Who: Maria DeLuca and Max Evans What: Maria stops by looking for Isobel and finds Max instead When: March 30th Where: Isobel's law firm Rating/Warnings: G/None Status: Complete
Maria decided to stop by Isobel’s firm to pay her a visit and say hello in person. Maria wasn’t really a huge fan of lawyers in general, but despite her friend going to the dark side she knew that Isobel was a good person. She closed her car door, slipping her purse over her shoulder, and took a look at the building in front of her. It just screamed soul sucking to her and she wondered vaguely how anyone would find excitement in this kind of field, but to each their own.
She wandered inside and looked around briefly hoping to catch sight of her friend, but when that tall blonde didn’t appear she made her way to reception. Then behind the receptionist she saw Max Evans and she stepped away from the woman and called out, “Well, well, well, Max Evans… didn’t expect to see you here.”
His head twisted at the sound of his name, offering an easy smile. “I didn’t expect to see you here either, Maria. Thought you avoided these places like the plague.” And he was only slightly teasing.
“I definitely do, but I was willing to step into the evil empire to see your sister, is she around?” Maria grinned brightly at Max’s comment because Max teasing her was hilarious. She didn’t get to spend a lot of time with Max in high school but she always appreciated his introspective nature. She could see why Liz thought he was cute back in the day.
“Afraid not. One of her high roller clients called and needed an urgent consultation. So if you were hoping for a gossip session it’ll have to wait.” Though something told him she wouldn’t be gone so easily.
“Mmmm, that’s disappointing. But the great thing is that means I can get gossip from you,” Maria’s smile turned almost wolfish at the thought of poking and prodding Max to get information from him. Max always seemed like the strong silent type and Maria just wanted to see him show some emotion and smile a little bit, “Tell me what you’ve been up to. Your sister has mentioned things here and there over the years, but since I have you as a captive audience I might as well get the information straight from you.”
“You’ve been asking about me?” He questioned, eyebrows arching in surprise. And he definitely didn’t like that look on her face. It made him feel like a juicy steak. “There’s not much to tell, honestly. My life isn’t that exciting, DeLuca.”
“Of course, you guys are kind of a package deal so I like to know you’re still alive,” Maria admitted with a chuckle. At Max’s answer she crossed her arms over her chest and gave him a pointed look, “Max, come on, you gotta give me something to work with. Why did you decide to become a lawyer? You always struck me as more of a scholarly type in high school.”
Well there was that. Still he hadn’t thought he really crossed Maria’s mind all that often. “I wanted to help people,” Max answered simply with a shrug. “I was a public defender for awhile but Isobel made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. So now I handle a lot of pro bono cases. And lawyers kinda need to like reading.” The last sentence at least was said with a bit of a smile.
"Noble answer, but becoming a Dementor is not the right path. Although, I will give you points for being a public defender and doing things pro bono. So, you are less evil now," Maria mused aloud before giving Max an easy smile, "And wow, he smiles and laughs. Progress. You are far too serious, Evans."
“Reserved,” he corrected. “Some people find it charming.” Though he wouldn’t name anyone specific. “It’s a twin thing. I offset Is.”
"Oh I am sure some people do," Maria was most likely thinking of the very same person as Max, "And while I get that I feel like now that I am back in town I need to get you out of your shell a little more."
“You don’t need to,” he disagreed gently. “Honestly. Don’t feel obligated, Maria.” He’d survived this long in his shell. He’d survive a little bit longer.
"Sorry, Max, but I am definitely obligated," Maria knew he was going to resist but she hoped that he would have some fun, "Don't worry, it won't be painful. I will just make you come out for drinks first, but I will be sure to invite everyone to come."
He sighed, eyes sliding shut for a moment. “There’s no way of avoiding this, is there.” She was going to take him out whether he wanted to go or not. And he could either give in and enjoy things or he could be miserable the entire time.
“Of course not,” Maria let out a chuckle at Max’s reaction. She hadn’t changed on being the type to go out and have a little fun, but she definitely wanted to have a get together now that they were all back in the same place, “It won’t be that bad, I promise, you know I wouldn’t torture you. Do you want to go to a bar or a restaurant?” The least she could do was pick a place Max would be comfortable at.
He wasn’t entirely sure about that. Maria seemed to delight in needling him. “Bar,” he answered. He’d be able to loosen up a bit. “Who are you inviting?”
“Perfect, and you, Isobel, Liz, and you can invite Guerin if you want,” Maria rattled off the names, counting on her fingers, “so the old high school gang. I feel like that should set you at ease, right?”
“You say that like I’m completely anti-social,” Max protested. “But yes, that’s fine.” At least Valenti wouldn’t be there.
“I mean… you definitely didn’t join a lot of clubs at school, soooo…” Maria gave him a look before chuckling, “It’s not a big deal as long as you’re up for hanging out with a few of us. Yay! I’ll set something up soon and let you know the details.”
A nod. “Sounds good. And I hate to do this but I have a meeting with a client. So you can interrogate me more whenever this get together is.”
“No worries, just let your sister know I stopped by,” she gave him a small wave as she made her move to turn back to walk to the door, “Can’t wait to get everyone together. See ya later, Max.”