"Liz…we need to talk."
"Oh yeah Max of course we do…about that thing we were supposed to do…together…I mean…our project that is." Liz was never commended at any acting class, but Max still finds her efforts comedic, despite the seriousness of the situation.
"Yes, that's right Liz, our project, the one where two particles are in the same situation and then two other particles come along and we have to explain everything, except we have to do that in time before the particles collide and cause an explosion which destroys them all."
"Oh that project…sure Max…well, we can get together later to…get that started. What say we meet here at around nine?"
"Sure, that's fine."
"Nine it is then."
"Isn't that a little late to be studying such an…unlikely experiment?"
"Oh Alex, it's so nice of you to worry for me…but we just have to compare notes that's all, no big deal."
"O…K…then." Max was gone before the estranged Alex finished his sentence. But just as he left, Tess had appeared from her rest, and was staring, strangely, in his direction.
Maria returned with a fair few minutes to spare before work once again commenced. She seemed a lot more upbeat, it was made obvious just by her bouncy body language and kick in her stride. It always made her friends smile to see her like this.
"Guys, I am so sorry about before, I mean I know I'm not a morning person anyway, but I was suffering withdrawal from a seriously long overdue shopping venture, which I am now over."
"Pick up anything interesting?"
"So many things! It was like a breath of fresh air and I so needed it. You should have come with, Liz."
"Probably should've."
Alex notices something as he looks outside from where he sits.
"Hey didn't you come to work in Kyle's car today? So what's with the changeover?"
"Well spotted Sherlock. Well, not only did I manage to make some completely kick-ass purchases while I was gone, but I also took Kyle's car in for a paint job, like I agreed, and then, dashed home to get my own car! Sometimes I wonder if you guys deserve me."
"I don't think anyone does." Liz said with a smile.
"Awww, well at least someone still loves me."
"You know it, Maria."
"So this Kyle…is he cute?"
"Tess, I can't seriously answer that about my own brother without it being so wrong on so many levels."
"Oh you brother? I didn't know, Maria…maybe I should shut up now."
"It's OK…I don't care about my brothers romantic life…not that he's romantic at all…but actually, you are very much his type…maybe I should hook you up."
"If he's cute, sure, it's not like I have anything else to do."
"He's cute Tess." Liz quietly informed.
"Really? Well don't worry Maria I won't play him or anything, I don't do that."
"Oh please, do us all a favor. The day I see Kyle get played, isn't a day too soon."
"That's not because Maria and Kyle are only half-siblings, or because they don't get along…but they just have a very unique relationship going on, don't worry about it." Alex reassured Tess.
"Oh I wont."
The three girls started work again, and all was well and good. Tess had fitted right in with everything and wasn't making so many mistakes. Alex left, as he'd been there almost all day, revising and then furthering his stay by socializing. A few hours of honest work had past and the day drew to a close. The kitchen staff had gone home and Liz, Maria and Tess were left to clean up. Tess had other plans too.