Author: Martina G
Disclaimer: Same!
Chapter: 4 ACT 3
Liz was mortified. She wanted to die. There stood Max Evans looking all sleek and sexy in tan cargo pants and green tee-shirt, while she resembled a clown in her in her blue and orange Burger Barn uniform.
"What are you doing here?" She gasped.
"Someone told me the burgers here were to die for. I thought I'd check it out." Max smiled engagingly.
"More likely to die from," Liz whispered with laughing brown eyes. She was rewarded by Max's deep rich laughter.
"Seriously though," her smile dimmed, "What are you doing here?"
"We need to talk," Max said, as he too became serious. "Is it possible for you to take a break?"
"Actually I'm off in about five minutes."
"That's even better. I'll just wait for you outside," Max nodded towards the front door.
"Sure," Liz said causally trying to keep her cool though her heart was beating a mile a minute. Just give me an extra five to change my clothes," she grimaced.
"I think you look cute," Max said eyeing her costume.
"You would."
Max gave a hearty chuckle. "See you in ten," he said while heading for the door.
-&-
Fifteen minutes later Liz exited the restaurant dressed in a blue jean skirt and red tee-shirt with the words Chicks Rule written on the front. On her feet she sported a pair of wedged heeled flip flops. Looking around for Max, she spotted him across the busy town square. He was standing next to a classic black Mustang Convertible. Figures. She thought cynically before catching herself. Where had that come from? She'd never been one to hold preconceived notions about people.
"Nice car," she said when she was standing in front of him.
"I like it," Max said easily as he opened the car door for her. "It was a going away to college present," he continued as he settled in beside her.
"Some present. I bet it cost a mint."
"Actually it didn't." Max's voice held the barest hint of cynicism. Being a member of one of the riches families in town had its perks, but it also had its draw backs. There were some people who envied your good fortune and others who wanted you to feel guilty because of it. He'd hoped Liz was different.
"My older brother Steven makes a hobby of restoring old cars. He bought and restored this one for me."
Hearing Max's defensive explanation, Liz felt like an ass. "Sorry," she mumbled. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded."
"Sure you did. But I forgive you anyway," Max said lightly.
"So, are we going to just sit here or what? Cause we're kinda causing a spectacle," Liz said as she watched one of the towns biggest gossips eye them speculatively. Great.
"Don't you just love this town?" Max mocked, as he pulled off.
"More than life itself," Liz deadpanned. "So where are we going?"
'You'll see."
-&-
Liz exited the car with wide wondering eyes. She'd been vaguely puzzled when Max had turned onto the deserted road. It wasn't until he pulled into the shade of trees that she noticed the lake. The word picturesque couldn't begin to do it justice. It was late May, and the sun shone brightly on the water leading it an iridescent look. Brightly colored leaves in hues of red and gold littered the ground. It put Liz in the mind of what paradise must have looked like before the serpent entered Eden.
"It's beautiful," Liz said in awe.
"It truly is," Max whispered, his eyes focused on Liz. Quickly grabbing a blanket from the back seat of his car, he took her by the hand and led her closer to the water. He laid the blanket on the ground evenly and they both took a seat.
"I thought we should speak somewhere neutral." Max answered the silent question in Liz's eyes. It wasn't like there was anywhere in town they could go. And since neither of their homes was an option.
"So…you're an Evans," Liz stared at Max with uncertain eyes.
"And you're a Parker," he parroted back.
"That means—
"What exactly—
"That my parents would die if they knew I was out with you right now," Liz groaned.
"What they don't know can't hurt them."
"Max!"
"Liz!"
"You are impossible."
"But you like me anyway," he smirked.
Liz had no quick comeback for that one. Because she more than liked Max. And the impossibility of their whole situation was making her sick.
"This is hopeless," she whispered sadly.
"Says who?" Max reached over to gently cup Liz's face, his eyes serious. "We determine our own fates. So what if our families are enemies. I've never taken part in that asinine feud."
"Max you know it's not that simple. And the feud is hardly asinine. Not to my family," Liz's eyes flashed angrily as she jerked her face from his hand.
"Oh, I forgot," he mocked, "My family are a bunch of land robbers." They probably were. But acknowledging that fact wouldn't help Max's case.
"Well, your father did take our land."
"Or maybe your father lost your land!"
"See. A relationship between us would never work," Liz huffed. "So we might as well not start one."
"Not start one? So what do you call the other night?" Max eyed her skeptically.
"Just a kiss," Liz mumbled, her face tinted red. More like an exercise in futility.
"And you usually kiss guys that way?" Max eyed her knowingly.
"Of course not!"
"Exactly." He said, having made his point. "Just think," Max leaned in closer to Liz, "If I weren't an Evans and you weren't a Parker, what we would be doing right now."
Liz parted her lips to answer Max's question as his thumb burned a trail of heat across her cheek. With a groan, he lowered his mouth to hers and the two of them kissed as if their very lives depended on it. Coming up for air, Liz swallowed and stared at the ground.
"What's wrong?" Max asked softly cupping her face again.
"I've never felt this way before," Liz whispered.
"Me either," Max said in disbelief. "I mean it's crazy. You're only seventeen, and our parents hate each other. Yet, all I can think about is being with you."
"Me too."
"What if they find out?" Max asked, looking off into the sunset.
"I don't care!" Liz answered defiantly.
Max turned his head to stare at her. "Neither do I."
tbc…
A/N: Sorry about the delay guys. Work has been the pits lately. Whoever said nursing was a noble profession lied! I also live in Philly, so I attended the Live 8 concert this weekend. It sucked! I never knew there were so many different shades of misery. It was hot, I stood for too many hours, it rained the night before, and too many people squished together produces foul and mysterious odors! Let that be a lesson, free is not always good. Anyway, thanks to the few people who are reading this story. Sorry the chapter is so short, but I wanted to give you guys something. This story is about to change dramatically in the next chapter or two, and will set the tone forthe entire fic. So please keep reading and reviewing.
