Where We Were Before 7-11

Where We Were Before Parts 1-11

~ Chapter 7 ~

She could feel his warm breath on the back of her bare neck as he grazed his lips across her soft skin in a brief kiss. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he whispered in her ear. "Do you have any idea how stunning you are tonight?"

Liz closed her eyes and swallowed the disappointment in not feeling another set of arms around her and hearing another voice speaking low in her ear. She shook her head mutely and forced herself to smile as she turned in his arms and looked up into his blue-green eyes. A wave of guilt swept over her as she saw his eyes so full of love. He'd given her so much. Loved her so patiently. She had no right to be wishing for someone else right now. Like she had a million times before. So…she wouldn't.

Liz wrapped her arms around Ben's waist and gave him a warm smile. "No. But I'm always up for hearing it."

Ben chuckled as his sparkling eyes moved down the length of her as they began to shine with admiration. "The dress…wow! Is it new?"

"Uh…n-new?" Liz shook her head as she felt her cheeks start to flush. "No. No, it's not…it's not new. It's been quite a while…since I wore it last though."

Ben leaned forward and closed his eyes as he took a deep breath through his nose. "And the perfume…you smell…"

"Like rain after a desert storm?" Liz supplied for him in a dreamy voice.

"Huh?" Ben asked as he pulled back and looked into Liz's eyes. "Actually, I was going to say like roses."

Liz looked down to hide her disappointment. "Oh. Well, that's good too."

Cocking his eyebrow at her, Ben ran his thumb along her jawline. "Hey. We can go with rain if you really want."

Liz chuckled and shook her head as she looked back up at him. "No. Roses are fine." Leaning up and giving Ben a quick kiss on the lips she nodded toward the desk. "Why don't you go see about the reservations?"

"Ok." Ben smiled back at her before kissing her lightly on the cheek. He moved past her then stopped and turned around with a wink "Oh. And if anyone tries to steal you away while I'm gone, tell him the guy who loves you most will be back in a bit."

"You got it." Liz stated with a nod before she watched him walk away allowing her smile to dissolve the moment his back was turned. A sinking feeling appeared in the pit of her stomach. A sense that things would ever be the same after this night. A fear that she'd lose the sense of normalcy she'd gained in the past year. And a disturbing, inextinguishable hope that somehow she would.

Liz shivered as a cool rush of wind whipped through the entryway. As quickly as the shiver arose so did her temperature. She didn't have to turn around to know he was there. She could feel his heated stare on her back as her mind drifted suddenly to another night. A night when glances and looks only fueled their desire for one another. Deepened their love.

It had been years before, but standing there dressed as she was, her heart pounding in her chest and goosebumps rising on her arms, it felt as if that night was happening all over again. She wondered if he felt it too.

Turning slowly, Liz raised her eyes to his and immediately knew that he did.

Max stopped short in the doorway and stared, his eyes drinking in the sight of his Liz standing in front of him. The short simple dress fit all of her soft curves in just the same way that he remembered. He could almost feel the sensations of his hands sliding over the silky material once more. And her hair...the way it was swept up to the top and back leaving wispy little curls around her glowing cheeks caused his heart to stop dead then race furiously in his chest.

Max jammed his hands into his pockets to resist the temptation to reach out and curl a strand of hair around his finger or tuck it behind her ear. Or better yet, to dislodge the clip that was holding it in place and let her thick hair cascade freely down her shoulders. And that smell. God, how that perfume used to drive him crazy. Mixed with Liz's own personal scent it had been intoxicating. It still was. So cleansing and fresh, soothing yet energizing. Like the rain after a desert storm.

"Hey, Liz." Max's velvet voice greeted Liz softly.

"Hey...Max." She returned just as softly.

The moment their eyes met, words were spoken that couldn't be heard out loud and memories they could never forget flowed in the space between them…

"Do you have any idea just how seriously breathtaking you are?" Max's soft voice came to her on the night wind. Liz turned from her mirror to see Max crouched next to her window gazing in at her. His dark eyes sparkled with awe as they took in every inch of her from head to toe.

Usually used to his intense scrutiny, Liz suddenly found herself growing shy under the devoted adoration she saw so clearly in his eyes. She blushed and looked down embarrassed. Running her hands nervously over her new cranberry colored slip dress, she took a shaky breath and tried to smile away the sudden butterflies floating around in her stomach. The way he was looking at her…like he wanted to worship her and devour her all at the same time...made her feel slightly lightheaded and definitely flushed.

Nervously pushing a few spirals of loose hair from her face, Liz glanced up at him through her long dark eyelashes. She hadn't needed to look to know he was staring at her, but a force beyond her pulled her gaze to meet his. She looked away and smiled shyly. "Come on, Max. Stop looking at me that way."

Max took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling slowly as he shook his head slightly. "I can't help it, Liz. I've never seen perfection like this before. Your skin. Your hair. The way you smile. You're…beyond words."

"So are you." Liz smiled, looked down at her hands then back up at Max as radiant love started shining in her eyes and spread out over every inch of her body. She crossed over to the window and reached up to caress his cheek. "And about that perfection thing…for the record, Mr. Evans, I think you've got me beat by a mile." As her smile deepened, Liz leaned closer and lowered her voice to a whisper. "In fact, I never knew what perfection was until that day at the Crashdown…when you let me see your soul. It's the most beautiful thing in the world."

Max closed his eyes and turned his face into her hand with a smile. "Impossible...because that's what you are."

Liz tilted her head to the side and smiled dreamily at the man before her. He was only 16 but in many ways he had the wisdom of a sage. How he put others needs and wants above his own and took responsibility for all of them. How he lead the others. Not flawlessly, but with a discernment the others lacked. God, how she loved his soul.

Liz smiled as her eyes took in his broad shoulders and well-toned chest before they roamed his handsome face. Thank God he didn't have the body of a sage. Or the wrinkled face of one. Those long dark eyelashes that curled so appropriately upward were a sin against nature. And the way his hair fell lightly over his forehead made it a constant battle to fight the temptation to reach up and brush them to the side.

That jaw that was usually set in studious seriousness gave her a sense of safety and strength. The same way his arms did when they wrapped around her to hug her to his hard chest for comfort or protection. As did the steady beating of his heart. She was enveloped in love when she was in Max Evans' arms.

Liz's eyes followed her fingertips as they traveled from his cheek to Max's perfectly shaped lips. They rarely turned into a full-blown smile, but it didn't matter. Liz thought him most adorable when a bit of amusement from his eyes would travel downward to curl his lips ever so slightly putting a charming crease around his mouth and in his left cheek. What that boy did to her when he smiled that smile meant only for her should be considered criminal. And the barely discernable dent that ran the length of his chin was irresistible to touch.

"I want to kiss you." The announcement was made in a voice softened to an almost whisper as Max's eyes opened and caught Liz taking silent inventory of his features.

Liz chuckled at his quiet confession. The overwhelming urge to tease him came over her and Liz leaned into him as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Then why do you look so scared? You've certainly never asked before."

"I've always been sure I could stop before." Max whispered huskily as his eyes caressed the face he wouldn't allow his hands to touch.

"And now?"

Max swallowed hard, his eyes flickering with emotions he couldn't voice. "Now...I'm not even sure I can touch you and ever hope to make it to your surprise tonight."

Liz's eyes darkened as a warm smile curved her lips in the most tempting way. Max felt his mouth go dry and he swallowed hard trying to dislodge the lump in his throat. His eyes moved from her full lips to her eyes and he saw a glimmer of amusement dancing in their dark depths just before she leaned forward and brushed her lips lightly against his.

Pressing herself closer to him, Liz deepened the kiss till she could feel his willingness to surrender to her starting to take control. His hands raised to cup her face and he was pulling her into him with a tender passion that always seemed to surround them when they were together when she pulled away slowly. Her eyes remained closed and a look of pure bliss spread over her face. "Max?"

"Yeah?" He breathed back taking in every nuance of her expression.

"I wouldn't mind." Her eyes opened to meet his and her fingers began to feather their way through his hair. "You know. Missing the surprise…"

"How do you know when you don't even know what it is?" Max asked as he eyebrow raised in amusement.

"Because I have everything I want…everything I need right here…right now…with you."

Max's smile lit his eyes. "You only believe that because you don't know what the surprise is…"

"I'll believe it even after I know."

Max leaned his forehead against hers a moment before bringing his lips to hers for a tender kiss meant to give a preview of things to come. "Maybe we should test that theory."

Liz grinned and rolled her eyes. "Fine. If you don't believe me, I guess I'll just have to follow wherever you lead and prove it to you."

"Wherever, huh?"

Liz nodded. "Uh-huh."

Brightening, Max held out his hand to Liz. "Great! Let's go…"

"Uh…Max?"

"Yeah?"

Liz nodded her head in the direction of the door. "My parents…they know we're going out tonight. Sooo…don't you think it might be best to pick me up at the door. You know...like a normal date."

Max grinned sheepishly as his eyes drifted to the door. "I guess you're right." He leaned forward and kissed her lingeringly once more then winked when he pulled back. "But after that, Liz Parker, expect anything but normal..."

As the memory began to fade, Liz let out a shaky breath and noticed the rise and fall of Max's solid chest as he let out one as well. Somehow, in those few moments spent in the past, they had gravitated toward each other and Liz was surprised now to see just how close they were standing to each other.

She stole a look up into Max's eyes. Uh-oh. This wasn't good. It wasn't the way to start out the night that would show everyone where her heart belonged. With...Ben. Liz forced her eyes away from Max's face to focus on anything but those eyes that always drew her in. She looked to see Tess standing behind and slightly to the side of him. His Tess. The one that had ruined everything.

Tess cocked a slender blonde eyebrow at Liz and tilted her head to the side. The smile that played on her lips was anything but devious and arrogant, but that's exactly the way Liz took it. Tess had Max's heart and she knew it. And she was going to do everything in her power to remind Liz of that ever second of this dreaded night. Liz just knew she was.

Had Liz known Tess' real thoughts she would have been shocked.

Tess had observed the silent but palpable staring contest between Max and Liz and the way they just moved toward each other as if a force was pulling them together. She couldn't help but think that this evening was starting off rather well already. The heat had risen at least 50 degrees in the room since the two of them had locked gazes but their obviously equal reluctance to give in to what they were feeling...what they had felt all of these years...would prove to be highly entertaining to watch.

Beyond that, she was considering the best tactic to use in this little scheme of theirs. Should she try to gain Liz's confidence by being her real self and then hit her with the truth at just the right moment when she was confused and maybe a bit vulnerable? Or, despite Max's desires, should she play the role they'd all placed her in years ago? The shameless hussy willing to do and say anything to get...and keep...her man. No matter who she hurt. Push Liz to the brink of jealousy then pull her back in time to tell her there was nothing to be jealous of.

Seeing the barely veiled hatred go up in Liz's eyes and the way her chin raised in defiance, her jaws tightening with resolve, as her eyes flicked back to Max's face Tess sighed inwardly. Oh, she was going to be a tough one tonight. Alright. So, shameless hussy it was.

