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Once Upon a Lifetime – By Kazza Part 32
Reaching up and ringing the doorbell, Max felt a warm glow spread inside him, he was at peace with himself over his relationship with Liz. No matter what they would be together. “Hi.” She said, tentatively opening the door. “Wow! Liz you look incredible ………! that dress is simply ………… stunning.” He said speechless at how wonderful she looked. He knew her dress was going to be something special, but he was just totally blown away by how exquisite she looked standing in front of him. “Thanks, I ……. erm …… hoped you’d like it.” She replied gently, feeling slightly shy at his open admiration for her. “Like it? I love it Liz! You look truly breathtaking, I’ve never seen such a magnificent dress on such a remarkable lady.“ He said, allowing his hands to slip down her back. “Mmm, there’s definitely plenty of bare flesh at the back here for me to hold on to.” He replied, descending his lips down towards hers. Upon the first contact, Liz liquefied eagerly into his strong arms. She didn’t know how he managed to have such a profound affect on her, but she hoped it would never end. Eagerly parting her lips to accept the onslaught of his tongue, Liz found all her fears and worries melt with each second of the kiss. In her heat she knew Max’s true feelings for her and that was all that mattered. Finally parting and coming up for air, Max allowed his head to clear from the heady feeling of the kiss, and then remembered the present for Liz. Reaching into the inside of his pocket, he pulled out the deep red velvety box and held it in his hand towards Liz. ”This
is for you.” He said softly. “I wanted to Liz, it’s to say thank you for all your hard work for the party, and for helping me keep the secret of us ………. And to tell you how much I love you.” He replied, pushing the box towards her and encouraging her to take it. Liz tried to stop her hand from shaking as she picked up the small box from his large hands. She’d never been given a proper gift from someone before, and wasn’t sure what to do. “Open it.” He suggested, holding his breath for her reaction. Gently pulling the lid upwards, Liz couldn’t stop the little gasp that was emitted from her mouth as she looked inside. She was totally speechless, it was the most amazing present she’d ever been given, so beautiful and perfect, she really didn’t know what to say. “Do
you like it?” Max asked
tentatively. He desperately wanted
to see her eyes, to gauge her reaction, but she purposely kept her head low and
eyes away from his. “Are you ok?” He whispered in her ear, still holding her tightly. “Yes,
I’m ok.” She said quietly.
“It’s just nobody has ever given me such a beautiful present before
Max. This necklace is so stunning.” “I don’t deserve you Max, you are too good to me.” She said, finally loosening her grip on his neck. “And I don’t deserve you Liz, so I guess we’re even. Now, how about we put this on you?” Max offered, taking the ruby necklace from the box. “Yes please.” She replied wiping away a couple of tears and trying to regain control of her dwindling emotions. “There, I think that looks perfect.” He said stepping back and admiring the ruby around her neck. “Now, I think it’s time for us to go and show the world we’re together.” He instructed. “Are
you sure you want to do this?” She
asked, needing to make sure he really wanted to do it. As the taxi pulled up outside the hotel, Maria craned her neck to see if she could see her mystery man. Not being able to see anyone, she climbed out of the taxi and started to ascend up the steps to the main entrance. Clutching her bag like it was a security blanket, Maria reached the top step and stopped. Turning round she looked towards the street and waited for her blind date to arrive. The taxi pulled up a short walk away from the hotel, at Michael’s request. He wanted to compose himself before he reached the party, and a brisk walk in the cool evening air would help that. Staring up, he saw the stars twinkling in the clear dark blue sky. The stars had always fascinated him, he didn’t know why, they just did, and he loved clear evenings in New York. Starting the walk he headed to the hotel, taking many deep breaths to clear his head of the nagging doubts he was feeling. Climbing out of the taxi first, Cameron Masters held his hand out for the stunning Isabelle, so she could climb out of the taxi with grace. Pulling her wrap around her shoulders so as to protect them from the cold chill of the night, Isabelle linked her arm in Cameron’s and started to head up the steps. “Hello Maria, waiting for someone?” Isabelle asked as they reached the top. “Yeah, they’ll be here soon.” She replied confidently, as if to convince herself also. “Cameron, this is Maria DeLuca, she’s one of our secretaries. Maria, this is Cameron Masters.” Isabelle said, introducing them. “It’s nice to meet you.” Cameron replied, shaking Maria’s hand. “And you.” She replied smiling at him. “Well, we’ll go in and see you in a moment.” Isabelle said, ushering them out of the cold and into the warmth of the hotel. Next to arrive was Alex and Sally. They chatted for a few moments to Maria before joining the party inside the hotel. Quite a few of the guests had walked past Maria by now, many giving her strange or inquisitive looks, as if to ask her why she was standing outside the hotel in the cold. Silently praying her date would hurry up, she then spied a familiar face. “Great, and now he’s gonna ask me why I’m standing out here on my own as well!” She grumbled to herself. “Hi
Maria.” He said as he reached the
top of the steps. “Any
reason why you’re waiting out here on your own?” “No,
everything’s just peachy thanks.” She
replied, noticing that he was standing beside her, but making no attempt to go
into the party. “Aren’t you
going to go inside?” “You
too huh?” “That sounds familiar, Max did the same with me. I don’t much like blind dates myself, but I thought there couldn’t be any harm in giving the girl a go.” He replied. “I guess not.” She replied, watching a black sports car pull up outside the hotel. It was too dark to see who was in the car, but Maria guessed it was someone pretty special, it was a very nice car. “Oh
my gosh …… they’re there!” Liz squealed. “You’re
a little hyper tonight aren’t you? We
haven’t even started on the champagne.”
