Better Man
By Susan

Category: M/M, AU(no aliens), with UC/slash (no sex)
Rating: PG-13-R
Disclaimer: I own nothink.
A/N: This story is dedicated to Becky(rttavi). When I took this challenge months ago she was my sounding board for my ideas plus she came up with an important name in this story. I think she would have enjoyed what I came up with.

*Thanks to Diane and Sarah who looked this over for me and also thanks to the ladies of the RCWW for their support. And thanks to Icalynn for making the wonderful Banner for me.*

Summary: This is in response to the following Challenge by Belit.


A small woman, in her mid-twenties, sat on the bench right under the biggest tree in the park, and immediately started rummaging through her bag. Liz Parker, who had been reading a book for the last hour on the same bench, raised her head to look at her. The woman was pretty, with long blonde hair and a friendly face. Then Liz noticed the eyes that have been hiding behind the curtain of the blond hair; they were red and swollen from crying… She reached inside her bag and offered the woman a tissue with a small smile.

“I’m Liz Parker. I live right across the street.” She pointed to her building. A small apartment with a green door.

“Maria,” the woman said. Her voice cracking from the repressed sobs, “Maria DeLuca.”

They sat for a moment, just looking at each other. Maria was sure she would burst into tears if she tried to speak, and Liz were scared to say the wrong thing.

“Man problems?” Liz asked when Maria started to silently cry again.

“Yeah…” Maria managed to respond.

Liz smiled softly, and nodded. “Always the same, isn’t it? You love him, and he’s a jerk, or gay, or married…”

“Yeah… Married…” Maria said as another wave of tears flooded her eyes.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Liz, said, putting a hand on the woman’s arm.

Maria dried her tears as best she could, and straightened her shoulders. “Yes. The jerk is married. To me.”


*********


*Michael and Maria are married. They never knew each other until their wedding day.

*They needed to get married for some reason, ( like in the movie Green Card ), so it’s more like a deal than    a marriage.

*The deal is for a month, so when the fic starts -with the scene in the park-, they are about to get a          divorce.

*But it’s too late for Maria, cause she is now in love with her fake husband.

*The whole fic, until the last scene, is Maria telling her story to Liz with flashbacks.

*The last scene is totally up to you, I just want a happy ending.

*********************************************************************

Better Man
(In Memory of Becky)

A small woman, in her mid-twenties, sat on the bench right under the biggest tree in the park, and immediately started rummaging through her bag. Liz Parker, who had been reading a book for the last hour on the same bench, raised her head to look at her. The woman was pretty, with long blonde hair and a friendly face. Then Liz noticed the eyes that have been hiding behind the curtain of the blonde hair; they were red and swollen from crying… She reached inside her bag and offered the woman a tissue with a small smile .

“I’m Liz Parker. I live right across the street.” She pointed to her building, a small apartment with a green door.

“Maria,” the woman said, her voice cracking from the repressed sobs. “Maria DeLuca.”

They sat for a moment, just looking at each other. Maria was sure she would burst into tears if she tried to speak, and Liz were scared to say the wrong thing.

“Man problems?” Liz asked when Maria started to silently cry again.

“Yeah…” Maria managed to respond.

Liz smiled softly, and nodded. “Always the same, isn’t it? You love him, and he’s a jerk, or gay, or married…”

“Yeah… Married…” Maria said as another wave of tears flooded her eyes.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Liz, said, putting a hand on the woman’s arm.

Maria dried her tears as best she could, and straightened her shoulders. “Yes. The jerk is married. To me.”
“Ok. You want to talk about it.” Liz asks because she can tell that Maria is about to crumble.

Maria wasn’t sure she knew where to begin but she “needed” to talk to someone about this. “ It all started right here.” Maria begins.

Flashback begins...

Maria’s mom had finally succumbed to the cancer that she had been battling for over two years. Maria had stepped out of the lawyer’s office and walked aimlessly until she couldn’t walk anymore. She sat down on the bench in front of her not even noticing that she had walked nearly six blocks to the Park.

Maria couldn’t move, she couldn’t even think, all she could do was stare at the letter in front of her. If she didn’t come up with $25,000 in 30 days she would lose her mom’s shop. This was the last straw for Maria. Her mother’s illness had depleted all of their savings and then some. She has lost the house, the car and now she was going to loose the only thing she had left of her mom.

Tears streamed down her face as the reality that her mom was really gone finally hit her. On top of that great sorrow she felt like she was failing her mom. Amy DeLuca had loved her little new age shop. She loved all things esoteric & spiritual as well as occult and metaphysical. It was her life and now because there was no way that Maria could come up with the money to pay off the balloon loan she had been forced to take two years ago when her mom first started her battle with cancer she was going to loose the second most important thing in Amy DeLuca’s life. Maria had never felt like more of a failure than she did at this moment.

Several blocks away…

“You’re sure Maxwell? Your dad can’t do anything?” Michael was barely able to control his anger. ‘Damn, he needed this. He was never going to get anywhere in this town if they didn’t accept him.’

“I’m sorry Michael. Dad said that there wasn’t even any use putting in your application because you would not be accepted as a member unless you were married. They won’t even consider you. You know how they operate Michael.” Michael’s best friend Max told him sympathetically.

“I can’t believe that this type of organization still exist in this day and age. My God Maxwell, this is the 21st Century. They are nothing but a bunch of homophobic racists.” Michael shouted gathering attention from several people walking down the sidewalk beside the two men.

“Calm down Michael. This isn’t the end of the world. Besides do you really want to be associated with a group like that?” Max asked already knowing the answer. Michael wanted to be a part of the organization the same reason his father was. Necessity.

“Max, you know as well as I do that if you are a businessman in this town and aren’t a member of the Better Men for a Better Future Organization then you have no chance of ever truly succeeding. I am one of the best contractors in this town but that means squat unless I get this membership. I will be out of business by the end of the year.”

“I know Michael.” Max sighed sadly. It has always been this way. The Better Men for a Better Future Organization have run this town for as long as anyone can remember and the main prerequisite to becoming a member has always been a marriage certificate. His own father, a lawyer and also an active member of the ACLU, had been a member of the BMBFO for twenty years. Equal rights and Civil liberties had no place in this town. The BMBFO decide what is right and just here and in their eyes a family man equals a successful businessman and leader in the community. If you didn’t follow their standards you would never make it here.

“You know the rules Michael. They aren’t going to change anytime in the near future.” Max added.

“Damn it. It is just wrong.” Michael shouted, once again noticing people staring at him. “I have to get out of here Maxwell. I will catch up with you later.”

Michael walked off without even hearing Max’s response. He has never been so mad in his life. This blow off from the BMBFO was an insult. He was a damn good businessman and a superb contractor. He has earned the right to be recognized in this community. Without this membership he is no better then those shop owners on Liberty Street. They called themselves the Liberty St. Consortium. They were just a collection of shop owners for whatever reason were not accepted by the BMBFO. The consortium all worked together and somehow they were able to stay in business. However, they were looked upon as the grudge of the town. No one of importance would ever admit to knowing anyone who owned, worked or even lived on Liberty St.

Michael walked for blocks trying to figure out what he was going to do now. He wasn’t married. Hell he wasn’t even dating. In fact, he hadn’t been on a real date in years. The only female company he shared these days were girls he picked up at Alex’s, Max’s brother-in-law, club and those encounters rarely even lasted the night. Michael didn’t have time for anything more. Relationships took entirely too much time and energy that he couldn’t afford to waste if he wanted his business to be the best.

Michael walked quite a while before noticing where exactly he was. For some reason he ended up in the Park. He hated the Park, always had even as a kid. Actually considering his childhood there was no wonder he hated it. Michael never had a parent to take him to play at the park. The closest he had was a drunken foster father who only kept him around for the monthly checks. He always hated even walking by the Park because it reminded him, a lonely unloved child, what he didn’t and would never have.

Looking around the Park he saw that not much has changed since he was a kid. There were still fathers playing catch with their sons or parents pushing their children on the swing or waiting at the bottom of the slide to catch them. He still couldn’t look at the scenes without feeling a pang of envy and even anger of what could’ve and probably should’ve been.

He was about to turn away in disgust when out of the corner of his eye he saw a woman sitting on a bench about 20 feet away. He could tell that she was crying. Normally this would have him running quicker than anything else but something about her pulls him forward. He hates to see women cry. In his limited experience a woman crying in public has been used as manipulation. True women are strong and proud, and would never cry in a place where anyone could see, like Max’s mom and sister. They would never use tears to their benefit. In fact, in all the years he had known them he can count the times he had seen them cry on one hand and it was usually associated with weddings or funerals.

