Something to Believe in

PART 49      

Two months later

“And you’re sure …. there’s no mistake?”  Liz queried, holding her breath, the heart skipping a quick beat as she waited for affirmation.

“Yes Mrs Evans, we’re certain.  There’s no mistake.”  He confirmed.  “Is there a problem with that?  Do you want to talk to somebody about your options now?”

“No!  No it’s fine, thank you very much.”

“And you’ll call to make another appointment soon won’t you?”

“Yes I will.”  Liz assured him.  “And thank you.”

Replacing the telephone receiver in the cradle, Liz headed aimlessly over to the small black leather sofa, before flumping down on the puffy cushions.  A million and one thoughts circled her mind, rushing through at top speed so quickly she could barely register them.  Taking in a very deep, very long breath, she tried to absorb in the news she had just received.  Yet no matter what she did, the urge to pinch herself to check it was real was so strong.

She’d suspected something was wrong for a few weeks.  No major signs at first, just a fluttering feeling, or perhaps a longing like before.  So instead of acting on it, getting hopes up, she’d just waited.  It had been the hardest few weeks of her life, getting through each day just waiting for a sign to prove her suspicions were wrong.  She could have done a test, got confirmation, but part of her liked the idea of not knowing for sure.  Because then she could pretend that it was true, when the reality could have been anything but.

But now she knew the truth and her head felt giddy.  The cup of coffee she’d drunk not thirty minutes before churned around in her stomach.  Why was that though?  She’d enjoyed the taste going down, but now it felt like it was eating away at her insides?

And just how the heck was she supposed to concentrate on work now?  She had a meeting in ten minutes with some new potential suppliers of towels and toiletries for the whole of the hotel chain.  All items would hold the Amber Inn Group logo, all depicting class and comfort for guests at their hotels.  And if she could nail down the new supplier at a third less than their proposal Amber Inn would be much better off than with their present arrangement.

But how was she supposed to keep her mind on an even keel?  How could she ignore everything her mind kept mulling over, the flips her stomach kept doing and the anticipation she felt through to her bones?

A sudden, swift wave of fatigue hit her unexpectedly at that moment.  Her body felt heavy, her head struggling to remain upright.  She was bone weary tired on top of everything else, great! 

The urge to kick off her shoes, throw her head back on the pillow and stretch out on the inviting sofa was almost too great to pass up.  Almost.  She was at work, she scolded silently. 

She couldn’t just go around like she could do as she pleased, she had a job to do, and Jim was counting on her.  He’d already agreed to cut her hours to suit Rebecca’s schooling, allowing Liz to come in later and leave earlier as necessary.  And that was only because of who she was and how good Liz was at her job, she knew.  Had she been anyone else, or if the threat of resignation by her weren’t hanging over Jim’s head, he probably wouldn’t have been so lenient. 

“Liz?  Mr Chambers is here for your eleven o’clock meeting.”  Maria said, sticking her head around her boss’s door after gentling rapping on the closed wood. 

“Oh right, thanks Maria.”  Liz said, snapping out of her daydream and shaking her head to try and establish something resembling clarity. 

“You ok?  You look a little peaky.”  Maria said, taking in Liz’s slightly pale complexion.

“I’m fine really, just didn’t sleep too well last night that’s all.”

“You sure you want this meeting?  I know that Mr Chambers is important, and there is a growing room of associates with him, but I’m sure Alex could cover for you if you’re not feeling up to it.”  Maria offered, her concern evident.

“No really Maria I’m fine.  I want this meeting.”  Liz assured her, rising from the sofa and straightening her beige suit skirt.  “Really ‘Ria, stop worrying.”  She added before snatching up her writing pad and ink pen, then disappearing out the door.

Standing in the room, looking back through the empty doorway, Maria wondered what she’d just missed.  She knew Liz too well now to know when something was up, and her boss was the world’s worst liar.  Her voice said one thing, but those expressive brown eyes always held the truth.  And the truth was something was going on with Liz, something she was keeping from Maria.  Being kept in the dark, out of the loop, was the quickest way to get Maria’s back up, that was for sure!

The shrill ring of her telephone started Maria’s feet walking again.  If there was something wrong with Liz she’d find it out, she assured herself.

The call was for her, surprisingly, Michael checking up on things as he drove to a client meeting.  She hadn’t been back to work long after having Mackenzie, and he still worried about her.  It had been one of the first times they’d had an argument since Mac’s birth.  She loved Michael dearly, but he just couldn’t understand why she wanted to go back to work. 