Tess opened her mouth to make some biting comment to Liz when two children about six years old ran squealing and screaming into the lobby drowning out her greeting. One child was chasing the other and tripped over a rug causing him to fall forward and grab for something to hold onto. Like a game of dominos, his fall set off a chain reaction. A quick chain reaction. He grabbed for his brother only to have his brother trip over his own feet and fall forward as well.

"OH!!" Liz yelled as she felt something, or better yet someone--two someones--knock into her and forcibly sent her stumbling forward...right into Max's arms.

Max's reactions were as quick as lightening. His arms shot out and grabbed Liz as she slumped against him. His chest tightened instantly and his breath caught when he felt her body come into contact with his, her arms wrapping around his shoulders for instant support. Sensations he hadn't felt in years shot through his body.

Liz felt them too. She sucked in her breath and closed her eyes willing the electric currents flowing through her to never stop. Just as long as her heart didn't. In fact, she would love it if it would start beating at a somewhat regular rate right about now. Deep down inside she knew that was nearly impossible with Max Evans so close to her. She could feel his breath blow her hair against her cheek and it sent shivers down her spine. "You ok?"

Liz nodded mutely wondering how one touch could send her soaring and set her on fire and make her feel a million other things all at once. She swallowed hard and blinked a few times before slowly drifting her gaze upward to meet his stopping along the way to take in the soft lips that used to kiss her every day. A half-smile formed on his lips when he saw the focus of her gaze and she couldn't stop a light blush from creeping over her cheeks.

Suddenly a deep voice sounded behind her. "What are you trying to do? Steal my girl? "

Liz's head snapped to the side when she heard Ben's voice. "Ben! We just..." Liz and Max jumped apart abruptly then she turned to face Ben. "These...kids…" She looked around frantically but the children had disappeared. Casting a plea for help in Max's direction she smiled back at Ben when Max jumped in to pick up where she left off.

"Yeah. Um, that's right. There were kids here that, um…just kinda…um…"

"They just..." With a wild gesture of her hand, Liz told the story without coherent words. "Then I...I just...and Max, well he just..."

"Hey, guys! What's going on?" Maria's voice pulled all eyes to her beaming face.

Ben crossed his arms in front of him. Having seen the children's fall and the aftermath, his statement was meant as a joke. But seeing the guilty look on both Max and Liz's faces and the way they jumped apart at the sound of his voice, the lawyer in Ben couldn't resist throwing a test their way. So far, they were failing miserably. "Looks like Max here's trying to kidnap my fiancee'."

"Damn! That didn't take long." Michael rumbled low in Maria's ear. "Can we go home now?"

Maria elbowed him in the stomach and looked around the group noting the differing expressions on each face. Liz was flustered, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and guilt. Max looked very much like a cross between a bewildered little boy and a very frustrated man. Tess was trying to hide a grin behind her hand. Ben was fighting valiantly to don his cool lawyer's reserve and push back any doubts or pangs of jealousy that might have sprung to his mind the moment he saw his finacee's response to being in another man's arms. Especially *that* man's arms.

Shooting a glance in Michael's direction, she gave his hand a quick squeeze. So far so good. Maria's smile widened. "Kidnapping, huh? Aww, and here I always thought *we* were the life of the party. Looks like Max's learned a few things from you, babe." Maria leaned back against Michael as he wrapped his arms around her.

Michael's eyes twinkled when they met Max's, who looked like he was ready for the earth to open up and swallow him whole. "Who? Old stick-in-the-mud-Max? Nah. He's still got a ways to go." Michael's eyes shifted to Liz as she nervously glanced up at Max then over at Ben. "But it looks like he's made a great start..."

Taking a deep breath and grabbing Maria's hand in his Michael started heading toward the inside of the restaurant. "So, anyone else as starved as I am?"

Maria winked at Liz as they passed her. "Oh, come on, Lizzie! Liven up! The night has just begun!"

Refusing to look in Max direction, Liz turned to Ben and shrugged before taking his arm with a smile. Left alone in the lobby with Tess, Max ran his hand wearily over his eyes then looked over at her with a sigh. "Is there any chance this is just a really, really bad dream?"

Tess chuckled as she grabbed his hand in hers. "Didn't seem to mind a few minutes ago. Look, just think about it this way. You get to spend the rest of the evening the way you started…staring at Liz. Sounds like a nightmare to me, but for you..."

Max smiled and finished her thought. "…for me, it's a dream come true. I haven't felt this good since…" He let the thought dangle knowing he didn't need to say it for Tess to know what he was thinking. Wrapping his arm around her shoulder and pulling her to him for a light squeeze, Max added sincerely. "I'm glad you're here. I have a feeling this is going to be a very long night and I'm going to need all the help I can get to remind me why I've stayed away from her for so long."

"That's why I'm here. To help." Tess smiled as she wrapped her arm around Max's waist. "So, fake boyfriend. You ready to convince them I'm your only one?"

Max groaned even though his eyes retained a hint of laughter. "Like I said…a very long night…"

"And to think. We've only just begun…" Her chuckle joined his as they followed the other couples into the restaurant unaware of the silent observer with the evil smile sitting only a few feet away.

Tbc…

~ Chapter 8 ~

Max's good mood didn't last long. In fact, it only lasted as long as it took for he and Tess to step into the dining area of the restaurant. Max closed his eyes and groaned. Tess looked around her as her eyes widened. "Wow. This is exactly like that Chinese restaurant back in Roswell. Right down to the pool table in the back…"

"I see that." Max voiced tersely as his eyes darted around him unable to believe this would be their choice of restaurants tonight. Someone must be playing a very cruel joke on him. His eyes shifted to Michael and Maria following the hostess further into the restaurant. A new thought suddenly occurred to him. Could they have…? What was he thinking? Of course they could have. More than that, they would have. Oh, he was going to be having a serious discussion with Michael when this night was all over.

And what about Liz? The Chinese restaurant back in Roswell had been special to them, yet she didn't seem disturbed by the fact they were here in a restaurant that was an almost replica of the one where they'd spent so many evenings talking and laughing and generally being in love. Perhaps it hadn't meant as much to her as it had to him. Who knows? Maybe this place was special to her and Ben now. Maybe Max was the only one that would be suffering through dinner tonight.

Unaware of the thoughts rolling around in Max's mind but seeing the obvious connection this place had with their past, Tess voiced a seemingly innocent question. "Hey. Isn't that where you and Liz…"

"Had our first date." Max finished for her his eyes settling on Liz as she headed toward a table. His voice held a note of sadness. "Yeah. It was our favorite place to eat."

Tess smiled to herself. She had to hand it to Maria. If she wanted to remind Max and Liz what they had once, this was a great way to start. "Well, this should prove interesting since I really hate Chinese food." Tess mumbled as she took Max's hand and headed toward where she saw the other couples gathering.

They joined the others just in time to overhear Ben claiming knowledge of Liz's eating habits. "But why here? Liz doesn’t like Chinese."

"You're kidding, right?" Maria piped up as her eyebrow raised. "I only know about this place *because* of Liz."

Ben turned to Liz with a curious look in his eyes. "Liz? You've always said you didn't like Chinese…"

Liz nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as her eyes darted back and forth between her finance' and her best friend. "I occasionally get a taste for Chinese food, Ben. It's no big deal. I think I've only come here once, maybe twice, since I've been in Boston."

Just then an elderly Chinese gentleman came up to the group with a big smile and bowed before Liz. "Ahh, Ms. Liz. So good to see you again. Would you like your usual table?"

Liz's face flushed with guilt and embarrassment. Glancing at Ben and seeing the disbelief and hurt in his eyes she decided there was no longer any point in trying to lie her way out of this one. "Hey, Chen. Um…no. My usual won't be big enough, I don't believe." She stepped aside and swept her hand around the group being careful not to meet Ben or Max's eyes. "We have six tonight instead of just one."

Chen nodded his head with a smile. "Ah, then we will put you at our next best table." He turned and began to lead them forward to a table in the center of the room. When he stopped and turned, his eyes focused on Liz as he nodded toward another room in the back of the restaurant. "When you get moment, you need to see new addition. We put pool table in just as you suggested. Has increased business much."

"*You* suggested the pool table?" Maria asked turning to Liz with a knowing grin.

Liz swallowed hard and began to nod when Chen's face began to beam. "Ms. Liz help lot. She suggest all decorations. We have good business because of her."

"I wouldn't give her too much credit there, Chenie." Tess remarked as she glanced condescendingly around the room. "Lizzie here never was good at keeping her hands off other people's ideas…things…destinies." Tess let the last word drift quietly under her breath but loud enough to be heard. Shrugging her shoulders she waved her hand around the room. "Anyway, there's nothing here that hasn't been used before back home in Roswell. What you see is nothing more than memories…"

Liz squared her shoulders at Tess' acid remark and turned to make a comment when Max stepped between them taking Liz by the elbow. When her large dark eyes turned upward to meet his, Max gave her a half-smile. "The pool table was a great idea, Liz. I'm sure people will make a lot of incredible memories here. Just like back home."

The anger drained from Liz's eyes as she nodded and for a moment, when she was looking in Max's soft brown eyes, everything seemed right again. They were suddenly back there. In the past. In their restaurant. In simple, old-fashioned love.

"Max…" Liz looked around her at the empty restaurant. "…are you sure they're open? I mean, it looks like we're the only ones here."

Max stared silently into her eyes as if he didn't hear her question. Liz chuckled and put her hands on either side of his face to get his attention. Not that she didn't have it already. "Max. Honey. I just asked you a question."

Blinking his eyes when Liz touched him, Max's eyebrow raised and he came out of his dazed trance. "What? You…you did? I'm…I'm sorry. What was the question?"

Forgetting her question, Liz's smile widened when she thought of how adorable he looked when he was slightly flustered. "What were you thinking about?"

Max curled his fingers around Liz's jaw and leaned down touching his forehead to hers. "Just how beautiful you are. And how I'm the luckiest Czechoslovakian in the solar system to have you love me the way you do. You've made all my dreams come true, Liz."

Liz touched her lips to Max's for a gentle kiss before pulling back to whisper. "So have you."

Max shook his head. "No. I don't think so." He ran his hand down her arms and captured her hands in his. "But that's what tonight is all about. Making your dreams come true."

Liz opened her mouth to say something but stopped when they were joined by Kim, their hostess. "Ah, Max. Liz. You're just on time. If you'll follow me, your dinner is already waiting for you…"

Before Liz knew it Max was leading her to the table and holding out her chair for her. She slipped into the seat with a silent smile, her eyes brightening as they swept over him taking in every inch. He looked good tonight. No. More than good. He looked…hot, for lack of a better word. He wore a tight fitting smoky gray sweater that emphasized every muscle in his upper chest and arms. Max had always had an incredible build, but he was even more toned then Liz remembered and it showed. The color of the sweater somehow made his eyes less dark, like a chocolate brown and softer. And his hair fell in the same way over his forehead that Liz had always loved. The years had been kind to Max Evans. Of that one thing, Liz was very sure.

