Accident Prone

After an unknown measure of time, Nathan remembered that Isaac is here. He turned to Isaac who was chewing a piece of broccoli like nothing happened, maybe even with some amusement.

"I am sorry you had to witness something like this…", Nathan said awkwardly. "We are only trying to ensure they think things properly before they make such a big step. If we knew that the topic of her family is a sensitive one, we would avoid it during a meal."

"And probably talk to your son without Mia present.", Isaac added coolly before putting another piece of food in his mouth.

Nathan sighed and nodded in agreement.

Madeline snapped out of her daze. Isaac is here! And he saw this embarrassing episode! Ah, she wished that she could hide somewhere. But she can't, this is her house and her dinner and Isaac is her guest and she needs to explain: "Yes. They just met few weeks ago and now they are already engaged and rushing with marriage and we hope that they can slow down before they plunge into this carelessly. You saw Hunter… He is absolutely in love with the girl and not thinking straight. Regardless if she is a good girl or not, Hunter needs to use his head."

Madeline sighed and shook her head helplessly while staring at the napkin on the table. "He never snapped like this at us before. It only proves that he became impulsive to the point of putting a girl he just met over his parents who raised him. And we only wish the best for him…"

Madeline lifted her gaze and looked at Isaac apologetically. "Our dinners are usually more harmonious than what you saw here. I am sorry for making you witness such a scene."

Isaac swallowed the food from his mouth before speaking: "Normally, I eat alone or with coworkers. It's quiet and dry. This family atmosphere is… different."

Nathan could not believe that Isaac said those words with a straight face. Is he enjoying the show? Ah, they probably look like a bunch of unruly people. They wanted to leave a good impression, and instead they made fools of themselves in front of Isaac Williams, a man who is sitting at the table and eating with a posture and movements worth of a royal.

Isaac can see that both Nathan and Madeline are uncomfortable. He placed fork and a knife from his hands on the plate in front of him, wiped edges of his lips with a napkin and asked: "What are your concerns? I assume there is a reason why you are asking about Mia's family. Do you mind sharing your reasons with me?"

At this question, both Nathan and Madeline released a breath of relief. Isaac is not making fun of them, his tone is compassionate.

"They met recently, and we met Mia only last weekend.", Madeline started and paused. She glanced at Nathan and he silently gave his OK for her to continue.

Nathan believes that Isaac should be able to see their point of view. He is a father, running a successful business. And he knows that Isaac is here because he is curious about them, just how they are curious about him. Based on this, they have things in common.

"It is one thing in there is no family, or if she is a poor girl, but there IS a family and we don't know a thing about them." Madeline got an idea… "Liz and Mia are friends for a long time, right? Do you know something about Mia's background?"

Isaac observed Madeline and Nathan and as a parent, he can understand their concern. If Liz came home with a stranger and dropped a bomb that she is getting married, Isaac would scramble to get information as well.

Isaac thought for some time. "My wife passed away when Liz was a teen. I saw Liz shrinking inside her own world, isolating herself with books and I wanted her to experience joys of youth, how much possible. She was about fifteen when I sent her to the first youth summer camp with hope that she makes friends. That is how she met Mia and Mia's current roommate, Brianna. Until Mia and Brianna came to New York for their studies, the three of them saw each other during summers at youth camps and they stayed in touch while the school was in. To be honest, I don't know about Mia's family, but I remember that she was attending an elite boarding school… uhm…" Isaac paused while wracking his brain for details but at the end he had to admit: "I forgot which one. Maybe Liz remembers. But a girl with a bad background would not be able to enroll there."

Nathan and Madeline exchanged looks and nodded in understanding. Elite boarding schools require a lot of money, good grades, and someone influential. As much as this is a good thing, it's bad as well. If Mia is coming from a rich and influential family, why did they erase her past?

Madeline sighed. "Thank you for telling us this."