Michael couldn’t stop himself from walking over to this woman. With closer inspection he discovered that not only is the woman obviously very upset, she is one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. Petite frame, legs that went on for days, beautiful long blonde hair and a mouth that could make a grown man cry. He couldn’t see her eyes but he could only assume that they are as beautiful as the rest of her.

When Michael reached the bench that the woman was sitting on he was at a loss as to what to do next. He should just walk away because for some reason he had a feeling that she is nothing but trouble but a part of him still can’t help but be drawn to her, so he sat down beside her.

“Are you ok?” Michael asked the only thing that he can think of. The beautiful woman sitting next to him looks up, her tear filled eyes dazed and confused, and proceeds to start sobbing. A stunned Michael looked around them hoping to get some help but seeing that no one is there he does the only thing he can think of hoping that is the right thing as he pulled the distraught woman into his arms.

After what seemed like an eternity to Michael, the sobbing woman finally seemed to run out of tears, releasing her stronghold on him and moving back to her original position on the bench.

“I’m sorry. I never loose it like that.” The woman said as she reached inside her purse for a tissue.

Michael noticed that she had a piece of paper clutched in one of her hands. Curiosity got the better of him and he asked, “Does that have anything to do with why you are so upset?” He gestured towards the paper.

Maria looked down at her hand having not realized that she still was holding on to the bank’s letter. She stuffed it away in her purse quickly hoping that the man beside her did not see what the letter contained.

“I’m fine. Really. I’m sorry for crying on you like that.” She said quickly. As an afterthought she also added, “Thank you for your kindness.” Maria got up to walk away.

Michael grabbed on to her arm and said, “Wait. Don’t go.” He had no idea what possessed him to say that.

Maria looked down at the hand holding her arm and he quickly released his hold. “I’m sorry. It is just that you seem so upset. Can I help you?”

Maria sighed and sat back down on the bench. “Not unless you have $25,000 lying around to give me,” she said sarcastically. Maria started thinking about her mother once again and tears fill her eyes.

Michael sat quietly beside the woman, a glimmer of an idea starting to form in his head. “What for?” he asked.

“What?” Maria looked at him with a questioning look.

“What do you need $25,000 for? Is that what was in the letter?” Michael clarified.

Maria sighed, realizing that since she opened her big mouth in the first place she might just as well tell him.

“I have 30 days to come up with $25,000 or the bank is going to take my mom’s shop.”

Michael looked to her for more explanation and Maria took a deep breath. “My mom got cancer a little over two years ago. She didn’t have any insurance so we had to pay all the hospital and doctor bills ourselves. It took all her savings and we had to sell the house and the car but that still didn’t pay all the bills so we took a balloon loan on the shop. The doctors were very optimistic. They were sure that she would be ok but after two years she finally had enough and passed away last week. With the funeral and paying the remainder of the doctor’s bills there just isn’t anything left.”

“And your mom’s shop doesn’t make enough profit?” Michael asked, even though he is pretty sure of the answer.

Maria shook her head. “No. We are lucky to make that in a year. The past six months the shop has only been open when friends could work or other shop owners in the consortium could help out.”

“The Consortium? The Liberty St. Consortium? Is that where your mom’s shop is?” Michael asked hoping that she could not hear any disdain in his voice. There isn’t anything “wrong” with Liberty St. He would be a hypocrite if he believed so but he just can’t help hating where he came from. The trailer park that he grew up in is right off of Liberty St. and that is where he was forced to do his shopping as a penniless child. It was all he could afford.

Maria, not really paying attention just nodded her head at the man’s question. She didn’t even think about why he would care if it were on Liberty St. or not. Liberty St. was all Maria had ever known and to her it was home.

“Ok. So what you are saying is you are going to lose your mom’s shop, and I am assuming since you are so upset that it must have been important to her, unless you come up with $25,000 in 30 days?” Michael said.

Maria just looked at him. ‘Isn’t that what I said in the beginning.’ she thought but instead just said, “Yes.”

Michael sat quietly for a few more minutes. He looked at the woman beside him and thought about everything she told him on top of his own problem. The architect in him can’t help creating a design in his head, and once it was completed he shook his head and decided that it can be done.

“Ok.”

Maria gave him a confused look.

“Ok I will give you the money.” Michael clarified.

“Wh…What did you just say?” Maria stuttered.

Michael rolled his eyes and said once again. “I will give you the $25,000.”

“Why?” was all Maria could manage.

“You have a problem, I have a problem. You can help me and I can help you. Understand?”

Maria glared at the man. She didn’t think she liked the sound of this at all but she had to ask. “What do you want in return?”

Michael could not mistake the distrust in her voice. He really couldn’t blame her. If someone came up to him and said what he did to her then he would’ve most likely reacted he same way. “Hear me out before you start jumping to conclusions. Ok?”

Maria just nodded.

“Ok, you’ve heard of The Better Men for a Better Future Organization right?” Michael asked and could tell by the instant disgusted reaction that she had so he continued. “They will not even consider my application for membership unless I am married and since I am not even dating anyone that is not going to happen any time soon. The BMBFO have one flaw in their charter, you are granted a probationary membership for 30 days and if you are found to uphold their standards, then your membership becomes permanent and cannot be revoked for any reason. Therefore, my idea is for us to get married and after the probationary period is over we can file for an annulment. In return I will give you the money to pay off the loan. I get my membership and you get to keep your mom’s shop. So what do you think?”

Maria stared at the obviously deranged man. He can’t possibly think that she would agree to such an outrageous scheme. “Are you mental?” She shouted and then placed her hand over her mouth. She hadn’t actually meant to say that out loud.

“I know it sounds a little crazy.” Michael stood and started to pace in front of the bench. He can’t help but see the face she was making to the comment. “Ok a lot crazy but listen I am desperate here. If I don’t get this membership I will go out of business within a year. I have worked too damn hard. Have come too far to fail now because of a group of simple minded homophobic racists, who I might add run the town.”

Maria could see the sincerity in his face. She knew that what he is saying is all true. She doesn’t know who this man is but knows from experience that what he is saying is true about the BMBFO. They have single handedly ruined business after business for no other reason that they were not one of them. Her mother had been one of the founding members of the Liberty St. consortium. The consortium had been outraged by the behavior of the organization but no amount of protests and lawsuits they were able to put together could take them down. So a few struggling businessmen and women on Liberty St. got together and formed an allegiance against the BMBFO. Together they were able to stay afloat and fought against all attempts of the organization to shut them down. ‘Could she actually do what he wanted? Would it be worth it to save her mom’s shop?’

“This marriage, it would be a business arrangement. Right? I would just be in name only?” She needed to be very clear on what she was getting herself into. No matter how much her mom’s shop meant she could not sell herself to save it. Her mother would never have wanted her to do that.

Michael’s eyes widened. ‘Good lord she didn’t actually think he meant that.’ “Yes. Yes this would definitely be just a business relationship. I will have legal papers drawn outlining this business arrangement. The papers will have to be filed out of state, of course, but we can work around that.” Michael said hopeful that this may just work out. He may have found a way to beat those bastards.

“So what do you say?” He asked desperately trying to read the woman who could get him everything he had always wanted.

“You’ll make it a contract?” Maria asked and Michael nodded his head yes. “And you will pay off the loan and all I have to do is stay married to you until the membership becomes permanent? And then we can get it annulled?” Again Michael nodded his head. He could tell that she was going to agree even before she actually said. “Ok. It’s a deal.”

Michael held out his hand. “Deal. By the way my name is Michael Guerin.”

Maria shook his hand and couldn’t stop herself from smiling at the utterly pleased expression on his face. “Maria DeLuca”

Flashback Ends…

“So we flew to Vegas, had a contract drawn up signed and filed and then were married in the Elvis Chapel. Not exactly how I pictured my wedding but then again it wasn’t an actual marriage.” Maria told a mesmerized Liz. Liz could hardly believe what she was hearing. This is a story that is so hard to believe and yet she wholeheartedly believed every word Maria had spoken.

“What happened then?” Liz asked dying to hear the rest of her story.

“Our sham of a marriage began. If only it had stayed the way it began…”

Flashback…

Maria and Michael were both very quiet on the way back from Las Vegas. Maria still couldn’t believe that this was all happening. In a matter of hours she had met a strange man in the park and agreed to a business arrangement that meant she had to marry him in exchange for $25,000. Really, Maria should not have been overly surprised because her entire life had been anything but normal, so why should it change now. Being raised single handedly by her quite eccentric mother, her childhood had consisted of peace rallies and protest marches when most girls her age were involved in Girl Scouts and cheerleading. She never participated in any extracurricular activities nor made any real friends because when she wasn’t in school she was needed to help her mom run the shop or to participate in whatever cause her mother was supporting or whatever injustice she was fighting against. So to Maria this is just something new to add to her out of ordinary life. But even considering her past she still was a little dazed by everything that had transpired in the few short hours since she had first laid eyes on Michael Guerin.

