CHAPTER 8: THE RELATIONSHIP

CHAPTER 8: THE RELATIONSHIP

Math was interesting for both Max and Liz. They spent the class waiting for science when they could be together, they were much too far apart in math. Liz felt Max's eyes on her all period and Max noticed she turned around quite a bit to sneak quick glances at him.

Neither got any work done and both cheered internally when the bell signaling the end of math rang.

"Want me to walk you to science?" Max asked, timidly approaching Liz. She smiled, how Max could still be unsure after she practically attacked him this morning amazed her, but that was part of his charm.

She pretended to think it over, "Um, ok!"

He couldn't help smiling at her eager tone. "Great, let's go."

He didn't make a move to hold her hand, or put his arm around her and she didn't make a move, either. She felt a little embarrassed, though. Maybe she had grossly miscalculated Max's intentions. What if he meant he loved her like a sister or something. She blushed remembering a dream he had told Isabel about. That hadn't sounded like something you do with a sister! Maybe she should talk to Isabel about how close she was exactly with Max. At that gross and hilarious thought Liz started laughing.

"What?" Max asked, perplexed.

"Sorry!" Liz said through giggles, "I was in my own world for a minute."

"Your world is funny, huh?"

"Yea! I'm sure everyone thinks I'm insane, I'm always laughing for no reason." How had they gotten to Liz's weird habits? By now Max should be looking in her eyes and professing his undying love for her. Liz snuck a glance at Max who was flipping through his science notebook and jotting down a few quick notes. Maybe he'd pledge his eternal devotion tomorrow.

Max felt a little bad about the disappointed look on Liz's face, he was pretty sure he was responsible for it. He never wanted to make Liz upset, but he was reluctant to touch her. She would probably be thrilled if he put his arm around her or kissed her. He smirked remembering the morning's events; she had definitely shown that she was interested.

His own attraction to her scared him a little bit. She kissed you! He reminded himself. She had kissed him first but he was the one that knocked it up to the next level. Max was amazed that she went along with it. She had to be the one to pull away. Max was shocked at himself, he didn't think he would have been able to stop, if she had waited for him to break the kiss they would have been by the lockers for a lot longer. He didn't want to force her, or hurt her, or have her think he only wanted her for one thing. Max was afraid if he touched her, even lightly, it would be too much and he wouldn't be able to stop. So, he didn't touch her. Even though he really, really wanted to.

Maria and Isabel were already settled in their seats when Max and Liz arrived to class. They were laughing about something and Liz got the sinking feeling that it involved her and Max. As soon as Liz sat down they stopped talking abruptly, confirming Liz's suspicions. Isabel met Liz's questioning glance with an angelic smile. "Hey guys!" Isabel said, brightly. "What's up?"

"Sadly, nothing." Liz said pointedly at Maria.

"Really?" Maria asked, curiously. "Nothing exciting at all?"

"No, it's been really uneventful. No news at all."

"I'm sure that will change soon," Maria said, helpfully.

"I thought so, but it doesn't look that way."

"Sorry, babe. I still think things will liven up, give it a little time."

"I hope you're right."

"I am." Maria smiled at her friend and turned back to her textbook, looking over the homework she had to turn in.

Liz jotted down the date and the homework in her notebook and snuck a quick glance at Max who was absorbed in his planner. She hoped he couldn't tell that she and Maria were talking about him. He glanced at her and caught her eyes for a second. Nope, he had no idea. Liz smiled guys could be so dense. Thank God for best friend speak as she affectionately called Maria's ability to understand what Liz was thinking, not what she was saying.

Mrs. Metzger walked in, snapping Liz out of her daze. "Good morning, class." She sneezed. "I'm not feeling one hundred percent today so this can just be quiet study. The homework is written on the board. Work on that, or whatever else you want to."

"Score!" Liz heard Isabel whisper excitedly. Liz smiled, she should spend this period on homework, and she knew that. She had a lot to do and she was working late at the bookstore. She couldn't believe she was still working there! It was almost October and she had been working there since school had started in late August. It was hard to find people, every place was hiring now that the summer job kids had all quit. Normally working wasn't too hard, but lately the homework had been heavy and so had the hours. It was getting to be a little much. Liz was trying to decide if she should pull out her science text to do homework or if she should write a note to Isabel when she felt Max's foot brush softly against hers. At first she didn't pay attention to it, but then she felt it again, with a little pressure. She shot him a questioning glance, but his head was buried in a math textbook, but a telltale blush colored his cheeks. His foot stayed on hers, sending shivers up her leg. It was just footsie and Liz knew her friends would probably scoff at the feelings she was experiencing, but somehow it was special.

