Disclaimer: I don't own Younger, any of its characters or their scripts and stories. This is an imagining for right after season 6's final scene and one possible way the story could go.

I use the first letter of each character in the dialogue after scene descriptions because it is easier to write and to follow (for me).

**Set directly after group dance wedding scene***

(Liza is feeling overwhelmed, walks to a balcony area to take few breaths. Charles approaches her, visibly upset.)

C: So, I take it that was maybe a wrong time to ask?
L: I wouldn't say it was the wrong time, it just got overwhelming right now. I almost hyperventilated. (She laughs).
C: Yeah, I could sense that. Maybe I acted a bit impulsively . I'm sorry. (He isn't sure how to interpret her non answer, and it's scaring him because they are usually able to read each other.)
L: So this means you're taking it back?
C: No, not at all. It was what I was feeling at the time. Although seeing who you were talking to before that, I should have found another time.
L: Ok so you did see that. Yeah, I'm a mess. (She shakes her head. Why do things have to be so complicated, she wonders).
C: I thought you said messes make people interesting? (He asks in amused fashion)
L: I did. So I always imagined that maybe one day you would ask me that. But I just didn't expect it so soon. It's been kind of a whirlwind and I'm not sure if I'm ready for that.
C: I understand. If you need time, we can pause this conversation. Just let me know if you're ready to have it again in the future. (He shifts into business mode, because now things are getting too emotional and this is the only way he knows to shut it down.)
L: Actually, maybe I should let you have some space. Just for now. Take that trip with the kids. Let me sort out my head. (She catches herself before she starts rambling.)
C: You can have all the time you need. I'd never want you to feel pressured to do something together that you don't want to do. I just have one request. Let me know if you have someone else on your mind. I'll understand, and it will be a lot easier now opposed to later, when we are at a point where we can't go back.

(He looks into the distance, sighs and turns back to her, searching her face to understand her reaction.)
L: It sounds like you already know how clouded all of my thoughts and feelings are right now.
C: I do. I'm going to give you that space you need. It's only fair. Let me get you a car home. Will see you later. (He hugs her gently, kisses her, and walks away. His polite acceptance takes over, and he berates himself internally for once again acting too impulsively with her. She has a way of throwing him off his game and moving faster than he intends. Nothing seems logical when he's around her.)

(Some time passes and a cooling off period occurs. Different projects develop in the office, including renewed interest in the book Charles wrote. Kelsey decides she would like to publish it and works really hard to try to convince Charles that it is a good idea. Many meetings take place for upcoming titles. Kelsey has half the ownership now and is looking out at branching to another city to get more publicity and interest in the brand. It has become more of a digital company now and many of their submissions are newer concepts.)

(As their break becomes more of a gradual break up, Liza decides to become friendly with Josh again, seeing where it could go).

(Liza arrives at Josh's apartment)

L: So, what did you want to do tonight?
J: Maybe we can just talk. Play with Gemma. If that's ok?
L: Sure. How are your new locations doing?
J: Good. I think we really have something here. I owe it to you. And to Maggie for pushing me to do this. (He smiles with pride.) Hey, so does this mean you've decided to give us another chance?
L: I don't know what it means. I'm just exploring my options. (She is trying to be careful to not get his hopes up too high. She feels an attraction to him as always, but doesn't know what she wants or needs.)

(They settle into a conversation. As the evening leads on, they play with Gemma and laugh at each other's stories of their day. She remembers when Caitlin was a young child and things were good with David. It feels familiar and like an old routine.)

(Next day back at Josh's apartment)

L: Wow, I'm exhausted from work. I hope you have a good plan for us that involves wine.
J: Actually, no can do, babe. I'm sorry. I have a client who is pretty high maintenance that I have to get to right away. Do you mind watching Gemma?
L: Sure. No problem. (She looks away as he hurries out the door)
J: I'm writing you a list of where to find everything. I'll text you from the shop. Any questions, let me know. (He kisses her and leaves)

(Hours later, Liza is asleep and in the background Lauren is walking around the apartment)

Lauren: Hey, wake up. What are you doing here? Is this what I think it is? You two are back together! (Screams)
L: Oh, I'm just watching Gemma. In fact, it's been a while since he said he'd be back. I'm going to go down to see what's taking so long with this client. But I don't want to interrupt their work. Keep an eye out for just a second for the baby - please Lauren?

(Liza goes down to the studio and sees Josh with another girl. It is clear that they are more than friends, as she sees them kissing. She walks away and back up to the apartment).

