thickly, “You gave me a hundred fucking dollars-“

“Which you returned,” Max cut in. “And you didn’t come to dinner, so I didn’t pay for anything tonight. Aren’t those your ground rules?”

Liz scanned her eyes down his body. He certainly knew how to dress. His silk shirt clung perfectly and his dark pants hugged his hips nicely, the slightest hint of a bulge poking through.

She had to have the upper-hand. She needed it. She took a breath, composing the desire shooting throughout her body and willed herself to block out the sensations he had been causing. When the tension eased, she fixed him with strong dark eyes.

Bringing her hand down, she stroked the front of his slacks once where his bulge poked out before gripping him tightly through his pants. She saw his eyes flutter closed, watched as his forehead crinkled, and noticed his breathing quicken.

Smiling, she leaned forward, “I’m afraid you’re becoming a little too preoccupied with my mind,” she tightened her grip and his face contorted even more. “Could you handle one night with me, Max? One night with me underneath you, on top of you, in front of you, all over you, and then never again? Because that’s all you’ll get. One night.”

Her words made him want to cum right there. “I’ve… been told… I’m good,” Max moaned out.

Liz released her grip and smirked, “No guy has kept my interest for longer than a night.”

“Is that so?” Max asked, able to regain his composure now that her hand wasn’t on his dick. His face hardened, “What about that guy earlier. The one with Tess.”

Liz’s eyes flickered, “What about him?”

“Judging by the way you kept looking at him, I’d say he had you for more than one night.”

He couldn’t make out the look on her face as nothing but the beat of the next electronic song rang between them. He watched her look away for a split second and before he knew what was coming, his left cheek was burning.

He brought his hand up to mask the sting. Her eyes were sharp, “I thought I told you, some things you’ll never know.”

“But I can find out,” Max muttered to himself as she walked away.

He could have had her. He could have slept with her that night, but again he’d ruined it. Just as he’d ruined their conversation the previous night by prying so much into her private life. He wanted to get to know her as much as he wanted to sleep with her. He knew he couldn’t have both. With Liz it was either one night or no night.

As much as he wanted to feel her naked body writhing beneath his, he wanted to know her more.

He watched her take another Cosmo from Maria and down it quickly. Was she always like this? She walked back to the crowded dance floor and ended up wedged between two men. One in front of her, grinding his dick against her vinyl skirt, and the other behind her, grinding her ass against his dick. Instead of closing her eyes this time, she left them open.

Max’s jaw clenched. She couldn’t do those things with him, but she could do them with two random men. Let them run their hands all over her body. Let them pull at her from the front and from the back as if she were a rag doll. Apparently she didn’t see it that way at all. Apparently she didn’t care.

He walked over to Maria, keeping his gaze away from Liz. Last night it didn’t seem to matter. Last night he didn’t even know her.

“She’s impossible,” Max found himself saying.

Maria smirked, “Patience is a virtue, Max.”

He shook his head, “How can she do this?” he asked, gesturing toward the dance floor.

“Dance with men?” Maria asked, “It’s not very hard to do.”

Max fixed her with a deadly gaze, “Sleep with random men,” he corrected.

Maria shook her head, “She seems to enjoy it.”

“Was she always like this?” Max asked gently.

“No,” Maria said. “She wasn’t always like this.”

“What was she like before?” Max asked. He couldn’t help it. When it came to Liz, he was deeply intrigued. He wanted to know what made her tick.

Maria took a moment to think. “You know, we all thought she would go far in life,” she said. “She was determined and smart… she had everything going for her. Of course her home life sucked, but she didn’t let that get to her. It served as more of an incentive to do well,” Maria paused, she didn’t want to tell him too much about Liz’s youth. But the bare minimum would do. “She was a straight A-student, graduated a year early as valedictorian, and wanted nothing more than to leave Roswell. She really hated this place.”

“So then what happened?” Max asked.

Maria shrugged. “Kyle happened.”

Max’s eyebrows furrowed, “The guy with Tess?”

“You know Tess?” Maria asked.

“She was a childhood friend,” Max said.

“Small world.”

Max shook his head, “So let me get this straight. Liz was so smart and determined that she graduated early as valedictorian no less, and then she just dropped it all because of this Kyle guy?”

Maria shrugged.

“But that doesn’t add up. A girl so strong-willed wouldn’t let one guy come into her life and completely change her. It doesn’t make any sense.” Max said.

“Well life doesn’t make much sense,” Maria returned.

“But-“

“Listen,” Maria set her eyes on his. “If Liz knew I told you all this she would be more than pissed. I just want to know one thing,” her eyes never wavered, “Why are you so interested in her?”

Max let his gaze wander back over to Liz grinding between the two men. It was sad to think of how she turned out this way. Could Kyle really have broken her so much?

“I don’t know. She’s smart, mysterious, wild, and Jesus that tongue of hers,” Max looked back to Maria. “She really does have it all. Except faith. If Kyle is the cause of all this then-”

“Don’t,” Maria cut in. “It’s not your place. Kyle and Liz are an entirely different situation. Best left in the past, best left not to discuss. Especially with Liz.”

“Believe me, I found that out the hard way,” Max smiled sheepishly as he rubbed his cheek.

Maria laughed, “See?”

Max shook his head, “Think she’ll talk to me again?”

“Well,” Maria said, watching Liz stroll out of the club tucked under the arm of a tall man with short curly blonde hair. “Not tonight.”

[Walking Contradiction]

First of all, thanks to touched by an alien, Luzser1800, begonia9508, Jason's Lover, candycane14, Emz80m, behrlyliz, Michelle in Yonkers, Mica, PMP, and tiredmuse for the feedback.

Michelle in Yonkers- Wow, someone who doesn't like Liz? Awesome. I was hoping I was making her come across a tad bit deranged and I'm glad you picked up on the sociopathishness. Just you wait 'til Isabel comes along. She pretty much feels the same way about Liz as you do.

As for Max? I guess he's just a masochist.


So here's the next part guys. And sorry, there's no M/L interaction here.

5

Max woke up, immediately wishing he hadn’t. With his head pounding and his vision blurred, he sat up in bed and started rubbing his temples. He had too much to drink last night, something he certainly wasn’t used to doing.

He thought back to the previous night. He thought of Liz standing him up, finding her at Club Obsidian, dancing with her, getting slapped by her, and then watching her run off to lose herself in another man.

Max shook his head. That was when he started drinking. Maybe he wanted to see the fun in it, which he failed to find. All it led to was one killer hangover.

The sound of Beethoven’s Fur Elise incited more pain to shoot through his head. He reached onto his dresser and grabbed his cell phone. Reading the name, he rolled his eyes and flipped it open, “Hey Is.”

“Don’t you ‘hey Is’ me, Maxwell. It’s been two days and I’m worried sick. How are you?”

“I’m fine,” Max grunted out.

“You don’t sound too fine,” she countered. It seemed her duty as a sister to check up on him, especially since their father’s death. He didn’t really understand it so much, since he wasn’t all that close with their father anyway. Perhaps it was more for her own comfort.

“That’s ‘cause it’s early.”

“You consider 2 p.m. early?” Isabel said thickly. Max quickly glanced at his watch. Damn she was good. Even across different time zones.

“Guess who I ran into the other day,” Max said, changing the subject.

“Who?”

“Tess Harding.”

“Really?” Isabel perked up, “God, I can’t believe she’s still living there. She was so mad about leaving New York.”

“Well, oddly enough, this place suits her.” Max said, immediately thinking how it didn’t suit Liz Parker. “She asked about you, Is.”

“Aww, that’s sweet. How’s she doing?”

“I didn’t get much of a chance to catch up with her, but I got her number.”

“Well, you’d better damn well call her. I bet she was heart-broken when you promised to keep in contact with her the day she left. She was crushing on you so hard.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Max said, brushing Isabel’s words off. He had been well-aware of Tess’s crush on him when they were younger. He didn’t feel the same way partly because they were such good friends, and partly because she was three years younger. And at age 16, dating a 13 year old seemed so wrong.
“She’s grown-up and she’s with someone, so no need to worry about it, Is.”

“I just hope he’s good enough for her.”

“Me too,” Max found himself saying. If Kyle had truly broken Liz, he didn’t want the same to happen to Tess. He knew that Tess would grow to be a kind, gentle woman and so far it looked like his assumptions were right. “So,” Max started, “How’s everything with you?”

“Wonderful. Those movie stars are just eating up my dresses.”

“Well I’m glad you’re getting somewhere doing something you really love,” Max said, referring to her sleek fashion designs. Ever since she was thirteen she’d wanted to be a fashion designer, and now she was well on her way to becoming famous.

“Me too. I only wish the same for you.”

Oh no, here it was again. “Is,“ Max tried before she could nag.
“You know, you can’t live off your inheritance money forever Max. Well you could, but you wouldn’t be fulfilled by it.”

“I told you I needed to get away. Things were feeling stuffy in New York.”

“You mean I was feeling stuffy,” Isabel interjected. At least she was aware of how annoying she could be. When Max was silent on the other end, Isabel continued. “Okay, well, I took a week off to come visit you.” Max immediately shut his eyes. This wasn’t doing anything to ease his headache. He didn’t want his sister to come to Roswell and nitpick about just how little this town had to offer him. No, he wanted to try and discover a certain mystery woman with long dark hair and striking brown eyes. “And before you start rolling your eyes, Michael’s coming too.”

Max opened his eyes. Michael had been a long time friend. When Tess moved away at age 14, Michael seemed to appear from right around the corner. Literally. Max and Isabel had just waved goodbye to a teary-eyed Tess in a huge van headed for the airport, and Michael was sitting against the wall, drawing. The two could tell by his simple Rolling Stones shirt and torn, ragged jeans that he wasn’t as well off as they were. So the ever-charitable Isabel Evans walked right up to him and asked him to join them for lunch. They’d been friends ever since.

“So when are you guys coming?” Max asked.

“In a few weeks. It’ll be fun, Max. We can meet up with Tess and reminisce about old times.”

“Sounds wonderful,” Max said without enthusiasm.

“Come on, you know you miss me,” Isabel smiled into the other end of the phone.

Max sighed heavily, “You’re right. Just try not to nag so much when you come. Just because you’re two minutes older than me does not give you that right.”

“Oh but being a sister does. See you in a few weeks, Max,” Isabel laughed before hanging up. Max sat in silence for a few moments and then checked his watch. 2:15 p.m. Jesus.

Yawning, Max got up. He surveyed his room full of half-empty boxes. One more thing he needed to finish doing. Unpacking. He could get that done today if he was feeling any better later. He shook his head and walked into the kitchen, reaching into the cabinet to pop a few Tylenol down his throat.

Or perhaps… he could call Tess. Max perked up an eyebrow in thought and then shrugged, heading for the shower.
~*~

Tess was at work doing what she did best. Captivating all the male customers and receiving lots of tips. Her smile and her baby blue eyes were her best asset, along with those blonde tendrils that she kept loosely held in a pony tail.

Each time she passed by Liz, she greeted her with a smile that Liz wouldn’t return. Maybe she’d had a bad night. Shrugging, Tess walked over to the back and punched out to go on break.

Taking off her dreadful antennas, she set them in her locker and pulled out her purse. Smiling, Tess headed back out the swingy doors and in her haste bumped into Liz. The full tray of food in her hands started to slide every which way until she steadied it. “I’m so sorry,” Tess gasped. “Nice save.”

“I’ve had many years of practice,” Liz said nodding to Tess. “No worries,” she finally gave Tess a small forced smile before heading over to her table.

Tess bit on her lower lip, a hint of sadness in her eyes until she remembered why she’d gone on break. Kyle was here.

Bounding over to his usual table, she plopped down across from him.

“Hey babe,” Kyle greeted her.

“Hey,” she giggled in return.

“So… have you thought about what I asked?” Kyle said excitedly.

Tess nodded, “Yes.”

Kyle’s eyes widened. “Really? You’re sure?”

Just then the “Walking on Sunshine” tune started to play from inside Tess’s purse. She smiled at Kyle before pulling out her cell phone. After reading the unrecognizable number on the display screen, she answered with a tentative, “Hello?”

“Hey Tess, its Max.”

Tess immediately perked up, “Hey Max!” Kyle’s eyes narrowed and he raised a brow in question.

“Listen, about catching up. Want to get together tonight?”

“Well, I sort of had plans tonight,” Tess said apologetically. Then an idea came to mind and she gave Kyle a pleading look, “Unless you wouldn’t mind my boyfriend being there with us.”

“Oh no, I don’t want to impose,” Max said, although he couldn’t help feeling that if he were able to speak with Tess and Kyle just happened to be there that maybe it would work to his benefit. He did want to catch up with Tess, but if Kyle was there it would be an added bonus to finding out more about Liz.

“But Kyle doesn’t mind,” Tess interjected, giving him a cheeky smile.

“You sure?” Max asked.

“Oh, I’m positive,” Tess bit her lip as she watched Kyle release a sharp breath.

“Okay, well when and where?”

“How about at my apartment? I won’t be there much longer anyway. You can see where I’ve lived for the past five years.”

She gave him directions and told him to be there at seven. Once she hung up she gave Kyle the puppy dog eyes and he folded his arms and grunted.

