352 Christmas 2 (1/2)

Ah, she thought that she is fine with it, but now that she sees her father smiling goofily at Foxy, Liz realized that getting used to this will be a process. She wondered if that is what Isaac went through when he saw her with Max. Probably.

Liz told herself to stay cool. She was never the one to accept changes easily and she can't allow her discomfort to jeopardize her father's happiness. Regardless of how deep Isaac's feelings for Foxy are, if he finds out dark thoughts Liz has, it will create unnecessary complications and Isaac will be caught between Liz and Foxy. That is not fair.

In an attempt to cheer up, Liz started mentally listing the reasons why Isaac and Foxy being a couple is a good thing. First, he will be happy. Her father has a successful career, a thriving business, and more money than he can spend in ten lifetimes. He worked hard for everything he has, and he should have someone to share it with. Foxy is a good woman and with Foxy by Isaac's side, he will not be lonely.

Isaac always said how Liz and his work are enough and he does not need anything else in life, but from personal experience, Liz knows how that was true only because Isaac didn't meet anyone else worth of his time. That changed when he met Foxy, in the same way how Liz changed when she met Max.

Liz paused and her gaze moved to Max.

'Maybe this is the sign that I should stay in Seattle. My dad will not be lonely and that means that my absence will not impact him much. And to be honest, I don't think I can bear to separate from Max.'

Max noticed that Liz is not eating but staring at him. Usually, her gaze would be goofy or loving, and this was complex and unreadable. He wondered if he messed up something. ”What?”

Liz smiled and shook her head, refusing to answer. She focused on the remaining food on her plate.

Max reached under the table and gave Liz's thigh a gentle squeeze, reminding her that he is still waiting for her answer.

”That was something, and I want to know what it was…”, Max spoke only for Liz to hear.

Liz avoided Max's gaze. There is no way that she will admit her thoughts, not yet at least.

Liz cleared her throat and spoke to the only person Max can't go against, his mother. ”This is very tasty, Mrs. A.”

Madeline accepted the compliment. ”It's extra special because of everyone seated at this table. Thank you for coming.”

Isaac raised his glass. ”Thank you for inviting us. This is amazing… the food, the atmosphere, and the company.” He ended while gazing at Foxy.

The only one missing (for Liz and Mia) was Bri, and in extension, Quentin as well.

Brianna and Quentin were invited, but the two of them were on the other side of Seattle, celebrating Christmas with Quentin's parents.

…

While people exchanged toasts at the Anderson family villa, in the Reynolds household, the atmosphere was more… stiff.

A little background…

Brianna spent most of her afternoon picking what to wear.

Quentin told her that anything is fine, but Brianna was not sharing that opinion.

”Do you think that this is too sexy?”, Brianna asked while pointing at the opening in the chest area of her cocktail dress that revealed a hint of her cleavage.

Quentin's eyes flashed mischievously. ”Anything you wear is sexy. It's not about the outfit, doll. It's you.”

Brianna rolled her eyes and her big smile betrayed that she is not upset. ”Can you be serious? You are known for your fashion sense. Don't tell me that you turned it off for the holidays.”