The message continued, "Mr. Cooper Livingston has requested that Chase West accompany you."

When it was over we all just stared at each other trying to figure out what was going on. So much had happened in such a short amount of time. When we were interrupted at the event we had no idea what we would be walking into. Then the overnight treasure hunt in the mansion followed by Piper being beaten. The mystery message was just one more thing in a strange series of events.

"Do you want me to come with you, Max?" Chase questioned breaking our collective sense of confusion.

"Yeah, I don't want to go alone. Lillie, would you come too?"

I was shocked that he had asked.

"Are you sure Max, he didn't mention me?"

"Yeah, I really need you there."

My heart melted every time he dropped his walls and actually showed his vulnerable side.

"Then I will be," I said and then he winked at me.

I don't know why but a felt a little flutter when he did that. I had mostly thought of Max as a spoiled brat. I didn't know what to think when he began showing me his softer side, and now this. The man was slowly breaking down every preconceived notion that I had of him.

It was hard to hide the smile that snuck onto my face when he winked at me. To my surprise, a warm smile of his own mirrored mine.

The doorbell suddenly rang which startled me because I didn't know we were expecting anyone. A few moments later a very well dressed man entered the room escorted by Mr. Livingston's Butler. Max's face instantly changed as he saw the man come into view.

"Mr. Maxwell, I would like to introduce Mr. Campbell. He will be handling your father's final arrangements."

My hand instinctually grabbed Max's and squeezed it tightly. I felt his fingers squeeze mine in return and I closed my eyes, bracing myself for what was about to happen. Chase didn't leave either and I was thankful that Max had both us to get him through such a horrible time.

We all took a seat and Chase and I listened as Max made every single decision for laying his father to rest. What struck me was how authoritative he was. He didn't falter even once. I had never seen him so in control.

He wanted a very elaborate service for all of his father's friends and business acquaintances to attend. He made every decision down to the last detail but had no intention of being there himself. I looked at him with questioning eyes after the gentlemen left and he knew I was begging for an explanation.

"I had to watch my mother's life be celebrated knowing I would never see her again. I can't do that with him, he is all that I had left."

Chase quickly corrected him, "Not true, you have us, Max." I was glad that he did because I was a little too choked up to form a response.

"You have no idea how grateful I am for that," he said as he began walking out of the room.

Not sure what to do, we followed him. We wound up in his father's vast closet. I had never seen anything like it. Entire apartments could have fit inside of it.

"What are we doing here Max?" Chase asked.

"I just have one last thing to do, " he said.

Max began looking through his father's insanely large collection of suits. It only took us a second to realize that he was trying to select the suit his father would be buried in. We both took a seat in one of the plush leather chairs, unsure what to say at that point.

"It's not here," Max said after a few minutes of searching.

"What Max, what are you looking for? I asked.

"The suit my father wore to my mother's funeral, he said it was her favorite one."

He was beginning to grow agitated and I knew he was just overwhelmed with emotion.

"It's okay, we will help you look," I said motioning to Chase.

We searched and searched for a Navy blue pinstriped suit with a red silk handkerchief. Twenty minutes went by and we were still coming up empty. Max finally opened a cabinet door and shouted, "This is it, this is the suit."

We were all elated to have actually found it. Max immediately began searching through a drawer lined with velvet. He pulled out a jewelry box and opened, revealing a pair of vintage cufflinks. They were Cartier, set with Sapphire and Crystals.

"They are stunning," I told Max.

"My mother bought them for him. She said when she saw them she couldn't bear the thought of leaving without getting them for him."

A smile formed on his face as he stared at them. He was no doubt remembering a simpler time when he had both of his parents. I found myself wishing once more that I would have been able to meet his mother. With each bit of information, I learned about her, I admired her more.

We went back downstairs and Max gave the suit and cufflinks to the Butler. He asked him to have them delivered first thing in the morning.

I could tell what an emotional toll everything was taking on him. He looked exhausted and the skin under his eyes had become swollen and dark.

"Alright mister, you have taken care of everything now it's time for you to relax a bit," I insisted.

"It's funny, all I ever used to do was have fun and relax. In just a few short days it feels like an impossible task."

"Nothing is impossible," I told him. "Now go change into something comfortable."

"Yes mam," he said and I was glad that he didn't put up a fight.

Chase excused himself saying that he had to take care of something. I didn't mind since my entire focus was on helping Max.

As soon as he left, I ran up to my room and changed into some comfy pajama pants and an old t-shirt. I also called down and asked the Butler to have some pizza delivered to the movie room and turn on the channel that seemed to play 'Friends' re-runs non-stop.

When I finally made it downstairs Max was standing there in a pair of Prada pajama pants and a white t-shirt. I rolled my eyes at him and his ridiculously expensive outfit and grabbed his hand pulling him toward the movie room.

When we walked in, the room was dark and I smiled when I saw Phoebe, Monica, and Rachel appear on the screen. Max raised one eyebrow silently asking me if I had lost my mind.

"Trust me," I said as I pulled him down into a seat. I snuggled up in the one next to him and was pleasantly surprised when the armrest lifted creating more of a sofa.

"You think this is going to relax me?" he asked still doubting me.

"Yes, yes I do. Now empty out that head of yours and let's have a little 'Friends' therapy."

I heard Max laugh and I realized that it was the first time I had heard him laugh in a long time. Just as we got comfortable, the Butler came in with pizza and drinks.

"You know this crap is horrible for your body," he reminded me.

I took a big bite of melted cheese and pepperoni as I responded. "Yes, but it is oh so good."

A few episodes in he was actually laughing, we both were. I laughed so hard my sides were hurting. Somehow seeing how much he was enjoying it, made it even funnier.

"Have you never seen 'Friends' before?" I asked him.

I wasn't surprised when he responded with, "No."

"Oh you poor little deprived, rich kid," I joked.

By the fourth or fifth episode, he was beginning to veg out. His only focus was on the hilarious skits playing out in front of him. My hand was rested in between us on the seat of the chair. I felt his hand move over mine, intertwining our fingers.

He had held my hand for comfort or strength before but never just because. I felt those butterflies flutter again but I wasn't sure how I really felt about Max. Everything had been so chaotic and emotional. What I did know was that I really liked him holding my hand. His hand was warm, and soft and felt so perfect wrapped around mine.

By episode seven he was out, completely and utterly asleep. He looked so peaceful. I grabbed a blanket and covered us both up and at some point, I must have drifted off myself.

I woke the next morning to him kissing my forehead. I think he thought I was asleep so I pretended to be. It was abundantly clear that I had fallen asleep on his chest. I had no idea how I had gotten into that position but it felt amazing. 

*********

A/N

Well, what do you think? Is something happening between Max and Lillie? I would love to hear your thoughts.