“Oh come on, Kyle. Max was a really good friend of mine when we were younger and I want him to meet you. It’s perfect.”

“Just a friend?” Kyle asked, prompting Tess to role her eyes.

“Yes, just a friend. I’ll admit I had this huge crush on him,” she said, noticing Kyle stiffen. “But, that was when we were younger, Kyle. Now I only have eyes for you.” She smiled.

“But-“

“Nope, I can assure you he only sees me as a friend. Besides,” Tess glanced over to Liz, “I think he has a thing for Liz.”

“Liz Parker?” Kyle asked in a disbelieving tone, tempted to look in her direction, but fighting against it.

“What’s wrong with that?” Tess asked, feeling the need to defend her co-worker.

It seemed that Tess was the only person in Roswell unaware of Liz and Kyle’s relationship. Then again, she hadn’t attended West Roswell High with them, but a very prestigious all girls’ school instead.

Kyle shrugged, “Nothing.” It looked like Max had no idea what he was in for with Liz Parker.

“So…” Tess started, “You’re okay with meeting him tonight?”

Kyle leaned closer to her and grabbed her hand, “If it’ll make you happy.”

Tess beamed, leaning forward to plant a small kiss on his lips, “I love you.”

“And I love you. I can’t wait until you move in with me.”

“Me neither,” Tess said, smiling brightly. He just loved that about her, her never-ending happiness. Tess was always in a good mood, always thinking positively. And just like him, she wanted everyone around her to be happy as much as she wanted herself to be. They were quite a pair. A match made in heaven.
~*~

As time crawled by achingly slow, Max proceeded to rid the last of his moving boxes. His clothes were neatly placed in his dresser drawers and comfortable sized walk-in closet. His dresser now had an alarm clock on it, and his kitchen was full of eating and cooking utensils. When Max moved, he had only brought the bare necessities, leaving the rest of his lavish lifestyle behind.

He was surprised he’d accomplished so much today. His hangover had long since subsided, and in just a few hours he’d be catching up with an old friend.

He wondered just how much Tess had changed and if she truly was happy with Kyle. He also wondered what Kyle was really like. So far, he didn’t think too highly of him. In his head, Kyle was manipulative and conniving. But as Maria had said, he didn’t know the whole Kyle and Liz situation. After all, Liz could have broken Kyle’s heart just as much as he’d done to her. Max knew he shouldn’t let what happened between Liz and Kyle cloud his judgment. He hardly even knew Liz himself, but he couldn’t help the drive inside of him that wanted to get to know her more.

With the way things were going, he doubted she would ever let him in. So with that last slap she left him in mind, he decided to leave her alone for a few days and then try again. Max was patient. And Liz was worth the wait. She was a puzzle he was just itching to solve.

Once Max made it to Tess’s apartment he knocked gently on the door. He heard heavy footsteps on the other end and was surprised when Kyle opened the door and greeted him with a hardened look.

“You must be Max.”

Max nodded, extending a hand, “And you must be Tess’s boyfriend.”

“Kyle,” he said, giving Max a firm handshake.

“It’s nice to meet you, Kyle.” Max said.

“Likewise,” Kyle returned, “Come on in, Tess is in the kitchen checking up on the food.”

“Thanks,” Max said, letting himself in and closing the door behind him.

“Max!” Tess squealed when she saw him standing in the living room of her apartment. She wiped her hands on her apron and ran up to give him a friendly hug. “You have no idea how much I missed you and Isabel.”

“We missed you too, Tess,” Max said with a charming smile, “and speaking of Isabel, she’s coming up to visit in a few weeks.”

“Oh, I can’t wait.” Tess said, her curls bouncing wildly as she fixed her gaze on Kyle. “Isabel is Max’s sister. She’s such a beautiful person, inside and out.”

“That’s nice,” Kyle muttered.

“So, what’s Isabel up to these days?” Tess asked, redirecting her gaze back on Max.

“Actually, she’s fulfilled her dream of becoming a fashion designer.”

Tess’s mouth gaped open. “No way,” she said thinking back to how Isabel always said that one day all the movie stars would be wearing her clothes.

Max nodded, “Yep, watch the red-carpet walk this year and most of the actresses will be wearing her gowns.”

“Wow, Max. That’s... that’s, God I’m so happy for her.”

“Me too.”

Tess walked over to Kyle, who was firmly planted on the couch. She grabbed his hands and pulled him up. “This is Kyle Valenti, the love of my life,” she said looking into his eyes. “You should really check out Buddha’s Blend, it’s his coffee place,” she paused a bit before adding, “And it’s where we met.” She smiled brightly, before returning her gaze back on Max.

So Kyle owned Buddha’s Blend. Maybe that was why Liz had been so antsy the night he took her there. It was starting to come together.

“Have a seat, guys. I’m just gonna go set up the table for dinner. Talk about sports, or whatever guys talk about,” Tess smiled before heading back to the kitchen.

Max sat down on the sofa and nodded to Kyle. “So you own Buddha’s Blend? It’s really nice over there.”

Kyle shrugged, “It’s no Starbucks.”

“Starbucks doesn’t feature live music.”

“Maybe not, but they rake in the big bucks.”

Max shrugged, “Money isn’t everything. I’d say you’ve done a fine job with Buddha’s Blend.”

“Well thank you,” Kyle said.

“I only speak the truth,” Max responded.

He really wished he could ask about Liz Parker. But there was no way he could bring her up without giving away that he knew they’d dated in the past. The two men sat in awkward silence and Kyle turned on the tv.

After a few minutes of flipping through the channels, Tess called out that dinner was ready.

The two men got up and took their seats at the table. “I hope you like it, Max. Kyle just loves my pasta.”

“It’s the Italian in me,” Kyle said.

Max smiled, taking a bite. “Mmm, very good Tess.”

“I hope you’re not just saying that,” Tess said in all modesty.

“No, this is really good. If it weren’t for all the etiquette I learned in New York, I’d be shoving this food down my mouth right now.”

“Oh stop it,” Tess blushed, looking up to find Kyle’s jaw clenched. Why couldn’t he see that Max had no interest in her other than that of friendship? Hoping to break the awkwardness and show Kyle he had absolutely nothing to worry about she spoke up. “So Max, I see you’re crushing on a certain brunette that works with me at the Crashdown.”

Max coughed, caught off-guard by Tess’s words He took a sip of water and quickly glanced over at Kyle, who no longer looked like he wanted to kill him, but remained stoic. “Well…”

“Oh come on Max. Don’t be shy. I see how you look at her,” Tess smiled.

“She is beautiful,” Max said.

“Well, I think you two would be cute together. She really needs someone.”

Max looked back and forth between Kyle and Tess. Kyle fixed Max with a steady gaze as he ate his pasta while Tess, on the other hand, seemed oblivious. She had a light smile on her lips, and slowly ate her pasta. Did Tess not know about Kyle and Liz?

They ate the rest of their meal in silence.

“Thanks for dinner,” Max said as she scooped up his and Kyle’s plates.

“She loves cooking,” Kyle said, looking up at Tess. “She loves everything life has to offer.”

Max nodded, “That sounds like the Tess I knew from childhood.”

“Well, some things never change, I guess.” Tess smiled. “If you two will excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”

“So…” Max said, standing awkwardly in front of Kyle.

“So…” Kyle responded, “You’re always honest, huh?”

Max nodded, not really seeing where this was going.

“And you really have no feelings for Tess?”

“Kyle, Tess is more like a sister to me than anything else. I’m not interested in anything other than friendship.” Kyle smiled after hearing that. Max seemed to be a good enough guy. He hated feeling jealous; it ruined his perfect harmony and went against everything Buddha stood for. “Besides,” Max continued, finding this the perfect opportunity to bring Liz up, “I’m interested in someone else.”

Kyle just nodded, not giving anything away.

“Liz Parker,” Max said the name slowly, curiously. “Do you know her?”

Kyle shrugged, “She works at the Crashdown with Tess. That’s all I know.”

Max nodded, “She’s quite a mystery.”

“So, who’s ready for dessert?” Tess asked, appearing next to Kyle and lacing her arm through his.

The three of them talked comfortably over cherry pie. What started off as casual conversation with Tess admitting she didn’t bake the pie on her own, but brought it from the Crashdown, ended with tales of what happened in their lives over the years.

Tess told him of her time at the all-girl school that her parents stuck her in when she came here. She told him all about hating it at first, then growing to love the small town life and everything it held. She liked being able to know everyone, and everyone to know her. It felt comfortable and homely.

Kyle told Max how he found Buddha and the inspiration to open up a coffee shop.

Max shared tales of what Tess was like when she was younger, sparking lots of laughter from Kyle and a whole lot more blushing from Tess. He shared tales of he and Isabel growing up. Despite their differences, they did share that bond that only twins could have. They held no sibling rivalry, but the deepest of respect for each other. Max knew that it was killing Isabel to see him throw away his potential and move to Roswell, but at the same time, he knew he needed to do this. He told them about his father’s death, and received a comforting hand on his shoulder from Tess and an “I’m sorry to hear that” from Kyle.

The group fell into ease with each other, and by the time Max headed for the door to leave, it was midnight.

Tess hugged him goodbye, “Now you can come visit me at the Crashdown whenever you like. And once I move in with Kyle, you can visit me there too.”

“Yeah, but call first. You might be interrupting something important,” Kyle said with a wink, prompting Tess to lightly smack him on the shoulder.

Max laughed. They really were adorable together, “I’ll be sure to do just that.”

“It was nice meeting you, Max,” Kyle said.

“Likewise,” Max returned, restating Kyle’s words from earlier.

Tess started to bounce around a bit underneath Kyle’s arms. “I’m sorry, I was trying to hold it until you left, but all that water I drank,” Tess said apologetically before hurrying over to the restroom for the third time that night.

“She has the bladder of a five-year-old,” Kyle joked.

Max chuckled in response, “Well, I’d better get going.” He said before heading out the door and down the sidewalk to his car.

Kyle started to close the door, but then stopped short, “Hey Max,” he called out.

Max turned around mid-step, “Yeah?”

“Be careful with Liz,” he said, leaving Max stunned as he watched the door close. First of all, why did he tell him that? He seemed pretty intent on hiding any information he had on her. And secondly, how exactly did he mean those words? Were they more of a “Be careful don’t hurt her” kind of thing, or a “Be extra cautious” kind of thing.

Max walked over to his car and got inside. He sat holding onto his steering wheel for a few minutes, just as confused as ever. Shaking his head, he started the ignition. If he thought Liz Parker was a mystery before, now he was really intrigued.

[Walking Contradiction]

Geesh, what wonderful feedback you guys are giving me!

Thanks begonia9508, Jason's Lover, Oz, Emz80m, candycane14, Luzser1800, PMP (I'm glad you like my portrayal of Tess. I guess I got tired of writing her negatively), Mica, Michelle in Yonkers, BehrObsession (Wonderful insight on Liz's psyche ), behrlyliz, Elci, and confusedfool.


6

Max had been walking for an hour, observing all the small town benefits that Roswell had to offer him. In New York, the streets were crowded with pedestrians itching to get to their destinations as fast as possible. In New York nobody stopped to say hi, and when somebody bumped into you, they didn’t stop to say they were sorry either. There were no apologies needed when everyone was used to running into everyone else on a daily basis. The hustle and bustle of city life was a huge contrast to the relaxed side of this little town.

In Roswell people took their time getting around. Couples strolled leisurely along the sidewalk, as if they had all the time in the world to appreciate the beautiful sunny day. Children happily played outside, running after each other and yelling “tag, you’re it”. Streets weren’t cluttered with cars lined bumper to bumper. And at night, it was so quiet that all you could hear were crickets chirping a soft lullaby.

Max smiled as he passed by a couple sharing ice cream. They returned his smile and nodded to him in pleasant greeting. These little things didn’t happen in New York. These little things were a refreshing change, and a quiet reminder of why he came here.

He stopped when he spotted a familiar sign that read “Buddha’s Blend.” He hadn’t planned on going in, but the decal of a steaming cup of coffee plastered on the window made him realize just how much he wanted some.

Stepping inside, his eyes scanned the small coffee shop for a familiar face, but found no-one except a few patrons and a very bored looking barista standing behind the counter. Max walked up to her and ordered a café Mocha. As she started to make the drink, Max set a 5 dollar bill in the tip bin and heard the back door open. Turning his head just in time to see Kyle, he nodded, and Kyle returned his nod before walking over to him.

“Hey Max, I didn’t think you were serious when you said you liked this place,” he said, the words serving as a casual conversation starter.

“I told you I’m always honest,” Max responded in kind.

“That’s something you don’t find too much these days.”

“Excuse me, your café Mocha’s ready,” the barista smiled. She hated interrupting her boss when he was speaking with someone, but she didn’t want the coffee to get cold while the two spoke.

Max leaned forward a bit to catch sight of her name tag, “Thanks Tina,” he said before grabbing the coffee. A blush crept up her cheeks and she responded with a small nod before scurrying off to clean some blenders.

Kyle eyed Max speculatively, “How do you do that?”

“Do what?”

“It seems like all you have to do is smile at a girl and she blushes.”

Max shrugged, “I guess one of the things I learned while growing up was how to be charming.”

Kyle nodded, “Fair enough.”