"I wish that I am of more help. If it's of any value, I know that Mia is a good girl. She is not the one to cause trouble. Mia and Brianna started their business from scratch and struggled to earn enough to cover their expenses, but they never strayed by doing something indecent."

Madeline smiled gratefully. It's not much, but it's more than what they had so far. She decided to change the topic: "You said that your wife passed when Liz was a teen… It must have been challenging to raise her on your own."

"Not really. I believe that she took care of me more than I took care of her. Elizabeth is a smart girl, stubborn to prove that she can do things on her own. Even now… I offered her to stay and work with me, but she insisted on coming to the West Coast."

"I am happy that she did. If not, out two kids would not meet…", Madeline said with a smile.

Isaac smiled, for the first time that evening. "I must admit, when I met Max I was wary of him. But I got to see how he cares about my Liz. I found out about the incident in Hawaii and that he sacrificed himself in order to protect her. As a father, I am touched. Max is smart and devoted, a true gentleman. It is difficult to find such a combination these days. The two of you did a great job in raising him."

Madeline cleared her throat awkwardly and did her best to smile. Is he talking about Max? Ah, Isaac probably does not know about Max's frivolous behavior. And it should stay that way, right? As much as Max is not partying since he met Liz, that is only in the last few weeks, and Max's previous six years are still fresh in her memory.

Nathan grunted in response to Isaac's words. "I am happy that Max is not here to hear your words. He would get cocky."

"He should know that his good conduct is appreciated.", Isaac retorted.

"Eh…", Nathan shook his head. "Before he met Liz, he was not good. You have no idea how much headaches that boy caused."

Isaac waved, indicating how he does not think that is important. "Every boy acts out once in a while. It is a part of growing up.", he nodded knowingly and added: "I believe that a positive feedback and encouragement works better than scolding. And let me tell you. I am glad to hear that Liz is a good influence on Max, because I noticed changes in her as well."

Nathan wanted to say how Max was not only acting out once in a while, it was a six year long nightmare! But as soon as he opened his mouth, Madeline pinched his thigh under the table. Her glare told him to keep quiet. A second later, Nathan remembered that Madeline warned him before dinner not to talk smack about Max. Only the good things… The good impression something-something. Right!

Nathan rubbed the pinched area. Did she had to do it so hard? And she twisted as well! Hmph!

Nathan forced a smile, his thigh is aching like crazy! "I am happy to hear that Max is a good influence. Successful couples will complement each other and provide support when needed."

Madeline relaxed and smiled. She likes where this talk is going. "We observed Max and Liz over the last weekend, and the two of them are a great match. Do you think they will get engaged soon?"

Isaac froze. "Engaged?"

Madeline frowned. "You would object?"

"Uhm… I didn't think about it.", Isaac admitted. "To be honest, yesterday I found out that Liz has a boyfriend."

Madeline nodded knowingly. "These kids… they spread their wings and get independent and they just come and tell us that they are getting married and having babies without any heads up."

She tilted her head and asked Isaac curiously: "Is this topic making you uncomfortable?"

Isaac shifted in his seat and admitted: "Maddy, first you said engagement, and now it's a marriage and babies. I need a minute."

Madeline inhaled silently and observed Isaac's expression. She guessed that he does not know that Liz is pregnant. Well, not everyone has keen eyes for details like Madeline Anderson.

Isaac saw Madeline's smug smile and that Nathan is strange as well. All this combined with the current topic made him feel chills down his spine. "Am I missing something?"

Madeline shook her head. "We should not be the one to tell you."

Isaac felt panic wash over him. "What do you mean? Tell me what? Please… tell me."

"Only if you promise not to say that it came from us.", Madeline said in a half-whisper.

Isaac nodded and leaned closer in anticipation of her next words.

"You see… at Hawaii… we noticed that Max is very attentive about Liz, and that Liz is careful and getting tired easily and we are quite confident that they are expecting a child."

Isaac's vision blurred and he wanted to grip the edge of the table because the whole room was spinning, but he had no strength in his hands.

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