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Maxoline: And the Past Rush


Caroline is in Max's room getting ready for bed when she hears a knock on the door. "Max can you get that?" she yells into her girlfriend.

"I can't I'm busy!"

Caroline groans and walks into the living room to see Max sprawled out on the couch. She looks at her and crosses her arms.

"What? I was literally just busy before you walked in."

"Sure you were," Caroline playfully rolls her eyes before reaching the doorknob. She unlocks the door to meet a strange girl no younger than 12.

"Hello," she says in a shy manner. "Does Max Black live here?"

"Yeah she does. Come on in," the blonde smiles and moves out of the way to let her in. Max sits up and stares face to face with the girl with pale skin and black hair. She shows no emotion although her brain is running a mile a minute.

"Victoria?"

"Mom?"

Caroline looks back and forth at the two clearly bewildered. "What's going on here? Did she just call you mom?"

"I know it's crazy but I've been trying to find you for awhile now…" Victoria trails off. "I really wanted to meet my real mother."

Max looks over at Caroline, "It's a long story,"then she looks back at Victoria. "I'm not your mother. Whoever adopted you is," she walks over to the door and opens it. "You need to leave."

"Please don't push me away. I'm sorry this is so out of the blue, but I really want to get to know you."

"Get to know the door."

"Max!" Caroline pushes passed Max and closes the door. "You've must come a long way. Please sit down. Are you hungry? I'll make you something."

Max motions towards the door again. Caroline gives her a warning look. "Max can I talk to you in the other room?"

"No."

Caroline frustratingly points to Max's room. Max sighs and crosses the living room. Caroline gives Victoria a small smile before closing the bedroom door. She whips around to yell at Max. "What is your problem?"

"What's my problem? Uh, let's see, some girl who I put up for adoption years ago just suddenly finds me and wants to reconnect? That's literally the last thing I need right now."

"That's not "some girl" Max! That's your daughter," Caroline tries her best to whisper-shout but is practically just full blown yelling.

"She's not my daughter."

"Did you give birth to her?" Caroline raises her eyebrows.

"Well, yes but-"

"Then that makes her your daughter!"

Max dismisses her. "It is so much more complicated then that and you know it. I can't deal with this right now."

"At least try to be nicer to her. She obviously hunted you down for a reason. She must really care about you."

"You don't even know her! Her parents could've put her up to this for all we know. I'm not getting involved in whatever the hell this is."

Caroline crosses her arms. "She's staying the night."

"Oh hell no. Not happening."

...

Caroline starts to fluff her pillows while making a makeshift bed on the couch. Victoria cuddles up in Caroline's bed while Max shakes her head in the kitchen.

"Thanks for letting me sleep in your bed, Caroline."

"No problem," she smiles. "Max are you almost done with the cupcakes?"

"Yeah, like two more minutes and then I'll put the second batch in."

"Max makes the best cupcakes," Caroline gives Victoria another blanket.

"I know. I seen your dessert bar website. It's kind of how I found you guys."

Max takes the cupcakes out and lays them on the cooling rack one at a time. She was definitely trying to distract herself from processing her emotions.

"Would you like to come to work with us tomorrow?"

Victoria beams. "Can I really?"

They both look over at Max. Max tries to pull her lips into a smile while getting out a simple "sure".

"This is going to be so cool! I've never been to a dessert bar before."

"Well, there's a first time for everything." Caroline clasps her hands together. "Is there anything else I can get you before lights out?"

"No, I'm okay."

"Perfect."

Caroline lays on the couch and pulls the blanket up on her. She reaches to turn off the lamp and closes her eyes.

Victoria lays on her left side to secretly watch Max in the kitchen. She smiles to herself seeing Max humming along in her element. Max was truly more beautiful than she imagined.

Max takes the second batch of cupcakes out of the oven and replaces the first batch with them. She happens to glance over at Victoria laying down. She quickly closes her eyes hoping Max didn't see her peaking. When she opens her eyes again Max is still looking at her.