(Later that evening, Josh comes back)

J: That went great. I think she got just what she needed done. Now what? (He looks over suggestively).
L: Just what she needed, huh? Well that's interesting because I went down there and it certainly looked that way.
J: Oh, yeah. She kissed me first. It wasn't like what you think. (She notices he stumbles for his words.) Well... look, we never said we were exclusive. I thought you were just exploring options. I guess I thought I could too.
L: I suppose I wasn't clear enough. I'm gonna go.
J: I'm sorry. If you want to be exclusive, I'll do that. Whatever you want. Just stay the night with me. You won't regret it. Please (He smiles a big smile).
L: I don't know what I want. I just know that this doesn't feel like a good idea right now. I'll see you later.

(Liza goes back home meanwhile her thoughts go back to times that she and Josh had arguments or she caught him doing things that were less than honest. She has a flashback to the conversation when he gave her the free pass, the night before his wedding to Clare, going out the fire escape when his girlfriend came home, times that made her doubt what they were doing. She wonders if this will happen again and once again has a flashback to her past, 15 years ago when she first felt betrayed by David. And when she realized nothing she would do would stop him from doing it again.)

(In Maggie and Liza's apartment a few weeks later. Work has continued and Liza stays busy at home with extra projects to fill her free time)

M: You've been officially depressed for two weeks now. Here, I've got tickets to this opera tonight. I know it's boring so if you don't want to, that's fine. The new gallery owner thought I would like them.
L: Ok, I'll go. Maybe if I try to look nice, I'll get out of this everlasting funk. I like the opera.
M: What happened anyway? I thought you and Josh were just keeping it casual. Why do you care if he's with other people? You could be too.
L: Yeah, I know. I just realize I want more than that now. Not that we didn't have good times. I need to clear my head. Let's go. I'll see what I have in my closet that will be passable.
M: Hey, I'm sure you'll look beautiful. And maybe you'll find a mystery man at the opera. Just not the phantom (laughs). Ok that was a lame joke. Just trying to get you to smile.

(They arrive at the opera, Maggie and Liza spot Charles across the lobby with an unknown woman. Liza starts to feel an unfamiliar jealous feeling, that she hasn't felt in a while. Charles always had reassured her that he was spoken for in the past. Now she wasn't so sure.)

M: Don't look now, it's your ex with someone new. Quick, pretend we are looking over here!

(It is too late, as they have already locked eyes.)

L: Oh crap, now I have to act like everything is fine. Cover for me, Maggie, I'm getting a drink! I need one badly. (She tries to escape and not see them so she can curb this jealousy.)

(Liza walks to the bar area as Maggie engages them in conversation)

M: Oh hi, and who may I ask is this lovely lady?
C: This is Patty Mitchell. I used to work for her dad over the summer one year in the Hamptons.
P: Patricia Mitchell, pleased to meet you.
C: I think I'm going to get a drink. Anyone need anything?
M: Oh maybe you should wait to get a drink - you know, the performance will start soon. (looking frantically around for Liza, hoping to follow through with her promise to her friend).
C: It's ok, I'll just be a minute. Excuse me.

(Charles leaves, approaching where Liza is standing while Maggie continues conversation with Patty)

M: Oh, so you two are on a date? I didn't realize he was dating again?
P: No, I wouldn't call it that. We're just old friends. And besides, I'm not his type. (whispers): I prefer women).
M: Well isn't that a kick, so do I. I guess we have a lot to talk about.
(They continue talking and laughing)

(Liza standing at bar is approached by Charles)

C: Hey, I didn't expect to see you here. (His voice seems steady but slightly worried.)
L: Me either. Looks like you and your date are having a good time. Excuse me, I better get this to Maggie. (She attempts to rush away, no way is he going to see her tears forming.)
C: Wait.
L: Um, ok.
C: Patty is just a friend. We're not on a date. In fact, it looks like she's hitting it off pretty well with Maggie.
L: Oh?
C: Like I said, we're not dating. She was in town to talk to me about a book I might publish. I wanted to go over some details about that summer. So my secret is out, I may decide to publish it after all. In a way, you sort of inspired me to tell my story. I'm talking too much, I'm going to go. (He knows he always says too much to her.)
L: I'll see you later. Have fun.

(Liza approaches Maggie, still in conversation with Patty)

M: (whispers): Do you mind if I use this extra ticket and give it to Patty. I think we're hitting it off. Would that be weird if I asked you to -
L: Go sit with Charles? No. I'll just tell him what happened and I'm sure he will be understanding. (She laughs and walks away).

