Chapter Two

Coleman guided Matt to the car and Maxie unlocked it and opened the passenger door for him to climb in.

"Thanks Coleman," she said as she slammed the door shut.

"Not a problem darling. Just make sure my best customer gets home," he winked at her and went back into the bar.

Maxie got in her car and started the ignition. While she was pulling out of the parking lot she noticed Matt was conscious now and began moaning.

"I swear to God Matt Hunter, if you puke in my car, so help me, it'll be the last thing you ever do," she threatened as she rolled down his window so if he did in fact throw up, he could at least try and make it out the window.

"I'm not going to puke," Matt groaned.

"Somehow that doesn't convince me," she said glancing over at him every once in awhile to make sure that he kept his word.

Patrick and Robin's house was only a five-minute drive. Maxie pulled up into the driveway and put the car in park.

"I didn't throw up," Matt proudly stated.

"Yah, I know," Maxie said as she got of the car and then walked around the front to the passenger side. Matt had already stumbled out of the car.

"Hold on there cowboy," Maxie put her arm around his waist to support him and he rested his arm on her shoulders. Together they staggered to the porch.

"You know it would be a lot easier if you actually made an effort to walk," she said trying to support all his weight.

"I am," Matt protested.

"Well you could have fooled me."

They stopped at the front door and Maxie knocked quietly not wanting to wake up Emma. Maxie looked up. Matt was staring at her. He brushed his hand across her forehead to fix the strand of hair that had fallen in her face. She felt her face flush, she knew he was drunk, but the way he looked at her was like he was peering into her soul. She shifted uncomfortably.

"What?" she asked trying to act like it wasn't bothering her.

"Have I ever told you how pretty you look," he muttered as he leaned in to kiss her.

"You're drunk!" Maxie said as she pushed him back.

Just then the front door opened, Thank God, she thought while she shoved him inside.

"There's my little brother." Patrick said as he placed both hands on Matt's back and directed him to the couch. Robin and Patrick had made up the sofa for him to sleep.

"Patrick, what are you doing here?" Matt questioned.

"I live here bro," Patrick seemed amused by his brother's drunken state, "You need to lie down and get some rest."

"That's a good idea bro." He crawled under the blanket and rested his head on the pillow.

"Maxie, thank you for bringing him over here," whispered Patrick.

"It's not a problem," she said as she was walking to the door. "I just hope he's alright."

"He's in a slump," he said as he looked over at Matt, who had just hurled into the trashcan beside the couch, "But he'll get over it. Are you going back to your apartment?"

"I think I might stay at Mac's house tonight, I have a feeling that my apartment might be a hostile environment right now."

Patrick gave her a puzzled look.

"It's a long story. Tell Robin that I'll call her in the morning."

"I will," he promised, "Drive safe and thanks again."

************

Waking up in her old bed in her old room was a little strange. She moved out two months ago, but when Mac woke her up, it felt like she had never left.

"I'm making pancakes," Mac said trying to entice Maxie out of her bed. It worked, she missed how he used to cook her breakfast on the weekends. At her apartment, meals consisted of top ramen and anything microwavable, not necessarily the most appetizing cuisine. He was thrilled to have her back in his house, even if it was just for one night, it was getting lonely there all by himself.

"So tell me again why you and Lulu are fighting," Mac probed.

"It's nothing really, Lulu's just being a drama queen, again. I'm sure it will blow over soon," she said as she cut her stack of pancakes with her fork and shoved it in her mouth. She really didn't want to go into too much detail because she didn't want to give him another reason to be disappointed in her.

"You are welcome to stay here for as long as you need to, you know that," he smiled as he ate his breakfast.

It was nice to have breakfast with her dad, they caught up on what's happening with their lives. Mac had a new case that he was working on and told her that he was on the verge of solving it. Maxie told him all about the happenings at Crimson, and how she really enjoys working there even if Kate isn't the easiest person to work for.

" Maxie, you really don't know how proud I am of you. You have really grown up these past months," Mac beamed.

"Thanks Dad," she responded lowering her eyes. He probably wouldn't say that if he knew the real reason why she couldn't go back to her apartment.

Mac got up and kissed Maxie on top of her head, "Well, I've got to go down to the station. A police commissioner's work is never done."

"Dad," Mac turned around, "Thanks for breakfast, I've really missed this," Maxie said.

"Me too sweetie. We should do it more often," he smiled and he left the house.

***********

Matt woke up with a crick in his neck and a blistering headache. He sat up and looked at the trashcan below him, he had to use it several times during the night. The events of last night were still a little hazy.

"Good morning sunshine!" Patrick grinned. He handed Matt two aspirins and a glass of water. "So how are you feeling?"

"Like someone hit me in the head with a baseball bat," Matt said as he washed the two aspirins down with a sip of water. "How did I end up at your house, did you pick me up?"

"You don't remember?" Patrick was obviously having too much fun with this one.

"No I don't. And do you think you could talk a little quieter," Matt replied rubbing his throbbing forehead.

"Well let me refresh your memory bro," he said still grinning like a fool. "Around eleven o'clock last night you were brought here by a certain Maxie Jones."

Pieces from last night began to fall into place, Jake's, the car ride over, and…gulp… standing on the front porch.