Max watched Maria rush away from him and felt like a jerk
Max watched Maria rush away from him and felt like a jerk. He hadn't helped matters with his withdrawal and moping. He should be keeping everyone together. He had a sudden urge to talk with his online friend. Maybe she could help him out with everything. She could give him some kind of direction to go… He hoped so, because he was so lost.
He walked up to the counter wondering how he was going to get his order if no one was out front. He was about to ring the bell for service when Liz came through the doorway a big package of napkins in her hand. She stopped dead in her tracks when she got a good look at Max. She couldn't believe her eyes. Was she the cause of this? She knew he was having other problems, but she wasn't helping matters by hurting him whenever they were together.
"Hey, Max…" She looked hesitant, as if she didn't want to be there with him. It hurt him just the thought of her detesting his very presence.
"Hey, Liz. I'm here to pick up my mom's order… Is Maria okay?"
"I'm not sure… She's hiding in the bathroom and won't come out. She's just under a lot of stress right now."
Yeah… Tell her I'm sorry. And I'll try to fix it for her." He replied in a quiet voice not meeting her gaze. He watched the two lovebirds in the corner holding hands as they ate their burgers and fries, and he felt a pang of envy. At one time he and Liz had been doing the very thing that they were doing. But now it was all changed.
"I will." She moistened her lips in a nervous gesture as she went behind the counter to grab his order. She watched him as he gazed at the couple, her eyes feasting on his every feature. It didn't matter that he looked like he had been run over by a bulldozer. He was still gorgeous to her. She longed to wrap her arms around him and soothe all his hurt away. She clenched her hands to stop from reaching out to him.
He turned back to her, the pain and despair almost making her gasp. He quickly masked his expression, but that brief moment was locked in her mind. He gave her the money for the food and quietly thanked her. He gave her one last look before leaving, missing the look of guilt on her face. It was all her fault…