It had been Amy’s suggestion on how to end the low simmering feud, but one Maria had jumped at.  Amy had wanted a little time with her first grandson, and Maria had wanted a little freedom to remember who she was, so it had made perfect sense.  So, after consultation with Liz and Jim, Maria had returned to work, only two and a half days a week.  But it was enough to make her feel human again. And get a decent enough fix of adult conversation.  She loved Mackenzie dearly, but the craving for being more than just a mother was still strong.  Michael, however, still worried about her despite Maria’s assurances she was fine.  In truth, although she’d never admit it to him, she kinda liked his calls; the attention and concern making her feel fully loved.

Stepping through the glass doors into the foyer area of his offices, Max glanced around.  Lack of noise was normally a pitfall of the office, since there were only a few employees.  It wasn’t like he was in the office that much, and Michael was spending more and more time out on assignment.  It left Cali and Jesse to hold down the fort most of the time.

However, this afternoon the faint sound of light music drifting through caught his immediate attention.  Cali wasn’t at his desk, although the shrill ring of her phone was clearly evident.  Striding over he picked up the receiver, hoping against hope it wasn’t anyone too important. 

Max certainly wasn’t adverse to answering his phone, hell he’d done it at the beginning while the business was getting off the ground to save money on secretarial support.  But it didn’t do well to show that side of him to people he needed to negotiate and work closely with, not now the business was established.  He had a professional front to hold up, after all.

“Hello Max Evans.”  He said firmly but politely.

“Max?  I didn’t know you normally answered the switchboard.”  Liz’s sweet voice replied.

“Ahh hi honey, yeah well your darling sister seems to have done a runner.”  He admitted, grateful it was Liz.  The sound of her voice melting down the phone like warm honey, making is heart soar and brining a smile to his face.  Oh if she knew what just simple words from her sweet voice could do to him!

“Missing?”  She queried, the sound of concern edging into her voice.

“Not sure yet, I’ve just walked in and there’s no major sign of anyone.  Don’t fret about it though, I’m sure she hasn’t gone far.”  He assured.  “So, what can I do for you … or is it just a social call?”

“Yes and no.”

“Ok.”

“Well I just wanted to check what time you’re coming home for dinner tonight.”

“Erm well I guess around seven.”  He suggested, fingering a pile of messages that could rival a small country’s industrial waste and sighing quietly to himself.  No rest for the wicked.

“Ok, great, I’ll see you at seven then.”  Liz said, starting to end the conversation.
”Hang on, don’t I get any clues what’s going on?”

“Nope, you’ll just have to wait.  Bye Max.”  Liz replied, the smile on her face projecting into her words.

Still puzzled somewhat by the telephone conversation, Max replaced the receiver and tried to work out what Liz was up to.  The timing of when he was due home from work was never normally an issue; he couldn’t imagine why it would be today.  Had he forgotten an anniversary, or her birthday or something?  He searched his mind, but came up blank.

His thoughts were cut short, however, by the soft sounds of laugher, a giggle not too dissimilar to Liz’s.  That meant it could only come to one person …… Calistia.

Abandoning his briefcase by her desk, Max strode down the hallway to Jesse’s office, stopping only once he got to the doorway.  Perched on the edge of the young associate’s desk was the giggler in question, Cali. 

Her skirt had been pulled higher on her legs to show more of her hose clad thighs.  An extra button or two had also been undone on her thin cream blouse.  Jesse too bore the signs that inappropriate activities were taking place.  His tie was hanging loose around his neck, a few buttons undone on his shirt and his hair looked rumbled as if Cali had been running her fingers through it.

They were completely oblivious to Max’s presence, however.  Instead they looked deeply engrossed in a heated kiss that Max considered might have rapidly spiralled out of control if he wasn’t around.  Either that or the heat of the embrace might just set the office on fire with the wayward sparks that seemed to be flying off them.  But he was in control at that moment, even if Jesse and Cali weren’t, and he couldn’t deny the anger he felt bubbling away deep inside.  This was his office, not some sleazy motel room, and no place for groping or improper kissing.

The rough, gravely clearing of his throat brought the young couple springing apart.  Cali turned to look at him, her eyes wide with guilt, hands clasping at her blouse to pull it together to keep modesty.  Jesse too had the same shameful look in his eyes, his mouth hanging open at being caught.

“And just what the hell do you to think you’re doing?”  Max roared, failing to keep a grip on his normally in check temper.

“It’s not what it looks like ……”  Jesse started in protest.