Maria may have been understandably upset and somewhat dazed when she first met Michael but she wasn’t that out of it not to notice just how attractive and so very male Michael Guerin really was. He is tall, muscular but not overly built. He had large hands and too long hair as well but it was his eyes that really drew her attention. They held kindness and beauty but also a sense of hardness as well as sadness. Michael Guerin had not lived a privileged life. She could read that in his eyes and when he started talking about how he had worked too hard and had come too far to lose it all she knew that she had been right. She didn’t have to ask him why he so desperately wanted the membership in the BMBFO because besides the obvious benefits of staying in business she could sense that this would be a true accomplishment for him. Without even knowing his story Maria could tell that he had risen from the bottom and was “this” close to finally being on top.

This was Maria’s part in their marriage charade. She would give him the means to get what he wanted and in return she would maintain her mother’s dream. Amy DeLuca had wanted her daughter to find as much joy and contentment as she had in the little shop on Liberty St. and Maria planned to do everything she could to see that it happened. Maria did not have the same passion for her mother’s New Age shop but there were aspects that she enjoyed very much and she hoped to expand the shop to fit her particular style while still maintaining all that her mother loved so deeply. Even if she was able to get through these next 30 days Maria did not delude herself to thinking that all her troubles were over. She still had a long way to go but maybe, just maybe, she was at last moving in the right direction.

In the seat next to Maria, Michael was just as deep in thought as she was. He had spoken to Max before they boarded the plane to Vegas and told him his plans. Max had badgered and berated Michael but in the end he could not change his mind. The decision had been made the moment the words left his mouth hours earlier. He had committed himself to this course of action and nothing short of death was going to keep him from his goal. In record time he had found a lawyer who would draw up the contract, the papers were signed and filed with the Nevada courts in a matter of hours and then the real challenge was met.

A couple of hours later they were headed home with a marriage certificate and two gold bands sealing their deal. By the time the plane landed he expected to find a message waiting for him from Max letting him know that his application had been accepted by the BMBFO. There was no way they could deny him and once his application was accepted he would fulfill his part of the bargain and pay off Maria’s loan. He was finally going to get everything he had planned for.

Michael glanced over at his wife. WIFE . Now that is a word he never expected to be part of his vocabulary. Michael had never even, as a kid, thought that he would get married or have a family. He accepted at a very early age that all he would ever really have is himself. Surprisingly he had been able to form a long-lasting friendship with the Evans siblings but even as close as they were to him, Michael never really considered himself part of anything. He was always a loner. However not for 30 days. He would be part of something. Arrangement or not, legally he was a husband and Maria was his wife and in the eyes of the world they were a family. This realization makes Michael uncomfortable because no matter how much he never thought it would happen he couldn’t help admitting that maybe someday it may be possible. If Michael really wanted it he could have a family someday because to date everything he has set out to accomplish he had.

He was actually pretty amazed with how well Maria was holding up through all of this. She may have succumbed to her grief earlier today but once the initial shock of his proposal wore off she became remarkably calm and levelheaded. She had resigned herself to their arrangement in much the same way as Michael had. There was no turning back now, for either of them.

Michael continued to outline in his mind each step that had to be followed to complete his goal. Step 1 was done, the contract & marriage. Step 2 was on its way, the acceptance of his application. Step 3 was to convince the members of the BMBFO of his commitment to the organization and to impress upon them his dedication to be the best and finally the last and most necessary step to be accepted permanently. Once that was accomplished the world will be at his feet and maybe, just maybe, he could see about doing what was necessary to making the ever elusive fantasy of an actual family reality.

The Pilot announcing their approach to the airport interrupted Michael and Maria’s deep thoughts. They are almost home and ready to begin the life that they have both legally and personally committed themselves to.

As the plane touches the ground Michael turns to Maria and whispers. “The countdown begins.”

Flashback ends…

“So was there a message waiting for Michael when you arrived?” Liz impatiently asked. She can’t believe how caught up in the story she had become.

Maria actually smiled at Liz’s enthusiasm. She is glad that Liz was finding some enjoyment in this story. Maria couldn’t help but admit that remembering how everything began was a lot better than knowing how it all ends.

“Yes Michael was right.” Maria began again.

Flashback…

When they arrived at the gate the first thing Michael did was turn on his cell phone and as expected, there was a message from Max confirming that the BMBFO enthusiastically accepted his application. Phillip Evans had personally stood up for Michael with the members and none of them objected to his membership. Michael was pleased that everything was working out exactly as he planned. Once he was a part of the organization he will put the final part of his plan in motion, abolishing the BMBFO.

Once upon a time the BMBFO may have been a good organization but now it was run by a group of dictators who used their power to their own benefit, not caring who had been stepped on in the process. A prime example of this is his best friend Max. Max Evans may be the son of one of their members and a fine doctor but he will never achieve any of his life goals such as becoming chief of staff or even one day running the hospital for no other reason than he will never be accepted into the BMBFO because he is gay.

Max has been in a longstanding monogamous relationship with Kyle Valenti, the son of another BMBFO member Sheriff Jim Valenti. It is well known that Jim Valenti would like nothing more than for Kyle to follow in his footsteps as Sheriff when he retires but that will never happen as long as the BMBFO is in charge. Kyle will forever remain a Deputy and that position will no longer be secure after his father retires. It is situations like these that drove Michael to this charade that he is living now. He had to make this happen no matter what.

Michael and Maria went from the airport to Maria’s apartment. She needed to pack up as much of her things as she would need in the next month. For their charade of a marriage to be believable they would have to live together. Michael had already arranged for her rent to be paid for the next month as well as finding someone to run her mom’s shop. Maria could not go back to Liberty St. until this scheme was over. As Maria was packing, Michael filled her in on Maria’s “past.”

“Well obviously we cannot tell people that you are from Liberty St. especially with your mother being a co-founder of the Consortium. So I have come up with a suitable life history.” Michael started but noticed the far off look in Maria’s eye.

“Maria, are you listening?” Michael asked.

Maria had been hit with nostalgia since arriving at her apartment. She had lived here for less than two years but still everywhere she turned to she saw her mother. Every room was filled with some of her mother’s favorite things such as scented candles, bottles of aroma, crystals, beads and book after book on astrology and mysticism. Maria still could not believe that her mother, the most vibrant and full of life woman she had ever known, was truly gone.

So lost in her thoughts, she barely registered that Michael is talking. She vaguely heard that he had come up with a “history” for her but it didn’t really sink in. She was brought back to the present when Michael asked if she was listening.

“Sorry Michael I kind of got caught up in my own thoughts.” Maria said which got a frown from Michael so she quickly added. “Life history. Right?”

“Yes. So you’re with me now?” Michael asked and Maria nodded.

“As I was saying, I have come up with a life history to tell the organization when they ask about you. You will need to know it by heart so you don’t slip up at any of the meet-n-greets and functions we will have to attend in the next 30 days.”

Maria silently groaned, as she hated social functions. Maria never even went to her Prom because the thought of having to mingle and talk with other people just made her cringe. She never minded working at her mom’s shop because usually the same people came in every time and none of them were anywhere near what you would consider society.

Michael continued, “From what I have been told there will be at least two cocktail receptions, one dinner and finally a banquet. Every month they hold a banquet to induct the new members. If there aren’t any new members or only a couple, then they usually have dinner followed by dancing.”

Michael cringed with the last sentence. He hated dancing. Just the thought practically makes him break out into a sweat. He can handle the small talk and BSing but when it comes to dancing he is nothing more than a bull in a china shop. He tried to learn once in high school in hopes of taking someone to the Prom but the teacher had declared him hopeless. He had never tried since. With any luck the banquet would remain strictly a banquet.

“Ok so I have come up with this…” Michael started, making sure that Maria was paying attention this time. “You are the cousin of my best friend Max. His father is a member of the BMBFO and he will vouch for you. You will be his wife’s niece. No one will think it strange that we have suddenly gotten married it will just be assumed that we have known each other for a long time because of my involvement with the Evans’.”

Maria can’t help interrupting because she was just too curious not to ask. “And the Evans’ are willing to go along with this charade.”

“I had a talk with Phillip Evans about a month ago. He knows my plans and is willing to do whatever he can to help me. When I talked to Max yesterday and told him what we had come up with he talked it over with his dad and they are the ones who came up with the story.” Michael told her.