Max commented. It wasn’t
that he minded, he just wasn’t used to Liz being so energized about something. “Ok, last chance to change your mind.” He offered. “About
what?” She queried, unsure what
he was talking about. “Then what are we waiting for!” Max replied, climbing out of the car and heading round to the other side so he could open Liz’s door. Climbing out of the car, Liz smoothed down her shimmery dress so that it fell just right, before taking hold of Max’s outstretched arm. Subconsciously, they both took a deep breath before starting the walk of no return, the moment they stepped into the hotel everyone would know. Watching the two shadowy figures start the walk up the steps, Maria squinted her eyes in an attempt to try to work out who they were. As they got closer, Maria couldn’t stop the loud exclamation of astonishment escaping from her lips. “Oh my god!” She called out, her mouth hanging wide open in amazement. “What? What’s wrong with you Maria?” Michael asked, twisting his head so he could take in what Maria was looking at. “Oh.” He added, just as shocked by the sight in front of him. “Hi guys.” Max said breezily, trying to brush over the fact he and Liz were standing by the entrance together. “Max?” Michael replied, with a hint of a question in his reply. He so wanted to question his best friend at that moment. He’d turned up at one of the most important events of the year with his secretary attached to his arm. And, by the look Max had in his eyes, Michael sensed it wasn’t just a convenient arrangement. Something had definitely happened, and Michael was determined to find out later what it was. “Something wrong?” Max asked innocently, seeing both Michael and Maria staring at them. “Hi Liz. Erm ……… are you two here because you live close by and thought you’d share the ride, or ………… or something more?” Michael enquired, hoping the look he could see between the couple wasn’t what he thought it was. They couldn’t be more than just work colleagues could they? The look Max and Liz gave each other didn’t go unnoticed by either Michael or Maria. “Well ………. I guess it’s the latter of your two options.” Max replied calmly, watching his friend’s face for a reaction. It was obvious from the look he got back, that Michael was totally stunned by the revelation. “Are you ok Maria?” Liz asked softy, seeing the shocked look painted all over her friend’s face. “Not really ………… you’ve got a lot of talking to do girl!” Maria insisted. “We’ll talk later, I promise.” Liz replied quietly. “Oh shit!” Maria suddenly exclaimed, startling her friends. At that moment, Maria felt like she’d just been hit by a ten tone lorry, all air from her lungs escaping very quickly as she tried to drag back in some of the lost oxygen so as not to pass out. She tried hard to control her racing heart beat and shaking legs as it suddenly dawned on her. “What’s wrong now? Who else have you seen?” Michael enquired. “No one ……… but I think I’ve just realised where ….. my blind date is.” Maria faltered, looking towards Liz for confirmation. “We’ll see you two inside.” Liz said, nodding her head gently and brushing her hand against Maria’s arm to give her a bit of extra confidence to go along with her suspicions. “Do you think they’ll be ok?” Max whispered as the main doors to the hotel were opened for them. “I
hope so, we’ll know soon enough.” She
replied. “But ………I hope we’ll be ok too.”
