Part 3
Max walked to Christy's hotel door and stood for a moment before knocking. He was excited about working with her and he hadn't felt this way in quite a few years. Checking himself over to make sure everything was in place, he lightly tapped on the door. Max rocked back and forth on the heels of his shoes waiting for her to open the door.
"Yes, who is it?" called out Christy's voice from the other side.
Max leaned into the door and said, "It's your new partner, Maxwell Smart."
"Just a moment, Max," she said, as he heard the door unbolt.
The door flew open and Christy stood there in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. It was an awkward moment with Max dressed to the hilt while Christy looked like she was going to a baseball game.
"I'm sorry, Max. I thought we were going to get a burger. I guess you had other plans. I'll change."
"No, this is the way I always dress," Max said, trying to cover himself. "Don't change, you look great just as you are. I was just thinking about a hamburger."
Max and Christy walked down to the coffee shop in the lobby of the hotel. After ordering, Max wanted to know everything about Christy. He listened intently as she talked, watching every movement, every expression on her face. She spoke of her likes, dislikes, life hopes and dreams. She was intelligent, articulate, and open. Max was deeply entranced with everything about her.
"Enough about me. How about you?" Christy smiled.
Max was flattered. He began with how he started at CONTROL 25 years ago, then went into some of his more famous missions. Christy gave Max her undivided attention, something he was not used to lately, and he loved it.
"You don't look like a man that has 25 years in the business," she kindly remarked.
"I just turned 50 the other day," Max confessed, as he waited for a response.
"No! I would have never guessed you were 50. You look . so young."
Max turned red and lowered his head like a school kid with his first crush.
"I mean it, Max. When we walk into that dinner party on Thursday, they are going to have a hard time believing that you're my older husband."
Max was beaming. He suddenly felt so alive.
Max walked Christy back to her room. Standing at the door, she looked in her purse for the room key.
Max felt he should go. "Goodnight, Christy. I'll talk to you in the morning."
"Alright, Max. Have a good night, and thanks for the burger."
Max turned to leave, but stopped to turn back. Christy was half way in the door when she noticed he was staring at her.
"Yes, Max?" Christy offered.
Max stood thinking, then smiled. "Just .thanks for a nice evening."
Christy smiled back and nodded, then went into her room. Max stood by himself in the hallway for a moment, gathering his thoughts, then headed home.
The Saturday morning sun burst through the curtains and into Max's bedroom. He yawned as his arm touched 99's empty side of the bed. She wasn't coming home till Sunday night and he missed her. He especially wished she were next to him now. Max threw his robe on and went downstairs. Fixing himself a cup of coffee, he opened the morning paper and scanned the front page. He couldn't keep his mind on the print, for his thoughts went back to last night. He wondered what Christy had planned today. He wanted to call her, but didn't want to seem over anxious, so he went back to reading the paper. Moments later, the phone rang. Max's heart started to beat quickly, anticipating that it might be her.
"Hello?" Max said cautiously.
"Good morning, Max. I hope I didn't wake you," said a cheery voice on the other end .
"Of course not. I've been up for hours. What's up?" Max asked.
"I've got the worst craving for Eggs Benedict this morning, but when I went down to the coffee shop, they only serve it on Sundays. I thought maybe you knew of a place that serves them on Saturday?"
"Why, I just happen to know a place that serves the best Eggs Benedict in the whole city."
"That's great! I can taste them now. I mean, unless you had other plans ."
Max looked down at his cold cereal, "Just so happens that I'm free this morning, and I'm starving."
"Then it's a date. See you in an hour?"
"Ok, an hour."
Max hung up the phone, showered, and quickly got dressed. He was not going to get caught this time all dressed up, so he threw on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt.
Max arrived at Christy's hotel door and knocked. Christy didn't even bother to ask who was at the door. She just opened it, knowing it was him. She was dressed rather nicely for a Saturday morning breakfast date, while Max was the one that looked like he was ready to mow his front yard.
They both laughed when they saw each other.
"I just figured you'd be dressed like last night," Christy noticed.
Max looked her over. "Same here," Max replied. "Aah, no matter. Ready for the best Eggs Benedict you'll ever have?"
Christy nodded as Max held out his arm. She linked hers within his, and they strolled down the hall. Walking through the lobby, a few people noticed them arm and arm, smiling at the nice-looking couple. It made Max feel on top of the world. For the rest of the day, Max showed her the sights of Washington, DC. They talked and bonded with their likes and dislikes of things. His whole weekend started and ended with seeing Christy.
