Part 5 Max pulled the jeep into the drive way and jumped out. He ran into the house and searched for his mother. “Mom? Noah?” Isabel ran in behind Max. Diane Evans walked into the room carrying a fitful Noah, who refused to stop crying. “Max, thank God you’re here. He’s been crying for the past half hour and he won’t stop. I’ve tried everything.” Max took Noah from his mother’s arms and gave him a gentle kiss. “Hey little man. What’s the matter? Why won’t you stop crying for gramma?” Noah looked into his father’s eyes and immediately calmed down. It was as if by being in his father’s arms, solved all of his little problems. Max gently rocked him back and forth. “Let’s take you upstairs and give gramma a break.” Max stopped beside his mother and placed a hand on her cheek. “Thanks ma, I appreciate you watching him. I’m sorry if he was a handful.” Diane brushed the hair off of Max’s forehead. “It’s ok honey. I think he just missed you, being in a new place and all.” Max just nodded and headed up the stairs to his and Noah’s bedroom. Once he got there, he kicked the door closed behind him. He sat down on his bed and watched his son. “What’s wrong little man? Why wouldn’t you stop crying for gramma?” Noah just hiccupped before turning his attention to Max’s shirt button. Max sighed and stroked his little back. “You can’t make this a habit. I wish I could spend every waking moment with you, but I can’t. You have to start getting used to this. I start school in a couple of days and I have to go back to work. I can’t be with you all of the time. You have to be a good little boy.” Noah continued to tug on Max’s shirt button. “What am I going to do with you?” ********************* Crashdown Cafe Liz continued to wipe down the counter, unaware that she had a dreamy smile on her face, or the fact that she was humming. Alex stood across the room and watched his best friend, oblivious to the whole world. He walked up to her and tapped her on the shoulder. “Spill it Parker. What’s up with all of the smiling and the humming?” Liz gave him a confused look as she wiped her hands on her apron. “Alex, what are you talking about?” Alex placed a hand on his chin and studied his friend. “Don’t play that game with me. I’ve known you for too long.” He paused for effect. “You’ve got that look.” “What look?” “The look that makes you look like you swallowed a light bulb.” Liz didn’t know how to respond. Maria made her way over to her two best friends. She linked her arm with Alex’s while giving Liz a ribald grin. “That’s cos she’s finally in love, Alex.” “What?!?” Both Liz and Alex yelled at the same time. Maria just laughed. When Liz finally composed herself, she stepped closer to Maria. “I have no idea what you’re talking about Maria. And besides, what would give you an idea like that?” Maria rocked back and forth on her heels. “Oh I don’t know, maybe a certain tall, dark, and handsome guy who goes by the name Max Evans.” Liz’s jaw dropped to the floor. She tried to give her most menacing glare, but failed miserably. “Whatever, Maria.” “Oh come on Lizzie. I saw the way you were looking at him. Doesn’t take a scientist to see all of the sparks flying.” Before Maria could further taunt Liz, Alex turned to her with a questioning glance. “Ok, maybe I missed something on the Deluca express, but who the hell is Max Evans?” Maria gave him an exasperated look. “You know, the Evans family that moved into the Delanie’s old place?” Maria gave a dramatic sigh. “You know, the family from California?” Alex’s eyes grew wide with coherence. “That’s right. So, you’re saying our little Lizzie has a crush on this guy?” Maria flashed him her patented Deluca smirk. “Yep. She definitely wants him.” Liz looked at her two friends incredulously. “You guys, I do not!” Maria and Alex looked at each other before bursting into laughter. They held their stomachs as they headed toward the break room. “I told you so Alex.” As the swinging door closed behind them, Liz’s voice permeated through. “You guys, I don’t! Guys?”