160 Clarifying things with Isaac and Max

In Max's apartment…

Isaac, Max, and Hunter are holding onto a glass of whiskey each and sitting in silence.

Max and Isaac told Hunter what happened after he and Mia left, but Hunter was unable to offer any insights why Liz is upset. He does not get it either. Women are complicated.

Max perked up at the sound of shuffling from the main door. With Hunter here, it can only be Sabrina or Liz and he really-really hopes that it's Liz. He held his breath and his eyes widened when the door opened… and it's Liz!

In next moment, Max's mood dampened. Why is she here? Did she come to scold him? Or to break up with him? Max felt that he can't breathe. He can't think of a reason why Liz would break up with him, but he can't figure out why she is angry either and with Hunter coming here and spreading his gloominess, now Max is on a verge of panic.

Liz walked to the living room with an unreadable expression and turned to Isaac first: "Dad… I love you to pieces and I know that you love me as well. But I will appreciate if you are less enthusiastic about my boyfriend. I already told you that we started dating only recently and that we are not at the point where we are making long-term plans. What will you do if we break up tomorrow? I promise that if it's anything serious, or something that impacts my life… like an engagement or a pregnancy, I will let you know."

Isaac relaxed at Liz's words. What she said made sense. He was about to say something, but he swallowed his words when Liz continued…

"Based on your sudden appearance in Seattle and your treatment of Max I can guess that your presence here is somehow connected to him." Liz paused and observed her father. His stunned expression told her that her hunch is correct. "Did you think that I didn't notice how you were scrutinizing him from the moment you found out that he is my boyfriend? At first, I thought how that is normal for a father, but then there was your phone call this afternoon. You said that you clarified something and that he is taking care of me and that you approve of him is by my side… I mean, I would be stupid not to notice your change in attitude. I don't need to know who spoke to you about me behind my back, but I am disappointed that you didn't call me to talk about it instead of coming here like you found out that I am squandering my life and family fortune."

Isaac looked at Liz guiltily and Liz felt a bit guilty too. Was she too harsh? They always spoke openly, but this sounds like scolding. She took a deep breath to adjust her mood and said softly: "Dad, don't take some stranger's words for granted. If you hear something, talk to me first, don't jump into conclusions. OK?"

Isaac nodded in agreement. "I am sorry sweetheart. It's the first time I heard that you are involved with a man and I got carried away. Also, I was warry of Max for wrong reasons, and when that cleared up I overcompensated while trying to make it up to him and to you. I only wanted to let you know that I have a good opinion of him and that I approve of your relationship. If my opinion matters."

"It does not matter.", Liz said bluntly. "But I am glad that you approve of my current choice. I know that Max is a wonderful man and a gentleman and that he is treating me well. I would not be with him otherwise. But that is now, and I don't know what waits for us in the future. I hope that you know that if I find another boyfriend, he will be better than Max. I will not downgrade."

"That is good to hear.", Isaac said with a smile.

Max listened to this exchange and thought that he might pass out. Do they even see that he is in the room? Or did he turn into a ghost?

Why is Liz talking about a breakup and finding someone better? Max panicked. Oh, God! She will break up with him!

"Max…", Liz turned to the now pale man and paused. "Are you in pain?" She assumed that his back flared up again.

Max was not sure how to answer this. He was unable to form any words… and Liz saw through him.

"Stop panicking!", Liz exclaimed. "I need you to listen. Can you focus?"

Max nodded weakly.

She glanced at the glass in front of him and frowned. "Are you drinking? While on pain medications?"

"I took just few sips.", Max lied and pushed the glass away from him.

Liz exhaled and shook her head in disapproval. Why is he acting like a baby? She told herself to focus. She is here to clarify things.