Sunday, late afternoon, Max opened the door to his house and immediately was bombarded by kids, "DADDY!" They grabbed onto every part of him. They nearly knocked Max down. "Wow, is it Sunday already? Where's your mom?"
Zach pointed to the upstairs, "She's unpacking."
Max leaned down to be on their level, "Did you guys have fun?" Zach and Jimmy showed off their tans from being in the pool all weekend. He then looked over to Maxine, "How about you?" Maxine was very excited, "Yeah!" She raised her baseball cap and showed him the bump on her head. "I got it when I ran into a tree!"
"Just like your old man, aren't you?" Max commented, as he kissed her forehead.
The kids took off to do other various things while Max hurried upstairs to see 99.
99 was unpacking with her back to the door when Max came right behind her and gave her a big hug.
"Owwwwwww!!!" 99 yelped.
Max quickly backed away, "What's wrong?"
"Oh, stupid me." She lifted her blouse to show a very red and very tender sunburn across her back. "I fell asleep by the lake Saturday afternoon."
Max cringed when he saw her back. "Well, I guess a little welcome home nookie is out of the question then?"
99 nodded. "Just for a few days, Max. Sorry."
Max shrugged, "That's ok, 99. I've waited this long. A few more days won't kill me."
"So what did you do all weekend that you didn't find the time to eat the food I left?" 99 inquired.
Max was bursting at the seams. "Oh, 99, you'll never guess what happened Friday."
"I can't imagine." 99 smiled at Max's sudden child-like behavior.
"The Chief gave me an assignment," Max said proudly.
"What kind of assignment?" 99 asked, eyeing Max suspiciously.
"Now, 99, I know what you're thinking, and I haven't had a good assignment in over a year, so just be happy for me."
"Is it dangerous?" 99 demanded to know.
"Wellll, . would you believe this much?" Max said, as he inched together his fingers.
99 blew her cork, "Max, you promised not to take anymore dangerous missions. You're at the age now where you need to take it easy.
Max lowered his head, "You think I'm too old."
"I didn't say that. It's just .I want you to be around for the next 50 years," 99 said, stroking his cheek.
"Well, you don't have to worry, 99. It's a pretty easy mission. I'm attending a dinner party disguised as a doctor to steal some important papers from KAOS," Max said nonchalantly, as he helped hang up her clothes in the closet.
To 99, that did sound like an easy assignment, compared to all of the many difficult ones they encountered in the past.
"Alright then. That's more your speed. Are you attending alone?"
"No, I'll be taking my wife," Max replied from the closet.
"Max, I'm retired ."
"No, not you, 99. My other wife, Agent Mayfield."
99 was again confused with Max's statement. "Who is Agent Mayfield?"
Max hung up the last article of clothing and stepped out of the closet, "She's from our European sector. We needed an expert in safe cracking and the doctor I am impersonating is married, and ." Max nearly mumbled his last statement, ".he has a much younger wife."
"How much younger?" 99 was quick to ask.
"Uhhmmmm, 20 years?" Max quickly pointed his finger at 99, "So that lets you out."
"Yes, Max, you don't have to remind me." 99 said somberly then continued, "So I suppose that's who you've been spending your time with this weekend?"
"I'm only being hospitable, 99. And, she is my partner." Max looked at 99 with a look of disbelief. "Why, 99, if I didn't know you better, I'd say you were jealous."
"I'm not jealous. I'm just worried, that's all. A mission with a young, inexperienced agent could get you in trouble."
"I think the key word here is 'young'," Max responded sarcastically.
"Think whatever you want, Max, but you're not going to get me to admit I'm jealous of you going on a dangerous assignment with a younger woman."
"I'm glad you feel that way about it," Max said as he kissed 99 on the cheek, and walked out to go downstairs.
99 started to feel something 'not right' about that whole conversation.
Over the next couple of days, 99 began to notice little changes in the way of Max's behavior. He seemed preoccupied with the mission, more attentive to his appearance and clothes, and less available emotionally. 99 wanted to say something in the worst way, but didn't want to upset Max when he was going into an important mission. She decided to wait it out, hoping that his mind was on the mission and nothing else.
It was Wednesday evening, and Max and Christy went over the finalized plans of their mission. Max looked over to the clock and stretched, "I need to take a walk. Care to join me?"
"Sure do. I think my feet are asleep," Christy said, as she wiggled her feet.