Honestly he hadn’t even considered that a story would have to be made up. It didn’t even cross his mind, which could have been a fatal error. Max and his dad really saved the day. He owed them a lot, and not just for this simple thing. Michael couldn’t have gotten where he is without the help and guidance of the Evans family.

“After we get your stuff packed and moved we are going to go have dinner with the Evans’ so they can meet you and you can get comfortable around them. Since Phillip is a member we will have to be seen socializing at the events it will look strange otherwise.” Michael explained.

“And they know this is just an arrangement?” Maria asked.

It is one thing to have to convince a bunch of strangers that you are married but to convince people who are close to you is just asking for disaster.

“Oh yeah definitely. That was made clear right away.” Michael said quickly and then noticed the look on Maria’s face and explained further. “Max’s sister Isabel, well she is difficult to explain but basically she has to take control of everyone’s life. Mine included. If she was led to believe that I had actually gotten married without consulting her first… Well let’s just say it wouldn’t have been pretty.”

Maria nodded her head as if she understood but Michael was positive that Maria couldn’t possibly be prepared to meet Isabel. She was a force beyond anything that Maria could possibly fathom.

“Maria I should probably warn you about Isabel. She isn’t easy to take unless you really get to know her and even then she can drive you mad. Alex, her husband, has helped tame her a bit but she still is a little overbearing.”

“Ok.” What more could Maria say? If this whole situation wasn’t crazy enough now she was going to have to deal with some overbearing crazy woman. ‘Great, Just Great.’

End Flashback…

Maria was about to drive Liz crazy. She got to a point where you are dying to find out what happens next and then POW she just stops. “So how did the dinner go?” Liz asked.

Maria smiled remembering how scared she was on the way to the Evans’ for dinner. She wasn’t sure what to expect. From Michael’s description and warning of Isabel she was prepared for the worst. If only that dinner was the worst there was to happen.

Flashback…

Maria’s anxiety over the dinner was for nothing. All of the Evans were very kind to Maria. She instantly adored Michael’s friend Max. After a few uncomfortable moments with the initial introductions the rest of the evening went very well. Maria especially was impressed with the Evans acceptance and obvious affection for Max’s partner Kyle Valenti. Living on Liberty St. she was quite used to alternate lifestyles but the fact that Phillip Evans, a member of the BMBFO, was accepting of his sons’ lifestyle was surprising to say the least.

Michael was not exaggerating about Isabel though. She was a force to be dealt with. Maria had gotten herself so upset on the way over to the Evans that she was able to take Isabel relatively easily.

        “So Maria what exactly are you getting out of this arrangement? Isabel asked.

        “Isabel,” Michael warned but Maria cut him off.

        “It’s ok Michael. My mom died a week ago.” Maria hears Isabel and Mrs. Evans gasp but continued. “She had cancer. She had been sick for a couple of years. Unfortunately, she didn’t have insurance. The hospital and doctor’s bills took all we had and in 30 days if I don’t come up with $25,000 I will loose my mom’s shop as well. Michael is going to take care of the debt.” Maria finished.

        She noticed the genuine sympathy in everyone’s eyes. Maria had assumed that Michael had told everyone the story already but it seemed that only Max & Mr. Evans knew.

        “I’m sorry Maria.” Isabel said sincerely.

After the brief inquisition Isabel relaxed and they were able to enjoy a wonderful evening. Maria couldn’t help but be surprised by Isabel’s husband Alex Whitman. He did not seem to be Isabel’s “type” whatsoever. Isabel was obviously a perfectionist who thrives on organization. This was evident with how she had the evening planned out for them. Alex, however, seemed to be a very carefree and laid back type of guy. Maria could believe that if she had known him in school she would’ve been friends with him.

Something else surprising was discovered over the course of the evening that they were all the same age. They should have gone to school together but as is everything else in this town the school district is split down the middle. Living on Liberty St. she went to East High and the others all went to West High as they grew up west of Liberty St. Maria was also surprised to discover Michael had actually lived a few blocks away from her. The trailer park he grew up in was right on the boarder of East & West and they were able to choose where they wanted to go to school. He, of course, chose West. You would have to be nuts to go to East if you didn’t have to.

Michael sat back throughout the dinner and watched how Maria was able to adapt. She had been a ball of nerves in the car on the way here but once she met everyone she had been able to relax and go with the flow of things. Isabel was actually on good behavior tonight and Maria had impressed him with how she kept her ground and hadn’t let Isabel intimidate her. Michael could tell that Max took to Maria right away and she didn’t even flinch when Max introduced Kyle to her. Kyle & Max were openly affectionate to each other especially around people they trust and Maria didn’t even seem to care. Michael had known that Max was gay years before he had even come out of the closet but he still had difficulty dealing with the amount of Public Displays of Affection that Max & Kyle forced upon him. Michael had never been into PDA’s even with the few girlfriends he had had over the years so it isn’t because they are guys that bugs him it is just he has never been very comfortable with displays of emotion.

The evening was a success in Michael’s eyes. He was convinced that Maria could play the part and that she would be accepted in society. Phillip & Diane Evans would see to it. Michael could tell that they were genuinely impressed with Maria. At the end of the evening Diane was hugging Maria welcoming her into the family. Michael had to bite his tongue to not say “for at least 30 days.” He figured that would be redundant.

As they were leaving, Kyle came over to Michael and whispered in his ear. “You sure you don’t want to keep for longer than 30 days.”

Michael just gave Kyle a warning look and walked away. He could hear Max & Kyle’s laughter behind him. Only Kyle could come up with something as ridiculous as that. Everyone knows the score. This was a business arrangement only.

The ride back to Michael’s house was less tense but still there was an underlying anxiety in the air because they were about to embark on the true test of their plans success. Living Together . Michael’s house was big. There were 15 total rooms. The house was much too big for just one person but Michael loved it because there was a lot of space. Growing up in a dingy cramped trailer and then only slightly bigger and less dingy apartment when he finally got out fed his desire for room to breathe in. He built this house for the sole purpose of not having to feel trapped in a small space again. So for the first time since he had built the house he would now be sharing his space with someone else. This was more of a challenge for Michael then anything they were going to face. Getting used to being around someone else even if it was for only 30 days.

End Flashback…

“I was so nervous on the way back to Michael’s I thought I was going to be sick.” Maria admitted to Liz.

“But everything went ok. Right?” Liz asked.

“It was different that is for sure.” Maria laughed.

Flashback…

It hadn’t dawned on Maria that she would be really living with Michael when she agreed to this arrangement. She had also been too preoccupied with her grief and thoughts of her mom when she had been packing to really think about what she was doing. It wasn’t until the ride home from the Evans that it really hit her.

It had always been just Maria and her mom. Her mom had many disastrous relationships but she always kept them out of their home life. None of them ever spent the night and never did she have to run into one of them on the way to the bathroom. So now that she was actually going to be living with a guy, one she barely knew at that, it really freaked her out. She was so anxious Maria thought she was going to be sick.

“Maria, there are five extra bedrooms in my house so whichever one you want you can have.” Michael told a stunned Maria.

“Five extra bedrooms. How big is your house?” A shocked Maria asked.

Michael laughed at the look on her face. “It is a little big. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to build small.”

Michael couldn’t help but smile at Maria’s reaction to his house. She sat in awe for a few minutes and then absently followed Michael and her things. Michael showed her around the house when Michael asked her which bedroom she wanted he was surprised when she said she would take the room next to his. Maria explained that she wasn’t used to this much space and had never lived on her own so she just felt more comfortable with somebody near by.

Trying to fall asleep, Maria couldn’t help thinking just how surprising Michael really was. He had said he was a contractor but obviously he was also a very talented architect as well. His house was beautiful and big didn’t even come close to describing it. Enormous was more accurate. What made it seem even bigger than life was the large amount of empty space. Michael had barely bothered to furnish the house. The rec/game room was full of “toys” and the family room had a large screen TV, a lazyboy recliner and a sofa and his office was complete with a drafting table but beyond that there were no furnishings on the lower level. Michael had however furnished most of the spare bedrooms. Maria can only assume it was at Isabel or the Evans urging. Michael had told her that he could easily move the furnishing from one of the furnished rooms is she preferred one of the unfurnished ones but Maria was happy with her choice.

A little later…

Maria felt like she was drowning. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t move but she could scream which she did very loudly.

Michael had been sound asleep but was abruptly awoken by earth-shattering screams. He jumped out of bed and ran towards the screams coming from Maria’s room. When he barged into the room he saw a sweat drenched Maria thrashing back and forth in the bed.