“When will Alex be performing next?” Max asked.

“Well he’s here mostly on Fridays. Sometimes he comes on Thursdays with a singer. Those days we always get more customers.”

“Who’s the singer?”

“Maria DeLuca. She’s got a nice set of pipes,” Kyle remarked.

“I didn’t know Maria sang,” Max said, baffled.

Kyle nodded, “Yeah, she loves it too. But she works full time at a club so she doesn’t get to perform here very much.”

“Hopefully I can check it out when she does.” Max tried to picture Maria in front of the microphone singing while Alex sat on a stool casually strumming the chords. It was certainly plausible. He wondered if Liz ever came in on those days to support Maria or if she tried to avoid this place as much as possible because of Kyle.

“Well, I’ll keep you updated,” Kyle said, breaking him of his thoughts.

“Cool,” Max said, looking around. He didn’t want to hold Kyle up any longer. He also didn’t know what else to say to him. It was still sort of awkward to be around him without Tess there. “I’d better get going.” He took a sip of his coffee, held it up and nodded. “Damn good coffee.”

Kyle chuckled a bit, “You were a fan of Twin Peaks?”

“David Lynch is a genius.”

“You actually understand his stuff?” Kyle asked in disbelief.

“Of course not. That’s what makes him a genius,” Max said cockily.

Kyle shook his head, “See ya around smart-ass.”

“See ya,” Max returned and walked to the door while Kyle re-entered the back room.

Max continued his walk until he found himself at the familiar alien-themed restaurant he’d grown so accustomed to the past few days. He stood outside, stopping to look through the clear glass of the window in hopes of seeing her. A slow smile curled up the corners of his lips when he saw the familiar silver antennas bobbing every which way as she walked up to a table close by. She was tending to a mother and daughter, and for once the smile on her face didn’t look forced as she spoke to the child. Max watched as the little girl’s lips moved and her hands waved in the air excitedly, causing Liz’s eyes to widen and a certain glow to light up her eyes. The look was a major contrast to how he’d seen her at the club before. It almost made her look innocent, not to mention absolutely stunning with her hair pulled back and no make-up on. It was a natural beauty he didn’t see too often.

Unconsciously, Max put his hand up on the glass and moved closer to get a better look. Liz had leaned forward to point to something on the menu and when she looked back up, her eyes caught his and immediately locked. Max swallowed and felt his heart-rate quicken. He’d expected her to turn away as soon as she saw him, but instead she kept their hold. The look on his face was all seriousness as his amber eyes intently bore into her brown eyes through the clear barrier that separated them.

She couldn’t bring herself to tear her gaze away. The intensity in his eyes as he stared into hers through the window made her want to run away and hide, but for the life of her she couldn’t. Like a magnet, her eyes bore into his with equal intensity and her heart rate sped up the tiniest bit. She thought that her actions a few nights ago would stop him. But with the way he was looking at her right now, she was sure he wouldn’t give up. Not that easily.

“Excuse me,” the customer’s words filtered through Liz’s ears and she finally tore her gaze away from their hold and down to the woman. “I decided on the Alien Blast.”

“Coming right up,” Liz smiled at the woman and her child before turning away.

Taking a deep breath, she could still feel his eyes on her, lingering over her body. What was with this guy? She heard the door open and braced herself for the next conversation with him. It was inevitable, after all.

Max made sure to have the hostess seat him in her section. Once seated, he kept his eyes on her as she twisted through the obstacle course of tables, doing nothing to mask his fixation. He wanted her to know that he was watching her. He wanted her to feel his eyes boring into her. And she felt it alright.

It seemed like forever before she finally walked up to him in confident strides. “Good afternoon,” she greeted, as if nothing happened between them and he was just a new customer.

“You like children?” Max asked, noting of the way her eyes lit up when she spoke with the child earlier.

“I’m not a pedophile.”

Max shook his head. Her witty replies could only go so far. “You know what I meant.” He nodded in the direction that the mother and daughter were seated. “It seems you have an affinity for kids.”

Liz shrugged. “You would know, you were staring at me non-stop like some kind of stalker,” she said before perking up a brow conspiratorially, “Was that the reason you left New York?”

Max leaned back, making himself comfortable in the booth. If she could dodge his questions, then he could dodge hers. “You didn’t look away.”

Liz gritted her teeth. Was it just her imagination, or was he getting better at this? She saw him smile glibly. “So, are you ready to order?”

“Maria likes me.”

Liz rolled her eyes, “That’s nice, but this is a restaurant. Are you going to eat or should I give this table to someone more deserving?”

Max looked past Liz. “There’s no line, so I don’t feel all that bad about holding you up. But…” He let his words trail off.

“What?” Liz asked.

“Well, I’d be more than happy to simply order, eat, and leave if you go out with me tonight.”

Liz sighed, “When and where?”

“I’m not falling for that one again.”

“Oh come on, do you think I’m stupid enough to stand you up twice? That’s not my style.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll be happy to hear that I don’t know you enough to determine what your style is. But, if you give me your phone number we can negotiate.”

Liz bit her lip. “Are you gonna fuck it all up by leaving me another hundred dollar tip?”

Max chuckled, then repeated her words from earlier, “I’m not stupid enough to do that twice.” Max knew there was a chance she could leave him with a random number. Max also knew that if that were the case, he could always try to get the number from Maria.

Liz pulled out a notepad from her pocket and scribbled down her number. She handed it to him. Smiling, he plucked it from her fingers and glanced at it to make sure there were at least numbers written on it instead of some smart remark. Satisfied with what he saw, he stuck it in his wallet for safe keeping.

“Okay, I’ll have a Martian Milkshake and a Neptune Burger.”

“What flavor milkshake?”

“I’ll go with your favorite.”

Liz’s eyes flew from her order pad to him. He remembered her favorite ice cream was vanilla.

“I remember everything, Liz,” Max said as if reading her mind. His eyes gently locked on hers. The words left her feeling a little unnerved, yet a little touched that he remembered what she thought had been a simple conversation starter.

“Okay,” Liz said. “Anything else?”

“A promise.”

Max’s words caught her by surprise. “Excuse me?”

His look turned timid and his words came out a tad bit apprehensive. “I’d like a promise that you gave me your number. And a promise that you’ll see me tonight.”

She didn’t know why, but the look on his face made her feel a tremendous amount of guilt bear down on her shoulders. Did she really hurt him that much when she stood him up? Thinking back to why she did it, her guilt eased. He deserved it. But as she looked at his warm face, she remembered slapping him that night too, and her guilt intensified. Even though she hated the world, this guy was only trying to help. Only trying to be a friend. Too bad even that would lead him down a dark path he wouldn’t want to stray too far into.

Liz looked around nervously and then sighed. Biting her lip, she finally spoke, “I’m sorry for slapping you the other night.”

Max sat in his booth, looking up at her in confusion. He didn’t expect something like that from her. “What about standing me up?”

Liz’s nervousness eased and she went back to her confident old self, “Oh, that I’m definitely not sorry for.”

Max smiled, “So… is it a promise then?”

“Excuse me!” A patron shouted from behind them. Liz turned her head to the angry woman’s voice. It turned out to be Frosty, the lady who always complained. “I’ve been trying to get your attention for the past ten minutes. If you’d stop flirting and start doing your job maybe you’d get more customers.”

Max’s teeth clenched. He hadn’t heard the woman call to her beforehand. Liz noticed the look on his face and smiled. She was used to dealing with Frosty. Spinning on her heel, she plastered on a sweet smile, “I’m sorry about that m’am. What can I get for you?”

The woman’s anger dissipated. “Yeah, well you should be, and you can get me a refill on this coke here.”

Liz grabbed her half-full glass, “Coming right up.” She walked off and stole a glance at Max. He still seemed upset.

Frosty was long gone by the time Liz set Max’s food down. After merely two sips of her freshly filled coke, she left with a grumble about how bad the service was.

“Anything else I can get you?” Liz asked him.

Max looked at her puzzled, “How can you let her talk to you like that?”

Liz shrugged, “This is a business Max. The customer’s always right.”

“Well that’s bullshit, Liz. She shouldn’t talk to you that way.”

Liz was flattered he seemed so heated up about this, but it was useless. “Well Max, I hate to break it to you, but here in the real world away from the high society that you’re used to, people get shit on all the time.”

Max frowned.

And here she thought he was worldly. Maybe he wasn’t quite as worldly as she’d presumed. Cultured perhaps, but not worldly. He looked up to her, changing the subject back to their earlier conversation before Frosty ruined it. “So, do you promise?”

“I don’t make promises.” Liz responded.

“Why? You never keep them?”

Liz shook her head, “No, I don’t like the concept of a promise.”

“’Cause it’s binding?”

“Maybe.”

Max nodded. “So then, is it a yes?”

“Sure.”

“Good.”

“Okay.” Liz could continue like this forever.

“Alright, I’ll call you later then,” Max said, breaking the chain.

“Yep… I’ll let you eat now.” Liz said. She turned around in time to see Alex and Maria step inside. They smiled at Liz and she headed over to them.

Max took a large bite of his burger, his eyes following Liz over to Alex and Maria. When they looked in his direction, he waved them over to join him. The two spoke to each other and then to Liz. He watched as Liz rolled her eyes and then dejectedly gestured over to Max’s table with the wave of a hand.

“Well hello Max,” Alex said, sliding into the seat across from him. Maria sat down next to Alex and reached across the table to steal one of Max's fries.

“Hey guys,” Max responded. “I was just told that one of your many talents is singing,” he said to Maria.

“I’m not bad,” Maria said modestly, plopping a fry into her mouth. Max smiled and took another few bites of his burger.

“She’s amazing,” Alex cut in. “Back in high school we had a band, The Whits. We weren’t too shabby either.”

Max nodded, “Well I hope I can see you guys perform together. My sister and a friend are coming up in a few weeks. I’m trying to think of things to keep them occupied during their visit.”

“Good luck,” Maria said.

Liz came up with a water and a coke and set them down in front of Maria and Alex. “You guys gonna get the usual?”

“I’m feeling saucy,” Alex said. “I’ll get the Venus Platter.”

Liz shook her head, “One heart attack on a plate coming right up. How about you Maria?”

“I’ll take the usual.”

“Alright, I’ll go put the order in.”

“So, how are things going with Liz?” Maria asked Max after she walked away.

“She gave me her number,” he said, pulling out his wallet and showing Maria the paper. “Is it the right one?”

Maria laughed, looked at it and then leaned back. “Yes, it’s the right one.”

“So your sister,” Alex started, “What’s she like?”

“Well, she’s a little demanding and has her preconceptions.”

“Ah, another way of saying she’s bossy and judgmental,” Alex nodded. “Are there any good traits?”

Max laughed. “Well, she is charitable. She’s one hell of a fashion designer, and if she likes you, she’ll do anything for you.”

“Hmm,” Alex pondered. “Is she one of those independent types?”

“Definitely.”

“I like.”

Max laughed, “Careful, that is my sister you’re talking about.”

Maria eyed Max curiously, “What’s her name?”

“Isabel Evans.”

Maria’s eyes widened, “Holy shit, I love her clothes. They’re just so expensi- sorry,” she stopped herself short.

Max nodded, “Its okay. They are sort of pricey.”

“You can say that again,” Maria said, before fixing her gaze past Max and smiling. “Hey Chica,” she said.

Max turned to see Liz without her antennas and with her hair down, falling just past her shoulders. “Scoot over, “she demanded of him.

Max complied, and moved down a bit. She slid in beside him, careful not to get too close, and in the process looking very uncomfortable. “Make yourself comfortable, “Max said.

Liz glared at him, “I am comfortable.”

Maria raised a brow at Max, trying hard to contain her laughter. When he gave her a pleading look, she decided to help him out a bit. “So Liz, Max’s sister is a clothing designer.”

“That’s nice,” she said. She turned her head to Max, “What do you do?”

“Nothing at the moment.”

“Well you must do a whole lot of nothing to afford hundred-dollar tips.”

It was Alex’s turn to cut in, “Hundred dollar tips?” His eyes widened as a look of confusion clouded over his face.

For the first time, Max felt annoyed with Liz. She kept on bringing up the hundred-dollar tip, which he already knew was a stupid mistake on his part. Was she on some sort of quest to embarrass him in front of others? She seemed to run hot and cold and he was getting tired of her attitude.

“Well,” he turned to Liz. “Before I came here to do a whole lot of nothing, I aided my sick father for years as he slowly died of lung cancer. After his death, I inherited half of his fortune, along with his estate, and came here. So I have a whole lot of money and I’m in a town full of welcoming people. So pardon me if I want to return the hospitality and give a little.”

Liz blinked, saying nothing. The rest of the table fell into uncomfortable silence. Max felt Liz’s right hand hover over his left and then lightly clasp it. She gave it a gentle squeeze. It was the same thing Max had done that night over coffee, after she gave him a little insight on her childhood. And just how it had comforted Liz when he’d done it, Max felt waves of tension release from his body with that simple gesture.

Alex broke the silence, “I’m sorry to hear that about your father, Max.”

“It’s fine,” he said. Liz removed her hand and Max reached out for it again under the table. He didn’t want her to pull away just yet. He just wanted to feel her touch. It was so warm and soothing. Grabbing hold of her hand again, he looked at her. She gave him a small smile and then shook her head, releasing her hand from his.

