Author's Note: I know I go back and forth between following the GH way of ending it and pretending that never happened. It just happens. I hope it's not confusing. Here's the July 23 word.

erubescent: becoming red or reddish; blushing

What a scene. From her position outside of Kelly's, Maya Ward Lovett could see the amusing scene inside perfectly. After repeatedly warning her husband about his friendly attitude towards Kristina Corinthos Davis, it looked like it finally caught up with him.

The brazen little mob kid was pushing up on Ethan, in broad daylight, in the middle of the diner. She had to give the girl credit for her persistence. Maya had been in town long enough to realize that the apple didn't fall far from the tree. Kristina was determined to get what she wanted, damn the consequences. It was funny to her, in its insanity. There was no way she would get what she wanted this time. Though try as he might, Ethan was having a hard time getting that across to her, while he tried to get away from the young girl without causing a ruckus. This would probably be the point where she, the helpful wife, entered and rescued him. Except she wanted to enjoy the show a bit more.

Without going in, Maya couldn't be sure what exactly Kristina was doing, but the terrified look on Ethan's face was a major clue. The girl was literally creating a new category of bold. Ethan jumped a little in his chair and it looked like he was pushing Kristina's hand away from him.

Ok, then. Time to interfere.

Both Ethan and Kristina turned toward her as she pushed through the door. It was impossible to miss the look of relief and gratitude on the latter's face. He practically leapt from his seat when she walked over to their table. "Maya, my beautiful wife. You're late."

She accepted the kiss on the cheek, wrapping an arm around his waist. Maya looked adoringly up at him, smiled at Kristina. "Well, you had Kristina to keep you company. Someone could've tried to put their hands on him while I was away. And then I'd have to take matters into my own hands. I've discovered that I'm pretty possessive when it comes to my man." She noticed the teen's face turn red, but had a feeling any embarrassment wouldn't last long. This one needed a demonstration. "Thanks for keeping him safe," punctuating the statement with a squeeze on his ass. Predicting that it would be prudent to exit before Ethan burst into laughter, Maya left the dining establishment still entangled with him.

"You certainly took your sweet time coming in to rescue me."

"I couldn't help watching. But don't worry, I believe I've scared warned off your pint sized stalker." Just prior to following him out the door, she tossed a parting grin over her shoulder. Knew the younger girl had interpreted it correctly when she reddened more.

That ought to do it.