The next moment found Max smiling down at her and sliding into the seat next to her placing his arm on the back of her chair without thought or hesitation. Their eyes locked on each other, they didn't notice the reaction their exchange had created. Michael and Maria traded triumphant smiles when Maria grabbed Michael's hand. Tess' eyebrow raised in interest. Ben tilted his head to the side unable to believe what he was seeing. It was as if the Liz Parker he knew had been abducted by aliens and in her place was a woman he simply didn't recognize.

Stepping up to the table and clearing his throat, Ben leaned down till Max's eyes shifted to his. "Uh…Max. You know, I really appreciate you seating my fiancee', but it wasn't your place. Really…" Ben noted Max's station next to Liz with his eyes. "…that isn't your place at all."

Max blinked a few times before Ben's meaning made it through the Liz-induced haze that flowed around him. Suddenly catching on to what Ben meant, Max felt like kicking himself for being so careless. His eyes flicked to Liz's face, but her emotions were masked from him since she was looking down at the table. From what he could tell, she was just as mortified as he was.

Embarrassed at his thoughtless actions, Max quickly scooted out from his seat, looked down properly chastised and mumbled an apology before going to the other side of the table to help Tess into her seat across from Ben. Max sat in the seat across from Liz. Tess tried to look appropriately annoyed but couldn't help the glint of amusement in her eyes when she glanced at Michael and Maria. Michael and Maria noticed the exchange with interest and seated themselves near the end of the table so they'd have a good vantage point of this little drama they'd set up for the rest of the evening.

As if the evening hadn't been disastrous enough already, it came time to order. The waitress walked to the table with a smile and a notepad. Not only did Max and Liz order the same thing. They ordered the same thing…at the same time. "Sweet and sour chicken with a side order of Tabasco sauce."

The waitress smiled her comment. "You two have done this before, haven't you?"

Max and Liz's heads snapped up and they looked at each other when they realized what they'd done, neither saying a word. "Tabasco sauce?" Ben asked as he turned to Liz breaking the silence between them. "Since when do you like Tabasco sauce?"

Liz opened her mouth to say something when Maria jumped in. "It's for me." She reached over and took Michael's hand in hers. "Actually, it's for Michael. He loves Tabasco sauce on anything and everything. Liz and I always order extra when we go out with Michael."

"But Liz hasn't seen Michael in years, right? So, how would she…"

"Habit." Max jumped in to ward off Ben's question the look in his eyes warning Ben to cease and desist with the questions. "You know, some habits are just too hard to break. You get used to things a certain way. It just comes naturally. Like ordering ketchup with fries. Tabasco sauce with Chinese…"

"Or sitting in a certain seat." Ben shot back.

Max's eyes flickered with emotion before he locked eyes with Ben and nodded slowly. "Exactly. Some things just feel right. It's hard to ignore when they do."

"Try harder next time." Ben replied in a low voice as he folded his arms on the table and leaned forward.

Seeing the tenseness that washed over Ben as he shot Max a steely look before possessively wrapping his arm around Liz's shoulder, Tess leaned in toward Max and grabbed his hand with a smile. "Darling, why don't you order for me. You know what I like." She cast a glance in Liz's direction. "Max and I always eat Chinese. It's our favorite, isn't it, dear? So many special times together…"

Max's gaze faltered from Liz's face when he saw the hurt that flashed in her eyes. Recognizing Tess' tactic, Max glanced at her and nodded once but said nothing. He couldn't say anything as anger and pain bubbled up within him. He knew if he opened his mouth the truth would come rushing out in a torrent and there would be absolutely nothing that could hold it back.

He'd tell her how this was the first time in all their years of knowing each other that he and Tess had ever eaten Chinese together. That Chinese food was sacred to him. That he never ordered it without thinking about her. He'd tell her how every jab and every insult was only a part Tess was playing. That she had tried to convince him only a little while before that he should give them another shot. And just how much he wanted to take a chance that they could be where they were before. But most of all he'd tell her he'd never stopped loving her. That he still dreamed of her. Still wanted her in his life. And that it was killing him inside to see her in the arms of another man when his heart screamed out that she belonged with him. Had always belonged with him. Would always belong with him.

Liz saw the possessive way Tess draped herself over Max and brought her eyes back to the menu. Blinking furiously to hold back the tears, Liz tried her best to focus on the words despite the fact she'd already ordered. There was no way she could go through with this. No way she could sit and watch him love someone else in such close proximity. It had been one thing back in high school when she would see them across the quad or on the other side of classroom together. It was a completely different thing to have their love flaunted before her so up close and personal. Especially not here.

For years this place had been a haven to her. When missing Max was too much to bear, she'd slip away for a meal or even just a cup of tea and a fortune cookie. She'd relive the moments they had spent in their own special restaurant back home in Roswell. Their first date. That special night when he rented out the place for just the two of them. The fortunes they read that night. Everything that happened after. It had been magical. Then again, every moment with Max had been magical. Even when they were hiding from the FBI.

She couldn't believe Maria had picked this place. Had she known this was where they were going, Liz would have had put her foot down. But she didn't know until Ben pulled into the parking lot. By then it was too late. She would have raised suspicions had she made a fuss. And raising suspicions was one thing she couldn't do tonight. Although truth be known, Liz had the distinct impression that she had Max had already failed miserably on that count.

Liz felt Ben's arm tighten around her and she glanced up at him. He gave her a sympathetic, encouraging smile. She smiled back faintly as gratitude and guilt washed over her. Ben. He'd always been there for her. In her most desperate hour. And every day since. Loving her and asking for nothing in return. She owed him so much more than she'd given him. She at least owed him the truth. All of it.

"Oh, and could you bring…" Maria glanced around the table taking in the number of Czechoslovakians in attendance. "…maybe 6 bottles of Tabasco sauce. I have a feeling things are going to get a little hot tonight."

The waitress nodded and moved away from the table and Maria leaned back in her seat, wrapping her arm around Michael's neck and taking in the scene before her. "Well. Isn't this fun?"

"Yeah. Like an FBI alien hunt." Tess quipped quietly in Max's ear.

Max's smile was faint as he looked down at the table. It disappeared the moment he heard Liz's faint voice wavering across the table when she saw the whispered exchange from Tess and Max's responding smile. "No."

Max's head shot up and he looked at Liz. His heart lurched in his chest and pain shot through his eyes the moment he saw the tears brightening hers. He swallowed hard as he watched her struggle to bring her emotions under control unable to do anything to stop the pain he saw so clearly in her eyes. Liz sat staring at the table in front of her, her hands were shaking and Ben turned to her lowering his voice. "Liz? Sweetie, are you ok?"

Liz shook her head slowly in answer to his question even though she hadn't heard a word he said. "No. I can't do this. I…I can't…" Her eyes raised slowly to meet Max's. "I'm sorry…I just...I'm sorry…"

Pushing her chair back suddenly, Liz jumped from her seat and rushed from the table as a quiet sob echoed through the room. Max and Ben both rose from their chairs simultaneously. Ben withered Max with his gaze till Max slowly sat down, swallowing the lump that rose in his throat. "I'll check on Liz." Ben stated before he turned and followed Liz.

Maria jumped from her seat, but Michael put a restraining arm around her waist. "Where are you going?"

"To talk to her. Ben's not going to be able to help her with this…" Maria stated before side-stepping Michael's arm and following Ben.

Max's jaw worked furiously as he tried to control the anger and frustration that was shooting through him. He couldn't believe it. They'd only been together 15 minutes and he'd already managed to cause her pain…again. Then again, maybe he could believe it. He'd been in pain every second of every day since leaving her. What made him think seeing him again after all this time wouldn't have the same effect on Liz? His eyes shot over to Michael and the anger he felt at himself suddenly transferred to another.

Max tossed his napkin on the table, pushed his chair back and shot out of his seat heading directly for Michael. Michael's eyes widened when Max bent and yanked him from his seat pulling him up till they were eye to eye. "How could you, Michael? Huh? Tell me! How the hell could you hurt her like this…"

Silent blue eyes began to twinkle from half a room away as they took in the scene playing out before him. An evil smile formed on his lips. He'd planned on wreaking a little havoc in their lives tonight, but from the looks of it, they were doing just fine on their own. Maybe he wouldn't have to do much more than wait for the right moment. That one perfect moment when they were ready to face the truth…

Tbc…

~ Chapter 9 ~

"How could you, Michael? Huh? Tell me! How the hell could you hurt her like this…"

Michael's eyes flared with anger. "Me? You've got some helluva nerve, buddy!" Michael pushed Max away and pointed a finger at him. "If she's in there crying her eyes out over a broken heart it's because of you, Maxwell. You did this to her…"

Max started to lunge at Michael but Tess pulled him back just before he made any kind of physical contact. "Max! Max, come on! Stop it! Max…listen. He's right, ok? Michael's right…"

Tess' words broke through Max's anger and he heaved a broken sigh that sounded very much like a strangled sob. Max looked down and closed his eyes pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger trying his best to get the image of Liz running away crying out of his mind. Shaking his head he let out another sigh. "I know. I know I did this…"

"No, Max. *We* did this." Tess put her arms around Max's waist and led him to the table. She helped him slide into his seat then sat next to him rubbing his arm in comfort. Smiling faintly at Michael, Tess jerked her head in a 'well-don't-just-stand-there-get-over-here' gesture. Michael rolled his eyes and came to sit across from Max.

Swallowing his anger and pride, Michael's words were softened with understanding when he saw the self-loathing that washed over his friend. "Look, Max. I've been there. I know how much you're hurting. How empty it is to be without her. That's why…that's why we wanted to try this. To see if there was still a chance for the two of you."

"There's not, Michael." Max looked up from the table, his eyes full of pain. "Didn't you see her? She can barely stand to be in the room with me."

"No, Maxwell. She can't stand to be in the room with Tess."

"Gee, thanks, bro." Tess quipped with a toss of her blonde curls as she crossed her arms in front of her. "Make me feel better about my role in this little charade why don't ya."

"You know what I mean." Michael shot Tess a look before turning his attention back to Max. "Max. Listen. When it was the two of you…when you were looking in each others' eyes…it's still there, Maxillian. You felt it. Liz felt it. Hell, all of the East Coast felt it. And you're a fool if you don’t at least take a chance to get it back."

"I'm not sure Liz would see it that way, Michael." Max looked down with a mumble. "And I'm certain Ben won't."

"Forget Ben."

"Michael. He's her fiance'." Max's head shot up and shook in disbelief at Michael's ease in dismissing an obviously important person in Liz's life.

"Yeah, a fiance who doesn't seem to know the first thing about her." Michael swept his hand out in a wide gesture. "Look around you, Max. She has *you* all around her. Maria says this is her favorite place to be. That's gotta mean something..."