Frustrated, Max set both his hands on the table and leaned forward. “Isabel took it much worse than me. She was a lot closer to him.”

Alex nodded, “It’s hard to lose a parent.”

“Sometimes,” Liz interjected. Maria looked to Liz and their eyes connected. Aside from Kyle knowing the whole truth of Liz’s past, Maria was the only one who knew the half-truth. She knew of everything Liz had gone through up until the moment Kyle entered her life and exited it. Her parents died when she was 5 in a fire, leaving her orphaned. With a grandmother who was on life-support and no other family members, she was tossed around from foster family to foster family until she finally got stuck with Hank.

When Liz was with Kyle, she had done as many girls would do, and spent less and less time with her best friend. Maria accepted it, having gone through the phase herself. After Kyle left her, she was never the same. Of course it was around the same time that her foster father died, but that would hardly affect Liz. She hated Hank with a passion. But perhaps the mix of her supposed care-taker passing and her boyfriend breaking up with her was merely salt on opened wounds. At least, that’s what Maria had decided.

“I need to get back to work,“ Liz said, sliding out of the booth. “I’ll see you guys later.”

“I’ll call you,“ Max shouted behind her as she walked away, happy to see her acknowledge his words with a shake of her head.

[Walking Contradiction]

Thanks Sookie, PMP, Jason's Lover (It's good to know I captured the big city life right), Sternbetrachter, begonia9508, Luzser1800, anonymousarfan, BehrObsession (Hmm, you may be on to something there ), and candycane14.

Part 7

It was 6 o’clock when Max dialed her number. One ring passed and he sat down on his couch in the living room. A second ring passed and he fidgeted with a pillow. A third ring passed and he stood back up. A fourth ring passed and he started to pace. He should have known that she wasn’t going to answer.

As he was about to hang up, he heard a voice on the other end, “Hello?”

Max smiled into his cell phone, “Hey Liz, it’s me.”

“Me?”

“Max”

“Okay, now that we’ve established that, why’d you call?”

“I thought maybe we could go out tonight.”

“What’s in it for me?” Liz asked.

“A fine dining experience with yours truly,” Max responded without missing a beat.

Liz laughed into the phone. When he didn’t respond, she added, “Oh, you were serious.”

“I figured that since you took a rain check so to speak, we could make up for it tonight.”

Liz bit her lip, “That doesn’t sound like a negotiation to me.”

“Okay Miss Parker, then what do you want in exchange for a dinner date with you?”

Liz paused for a moment. A blush crept up her cheeks with his ‘Miss Parker” reference. It was oddly appealing. “If I have dinner with you tonight will you leave me alone?”

It was Max’s turn to laugh into the phone. After a short pause, he mocked her earlier words, “Oh, you were serious.”

Liz rolled her eyes, “You need to find some originality, Maxwell.”

Max smirked. She just called him Maxwell. “Well then Elizabeth, what do I have to do to take you out tonight?”

“Nothing,” she said.

“Nothing?” Max repeated in question.

“That’s right, because there’s nothing you can do that will make me say yes.”

Max was thrown for a loop. One minute she was flirting with him and the next she was telling him no. “But,” Max started, only to be cut off with a dial tone on the other end.

Liz stood staring at her cell phone under Maria’s intense scrutiny.

“Come on Liz, why don’t you just give him a chance?” Maria asked.

Liz shook her head, “I can’t.”

Maria rolled her eyes, “I think he could make you happy.”

Liz threw her phone on the couch beside Maria, “I already am happy.”

Maria shot up in her seat, “That’s bullshit, Liz. You haven’t been happy since Kyle. He’s moved on, so why can’t you?”

“I have moved on Maria. I’ve moved on to a whole new lifestyle, one that I’m comfortable with. Max, he’s…”

“Tall, dark, handsome, charming, decent, nice, not to mention quite wealthy. He’s everything you dreamed of being with when we were kids.”

“Yeah, well, that’s when we were kids. Things change.”

Maria shook her head. Liz stood in her spot looking down at the wooden floor, seemingly interested in the creaks it held. The guilt she’d felt earlier hardly seemed like anything compared to how she felt now. There was no reason to be this mean to Max. No reason at all. So then why did she keep on doing it?

Because he’s showing interest, she told herself. He was the first guy since Kyle that wanted something more from her than her body. Then again, he was the first guy she let take her out since Kyle. Granted coffee wasn’t much, but it was something. And now look where it had gotten her.

Without saying a word, Liz turned on her heel and walked into the kitchen. Maria eyed the phone for a minute before picking it up and dialing the most recent number.

All it took was one ring before he answered with a tentative, “Hello?”

“Hey Max, it’s Maria.”

“Umm, hey Maria. You’re calling from Liz’s phone?”

“Yep. She changed her mind. Pick her up at 7,” she gave him their address, knowing that Liz would be pretty pissed at her, but she didn’t care.

“Are you sure?” Max asked afterward.

“Yes, I’m sure.”

Liz walked back in, her eyes widening at the sight of Maria talking on her cell phone. No, she didn’t. She wouldn’t.

Maria’s eyes flickered up to meet Liz’s. Yep, she’d be in some big trouble. Maria gave her a small smile before Liz nearly pounced on her to retrieve the cell, while Max stood pacing in his living room, his ears perking up from the sounds coming from the other end. Finally, Liz’s familiar voice came through the line, “Max,”

“Yes?” He responded so fast, and with so much hope in his voice that Liz felt guilt gnaw at her. She couldn’t date him. It wasn’t right. She couldn’t get too involved with him, and already after one night of coffee, he’d been hounding her down.

Finally, she spoke dejectedly, “You say you remember everything, right?”

Max quickly nodded into the phone, then realized she couldn’t very well see him and spoke, “Yeah, I have a good memory.”

“Then remember what I said that first night you met me at the club.” Liz said.

Max nodded into the phone, “See you at 7?” he questioned.

“See you at 7,” Liz said, peering at Maria the whole time.

Max was stunned. She’d said a lot of things to him that first night. He glanced down at his watch. 6:15. He might as well start getting ready.

As soon as Liz clicked the phone shut, she shot Maria with eyes so dark with rage that Maria actually felt afraid of her best friend for the first time in her life.

“I did it for you, Liz.” Maria said.

“You fucked things up, Maria. I can’t keep doing this to him. He’s going to think I actually want something out of all this, and I don’t. I don’t want anything from him, Maria.”

Maria bit her lip, “Then why’d you give him your phone number in the first place?”

Liz was silent. That was a good question. Why did she give him her number? She shrugged before falling back on the couch next to Maria and crossing her arms. The silence permeated through the air like a heavy fog. Liz hadn’t remembered the last time Maria was this quiet. It was unnerving. But Maria was waiting for her to talk. “I would ruin him.”

Maria shook her head, “You’re too hard on yourself.”

“I ruin everyone who gets close to me.”

“No, you don’t Liz. Look at me, we’ve been friends for years and I’m totally fine.”

Liz shook her head, “No, you’re not. You could be in New York lounge singing by now. Or you could be in Seattle performing one hell of a concert. Hell, you could be on Broadway. Fucking Broadway, Maria. That was your dream, remember? But you stayed behind. You stayed behind to share an apartment with me because I couldn’t afford it on my own.”

Maria ran a hand through her blonde hair. “If I’d have gone off in search of fulfilling my dream, I’d probably have ended up sleeping on a rusty old bench in New York.”

Liz’s jaw clenched, “See, even my negativity brings you down with me. Years ago, you would have said that the world was your oyster.”

“No Liz, it’s not negativity that’s talking here, it’s practicality.”

Liz sat in silence.

Maria hugged her friend, “Lighten up Liz. Let yourself have a good time tonight, okay? Stop thinking so much about what you’re doing and just do it.” Liz returned the hug, nodding against her friend. Maria pulled back and glanced at her watch, “I’ve got to head to work now, Chica.”

Liz nodded. After Maria left, she went into her room to change.

At 5 minutes to 7, Liz was dressed in low-rise hip hugger jeans and a black lacey tank top that fit her like a glove. She’d calmed down enough from her temper earlier, but now something was setting in that she wasn’t used to. Nerves.

Liz paced into the kitchen to find her cat sitting on the tiled floor, staring up at her in with wide green eyes. He let out a small meow before rubbing up against her leg. Liz smiled. Her cat always knew how to get what he wanted. Of course it was no help that she spoiled him to death. She leaned down and scratched behind his ear, eliciting a purr out of him.

She stood back up and got out his food. She poured it into his bowl and heard the doorbell ring.

“One minute!” she yelled to the door as she set the cat food back under the cupboard and washed her hands in the kitchen sink.

Taking her time, she walked over to the door and slowly inched it open. Sure enough, Max stood on the other end in a blue silk shirt and dark pants. Liz quickly raked her eyes down his body before meeting his eyes. “What’s up with all the silk shirts?”

Max shrugged, sliding inside with a hand carefully tucked behind his back, “My sister’s a fashion designer. Most of my clothes are her creation, and she happens to like silk.”

“Ah,” Liz said, peering at him with a raised brow. He was careful as he dodged inside, closed the door behind him and stood across from her. When she gave him a skeptical look, he brought his arm forward and presented her with a bouquet of white roses.

He held them forward and Liz didn’t know what to do. No guy, not even Kyle, had gotten her roses before.

She rolled her eyes in an attempt to hide the quickening of her pulse. Why did this guy have to go out of his way to make her feel like she was worth something? “Thanks, but for future reference, flowers and candy aren’t my thing,” she said, taking the flowers from him.

Liz brought the roses to her nose and sniffed the sweet fragrance. When she caught Max smirking at her, she looked up at him, “What?”

“You said for future reference. Does that mean there will be future dates?”

Liz threw him an unadulterated death glare. He was playing off her words and she didn’t like it one bit. Maybe she should just lay it all out on the table. That she wasn’t interested in a relationship.

“Max, I need you to get something straight here. I don’t want a relationship. You were at the club the other day, you know what I want.”

Suddenly becoming bolder, Max walked closer to her until he was only an inch away. He trailed his fingers up her arm and spoke in deep bravado, “I can give you what you want.” He took a moment to let his fingers linger on her skin before he grabbed the roses and started walking into her kitchen, “Where do you keep your vases?”

Liz blinked. Where had the shy guy gone? Spinning on her heel, she followed him into the kitchen and reached up into a cabinet to retrieve a vase. Max watched as she leaned forward and her top inched up, revealing the creamy expanse of her back. Feeling his eyes on her, she decided to take her time.

Max set the flowers down on the kitchen table and walked forward. She sensed him creeping up behind her, before feeling the heat of his firm chest pressed against her back. He couldn’t help but lay one hand on the smooth skin of her back, while his other hand lightly brushed against her arm as he stretched up to get the vase. Liz felt warm and fuzzy, and she didn’t like it one bit.

Did he think he had some kind of power over her now? She would show him who was boss. Slowly turning around and grazing her breasts against his chest in the process, Liz stared up at him. She licked her lips as her eyes met his in full on intensity. “Hi,” she said in a seductive, yet oddly innocent manner.

Max’s eyes darkened and that was all the warning she got before he picked her up and set her down on the counter. The vase tumbled to the floor and shattered into tiny pieces, but Max took no notice. He quickly ran a hand through Liz’s long dark mane, leaning forward to kiss her, but the noise of tiny paws heavily scampering from the kitchen and into the living room halted him.

“Hmm, someone’s a little anxious,” Liz said. “Unfortunately for you, I have a cat here and I do not want to get a shard of broken glass stuck in his paw.”

She went to hop off the counter, but his arms were tightly secured around her waist. He looked confused. “Do you mind?” Liz said, gesturing to his hold on her.

“Oh,” Max said, backing up. A blush painted his cheeks. “Sorry.”

Liz hopped off the counter and smirked. She left the room and came back with a broom to wipe up all the pieces. When she was sure she’d gotten them all she threw them in the garbage. Max grabbed another vase, filled it with water and put the flowers in it.

Liz looked around for her cat, and found him hiding under the sofa in her living room. “You scared him,” she pointed out when she saw him with his hair standing on end. She looked to Max briefly, “You’re not a cat person.”

Max shook his head, “Nope, I’m a dog person.”

“That would have been my guess.”

“Why?”

“You just act more like a dog.”

“Thanks?” Max said, his forehead crinkled in confusion.

Liz laughed, bending down to pick up her cat, “Its okay baby,” she cooed as her cat meowed a little. “What I mean is that your personality is more like a dog than a cat. You know, you’re more outgoing and friendly.”

Max smirked, “And loyal.”

“I wouldn’t know about that one.” Liz muttered under her breath.

“I guess that makes sense,” Max took a few steps forward. “And you’re very selective and independent. Such a cat.”

Liz nodded, “All the more reason why you should quit while you’re ahead.”

Max took a few more steps forward until he was standing across from her. He stroked the cat a few times, receiving a purr in response. “Opposites attract.”

“Attract, maybe. But it’s nothing to build a relationship out of.”

“Okay, what about a friendship?” Max asked, relenting a little.

Liz shrugged, “We’ll see.”

“What’s his name?” Max asked as he continued petting the cat.