She added, realising they were just about to enter the lions den. “Yeah, but I think the next will be bigger.” She replied, stepping inside the hotel. “Come on then, where’s your blind date, perhaps mine is with them?” Michael joked, still in the dark. He was interested to know who his blind date was, and knowing Maria already knew where her date was made him more anxious. He was still afraid of being stood up and having to enter the party unescorted. “You’re pretty much spot on with that comment.” Maria replied. Inside, her stomach was doing a double flip like it was competing in the Olympics. She couldn’t believe Liz had set her up with Michael, and now she had to tell him. What if he rebuffed her, how could she walk into the party on her own after staying outside for so long? “You’re making even less sense than normal Maria and that’s a big feat I can tell you. How about you just tell me in plain English.” He instructed. “Plain
English huh? Ok, how about this
then ……… you’re my blind date Michael Guerin.”
She said bluntly, turning to see the reaction in his face. . “Think about it Michael, Max set you up with a friend of his, and Liz set me up with a friend of hers. They’ve match made us together for tonight, it’s obvious!” She said, watching as his brain computed the logic she was saying. “I can’t believe they did that to us, I mean that’s just not on. For gods sake what on earth makes them think you like me or vice versa.” Michael ranted, Inside he was furious, how could Max have done that to him? How could Max have even considered setting him up with Maria? In his heart, Michael knew he liked his wacky secretary, but how could Max know? How could he go through the night and pretend he had no feelings for Maria? “Oh this night is just gonna be a total disaster!” His brain screamed out. “Perhaps they can see the signs better than we can?” Maria offered. “English again please Maria.” He insisted.
He was totally speechless; he didn’t know what to say. He didn’t have a clue how to answer an outburst like she’d just showered him with. His face registered the shock he was feeling, his head spinning as her words slowly sank into his brain. “Aren’t you going to say something?” She asked, breaking the deadly silence that had quickly descended over them. “I ………… I don’t know ………. what to say.” He stumbled. It was true, he was totally flabbergasted, she’d knocked the wind out of him with her announcement, and he didn’t have a clue how to respond. “Great! I spill my guts out to you and you can’t even say anything to me. That’s just so great Michael! I’ve just made a complete fool of myself and you don’t know what to say. Well how about we just forget it! Just forget this whole thing ever happened!” She yelled, heading towards the door to the hotel. Inside her heart felt like it had been smashed into a thousand tiny pieces. In one foul swoop he’d shattered every dream she had of them together. In her head she’d known they’d never be together, but her heart had always harboured that slim hope something could happen in time. That hope had been well and truly crushed and trampled upon at that very moment, along with the heart that was beating so hard inside her chest. Tears stung her eyes as she turned towards the door. She wish so much she didn’t have to go through with making an appearance at the party. All Maria really wanted to do was run, run away from anyone and everyone, and cry the many tears she desperately wanted to shed at that very moment.
Part 33
“Maria, hang on.” He said, finally finding his voice and grabbing her arm as she tried to push past him. “Why?
So you can humiliate me once again?”
She snapped. “Why should I listen to you Michael? Why? You couldn’t care less about me!” She ranted “That’s not true Maria. It’s because ……………” “No because Michael, it’s obvious you don’t feel the same way about me as I do for you!” “Maria
…………..” Pulling her close, Michael did the only thing think of he could to shut her up so that she would listen to him. Bending his head, he planted a passionate but forceful kiss on her lips. There was anurgency about the kiss, something that told Maria it had been held back for a long time. When they eventually parted, it was Maria’s turn to loose her voice and become speechless. “That’s better. Now if you’ll keep quiet, perhaps I can actually get a word in edgeways. You are an amazing person Maria, you’re great at your job, you’re always happy, and you make me happy in the process. When ……….. when that guy pointed that gun at you, I ………. I thought my heart was going to stop, I couldn’t breath, I just knew I had to do something. The thought of getting shot didn’t even cross my mind, all I cared about was getting you out of harms way and into safety. You see the thing is, I ………. I think …….. I think I love you too.” He replied. “Wow!” She replied, finally finding her voice. “Erm,
yeah. But, but I only have one
question to ask you.” “That’s
not true, I asked you because I really wanted to see you.
You don’t know how many times I stared at the door willing you to come
in and cheer me up, but you never came.”