"Yeah. That she likes Chinese food." Max shot back as he ran his hand wearily over his eyes. Admitting the thought that made his stomach turn, Max's eyes stayed glued to his hands as he struggled to say the words. "Or how about this meaning something? She's getting married, Michael. She's trying on wedding dresses and wearing another guy's ring. She...really loves...him."

"She doesn't." Michael stated confidently.

A flicker of hope flashed in Max's eyes then died just as quickly when he remembered seeing her earlier trying on wedding gowns. Max looked back up at Michael. "Michael. Come on. You know Liz. She believes in love like she believes in..."

"You." Michael finished for Max, leaning forward for emphasis. "Like she believes in you."

Max shook his head sadly. "Maybe once." His eyes shifted to the back room where the pool table stood, memories of the times he and Liz had began rushing through his mind. "A long time ago. But not now. Not ever again."

"You don't know that until you try." Michael replied softly.

"Look, Michael. It's over, ok?" Max's voice raised in frustration as his eyes flicked back to Michael's face. "Liz wouldn't make such a serious commitment if she didn't mean it. I should know. She made one to me once. We'd still be together now if it hadn't been for what I had to do. I'm the one who broke our vows…"

Tired and deflated, Max let out another sigh and looked down again and began to play with the salt shaker on the table. "But now...now she's moved on. She's found someone else to love. To commit to. And why shouldn't she? At least with him she'll have a normal life. She'll be able to raise a family and be happy."

"She can't be really happy without you, Max. She's tried. All of this time. Just like you have. Yeah, maybe she's found someone, but it's not the same. It never will be. Not until she's back in your life..."

Max slammed his hand down on the table, his frustration beginning to get the better of him. "Dammit, Michael! Don't you get it? Can't you see?! I can't start believing this...I can't start feeling this...hope...again. If I even try once...I won't be able to walk away again. It'll destroy me this time when I lose her."

"Then don't lose her." Tess chimed in. "What you just said, Max. About not being able to walk away. That's the smartest thing I've heard you say in a while." Tess leaned her arms against the table. "Follow through on that and maybe one of us might have a chance at a bit of happiness from this hell we've created for ourselves."

"Tess..."

"No, Max. Listen to me." Tess touched his arm to get his attention. When his eyes drifted to hers, she spoke with conviction, her words bearing a double meaning that Max read all too well. "There is *nothing* to stop you. Nothing."

Max swallowed hard and covered her hand with his. "I can't do that to you, Tess..."

"Max." Tess' voice softened and her eyes brightened with unshed tears. "For once in your life, would you let yourself off the hook of responsibility? Of guilt? There's nothing you can do to stop what is happening to me. No matter how much you want to. To...stop my fate, you'd have to lie to your heart. And that's something you've never been able to do. I've known that since the beginning. I've resolved myself to it. Now it's time for you to the same...and start living like it."

"But…"

"But nothing." Tess cut Max off curtly. "Please Max. Don't let our sacrifices amount to nothing. Take the chance to turn it all around and fight for her."

Max sat silently for a moment his eyes glued to Tess' face. Could she be right? Could everything they'd done…all the loss that was to come...be for nothing if he didn't take the chance to love Liz again now? They had both led unfulfilled lives with dreams that would never be realized. Maybe now was the chance to change all of that. To make those dreams come true. He just had to move past his fear.

And that was the problem. Max had lived his life in fear for so long. He wasn't even sure when it happened. Take that back. He knew exactly the moment that it happened. The night Nasedo came to him and told him about his destiny…his fate. How one girl he barely knew was meant to be his forever...or she'd die. And how the girl he loved more than life itself would loose her own life if Max continued to defy his fate and love her.

In short, Nasedo told him the blood of two lives would be on his hands if he continued his relationship with Liz. Losing Liz had been hell in and of itself. Losing her to death because of his own selfishness would have driven him insane. So he let her go and pretended to love another.

Now, years later, both women were alive. Breathing. Walking. Talking. Even smiling. But were either of them really living? Was he? He already knew the answer to that one. Max Evans' heart died the day he walked away from Liz. It had been ripped out of his chest and laid at her feet at the same moment he broke hers. He expected nothing in return and he didn't care what she did with it. If she trampled on it, he deserved it. If she held it captive for the rest of his life, so be it. He just knew he didn't want it back. Max could walk away and live his life without her, but he had no other choice but to leave his heart with her...where it had always belonged.

Tess went day to day wondering when her last may come. Oh, she put up a good front and led as normal of a life as she could, but Max was reminded every time her pain would be too much to bear. She'd call on him for his healing touch knowing that it wouldn't completely heal her. It would only serve to prolong the inevitable.

And Liz. What about Liz? He couldn't deny Michael's statements. He had seen the old spark waiting for him there in her eyes. Felt the heat in her touch. Recognized the desire he'd seen burning for him before. It was replaced with care and concern when she looked at Ben. But love? The kind that he and Liz had shared? No. Max couldn't honestly say he saw that kind of love burning in her eyes for Ben. Then again, maybe that's the way she wanted it...

"Fight for her." Max repeated as his eyes began to twinkle suddenly, half in amusement…half in hope.

"Yeah." The beginning of a smile touched Tess' lips when she saw the renewed hope in Max's eyes. "Fight for her. It might do you some good to remember what it's like to really follow your heart."

"And if I decided to do this...who exactly do you think I need to fight?"

Tess shrugged. "Ben...maybe. Maybe not." Tess leaned back in her chair and considered her words for a moment. "Honestly? I think you're biggest battle is going to be Liz. She may love you, Max, but that doesn't erase the last seven years. Or how you broke things off with her..."

"But it was you that..."

Tess raised her hand to silence Max. "I know that. But Liz doesn't. She still thinks you cheated on her. She needs to know the truth, Max. And she needs to know it before you can ever hope to win her back."

Max looked from Tess to Michael. "What about you? Is that what you think I should do?"

Michael shrugged in his casual, no-care attitude. "The following your heart thing…it, uh…well, it's usually a good thing. A really good thing."

Max cracked a smile. "Never thought I'd see the day Michael Guerin would spout off about following his heart. Since when did you become such a romantic?"

The beginning of a smile turned the side of Michael's lips upward. "When I lost the Czechoslovakian-Pixieland war." A full blown smile made it to Michael's face and his eyes began to dance with love. "Believe me, Maxwell, surrender is so sweet…" He leaned forward and raised an eyebrow. "In fact, I can give you a few tips on the treaty terms. You know…which side of the bed..."

Max leaned forward with sudden interest and Tess rolled her eyes. "Oh, God. If you guys think I'm going to sit here and listen to my two 'brothers' have the birds and the bees conversation…I’m…you're…well that's just gross! I'm going to shoot a round of pool…"

Max and Michael held back their laughter until Tess had slipped from the table. Turning back to one another, Max looked away sheepishly. "So, the uh…birds and bees..."

Michael smiled, wiggled his eyes and whispered. "Forget the birds and the bees. Let's talk horses instead..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Maria found Ben pacing outside the ladies' restroom door. His eyes met Maria's in the most heartbreaking way. "She won't come out."

Maria patted his arm lightly. "Let me talk to her." She put her hand on the door to push it open when Ben's hand stopped her.

"How much…did they love each other?"

A half-smile touched Maria's lips. "Something tells me you already know the answer to that one."

Ben looked down at the floor, his handsome expression etched with pain. "Then tell me this...who let go first?"

Maria shrugged. "Honest? I think the jury's still out on that one, Counselor." She touched his arm gently. "Whatever happens, she'll be ok, Ben. She will. I'll make sure of it."

Pushing the door open, Maria stepped into the restroom and paused a moment to take a deep breath. Hearing a quiet sob from somewhere near the back, Maria headed toward the sound and stopped short when she saw Liz on a lounge her feet pulled beneath her and tears rolling down her face. Maria rushed to her side and wrapped an arm around her pulling Liz to her for comfort. "Shhh, hon. It's ok. It's going to be ok."

"No...it's...not..." Liz managed to say through her tears as she shook her head. "God, Maria. I thought...I promised myself..."

"I know." Maria replied softly as she smoothed back a piece of Liz's hair. "I know it's been hard to admit it to yourself, but Liz…it's time, you know? Time to think about the future you really want."

"I know…" Liz straightened and wiped her eyes.

Maria reached over and patted Liz's hand. "If you need me to help you figure out what to say to Ben…"

"Ben?" Liz looked at Maria incredulously. "What would I need to say to Ben?"

"Well…about Max." Maria sat back a moment studying Liz's expression and for the first time in years had the hardest time reading it. "You are going to tell him how you feel, right?"

"My feelings about what? Max and that…" Liz let out a hollow chuckle as she stood and walked over to the mirror, realizing for the first time just how hard it was for her to say Tess' name. She was not going to do this. She wasn't going to wallow in jealousy and self-pity.

Max made a choice a long time ago and their lives had changed because of it. There was no use wishing things were different. Because they weren't. There simply was no way she'd ever get that image of Max and Tess making love out of her mind. It was the reason she'd run for cover only moments before.

Snatching up a tissue before turning to face Maria, Liz force a smile on her face. "I know what you're thinking. You're thinking it's been such a long time since I've seen Max and that it's been easy for me to ignore how I really feel about him. That now that I've seen him again, I won't be able to deny that I still love him. That I've always loved him. That I always will. And that there's no chance of me ever having a life or finding any kind of real happiness with any one else."

Liz took a deep breath and raised her eyes to meet Maria's as she forced out the words her heart didn't feel. "Well, you're wrong. I love Ben and I belong with him. Max Evans is a blip on the screen of my life. When tonight is over he'll walk out the door and out of my life just like he did before. Everything will be back to normal and this night…will have never happened."

Maria sat in stunned silence for a moment. Blinking suddenly she rose from her seat. "Since when do you think I’m an idiot, Liz Parker? I mean, do you honestly believe that marriage to a Czechoslovakian has like sucked my brain cells into outer space? How can you stand there and lie to me like that?"

"I'm not lying to you, Maria…"

"You're right, Liz. You're not. You're lying to yourself." Maria stated with emphasis as she put her hands on Liz's shoulders. "Tell me something. If you don't love Max Evans, why the tears? Why run from the table like your heart was breaking?"

"It had nothing to do with Max." Liz stated weakly. Seeing the disbelief in Maria's eyes, her resolve strengthened. "It didn't! It was...Tess! She should have..." Liz paused frantically searching for a plausible reason why she'd catapulted herself out of her seat. "...she should have placed her own order!"

Maria's eyes widened in disblief. "So...let me get this straight." Maria crossed her arms in front of her and began to tap her foot impatiently. "You jumped up from the table and ran in here crying because Tess had Max order her dinner for her?"

Liz nodded lamely as she bit on her lower lip. Despite the seriousness of the moment, Maria's chuckle echoed through the room. "God, Liz. You are such a bad liar."

Liz rolled her eyes and groaned as she sank down on the sofa. When she spoke, her voice was small and vulnerable matching the haunted look in her eyes. "I didn't know...it would be...this hard, Maria. Just seeing her draping herself all over Max. I mean, I know they're together. It's just...she always knew how to push my buttons, you know?"