Max motions Victoria over to the kitchen and without hesitation she jumps out of bed and walks over to her.

"Do you, uh, want to help me frosting the cupcakes?"

She nods.

The two quickly get into a nice rhythm frosting and putting the cupcakes in the containers.

After awhile Victoria looks over to Max. "I'm sorry I just showed up here. I'm not completely sure what I was expecting, but I'll leave in the morning."

"No," Max breathes. "I'm sorry I was so harsh to you. I'm not good at these things and I shouldn't have taken it out on you. The problem is me." Max puts her pastry bag down. "Trust me, once you get to know me you'll wish you never did." She wipes her hands on her pants and clears her throat.

Victoria gives her a loving glance. "I don't really believe that."

Max actually really looks at her for the first time. She feels like she's looking back at a her younger self. That scared her and she didn't know why.

Max sighs. "Victoria, I really don't know what to say. I'm sorry if you were looking for some amazing person all this time, but I'm not. I gave you a chance to have a real family. I wanted to give you a life that I could never give you."

"My parents are alcoholics," she says without hesitation. "My mom is basically never around and my father, if you can call him that, mentally abuses me. I pretty much ran away. I'm just a check to them anyway."

Max pulls Victoria in for a hug. She looks surprised but only for a fleeting moment. She hugs Max back. She had been waiting for this moment since what felt like forever.

Max quickly pulls away after a moment and wipes a single tear that accidentally escaped. "I really thought I was doing what was best for you. Turns out I was wrong. I failed."

Victoria shakes her head. "I wouldn't take that on…"

"It's just, you remind me so much of my younger self. Like a scary amount."

They both share a laugh then glance in the living room to catch Caroline staring at them with a giant grin.

"You are not allowed to say a fucking word," Max warns.

"Max, watch the obscenities."

"Why the fuck do I care?" Victoria responds.

Caroline chuckles. "She's definitely yours alright." Victoria gets a running start as she dives onto Caroline's bed. Caroline repositions herself on the couch.

Max finally looks around the apartment. "Were we really up all night?"

"Yep," Caroline nods.

"I'm not even tired!" Victoria calls.

Max throws her head back. "Nope. If you want to go to the bar today you need to get at least four hours of sleep. I'm not going to be a bad role model for you."

"Fine!" She groans.


"I feel so refreshed," Victoria says walking up the street with Max and Caroline.

Max snorts. "You slept for 20 minutes before waking up and complaining you weren't tired."

They walk up to the bar and unlock the door. Victoria runs in first and beams as she takes it all in.

"OMG! This is so awesome."

Caroline laughs. "She sounds like you when you seen my townhouse for the first time."

Victoria's head snaps to Caroline. "You have a townhouse?"

"I used to," she answers in a quiet tone.

Victoria shakes her head understandably then goes back to freaking out about the dessert bar. Max walks behind the counter and starts scanning the bottles as Caroline gets to work with pre-inventory.

"We need more gin and tonic water."

"Got it."

"And get more of those little colorful shot glasses."

"Got it."

"Can I make a drink?" Victoria asks cutely.

Max winces. "I don't think so."

"Oh come on, Max. Let her try."

"Absolutely not."

Victoria runs up to the counter. "Please, please, please? Please?"

"Ugh alright fine," Max reaches in the cubby below to get the cocktail shaker. "Damn you're annoying."

"I know."

Victoria uses her hands to push herself up on the counter then swings her legs around and jumps next Max. Max raises her eyebrow and she shrugs.

"Okay. Make me a Lime Daiquiri," Max orders.

"Coming right up," Victoria grins. She turns around and scans the shelves for aged rum when she finds it she grabs it quickly then goes for the sugar syrup. She looks around before she finds the fresh cut limes. In no time, she shakes and pours the drink. "Here you go." She slides the drink to Max.