“Oh is that right?  Well that’s got to be a good thing.”  Max said sarcastically. “Because here was me thinking you two were making out on my company’s time, in my offices while the telephones are ringing off the hook!”

“Max please …..”

“Save it Jesse I don’t want to hear your excuses.  Just get on with the work you’ve got to do.”  Max said, holding his hands up to halt the young man’s pitiful words.  “Cali, my office now.”  He added firmly, pointing a finger out the open door.

“Max …...”  She started to protest.
”Now!”

Feeling far too much like a young school girl, rather than the adult Max had previously treated her, Cali dutifully traipsed out of the room and headed down to Max’s vast office suite.

“Max …”  Jesse started, trying to help Cali and persuade their boss to take it easy on her.
”I don’t want to here it Jesse, I don’t need excuses or reasons why.  Just get on with your job and let me do mine, otherwise you won’t have one!”  Max voiced sternly before turning on his heal out of the room.

Taking a deep breath, Max slowly followed her, trying to sort in his mind what to do next.  He, out of everyone had trusted her.  It had been his idea to bring her in to Evans Consulting, and although the transition after Isabelle had left hadn’t been easy, they’d got there. 

Cali had been shaping up as a more than adequate replacement for his sister, her organisation skills much better than he’d thought they would be.  But then this had to happen.  What was he supposed to do now?  Cali was seventeen after all, old enough to do as she pleased within reason, just not under his office roof!  So why did he feel like he was her large and looming father about to lecture her?

“Look Max I’m sorry.”  Cali started as he closed the door to his office.

“Save it Cali, we both know you don’t mean it.”  Max said holding his hand up to halt her apology.

“I do.”  She reiterated firmly as he rounded his desk.

“Sure, then tell me this.  Is the first time it has happened here?  You and Jesse romancing each other that is.” 

Lifting his head to catch her eye contact he prayed she’d say it was, prayed she’d confirm it hadn’t happened before.  But she didn’t.  The bowing of Cali’s head, the dropping of her eyes and the gentle headshake indicated it had been going on for a while.  A silent curse slipped past his lips, how could he have been so blind, so stupid not to see the signs?

He’d known they were getting closer; hell the lip lock they’d been in the night of Jim and Amy’s engagement party had been more than evidence enough.  Jesse had been round a couple of times; picking Cali up before they disappeared off to wherever they went.  But he hadn’t realised it was this serious, serious enough to risk making out at work and getting caught.

“So this is the thanks I get.  I bring you into my home, I give you a good job, responsibility and you just throw it back into my face.”

“I didn’t mean to.”
”You didn’t mean to what Cali?  Didn’t mean to walk into Jesse’s office, or sit on his desk and kiss him?”  Max queried.  “Or perhaps you didn’t mean to get caught?”

“Ok you’re right Max, I didn’t mean to get caught.  Jesse and I like each other.”  She finally admitted.

“That’s no excuse and you know it.  You may be young Cali, but you’re old enough to accept responsibility when you make a mistake.  And you made a whopper here.  This is your place of work for goodness sake!”

“I really am sorry Max.  I promise it won’t happen again.”

“Damn right it won’t!”  He said firmly.  “Because if it does I won’t hesitate to ship you straight back to your parents.  What you do away from this office is your business Cali, but I won’t have to jeopardising the integrity of this company by dragging down the good name.  Now, get out of here and get back to work.”  Max added, silently grateful it hadn’t been a client who had caught them.

Turning on her heal, grateful to get out of the hotpot that was Max’s office, Cali headed towards the door before pausing with hand on the doorknob. For a moment she hesitated, wondering if it was best to say nothing.  Instead, needing to know, she finally turned around and lifted her eyes to meet Max’s.

“Are you …. Are you gonna tell Liz?”  She asked quietly.

“Right now Cali I haven’t decided what I’m going to do.  But the last thing I want is Liz worrying about you.  As far as she is concerned you’ve left your wild ways back in San Francisco.  So maybe I’ll let this incident slide.  But if you give me any more reason to question your actions I’ll certainly think twice.”

“Ok.”  She finally accepted, realising she was getting off much lighter than she probably should have.  True nothing too incriminating had happened, just a kiss really, but he could easily have sent her packing back home at the drop of a hat.  Closing the door, new admiration for her brother-in-law grew inside.  She’d let him down, and she genuinely felt bad about it.  Perhaps it was time to start acting like the adult she wanted to be.

