A/N: Ok, so time flies when you're having fun. Not! Anyway, sorry for the lack of updates. Hope I still have some readers. Enough said. On with the show.
Disclaimer: You know the drill.
ACT: 16
May 11, 2005. One week later.
Liz could have killed Maria. Let's do lunch she'd said. Better yet, let's make it a girl's day out she'd said. It'll be fun she'd said. Only it wasn't. Even in comfortable flats, Liz's feet burned from the amount of walking she'd done in the last few hours. It was so like Maria to drag her to every well known boutique in Los Angles, Fred Segal included, only to buy a dress from some little known vintage shop off of Melrose.
When she'd asked Maria, why the big production her friend had turned to her with a smile, patted her on the head like an idiot child and said:
"To be seen of course. Don't you know anything chica?"
Liz had started to retort something about Maria not knowing when a swift foot was about to be planted in her ass, but she had counted to ten instead, and the moment had passed.
So now they sat at a corner table in Spago surrounded by the who's who of Hollywood. And even though Liz wasn't the biggest watcher of television, even she'd recognized several celebrities. Like the red-head from that popular night time soap Desperate House Wives or Desperate Women something like that. Liz had never watched it of course, but there was such a media blitz surrounding it that the actresses were recognized practically everywhere. She'd also recognized the lead actor from the show CSI. Now there was a show she could sink her teeth into. Plus the actor was hot in an older guy kinda way. And maybe, just maybe, she'd caught a glimpse of one of the actors from that old show Dawson's River. James VanderHawk, but she wasn't quite sure.
Glancing down at the menu at hand, Liz blinked in shock at the exuberant prices and then shrugged her shoulders. It was Maria's treat after all. And damn if she didn't deserve a pricey meal after running around LA half the day.
"Good afternoon ladies. My name is Lacey and I'll be your waitress. What can I get for you today?"
Liz glanced over at Maria who took the lead. "We'll both have a grilled chicken salad, light on the dressing, an order of bread sticks, and a bottle of your best white wine."
Liz rolled her eyes as the perky little brunet stood there staring at Maria in awestruck wonder. "Oh my God, you're Maria DeLuca from the show Malibu," the waitress gushed. And Liz nearly gagged as Maria preened.
"My mom and I watch your show all the time. I think you are the best actress on there." Kill me now, Liz thought. She couldn't wait to tell Max about her day. He hated pretentious bullshit even more than she did.
Annoyed and tired, Liz mentally checked out of the conversation. When she checked back in Maria was handing the waitress her autograph.
"Sorry to breakup the little love-fest here but I'm kinda hungry," she grouched and watched the waitress turn lobster.
"Sorry," Ms. perky mumbled before scurrying off.
"Wow!" Maria laughed. "You're really being a bitch. I just play one on TV. If I didn't know any better, I'd tell you to get laid already."
For the first time all day a genuine smile crossed Liz's face. "Yeah, well lucky for me that's not a problem."
"I bet," Maria said with a smirk and Liz giggled before turning serious again.
"Sorry for being such a drag. But you know how much I hate shopping." Liz grimaced.
"And it shows," Maria said sarcastically, though jokingly as she glanced from Liz's casual jean skirt and tee-shirt to her own Seven Jeans and strapless halter top. "Good thing Max's pays attention to your other attributes."
"Like my mind?"
"More like your ass."
"Mariaaa!" Liz's eyes widened as she glanced around the restaurant.
"Please," the blonde rolled her green eyes while flicking a stray strand of hair over her left shoulder. "You wouldn't believe some of the things I've heard in this so called classy establishment."
"I bet," Liz parroted Maria's earlier words. It never failed to amaze her how people in the public eye had the most scandals.
"So guess who called me the other day?" Maria asked coyly.
"President Bush asking you to sing at a White House gala?" Liz quipped.
"Ewww. As if I would ever give that Asshat the time of day. Guess again."
"Tom Cruise?"
"Can you say nut job?"
Liz laughed. "I give up then."
"Michael."
"Michael Jackson!" Liz gave an exaggerated shiver. "That's just scary."
"Michael Guerin," Maria sighed in exasperation.
"Wow," Liz breathed in shock. Was this the year for reunions or what? They hadn't seen hide nor hair of Michael Guerin in over three years. He and Maria broke up right around the time she was hired for Malibu. Maria had been rather closed mouthed about the whole thing, so Liz could only speculate as to the cause. The two of them breaking up had weirded Liz out. Sure they'd argued all the time, but back in high school they'd been like Bonnie & Clyde. The ultimate ride or die couple.
"So what did he want?"
"To see me of course."
"Are you? Gonna see him that is?"
"Well, what I was thinking was…."
-&-
"So how was your day dear?" Max asked mockingly. He knew Liz had not looked forward to day of shopping with Maria. Liz simply hated to shop. And although he couldn't blame her, he couldn't help teasing her about it either. The two of them were spending a quiet evening at Liz's apartment. They lounged on the living room sofa side by side with her head resting on his shoulder as they watched Mr. and Mrs. Smith on DVD. Princess Jessie was spending the night at her grandparents.
Liz glanced up at him in mock anger. "Keep it up Mr. Comedian and see what happens."
Max smiled lazily. "Be more specific."
"Let's just say you might find yourself getting reacquainted with your right hand." She threatened, though her eyes gleamed with good humor.
Max scoffed before running the tip of his finger down the side of Liz's neck. "Not even in high school."
"Oh, so you were that popular, huh?" Liz still smiled, but a hint insecurity seeped into her voice.
Some things were better left unsaid, Max thought. Now all he had to do was find a way to extract his foot from his own ass. Of course he chose humor. Leaning forward until his lips touched the delicate shell of Liz's left ear, he said in exaggerated gangsta speak:
"In high school I was da man homey."
This sent Liz off into a fit of giggles as she pushed Max away from her ear. "How sad," she said after catching her breath. "A man of your age and status watching MTV."
Max looked highly offended. "Thanks a lot. I didn't know you viewed me as so old and boring."
"Don't worry baby," Liz fought back a smile. "I'll still love you when your looks fade, your package shrinks, and you have to put your teeth in a jar."
"Shrinking package my ass!" Max exclaimed pouncing on top of Liz and pinning her beneath him. Now let's see who has the last laugh, he thought.
"Hmm, so maybe it's not shrinking after all," she whispered huskily, shifting her hips under Max's. "So what are you waiting for big boy? Show me whatcha working with." And that's just what he did.
A/N: I have no idea where this chapter came from, it practically wrote itself. I just knew I was tired of all the angst. Hope you guys find it as fun to read as I found it to write. Next up: The original pod-squad reunites in a dinner party from…well, if not exactly hell then pretty funnily close. Please review guys and let me know you are still out there.