Max knew he shouldn't touch her in class that was not a smart idea. Not only were there the obvious problems that went along with touching Liz but now there were teachers and classmates to worry about. He shouldn't touch her. But he couldn't help softly brushing his foot against hers. And when he did the feelings he knew would come washed over him and he had to do it again. He felt her momentary confusion and how she stiffened for a moment, sure it wasn't an accident. He distracted himself with his math homework, too embarrassed to look at her. But then she relaxed and positioned her foot so he could reach it better, his heart sped up with happiness and relief. She liked what he was doing! She liked that he was touching her. All of his fears about pushing her vanished at that moment, he wouldn't push her, wouldn't have to, she wanted him like he wanted her.

He felt her soft hand on his leg in an effort to bring them closer. She had no idea what affect that simple touch had on him, he was sure. She wouldn't want to do that to him in class. He grimaced slightly, she was so innocent, Liz didn't understand the reaction that was sure to bring. He just wanted to protect her. He would go as slow as she wanted, needed. He had a feeling Liz Parker was worth the wait.

After class Max slung his backpack over his shoulder, but held onto his math book and held it over his jeans in a way he hoped wouldn't bring unwanted attention to himself. He saw Maria notice the book and snicker, Isabel looked a little disgusted but Liz didn't seem to notice anything. Maria looked ready to pull Liz into a corner and explain everything until Liz's eyes widened with understanding. Max shot Maria what he hoped was a threatening look. She giggled, but nodded in agreement. She wouldn't tell Liz…for now.

"So," Max asked Liz "What are you doing later?" The final bell rang, sending a slow moving throng of teens out the double doors to the buses and parking lot. Liz was getting her books out of her locker, where Max was hanging out with her.

"Working," Liz said, sadly. "I go on as soon as I walk in the door and I don't get off till 8." She slammed her locker shut, "Normally, I don't mind, really, I don't. But lately with all the extra hours it is a little overwhelming. And I have plenty of homework to keep me busy after my shift ends. Anyway, that's my night. What about you? Working?"

"Nope. I'm off today. I'll probably just catch up on homework and Isabel would probably love it if I helped her clean the house."

"Your night sounds about as much fun as mine."

"Or…"

"What?"

"Well, I don't really have anything that needs to be done. And Isabel doesn't really mind cleaning and the house isn't too bad."

"So?"

"So maybe I could hang out at the bookstore." Max offered, tentatively.

"Are you sure? Normally I can take what I like to call a liberal break schedule," Liz explained smiling, "But lately it's been all work and no play. I won't be much fun."

"That's OK. I can get a drink or something and do homework or read or whatever." Liz didn't look too pleased so he quickly backed up, "Unless you think your parents will mind, or you mind…"

"No, it's not that. It just doesn't sound like much fun for you." Liz didn't know Max would go through a lot more for a lot less.

"It'll be ok. Trust me, I'll be fine. If you want some company I'm your guy."

"Ok," Liz said, smiling. "That sounds great."

"I'll even give you a lift to work, I have the car. We'd have to drop Isabel off first, but it's a ride if you want it."

"Great!" He and Liz walked outside to the parking lot where Max's car was. Isabel was waiting for them.

"Hey, Isabel," Max said, "Is it Ok if we give Liz a ride?"

"Of course! Our car is your car. You can even have shotgun." Isabel said, graciously.

"Thanks," Liz laughed.

"We'll drop you at home, then I'll bring Liz to work."

"Sounds good. When will you get home?" Isabel wondered.

"Well, I was actually going to hang out with Liz at work." Max explained.

Isabel immediately tensed up and Liz felt the discomfort. "You said you'd do the shopping today." Isabel reminded Max.

"Oh! I completely forgot!" Max exclaimed, "I'll do it tomorrow."

"I'm cleaning the house today," Isabel said, "We need cleaning supplies."

"Can't you just get that at the store? I'll do the shopping tomorrow." Max said,

"You're working two shifts tomorrow and I have to go after school to do the extra credit assignment." Isabel reminded him.