Slipping his Lamborghini into park, Max pulled on the handbrake before climbing out of the car.  Despite everything, he still loved the fast car.  He’d questioned, silently, it’s practicality with Becky now a huge part of their family, but had finally decided to keep it.  He loved it too much to get rid of the car unless absolutely necessary.

Reaching across to grab his briefcase from the passenger seat, he click the button on the key swab to lock and alarm the car before heading up to the front door. 

All throughout the journey home he’d been trying to work out what was going on with Liz.  Silently, however, he was grateful Cali had said she was going out straight from work and wouldn’t be back till late.  He certainly hadn’t relished the thought of spending 45 minutes in a car with her.  The silence would have been altogether far too deafening in his opinion after the incident in the office.

Slipping the shiny silver key into the lock, Max pushed open the door and waited for the expected hurricane that was Rebecca to burst through the house.  It was a nightly ritual, she always came running to give him a hug when he came home from work.  It was one of the nicest things, he thought, as he hung his jacket up in the hall closet and slipped his feet from the Italian leather loafers he’d worn all day. 

However, the house remained silent apart from quiet background music coming from the kitchen.  No Rebecca to greet him, much to Max’s disappointment.  Dropping his briefcase into his office to the right of the front door, he padded along to the kitchen to look for the two ladies in his life. 

Putting the roasting tin back into the oven, Liz pushed the door closed before turning to find Max standing right behind her.  For a moment she jumped in shock, she’d been completely unaware he was home.

“Hi honey.”  She smiled, throwing her oven glove clad hands around his neck and pulling him in for a kiss.

“Hi babe.  Where’s Becky?”  He queried.

“Oh, your mother is looking after her tonight.”

“Right?”  He queried, mulling over the words.  “What, all night?”  He added, thinking quickly.

“Yeap, it’s just us.”  She replied.

A million and one thoughts circled his mind, at the forefront the notion they were alone that evening held strong.  They loved Becky, of that there was no question.  But having an evening and night together alone sounded like bliss.  Oh yes, he was gonna love Liz that night without question!

Dipping his head, Max captured her lips in a gentle, warming kiss.  His lips glided effortlessly over hers, velvet against velvet, and passion against passion.  Slipping a hand to the small of her back, the other rose to release the sliver clip that held her hair hostage in a tight twist.  One click and a blanket of melted chocolate coloured hair cascaded down her back for Max to scoop in his fingers. 

With light pressure he pulled her lower body closer to his, the gentle rocking motion of her hips sending sparks of fire straight to his groin.  A soft thud, followed by another indicated the oven gloves had been shed, before Liz ran her fingers through his short brown mop of unruly hair.  Moving her hands she scooted down to undo the buttons to his shirt, exposing his muscular, toned chest.

Wrapping an arm around her waist, he turned to back her against the kitchen table before gently lifting her so she sat on the edge of the honey pinewood.  He felt like a crazy, starved man as he plundered her mouth with this tongue.  Sweeping back and fourth against her lower lip, dipping inside to graze her pearly teeth and then sinking deeper into the warm crevasses of her sweet mouth.  His hands ran over her shoulders and down her sides before sweeping across to cup her breasts through the cotton of her shirt.  Finally breaking contact with her lips he bent to kiss and nibble her jaw and neck as she gasped a breath into her mouth.

“Max …”  She whispered, wriggling to get closer to his body. 

“How long is dinner?”  He queried breathily through nibbles on her ear.

“A while.”  Liz responded hazily.  “About half an hour.”  She added, throwing her head back and allowing him more access.

“Good.”

The buttons on her shirt fell open with ease and the front clasp of her white silk bra soon followed.  Dipping his head, Max kissed and sucked his way from her neck down to her breasts before loving them also.  Head thrown back Liz allowed the all too familiar feelings to flood her body.  Her hands jammed through his hair, running down to his nape before practiced fingers stroked and caressed just where his hair ended. 

This wasn’t at all what she had planned, she mused silently.  She’d arranged to serve a nice dinner, over the soft glow of candlelights, with soft jazz saxophone music playing the background.  And then, as they ate the beef roast she’d tell him.  Finally tell him her secret, that she was ………….

“Ahh.”  She sighed as she felt his fingers work her navy skirt up her legs to reveal her matching white panties.  The sweep of the pad of his finger over her sensitive area sent a shockwave heat burst through her body.  Another moan ripped past her lips as his fingers finally delved beneath the silk to stroke her once more.

“Ahh Max.”  She breathed again, her mind awash with vivid images and forceful emotions.