“Maria. Wake up Maria.” Michael shouted as he tried to shake her awake.

Maria awakened to the feel of Michael shaking her. She threw herself into his arms.

Michael just held her saying that everything was ok now. He wasn’t really sure what else to do until finally she seemed to calm down.

Maria pushed herself away from him then noticed how little she had on. She had been so tired from today that she just stripped down to her underwear and slipped into bed. She pulled the sheet up to try to cover herself a little better.

Michael noticed the lack of clothes he had on about the same time he noticed what Maria was wearing. Michael’s boxer brief clad body had an instant reaction to Maria’s attire. He quickly said good night and as he was leaving asked if she need anything. He barely heard her say no before he rushed into his room shutting the door quickly. As he leaned against the door he began to wonder if this whole arrangement was a good idea after all.

A week later…

It had been a real uneventful week. Maria was starting to loose her mind. Never before had Maria had so little to do. Growing up she had school and helping her mom with the shop. After high school she started working full time and then after her mom got sick her time was split between taking care of her and seeing that the shop was taken care of. Maria cooked for Michael as well as cleaned even though Michael insisted she didn’t have to but Maria said she had to do something.

Michael finally announced that the first cocktail reception would be in two days and Maria was starting to get very anxious. Michael had mentioned them earlier but she hadn’t even thought about what to wear. Maria had a couple of dresses but nothing that would be presentable enough for a cocktail reception.

Michael saw the panic cross Maria’s face at the mention of the reception and quickly said, “I already talked to Isabel and she is going to take you shopping tomorrow. You should get at least 4 dresses. Isabel will take care of you.”

This did not make Maria feel any less anxious. She thought to herself, ‘ And this is supposed to make me feel better how?’

End Flashback

Liz laughed at Maria. “On my, that couldn’t be good.”

Maria smiled. “Actually it was a lot better than I expected. Isabel really isn’t bad at all once you understand her. She is just VERY overprotective of her family.”

Flashback…

Isabel was a shopping Nazi. Maria was sure the woman was possessed. She had never seen anyone put the fear of god in so many sales people in so little time. Maria was sure that Michael must hate her to put her through this. It was going to give her nightmares for years.

“Ok Maria, you are going to need two cocktail dresses, I think a dress suit would be good for dinner and then a modest evening gown for the banquet.”

Maria just gave Isabel a caught in the headlights type of stare.

Isabel could tell she was overwhelming Maria so she decided to tone down a little.

“Lets start with the cocktail dresses. I suggest a simple black dress for the first cocktail reception and maybe something a little shimmering for the second one. I think gold would be a good color for you. A tan dress suit would be good for this time of year for the dinner. We will see what we can come up with for the evening gown. Ok?”

Maria looked less frightened and a little more relieved. “Ok. I am depending on your suggestions. I have never done the formal thing before.”

Isabel laughed, “Well you have more in common with Michael then you think.”

After seeing Maria’s questioning look she continued, “Michael went into business about four years ago. It didn’t take him long to realize he had to do a lot of schmoozing. Not exactly Michael’s style. He asked me to help him buy some clothes. He went to the tailor got measured, turned to me handing over his charge card, and said pick whatever you want just make sure its black and walked out.”

Maria laughed. She could imagine Michael being that way. Curiosity got the better of her and Maria asked what she had been really dying to know. “So how exactly did Max and you become friends with Michael? I got the impression that Michael didn’t exactly grow up like you two did?”

Isabel frowned. She didn’t really know if it was her place but she decided that she liked Maria and she just may be what Michael needs. “No, Michael did not have a childhood like Max and I. The three of us actually met in the park. Our mom had taken us to the Park to play. We were on the merry-go-round when I noticed a little boy watching the rest of us play from behind a tree. I pointed him out to Max and we went over to him but he ran away. A couple of months later a new student came to our school. It was Michael. The foster home that he lived in at the time was on the West side. Max and I tried to make friends with him but Michael was stubborn and then he stopped coming to school. A week later he was back again. I heard some of the teachers talking about how his foster parents had moved and they decided they weren’t going to take Michael so he was placed in a new foster home. It took a little while for the school districting to be decided because his new home hugged the West and East line.” Isabel paused, shuttering as she remembered Michael’s new foster home. It took him years to escape that hell and a lot of badgering from both Max and herself.

Maria could tell with the disgusted look on Isabel’s face that the new foster home had not been a good one.

Isabel shook off her thoughts and continued. “Max and I kept trying to make friends with Michael and eventually he gave in. It isn’t like he had a choice. I am more stubborn then him.” Isabel said smiling smugly.

Maria couldn’t help smiling also.

“We were friends from then on. It was always the three of us. I know that Michael felt left out when it came to family but he wouldn’t let us try to include him. We knew things were bad in his home but it wasn’t until he was 16 that we know how bad it really was. Max and I had to hunt him down because he hadn’t been to school in a couple of days and we found him with a black eye.” Isabel said, tears coming to her eyes.

Maria gasped but didn’t say anything as she let Isabel continue.

“We dragged him home with us. One look at Michael and my parents took over. They got Michael out of that home and took over temporary guardianship. They would have made it permanent but Michael had other ideas. He asked my dad to help him get emancipated. He said he needed to take control of his life. My parents helped when Michael let them but everything he has accomplished he had done all by himself.”

Maria knew that Michael’s life had not been easy. She could read that in his eyes. They were eyes that belonged to someone who had seen too much for someone his age. She did not see the laughter and joy that she saw in the Evans family or even in Kyle Valenti or Alex Whitman’s eyes. Maria was more determined then ever to see that their charade worked. Michael deserved to get everything that he wanted. He had obviously worked hard to get where he is, especially knowing now where he had come from.

Isabel watched Maria as she processed everything she had told her. It was clear that she had made the right decision by telling Maria about Michael’s past. Isabel could tell that Maria would do anything to help Michael. She only hoped that when their arrangement was over than maybe Michael and Maria would find that they didn’t want it to end. As soon as Isabel saw the determined and fierce look Maria got on her face she knew that Michael would be so much better off if he really let Maria in his life.

“Well enough of that. We have some shopping to do and not much time to do it. The mall is only open for another 5 hours and we must find the perfect outfits for you. Let’s go.” Isabel said and Maria couldn’t help cringing as she could see the Shopping Nazi was back once again.

The rest of the day was spent going from store to store trying on outfit after outfit. Isabel made sure that as soon as they walked into the store they were catered to right away. She had every salesperson’s running around frantically trying to please her. It truly was a scary experience but in the end Maria and Isabel came home with everything that they needed. Maria was actually quite happy with Isabel’s choices. You can say many things about Isabel Evans-Whitman but one things for sure, she had style. The cocktail dresses were gorgeous, the pantsuit very sophisticated and stylish but the evening gown was by far her absolute favorite. It was absolutely stunning and Maria was shocked with how good she actually looked in it.

The next day…

The cocktail reception was in an hour and Maria had just finished getting ready. Her stomach was in knots and she felt like she was going to be sick any moment. She couldn’t help shaking she was so scared and nervous about the evening. Maria was determined not to screw this up for Michael but she had no idea how she was going to get through this evening. She thought she had been nervous about meeting the Evans’ but they were so warm and friendly so it had been easy but somehow Maria doubted that the BMBFO would be anything like the Evans and that was what was frightening her. In her mind she could see the members of the BMBFO taking one look at her and seeing who she really was and where she came from. She did not belong with these people and as the time ticked down before they had to go she was more and more sure that this evening would end in disaster. Michael needed for the evening to go well and this is why Maria was so scared. She didn’t want to fail him. He deserved so much more.

Standing in front of the mirror staring at her own reflection, Maria tried not to think about why it was so important to her that Michael succeeded. This was a business arrangement and no matter what happened Michael said he would pay off the debt as long as she kept her end of the bargain. But if Maria had to be honest with herself, her determination to see that the charade succeeded had nothing to do with the arrangement but with Michael himself. From that first night Maria had felt a physical attraction towards Michael. She would have had to been dead not to. He was a very attractive man. As they spent more time together she started to respect the man that he was and on top of that after hearing Michael’s story from Isabel yesterday she hasn’t been able to get him out of her mind. Last night she had dream after dream of a lonely, battered little boy standing behind a tree watching happy children with loving parents play in the Park. It broke her heart to even think that such a strong and determined man like Michael could have ever felt pain like the little boy in her dreams.

Maria shook off her thoughts because now was not the time to think about this. In fact she was going to make herself not think about Michael. This was an arrangement and she was going to fulfill her end of the bargain. Period.

