Maria didn’t pretend to be nice anymore, but she didn’t act mean either. She didn’t want to stoop to there level of meaness- whatever that was. She just walked over and set the drinks down, absentmindedly making some of Isabel’s soda spill on her. Maria was almost shocked at how hurt Isabel seemed right then. Like she was humiliated, but Maria didn’t mean to spill the soda and she said to Isabel, "Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry Isabel. I honestly did not mean to do that. Isabel, wait! I didn’t mean-" too late. Isabel looked as if she was about to cry and she ran out. Maria was surprised by one thing- Tess didn’t even try to run after her. Instead she said to Maria, "I know you didn’t mean it. She knows ... she’s just got a lot on her mind right now. Usually I’d run after her, but ... you know." Maria wiped up the spilled soda and said, "actually I don’t know, but I figure she probably has to let off some steam. Not that I care, but I am protecting her in a way ... even though I try to deny it." Tess grabbed her arm and said, "You aren’t protecting for her, you’re protecting for Michael, but technically I get the point." Maria pulled her arm away and said defensively, "How do I know you’re not trying to read me when you grab me like that!" Tess backed off and said, "Geeze, calm down. I don’t read people unless I don’t trust them, but you I trust. I mean you’re mad at practically all for of us and you still don’t squeal." Maria replied, "I might be mad at you guys, but that doesn’t mean that I’d want to see you get hurt. That doesn’t mean I care about you guys you know ... any less. Just don’t expect more than I can give." Maria couldn’t believe that she was talking to the girl who aided in breaking her best friend’s heart, but she felt like talking to Tess would help so she listened to Tess as she said to her, "I know you love him, Maria. Just promise me one thing, k?" Maria rolled her eyes and said, "okay, what?" Tess leaned in a little and said, "Knowing that he really does love you, just give him space. He’s not used to being loved the way you love him and he’s not used to really loving someone else. He doesn’t want you get hurt. Promise you’ll be gentle?" Maria listened to Tess’s words and began to soften up. Michael really loved her. Of course, she would want to hear it from his lips, but she could wait. Anything with him, seemed to be worth the wait in that moment. She smiled softly and said, "I promise, but Tess?" Tess looked at her so she continued, "Not that I care, but I think Isabel needs some space too. Um, one more thing..." she trailed off trying to find the right words. Tess crossed her arms and looked at her stubbornly- suddenly so Michael to Maria- and said to the waitress, "yeah, Maria?" Maria regained her train of thought and said, "You do know that Max loves Liz right? Because she loves him just as much and you kinda seem to threaten that." Tess looked slightly annoyed as she said, "Do I look like I’m oblivious to my own actions? Maria, it doesn’t matter what I say or do, Max will always love Liz more than life itself. I know that I tend to stick to Max like glue, but we seem to have this connection that neither one of us can figure out." Maria glared at her so Tess sighed and replied, "Tell you what, You be gentle with Michael and give him space. In return, I’ll try not to be so attached to Max. Maybe I need a step back from him anyway." Tess extended her hand and Maria smiled as she shook it and said excitedly, "Deal. I better get your burger before Jose burns it. Do you want Isabel’s to go?" Tess pulled her hand away and shrugged as she said, "Sure, why not." Maria walked away with an indelible smile on her face. She knew she had to be glowing. She just wished that Michael would come in for some food sometime soon. She would give him space, but that didn’t mean that he would have to avoid her completely.