While walking through the park, Max stopped at a flower vendor and picked out a single red rose for Christy. He handed it to her as he bowed. "A lovely rose for a lovely lady," Max smiled.
Christy bowed back, and smelled the rose. Max reached into his pocket and handed the vendor a dollar. The vendor leaned over and whispered, "A lovely wife like that deserves a dozen roses."
Max replied, "Oh, she's not my wife."
"Ohhhhhh, sorry." The vendor winked, and nudged Max in the ribs, "maybe she should be."
Max looked over to Christy standing by the park fountain. It became apparently clear to Max that his feelings for Christy were more than just friendly. He felt lost and confused with his emotions, but one thought did penetrate his swiftly clouding mind. He could no longer deny that he wanted her. He suddenly needed to leave. Max walked over to her, "Ahhh, Christy, I hate to cut this walk short, but I have a few things to do tonight. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course not. I want to get a good night's sleep anyway."
Max smiled cordially, and they walked back to the hotel. Max kept quiet for the rest of the walk back. Christy noticed the silent treatment. "Max, you haven't said two words since we left. Something wrong?" Max looked over to her and shrugged, "Just tired, that's all."
He dropped Christy off, and decided to take a long walk alone.
It was 11pm when Max came home. He was late again, just like every evening for the past few nights. He came upstairs to the bedroom and found 99 reading in bed.
99 looked up. "Max, I have your dinner in the oven."
"I'm sorry, 99, I already ate. I guess I should have called."
This didn't surprise 99. "I'll be glad when this mission is over tomorrow night," 99 muttered, making sure Max heard her.
Max started to take off his tie, but said nothing. He was lost in thought.
99 put down her book. She sensed something weighing heavily on his mind. She debated whether she should initiate a conversation. She needed to find out. "Is something wrong, Max?"
Max started to unbutton his shirt. His look was somber, and serious. "I have a lot on my mind with this mission ... that's all."
Max came over and sat on the edge of the bed. The thought of sleep was millions of miles away. He'd never been so confused. Max buried his face in his hands and gave a sigh.
99 slid her warm sleek body next to him and pressed it against his back, as her other hand slid around his waist, holding him tight. She felt his muscles tense. "I need some time," was the whisper that escaped him like a plea. 99 released her hold, then closed her eyes as a tear slipped down her cheek.
To be continued.
Max walked to Christy's hotel door and stood for a moment before knocking. He was excited about working with her and he hadn't felt this way in quite a few years. Checking himself over to make sure everything was in place, he lightly tapped on the door. Max rocked back and forth on the heels of his shoes waiting for her to open the door.
"Yes, who is it?" called out Christy's voice from the other side.
Max leaned into the door and said, "It's your new partner, Maxwell Smart."
"Just a moment, Max," she said, as he heard the door unbolt.
The door flew open and Christy stood there in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. It was an awkward moment with Max dressed to the hilt while Christy looked like she was going to a baseball game.
"I'm sorry, Max. I thought we were going to get a burger. I guess you had other plans. I'll change."
"No, this is the way I always dress," Max said, trying to cover himself. "Don't change, you look great just as you are. I was just thinking about a hamburger."
Max and Christy walked down to the coffee shop in the lobby of the hotel. After ordering, Max wanted to know everything about Christy. He listened intently as she talked, watching every movement, every expression on her face. She spoke of her likes, dislikes, life hopes and dreams. She was intelligent, articulate, and open. Max was deeply entranced with everything about her.
"Enough about me. How about you?" Christy smiled.
Max was flattered. He began with how he started at CONTROL 25 years ago, then went into some of his more famous missions. Christy gave Max her undivided attention, something he was not used to lately, and he loved it.
"You don't look like a man that has 25 years in the business," she kindly remarked.
"I just turned 50 the other day," Max confessed, as he waited for a response.
"No! I would have never guessed you were 50. You look . so young."
Max turned red and lowered his head like a school kid with his first crush.
"I mean it, Max. When we walk into that dinner party on Thursday, they are going to have a hard time believing that you're my older husband."
Max was beaming. He suddenly felt so alive.
Max walked Christy back to her room. Standing at the door, she looked in her purse for the room key.
Max felt he should go. "Goodnight, Christy. I'll talk to you in the morning."
"Alright, Max. Have a good night, and thanks for the burger."
Max turned to leave, but stopped to turn back. Christy was half way in the door when she noticed he was staring at her.
"Yes, Max?" Christy offered.
Max stood thinking, then smiled. "Just .thanks for a nice evening."