"Max, I am upset at you because you told everyone that we didn't engage in coitus. Honestly, I don't know why you said that, but I see it as oversharing. Maybe you have numerous partners in your past and you don't think it's a big deal, but for me is different." Liz paused and thought how she is ambiguous, and that Max will misunderstand again. "Allow me to clarify... The act of penetration is a physical one and I don't give it much significance other than curiosity of how it will feel and if I will enjoy it or not. And I don't place much value on the concept of virginity because it's just a rupture in the membrane which is partially closing the opening of the vagina. However, I wish that you understand how I expect that what we do in the bedroom stays in the bedroom and it should not be shared with our friends and family. And this is not only related to the bedroom. As two people in a relationship I believe that in time we will have many things which should be kept between the two of us."

Isaac wished that he didn't hear some parts of Liz's speech, but he approves of her talking openly. That is the only way the relationship will be successful.

Max listened to Liz attentively and his lips curved into a smile when he realized that she is talking about them as a couple in a present tense and that means that she does not want to break up with him. He scolded himself for overreacting and for talking without thinking during dinner. Now that Liz brought it up, he understands why she is upset.

"I am sorry, Liz. It's just that… when my mom looked at me as the source of the information about your pregnancy, I panicked, and I only thought of proving my innocence because I was afraid that you will believe that I lied, and that you will hate me."

Liz moved and sat next to Max. She took his hand into hers and asked softly: "Why would I believe that you lied?"

"My record is not exactly clean. Before I knew your name I labeled you as my girlfriend.", Max reminded Liz.

Liz observed Max and she was touched to see how his concern is that she sees him in a positive light while trying to escape the mischiefs of his past. She wanted to let him know that she cares about him now, and that the only thing which counts is how he is treating her going forward.

"You did. But you promised no games, no lies and that you will treat me with respect. And I believe that you are true to that promise."

Max was surprised that she remembers this. "Do you still believe in that?"

Liz nodded. "I trust you."

Max smiled and pulled Liz into a hug. Her words confirmed that she is giving him a chance for a fresh start, a clean slate where his fickle playboy past does not matter. She is amazing.

"Thank you…", he murmured into her hair.

"I am sorry for snapping and not explaining my source of anger right away. Next time, I promise to tell you what you did wrong."

Max stifled a laugh. "What if you are the one who wronged me?"

Liz didn't think about that as an option. Why would she make a mistake? But now that he mentioned it… "In that case, I hope that you will tell me what I did, and give me a chance to explain myself before you lock me outside of the apartment."

"Deal." Max said right away and added after few seconds: "Liz, I hope that you know how I would never hurt you on purpose."

"I do." Liz was about to kiss him but then she realized that they are in Max's living room and that they have an audience. "Uhm… I am a bit tired. How about we go to my place and get ready for sleep?"

Max's eyes lit up. "Your bolster is ready and available, Miss Williams."

Liz laughed. "Let's go."

"Hey, what about me?", Hunter called after Max and Liz.

"You are not joining us.", Max said coolly.

Hunter rolled his eyes. Who wants to join them? He looked at Liz pleadingly. "Did Mia say something?"

"She did. And she wants to talk to you, but she is figuring out how. Uhm… she asked me for some time to sort out her thoughts, but in my opinion, she does not need any. The best way to clear things up is to have an open conversation and say what is on your mind. The longer you postpone, the more unreasonable thoughts will sprout." Liz ended while looking at Max.

"So… can I come and see her?", Hunter asked reluctantly.

Liz tilted her head toward the door, indicating to Hunter that he should come.

Liz made few steps toward the door and then paused. She turned to face Isaac. "Are you coming?"

Isaac looked at Max and Liz standing in the hallway and holding hands and he thought of giving them space.

Isaac glanced at Max. "Is it OK if I spend the night here?"

Max gestured to the door on the left. "You can use this bedroom. Spare toiletries are in the drawer at the side of the sink."

"Thanks. I will come over for breakfast.", Isaac responded and stood up. "Before you call it a night, let me get my things from Liz's place to change into… Breakfast is at nine o'clock, right? …"

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