He admitted. “That sounds great. How about we start by heading into this party together? It’s getting a bit cold out here on the step?” Maria suggested. “You’re right, they’ll miss us otherwise. Besides, I want to see everyone’s reactions to Max and Liz. Did you have no inclination about them?” Michael asked. “Not really, I mean thinking about it I remember how possessive Max was of Liz after the shooting, but I just put it down to Max being Max. I can’t believe they managed to keep it quiet though. I wonder how long they’ve been together.” Maria said as they walked through the main doors to the hotel. At the same time as Maria and Michael’s talk
“You ready?” Max said as they stepped inside the hallway of the hotel. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” She replied as they headed up the grand staircase to the reception room of the party. Holding her head up high, and with Max’s hand safely grasping her own, they walked into the room that was already filling up with people. A few clients greeted Max as they moved inside, with Max assuring the clients he’d be back to talk to them shortly. In his mind, he wanted to get over the meeting with Isabelle before he mingled properly. Observing his sister standing towards the edge of the room, Max decided it was time. Squeezing Liz’s hand gently, they made their way over to Isabelle. “Hi
Max, you know Cameron Masters don’t you?”
Isabelle said introducing her brother to her escort for the night. “Very
well thank you, this is a great party.” He
commented. “”Hi Liz.” Isabelle said before turning her attention back to her brother. “So Max, where’s this mystery woman you’ve brought with you. I’m dying to meet her. I’ve been trying to guess all afternoon, but I just can’t come up with any ideas as to who she is.” Isabelle said enthusiastically. “Really? You want to meet her?” He replied, teasing his sister somewhat. “Of course, if she’s stolen your heart I deserve the right to interrogate her.” Isabelle replied jokingly, taking a mouthful of champagne.
Although the room was populated by quite a few chattering people, the sound of Isabelle choking and gagging on her drink made many turn and stare her. Gently patting her back, Cameron tried to help relieve her coughing fit. When Isabelle finally regained her composure, her face still registered the total shock and disbelief due to the identity of Max’s girlfriend. Liz could tell that Max was enjoying this way too much. A grin was permanently stuck on his face; he was enjoying Isabelle’s reaction to the news. She, on the other hand, wasn’t so pleased. Isabelle was after all Max’s sister and she really wanted to get on with her. Choking on a drink didn’t bode well to Isabelle’s reaction to the news! Just as Isabelle regained the use of her voice and was about to say something, an important client came over to their little group. “Max, it’s great to see you again.” He said cheerfully. “Thank you Mr Watson.” Max replied shaking his hand. “Oh please Max, drop the formalities, it’s Austin while we’re here. Anyway, I’d really like you to meet someone, my new associate, he’s just over here.” Mr Watson said, pointing across the room. Although the last thing Max wanted to do was leave Liz with Isabelle at that moment, he conceded he had very little choice. Mr Watson was a very important client to Evans Associates, and Max certainly couldn’t be seen to be rude to them. “Sure, no problem.” Max replied, keeping hold of Liz’s hand in an attempt to bring her with him. He really didn’t want to leave his girlfriend in the lions den with the fiery lioness in his sister. “Oh leave the pretty young girl here, we’ll only be talking business.” Mr Watson replied. “Erm …….. ok.” He replied, admitting defeat. Reluctantly relinquishing his grip on her hand, Max threw Liz a look of ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘I’ll be back as soon as I can’, before following Mr Watson across the room. As she watched him walk away, Liz suddenly felt afraid, all her confidence walking away with him. She’d heard all about Isabelle’s refined grilling techniques and she really didn’t want to be her boss’s next victim. Inside she found herself wishing that she and Max had chosen a somewhat more private engagement to announce their relationship to everyone. Her stomach flipped over as she averted her eyes from Max and turned back to look at Isabelle. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself for the onslaught of questions that she knew was coming her way. “So it was you?” Isabelle pointed out once her brother was out of earshot. “That’s right Isabelle.” Liz replied calmly, as a waiter offered her a glass of champagne. Eagerly accepting the drink, Liz took a large gulp and allowed the bubbles to trickle slowly down her throat. “So, how long has this been going on for?” “Not long, since the night of Alex’s party actually.” Liz replied. “But what about that morning I found you and Max in his room?” She questioned. “Nothing happened, Max was just being a good friend to me.” She replied. “So ……… why my brother?” She asked pointedly. “Isabelle!” Cameron piped up, jumping to Liz’s defence. “It’s ok really.” Liz said thanking Cameron for trying to help her out. “Why Max? I can’t answer that question Isabelle. I didn’t choose to fall in love with Max, it just happened. I can’t change the way I feel or ignore it, he’s an amazing person.” Liz replied honestly. “But you’re his secretary.” Isabelle snapped indignantly. “That’s right, although I prefer to use my official title of Personal Assistant. Would it be different if I was someone else’s secretary or assistant?” Liz countered.