Christy smiled back and nodded, then went into her room. Max stood by himself in the hallway for a moment, gathering his thoughts, then headed home.
The Saturday morning sun burst through the curtains and into Max's bedroom. He yawned as his arm touched 99's empty side of the bed. She wasn't coming home till Sunday night and he missed her. He especially wished she were next to him now. Max threw his robe on and went downstairs. Fixing himself a cup of coffee, he opened the morning paper and scanned the front page. He couldn't keep his mind on the print, for his thoughts went back to last night. He wondered what Christy had planned today. He wanted to call her, but didn't want to seem over anxious, so he went back to reading the paper. Moments later, the phone rang. Max's heart started to beat quickly, anticipating that it might be her.
"Hello?" Max said cautiously.
"Good morning, Max. I hope I didn't wake you," said a cheery voice on the other end .
"Of course not. I've been up for hours. What's up?" Max asked.
"I've got the worst craving for Eggs Benedict this morning, but when I went down to the coffee shop, they only serve it on Sundays. I thought maybe you knew of a place that serves them on Saturday?"
"Why, I just happen to know a place that serves the best Eggs Benedict in the whole city."
"That's great! I can taste them now. I mean, unless you had other plans ."
Max looked down at his cold cereal, "Just so happens that I'm free this morning, and I'm starving."
"Then it's a date. See you in an hour?"
"Ok, an hour."
Max hung up the phone, showered, and quickly got dressed. He was not going to get caught this time all dressed up, so he threw on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt.
Max arrived at Christy's hotel door and knocked. Christy didn't even bother to ask who was at the door. She just opened it, knowing it was him. She was dressed rather nicely for a Saturday morning breakfast date, while Max was the one that looked like he was ready to mow his front yard.
They both laughed when they saw each other.
"I just figured you'd be dressed like last night," Christy noticed.
Max looked her over. "Same here," Max replied. "Aah, no matter. Ready for the best Eggs Benedict you'll ever have?"
Christy nodded as Max held out his arm. She linked hers within his, and they strolled down the hall. Walking through the lobby, a few people noticed them arm and arm, smiling at the nice-looking couple. It made Max feel on top of the world. For the rest of the day, Max showed her the sights of Washington, DC. They talked and bonded with their likes and dislikes of things. His whole weekend started and ended with seeing Christy.
Sunday, late afternoon, Max opened the door to his house and immediately was bombarded by kids, "DADDY!" They grabbed onto every part of him. They nearly knocked Max down. "Wow, is it Sunday already? Where's your mom?"
Zach pointed to the upstairs, "She's unpacking."
Max leaned down to be on their level, "Did you guys have fun?" Zach and Jimmy showed off their tans from being in the pool all weekend. He then looked over to Maxine, "How about you?" Maxine was very excited, "Yeah!" She raised her baseball cap and showed him the bump on her head. "I got it when I ran into a tree!"
"Just like your old man, aren't you?" Max commented, as he kissed her forehead.
The kids took off to do other various things while Max hurried upstairs to see 99.
99 was unpacking with her back to the door when Max came right behind her and gave her a big hug.
"Owwwwwww!!!" 99 yelped.
Max quickly backed away, "What's wrong?"
"Oh, stupid me." She lifted her blouse to show a very red and very tender sunburn across her back. "I fell asleep by the lake Saturday afternoon."
Max cringed when he saw her back. "Well, I guess a little welcome home nookie is out of the question then?"
99 nodded. "Just for a few days, Max. Sorry."
Max shrugged, "That's ok, 99. I've waited this long. A few more days won't kill me."
"So what did you do all weekend that you didn't find the time to eat the food I left?" 99 inquired.
Max was bursting at the seams. "Oh, 99, you'll never guess what happened Friday."
"I can't imagine." 99 smiled at Max's sudden child-like behavior.
"The Chief gave me an assignment," Max said proudly.
"What kind of assignment?" 99 asked, eyeing Max suspiciously.
"Now, 99, I know what you're thinking, and I haven't had a good assignment in over a year, so just be happy for me."
"Is it dangerous?" 99 demanded to know.
"Wellll, . would you believe this much?" Max said, as he inched together his fingers.
99 blew her cork, "Max, you promised not to take anymore dangerous missions. You're at the age now where you need to take it easy.
Max lowered his head, "You think I'm too old."
"I didn't say that. It's just .I want you to be around for the next 50 years," 99 said, stroking his cheek.