Michael impatiently waited in the Den for Maria to come downstairs. Tonight was crucial in the success of his plan. Isabel informed him that Maria was more than prepared, outfit wise, for all the planned events. Michael just rolled his eyes at her. He has no doubt that Isabel took care of getting Maria straight in that regard. It wasn’t the clothes that had him concerned it was Maria. She was obviously nervous as she went upstairs to change. He even saw her hands shake as she reached for her door handle. After seeing Maria with the Evans he had no doubt that Maria could handle herself but what worried him was that Maria did not know that.

He had watched her the past week and seen how stir crazy she had been with nothing to do. She had cleaned and cooked. She even did his laundry just so she had something to do. Michael could tell that Maria was used to work. She was used to being busy 24/7, much as he was. Michael couldn’t also help being quite aware of how extraordinarily beautiful Maria really was. Even in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt she wore to clean the house she was beyond amazing looking. His body and mind could not help but remember how she had also looked that first night when he woke her from her nightmare. Michael really did try to forget that night but her image was permanently burned in his brain. When he closed his eyes it was what he saw and when he opened his eyes each morning it was the first image that popped into his brain. Michael was sure that he would go crazy trying not to think of it. This whole thing was too important to screw up because his hormonal body could not get past the fact that he was living with a gorgeous woman.

Michael was shaken from his thoughts as Maria shouted down the stairs that she was ready. Michael came to the bottom of the stairs to wait for her, as they needed to leave. The first image that Michael saw was black high-heeled shoes attached to an amazing set of legs. Michael eyes moved up Maria’s black silk clad body. Her dress was simple yet on Maria it is extraordinary. Maria had her hair up with soft curls coming down on each side of her face. He was completely mesmerized by her.

End Flashback…

Liz just sat there staring at Maria not believing that she had just stopped there. It was obvious that Michael and Maria were both feeling an attraction toward each other that had nothing to do with business.

Maria smiled as she remembered the thrill she had felt walking down those stairs and seeing the reaction that her outfit caused Michael. He obviously “liked” the way she looked that evening. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she had forgotten that she had stopped telling her story to Liz.

“Sorry just remembering a bit, it really was a wonderful evening.” Maria said smiling.

Flashback…

The cocktail reception was a complete success. Maria dazzled all the members with her gorgeous smile and warm personality. Michael was congratulated from more than one of the members with the obvious good catch he had made. The Evans “niece” was charming.

Alex, also a member of the BMBFO, walked up to Michael about half way through the reception, “Michael, I have to admit you are a genius. This plan of yours is perfect and you are pulling it off so well. If I didn’t know better I would swear that you really were a newlywed especially since you haven’t taken your eyes off your beautiful wife once tonight.” Alex said, a knowing smile on his face.

“Don’t start Whitman.” Michael warned and walked away from him.

Alex laughed and then smiled as his own beautiful wife came up to his side.

“What’s so funny?” Isabel asked.

“Those two.” Alex pointed to Michael and Maria who were standing closely together as Maria talked with the Evans. “I can’t wait to call Kyle when we get home.”

“Don’t tell me, you and Kyle have a bet going about how long this fake marriage will remain fake.” Isabel gave her husband a bemused smile.

“No, Kyle and I have a bet with Max on who will cave first, Michael or Maria. Kyle and I think it will be Michael and Max is sure it will have to be Maria.”

Isabel shook her head but then she thought about it for a minute. “I have to agree with Max on this one. Michael isn’t one to give up control, you know that Alex. It will have to be Maria who makes the first move. However, I am in total agreement that those two should be together. Maria is perfect for him. Maybe we should give them both a little push.” Isabel said, her mind already working on a plan as the matchmaker in her took over.

“Wait a minute Isabel. Let’s not tempt the fates. Let them come to things naturally like it did with us or even with Max and Kyle. Let’s just see how this all plays out. And if at the end of the arrangement they haven’t realized what took the rest of us two minutes to realize then you can play match maker to you heart content.” Alex smiled and kissed his wife on the lips before she could argue about his matchmaker comment.

After a few minutes she nodded her head and hesitantly agreed to let things just happen with the two.

As Michael and Maria are leaving, Phillip whispered to Michael that the members were impressed. The charade was working perfectly.

On the way back to Michael’s house he thought about the conversation that Phillip and he had a month ago. He told Phillip of his ultimate plan and he was all for abolishing the BMBFO. He hated everything it stood for, especially considering their treatment and views on Max. Phillip admitted to Michael that at first he was disappointed in the lifestyle that Max chose but after the years he has realized that Max no more chose to be gay than he chose to be straight, and he couldn’t ask for a more loving or committed partner for his son than Kyle.

Michael agreed that Max & Kyle were perfect together and how unfair he thought it was that they will never be recognized as a true family in the community as long as the BMBFO is running things.

Phillip told Michael that if he could become a member he had a few ideas of how to proceed with further and he just might be able to find someone who could help them all succeed.

As his thoughts on the plan continued, he can’t help but look over at Maria. She had a faint smile on her face and he wondered what she was thinking about. Michael knew that if he does succeed in abolishing the BMBFO he will owe it all to Maria. Without her he could not have gotten this far. She truly is an amazing person. He knew that tonight was not something she was used to but she took it all in stride and impressed the hell out of many people, himself included.

Maria’s thoughts were also on this evening. Surprisingly she had a lot of fun. She met many nice people. More than she would have thought and by just a few minutes of talking with them she could tell whom the “bad” members were. Bad meaning ones that still “believed” in what the BMBFO stood for. Maria was polite and cordial but knew she had to be very careful with these select few. And really there were only a select few of them but unfortunately they were also the ones in charge.

She also couldn’t help thinking about the man sitting beside her. Throughout the evening she had observed him watching her. On more than one instance she caught herself watching him back. Maria would catch a strange look in his eyes, one normally she would have relished in, a look of desire but tonight she wasn’t sure if what she was seeing was for her benefit or if it was for the benefit of the members of the BMBFO. Were the looks she was getting from Michael really about what he was feeling or was it just part of the charade? Maria, deep down, hoped that they truly were from him because after tonight she was finding it harder to deny her own desire for him.

They silently made there way into Michael’s house both heading up the stairs to go to bed and as they reach Maria’s room Michael touched Maria’s arm.

“Thank you Maria, for tonight, for all of this. It really does mean a lot to me.”

Maria smiled at Michael and whispered, “You’re welcome Michael.”

They both shared a look but soon after the moment was broken as Michael hesitantly walked away. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Maria walked into her room and then walked into his own room and for the first time noticing how incredibly big and empty the room really was.

Flashback ends…

“The next couple of weeks flew by. We attended one more reception and then a small dinner with the officers of the BMBFO. The charade really was easy to pull off with the Evans there to back up anything Michael said. Plus they made me forget all my own socializing anxieties.” Maria smiled warmly as she remembered how nice it actually felt to almost be part of a family again.

“The last obstacle was the banquet and it was the most difficult. One because it was formal and we wouldn’t be seated with the Evans and finally since there were only 3 new members there would be a dance afterwards.” Maria told a still attentive Liz.

Maria started laughing out loud “You should have seen the look on Michael’s face when he told me about the dancing part. It was priceless.”

Flashback..

“I just got a call from Phillip. He said since there are only 3 new members this month that there will be dancing after the dinner and induction.” Michael told Maria, barely able to stop himself from physically cringing.

Maria started laughing.

“What’s so funny?” Michael asked.

“The expression on your face. I am guessing you aren’t thrilled about the dancing part.” Maria said barely able to control the humor in her voice.

Michael started to get mad but then realized it wasn’t Maria’s fault. This was his problem not hers and she had no idea why he was so upset about it in the first place. “Well let’s see who’s laughing Saturday when I step on your toes.”

“Can’t dance huh?” Maria asked.

Michael shook his head. “Nope not a bit.”

Maria thought about it for a minute and then came up with an idea. “Ok we have a little less than a week, every night until then, you will be attending Deluca Dance Class. Ok?”

Michael shrugged. “Their your toes, whatever you want.”

So every night for the next 5 days after dinner, Maria worked with Michael on learning to dance. She didn’t exactly teach him to dance but Maria was able to get him to move around comfortably enough so that he wouldn’t kill either one of them. Michael would never be a dancer nor would he ever actually learn to waltz do any other fancy dancing. Michael would do fine. Maria on the other hand was going to be a wreck at the banquet.