Leaning into Maria as Maria sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, Liz let out a sigh. "I can't let her win, Maria. I can't let her see how much Max being with her...hurts. God, it still hurts so much."

"Have you thought about why, Liz?" Maria asked softly.

Liz shook her head emphatically and straightened herself. "No. And you know what? I'm not going to, Maria." She turned to Maria and blinked back a few remaining tears as calmness and determination washed over her. "You know what I am going to do?"

"No, what?"

Liz's eyes shifted to the door. "I'm going to go out there and prove to everyone just how little power Max Evans still has on me. I'm going to show Tess Harding that nothing she says or does can hurt me any more. And I'm going to erase any doubts or questions that I'm sure Ben must be having right now. Max Evans almost ruined my life once. I will not let him do it again..."

With that, Liz squared her shoulders, pasted on a smile and headed for the door. Maria rolled her eyes and let out a breath. "Oh, boy. Here we go again..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tess took a shot then straightened and smiled to herself. She moved to the other side of the table and took another shot. Blowing on her fingers as if they were on fire, Tess let out a satisfied sigh. "Damn, I'm good."

"Yes, you are." A deep voice behind her spoke causing Tess to turn around quickly. Ben walked up to the table and picked a ball of the green surface. "And I'm not just talking about taking shots at a pool table..."

He placed the ball down again and moved to the other side of the table grabbing a stick as he went, Tess' eyes following his every move. He looked like he wanted to talk. Needed to talk, actually. Unsure of why he'd want to talk to her of all people, Tess tilted her hair to the side and regarded him through narrowing eyes. "I don't supposed you'd like to tell me what else you think I'm good at."

Ben shrugged then flashed a smile after he took a shot and made it. "I don't see why not. It's quite obvious to everyone involved in this little reunion we have going that you are very good at taking cheap shots at my fiance'. Why is that? Hummm? Is it simply out of habit? Because you really don't like her? Or...is it something more. Some other agenda that you might have."

A half smile tilted Tess' lips upward as she shrugged nonchalantly and watched him bend for his next shot. "There's never been any love loss between Liz and I. Ask anyone that knows us. Women vying for the attention of one man rarely become best friends."

"True." Ben agreed with a nod. His cue hit the ball and he watched it roll to its destination before his eyes flicked back to her face.

"Which is precisely why I'm confused."

Tess chuckled. "Confused? By what? Max's taste in women...or Liz's former taste in men?"

"Neither. I think anyone could tell I admire Max's taste given my soon-to-be marital status. As for Liz...well, I see for the first time... Let's just say that a lot of things are starting to make sense to me." Ben stood and moved to another position, took aim then sent the ball flying across the table. He walked toward her, his eyes leveled on her face gauging her reaction to his next words. "I guess I'm confused as to why you'd try so hard to make Liz jealous over a non-existant realtionship."

Tess blinked. Recovering quickly, a slow smile spread over her lips. "Non-existant? And just what makes you think Max and I aren't together?"

"I've seen the way he looks at Liz."

Tess shrugged her shoulders trying to act as if Ben's words weren't ringing true. "So? They had a thing way back when. That doesn't mean..."

"And I've seen the way he looks at you." Ben interrupted as he leaned back against the table. "There's no contest."

Tess laughed nervously and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she focused on the table in front of her. "I guess there isn't between a high school crush and a lifetime love."

"You're right." Ben continued in a detatched voice as if he didn't hear her, his logical lawyer's mind taking full reign as he began to build his case. "There's also no contest in the way he touches you. Or doesn't touch you, as the case may be. With Liz...it's instinctive, lingering, almost necessary for him to breathe. With you...he allows it. He doesn't initiate. Big difference there." Ben paused and reached out to tilt Tess' chin upward. "So, tell me, Tess Harding...why are you pretending to be his lifetime love?"

Tess turned her blue eyes up at him and smiled a disarming smile before admitting guilt by skirting the direct issue. "Very good, Counselor. So. How do you want to play this? Do you want me to go announce your discovery to Liz? I really don't see how that will help you win your case. You know, don't you, that Liz will choose him if she knows the truth."

As Ben looked away, Tess saw a flash of pain enter his blue-green eyes. She regreted her comment instantly. She'd never seen eyes that showed so much emotion with just a look before. For the second time tonight, Tess silently applauded Liz Parker on her choice. Ben was a good man. One that could make a girl happy...if not for Max.

Ben's lips turned upward into a half-smile as his eyes met hers. "Maybe you're right. And to tell you the truth...as long as Liz is happy, I believe I can let her go. But not if I can't be sure she'll be happy or that he really deserves her. So, I guess my real question is...does Max feel the same? If being happy means being with me, will *he* be willing to let Liz go...to walk away."

Tess' chuckle filled the room. She shook her head and smiled as she walked around the table, stick in hand. "You have no idea how far that man will go for Liz. The sacrifices he'll make. The pain he'll endure..."

"Then tell me."

Tess considered Ben's words a moment before she laid the stick down and crossed back over to him. "No. You tell me something, Ben. Why do you want a woman who loves another man?"

"It hasn't been established she still does." Ben answered evenly knowing deep in his heart he was wrong.

Tess' lips curled into a mischievous smile as her eyes began to twinkle. "Let's do something to change that."

"What are you suggesting?" A slender eyebrow raised.

"An exchange of sorts." Tess responded as she tossed her blonde hair behind her shoulders. "I show you Liz following her heart..."

"And?"

"And you follow your heart after that." Tess stated simply.

Ben smirked. "That's all?"

"That's it."

Considering her suggestion a moment, Ben's eyebrows furrowed in concentration. It sounded like some kind of trap. Like Tess knew something he didn't...which was most definitely the case since he hadn't even known Max's name till earlier that day. Fear of losing Liz rose then ebbed. Tess was right. Did he really want Liz if her heart belonged to someone else? The instant he asked the question he knew the answer. Ben returned his gaze to Tess and held out his hand. "What have I got to lose?"

Tess took his hand in hers and marvelled at the warmth that flowed through her. A slow smile lit her eyes as she looked back up at Ben and shook hands. "I guess we'll see, won't we...?"

"I guess we will." Ben agreed. "So. What's your plan?"

Tess grinned up at him, her blue eyes beginning to dance with schemes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Walking back to the table to rejoin the group, Tess' eyes fell on a booth situated across from their table. Her eyes locked with the hollow blue eyes of the man sitting there.

A thought instantly sprang into her mind. "Please, God. Don't let it be tonight. I have too much unfinished business..."

A shiver ran down her spine and she looked away quickly hoping that pain that suddenly shot through her stomach wasn't the beginning of her end...

tbc...

~ Chapter 10 ~

The six people who returned to the table were not the same as the ones who left. Correction. Four of the people weren't the same. Michael and Maria were still as in love as before only slightly out of tune in their predictions for the final outcome of the evening.

Michael wiggled his eyebrows at Maria and gave her a hidden thumbs-up to suggest that he'd managed to get through Max's thick skull. Maria shook her head slightly as she slipped into the seat next to him to let him know she'd hadn't faired as well with Liz.

Tess still felt that cold stare prickle against her back and an intense fear ripping through her. She slid down into her seat a bit distracted and detached from the rest of the group. She wondered who he was. The man in the booth. Something about him seemed familiar. It was the eyes. Not the color, but the coldness. They were blue, but there was such a contrast to Ben's crystal aquamarine eyes that sparkled with warmth. No. The stranger's eyes were lifeless and void of emotion. And it gave her the oddest sense of déjà vu. A scary sense.

Ben noticed the immediate change in Tess and eyed her carefully amazed that Max didn't pick up on the distress she was trying to veil in her pretty blue eyes. Then again, Max was too busy watching every little move Liz made as she headed toward the table. For someone so confident and in control of herself, Tess suddenly seemed at a loss…vulnerable. It was an emotion Ben couldn't imagine her feeling too often. Not the way she'd handled herself so far. A sudden urge to protect her came over him. Unsure of where the emotion was coming from and remembering his place as another's finace', Ben turned instead to Liz who had just rejoined the party with a large smile on her face.

"Hi, guys!" Liz announced her presence perkily. Her smile widened as her gaze swept over the group. "I'm so sorry about that little…scene. I guess it's just all the wedding preparations that are getting to me, you know? There's still so much to do and so little time to do it. Cakes to order. I'm still not sure about the dress and of course, we have invitations to send out. It's just so overwhelming." She slipped into the seat next to Ben and reached up to caress his face. "Sweetie, I'm so sorry if I upset you. Everything is fine now." Liz leaned up and gave Ben a kiss. A long, intense one.

Max blinked his eyes and looked down uncomfortably while Tess was abruptly brought back to the present when she saw Liz's lips attack Ben's. Something didn't seem right. That wasn't like Liz to just... Tess glanced over at Max and saw the pain in his eyes. Then she glanced back at Liz still kissing Ben. Her eyes brightened instantly. Well, she had to hand it to Liz Parker. The girl knew how to make a point. Maybe it was time Tess took her cue.

"What the hell is she doing?" Michael whispered to Maria as he watched Liz attack Ben with a fervor he hadn't believed was capable from someone as 'perfect' as Liz Parker.

Maria shrugged her shoulders and whispered back. "She's trying to prove she doesn't love Max." Tilting her head to the side. "Now can you explain what she's doing?"

Michael's eyes drifted across the table to a mirror image of the scene he'd just witnessed. Tess was equaling Liz's eagerness for Ben with a kiss of her own as she pulled a surprised Max to her suddenly and wrapped her arms around his neck. A smirk spread over Michael's face as he leaned over and whispered again. "Trying to prove she does."

This evening was definitely taking an interesting turn. Michael and Maria looked at each other and grinned when Tess let out a deep moan as she continued to assault Max causing Liz to momentarily loose focus when she heard the sound. She pulled back from Ben and shot a glance in Max and Tess' direction before a flare of anger flashed in her dark eyes. Returning to her previous position with added vigor...attached to Ben's lips and running her hands through his hair...Liz attempted to outdo Tess with a moan of her own when she move to slip onto Ben's lap.

Just when Michael and Maria wondered how much more of this they could take, all lip contact was suspended when the food finally arrived. Both Tess and Liz eyed each other as Tess pushed back the hair from her face and Liz smoothed her dress when she slipped back into her chair, both trying to right themselves after such strenuous activity. Neither Max nor Ben would make eye contact with anyone.

Instead, Ben cleared his throat and his face was flushed with embarrassment while his mind was whirling with possible explanations for Liz's sudden burst of affection. His eyes drifted to Max and suddenly he understood when he took note of his reaction. Max's eyes were glued to the table and his hands were clenched around the sides of his chair while his jaw worked feverishly to hold back any emotions he couldn't afford to show. Max wasn't really sure who he wanted to strangle most...Tess, Ben or Liz. Tess for breaking the ground rules they'd established earlier. Liz for kissing Ben right in front of him and Ben for...well, Ben for just being alive at this point.