“Khivar.”

Max raised a brow at her, “Interesting name.”

“Yeah, well. I guess I read too many Science Fiction books as a kid.”

“I never would have imagined that.”

Liz shrugged. “I was a huge science geek.”

“Really?” Max smirked, trying to imagine it.

Liz set her cat down and looked at her watch. “Ready to go?”

“After you,” Max said, gesturing toward the door.

[Walking Contradiction]

First off, thanks for all your lovely feedback Luzser1800, candycane14 (you may be on to something there), Erina, Jason's Lover, abbs007, Oz, PMP, ShatteredDreamer (Glad you're enjoying this), begonia9508, tiredmuse, BehrObsession, Allie Xie (hehe, I like the thorn bit), Mica, and LairaBehr4.


Part 8.

“So, do you like my choice?” Max asked as he and Liz slid into opposite ends of the booth.

Liz scanned her eyes throughout the decorative restaurant. Piñatas and sombreros were lined across the ceiling on ropes in a very festive manner, adding to the casual ambience of Senor Chow’s. She had to admit it was a nice choice, “Not bad,” she said. Her eyes caught sight of the game room tucked in the back and she spotted a pool table. A smile curled up the corners of her lips, “Any good at pool?” She asked.

Max leaned forward, “I’m not bad. You?”

Liz gave him a wicked smirk, “You wanna find out?”

Max nodded, “After dinner we’ll play a few rounds.”

The waitress came up to them with chips and salsa and set the chips down in the middle of the table. Smiling brightly at Max, she placed a salsa dish in front of him, “This one is hot,” she said before placing the other salsa dish in front of Liz, “and this one is mild.” The waitress took their orders, gazing dreamily at Max the whole time. “If you two need anything, my name’s Serena.”

As she started to walk away, Liz shook her head and laughed.

“What?” Max asked.

“She totally wants you.”

Max glanced in the waitress’s direction to find her staring at him. She blushed, gave him a small wave, and then continued on.

Liz rolled her eyes, “See?”

Max fixed his eyes on hers, “Don’t worry.”

“Worry?”

“I’m not interested in her.”

“Oh come on,” Liz said, leaning closer to Max and almost whispering. “I bet if you got up right now, gave her one of your charming smiles, you could get a quickie in the bathroom.”

Max’s eyes bored into hers in all seriousness, “Is that what you do?”

Liz sat back, her eyes never wavering. “I’ve done it before.”

“Often?” Max pressed.

Liz shook her head, “I’ll do anything once.”

“That’s an interesting philosophy. So you would smoke crack, shoot up heroin, and have unprotected sex once in your life?”

Liz crossed her arms, “If I feel like it.”

Max found her dry humor oddly endearing. “So then you’d fall in love once, huh?”

“Been there, done that.”

Max didn’t know why, but that response stung. “So you wouldn’t fall in love twice?”

“Being in love isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” Liz said. “It hurts.”

“Being in love, or breaking up?”

“Well, haven’t you been in love?”

Liz heard a voice clear her throat and looked up to find Serena smiling down at them. “Here are your margaritas. Frozen,“ she said, placing one down in front of Liz, “and on the rocks,” she finished, placing the other down in front of Max.

“Thanks,” Max said, nodding to Serena. She smiled and walked away.

“So?” Liz asked.

“I don’t know,” Max responded honestly.

Liz raised a brow, “You don’t know?”

“I don’t know,” he confirmed.

“Then you haven’t.” Liz stated.

“I guess not,” he shrugged.

A few minutes of awkward silence passed between the two as they sipped on their margaritas. Max perused Liz. He studied her large brown eyes that lacked emotion, her mouth that served to tempt rather than befriend, and ended on her sultry clothing that hid any kind of purity she might have left. “Can I ask you something?”

Liz raised a brow and smirked, “You just did.”

Max smiled at her as he shook his head, “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, but with all the guys you sleep with… aren’t you worried, about catching something.”

The smirk immediately left Liz’s lips and her whole body tensed. “Well, contrary to what you may think you know about promiscuous women, I’m not stupid. I take birth control, always use condoms, and get tested on a regular basis.”

“About how often do you…”

Liz looked at him puzzled. “It’s not really your concern.”

“It is if we…”

“If we have sex you mean.” Liz interjected. She shook her head, “This is why we shouldn’t be doing this,” she gestured between the table. “The way you’re talking, the way you’re asking me questions… this, this isn’t the beginning of a romantic relationship, Max. I can’t have a relationship.”

“Why not?” he asked.

“I just can’t, okay,” Liz snapped, her eyes piercing into his with intensity. “Look,” she said. “I like the way you look at me. I like the way you seem to care. Hell, even Maria likes you and seems to be on your side which is really baffling.”

Max smirked at that, and then his frown faded when he heard her say but.

“But, this is all just lust, Max. And you know what I think? I think that you just need to get laid.”

Max remained stoic. His eyes met hers, “You know what I think? I think that you’re saying all this because you’re scared. You had one bad relationship and now you’re afraid to get in another one. You’re afraid to let go.”

“Oh?” Liz said, “And what would you know about relationships if you haven’t even been in love.”

“I may not have been in love, Liz. But I have been in serious relationships before. I’ve also been in lust before, and it wasn’t like this,” his voice deepened as he spoke in all honesty, “Yes, I’m attracted to you. Yes, I’d give anything to take you back to my place right now and have my way with you, but you know what I want more than that?”

Liz’s mouth went dry. Whatever it was that he wanted, she didn’t want to hear it. She grabbed her purse from beside her and started to stand up but was halted with the feral look on his face as he reached his hand out and grabbed her arm.

He shook his head, “No, you’re not running away this time, Liz. We’re going to sit down, enjoy our food, play a few rounds of pool, and then finish our date.”

Liz sat back down in silence. She should be mad at the way he was talking to her. The way he was telling her what to do; but his words, his persistence, the goddamn look in his heated gaze was turning her on so much she couldn’t think straight. She had him pegged as the shy and passive type, not the assertive type. To see this side of him was sending waves of heat prickling through her body and moisture to pool between her legs.

Liz cleared her throat, and luckily Serena came by with the food to save her from having to speak.

They ate their dinner in silence. Max nearly gulped down his food as Liz slowly picked at her Mexican dish. Whenever Liz glanced up at Max, she noticed the tightened look on his face. His jaw was grinding against his food in anger, and she was lucky he hadn’t noticed her throwing glances his way, because the more she saw him do that the more turned on she got.

When Serena came by and asked them how their food was, Liz immediately asked for another margarita. Max asked for a few waters and when Serena returned with Liz’s margarita and their waters, he fixed Liz with a solid look. “Drink some water.”

Liz matched his solid look, “I’ll drink water when I want to drink water. Right now, I’m drinking my margarita.”

Max shook his head, “If you get drunk…”

“Oh please, Max. You know how much I’m used to drinking? Two margaritas is barely a buzz for me.”

Whenever Max looked at Liz, she was slowly nipping on her food with that emotionless expression in her eyes. He couldn’t seem to get to her, and that bothered him. She would flirt with him and tell him things, and just when he thought he was getting somewhere, she would throw him a curve ball and immediately retreat back to her old self.

Once they finished eating, Max paid the bill and left Serena a twenty dollar tip. He stood up and held out his hand for Liz. With a roll of her eyes, she took it and stood up, “This whole chivalry thing is a bit much.”

“You know you love it,” Max smirked cockily.

“You wish.”

He gestured toward the game room, “Shall we?”

Liz nodded, “We shall.”

And just as quickly as their date had turned into an awkward silence, it once again became a comfortable companionship.

Liz more than kicked his ass in pool. She slaughtered him. And more than that, with each move, she’d make sure to give him the best view. If he were in front of her, she’d lean forward just enough for him to peak at the cleavage popping out of her lacey top. If he were behind her, she’d make sure that her ass was in full view. The amazing thing about it was that she did it with a subtlety that made it look natural.

As Max stood watching her final move, knocking the 8 ball into the right pocket with perfect ease, he smiled. “So, how’d you get so good at pool?”

“Well... I was more than just a science geek in school.”

Max raised a brow, prompting her to continue.

“I was also good at math. And pool is geometry. If you know your angles, then you know how to play.”

It seemed like the thousandth time since he’d met her that she’d managed to surprise him. Maria was right, she certainly was intelligent. The more he pictured her teen years, the more he wondered how someone who was so intelligent and graduated a year early as valedictorian could end up working as a waitress and sleeping with random men on a regular basis.

“And of course it helps if you know how to use your assets to distract your opponents,” Liz smirked.

Max nodded, “I figured that was part of it. And now that you’ve kicked my ass plenty of times, are you ready to head out?”

She nodded, but a huge burly man at the pool table next to them shouted out, “You play a good game, little girl.”

Liz smirked at Max and turned to face the man. He had an array of tattoos running down his arm and gave her a smile, showing off the huge gap in his teeth. “You play for money, girlie?”

“That depends, “ Liz said, walking over to the man and meeting his look, “on how much money we’re talking here.”

Max sighed. This was going to be fun.

The burly man tossed out a number, “Fifty bucks,”

“One hundred and you’re on.”

The man nodded, “Me and Chuck,” he said, gesturing toward his friend who was equally as burly with an equal amount of tattoos and a bald head, “vs. you little girl and you,” He said pointing to Max.

Max stepped forward next to Liz, “The name’s Max. And she’s Liz.”

“You’re lucky I have money on me,” Max whispered to her.

“What, you don’t have any faith in me?” Liz asked.

“No, but there’s always a chance that we could lose.”

“I don’t play to lose, Maxwell.”

Again, Liz used her mathematical skills to knock the solids into the pockets, and her womanly assets to distract all the men, including Max.

Max cleared his throat when he was up to the table, “Liz, you need to tone it down a bit. I’m having a hard time concentrating.”

Liz emitted a deep and breathy laugh. “I should have shown you some moves earlier, huh?”

Max groaned at her choice of words. She whispered in his ear and he stepped up to the table. Checking the angles, his eyes scanned between the red ball in the middle of the table, and the left pocket at the back of the table. He lined up the stick, and hit it, causing the ball to hit the side of the pocket and bounce off just inches away.

“Dammit,” he cursed under his breath.

“Looks like me and Chuck here have a chance to play now,” the burly man chewed on a toothpick as he stepped up to the table and expertly knocked a yellow striped ball into the pocket.

“I’m sorry, Liz.” Max said.

Liz peered at the table, watching them play, “Don’t worry, Chuck isn’t that great at pool either. You two are about an equal match. We’re still ahead.”

It was neck and neck by the end of the game. All that was left was the 8 ball, and it was Max’s turn. He never did work well under pressure. Sensing his nervousness, Liz gave his arm a gentle squeeze, “Come on Max, you can do this. And if you lose, it’s no big deal. You’ll just be out a hundred dollars and your pride.”

“Thanks for the reassurance,“ Max said dryly.

Liz flashed him a dazzling smile, “Anytime.”

Max shook his head and stepped toward the pool table. It was an exact diagonal shot, all he needed was to hit the ball with the right amount of pressure. The problem was judging just how much pressure he needed. He leaned down and lined up the stick. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Liz chatting with Chuck and placing a hand on his tattooed arm as he flexed his muscles. He shook his head, hoping that she was doing this for the purpose of the game.

After regaining his concentration, he took a deep breath and shot the ball into the pocket. Afterward, he released a breath and smiled. Looking up, he came face to face with the burly man chewing on his toothpick.

“Good game,” he said, pulling out his wallet and getting out a hundred dollar bill. “That little girl really knows how to play.”

“Yeah,” Max said, looking around for Liz. “Uh, where’d she run off to?”

“Chuck told her about his motorcycle and said that he’d take her for a ride.”

The color immediately drained from Max’s face. Liz left with a stranger who was a whole lot bigger than she was, and expected to get back here in one piece. He could kill her and throw her in a ditch somewhere. He could rape her and… unless of course, she was a willing participant. The thought made him sick.

He walked out of the restaurant, hearing the door slam shut behind him. The cool night air surrounded him, easing the nauseous feeling in the pit of his stomach. He sat down on a bench outside the restaurant, wondering if the bronze metal would ruin his nice pants. Who cared? His sister would give him more anyway.

Ten minutes later, he heard a motorcycle pulling up and spotted Liz’s dark hair blowing violently in the wind. She looked absolutely stunning as her laughter filled the air. Max imagined this was what a wild horse would look like on its own terrain. He’d almost forgotten how angry he was at her when she hopped off the bike and waved bye to Chuck.

“Hey,” she said to Max as she walked up and sat down next to him on the bench. “So, did we win?”

Max nodded silently.

“So you hit the last ball in? That’s great, Max. I knew you could do it.”

“Yeah, it would have been nice if you’d actually seen it.”

Liz rolled her eyes, “Oh come on Max. Haven’t you ever been on a motorcycle, it’s such a rush.”

“You could have gotten hurt, Liz.”

“I’m a big girl. I can handle myself.”

“You may be a woman, but he’s a 250 pound man. Unless you have some sort of mad ninja skills, he could hurt you in an instant.”

Liz studied him for a long minute before bursting into laughter. “Boys and ninjas. I’ll never understand it.”

