NOT a date (1)

Few minutes before noon, the doorbell rang, and Liz moved to answer it. She knows it's Max, picking her up for their lunch (and activities and dinner).

Liz took a deep breath while trying to suppress Olivia's words before opening the door. She does not need that 'he likes you' nonsense in her head. It will spoil her day by making her tense.

Liz still remembers how she was tense around Hunter for no reason and it spoiled a perfectly good few hours. She will not allow that to happen again because… this is NOT a date and Max is NOT interested in her.

Right! She knows that Max is a nice guy, and that he is with Quentin so there is no need for her to be nervous. Because: nothing will happen.

Liz opened the door and stifled a laugh when she saw that their clothes are… matching. Both have white running shoes, blue jeans and light gray graphic t-shirts on. Only the image on the t-shirt is different. Even the light blue color of their jackets is almost matching.

"If you have a black bag on you, we dressed like twins.", she said while pointing at the small leather bag which was hanging from her shoulder at her waist level.

"Does a wallet count?", he showed her a black leather wallet before putting it back in his pocket.

She laughed.

He drove to a small Italian restaurant which provided great service with an amazing food in a cozy atmosphere. Liz approved that the dress code is not enforced. It is casual, relaxing… and Max is full of stories which make it fun.

"Do you come with Quentin here often?", she asked.

He raised an eyebrow at the sudden mentioning of Quentin. "Not really. Maybe once or twice."

Liz reminded herself not to be nosy. But she was curious why is Max not with Quentin on a Sunday afternoon.

"I noticed that you two are close, so I assume you spend a lot of time together… How come you are not with him now?"

"Yes, we are close. But we don't spend a lot of time together. Each of us has our own life…" Max paused and narrowed his eyes at Liz. "Is there a reason why I should have this lunch with him instead of you?"

Liz realized that she crossed some invisible line. "Oh, no, no… sorry. I tend to ask whatever is on my mind."

"Is Quentin on your mind?" Max frowned while thinking that Liz might be interested in Quentin. Why else would she ask about him?

Liz closed her eyes and took a deep breath while scolding herself internally. Based on Max's expression she can tell what is on his mind.

'Great! Now Max thinks that I'm his love rival!' She scrambled while thinking how to get out of this…

"He is your friend, right? So, I was only curious in an attempt to know you better. Trust me when I say that I am totally focused on you."

Max relaxed and smiled. He likes that… she is focused on him.

"Yes, he is my friend. What about yours? Tell me about your friends…"

Liz spoke about Brianna and Mia with enthusiasm, happy that Max does not see her as his love rival. That was close.

After lunch, Liz was surprised to find out that Max planned for the afternoon a bike tour through Seattle. It came with a guide and everything.

"I didn't check if you can ride a bike…", he said while observing her complex expression. Actually, he thought about that possibility, and he would not mind riding a bike with Liz on it.

She looked at him innocently and responded with a question: "Does a stationary bike in the gym count?"

They both laughed.

"Honestly, I didn't ride one in years. But they say you never forget how to ride a bike…", Liz was up to the challenge.

A three hour tour had many sightseeing stops where the guide talked about their current location. And they took photos. It was fun and it didn't seem like much pedaling, but toward the end of the tour, Liz's body reminded her that she needs to exercise.

"Tired?", Max asked with a charming smile. "You can hold onto my shoulder, I can drag you."

"No, thanks." Liz is not the one to admit her weakness. She secretly glanced at the time and exhaled in relief when she saw that the tour should end in less than fifteen minutes.

Liz's legs were shaky when she got off the bicycle. She was more than happy to accept the coffee offer when Max gestured to the coffee shop on the corner.

"Here you go.", he pulled a second chair for her, and lifted her legs on it before going to order coffee for both of them.

Liz was reminded that Max is very observant. And even though she said that she is not tired, he saw through her, but he didn't rub it in.

'Ah, Quentin is a lucky guy.', Liz thought while observing Max.

'Smart, funny, observant, caring, handsome, a gentleman…' Liz pinched her own arm to remind herself to stay focused. No matter how charming Max is, he is taken. And she came here to work, not to get carried away with some romance nonsense.

She shook her head while thinking that this is totally uncharacteristic for her to have such thoughts… What kinds of thoughts she has exactly? She is only appreciating good qualities of her neighbor. Nothing more… She told herself.

…

Max parked the car in front of an unmarked building.

He extended his arm, palm up to help Liz get out of the car.

"This is not a restaurant.", she voiced her thoughts while getting out of the car.

"True. It's a necessary stop before dinner.", he explained vaguely.

"Mr. Anderson, it's nice to see you again.", tall and slim man welcomed Max warmly as soon as they entered.

Liz can see that they know each other.

"Hi Simon. This is Miss Williams. Please have her ready for a formal occasion. You have half an hour."

Liz was caught off guard. Simon person ushered her into the side room with urgency before she got a chance to ask for an explanation. Once Liz was seated on a comfortable sofa, Simon excused himself and three women greeted Liz before showing her variety of elegant dresses and asking about her styling preferences.

Liz understood that Max got her here to dress up for a dinner where formal attire is necessary. She puffed her cheeks in frustration. Why didn't he tell her in advance? She has a dress or two that are formal. Is there a need to go through all this? They could have gone back to their apartments and she can get ready in fifteen minutes.

She was never too much into bling, so she picked a simple black knee-length backless skater dress. It's elegant, but not too much. Paired with silver open toe pumps and a silver clutch, she was ready… almost. There was still hair and makeup.

"Just curl it up a bit and keep it down…", she told the lady who was ready with a comb while she picked a rose colored lipstick from the selection makeup stylist offered. Liz rejected jewelry.

Max's handsome eyebrow arched, and he smiled in approval when he saw Liz come out into the hallway.

If she could read his mind, she would find out how impressed he is under that well-rehearsed cool façade. The dress emphasizes her narrow waist and long legs, her breasts are covered fully, yet plump and inviting… everything about Liz is just right. Even the natural makeup is only enhancing her full lips and black eyes. He does not remember when was the last time he took out for a dinner a woman with less makeup and less bling, yet so beautiful. She is stunning.

Liz looked at him and observed his perfectly fitting black suit with two thin silver lines on the lapels. She will not deny that he is extremely handsome, but she reminded herself that he is… taken… Quentin.

"We are matching again.", she smiled.

Max approached her with a spring in his step and a boyish grin while offering his arm which she took.

Liz wanted to scold him for this unnecessary styling treatments, but he was so happy that she didn't want to spoil it. Ah, well… it's already done.

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