Max grabs it then takes a sip. "I'm impressed."

She shrugs modestly. Caroline jumps out of her chair and runs over to the two.

"She's a natural!" Caroline exclaims. "This is amazing!"

Suddenly, Han walks in unannounced while complaining like usual. He throws his hands up in annoyance. "Um, I have a full diner with no workers!"

"Who's this child talking to?" Victoria asks.

Han notices her and screams in terror. "What the hell is going on here? Why is there a younger Max here?"

Max stifles a laugh while putting her hand on Victoria's shoulder. "Han, this is my daughter Victoria."

Han screams in terror once more. "My worst nightmare is coming true. Then again at least I have something to tell my therapist this week. It was a pretty uneventful session last week."

Caroline shakes her head. "Look Han, we're trying to teach Victoria about how to own a successful business so we don't have time for your dramatics and that's coming from me."

"You took the words right out of my mouth," Max nods.

"Ha! A successful business? You have nothing against my diner! Nothing."

"I think he's just cranky because he missed his morning nappy," Victoria whispers in Max's ear.

"I don't need it!" Han exclaims while giving up and heading back to his office.

Later on that night customers start flooding in after the big game. Mostly guys in their 40's who most likely want to get away from their wives for a couple hours. Max quickly pours the drinks while Victoria and Caroline serve them.

"Hi, can I have a Bloody Mary?" a man questions coming up to the bar.

"Sure," Max smiles. "Will that be all?"

"Um, I also wanted to know what a man has to do to get your number…"

"I'm taken."

"I don't see him."

"Turn around," Caroline bites, crossing her arms. He meets her cold stare. "Now you see him."

He puts his hands up in defeat. "Backing off…"

Max slides his drink to him and he goes and sits down next to a short redhead.

Caroline snorts. "He better hope that's his sister."

Victoria walks up to Max. "The chubby guy in the back wants another whiskey."

"Oh that's Jim," Max shakes her head. "You tell him he's cut off. He's already had 5 and he'll go all night if you let him."

"On it."

Caroline smiles. "This is so great, Max. We have like our own little family."

Max chuckles lightly. "I know but I'm just worried about when things get ugly with her parents."

"We'll cross that bridge when it gets here," she whispers. "I'm just so lucky to have such an amazing girlfriend."

They share a quick kiss which doesn't go unnoticed by Victoria when she walks back up to them holding Jim's tip. "Awww, you guys are so cute. Here's 50 from Jim. He says you're an angel."

Max takes the money and rolls her eyes. "Flattery will get him nowhere. I'm not increasing his limit."

Caroline laughs. "You are an angel though."

Max grins.

"Awww, you guys are so cute," she says again before walking back to Jim to tell him off.

Max and Caroline look longingly over at Victoria yelling at him to the point of him crying and leaving in pools of sweat.

"Awww, she's so cute," they say in unison before sharing a laugh.


"How do you guys have sex?"

Max raises her eyebrows in shock.

"Woah, where did that come from?" Caroline asks. Victoria shrugs as she pushes the grocery cart down the aisle. "Max, I think someone wants to know about the birds and the bees."

"Absolutely not. Especially not in the damn grocery store," Max rolls her eyes. "Now, hand me the list so we can get the rest of our cupcake ingredients so we can leave."

Victoria frowns but only for a moment before a giant stuffed animal catches her eye. "Squishmallows!"

"Oh no," Max sighs.

"Squish-a-what?" Caroline questions.

"They're so cute and everyone has one. Please can I get one? Please?"

Max goes over to the plush toys and examines the price tag. "70?!" she shouts almost fainting. "For a stuffed animal."

"It's a squishmallow!" Victoria interjects.

"Max, we have a little bit of extra money."

"Yeah, for things we need," she claps her hands together. "Look, I'm sorry but we just can't afford it right now. Maybe you'll get it for Christmas."

"You mean maybe Santa will get it for Christmas."