Max swallowed past the lump in his throat. She was making light of a very serious situation. “I’m serious Liz.”

Liz sighed, “Max, I do this stuff all the time.”

“That’s refreshing to hear.”

“Hey,” Liz said, her words forcing him to look her way. “I know what I’m doing.”

“Jesus Liz, you were even riding on that thing without a helmet on. Do you have a death wish or something?”

“Maybe.” Liz said dryly, tired of hearing him nagging her. She studied him intently, and sensed him easing up. “Haven’t you ever done anything reckless, Max? Or do you go by all the rules? Well fuck, I went by all the rules as a kid and it didn’t get me anywhere. I’m tired of going by all the rules.” Silence passed between them before Liz spoke again, “God is a million miles away,” she said. “We can break the rules if we want to.”

“The most reckless thing I’ve ever done, Liz, is make a bet on a game of pool.”

“And how did it feel?”

He thought a minute before answering, “It felt pretty damn good.”

Liz nodded, standing up. “Come on,” she said, leading the way back to his car. He slid in the driver’s seat and she slid in the passenger seat, clicking on her seatbelt.

Max shook his head, “You ride a motorcycle without a helmet on, but wear a seatbelt in a car.”

Liz shrugged, “I’m just a bundle of contradictions.”

Max looked at her with a smile, “You certainly are.” He gunned the ignition, “So, where to next?”

Liz smirked, “Comet’s Lake. It’s time for you to take a dive into recklessness.”

“Should I be worried?” Max asked as he started driving.

“Nah,” Liz said. “You should be honored.” She grabbed his collection of CD’s and looked through them. “Hmm, Garbage, Bowie, Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, Rolling Stones… I see you have good taste in music,” she said before bursting into laughter, “Kelly Clarkson?”

Max blushed, “Shut up.”

“Wow,” Liz said, “I won’t say a thing about that one,” she pulled one out and put it in the cd player, scanning through to song 3. “I love this song,” she said as Sneaker Pimps’ Six Underground came on.

Take me down, 6 underground,
The ground beneath your feet,
Laid out low, nothing to go
Nowhere a way to meet
I've got a head full of drought,
Down here, so far off losing out
Round here,

Overground, watch this space,
I'm open to falling from grace

Calm me down, bring it round
Too way high off your street
I can see like nothing else
In me you're better than I wannabe
Don't think 'cos I understand,
I care, don't think 'cos I'm talking we're friends,

Overground, watch this space,
I'm open to falling from grace

Talk me down, safe and sound
Too strung up to sleep
Wear me out, scream and shout
Swear my time's never cheap
I fake my life like I've lived
Too much, I take whatever you're given
Not enough,

Overground, watch this space,
I'm open to falling from grace


Liz had turned up the volume and the two listened. Max occasionally heard her voice sing along through the blaring music. Once the song ended, Max smirked and flipped to song 5, turning down the volume just a touch. “Remember this one?” He asked as Spin Spin Sugar started playing. “We danced to it.”

“You do have a good memory,” Liz said before reaching forward and turning up the volume again.

About halfway through the song, Max parked on a dusty terrain by Comet’s Lake. Stars were lined up, twinkling in the sky and the lake was dark, it’s ripples of water lightly illuminated by the moon.

“So what now? We make out like horny teenagers in the car, or something?”

Liz laughed, “Oh please, that’s not being reckless.”

She hopped out of the car and Max followed as she headed toward the lake.

“We’re not going to…”

Liz smirked at him, reaching for her top and pulling it up and off her body, “Not going to what, Max?” She teased as she threw her top at him. His gaze fell to her black lacey bra. He only caught sight of it for a moment before Liz reached behind her and unclasped it, tossing it his way too. Max’s eyes bulged open. She certainly had no problem with nudity.

Continuing, she unbuttoned her jeans, unzipped them and pulled them down her slender legs. She stepped out of them before tossing the fabric to Max. He didn’t have to wait for her to toss panties at him, because she wasn’t wearing any. Max’s breath caught in his throat as he made out the silhouette of a very naked Liz Parker in the dark night.

“What’s the matter, Max?” Through the darkness, Max could make out that the area between her legs was bare. He sucked in a breath. “Cat got your tongue?” Liz asked before turning around and gracefully diving into the water, leaving a very stunned Max standing with a pile of her clothes in his hands.

“Your turn,” Liz called out from in the water. “It feels really nice.”

“Umm… where should I put your clothes?”

“On the ground, Max. Where else?”

He set them on the ground and then scratched his brow.

“Do you want me to turn around?” Liz asked.

“No, no, it’s fine.” Max responded, pulling off his silk shirt. “Isabel’s going to kill me when she finds out this silk shirt has been on the ground,”

Liz rolled her eyes, “That’s why you don’t tell her. Now strip,” she demanded. She’d already had sight of his toned chest and was itching to see more. He’d seen all of her, it was only fair that she see all of him. He took off his belt and unbuttoned his pants, pulling them down. He gently placed them on the pile of clothes and stood nervously in his black boxers. He gave Liz a sheepish smile before he pulled down his boxers in one swift movement, tossed them aside, and dove in the water, splashing Liz in the process.

When he surfaced, she was right in front of him. “Congratulations Max. You’re skinny dipping.” His hair was muffled and falling lightly on his forehead. Liz couldn’t help but bring her hand up to brush it aside. His boyish quality was almost as endearing as his assertive side.

Max caught her hand as she brought it down and curled his fingers around it. He spoke huskily, “You’re beautiful.”

Liz’s eyes darted from their entwined hands to his dark eyes. Without saying anything, she leaned forward and crushed her lips against his, shutting her eyes tightly so as not to think about what they were doing. Just to feel. Max returned her kiss, and wrapped his arms around her, feeling her naked skin slicked with water against him. His heart-rate sped as he felt her bare breasts brush against his chest, and her hardened nipples poke into him. She opened her mouth and his tongue immediately darted inside, scoping out hers and meshing together in heated fervency.

Liz sighed against him, running her hands down his arms and along his hips. When Max felt her small hand approach his dick, he grew that much harder. His hands flew down to wrap around her tiny waist, the water preventing him from feeling the smoothness of her skin. In frustration, he growled but stopped when he felt her hands wrap around his dick and hold it tightly.

Releasing a breath, he opened his eyes to find Liz giving him a devilish smirk. Soon her hand was moving up and down in a slow rhythm. It was torture. Sheer and beautiful torture. He leaned forward, pressing his lips against hers once again, their tongues dueling for supremacy. She quickened the pace of her hand, occasionally swirling her thumb around the plump tip of his penis. She knew he’d cum soon, and worked that much faster. He ripped his lips away and she watched as his face contorted in painful pleasure as he reached his release. She slowed her movements, but continued until he was completely limp.

He wrapped his arms around her, and she heard his heavy heartbeat steadying along with his breath.

After a few minutes, he felt her pulling away. Confused, he watched as her naked body moved further away from him to step out of the water. She glistened in the moonlight as water dripped from her skin, and her wet hair fell across her face in damp tendrils.

Max released a deep breath, gathering the strength to move out of the water and follow suit. All Max wanted to do was touch her. Return the favor. Bring her to the ultimate peak.

Swallowing past the anxiety in his stomach, he stepped behind her and tentatively wrapped a hand around her waist. She closed her eyes as he brought his other hand up to brush her hair to one side before his lips claimed her neck. He licked at her skin, happy to feel it without the water altering its texture. He lightly nipped on her skin between licking and kissing, and slowly his hand started working its way to the juncture between her legs. He cupped her heat, moaning against her neck at the feel of her sleek bare skin before lightly brushing his fingers across her damp core. He felt her shiver against him, and worked a finger against her clit. Slowly at first, and then faster as he heard her breathing quicken.

He tore his lips away from her neck and focused on his hands. In one swift movement, he moved his finger from her clit and plunged it inside her welcoming lips, eliciting a small gasp. The noise caused him to harden against her thigh.

Feeling extra daring, he worked a second finger inside her and pumped them in and out quickly, while bringing his other hand down past her neck to cup her breast. He swirled his finger around her pointed nipple, cupping her whole breast and pinching lightly. Her moaning got louder, prompting him to release his fingers from her soaking core and quickly brush her clit in a fast continuous rhythm. Finally, he felt her legs clamp tight and her head toss back against his chest. Her whole body tightened before she fell limply against his body.

Max smirked. That was a nice way to dry off. In silence, Liz stepped away from him and found her clothes in the pile. She tossed his at him, and they both dressed. The air was thick with quiet tension. Max couldn’t find the words to say anything, and Liz remained quiet as they got into his car and drove off.

He walked her back inside the apartment and followed her to her door. The silence was unbearable, but Liz still didn’t speak.

Max cleared his throat, “So,”

“That was fun,” Liz said.

Max nodded, “Yeah. We should do it again,” when he caught Liz smirking, he corrected, “I mean, go out again.”

Liz shrugged. “I’ll see you around Max.” She started to close the door, but Max held it back open.

“Wait, the bet,” he pulled out his wallet and handed her a hundred dollars. “The game was all you.”

Liz peered at the hundred dollar bill and then back at him. She reached out and grabbed it, her hands brushing lightly against his in the process. “If you insist.”

“Oh, I do.” Max said. He stuck his hands in his pockets and stood there awkwardly.

Liz smiled, “Goodnight Max.”

“Night, Liz.”

[Walking Contradiction]

Wow, thanks PMP, Jason's Lover, anonymousarfan, begonia9508, Oz, Erina, Emz80m, candycane14, and Shattered Dreamer (love your feedback, by the way).

LairaBehr4- You're right. They're not all because of Kyle, but Kyle certainly didn't help her problems... and that's all I'm gonna say for now.

BehrObsession- You're on to something there.

Michelle in Yonkers- I always enjoy reading your feedback. It's nice to know people don't always jump to defend Liz when she does dumb things. I must say, when I was writing those tattooed burly men I was thinking of this guy who works the late shift at a local 7-11. He was all scary, but actually ended up being the nicest guy ever. Just goes to show that looks can be deceiving. Although you do have a point, those guys could easily beat Max to a bloody pulp, and do whatever they wanted with Liz. But the two happened to be lucky that time. Perhaps the next time Liz runs off with some random guy (if she's dumb enough to do it again) it won't turn out nice in the end.

And speaking of Liz. She's not a very likeable person in this. At least not yet. But the fact that she does live her life like this shows just how little she really cares about it. When Max asked her if she had a deathwish, she wasn't being entirely sarcastic when she replied with a "Maybe".


And with all that said, here's the next.



9

Liz shut the door and bit her lip.

“So, how’d it go?” A voice spoke from behind her.

Liz turned around to face her blonde friend. Maria had a huge smirk on her face that slowly turned into one of confusion when she saw the crisp hundred dollar bill in Liz’s hands. Her forehead crinkled, eyebrows raised, and a low whistle escaped her lips.

Liz looked down at the bill in her hands, then shook her head quickly. “We played pool and made a bet against these other guys. We won, so he gave me the money.”

Maria released a breath, “Good.” She cleared her throat and looked up at Liz tentatively, “So… how was it?”

“It was… weird.”

“Well, what happened?”

Liz shrugged, “We ate, talked, played pool, went skinny dipping…”

Maria laughed, “You got him to go skinny dipping?”

“Oh, I got him to do more than just go skinny dipping.” Liz stated bluntly.

“Girl, you are bad. I thought you weren’t going to sleep with him?”

“I didn’t have sex with him. We just fooled around a bit,” Liz said nonchalantly. “You know, he’s pretty good with his hands.”

“Well, thanks for the wonderful visual Liz, but… how’d the date end?”

“Awkwardly.”

“That’s not good.”

Liz shrugged, “I didn’t want it to be anything more than one simple date.”

“Well you did a good job of that when you decided to fool around with him in the lake.”

“Hey,” Liz shot back. “I didn’t plan it or anything… it just sort of happened.”

“Does he know what you want?”

“He knows I don’t want a relationship.”

“Did you tell them that before you guys fooled around or after?”

“Does it make a difference?” Liz said in exasperation as she flopped down on the couch.

“Yes,” Maria said, plopping down on the couch next to her best friend. “He seems like a good guy, Liz. You should give him a chance.”

Liz shook her head, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Maria peered at her friend for a long moment, “He’s getting to you.”

“What?” Liz scoffed. “He is not.”

“Liz, of all the other guys you’ve slept with, did it ever end awkwardly before?” Liz pierced Maria with hardened eyes and that was all the response she needed before a smile lit up the corners of her lips. “I knew it!” Maria said.

Liz looked at her friend and shook her head, before it dawned on her. “’Ria. Aren’t you supposed to be at work right now?”

Maria rolled her eyes, “I got suspended for a few weeks.”

“Why?”

“I just sort of, kind of, told a guy off.”

“You got suspended for telling a random guy off?”

“Well, he wasn’t exactly random. Apparently, he’s my boss’s brother. But hey, he grabbed my ass and asked me for a blow-job, and believe me, he didn’t mean the drink.”

“Ouch.” Liz said.

“I’m lucky I didn’t get fired.”

“Yeah, how’d you manage that one?”

“Oh, a little thing called blackmail. I found a tape of my boss and one of my co-workers, you know, Courtney? Said I’d leak it onto the internet.”