“What were you gonna tell me?”  He queried, lifting his head to take in the exquisite look of Liz drowning in his pleasure as he continued to stroke her intimately at the juncture of her thighs.

“Not ….. yet.”  She pushed out, as a stronger wave of pleasure washed over her.

“Now.”  He insisted more firmly, moving his fingers in measured circles and watching the effect contort on her face. 

Her both wriggled and writhed closer to his hand; the radiated heat he could feel pulsed across his fingers.  Just watching her, at the moment caught between sane and over the edge always took his breath away.  Her stormy, aroused eyes coloured with golden sparks of emotion, her arched body urging him on, her fingers tugging and teasing at his hair.  Oh yeah he loved it when Liz was putty in his hands, dying for him to carry her over the edge with every measured stroke and gentle thrust into her deep, warm centre.

“I’m ……….I’m ………..”  She struggled, before her eyes drooped closed and his practiced fingers drove her swiftly over the edge.  Her head fell forwards against his shoulder and rode out wave after wave of drowning feelings, her whole body contorting in spasm as he continued to stroke and caress her.

His plan had been to whip her into a frenzy and obtain a confession.  The plan had been flawless, up to the point where his own desires jumped to the forefront.  Instead, watching her pink flushed face tinged with the afterglow of climax, her silky soft centre begging to have him encased deep inside her warmth; he lost the small amount of control he had been clinging desperately on to.

Shrugging the button to his trousers off and quickly unzipping them, they fell to the floor with a gentle thud that neither really heard nor cared about.  Placing hands on her hips, he eased Liz forward slightly on the table before moving his fingers to cup her cheeks.  Taking her lips hostage once more in a sweet, soft kiss, he groaned into her mouth as he joined them as one.

The hot, slick warmth surrounded him, caressed and sheathed him intimately.  Control snapped completely, he drove in and out, upping the pace with each measured stroke.  Within moments he felt her contract around him once more, pulsing before she climaxed.  Seconds later he thrust once, twice, before burying himself deep once more and emptying himself into her welcoming heat.

Ragged breaths were pulled in as they slowly came back down to earth.  Burying his head in her shoulder Max mentally shook his mind of the fog that enclosed it.  Geez she’d only told him Rebecca wasn’t coming home that night and he’d lost it.  Imagine if Cali had walked in on them.  Oh she was due to be out all night, but still, it could have happened.  After what he’d lectured her over in the office earlier, he was just as bad.  Oh what his beautiful wife did to him!

Finally relinquishing his embrace around her, Max pulled on his clothes again as Liz slid down from the table.  Doing up a couple of the buttons to the shirt, he peered around the corner to the dining room, finally taking in the sight that he’d missed after becoming too engrossed in Liz. 

“Are we expecting guests?”  He queried, as Liz straightened her skirt.

“No.”

“Then what’s with the table?” 

Stepping around Liz he took in the sight more fully.  Normally they ate in the kitchen, but this time the large walnut dining table was laid for two people.  The best china had been pulled out, along with shiny silver cutlery and crystal glasses.  Two lit silver candlesticks stood in the middle, casting a whispering glow over the room.  All in all, the room smacked a missed anniversary or birthday.  Had he forgotten something, he thought silently as a cold sweat descended over his flushed body.

“It’s not your birthday is it?”  He queried tentatively, scrambling through his brain to check.
”No it’s not.”  Liz replied, seeing the relief over his face.

“Then what.”

“Soon.”  Was all she said before heading upstairs for a shower to freshen up.

The next thirty minutes were like pure torture for Max.  There was obviously some big secret Liz knew that he, as yet, hadn’t been let in on.  Being in the dark was not something he appreciated either.  Instead he spent the time racking his brains to guess what the problem was.  Various things circled, but yet he had no clues.

Eventually, after a shower and changing into blue jeans and a black t-shirt that hung loose over the waistband, Max returned to the kitchen to see Liz dishing up the delicious smelling food on to the table.

“Ok Liz, I don’t think I can take much more of this.”  Max said, as Liz poured him a glass of red wine.

“Much more of what?”  She queried in mock innocence.

“Liz.”  He said sternly.  “Come on, just tell me what’s going on.  What’s all this wonderful meal about?”

Smiling inwardly, Liz conceded it was time to put him out of his misery. Besides, she was bursting to tell him anyway.  Heck she’d almost blurted it out when they were making love!  If he’d pushed her then she would have fold, would have told him. 

It was time.

TBC ..............................?

A new part will be posted very soon!

Author:            Kazza – 9th July 2002

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