"She still believes in Santa?" she whispers to Max in a shocked tone.

Caroline shakes her head. "They ruined Santa for you? Ugh! What happened to childhood innocence?"

"Can we please get back to the list…"

"Please, mom? I promise I'll help around the bar more and clean and yell at Jim. Please?"

Max looks back and forth between Victoria's puppy dog eyes and Caroline's quivering lip. No doubt from Victoria calling Max mom which she would never get used to being called.

She had to shut it down or Victoria would get the impression that she can get everything she wants. Even though her parents might not have gotten her anything her whole life, Max didn't want to feel like she was buying her love.

"No and that's final."

Victoria had a pout the whole way subway ride home and she wore it when they walked back into the apartment carrying bags. Max was ignoring it but Caroline was trying not to give in.

Max put the groceries away and went in her room to take off her boots. Caroline tapped the couch cushion for Victoria to sit next to her.

"Don't be mad at Max, Victoria. She's really trying her best."

"I'm not mad," she says in a small voice. "I'm just upset. I'll get over it."

Caroline nods but then gets an idea. She turns her head to see Max coming out of her room. "Hey, we're going to go for a little walk."

"That's fine," Max smiles while putting her hair up in a ponytail.

The two put their jackets back on and walk out the door.


Caroline puts her finger to her lips and Victoria nods. Caroline opens the door and peaks in to see Max still in the kitchen making what appeared to be turkey sandwiches. Caroline walks in and greets her girlfriend. "Hey, beautiful."

Max looks up and smiles then she looks at the door. "Where's Victoria?"

"Oh, she wanted to meet Sophie and Oleg."

"Oh jeez," she laughs. "She has no idea what she's in for."

While Max and Caroline continue to chat, Victoria slips in the door with surprise trying her hardest not to make any noise. She successfully does so but as soon as she thinks she's home-free, she trips over Nail Patrick Harris. "Ow! What the hell was that?"

Max runs over to Victoria. "That's Nail Patrick Harris. We thought we got rid of him but we should've known better." She helps her up and then finally notices the white bag. "What's that?"

Victoria and Caroline look at each other as Max's picks it up and reaches inside to find a small white box and inside that small white box is a new pair of earrings. Max looks confused for a moment. "I thought you guys were just going for a walk."

Victoria grins. "I know, but after Caroline talked to me about how much you needed something new, I decided to buy these instead of the squishmallow. Are you mad?"

Max didn't know what to say, so instead she embraced her with a loving hug. "No I'm not mad. This was very thoughtful of you. Thank you."

"I love you, mom."

"Here come the tears again," Caroline weeps while trying to fan away her tears.

"I love you too."

The next week rolled by and Caroline and Max had a major increase in dessert bar sales. So the two decided to go back to the grocery store for Victoria's plush.

They reach the toy aisle but Victoria stops them from picking it up.

"Actually, I don't really want that anymore," she goes over to the aisle across from them. "Can I get art supplies instead?"

Max gives her a warm smile and her and Caroline start picking out different paints and sketch pads.

When they get home, Victoria goes right to work unpacking all of her new stuff. Max goes to inspect the fridge when there's a knock on the door.

"I'll get it!" Caroline yells and opens it to reveal a police officer.

"Hello, I'm looking for Victoria Johnson."

"Um, she's not here. We don't even know anyone named Victoria," Caroline gives an awkward laugh then tries to slam the door in the cops face.

Max sees this and walks over. "What is this about?"

"Yes, my name is Detective Harvey. I'm looking for this girl," he says holding up a police sketch of Max's daughter. "Her parents reported her missing about a week ago and we tracked her phone to this location."

"What else did her parents happen to say?" Max raises her eyebrow. "Just out of curiosity."

"I'm afraid I can't disclose that information, ma'am."

"Look, she is here but she can't go back to them. They're both alcoholics and are extremely abusive."