“And you say I’m bad,” Liz shook her head with a smile. Maria always had a spicy side. It was something Liz had admired when they were younger. The minute a boy would come and try to knock down their self-esteem during the awkward years of middle school, Maria would shoot right back without missing a beat and they’d be the ones cowering over in the corner.

“Well, I still got suspended for two weeks, but I guess that gives me time to sing for Alex.”

Liz nodded, “That’s good.”

“You know what would be even better?” Maria suggested, “If you could come and watch. I mean, I know it’s at Buddha’s Blend and all, but-”

“I’ll come,” Liz interjected with a nod.

Maria smiled, “You will?”

“Yeah, I mean, Kyle and I are in the past. He comes into the Crashdown, I can go into the Blend, right?”

Maria nodded, “Right.”

Maria silently thanked whatever god it was that brought Max Evans here to Roswell. He was slowly changing Liz Parker, and hopefully he could help heal the wounds of her broken life.
~*~

Max had been running outside for about an hour before he stepped back into his apartment. He’d awoken bright and early, and in a good mood. Most of the tension he felt with Liz Parker was released last night in a blaze of wild abandonment. And although it felt good on his body, Max Evans wanted more.

He peeled off his sweat-slicked shirt and threw it in his dirty pile of clothing. His phone started ringing and he flipped it open, hoping that maybe, just maybe it was her.

“Hey Evans,” his best friend’s familiar voice filtered through the other end.

“Michael, hey. How’s life as a starving artist?”

“Oh, about as good as that of a spoiled brat. I sold a few paintings, but the record store just promoted me to assistant manager.”

“That’s good to hear,” Max said.

“Yep. How are things over there in Ros-hell?”

Max rolled his eyes, “It’s nice. Peaceful.”

“Yeah, I’ll bet my ass it’s boring and you wish you’d never left New York.”

“No,” Max shook his head over the phone line, “Not at all. I mean, I do miss it sometimes, but this place feels right.”

“You met a chick, huh?”

Michael could sense Max’s smile over the line, “Yeah. She’s so… different.”

“I keep running into the same stuck-up bitches, or just plain dumb ones.”

“Maybe you should start dating brunettes.” Max suggested.

Michael laughed audibly, “That’s your thing, Max. I like ‘em blonde, though. I just need to find one who doesn’t cower at the sight of a bug, or think that Roswell is in Massachusetts.”

“Who would think that Roswell is in Massachusetts?”

“Bambi did.”

“That’s your problem, dating girls named after cartoon animals.”

“Speaking of animals,” Michael started. “I wanted to give you a warning. Your sister has this brilliant idea of coming in early to surprise you.”

“Did you just call my sister an animal?” Max asked over the phone.

“Hey, let me finish. We’re coming up in two days, through private helicopter so Is can give you a puppy. She’s worried that you’re feeling lonely.”

Max laughed, “Leave it to Is to think of something like that. It’s a good thing my apartment is pet-friendly.”

Michael chuckled, “You think it’d stop her if it wasn’t? She has mad negotiating skills. I just wanted to give you some warning beforehand. You know, so as not to interrupt you and your girl.”

“She’s actually not ‘my’ girl… yet.”

“Oh?” Michael was suddenly interested.

“She’s sort of… not the relationship type. But she’s smart, really smart. She’s just sort of… well, wild, I guess.”

“Wild as in…”

“She got me to skinny dip.”

Michael’s deep laughter emanated loudly over the phone. “She got you of all people to skinny dip?”

“Hard to believe, isn’t it?”

“I always thought you were very prude-ish for a guy.”

“Hey, I’m not a prude, I’m a gentleman.”

“Since when did gentlemen go skinny dipping?”

“Since last night.”

“Hey man I gotta get back to work, I’ll see you in a few days.” Michael said into the phone.

“See ya,” Max responded, clicking off his cell. It looked like it was about time for a shower now.
~*~

It was well past noon by the time Max strolled into the Crashdown. He glanced every which way as he waited in line until Tess bounced over to him. “Hey Max!”

“Hey, Tess. How’s it going?”

“Pretty good,” Tess smirked, “Liz isn’t working today, did you still want to eat?”

Max laughed, “Only if you seat me in your section.”

“Of course,” Tess replied before grabbing a menu and gesturing for him to follow her to a tiny booth by the window. “You don’t mind a small table, now do you?”

“Nah, it’s fine.”

“Great,” Tess said. “What’ll you have to drink?”

“Cherry Coke, please.”

“Alright, I’ll be right out with that.”

When Tess came back, she set the Coke down in front of him and sat down across from him. “I have some time since it’s slow,” she peered over towards the back. If Agnes spotted her sitting across from a ‘customer’ while she wasn’t on break, she’d get reamed out for it. “So what’s up, Max? You haven’t called me.”

“It’s only been a few days,” Max said.

Tess shrugged, “So tell me honestly. What do you think of Kyle?”

Max leaned forward, “Honestly?”

Tess bit her lip and nodded tentatively.

“Honestly, he seems like a nice guy. At least, he treats you well, right?”

Tess smiled excitedly, “I think he’s the one, Max. You know, I can see myself marrying him someday. Hopefully someday soon.”

“Have you already moved in?”

“Uh huh, it’s only been a day though. It’s really nice to wake up next to someone you love, though. Ya know?”

Max nodded, “I’m sure it is.”

“So Max, has Liz let you take her out yet?”

“Yeah, she has.”

“And how’d it go?” Tess perked up in her seat.

“She’s definitely a free spirit. Although half the time I don’t understand the things she does.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, in the middle of our date we played pool and she said yes to a bet against these two huge guys. Right before the bet even ended she left with one of them to go ride on his motorcycle.”

“Did she know the guy?” Tess queried.

Max shook his head, “It didn’t look like it. I just don’t get why she’d do that. I mean, leave right in the middle of a date, and with a random guy who could hurt her. She said she does stuff like that all the time, and I just don’t get it.”

Tess frowned, “I always thought something was a little off with her.”

“Has Kyle said anything?”

“Huh?” Tess asked, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

Max bit his lip. Had Kyle not mentioned a thing to her about Liz? “Nevermind.”

“No, what did you mean?” Tess pressed.

“Nothing.”

“You can’t do that Max. What were you talking about?”

“I was just wondering if Kyle said anything about Liz.”

“Why would he say something about Liz? They went to high school together, he hardly knew her.”

Why had he just said that? It was clear Kyle was very tight-lipped when it came to Liz. But the more Max thought about it, the less he understood why Kyle hadn’t said a thing about his relationship with Liz to Tess. Not wanting to bring up anything to put a damper on their relationship, Max fished around for a reason. “Maybe she seemed a little off in high school.”

Tess shrugged, a look of confusion still etched onto her pretty face. Max felt bad for bringing it up. But why hadn’t Kyle mentioned Liz to his girlfriend, the woman who just moved in with him? If he wanted to marry her as much as she wanted to marry him, shouldn’t he have told her to comply with the whole ‘healthy relationship’ guidebook? He remembered one of his many Psych classes in college. Humanistic Psychology, to love completely was to open yourself freely to another person. Why was his past relationship with Liz so deeply hidden from Tess? It was clear that Liz loved Kyle, had Kyle felt the same about her?

Tess swallowed, “Max. Is there something I should know?”

Now how could Max answer that, when he didn’t even know of it himself. He didn’t want to ruin Kyle’s and Tess’s relationship. He just got mixed in with something he had no business being a part of.

But luckily enough, Max was saved by a huge woman with dark hair pulled back in a tight bun. “Tess Harding, are you on the clock?”

Tess immediately hopped up out of her seat at the voice. “I was just going over the specials, ma’am.” Tess replied.

Agnes nodded, “Well… get back to work, table 3 looks like they’re ready to order, table 5 looks like they could use some refills, and table 7 looks like they’re ready for the check.”

Tess nodded with a smile on her face, “I’m right on it, ma’am,” she said before scurrying over to her tables.

Max breathed a sigh of relief. Just how much trouble had Liz caused in this small town?

[Walking Contradiction]

Wow guys. You certainly left lots of feedback. Thanks so much Poison Ivy, begonia9508, luzser1800, candycane14, LairaBehr4 (I hope you'll enjoy this Max and Liz part ), anonymousarfan, Jason's Lover, Emz80m, BehrObsession, PMP, Shattered Dreamer, and Shadowlynxbehr (Welcome. And yeah, I always liked the idea of Tess and Kyle together... and so I sort of decided to try and redeem her.)

And for those of you itching to see Isabel and Michael make their appearance, sorry it's not here yet. But it will be in the next chapter.

So... here you are.

10

Max clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. It had only been a day. One day since their date. It ended awkwardly. It ended weird. In one more day, his sister and his best friend would be here in Roswell, making their judgments on this small town. They would ask him why he came here. They would ask him when he’d be returning home. They would ask him if he was ready to leave, if he was ready to move on. But wasn’t moving here moving on? They thought that the urge to leave New York was just a phase, one that he’d get over pretty quickly. But he was quite fond of this small town and its inhabitants.

Clicking his tongue again, Max pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and flipped it open. He scanned down the list of numbers until he found hers and dialed it, silently waiting as each ring passed for her to pick-up.

“Hello?” Her voice answered on the other end, through heavy background noise. She must have been at work.

“Liz,” Max said, her name a mere breath on his lips.

“Oh, it’s you.”

“Yeah, it’s me. Max Evans, remember? I took you on a date a few nights ago? I distinctively remember having fun that night and thought maybe you’d like to go out with me again tonight?”

“You had fun on our date, or just when we were fooling around?” Liz said, the background noise commencing and her voice getting louder over the phone.

Max didn’t miss a beat, “I had fun being with you, Liz.” He said genuinely.

“Max, you can’t say things like that.”

“Why not?”

“This isn’t going anywhere.”

“That’s ‘cause you’re not letting it,” he pressed. “Come on, give me a chance here Liz.”

“I told you from the very beginning, I’m not looking for a relationship.”

“Yeah, well neither was I. Nobody goes around looking for a relationship, they just happen. You like me Liz. If you didn’t like me you wouldn’t have gone out with me in the first place.”

“You sound very self-assured,” Liz scoffed before biting her lip. “Besides, Maria made me.”

“I highly doubt she put a gun to your head and forced you to do so, Liz. You’re in control of your own actions. You said yes. Hell, you even initiated the whole skinny dipping thing, which you seemed to enjoy.” Max smirked at the thought.

“Are you forgetting how I ran off in the middle of our date with another guy? Are you forgetting about how I sleep around? Come on Max, I’m easy. You had your little fling with me, now leave me alone.”

“Liz. Please Liz, one more date. We don’t even have to go anywhere, I just want to get to know you. We don’t even have to call it a date.”

Liz’s tone was louder, harsher as she spoke in frustration. “Why do you care so much?”

Max shook his head, he didn’t even know the reason himself. If it were any other girl treating him like this, he wouldn’t stand for it. “It’s you.”

Liz was quiet on the other end for a long minute. “I’m going to Buddha’s Blend tonight to see Maria sing.”

“I’d love to see Maria sing,” Max said softly in response.

A few minutes of silence passed through the phone line. All Max could hear was steady breathing, and he wasn’t sure if it was his own, or hers coming from the other end. The silence seemed to amplify the soft breathing until finally her words broke through. “Pick me up at 8,” she said before clicking off the line.

Max couldn’t wipe the goofy grin from off his face.

~*~
It was 7:58 when Max stood knocking softly on Liz’s apartment door. He heard the soft pitter patter of tiny paws against the floor and smiled. Khivar. He put his hands in his pockets and started to whistle.

Liz pried open the door, doing an excellent job of multi-tasking by talking on her cell phone while putting small silver earrings on.
“Hey,” Max greeted.
Liz nodded to him. “Yeah Maria, I know. You’ll be great tonight, just have a few sniffs of Cedar oil beforehand and you’ll be fine.”

Max raised a brow and smirked at Liz, who smiled. “Yes Maria, Max is coming too. Yes he is. Ma, Maria. Wow, thanks ‘Ria.” Liz looked up at Max, “Maria says hi.”

“Tell her I can’t wait to hear her sing.”

“Max says he can’t wait to hear you sing.” Liz nodded into the phone, “Yeah, see you soon. Okay, bye.”

Liz rolled her eyes, “That woman can talk.”

Max chuckled, “So, shall we head out now? What time does she start?”

“There’s another band on right now, so she and Alex won’t be on until 9.”

“Does it get crowded?”

Liz shrugged, “I don’t know.”

Max nodded, “Alright, let’s go then.” He held open the door for Liz and walked out behind her. She locked her apartment door and Max followed her down to his car, rushing ahead of her only to open her car door. She rolled her eyes as she got in.

“So, what’s with the jeans and simple t-shirt?” Liz asked after Max got in.

“I thought that wearing designer clothes wasn’t exactly fitting for a coffee shop. Just don’t tell my sister, she’d be pissed to know I wasn’t always wearing her clothes.”

Liz shrugged, “Your sister sounds like a control freak.”

“You should see her in action around Christmas time. Michael and I don’t call her the Christmas Nazi for nothing.”

Liz raised a brow, “Michael?”

Max nodded, “Yeah, he’s a friend from back ho- from New York.”