This entire week she tried her best to stay professional just trying to teach Michael to dance, but she found it incredibly hard to focus on anything except how truly wonderful it felt to be in his arms. On more than one occasion Maria found herself closing her eyes and just letting her body melt against his. Thankfully Michael would break her out of her spell by stepping on her toes or tripping before she did anything stupid. Her dreams were full of visions of her and Michael dancing, of their bodies close together. Sometimes she would reach up and touch his face and then sometimes he would pull her close and whisper in her ear that he wanted her. Her dreams always ended with the two of them making love and each morning she would wake up more and more frustrated. However, after tonight her dreams should finally end. Tonight Michael would be inducted into the BMBFO, their arrangement would be over, and Michael could get back to his life and she, hers. She only hoped that she would be able to forget or at least get past the last month.

Michael knocked on Maria’s door. “Are you almost ready Maria? I want to talk to you about something.”

Maria shook her head and silently cursed herself for letting her mind wander once again when she should be getting herself prepared for the evening to come. She was already dressed and ready to go but she wasn’t mentally ready to walk out the door. Tonight was going to be a difficult night and not just because of the banquet, it was difficult because it was her last night with Michael.

“Yes I will be out in a second.” Maria said looking at herself once more in the mirror. She had to admit she looked good. The evening gown that Isabel had chosen was extraordinary. It was the color of a deep red wine, floor-length and silky with a risqué slit down the side and a deep cut in the back with criss-crossing straps holding it on her body. It fit perfectly. Isabel said that the dress was sure to turn a few heads on whoever wore it but on Maria it was a traffic stopper. It was as if the dress was made for her.

As Michael waited in the hallway for Maria to come out, he wondered what she would be wearing tonight. Isabel had hinted that Maria’s dress was a little daring but well worth the attention it would gather. This frightened him a bit. If Isabel thought the dress daring his imagination couldn’t help but go wild which in turn made his body go just as wild. The past week had been absolute torture on Michael. He had held Maria close, smelled her scent, touched her smooth silky skin and wanted nothing more than to pick her up and carry her to the closest bed. Hell he would have even took the nearest sofa, wall or immovable object.

There was just no denying that he wanted Maria with a passion he had never even imagined but in the last week he realized that wasn’t all he wanted from her. He liked her companionship. He liked spending time with her. He felt more comfortable around her than anyone else even Max or Isabel and they were his best friends. He respected the person that she is and how she handles herself in any given situation. Not every woman could adapt to the arrangement that they threw themselves into at a moments notice. And on top of all of this Max, Isabel and even Alex and Kyle have been throwing not so subtle hints that it is such a shame that this is just a charade because Maria was fitting in so well with their group and got along with all of them so well.

Michael tried to ignore them because he just couldn’t let himself go there. They have a signed contract, and their arrangement was hours from ending. As soon as he had that membership in his hands, Maria was free to go back to Liberty St. and live her own life far away from his.

Maria finally was ready and opened the door. Michael turned around about to say something to her but his words were caught in his throat. The sight of Maria in her gown literally took his breath away. Isabel was not wrong about Maria’s dress. It was daring but on Maria it seemed almost sinful and downright sexy. Finally Michael found his breath and said the first thing that popped into his mind.

“You look amazing.”

Maria blushed and said, “Thank you. You are looking pretty good yourself Mr. Guerin. So you wanted to talk to me about something.”

For a minute Michael just stared at her. It took him a moment to remember what she was talking about. “Oh yeah. I will tell you on the way to the banquet.” Michael extended his hand and was thrilled that Maria didn’t hesitate to take his. They walked hand in hand to his car.

On the way to the banquet, Michael told Maria about his ultimate plan for the BMBFO. He wanted her to know why it really was so important to him that he got this membership. Michael needed Maria to understand that it was never about power or position or even about his business. Ultimately it was about doing the right thing.

“So you are really doing this all for Max and Kyle?” Maria asked.

Michael shook his head. “No not just for them. I got the idea because of them. I kept seeing Max, who is a damn good doctor, being passed up for promotion and being snubbed by the people in this town and it made me mad. Max and his family deserve better. Once I got the notion in my head and I started looking into the BMBFO the more outraged I got. The organization is just wrong Maria and someone has to stop it. Someone has to be strong enough to fight them and win.

Maria fought to keep the tears that have formed in her eyes from falling. Michael was a wonderful man and she told him so. “Michael Guerin you are truly a Better Man.”

Michael took Maria’s hand and kissed it. “Thank you.”

End Flashback…

Maria let the tears that she didn’t want to shed that night, fall now.

Liz handed Maria another tissue and grabbed one for herself as well. Maria was right, Michael did seem like he was a better man but then she remembered how this whole story came to be told. She was confused. “What happened at the banquet Maria?”

Maria sniffed and then said, “It wasn’t what happened at the banquet it was what happened afterwards.”

Part 10

Flashback…

As Michael had warned, the evening was formal and they were seated at a table with the other two new members and their wives. Maria was uncomfortable with trying to keep up the small talk with the other two ladies. One of the ladies went to school with Michael and the others and was friends with Isabel.

Pam Troy-Sohn comments, “I don’t remember Isabel ever talking about a cousin when we were in high school and I am positive you never came to visit.”

Luckily Maria was saved from having to say anything further to her as they announced they were ready to induct the new members.

Michael, who had been listening to Maria’s conversation with Pam, took a deep breath of relief when the announcement was made. That was a narrow escape. Pam Troy was a vicious b*tch who hated Michael because he had turned her down in high school. She also despised Max because before he came out of the closet he had dated her and once everyone found out about Max being gay many of the kids in school said it was Pam’s fault that Max had turned gay. Pam Troy would have liked nothing better than to get Michael caught in a sham but luckily for them all it was to late.

The members were all inducted without much preamble. Michael was thrilled. He was exactly where he wanted to be. Everything was falling into place perfectly. But now unfortunately he had to face his biggest fear, dancing. Maria had tried to teach him but Michael knew that he was hopeless and his ego was having a hard time dealing with it. He saw the bar and headed over their quickly grabbing a flute of champagne. He drank it down quickly hoping to take the edge off just a bit. He followed that glass with another and then yet another. It isn’t long before he started to feel the effects of the alcohol.

Maria had been watching Michael for the last few minutes and after seeing him down his third glass of champagne she rushed over to him to pry him away from the bar. If he kept it up, he was going to be falling down drunk within the hour.

“Let’s dance.” Maria said to Michael as she pulled him onto the dance floor.

Michael held Maria close. She smelt so good. Lavender. He never even knew he loved the scent of lavender but now he was sure it was the most wonderful fragrance in the world.

“Mmm, you smell good. Have I thanked you lately for everything you have done for me this month Maria?” Michael said, his speech starting to slur a bit.

“Shhh. You don’t want anyone to hear Michael.” Maria was starting to worry about Michael. He had come too far for everything to be ruined by a few glasses of champagne.

Michael nodded his head and then pulled Maria closer lowering his head so that he can whisper in her ear. “Thank you Maria.”

Maria shivered from the sensation of feeling Michael’s lips on her skin. Michael felt her reaction, smiled, and then kissed the side of her neck.

Maria wanted to give in to the sensation but this was not the place and certainly not the time. She had to get Michael out of here before he did something to jeopardize everything.

“Come on Michael we need to leave. You’ve had too much champagne. Please.” Maria said.

Michael only registered that Maria wanted to leave. He wanted to get Maria home; alone where he can make her shiver a little bit more.

Maria and Michael said goodbye to the Evans and Whitman’s. Maria whispered to Isabel the problem and she helped them make their excuses to the other members. Luckily for them several of the members had noticed Michael and Maria dancing and took their early departure as a sign of the young newlyweds needing to spend some “quality” time together. One of the members even commented to Michael to get that beautiful wife of his home and start on a little mini honeymoon.

By the time Maria got Michael home he had drank half a bottle of champagne that one of the members had given him on the way out. At this point he was more than slightly drunk and Maria had to help him into the house and up to his room. Maria didn’t think he was capable of removing his own clothes so she started to help. She took off his shoes and socks and then his jacket and tie but as she unbuttoned his shirt, she couldn’t stop herself from looking into Michaels eyes and was stunned by the fierce look Michael was giving her. Michael reached for her, she found herself moving towards him, and their lips meet.

Maria tasted the sweetness of the champagne and also a spiciness that she had associated with Michael. The kiss turned very passionate and it wasn’t long before they are both fully undressed. Their hands touched and caressed. Their lips kissed each other’s bare skin and when they finally came together, Maria was sure that her body was going to explode. Never before had see felt so alive as she did at that moment. They fall asleep in the aftermath of their love making both utterly exhausted.