"Max, it's OK," Liz put in, "You don't need to hang out with me. It was sweet to offer, but it's OK if you have errands to run."

"Maybe I could come by in an hour?"

"That sounds good." Liz started to leave.

"Liz!" Isabel called, "We can still give you a ride!"

"No, no, it's OK," Liz insisted, "I'll take the bus." Whatever was going on between Max and Isabel Liz didn't want to be a part of.

As soon as Liz was out of earshot Isabel turned to her brother, "Sorry, Max. I just couldn't do it all."

"It's OK. I understand." Max forced a smile. Isabel smiled back weakly, maybe he understood, but it wasn't Ok.

Max finally finished all the things on his never-ending to-do list an hour and a half later. If he hurried home he could make food for mom and Isabel, grab something for himself and be with Liz by 5:30. God, it was all so exhausting. Max knew why he had to work harder than anyone he knew, but he hated it. An after school job was a source of income and doing chores was a necessity. It wasn't fair. "Life isn't fair." He said out loud, willing the anger and disappointment at his life to ebb. It didn't work.

"I have to much work to do to be self pitying."

By 6 o'clock Liz was exhausted. Business had been booming and Liz hadn't even sat down since she started work at 3. She couldn't help dragging her feet as she made her rounds in the small café and the few tables spread throughout the bookstore. It wasn't even the work as much as the annoying customers. When Liz worked in the actual bookstore it was easier, shelving books, answering questions, ringing up items were hard but it was nothing like feeding the masses. Maria smiled sympathetically as Liz came around the counter for another fresh pit of coffee.

"Hard day, Liz?"

"I've haven't taken a break in three hours! I'm exhausted! And on top of it these customers are driving me insane!"

"Tell me about it!" Maria agreed, "I actually had a woman tell me her iced coffee was too hot and it needed to be put in the fridge for a few minutes. It's iced!"

"You think that's bad? I had a woman who made me replace her cappuccino because there was insufficient foam. I offered to add new foam, but no, she needed an entirely new drink."

"Ok, I had a man who told me—"

"Liz," Brenda said, approaching the two girls, "There's a guy here to see you."

"Oh, yea?" Liz asked, "Who?"

"I don't know," Brenda said, "He sat down in my section and asked for you. I moved him to one of your tables."

"Ok, thanks." She turned to Maria, "I better go. Who knows who this guy wants."

"Good luck!" Maria called to Liz's retreating figure.

Liz scanned the small café looking for a familiar face. She momentarily ignored all the customers beckoning to her to take their orders. She had almost given up when she saw Max in the table in the last row to the far left. How had she not spotted him immediately? As soon as she saw him all the other customers faded away. She pulled out her ponytail, letting her hair fall around her shoulders. Liz ran her fingers through her hair and grimaced when they got caught in the knots in her hair. She didn't have time to go to the bathroom and fix her hair and touch up the make up she had sweated off an hour before. Max caught her eye and smiled happily. Liz walked up to his table and slid into the chair across from him.

"Hey, Liz." Max greeted her. She felt her strength return at his words. Somehow just being around him reanimated her.

"Hey yourself!" She said cheerfully. "So you showed up. I'm so glad."

Max smiled, "Yea, sorry it took so long."

"I understand. But you're here now. What can I get for you?"

"Just a coffee regular."

"Coming right up!" She hurried off to fill his order, not paying attention to the loud hum of activity or her sore feet.

A minute later Liz arrived back at Max's table and set down the tray she was carrying. She hands Max a mug of coffee and puts a glass of coke for herself on the table. She sat down and pulled off her apron and grinned, "I am officially on break."

"Great." He takes a sip of his coffee.

"Ugh," Liz commented, "How can you drink that? I serve it all day but I just don't get the attraction."

Max looked up at her, surprised, "Are you sure that's the best thing to ask a paying customer?"

Liz laughed, "Normally I can contain myself, but sometimes I can't contain myself." She pulls a Twix bar out of the pocket of her discarded apron and breaks it in half and hands it to Max "Do you want half?"

"No thanks, I'm good."

"Coffee over chocolate. You have some seriously screwed up priorities. But you know what they say, two for me, none for you!" She smiled when Max laughed at her reference to the old Twix commercial and took a big bite of the candy bar. She looked over the full café. "I can't believe how busy we've been lately! The used bookstore near here closed down and we've picked up a lot of their business. Mom and Dad are thrilled, it's great for the store, but I'm beat, I haven't taken a break in forever."