Liz caught his change of words, “You don’t consider New York home anymore?”

“I don’t consider this place home either. I don’t know where home is, but I know I’ll find it someday.”

Liz shrugged, “Fair enough.”

Max peered over at her, “What do you consider home?”

“I guess…I don’t really consider anything home.”

“Roswell isn’t home to you?”

“No, it’s just where I live. Where I was born, where I grew up, where I’ll die.”

“You’re so pessimistic, Liz.”

“Yeah well, the glass has always been half empty in my life.”

“I heard you graduated a year early as Valedictorian.” Max said. “That takes determination.”

Liz nodded, “Maria?”

“A little bird told me.”

“Maria then. Remind me to kill her later.”

Max chuckled, “What’s wrong with knowing that?”

Liz looked at him, her eyes deeply searching for his questions. “Now that you know that little bit of information, you’re going to keep prying for more.” Liz answered simply.

“I’m curious, I find you fascinating.”

Liz peered at him, “Are you going to take us there, or are we just going to sit in your car for an hour.”

Max cleared his throat before turning the ignition. “Sorry, it’s a rare occasion when you actually talk to me like I’m a decent human being. Like we’re friends,” he said as he pulled out and started driving.

“Don’t get your hopes up.” Liz responded.

“I’m a good friend,” Max said and watched as Liz rolled her eyes. “And an even better boyfriend,” he smirked.

Liz whipped her head around to meet him. “And cocky too, might I add.”

Max wiggled his eyebrows, “Thanks.”

And then he heard her laugh. It was different than all her other laughs. No mocking, no breathy chuckle. But a genuine, no-holds barred laugh.

Max smiled, and together they drove the rest of the way in comfortable silence.

Once they entered Buddha’s Blend, Max noticed Liz tense up. It was very similar to their first night out for coffee. Max wondered if things would have been different had he taken her elsewhere. It was strange how so many things coincided in this small town. It was as if this town was one big spider web, each silk ringlet one person having some affect on another. And he was the fly stuck here. Not that he minded one bit, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to leave anytime soon. And Liz. Max glanced over at her walking in confident strides in front of him, leading them to an area to sit at. Her long dark hair magnified by the fluorescent lighting. She was the black widow.

They took their seat at a small table tucked in the corner. Max stood up, “What do you want to drink?”

“Vanilla Frappacino please.”

“Alright, I’ll be right back,” Max said as he started to walk to the counter. He noticed the girl from the last time he came here, and apparently she recognized him too. She smiled broadly when he came to her and ordered, and a hint of sadness eased across her face when she noticed him order two drinks instead of one. That meant he was with someone else. A girl. Oh well, there were plenty of fish in the sea. Her smile returned by the time she gave him his drinks.

As Max turned around, he came face-to-face with Kyle Valenti. He nodded, “Hey Kyle, what’s up?”

“Can I talk to you for a minute?”

Max nodded, “Sure.”

Kyle gestured over to the door, “Outside.”

“Alright, let me just drop these off at the table.”

Liz’s eyes followed Max to the door and continued to watch through the clear glass window as he walked outside to talk to Kyle.

“Did you… did you say anything to Tess?” Kyle asked.

“About what?”

Kyle’s eyes locked on Max’s. The look wasn’t harsh or angry, but pleading. “About Liz.”

Max scratched his eyebrow, “I didn’t say anything about you two having been together before, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“So, what did you say?”

“She pretty much said she always thought something was a little off with Liz, and I asked if you’d mentioned anything about her.”

Kyle nodded and ran a hand through his brown hair.

“Is something wrong?” Max asked.

“I need to figure something out.” Kyle looked really distressed now.

“Did I say something I wasn’t supposed to? I really didn’t mean it, Kyle. I wasn’t thinking.”

Kyle shook his head, “It’s not your fault.”

“Can I ask you something?”

Kyle looked up at Max, not saying a word.

“Why is it so important for you to hide your past relationship from Tess?”

Kyle looked around, shuffling from foot to foot. He peered inside his coffee shop before turning on a heel to face Max. “Walk with me.”

Max followed close by as Kyle led the way around the block. “I’m hiding it because if I don’t, I’ll end up telling her everything.”

“That’s vague,” Max said.

“Bear with me here. I thought that if I avoided telling her about my relationship with Liz, then everyone would be happy.”

Max gave him a questioning look. He was definitely confused.

“I guess, if I don’t tell her about it, then I won’t have to tell her the truth. Ya know? I’m not lying to Tess. Right now she’s being subtle about it, not really asking anything, so I can play with her wording. But I won’t be able to for long. Once she flat-out asks me, I’ll have to tell her the truth and I’m scared.”

“Why?” Max asked.

“I-,” Kyle knew he’d already said too much. “I don’t want them to feel weird around each other at work. I want to keep the peace, ya know?”

Max slowly nodded. He knew there was more, so much more. It wasn’t his place to interfere. He’d already done enough interfering. The two were silent as they took a few more strides back over to Buddha’s Blend. “I just need to know something.” Max said quietly. “Did you love Liz?”

Kyle nodded, “She was my first love.”

Max nodded, the knowledge sending a small sting spiraling to the pit of his stomach. He fought against the urge to ask more about Liz. To find out how she was in high school, before whatever happened to cause her to change. “And now Tess. You really love her?”

Kyle smiled, “She’s the love of my life.”

Max nodded, “She loves you too, Kyle. I think that no matter what happens, you two can get through it.”

“Thanks for the reassurance.”

“Anytime.”
Max made his way back to the table and checked his watch. 8:45. He felt Liz’s eyes on him the whole time. He turned to look at her. “Yes?” He asked nonchalantly.

Liz shook her head, “What was all that about?” She nodded toward the door.

“Nothing,” Max answered.

Liz narrowed her eyes, hardly believing it was nothing.

“It was about Tess,” Max said.

Liz took a slurp of her Frappacino and Max smiled.

“Any idea what Maria’s gonna sing?”

“Not a clue,” Liz said flippantly. “But it’ll be good.”

The two sat in silence sipping their drinks as Alex and Maria started setting up their equipment. Liz was noticeably uncomfortable, and Max tried to ease her anxiety by putting his hand over hers, but she pulled it away quickly. Max rolled his eyes. Hot and cold, just like always.

Soon enough, Maria was standing up on the small stage tucked in the back corner with Alex. She gave the crowd a dazzling smile as she spoke into the microphone. “Hey guys. Some of you may remember me, and I know you all remember the talented guitarist, Mr. Alex Whitman,” Maria’s voice was casual and friendly as she gestured over to Alex, who gave a little bow as the crowd applauded. Liz smiled up at her best friend. “Tonight I’m going to start off with a song very close to home for me,” Maria said, looking right into the crowd. “For those of you who know me, you all know I have this tendency to-“

“Talk!” Liz and a few others in the crowd found themselves shouting out.

Maria nodded, “See, some of you do know me. In any case, I’m known for my big mouth. So, we’ll start our set off with a wonderful Smiths song.”

Maria turned and nodded to Alex, who started moving his fingers along the acoustic guitar. Soon her voice surrounded the coffee shop beautifully.

Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking
When I said I'd like to smash every tooth
In your head

A few patrons laughed after the first verse and the crowd starting cheering along with the upbeat song.

Oh ... sweetness, sweetness, I was only joking
When I said by rights you should be
Bludgeoned in your bed


And now I know how Joan of Arc felt
Now I know how Joan of Arc felt
As the flames rose to her roman nose
And her Walkman started to melt

Maria started dancing around the microphone as Alex pulled off a remarkable guitar solo and the crowd’s cheering got louder, causing Maria’s smile to widen before she started to sing the next verse.

Bigmouth, la la la la la bigmouth, la la la la la
Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race

Members from the audience, Max and Liz included, started singing along.


Oh, bigmouth, la de di da... bigmouth, la de de da
Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race


And now I know how Joan of Arc felt
Now I know how Joan of Arc felt
As the flames rose to her roman nose
And her hearing aid started to melt

Alex followed with another guitar solo and Maria danced more before finishing off.


Bigmouth, la de dah di da … bigmouth, la de da
Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race

The crowd cheered. Liz shouted. Max whistled. Liz was so excited seeing Maria perform that she hadn’t noticed Max put his arm around her. For the rest of the set, they sat close to one another moving around to the music in their chairs and singing along.

“Let’s give a round of applause to Alex Whitman on guitar!” Maria said after their last song. “And I’m Maria DeLuca. I’ll send you guys a copy of my debut CD in another lifetime.” Maria winked at the audience as the crowd burst into laughter and applause. “We’ll be here again tomorrow night. Tell your friends!”

As Maria and Alex started putting away their equipment, Liz hopped up on the stage and hugged Maria.

“You were awesome, ‘Ria.”

Maria waved her compliment off. “Thanks for coming, Liz. It meant a lot to me. That was one of my best performances.”

Max trailed on stage and hugged Maria. “You have a beautiful voice.”

“Oh stop it, you guys,” Maria said.

Alex walked over, “Holy shit, Hurricane DeLuca is blushing.” Maria playfully slapped him on the arm before Alex extended his hand to Max to shake.

“You’re really good with guitar,” Liz said, reaching up to hug Alex.

“That’s what you get when you’ve been playing for 10 years.”

“Do you guys need any help with the equipment?” Max asked.

“Nah,” Alex said. “The microphone belongs here, we just have to put that away. That’s one of the benefits of having an acoustic guitar, you don’t have to worry about the amplifier and the chords and whatnot.”

“I have a friend who would disagree. He lives by electric guitar only. And the drums. He’s really good on drums.”

Alex nodded, “I’ll have to teach him that sometimes simple is the best.”

“Michael’s a hard guy to turn around,” Max said. “But you can try doing it tomorrow. He and my sister are flying in. I have a hunch they’ll like seeing you guys perform.”

“Sounds good,” Alex said.

“Well, I’ll see you guys later,” Max said.

“See ya,” Maria replied.

Max guided Liz out the door and once again opened the car door for her. Once he got in his side, he spoke up. “You know, we should have just walked here.”

“Why?”

Max shrugged, “Walking gives you more time to talk. Less distraction.”

“Like how you and Kyle walked?”

“Not really.”

Liz nodded, tapping her fingers on her leg.

“You looked really good tonight. Happy to see Maria sing,” Max stated. “I haven’t really seen you like that before.”

Liz shrugged, “She’s the only person I can trust.”

“Even she doesn’t know what happened that made you change,” Max said.

“Just because I trust her doesn’t mean I tell her everything. One of the things I like about Maria is that she doesn’t pry when she knows I don’t want to share something. She’ll let me keep things to myself, and when I want to talk to her about something, she’ll listen.”

Max nodded. “Forgive me for being a little presumptuous here, but I don’t understand why you’re and Kyle’s relationship is this big mystery, and hidden from Tess no less.”

Liz shrugged, turning her head to face the window.

“I’m sorry if I seem like I’m prying. I just want to know you, Liz. I don’t need to know everything, I just want to see your real personality.”

Liz whipped her head back to face his, “You don’t think you’ve seen my real personality?”
“I think you’re hiding some part of your personality, which makes me wonder how you used to be, before whatever happened with Kyle.”

“Everyone hides some part of their personality,” Liz said quietly.

“I suppose you’re right.” Max said. The two were silent as Max started the car and drove to her apartment. The only sound in the car was the soft rock emanating from the radio.

Once again, he walked her to her apartment door. “Thanks for coming out tonight,” Max said.

Liz swallowed, putting a strand of hair behind her ear. She wasn’t used to being nervous. Lately, it was happening a lot around Max. “I had fun,” she said.

Max smiled, “So did I.” He swallowed, watching her lick her lips. The two stood outside Liz’s door, looking in each other’s eyes. Max’s heart did a little flip-flop and he slowly leaned forward and pressed his lips to Liz’s. She parted her lips, and he slipped his tongue inside, moving forward to put his arms around her and pull her close. The kiss was gentler than all their previous kisses, and after, Max rested his forehead against hers before brushing his knuckles gently across her cheek.

Liz pulled away the moment she felt his touch on her face, “What are you doing?”

“Why are you shying away?” Max asked, a little perplexed.

“Don’t touch my face,” Liz responded. She could handle kisses, hell, she could even handle sex. But all the really intimate stuff, she couldn’t.

Max nodded before putting his arms around her waist, “I can kiss you, though, right?”

Liz couldn’t deny him when a sexy smile formed on his lips. She rolled her eyes, stretched upward and kissed him, catching his tongue with hers and then lightly biting on his upper lip before she pulled away. “This doesn’t mean we’re together.”

“I know,” Max smiled. “But if I ask you out again, will you say yes?”

Liz nodded, receiving an even broader smile from Max.

“And if I try to kiss you again, you’ll let me.”

Liz smirked that devilish smile of hers, “Try me.”

Max wrapped his hands around her waist to pull her towards him, “Oh, I intend to.” With her back toward the door, Liz swiftly worked the keys into the lock and pushed it open as Max crushed his lips against hers. Once she felt him pressing further against her, she backed up a little and the two came rushing inside the tiny apartment, almost falling on the floor in the process. Once Max pulled away, he smirked and Liz raised a brow, “Care to come inside?” Her words were thick and breathy, and Max moaned audibly in response, catching the double meaning.