24 NOT a date 1 (1/2)

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?”

Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please clickfor visiting.

”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.