Max noticed how tired she looked; she looked like he felt! She had light rings under her eyes and worry lines on her forehead. He didn't think she would appreciate it if he commented on them so he said, "You're making up for that now?"

Liz grinned, "I guess so. We had a big run on all the reading list books; we have a ton of backorders that I have to help shift through tonight. I didn't even snag myself copies and now I have to wait 3 to 5 working days for the shipment to come in."

"I can't believe we have to get through three giant books this semester! I'm not looking forward to English class."

Liz shrugged, "I already read two of them, but I need them for class work and you know how teachers love to ask about the most insignificant details."

"You read two?" Max asked, amazed. "I had never even heard of one of them!"

"Max, I work in a bookstore, what do you expect me to do all day? Ski?

Max gestured to her apron with Eat, Drink and Be Merry stenciled on the front. "Interesting apron for a bookstore."

Liz rolled her eyes, "Ok, Ok, as of now I don't technically work in a bookstore. We live in New Mexico; the state outfit is short-shorts and a tank top. I can't eat all day, no matter how tempting it is."

Maria hurried over to Liz, "How many times do I have to tell you, no fraternizing with the customers!"

Liz groaned, "Sorry."

"Remember we strive to make Eat, Drink and Be Merry a well oiled machine. If customers see waitresses taking breaks on the job they lose faith in us—" Maria continues.

"Maria!" Liz cried, "Spare me the lecture! I was just leaving, Ok?"

"Yea," Max said, "It was my fault. I distracted your hard-working waitress."

"Come on, Liz," Maria said, smiling, "there's work to do!"

"Sorry about that!" Liz said to Max when Maria had left. "Maria is technically my boss and doesn't hesitate to lord her power over me. She's right, though, I should get back to work."

"Maybe I should go," Max offered.

"If you want to, but you can hang out if you want. I can't break, but I can be an overly attentive waitress."

"Ok, I guess I could stay for a bit."

Liz smiled, "Great. Do you need anything?"

Max lifted his backpack up to show Liz "I think I'll be Ok."

"Great," Liz repeated, "I'll be back soon!"

To Maria's annoyance Liz waited diligently on Max, making sure he had everything he needed. He refused everything except refills, lots of refills. Normally Maria wouldn't mind, but she had to take over the tables Liz neglected. She bussed a table, noting there was only a 50 cent tip and saw Liz laughing over something and making elaborate hand gestures to describe whatever she was talking about. Maria sighed and reminded herself she loved Liz. She loved Liz and she was happy she had finally found a boyfriend. Liz had dated a few guys, but no one she really cared about. Maria had been dating Michael since sophomore year. Yes, she loved Liz.

Maria repeated that until she felt good about prying the chewed up gum someone had spit out off on one of Liz's tables. Then she looked up and saw that every single table in the café was full. Liz didn't seem like she would be too helpful. Maria whimpered softly. She loved Liz, but the girl could certainly piss her off.

"All right!" Liz said, taking a handful of money, "I made almost $30 in tips." The girls all put their tips in a box and split them up evenly after work depending on how many hours they put in.

"No," Maria corrected her, "You made $20. I figured you worked for three hours, but once Max came in you were pretty much worthless, so I figure $10 of that is mine."

Liz smiled and handed over the money. She had to admit Maria was right. Once Max arrived Liz had found it difficult to see anything but him. Normally she would have picked a fight over the hard-earned money but she was too happy to be petty. Maria counted the money and put it in a safe under the counter in the back. That safe was Maria's college money. Not all of her paycheck went into it, but whatever she could manage. She put all her tips in it and her parents put in whatever they could, it would be a big help next year.

Liz noted that Maria still looked a little put out and she felt a wave of guilt. It really was wrong of her to leave Maria to do all the work. Liz leaned over and wrapped her arms around her friend. She didn't need to say anything; Maria knew what she was thinking. Maria rested her head on Liz's arm and Liz understood the weight of that gesture. She was forgiven, but not only forgiven-for Maria wasn't really angry- but she had Maria's blessing and approval to do whatever she needed to do with Max. While it wasn't really necessary, it certainly was nice.

Liz gave Maria a quick kiss and whispered, "I love you."

Maria pulled away and laughed, "I've been reminding myself I loved you all day."