Silence hung over the table as each were lost in their own private thoughts until Maria couldn't take any more. "Ok. Now that the kissing duel is over, I think it's safe to say it was a tie." She deferred to Michael for his opinion. "What do you think, babe?"

Michael shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, definitely a tie." He looked over at Maria who was expectantly eyeing him. "What? Did you want a detailed analysis?"

"NO!!!" The unanimous shout startled Michael and Maria as they turned to see four heads shoot up and four pairs of eyes with looks that could kill trained on their faces. Max and Liz exchanged glances the same time Ben and Tess did before looking away uncomfortably.

Michael put his hands up in an attitude of surrender as he leaned back. "Ok. Ok. Return the daggers to their sheaths please. Sheesh! Being married is a helluva lot easier on the nerves, I can tell ya that right now." Pointing to the plates in front of them Michael shrugged. "Since the War of Face Sucking is over and we've declared a tie, why don't we do what we came to do? Come on, folks…dig in."

Suddenly, food became the most important thing on the planet. Or at least it did for the six people at the table since none of them said a word. Almost simultaneously, they just picked up their forks and dug in to their food with the all the gusto their turmoiled emotions provided. The meal progressed in much the same way. An occasional request for more salt or Tabasco sauce broke the silence, but that seemed to be the extent of their conversations. Stolen glances and bare brushes of the fingers when a condiment was passed spoke volumes and became the rule of the evening instead.

Although seeming a bit forced, Liz finally did her best to start up a conversation as the meal began winding down to a close. "So, Maria. Why couldn't Alex make it again?"

"Oh, he was pulling a double shift at the clinic." Maria answered as she stuffed a forkful of rice in her mouth.

"The clinic?" Tess asked her curiosity piqued. Not that Tess was interested in Alex or ever had been really, but she did have an interest in all things medical.

"Yeah, Alex has decided to become a psychiatrist. Right now his working on his medical degree. Part of that is working at the local clinic. That's where he is tonight."

"Oh. And I thought it was because he was trying to avoid Isabel." Tess remarked before turning back to her meal.

"Isabel?" Ben asked his expression confused then brightening suddenly. "Oh, wait. She's the other one that was in the room today right? The model. Where is she anyway?"

"She had some big promotion to attend." Michael explained. "She said she might try to catch up with us if she gets out early."

Silence fell over the table once again as each person sat lost in their thoughts. Liz couldn't help but wonder if her kissing Ben earlier had the effect on Max she had been shooting for. It was hard to tell since he had barely spoken a word since her return. And his expression was once more veiled behind a calm mask of reserve. The way it used to be all those years ago. Before he let her see into his soul. Before he connected with her and opened every part of his life to her. Even his deepest, darkest secret.

Liz's heart silently longed for those days. The days when she could look into his eyes and know everything he was thinking and feeling. In all of her life, it had been the truest thing she'd ever known. Their love. That oneness she found when holding his hand. Or leaning her head against his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her. Sharing a smile. Her gaze drifted to his handsome face and she sighed. It was a longing she both cherished and cursed herself for.

"So, Max. What do you do?" Ben asked deciding now would be a good time to see if Max truly deserved the yearning he saw in Liz's eyes every time they drifted to his face. Which had been quite often during the dinner. Ben was trying to keep a note of agitation out of his voice, but try as he might, it was getting more and more difficult. Not because of the events earlier. Although Liz's brash show of affection had definitely put him on his guard.

It was more because of the subtle looks and unexpected connection these two obviously had. It was unnerving to say the least. Not that he hadn't expected it. He had actually. Pretty much since the moment he'd heard Liz whisper Max's name but especially since his talk with Tess. It was just hard to admit what he'd begun to come to grips with earlier. There were still a lot of powerful emotions floating back and forth between these two and Ben was completely at a loss as to how to stop them. Maybe he shouldn't even try.

Liz refused to look at Max when Ben directed his question to him. There had already been too many slip-ups tonight already. If she was going to pull this off, she couldn't risk looking into his eyes for too long. Instead, she reached for her soda and waited to hear that velvety voice as he recounted what he'd been doing all these years without her.

Max set his drink down before answering Ben. "I'm a paramedic."

"Well, that must be an interesting field. Why don't you tell us about how you got into it?" Ben prompted as he stabbed his fork into his plate and took another bite of his meal.

Max shrugged his shoulders and glanced around the table before beginning. "Well, there's not much to it. The schedule suits mine. I like the adrenaline rush that comes with some of our rescues. And it seems I have a natural...uh...talent…in the healing arts." Max's lips curled upward in a secret smile and he paused when he saw a faint smile flit across Liz's face. He knew in that moment she was remembering that day at the Crashdown. The day he saved her life and they both began to really live.

"Have you ever saved a life?"

Liz sucked in her breath and waited for Max's answer as she stared down at her plate. Why did that question unnerve her so? It wasn't that others at the table didn't know of Max's healing power. That they hadn't been witnesses to how he saved her life. Maybe it was because Max had done more than just save her physical life that day. He'd saved her soul. Her heart. Her dreams. All of which died the day he walked away from her. Could he do the same for someone else? Had he? Was there someone else out there walking around wondering why a part of them would never live again because his destiny was with Tess?

Having seen the various emotions flitting across Liz's face, Max nodded once. "Yes, I have." He read the sadness in her eyes as easily as he felt the sadness in his heart. She was questioning his ability to touch someone the way he had touched her. Wondering if by chance someone else knew what it was like to see into his soul…to share it…to hold it dear. If she only knew…

Ben's words pulled both Liz and Max back to the present. "It must be a very rewarding feeling knowing you've saved someone's life."

"It's amazing." Max's voice softened to a whisper as his eyes were glued to Liz's face. "The third most amazing feeling in the world."

"The third?" Ben smirked as he reached for his glass. "So what's the second?"

Max's chest expanded as he took a deep breath daring to take the chance of a lifetime. He released the breath slowly his eyes softening with sudden emotion as they remained fixed on the other half of his soul. "Loving Liz."

Ben's eyebrow raised and he blinked at Max's boldness. He certainly hadn't expected that one. His eyes flicked to Liz's face and he saw the beginning of an unexpected smile on her lips as her eyes raised to meet Max's. Ben's next leading question came out in a strangled voice. "And the first?"

Max's eyes flickered with hope as a smile began to light his face. "Knowing she loves me back."

A pin could have dropped in Timbuktu…or the Timbuktu version on another planet…in another solar system…and every person at the table would have heard it. Michael squeezed Maria's hand when he sensed she was about ready to squeal with joy at Max's daring move. Tess' eyes flicked to Ben's face to catch his reaction. Ben just stared at Max and swallowed hard realizing for the first time that Max Evans might be the only person in the world that truly knew what being completely loved by Liz Parker was really like. When his gaze shifted back to Liz, he knew instantly that he was right.

Liz couldn't have concealed her overwhelming love for Max in that moment if she'd tried. Not that she did try. She was too dazed at his words to do anything but sit and stare at him, their eyes locked in a private rendezvous from years gone by.

Their fingers naturally entwined together as their hands touched in search of the last fortune cookie. Liz started to giggle when Max pulled her hand to his lips for a quick kiss. "Trying to steal my fortune, are you?"

Liz shook her head as her eyes began to shine. Leaning forward she let her lips hover over his a moment as a slow smile spread over her lips. "That would be impossible."

"Why?" Max breathed quietly as his eyes moved to focus on her lips.

"Because your fortune is my fortune. Just like your destiny..."

"Is the same as yours." Max finished for Liz. "I do believe that you know." Max reached up and put his hand gently against the side of her face, his thumb beginning its usual caress lightly across her cheek. "Liz?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you have any idea what your love means to me?"

Liz shook her head slightly. "Why don't you tell me?"

"Do you remember that history project we did? Where we had to ask questions…"

"The one where Kyle and you were partners?" Liz tilted her head to the side wondering what this had to do with her question. "Yeah. I remember."

"There was a question…what was the most important thing that ever happened to you. Do you remember that one?"

Again, Liz nodded silently. Max smiled and his eyes softened. "My answer was you."

Liz's dark eyes widened and she gasped. "You told Kyle…"

Max rolled his eyes then chuckled. "No. I didn't tell Kyle that. I lied to Kyle. I told him it was when I was adopted. Just like I lied when I told him I'd never been in love before." Max took Liz's hands in his. "But my heart knew a different answer. To both questions."

"Liz, before you…" Max looked down his eyes darkening with seriousness. "…I lived my life moment by moment. In loneliness. In fear. I watched the world go by thankful when I lay down at night that I'd made it through another day undetected. My dreams were only that, Liz. Dreams. I'd loved you for so long from a distance that I thought that was enough for me. I thought it was the most amazing and yet tortuous feeling in the world because I was too afraid to believe…to hope for anything more…anything real to happen between us."

A slow, charming smile lit Max's eyes as he looked back up at Liz. "But now…Liz, now I really know what the most amazing thing in the world is. Being loved by you. And torture…" Max ran his thumb along Liz's cheek and caught a stray hair tucking it behind her ear. "…torture would be to never see your eyes soften with love when you look at me. Or never feel your lips against mine again. Touching your face. Knowing that somehow I'd lost your heart forever would be the worst torture in the world for me."

"Because now I look forward to each new day because I know I'm no longer alone. I plan for the future. Our future. And dreams aren't just dreams anymore, Liz. They're just reality waiting for the right time to happen. There's no other feeling in the world like knowing you love me. You know, you think I saved you that day at the Crashdown. But the truth is…you're the one who saved me. Your love gives me hope and life. It gives me everything."

"Oh, Max." Liz breathed softly before she took his face in her hands and pulled his lips to hers. The kiss was tender and sweet and full of all the love Liz felt in her heart. When she pulled away tears sparkled in her eyes and one managed to roll down the side of her cheek. "I can only give you everything because you gave it to me first. Don't you know that yet?"

The brightness of Max's eyes took Liz's breath away. She'd never known eyes so full of emotion. So open to sharing everything with her. She'd never known anyone like Max Evans. She knew she never would. Till the day she died, no one would ever come close to owning her heart the way he did. That was a promise and a prediction all rolled into one. She smiled brightly through her tears at the thought.

"I guess not." Max responded when he reached up and wiped away her tear. A playful light came into his eyes and he gave Liz a wink. "Then again…you think I've given you everything because you still haven't seen your surprise."

Liz looked around her at the empty restaurant in confusion. "This wasn't your surprise? You mean there's more?"

Max's mouth dropped open in mock offense. "You're kidding, right?" He leaned forward and lowered his voice. "Liz Parker. I have healed you. You've seen yourself fly through outer space when we kiss and my soul when we touch…and you think the best 'not normal' night I can give you is renting out our favorite restaurant? Either you've lost your faith in me or you've still got so much to learn."

Liz began to chuckle as she reached up and touched his face. "Oh, honey. I'll always have faith in you…so, I guess that means I've got a lot to learn. Do you promise you'll teach me?"