"Well, you don't have to worry, 99. It's a pretty easy mission. I'm attending a dinner party disguised as a doctor to steal some important papers from KAOS," Max said nonchalantly, as he helped hang up her clothes in the closet.
To 99, that did sound like an easy assignment, compared to all of the many difficult ones they encountered in the past.
"Alright then. That's more your speed. Are you attending alone?"
"No, I'll be taking my wife," Max replied from the closet.
"Max, I'm retired ."
"No, not you, 99. My other wife, Agent Mayfield."
99 was again confused with Max's statement. "Who is Agent Mayfield?"
Max hung up the last article of clothing and stepped out of the closet, "She's from our European sector. We needed an expert in safe cracking and the doctor I am impersonating is married, and ." Max nearly mumbled his last statement, ".he has a much younger wife."
"How much younger?" 99 was quick to ask.
"Uhhmmmm, 20 years?" Max quickly pointed his finger at 99, "So that lets you out."
"Yes, Max, you don't have to remind me." 99 said somberly then continued, "So I suppose that's who you've been spending your time with this weekend?"
"I'm only being hospitable, 99. And, she is my partner." Max looked at 99 with a look of disbelief. "Why, 99, if I didn't know you better, I'd say you were jealous."
"I'm not jealous. I'm just worried, that's all. A mission with a young, inexperienced agent could get you in trouble."
"I think the key word here is 'young'," Max responded sarcastically.
"Think whatever you want, Max, but you're not going to get me to admit I'm jealous of you going on a dangerous assignment with a younger woman."
"I'm glad you feel that way about it," Max said as he kissed 99 on the cheek, and walked out to go downstairs.
99 started to feel something 'not right' about that whole conversation.
Over the next couple of days, 99 began to notice little changes in the way of Max's behavior. He seemed preoccupied with the mission, more attentive to his appearance and clothes, and less available emotionally. 99 wanted to say something in the worst way, but didn't want to upset Max when he was going into an important mission. She decided to wait it out, hoping that his mind was on the mission and nothing else.
It was Wednesday evening, and Max and Christy went over the finalized plans of their mission. Max looked over to the clock and stretched, "I need to take a walk. Care to join me?"
"Sure do. I think my feet are asleep," Christy said, as she wiggled her feet.
While walking through the park, Max stopped at a flower vendor and picked out a single red rose for Christy. He handed it to her as he bowed. "A lovely rose for a lovely lady," Max smiled.
Christy bowed back, and smelled the rose. Max reached into his pocket and handed the vendor a dollar. The vendor leaned over and whispered, "A lovely wife like that deserves a dozen roses."
Max replied, "Oh, she's not my wife."
"Ohhhhhh, sorry." The vendor winked, and nudged Max in the ribs, "maybe she should be."
Max looked over to Christy standing by the park fountain. It became apparently clear to Max that his feelings for Christy were more than just friendly. He felt lost and confused with his emotions, but one thought did penetrate his swiftly clouding mind. He could no longer deny that he wanted her. He suddenly needed to leave. Max walked over to her, "Ahhh, Christy, I hate to cut this walk short, but I have a few things to do tonight. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course not. I want to get a good night's sleep anyway."
Max smiled cordially, and they walked back to the hotel. Max kept quiet for the rest of the walk back. Christy noticed the silent treatment. "Max, you haven't said two words since we left. Something wrong?" Max looked over to her and shrugged, "Just tired, that's all."
He dropped Christy off, and decided to take a long walk alone.
It was 11pm when Max came home. He was late again, just like every evening for the past few nights. He came upstairs to the bedroom and found 99 reading in bed.
99 looked up. "Max, I have your dinner in the oven."
"I'm sorry, 99, I already ate. I guess I should have called."
This didn't surprise 99. "I'll be glad when this mission is over tomorrow night," 99 muttered, making sure Max heard her.
Max started to take off his tie, but said nothing. He was lost in thought.
99 put down her book. She sensed something weighing heavily on his mind. She debated whether she should initiate a conversation. She needed to find out. "Is something wrong, Max?"
Max started to unbutton his shirt. His look was somber, and serious. "I have a lot on my mind with this mission ... that's all."
Max came over and sat on the edge of the bed. The thought of sleep was millions of miles away. He'd never been so confused. Max buried his face in his hands and gave a sigh.
99 slid her warm sleek body next to him and pressed it against his back, as her other hand slid around his waist, holding him tight. She felt his muscles tense. "I need some time," was the whisper that escaped him like a plea. 99 released her hold, then closed her eyes as a tear slipped down her cheek.
To be continued.