"Can't she just stay with us?" Caroline chimes in.

"If that's the case the child will have to file a police report down at the station and then it will be escalated to the courts."

"Is all of that really necessary?"

"We don't have money for a lawyer." Caroline butts in once more. "Victoria is Max's daughter. Max gave her up at birth because she couldn't afford to have a baby but then Victoria tracked her down to reconnect and now their bond is unbreakable."

"Is she done?" the officer looks over at Max. "I'm not interested in the lifetime movie story and if that's the case you had your rights to that child terminated when you gave her up for adoption."

"So I'm just supposed to give her back to them? Even after all the abuse? Nope. Not happening."

"Well, then you leave me no choice." He takes out his handcuffs. Max puts her hands behind her back, willingly. "Miss, you are under arrest. You have the right to be silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you."


Victoria taps her foot unsettlingly as she sits next to Caroline in the police station waiting room. "I don't even want to see my mother and father. This is bullshit!"

"I now, sweetie, but you have to relax," Caroline says, trying to stay calm.

"Is Max going to jail?"

"I don't know."

Detective Harvey walks up to the two with a notebook and a pen. "Victoria, I need you to write down your report in your own words so we can-

She smacks the paper and pen out of his hands. "I'm not writing shit until you leave Max alone. She's done nothing wrong!"

"Victoria, I need you to cooperate so we can work on letting Ms. Black go." He picks them up off the floor and hands them back to her. "Okay? We all want the same thing here."

"I don't trust the cops. They lie all the time so people trust them. You're gonna make me go back to them just like you always do when I try to run away."

"How many times have you run away?"

"Three or four."

He puts a hand on her shoulder. "You are 12-years old. That's old enough to say where you want to go, but right now Max isn't an option."

"I'm not going anywhere but with Max. I don't care what you say," Victoria motions to Caroline. "We're going to get a lawyer."

"I might know one."

Harvey leaves them to let Victoria calm down. Caroline reaches for her hand and gives it a squeeze. "It'll be okay."

"I'm scared."

"I know."

Victoria finally settles down and begins to write her report. She figured it would help in a long run and at least she could get her story straight before her parents showed up.

Just as she finishes she puts her notebook and pen down and looks up to see the last person she wanted to see.

"Vicki!" She winces as her mother runs up to her and gives her a hug. She shrugs out of it. "Who are you?"

"This is Caroline. Caroline this is Robyn." Victoria grimaces.

"My name is mom, silly and you're coming home because we have a big surprise for your return!"

"Well, my name is Victoria not Vicki. I hate when you call me that."

"We've been calling you that since birth."

"I hated it since birth," she bites back. "And when were you going to tell me who my real mom is?"

Robyn kneels down and puts her hands on Victoria's knees. "She didn't want you, baby. She wanted to give you away the moment you came out so me and your father said we'd take you because we love you."

Caroline clears her throat. She was sick of hearing this woman talk down about her girlfriend. "Excuse me, Detective Harvey said Victoria doesn't have to leave with you."

"What do you have to do with this?"

"I happen to be Max's girlfriend."

A laugh escapes Robyn's mouth. "Oh, I didn't know Max was into women. Just another reason why she's a very unsuitable parent."

Just before Caroline can respond to her nasty comment, Victoria speaks up."Caroline's right. I don't have to leave with you and I'm not going to."

Just before an argument was about to breakout, Harvey comes out of his office and approaches them.

Robyn stands up and crosses her arms. "Now, what is this nonsense? Why can't I bring my daughter home? I'm the one that reported she was missing!"

"I apologize, but according to this report made by your daughter I can't put her back in your care until there is a judge involved."

"A judge? For what? What report?"

He picks up the notepad from Victoria's lap. "Mrs. Johnson, according to your daughter you are an absent alcoholic who leaves her home alone most nights and your husband mentally abuses her and sometimes even physically abuses her. So in light of these allegations, Victoria will be placed in temporary foster care."