Max tried valiantly to hide his grin and continue his offended air by rolling his eyes. His valiant effort failed. "Oh, alright. I guess I'll have to. But I have to warn you…I'm a very complex individual..." He glanced around the empty restaurant then winked at her. "And that's just the human side of me."

Giggling, Liz absently ran her hand back and forth over his. "So…you're saying it may take many, many years of education…"

"That's the plan." Max remarked as he glanced down at their hands entwined together. "In fact, I don't see why should wait. Just remember I told you to expect anything but normal tonight…" Max got up from his seat and extended his hand. "Come on. It's time for the second phase of making your dreams come true."

"Where are we going?"

"To make a little magic." Max replied cryptically then wiggled his eyebrows.

"Ok." With a radiant smile spreading over her face, Liz slipped out of her seat but pulled back on Max's hand suddenly when he started to lead her away from the table. "Max? Wait. What about the fortune cookie?"

Max glanced at the cookie on the table then back at Liz. His face brightened with a grin. "We don't need it. We already know what our future holds."

"You're right." Liz smiled in understanding. "Us."

"Us. Most definitely…us." Max agreed leaning forward and touching his lips to hers in a kiss of promise before wrapping his arm around her and leading out the door to her next surprise.

Ben's eyes shifted from Max and Liz's intense stare to Tess and he let out a sigh. He expected to see triumph in her blue eyes but instead found compassion. At least she was a gracious winner. And they hadn't even reached the part of the evening she wanted his help on. He honestly wasn't sure he wanted answers to his questions anymore. None of the details seemed to matter in the overwhelming evidence playing out in front of his eyes.

He saw alarm rip through Tess' expression before he heard the voice. "Uh…excuse me."

All sets of eyes turned toward the end of the table to see the man from the booth standing there waiting for someone to speak. Narrowing his eyes, Max took the initiative. "Yes? May we help you?"

Flashing a smile, the man turned his blue eyes on Max. "I hope you don't mind but I noticed there were only six of you and that you had an extra fortune cookie. Would any of you mind my taking the last one? I just love them so much…"

Max glanced at Liz then around the table. Seeing no immediate objection except the hint of fear in Tess' eyes Max reached for the cookie and handed it to the man. "Here. We don't mind at all."

His eyes narrowed again when the man remained at the end of the table instead of returning to his seat. He broke the cookie with a grin then glanced up at Tess. "Ah. The best part. The fortune."

Tess swallowed hard and when she spoke her voice wavered ever so slightly. "W-what does it say?"

Max glanced at Tess concern suddenly lining the edge of his eyes when he saw her hands balled up into fists resting rigidly in her lap. He reached over and put his hand over hers then blinked in surprise. Her hands were ice cold.

The man's voice brought his attention back to the answer to her question. He held the tiny slip of paper up before his eyes and read, "A well-chosen destiny sustains life. Death comes to those who count not the cost and follow blindly to the call of the heart. Choose thou, then, your destiny with wisdom. "

Max's face paled noticeably as he shot Liz a look and heard Tess' sharp intake of breath. "Oh my God. Nasedo…"

Tbc…

~ Chapter 11 ~

It was as if a spell had been cast over the table. Everyone at the table froze. Everyone except Ben, that is. He glanced around in confusion at the ripple of silent fear the man's words had caused and the look of recognition and anxiousness that jumped through Tess' eyes. His gaze moved to Max's pale face then to Liz. Whatever pain or conflict Max was enduring at that particular moment, it was all mirrored in Liz's eyes. It was as if she was living it with him…without knowing the source or the depth.

In was in that moment Ben realized just how truly connected these two people were. In a year and a half of knowing Liz Parker, there had only been one moment when Ben felt he could look into her soul and know what she was feeling. The night they met. The night he found her weeping on a park bench desperately trying to get over another man…over Max. Her emotions were too raw to be hidden. Her heart, broken and bleeding for all of the world to see.

He realized that it had been the last time he had truly seen the real Liz Parker. After that night, there had always been a wall that surrounded her heart. One that he could never completely reach through. And an emptiness in her eyes he'd never quite been able to fill no matter how many smiles she bestowed upon him or laughs they shared.

Not so with Max Evans. He hadn't just reached through her walls, he had demolished them with a look. And the emptiness in her eyes vanished like mist on a sunny day. In it's place were so many emotions Ben couldn't name. Feelings he'd never dreamed she could feel were shining in her eyes as she looked at Max. Maybe because after all this time, she'd finally found what she was looking for…her heart. Bruised, but not broken. Wounded, but still beating. Alive and full of a love that simply refused to die. That she'd found the one thing Ben had never been able to give her made complete sense because after all this time…she'd finally found Max Evans again.

Without thinking, Liz reached out and touched Max's hand across the table, breathing the quiet question "Max? What is it?" when she saw him pale visibly. Michael and Maria remained motionless after Michael wrapped his arm around Maria's shoulder when he felt her shiver against him.

Max swallowed hard. "Destiny."

Liz stiffened and tried to withdraw her hand as her gaze slipped over to Tess' face. She and Tess exchanged a glance and Liz's eyebrows furrowed with confusion when she saw the utter lack of hatred and possessive triumph in Tess' eyes. She looked frightened…and determined. It was as if Tess were trying to communicate something to her. Something she couldn't quite understand…

Tess had seen the exchange between Max and Liz and knew it wouldn't be long now. Their hearts were re-aligning with each other at such a rapid pace it wouldn't even have taken the rest of her plan and they would have been walking out of that restaurant hand-in-hand. If it hadn't been for that damn fortune cookie. And that man.

Another shiver ran through her. Was it really Nasedo? Had he really found them after all this time? And the fortune. Was it just coincidence? Or a warning? Either way, she wasn't going to let it get to her. And she sure as hell wasn't going to let it get to Max. She'd do everything in her power to keep his fear from ruling him this time…

As if coming to life when he felt the absence of Liz's touch when her hand slipped from his, Max instinctively reached out and grabbed her hand for strength before it had barely left his own. Looking around quickly his expression suddenly becoming anxious when he saw no sign of the man who had been there only moments before. "Where did he...? Did anyone see where he went?"

Previously entranced by the man's words and the hidden meaning he felt was waiting just for him, Max's voice wavered when he turned to Tess suddenly realizing the words she'd spoken. "Wait. Did you feel something? I mean, you must have. Just now. I heard you. Tess? You felt him, didn't you? That's why you said what you did…"

Swallowing back her fear, a nervous laugh was his answer before Tess forced a smile. "Feel something? Come on, Max. You almost sound as crazy as that guy did talking about destiny and death." Her eyes slid over to Ben's face then back to Max in a silent message. Once more donning her role as girlfriend, Tess leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I think we'll need to watch what you order from now on, dear. Certain foods seem to affect your sanity…"

Max looked at her in disbelief and started to shake his head in frustration and cast a glance in Michael and Maria's direction seeking silent help. Michael shrugged and Maria sat speechless, her eyes wide with confusion and twinged with fear. Max opened his mouth to say something when Tess turned to Ben suddenly. "So. Speaking of 'destiny'…the two of you." She indicated with a slight nod of her head toward Liz. "Was it love at first sight?"

Tess' question pulled Liz's eyes to Max who was suddenly diverted by Tess' direct question. Seeing a flash of pain waiting for her there in his eyes, she blinked quickly and pulled her hand away from Max uncomfortably. Maybe that had been a bit too strong. Noticing the sudden move, Tess amended her statement and turned to Ben. "I...I mean, how did you two meet?"

Ben shook his head. "I'm not really sure that's all that important right now…"

"Of course it is." Tess snapped. Realizing the harshness of her tone, she tilted her head to the side and smiled sweetly. "Please. We really want to hear it."

Ben leaned back and wrapped his arm around Liz's shoulder, more as a protective move than possessive. He began the story reluctantly. "Well, it was about a year and a half ago. I was taking a walk in the park and stumbled across this beautiful woman sitting on a park bench looking up at the stars in the sky."

He glanced over at Liz and saw her brow furrowed in worry. And was that fear he saw in her eyes? Or could it be that famous pain he'd seen all too often since that night? Feeling a sudden need to shield her from further injury, sensing the rest of the details would only bring additional pain especially here and now, Ben smiled and pulled her toward him then lied. "I asked if I could join her and we've been star gazing together ever since."

Liz breathed a sigh of relief. Thank God he didn't mention what other things she'd been doing when he found her that night in the park. Or the emotional state she was in. They had never spoken of it since that night, but it had been a profound turning point in Liz's life. It was the night she finally gave up all hope that Max Evans and she would ever be together again. In many ways, it was the night she died. She shot Ben a grateful smile that wasn't missed by Max or Tess.

Sensing a prime moment for another jab, Tess put her hand on Max's shoulder and leaned into him. "Must have been a real journal moment, huh, Liz?" Tess felt the muscles in Max's shoulder tense at the mention of Liz's journal. She knew it would hit a nerve…and by the look on Liz's face she'd completed her task. "At least that's the kind of stuff you used to write about wasn't it? Star gazing and rainbow dances..."

Max's mouth dropped open and his gaze shot to Liz's face just as her head snapped up at Tess' comment. Her hand flew to her mouth as she took a shaky breath her eyes moving from Tess to Max. Their eyes connected and for a moment they held each other captive speaking words neither of them had to strength to say. That journal had held so much information. Not just about who Max was but who Liz was when she was with Max. The bond they shared. The love that had blossomed between them. Every detail of their lives together…of that one special night…

Max saw the indescribable pain rip through Liz's eyes then turn to an instant film of tears. Her voice was shaking with accusation. "You...you told her? How could you have..."

Max shook his head emphatically and reached across the table for her hand. She shrunk back from him. Looking away for a moment he pulled his hand back to his lap then looked back into her eyes again willing her to see his sincerity. "No, Liz. I didn't. I swear. Liz, you've got to believe me..."

"Believe you? How else could she know?" Liz's voice was laced with pain. A sudden thought dawned on her and her eyes widened in understanding. "She saw didn't she? In a flash…"

"A flash?" Ben's voice broke through the tenseness of the moment.

Tears washed over each word. "You've…had…flashes with...her, Max?"

"NO!" Max emphatic denial exploded as he earnestly tried to explain. "It's not what you think. Liz, please…please let me explain…"

For the second time that evening, Liz's emotions were too much for her to handle. She shook her head and jumped up from the table. "There's nothing…to explain. What you do with your…" She cast an envious, hurt look in Tess' direction. She spit the next word out as if it were a curse. "…destiny is your choice."

"But…" Max began but Liz brushed past him a quiet sob echoing in his ears.

Max threw his napkin on the table and jumped up from his seat, turning to follow her. He got two steps and was stopped by the weight of a heavy hand on his shoulder. "Max. Let her go…"

Something in Max snapped. His fist balled up and when he swung around to face Ben, so did his fist. Connecting hard with Ben's face, Max let out a growl of frustration. Ben fell back a few steps and steadied himself. He touched his lower lip and looked down at his fingers to see the red liquid he could already taste in his mouth. Glancing back up at Max, he smiled wryly. "Feel better now? You've been aching to do that since the moment you laid eyes on me, haven't you?"