Next morning…

A disoriented Michael woke up holding his head against the almost unbearable pain. Once he could manage to focus his eyes he realized that he was not alone in his bed. A very naked Maria lay beside him. He looked at Maria and himself realizing that they are both quite naked and obviously had been together but for the life of him, he couldn’t remember what happened. He quickly got out of bed, trying not to wake Maria as he got up and dressed.

Michael drank a very strong cup of coffee trying to remember what happened last night. Some of it eventually came back to him. He remembered her kindness as she helped him get undressed and then he remembered kissing her but beyond that it is blank. The more he tried to remember the less sure he was whether Maria even responded back to his kiss. Suddenly Michael was horrified. It occurred to him that he had been obviously drunk and for all he knows, he may have totally lost control and forced her. Michael was disgusted with himself and had to get out of there immediately but before doing so, he left a note for her.

Maria,

I cannot tell you how sorry I am about last night. I drank entirely too much and didn’t know what I was doing.

I will have Phillip start the annulment proceedings today so you wont have to be around me much longer.

Again I am so sorry and thank you for giving up the last 30 days for me.

Michael

Maria awoke a little while later to an empty bed. She smelt coffee, assumed that Michael must be getting some for them so she puts on one of his shirts, and went downstairs. She found the house empty. Maria was about to go back upstairs when she saw a note addressed to her. She smiled, happy that Michael had not left without saying goodbye. He must have had a meeting and didn’t want to wake her.

Her smile faded once she read the note. Her legs gave out and she started to cry as she sank to the floor. ‘He was sorry that last night happened.’ Maria’s heart was broken. After last night, she was completely in love with Michael and she thought that Michael, if not in love with her, at least had feelings for her and that was a start. But obviously he did not, as he wanted to end their marriage and be done with her.

Maria rushed to get dressed throwing a few belongings in a small bag and rushed out the door. She wanted to be gone before Michael returned. She would ask Isabel to help her later to get the rest of her stuff when Michael would not be home.

She left the house, the cab that she had called waiting in the driveway for her. She told the driver her address. On the way to her apartment she stopped the cab and told the driver to just stop here. She got out at the Park, where it all began.

End Flashback…

Liz handed Maria another tissue and puts her hand on her shoulder saying she is sorry.

“Michael obviously doesn’t know a good thing when he has got it. Would you like some tea? I only live across the street.”

Maria nodded her head yes and followed Liz silently. Telling Liz her story had suddenly made her so exhausted. She didn’t know how so much could have happened in so little of time. A month ago she had been in the Park crying over losing her mom’s shop and now she was crying over losing something she never knew existed. She had lost someone that she could love for the rest of her life. Someone she thought she knew. Obviously she was wrong because the Michael she thought she knew for the past month would never hurt her the way that he had done so this morning.

Part 11

On the way across the street, Liz told Maria that her husband was having a meeting with his new boss but they should be done now.

“I’m from Boston but my husband is from here. We meet while he was going to school at Harvard. He is actually a bit older than me but I knew the moment I met him that he was the one. Jesse, my husband, had wanted to move back home for a while to be near his mom but there just weren’t job opportunities for him. About a month ago Jesse’s boss spoke with an old law school friend who lives here and discovered that he knew a gentleman who was looking for a good contract litigations lawyer. Jesse got the call about a month ago and his new boss arranged for this apartment until our permanent home is available.” Liz continued to tell a partially listening Maria about moving here from Boston.

Maria’s mind was still on Michael as her heart broke more and more with each step.

When they walked into the apartment Liz called out to her husband. A tall, good looking, Latino man walked out from another room. “Liz, honey, you’re back, good I want to introduce you to my new boss.”

“And I want to introduce you to my new friend. Her name is…” before Liz was able to finish, a man followed Jesse out of the room.

“Maria.”

A stunned Maria whispered, “Michael?”

Liz looked at Maria and gasped. “Your husband?”

Maria nodded her head, her eyes never leaving Michael’s face.

“Jesse why don’t we let them talk for a moment.” Liz said rushing her husband back into the other room.

Michael could see that Maria had been crying and by Liz’s reaction he can only assume that Maria had told her about what happened last night. His guilt multiplied. “Maria I am so sorry,” Michael started but Maria interrupted him.

“Don’t Michael. I think you said it all.”

Michael couldn’t let it go. “I don’t know what came over me last night. I never drink like that. God Maria you are the last person I would have wanted to hurt. You have done so much for me.”

“It’s not your fault Michael. It’s mine. I was the one who made more of last night that I should have,” Maria said, turning away from him.

Michael started to quickly say that none of last night was her fault when he realized what she said. “Wait a minute what did you say?”

Maria didn’t turn around. She couldn’t face him. “I said it was my fault.”

“No not that part. The other.” Michael said turning her around to face him.

Maria sighed, “I made more of last night than I should of.”

“What did you mean by that Maria?” Michael had to know what she meant. Suddenly his day was starting to look a little bit brighter.

Maria pulled away from him. She was starting to get mad now. Why was he pushing her like this? Why did he have to hurt her more? “Come on Michael, is it really necessary to get into this now. This is your employee’s house. It doesn’t matter now.”

Michael reached for Maria again pulling her closer. “Yes it does matter. Please Maria tell me what you meant by that.”

Maria tried to pull away but Michael kept a firm grasp on her. “Fine if you must know I did a stupid thing. I forgot that this was just make believe. Last night when you kissed me I made myself believe that you might actually care for me too. But obviously I was wrong.” Maria admitted, tears in her eyes.

Michael loosened his grip on Maria’s arms and she quickly moved away from him. Michael was astounded that Maria actually did care for him.

“So let me get this straight. Last night, what happened was ok. I didn’t force you into anything you didn’t want.”

“Of course not Michael. Hello I was very into it.” Maria started to shout but than remembered where they were.

Michael couldn’t think of anything else to do so he grabbed her to him and kissed her passionately. After a few minutes he pulled away and let her go.

“Why did you do that?” a stunned Maria asked.

“It was all I could think of doing.” Michael admitted.

Totally bewildered and confused Maria said, “I don’t understand any of this Michael.”

Michael pulled her to the nearby sofa and they sat down. “This morning when I woke up, I hate to admit this, but I didn’t remember much of last night. Then I was drinking coffee and a few things became clearer. I remembered you helping me into the house and then helping me get undressed. God Maria I remember wanting you fiercely and then kissing you but that is all. I was afraid that I had forced you. I never got an impression that you wanted more from me the past month. You had only been a good friend. I was guilt ridden that I had hurt the one person I cared more about than anything. I shouldn’t have left but to be honest I was ashamed to face you.” Michael finished bearing his soul to Maria and was afraid to look into her eyes because he was terrified with what he would see.

Maria touched his face making him look at her. “So that is why you said you were sorry. You weren’t sorry that we made love?” Maria asked hopefully.

Michael pulled Maria close and kissed her gently and after a moments asked, “Does that seem like I am sorry about us making love.”

Maria smiled. “Hmmm, no but I may need a bit more convincing,” Maria said with a mischievous grin.

“I think that can be arranged,” Michael said kissing her once again. After a few minutes of kissing Michael and Maria pulled away slightly remembering where they were.

“Michael I don’t know if this is to soon but I have to tell you that I love you.” Maria admitted praying that she was not ruining things.

Michael pulled away from Maria and turned away. Tears form in Maria’s eyes as she assumed that Michael did not feel the same way but as Michael turned back towards her, she saw the tears in his own eyes and gave him a questioning look.

“Isabel told you things about me right?” Michael asked and when Maria nodded he continued. “No one has ever said that to me Maria. I know that Max and Isabel care but they have never said the words. I have never actually heard them till today.”

Maria quickly moved closer to Michael, putting her hands on his face and whispers, “I love you.” She kissed him.

When the kiss ended Michael whispered back, “I love you too.” Then kisses her trying to show all the love he feels in his heart.

In the other room…

“You do realize that we are eavesdropping on my new boss.” Jesse amusingly asked his wife who had tears running down her face.

“Doesn’t matter, Maria is going to be my best friend so she would have told me anyway.” Liz says matter of factly.

“Best friend huh?” Jesse asked with a smile on his face. This was the first time he had seen her so animated in a long time.

“Absolutely. Besides, I think with you and Michael working together to clean up this town we are going to end up one big family.”

Back to the living room…

“So Jesse, you brought him in to help you abolish the BMBFO?” Maria asked.

Michael had a huge smile on his face. “Yep. Maria, we are going to kick their asses. Jesse has already found a bunch of things to nail them on. Everything is finally coming together. We are going to make this town our own again.”

“We, Mr Guerin?”

Hearing Jesse and Liz coming in from the other room, Michael says quickly as he places a quick kiss on her lips, “Absolutely Mrs. Guerin.”

The End.