Victoria jumps out of her chair. "I don't want to go into foster care. I want to go with Max and Caroline."

"Detective Harvey, I can assure you that everything is fine at home. Max must be putting her up to this."

"Max isn't putting her up to anything," Caroline retorts. "Victoria came and told us about how you are."

"Ladies, please. I'm just trying to do my job," he shifts his eyes to Robyn. "And I take it having a police officer search and asses your home is no problem then?"

"No problem at all."

"Good. Officer Sanchez will take you home and begin the assessment. As for Caroline, you are free to leave at anytime."

"What about Max?"

"Max will be able to leave any minute now."

On cue Max barges out of the double glass doors yelling at a secretary to not touch her. Victoria makes no hesitation running up to Max and giving her a hug. "They're putting me in foster care."

"I know. It's all only temporary. It'll be okay," Max assures calmly.

"Okay. I'll listen to Detective Harvey."

Max bends down and gives her a kiss on the top of her head before reaching Caroline to leave the police station.


Caroline paces back and forth while Max lays on the couch.

"This is ridiculous!" the blonde exclaims. "She should've been allowed to stay with us."

"Caroline, there's nothing we can do. At least she's not with Jackass and Robyn."

"Why are you so calm?"

"Because there's no use in getting all bent out of shape. I already knew this was going to happen. Harvey is right. My rights are terminated and we can't afford a lawyer."

"We'll get Han!"

Max snorts. "Han? We'd have better luck with Oleg and that's saying something."

"What other choice do we have?"

Max sits up. "Han isn't even a real lawyer. We just said he was to get our shirts back from those two annoying ass girls."

Caroline finally sits down. "So is that really it? We just give up and never see her again?"

"I really don't know, but thank you."

"For what?" Caroline chuckles.

"For caring a little too much and for treating Victoria as your own."

"Of course, Max. I'll always treat your kids as my kids. No matter how many of them there are," she smiles then her eyes go wide. "There's not more though, right?"

"I don't think, Max shrugs. Caroline smacks her arm. "I'm just messing with you. Victoria is my only child."

"Okay," she breathes. "Maybe I do have another lawyer connection but he's kind off…"

"Sketchy?"

"Yeah, sketchy. We'll go with that."

Max throws her hands up. "Well, I don't care if he's a homeless man who has mental issues and thinks he's a real lawyer, I'll take anyone."

"Oh, but not Han?"

"Be quiet."


Caroline knocks on the white oak door while Max looks around the yard. "Um, Caroline? Why does this place look so familiar?"

Before Caroline can answer, Randy opens the door.

"You asked Randy?"

"Well, hello Max. Good to see you."

"Fuck."

"Come on in."

Caroline walks in and thanks him for his time. Max unwillingly walks in and watches Randy's every move.

"So, Randy, why all the sudden help your ex with a case when you know you're not going to get any money?" Randy motions for them to sit down. Caroline begins to take the offer before Max's says: "We won't be here long."

"I do still care about you Max and pro-bono cases look good on my resume."

Max nods. "That answers that. See Caroline, he gets something out of it. It's the only reason."

"Not the only reason, Max. My intentions are genuinely trying to unit you back with your daughter."

"Thank you, Randy. Max is just so overwhelmed with emotions she forgot her manners. I'll email you the details."

Caroline pulls Max out the front door by her arm. She smiles at Randy before closing the door and turning to Max. "What is wrong with you? He's just trying to help."

"I just don't trust it, Caroline. We didn't exactly leave things on good terms."

"Maybe this is his way of apologizing…"

"I still don't know. Just next time you think of asking my ex-boyfriend for a favor you tell me first, okay?"

"I'm sorry, Max. I just knew you'd say no."

"Damn you know me way too well."

"I know this is a lot to deal with and I know you didn't want to get involved but aren't you glad you did? To help Victoria?"