Max remained silent and motionless. His jaw was working fiercely to contain the anger, jealousy and self-loathing that was boiling inside and his fists clenched and unclenched by his side.

Ben shrugged. "I don't blame you. I've had the same urge since the second I heard her say your name." He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his lip. "So, what do we do now? Stand here in a face off? Or are you going to let me go to her so I can give her what she needs?"

Max swallowed hard and blinked suddenly at the calmness of Ben's words. With Liz's tears playing over and over again in his mind, it only took a moment for him to hang his head and step to the side knowing that of the two of them Ben was what Liz needed right now. Who knows? Maybe he was what she needed for always…

As Ben brushed past him, Tess shook her head in disbelief. "What do you think you're doing, Max? Go after her. Explain everything. You're the one she wants right now…"

Max turned on Tess suddenly as anger flashed in his eyes. Grabbing her arm he gruffly pulled her up from her chair as he rose. "Enough. Come with me."

"But…Max…"

"NOW!" Max growled not letting her finish her protest. Instead he drug her out into the pool area and spun her around to face him. "What the hell did you do that for? After what happened earlier…I told you not to hurt her and that's all you've done tonight. How could you even do that? And what the hell is going on with that guy? I heard you, Tess. I heard you say Nasedo. Was that him? Was it??"

Tess blinked at Max's unexpected outburst. "Max…I…"

"No! You know what? Don't even try to lie to me right now. If Liz...if we're in danger, I need to know." He put his hands on her shoulders and bent to look in her eyes. "Tell me the truth, Tess. Was that Nasedo?"

"What the hell is going on?" Michael's voice sounded behind Max and Max whirled to face he and Maria.

"Nasedo..." Max answered tersely.

Everyone froze. For the second time that night, you could have heard a pin drop…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Ironic, don't you think?"

Liz's head shot up at the familiar voice behind her. She quickly wiped her eyes as she felt him move to the side of the bench and face her, catching her in the act. "A year and a half ago, I found you sitting here on this very bench doing exactly what you're doing now. Looking up at the stars. Holding that same ring to your chest. And crying your heart out over another guy."

Liz sniffled and moved over to make room for him as Ben handed her a handkerchief. "Thanks…and I don't just mean for this." She held up the kerchief she'd just used to dab her eyes then turned to face him as she stuffed the ring Max had given her years ago back into its hiding place in her purse. "I mean for not saying anything. You know, back there at the restaurant about how we met…"

Her eyes widened when she saw the cut on his lip and the darkening skin that would be a bruise by tomorrow. Reaching out to touch the spot gingerly, she asked a question she already knew the answer to. "What…what happened?"

Ben chuckled. "Max happened."

"Max?" Liz's voice held a note of surprised awe. "But he's like the least violent person in the world."

"Apparently not when it comes to you." Ben answered quietly. "And about not giving all the details on how we met…well, there's no use adding to the pile of evidence in front of our eyes. It'd only help him win his case that much sooner." Ben shrugged then leaned against the back staring straight ahead of him. "Although, truth be known, it was won before I ever even met you."

Liz slowly turned her gaze from the brilliant sky to the face of the man she had planned to call 'husband'. Meeting his eyes briefly, she swallowed, crossed her arms in front of her and lowered her head reading in his expression the knowledge of what was in her heart. Still, she needed to hear it. Maybe a verbal acknowledgment would give her the courage to do what she should have done so long ago. "What...do you mean? What case?"

"The one that determines who gets the girl in the end." Ben stated evenly before turning to gaze to her. "So. He's the one. The one that's always stood between us...in that space between our hearts. The one you won't talk about but can't get out of your head...or your heart."

Liz nodded once and blinked back the tears that began forming in her eyes again. "He was my first love."

"Who are you kidding, Liz? He's your only love." Ben corrected with the unspoken words in he saw in her eyes then amended his statement when he saw her mouth open to protest. "I know you love me, Liz. I'm not questioning that. It's…just not the same."

A slight shake of his head and a sad smile accompanied his next words. "I'm your reliable comfy blanket. The one you can always count on. We have a good time together and share common interests but…he's your…" Ben looked back into her eyes. "…soul. The part that makes you whole. That fills you up. The part you can't live without and be truly happy. That night that I found you here, you were mourning him. The loss of him in your life. From what it looks like you still are. So is he."

Ben reached for her hand as a wistful look flitted across his face. "It was beautiful to see, you know? That love I've always looked for in your eyes...the instant connection that no one can deny. That radiance of being in love that washed all over you. I saw it today. For the first time ever. And it was when you were looking at Max."

Liz nodded her agreement and took a deep breath before meeting his eyes once more. "Ben, I'm sorry I didn't tell you..."

Ben shrugged his shoulders. "I didn't want to know, Liz. I mean, I knew there was someone else...someone I could never replace, but I didn't want to know his name or what he looked like. How you whispered his name like a prayer. And I certainly didn't want to know how your eyes light up when you look at him...how you're whole body comes alive somehow. You, Liz. You...come alive around him."

Liz's secret smile spread over her lips. "That's the way it always was with us…"

"Then what happened?" Ben asked quietly.

Liz shook her head her eyes began to brim with tears. "It's…really very…complicated."

"Not from what I've seen…"

Liz swallowed and wiped away a tear that had fallen. "Trust me, it is."

"If you're adding Tess to the mix of complications, I wouldn't. She and Max are no more together than Michael and Maria are separated."

Liz looked up in surprise. "What makes you think…"

"She as much as admitted it to me, Liz." Ben answered quietly. "I've spent years studying people. Observing them, reading reactions. I could tell something wasn't right with them."

"But that doesn't mean they aren't together. Maybe they're just having problems." Liz was trying desperately not to allow hope to flare up in her heart. What if what Ben was saying was true? What if they weren't together? What did it all mean? Did she and Max really still have a chance after all this time?

"You're right. But you know there's a difference in having problems and simply not being in love with each other. They play the part, Liz, but they aren't. In fact, she seemed rather eager to prove to me just how much you and Max still love each other."

"But that makes no sense." Liz said more to herself than to Ben before she let out a shaky sigh. Shaking her head clear of confusing thoughts, Liz fought back sudden tears. "It doesn't matter anyway. He has a destiny, Ben. And it's with her."

"Then who is yours with?"

His question caused Liz's gaze to move upward toward the night sky. "I thought I used to know…"

"You still do." Ben responded softly. "You just have to listen to your heart then follow it…wherever it leads."

Liz's head snapped to the side and her eyes blinked suddenly. "That's…what my grandmother told me to do." A smile touched her lips as she began to remember out loud. "She also said he wasn't a soulmate if it wasn't complicated…"

"Sounds about right." Ben smiled wryly. "Come on, Liz. You know me. I don't believe in soulmates or destiny and fate the way some others do. I think destiny is a two-way street. On one hand, there is a destiny that chooses you. But on the other…well, you also have to be willing to choose that destiny back."

"What do you mean?"

"Take love, for instance. You can't choose it. Who you love. Why you love them. Or even when. But doing something about it…well, that's a choice. You can either reach out and embrace it…" Ben ran his thumb over the ring on her third finger. "…or you can let it go."

Liz nodded. "Is that what you're here to do? Let me go?"

Ben's eyes remained fixed on the ring. His ring of promise. Promises that meant nothing if given to someone whose heart belongs somewhere else. He rubbed it once more and smiled sadly. "I want what he has, Liz. I want to know what it's like to love someone with every part of me…and know they love me back the same way. I want to know that no one can ever take my place in someone's heart. To find my soulmate."

"But I thought you didn't believe in soulmates."

Ben shrugged and looked away. "What can I say? You and Max made me a believer tonight. Besides, I think I deserve to feel the most amazing feeling in the world too." Looking back at her, Ben winked with a smile. "Only I think I need to find my own 'Liz' to feel it with."

Liz sniffed back the tears that she couldn't stop from falling as she reached up and touched Ben's face. "You do deserve it. And you'll find her. I know you will…"

Ben smiled through his own film of tears and swallowed the lump that had risen in his throat as he watched her slip his ring off her finger. She held it for a moment lost in thought before she handed it to him. "We were good together."

"Yeah." Ben breathed quietly as he took the ring from her and looked up into her eyes. "But we weren't the best." He slipped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her to him for one last hug. "That's still to come." Liz nodded against his shoulder as she hugged him back. He patted her back and pulled away forcing a smile onto his face. "Now. What are you still doing here?"

Liz smiled back at him, a new sense of peace having washed over her. She wiped a tear away as her gaze drifted across the street to the restaurant she's run from only a short while ago. The feel of Ben's hand on hers brought her eyes back to his. He inclined his head toward the restaurant. "Go. Find your heart. Fight for it if you have to, but whatever you do, don't let go. It only comes around once in a life…"

Liz stood with a nod. Leaning down she quickly kissed Ben on the cheek and whispered a quiet "Thank you" then turned and walked toward the direction of her destiny…whatever that may be.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What?" Maria mouth dropped open. "But I thought all that was over and done."

"Apparently not." Max responded tersely as his gaze shifted back to Tess. "Is it, Tess?"

"I don't know, ok?"

"What do you mean you don't know?" Michael asked as he stepped forward.

Tess' face flushed with anger. "I don't know! How more plain can I make it?"

"Try!" Michael commanded loudly before he felt Maria's hand slip into his.

Tess let out a sigh and leaned back against the pool table. "I noticed him before. At the booth when I was coming back to the table with Ben." An involuntary shiver ran through her. "There was something in his eyes…" She looked around the group. "I don't know if it's him or not, but he really creeped me out."

Max swallowed hard as he looked around the group. "Did anyone else get the idea that message was somehow meant for us? For me?"

Tess stood and stepped up to Max shaking her head. "No. Don't even start thinking that way. Max, don't let some crazy words from some creepy stranger stop you from following your heart."

"I have to if that creepy stranger was Nasedo, Tess!" Max dropped his head and let out a sigh of frustration. "God, don't you get it? I can't take the chance. If it means Liz's life…"

"Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Wait a sec." Maria's voice broke through Max's self-directed declaration. "What do you mean 'Liz's life'?" Maria shot Michael a glance but received nothing more than confusion in return. She stepped up to Max, pushing Tess to the side. "Max?"

Max stood staring at the ground unable to lift his eyes any higher. He felt like it was happening all over again. Loosing Liz. Having to make a choice. To let go or suffer death. His heart felt dead inside at the thought. But wasn't death what he had been living with for the past 7 years anyway? Maria's voice pulled him back to reality.

"Alright, buddy. You've got exactly 5 seconds to start explaining how my best friend's life is suddenly in danger if Nasedo is, in fact, back in our lives."

Max swallowed hard and looked up at Maria. "It's our destiny."

Everyone's eyes shifted to the door when they heard Liz's voice. "Well, then. Looks like we're right back where we were before…" Her eyes locked with Max's. "…doesn't it?"

Tbc…