Finally managing to tear himself away from his client, Max headed back over to Liz, all the while studying his sister’s face for signs of concern or anger. “Everyone ok?” He asked breezily, slipping his hand into Liz’s as he drew up beside her. “As ok as we can be after your little bomb shell!” Isabelle grumbled. “Ooh I sense disgruntlement in the ranks that I hadn’t told you earlier.” Max joked, trying to lighten the mood. He wanted his sister on his side, and her acceptance of Liz was very important. Things could get very tough if she couldn’t accept Liz as the woman he loved. “Earlier would have been preferable, perhaps more private. But I guess it’s not really any of my business.” Isabelle replied flippantly, watching Michael enter the room, with Maria in toe. Spying their friends, Maria and Michael headed over to the group. “Hi
guys, everyone ok?” Michael
asked. “You knew?” She roared. “Cool it Is, I only found out about five/ten minutes ago.” Michael replied. “Erm, could you excuse us for a moment, we just need to freshen up.” Liz said, looking at Max, before taking Maria’s arm and leading her out of the room. Once they were safely inside the lady’s powder room, both girls let out a squeal. “Oh
my god Liz, I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about you and Max!” “And
I guess, judging by the fact you’re here together announcing it to everyone,
that it’s worth continuing?” “Oh Liz I am just so happy for you, you deserve to be happy.” Her friend replied, hugging Liz. “What about you?” “Me?” “Well ……….. he kissed me!” Maria squealed. “Yes!”
Liz exclaimed. “Ooh, speaking of dinner, perhaps we should head back or they’ll send a search party out for us! But, we will have this talk again later, I want to know all the details about you and Max!” Maria insisted before they headed back out to the rest of the guests. By the time they found Max and the others, it was time to sit down for dinner. As they headed into the large hall, Diane pulled Liz back slightly. “Max has just told me, I am so happy for you both.” She said, hugging the girl. “Thank you.” Liz replied. “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you the day of the shooting.” Liz added. “Don’t even go there Liz, it’s totally not necessary. I understand, and I’m just so happy you and Max found each other. You’ve made my son very happy.” Diane replied as they took their seats. Once everyone had been seated, and wine had been poured, it was Max’s turn to do the customary speech. It was something he really detested doing, but knew there was very little he could do to get out of it. “As you all know, this year has been a successful year for Evans Associates, but also, in the last few weeks, a traumatic one. However awful the situation we were put in was, there was something positive that came out of it. All of my staff are much closer now, something that benefits you, our clients also. I would like to say a special thank you to my assistant, Liz Parker, for organising this amazing evening. I know Liz has been planning it for the last few weeks, and worrying about it, I might add. From arranging the band later this evening, to rolling and tying up the menus we all have, Liz put her all into it. I’d like you all to join me in thanking her for her tremendous effort.” Max said, as the room clapped. “This is now the end of my second year as partner in the firm, and I’d like to think we’ve gone from strength to strength. That is as much down to you, our clients, as it is to our hard work, and I thank you wholeheartedly for your business. Well that’s the speech over with, here’s to another successful year.” Max said, raising his glass in toast as everyone stood up and joined him. Once everyone had sat down, the catering staff starting serving the meal. Liz was a lot more relaxed now, not only was the evening going perfectly to plan, but most people accepted her and Max without question. Occasionally she caught a glance of Isabelle watching her, but for some reason she felt strong that night. She’d expected the challenge from Isabelle, and hoped that if she stood up to her boss, then may be Isabelle would accept her more readily. Diane, on the other hand, radiated happiness towards her son’s girlfriend, she was ecstatic Liz was Max’s mystery woman. Reaching over, Max put his hand over Liz’s hand which was resting on the table. Turning to face him, Liz flashed a smile his way; a smile that signalled everything was most certainly all right with his raven-haired beauty. He couldn’t be happier with the way the evening had been going, even Isabelle was being civil to them. Tucking into the roast turkey, Max thought about the first dance of the night that was to come. It was a company tradition, all the staff took to the floor after the meal for the first dance of the evening, and Max couldn’t wait. It was to be the first year since he took over as Senior Partner that he’d be able to dance with a beautiful young lady who he cared very much for. He couldn’t wait for the moment when he could sweep Liz up in his arms and hold her tight as they twirled around the dance floor. The soft skin of her arms wrapped around his neck, her inviting lips so close to his, her silky hair he just loved to touch …….. Shaking his head, Max tried to get his mind onto more sensible thoughts. Mentally undressing Liz at the dinner table with his parents sitting a few feet away was not such a good idea. Squeezing her hand gently, Max couldn’t have been happier than he was at that moment.
TBC ……………………?
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