NOT a date (2)

The restaurant was as Liz expected. A high-end one which requires a formal attire.

The breathtaking view of the lake Union is something Liz didn't expect. She was impressed that Max got them a table with the best view. And again… the staff was very friendly toward Max.

"You come here often."

Max noticed that Liz didn't ask a question, she made a statement. He smiled in response. Of course, Liz is very observant. She probably picked up hints and came to a conclusion. Smart.

His eyes shifted slightly while worm of doubt started eating him. Is it a mistake to bring her here? This is one of the most romantic restaurants in Seattle and the price of one meal is hundreds of dollars. This is where he brings ladies to impress them and he wants to impress Liz. He hopes that Liz does not think that she is like any other girl he brought here… but then… how can he show her that she is special?

Max observed Liz and thought how she does not look impressed. She looks comfortable. How is that possible? The only excitement she showed was about the view. This is her first time in this restaurant, and she is either very good at controlling her expressions or she is used to places like this one... Or is it him? Is it possible that she is NOT interested in him?

Liz glanced around and immediately noticed that it's an upscale restaurant designed for… couples. Almost all tables are set for two, dimmed lights from the ceiling, candles on the table, soft background music, mesmerizing view of the lake through floor to ceiling windows… even the fireplace in the middle whispers about romance with every crackle of the burning logs. The staff is reflecting the atmosphere while gliding silently between tables, not to disturb… couples.

Liz looked at Max and smiled bitterly while thinking: 'Poor guy. He must miss Quentin, so he brought me here…'

She is confident that this is one of their regular spots. There is no other explanation why the staff knows Max and smiles at him warmly while throwing occasional unpleasant glances at her.

"What do you think about this restaurant?", Max asked after they ordered drinks.

"It's nice.", she responded.

In her opinion, it is nice. The restaurant has a charm of its own, but she is not blown away by it.

Her father always looks for an opportunity to take his 'favorite girl' (how he calls Liz) to various upscale restaurants in New York. And it's not uncommon on Saturday afternoon when both of them are free that they get into their private jet in order to have a dinner in some out-of-state luxurious restaurant. Liz is not the one to brag, but she saw many fancy places.

She told herself to leave her response at that 'it's nice', but… that is not Liz.

"I am thankful that you brought me here and arranged for all this…", she gestured toward her dress. "But it is not necessary. I am fine with an Asian takeout in front of the television. However, if you want to take me out where a formal attire is required, give me a heads up and I can get ready myself."

"I will keep that in mind for the next time." Max did his best to keep his cool expression.

He wondered, did she really not like it? All girls squeal from excitement when they come out of Simon's full-service salon which caters to upper class, feeling like a Cinderella all dressed up and ready for a fancy evening with her prince (aka Max).

Liz noticed that his mood dropped. She scolded herself internally for ruining this. He was being nice, and she is ungrateful. She needs to fix this… Liz reached over the intimate table and gently squeezed his hand.

"Max, I apologize if I hurt your feelings. I know that you planned for this day so that we can have a good time and I appreciate all this. What I wanted to say is… I am having a good time with you no matter where we are and what we do. I enjoy your company."

Max looked at her delicate hand over his and smiled. He placed his free hand over hers and raised his eyes toward Liz. "You had a good time?"

Liz smiled. "I still am."

The waiter came to their table to take their order and Liz pulled her hand back.

Max watched Liz's hand move back to her and he felt that his hands are… empty.

Over dinner, the mood was good, and they didn't have problems to find topics to talk about.

They exchanged stories related to their school days, and Liz asked at some point: "Based on what Rina told me, you were an overachiever but now you are avoiding work at the company. What happened? Did your interests change, and you want to do something else?"

"Do I need to want something else in order to lose interest?"

"I believe that humans are designed to do things. It's in our DNA. If you think about your day in the evening and day after day there is nothing, you are wasting the limited time which you received at birth. Every person has interests and talents, and when those two match and you are fortunate to have the right opportunity, wonderful things can happen. From what Rina told me, you have many talents. Just by looking at you I can tell that you are a leader. And your father is giving you the opportunity to lead the company. But it seems that your interest is not there…"

Max perked up. "You can tell that I am a leader?"

Liz rolled her eyes. "You have a knack to focus on the compliments… I wanted to know what you are interested in. Take me for an example… There was a time when I wanted to be a painter, and then a lawyer, and then a singer… but all those were temporary and faded away in comparison with being a neurosurgeon. So, what do you want to do with your life?"

Max thought about what she said.

'What do you want to do with your life?' That is the question his father shouted at him more than once. And Max does not have any idea how to answer it. His whole life he was striving to be the best. He was getting ready to take over the company, to manage thousands of people and provide a good work environment for all of them while making his parents proud... but after Irene left him, he lost interest in everything. The only thing in him was emptiness which he filled by partying accompanied by an endless stream of girls… but in the morning, he was empty again.

"Can I interest you in a dessert?", waiter's soft voice pulled Max from his thoughts.

"I am full and ready to go home.", Liz responded while looking at Max.

"Check please…", Max told the waiter.

…

"Thank you for today, I had a good time.", Liz said when they reached in front of her (and his) apartment.

"I'm glad you did." He showed her his most charming smile and then he pouted for a second. "You know… I still don't have your phone number."

"Oh…" Liz realized that he is right. "Let me ring you…", she opened the silver clutch to get her phone out.

Liz felt his fingers on her chin, tipping her head up and the next thing she knows… his lips covered hers. It was not wet or uncomfortable like all the others she had so far… This kiss was nice, and soft, and warm, and she inhaled the delicious scent of his aftershave and butterflies filled her stomach while her brain went numb and… he is kissing her!

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