Max sighs and strokes her hair. "I should have never gave her up in the first place. I should've just stepped up and raised her."

Max starts walking back to the subway with Caroline following behind. Caroline didn't really know what to say. She knew it was still a touchy subject but she also didn't want to make her any more upset. So they just continued walking in silence.

Max and Caroline tried to resume their dessert bar work without thinking about the situation, but they both knew what the other was thinking.

Caroline walks up to the counter and sighs. "Jim's on his seventh whisky neat."

"Oh, let him live. I'm way too tired to deal with him tonight."

Caroline nods then boosts herself up on the bar stool. "Are you doing okay?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

Caroline gives her the "you know why" look.

"I really am okay. I'm pissed but…I don't know what to say."

"Me neither."

The two smile at each other. Caroline goes to rub her hand but it jumps when she hears her phone ring. "That's weird nobody ever calls me."

"Put it on speaker."

"Hello, Ms Black. It's Detective Harvey. I am calling to inform you that Victoria has escaped The Children's Center…"

Max snorts. "How did she escaped. Why isn't security doing their jobs?"

"Well, she was seen leaving with a black-haired woman…"

"Wait, are you saying I took her?"

"She's been with me the whole time," Caroline cuts in.

"I'm not accusing you of taking Victoria. I just need to inform everyone that is involved with the court case."

"Uh, thanks for letting me know."

"You are very welcome. Take care."

Caroline hits the red end call button.

"Fuck."

Max and Caroline close the bar early and head down to the police station where Harvey is waiting for them.

"We've found her. She's safe."

"That was quick. We came down right away," Caroline vocalizes.

"I'm the one that called." Harvey moves to the side to reveal Victoria sitting down. "Robyn took me from the center which was pretty stupid if you ask me. Also, I'm hungry."

Harvey shakes his head. "We've detained Robyn for illegally removing Victoria and we found some hard illegal substances in their home so I have a good feeling the judge will swing in your favor."


A day after the court hearing, Max and Caroline celebrate by throwing a small party at the dessert bar. Victoria and Sophie were throwing glitter around while Randy pulled Max outside to talk.

"I can't thank you enough for doing this," Max starts.

Randy shakes his head. "You don't have to thank me, Max, but you can do me a favor."

"What's that?"

"Breakup with Caroline and get back with me."

Max laughs. "You know that ship has sailed."

"Can't blame a guy for trying," he says with a shrug. "In all seriousness, I'm still crazy about you and I kind of always pictured us getting married and having children."

"Well, things change. You'll find the one."

"That's just it, Max. I honestly think you're the one."

"I'm sorry if you thought I was just going to come running back to you after all of this. I appreciate your help, but I'm not breaking up with Caroline."

Randy slowly strides closer. "Max, I do wish things could be different. If you give me another chance, I swear it'll be the right decision."

"You won't take no for an answer, will you?"

He chuckles and moves closer. He strokes her hair and caresses her face. Max tries to pull away from him but he captures her lips before she has the opportunity. His hands were just about to move down to her breasts when Caroline comes out.

"What the fuck?"

Randy snaps back and Max smacks Randy in the face.

"I think you need to leave," Caroline growls. He takes the hint and walks away from them. Caroline pulls her girlfriend in for a hug. "Are you okay?"

"I'll be fine," she reassures. "What a dick."

"It's okay if you're not. I can tell everyone to leave. By everyone I mean Sophie and Oleg."

"I'm okay. Really."

They kiss and then walk back inside to continue celebrating.

Victoria runs over to them. "Is everything alright? I heard Caroline yelling."

"It's all good. I just had to deal with a prick is all," Caroline smiles.

Max laughs. "What happened to watching the obscenities?"

"Why the fuck do I care?" Victoria asks.

Max and Caroline look at each other for a moment before bursting with laughter.

"She's yours alright."

Max walks over to her daughter and squeezes her shoulders. "I wouldn't want it any other way."