(Liza approaches Charles where he is standing near the bar)

L: Well, our friends hit it off so I guess they are going to sit together. So, that leaves me all dressed up and nowhere to go. (She laughs nervously, feeling like it's their first date all over again).
C: Good thing I have an extra seat for you. (He smiles and seems genuinely happy to have an opportunity to be out with her again). You know, I got these tickets a while ago. I actually hoped - (He pauses suddenly).

L: You wanted to surprise me. (She finishes his sentence.)

(He nods and looks down, blushing a little. He takes her arm and they find their seat. She is amused by how things like this embarrass him.)

(Back in the apartment later, Maggie has Patty over. Liza arrives after a nice but slightly distracting night with Charles. It almost feels like they never broke up. Their conversation about the performance flowed well and they even had another drink afterward.)

L: Oh, sorry to interrupt your party. I'm just going to go to bed.
M: Did you two have a good time? (winks)
L: We did. It just was different than what I thought. I keep thinking of my last trip to the opera. (Her mind races).
M: (whispers) I hope you're not mad. I might have a chance here.
L: I'm not. It actually helped clear up a lot for me. You two enjoy. I'll put on some headphones and listen to a book.

(A few days later, at the business office, a meeting takes place. Kelsey decided to open a new branch of the company in LA and is looking for support from the staff in the NY office. She has everything in order and will be moving into the new office this week).

K: So, I assume in LA it will be me and Zane running things. Liza will be coming along as well.
Diana: Well, I appreciate you checking with me on what I'd like to do. Of course, I'll be staying in the New York office.
Charles: Ok well if anyone else wants to move out to the new branch, please let Kelsey know. I think that concludes the meeting.

(Everyone leaves . Liza sits there with an uncertain look).

(Later back in Maggie and Liza's apartment)

L: I just don't know what to do. If I go to LA, I will be starting over again. But there could be lots of possibilities out there.
M: Oh, so you haven't heard Josh's news? I assumed maybe that was why you were all about LA all of a sudden.
L: What do you mean?
M: Josh decided to go to LA to be with his daughter. I guess Clare took that promotion after all.
L: Oh, he never told me. This has been in the works for a few weeks now. I told Kelsey I would move, and everyone thinks I am. But now I'm not so sure I want to. Promise me I'll still have a room here if I stay in New York.
M: Of course you will have a room. Josh said you haven't been around since you saw him with that girl the other day. He said it meant nothing. Maybe you should consider giving him another chance. If you both went to LA together, it would be a fresh start.
L: It's a lot to think about. I just don't know.

(Liza walks up to Josh's apartment)

J: Hey, so are you joining us in LA? That's what Maggie said. This could be really amazing for you, me and Gemma. We could start our new family there. (He is excited, his eyes shining with promise)
L: Yeah that's actually what I want to talk to you about. I've been thinking that there's a chance you might want more kids, or want to travel. I don't want to be holding you back. (She is hoping this will be a short conversation, but knows it won't be.)
J: I would give up all of that for us to be together. And if I wanted more kids, I could adopt. You wouldn't have to go through that again. It would be fine. (His voice becomes more emotional.)
L: That's what I mean. (She pauses, choosing her words.) It's what you want. You want to be back together and you have a whole life ahead of you. You want to think about more kids. As much as we shared, I just don't think it's really going to be enough one day for you. I'll always love you and you have a place in my heart. I just think it was a passing moment in time. I will always treasure those moments we had. (She looks wistful and really has to be over, for him. She could string him along for years, never really knowing if they were in love, clinging to a once known 20-something version of herself.)
J: What do you mean? You're not getting on the plane with us tomorrow? No! Please. I know you. I chose you even after everything we went through with your past. (He was pleading now.)
L: No, I don't think I am going with you. I mean, I'm not sure - but if I did go to LA it would be for me. I think it's really time for you to make a fresh start. (And me too, she thinks but never says. She never says because she is always afraid of hurting him.)
J: But what about us? I thought that was the whole point of exploring. Because we both still have feelings for each other.
L: I think this is just who we are. Different people with different ideas of what to do with our lives. I want to stay in New York. I love what I'm doing now. It's really ok. I know my feelings and have made my decision. Having feelings for each other isn't enough to make this work.

(They hug, as she walks out as she sees him crying. She knows if she stays to comfort him she will feel guilty and stay. She always feels guilty like she owes him something. She knows she can't give in now, or they will never grow into their needed separate identities. If she clings to him, she never moves forward. And neither does he.)

