The London Palladium; England; Thursday Evening
Going to the Theatre with Edward's parents turned out better than Penelope had assumed it would. Still awkward, but not even close to a disaster. Waiting for her coat, she didn't see Max step up behind Edward and help him into his.
Max"There you go, sir," Max said, patting Edward on the back before he turned to face him.
EdwardStunned, Edward turned about and quickly reached for Penelope, taking her by the arm. "Okay, we're leaving."
PenelopeProtesting slightly, Penelope was rushed along with him. "My coat!"
Edward"It's all right, we'll get you another one," he said, pushing her along quickly.
Penelope"Edward," she complained, "what are you doing?"
MaxMax was suddenly right there, halting their hurried progress. "Hi," he said to her.
Penelope"Max." She breathed out, surprised to see him.
Max"Hello, Penelope," he said, his eyes centered and warm on hers.
Edward"We were just leaving," Edward replied firmly, pulling Penelope along in another direction.
MaxMax followed. "Hey, how are things, Edward," he asked snidely, stepping in front of them again.
"I understand it got a bit grotesque there for a while. Even puke ugly." His blue eyes were hard on Edward, shoving the man's own words about Penelope back at him.
Penelope"Wait, you two know each other?" Penelope asked.
Max"As a matter of fact we do," Max said, ready to spill his guts about Edward.
Edward"Yale, wasn't it?" Edward asked, trying to save Penelope from learning the truth about him.
Working with Lemon and Max had not been pleasant, but it had been necessary. And he didn't want her to know that he'd been the one behind the montrous sketch of her that had been printed in the paper. It was done and overwith. No need to dredge up the past; this wedding would happen. The financial gain in marrying a Wilhern demanded it.
Max"No," Max replied, confidently. "I believe it was Bedford. A Bedford van to be ex-"
Edward"Stop," Edward pleaded. "Haven't you hurt her enough?" With a short glance at Penelope, he moved forward and swept quickly past Max, adding in a hushed, hurried tone: "Bathroom. Now."
MaxInfuriated, Max looked at Penelope... he wanted to tell her everything.
Mother"Penelope? Why don't you let Edward handle it," her mother said, moving forward to take her hand, tugging her away from Max.
MaxMax had no choice but to follow Edward. He set off for the bathroom with purposeful strides, declaring harshly as he instantly faced off with the man: "You make me sick."
Edward"Why? I'm giving her exactly what she wants, aren't I? And I don't see anyone else," he waved his hand, "linging up to do that. Unless... unless you are?" he asked sarcastically.
Max"...not the point," he stated.
Edward"Yes, it is."
Max"That's not the point," Max shouted, barely holding himself in check.
Edward"Yes, it is the point. Look, if you want to go out there and tell her that the only man willing to stand up and say 'I do' still gags at the thought of kissing her," he said, then contined in a much lower tone of voice, "then be my guest. But it's not me you'll be hurting. It's her. Isn't it?"
MaxMax could only stare at Edward. There wasn't a word he could say against that. He wouldn't hurt Penelope. Not again.
With a smirk that was far too smug, Edward walked out. And stepping from the bathroom a moment later, Max watched as the man put his arm around Penelope; the couple heading towards the exit.
He'd lost. He lost her. He couldn't give her what she wanted and what she wanted was to be free. He wasn't a blueblood. He wasn't even Max Campion. He was Johnny Martin. An ex-gambler. A nobody.
[[ OOC: NFI, NFB due to distance, dialogue taken and modified slightly from Penelope. OOC is A-okay! ]]