This chapter is our interpretation of this Saturdays episode of casualty where an awkward lunch with Max's mum Greta Miller leaves Zoe's questioning if she should be with Max. Please leave comments and reviews of what you think of this chapter :D
Zoe walks through the restaurant doors she scans the room and instantly spots Max and his mum, so that is Greta Miller. She wasn't what Zoe expected, Zoe walked towards to the table Zoe could feel the butterflies in her stomach and an unwelcome thought crossed her mind what if Greta doesn't like her?. Zoe approaches the table and Max smiles up at Zoe, Max stands up and kisses Zoe on the cheek. They both take their seats
"Mum this is Zoe, Zoe this is my mum Greta Miller" Max introduces them
Zoe smiles "Nice to meet you Mrs Miller"
"You too and please call me Greta" Greta replies.
The waiter approaches the table.
"May I take your drink order?"
"I will have a beer and two glasses of red wine" Max says
"Actually I will just have water in case I get called back into the ED" Zoe answers.
The waiter writes down the orders and walks away. An awkward silence fills the table, and Zoe searches the room rather than looking at the people on her table, Zoe knew it wouldn't be smooth sailing but Zoe didn't realise it be this awkward, Zoe looks at Max and he gives her encouraging smile. Maybe she should start the conversation Zoe thought, Zoe looks at Greta and sees her looking back at her. Oh boy this isn't going well, Zoe thinks.
"Are you enjoying your time in Holby Greta?" Zoe asks
" Yes thank you it's always nice to catch up with Max and Robyn I don't seem to see Max much since he moved here" Greta replies looking at Zoe in the eyes and in that instant Zoe knew that Greta didn't approve of her and the dig about not seeing Max was aimed at her.
"Come on now mother, we never used to see much when I lived near you anyway, and besides I've been busy with work" Max says to ease the tension at the table.
"So Max tells me you are a consultant, how long have you worked at Holby?" Greta asks
"I've been at Holby for 8 years"
"But you left last year didn't you? What made you come back" Greta says
Zoe had to think of the right way to answer this question because Greta must know that her and Max spilt up last year. "I needed time away, my job came to much of my life and I needed time to get to know me again" Zoe says
"But in this process of finding yourself you left Max? Greta remarks
Zoe was dumbfounded she didn't know how to reply back but lucky Max saved her.
"Mother that's water under the bridge, I understood why Zoe had to leave but it doesn't matter now because we are together"
"Yes of course, I'm sorry if I offended you with my remark I'm just very protective of Max" Greta replies
"Its fine I understand, but you must know I'm not going to hurt Max, he means everything to me"
"Yes I'm sure you will try your best not to hurt him" Greta says.
The waiter comes back and puts the drinks on the table. "May I take your order for lunch or do you need a few minutes to decide?"
"A couple of minutes, please" Max replies
Zoe picks up her glass and takes a slip wishing it was wine but she knew she had to keep a clear mind around Greta Miller.
"So I hear you just moved in together, I must say I was surprised by it and to be blunt you not what I expected you be like Zoe, I'm assuming your much older than Max" Greta asks.
"Mum, you can't say stuff like that..." Max doesn't finish his sentence because Zoe interrupts
"It fine, you want to know how old I am don't you?" Zoe says bluntly
Greta nods her head and smirks slightly.
"I'm 40 Greta and I know there's slight age gap but we are very happy"
Zoe explains
"It doesn't matter about the age gap age is just a number anyway, and besides we love each other" Max says as he grabs Zoe's hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze. Greta looks and them and smiles.
"Of course it doesn't matter, it was just a shock, so what are you plans for the future? Are you planning on starting a family?" Greta asks
And there it was the thing what's been bothering Zoe, it was like a big elephant in the room and Zoe didn't want to revel she couldn't have children over lunch, Zoe wanted this conversation to be private between her and Max. Greta was looking at Zoe waiting for her to answer and Zoe realised she had to get out of this lunch before it got anymore awkward.
"Mum we haven't had that conversation yet and when we do it be none of your business anyway"
"Well I know sweetheart I just thought it may be the next step because let face it none of us her getting younger, and I would really love to be a grandmother " Greta answers
Zoe has sent a text to Tess telling her to text her back so it looked like she was need in the ED. Zoe phones buzzes and Zoe opens up the text and reads ' Is lunch that bad? Okay why don't we meet later and we can have a chat over a bottle of wine" Zoe texts back.
"I'm really sorry but I must cut lunch short I'm afraid I'm need back in the ED, it was lovely to meet you Greta" Zoe says.
Zoe looks over at Max and smiles, Max doesn't smile back Max knows Zoe lying about being needed and at the moment Max knew he couldn't leave his mum to have the conversation with Zoe, Max would have to find Zoe later. Zoe gets up kisses Max on the cheek and waves goodbye to them both and heads to the door. Once Zoe is outside she takes a deep and breath and feel tears forming in her eyes as she made her way back to the ED.
To be continued