(Next day in the office, Liza has her plane ticket in her hand for LA and everyone has left the office. She is sitting there feeling unsure. She glances over at Charles' office. She remembers all the moments they shared together. Some make her blush. She thinks about some of her hard won victories as an editor and some of those scenes flash in her memory when they disagreed. She is startled as Charles is now right behind her, his presence shaking her out of her thoughts.)

C: Well, I wish you luck with your next endeavor.
L : Wait. I need to think about this. Can we talk for a minute? (Her sudden flood of memories makes her feel that she is making a mistake.)
C: Whatever you decide, I know you'll do well. If you'll excuse me I have a meeting. I'm sorry. Let's talk when you get back from LA for our next meeting. I have a lot of new manuscripts to go through. I'll be working on that for days. You and Kelsey are going to do well with the new LA office. I really think so. I'm proud of you.
(He walks away and then when he thinks she isn't looking, looks back. He knows he was talking fast just to hide his real feelings. The last thing he wants is to discourage her from her goal of moving on.)

(At the airport, Liza stands next to Kelsey with her boarding pass)

L: Kelsey, I can't do this. My heart isn't in it. I'm sorry. I know I already checked by bag in. There is somewhere else I need to be. (Her eyes are panicked)
K: What? What are you doing? I thought we were in this together? (She seems upset and feels worried that she can't do this on her own)
L: Please don't make this any harder than it has to be. I know I'll see you. You're going to do so well. My heart just isn't in LA.
(They hug and she leaves the airport).

(In front of Charles' townhouse, Liza is out of breath from running there from the subway. She knocks on the door and gets no answer. She sits down dejectedly in front of the house and picks up her phone, ready to call a car and give up. It had been snowing softly and it starts to get heavier. She decides to call Maggie first.)

L: Maggie, I've ruined everything again.

M: Let me guess, you couldn't move to LA? I'm not surprised. (She can visualize the eyeroll over the phone.)

L: I did an impulsive thing and now I'm paying the price. (Tears start to fall down her cheeks).

M: You know, maybe doing this was the right thing. You didn't overthink, you just did what felt right. Don't be so hard on yourself.

L: I'll let you know my next move. Right now I'm out of ideas.

(They hang up. She decides it's time to call a car, picks up her phone as the snow gets heavier. Suddenly she looks up and Charles is standing in front of her).

C; Hey.
L: Hey.
C: You didn't get on the plane. (It's both a question and a confused statement)
L: I guess I just realized everything and everyone I care about is here. (She smiles, meeting his gaze.) Why would I move? It didn't feel right. What's all that (motions at pile of manuscripts he is holding).
C: Oh, it's my work for the night. I have to get through all of these... I know that's an exciting Friday night. Do you want to come in for a minute? (He looks at her with renewed hope.)
L: Yes, I do. Actually, if you need help, I can read some of those with you. (She looks up at him, now she also wears a hopeful expression on her face)
C: Ok. But you might fall asleep (They laugh).

(They go in, get settled with a drink they both like, and start going through manuscripts. Liza falls asleep with her reading glasses on. Charles takes off her glasses, covers her up with a blanket and goes to his room. As he looks at her, he realizes all he wants is to have her in his life, in any way).

(The next morning Liza wakes up on the sofa, startled. She looks around and not seeing Charles, walks into his room, where he is sleeping).

L: Oh, sorry to wake you up, but I think I fell asleep reading those.
C: (groggy). Oh it's ok. I was tired too.

(Liza makes the bold decision to lie down next to him, closes her eyes and tries to go to sleep. Charles says nothing, accepting her shifting her body next to his, in that familiar way they used to sleep. They both look out the window and see the falling snow, a reminder of the first night they spent in this room together.)

(After a few days of this same routine of reading manuscripts together, ordering takeout and attempting recipes, they realize they need to talk one evening)

C: What is it we're doing here? What is it that you want in this relationship? (He decides it's better to take the direct approach.)
L: Wow, you just get right to the point. (She laughs and hopes it will make this conversation easier.)
C: No. Um… I mean, really? (He looks at her with a pensive stare.)
L: I guess this is what I want. (She is thoughtful with her words). Just spending time together until I figure things out. I'm enjoying this. (She leans in closer and they embrace).
C: I'm enjoying this too. Although I'm not sure how long we can define what we have ... um ... going on here, under the guise of reading manuscripts. (Smiles).
L: Ok, you're right. (Sighs). I just don't want to mess up again.
C: I understand. I don't want to rush you. Ever.

(They spend the evening together reading with some ambiguity on where things are going. For once, they are both ok with not knowing the answer and are content just being present with each other. She knows that she will probably have to make the next move, as she hopes to be able to stay over again tonight.)