"Alex, my future brother in law, how are you man, long time no see," Max said as they slapped hands and gave each other the signature guy hug.

"Good, how bout you?"

"Living man, trying to make a living."

They got all of Max's luggage and got in Alex's car.

"So how have you been man, how's the teaching going?"

"Stressful as hell. You know I found a gun in one of my students book bag."

"WHAT? Alex I told you. You shouldn't even be there. Didn't that firm offer you a six figure salary?"

"Yea...but you know...that's just not what I'm feeling right now. You know...I wanna help these kids, they need my help and guidance."

"Yea well I just hope you can before you get yourself shot," Max said playfully but was dead serious. "But anyway, how's my baby sister?"

"Your baby sister," Alex said in a 'yea right' kind of tone. "You know man, after all these years with your sister, I still can't seem to do anything right. And she's just as bossy and controlling as ever."

"That's nothing new. So why do you put up with it?"

"Well you know....we've been together forever, and I do love her....but, GOD she's a handful. I don't know how I lasted this long."

"Maybe she wants to get married. I mean we all thought you two would be the first to get hitched," Max smirked kind of trying to hint to Alex.

"That's not it man. I mean between me and you.....I've proposed twice already," Alex put up two fingers and whispered as if anyone else could hear being that only he and Max were in the car.

"And she said no?"

"What do you think? Have you gotten an invitation yet?" Alex said sarcastically. "You know your sister man. What am I saying," Alex hit his hand on his forehead as if to say duhh. "You described her to a "T" in you book," Alex blurted and shook his head hoping Max hadn't heard that, but he knew he had. 'Damn Alex there you go flapping your big mouth again' Alex thought hitting the steering wheel. 'I didn't mean for that to come out' his other voice said and his facial expression showing everything he was thinking.

Max's eyes looked as if they were gonna fall out of his head. "What do you mean, 'MY BOOK'?" Max said with a clenched jaw.

"Did I say your book? What I meant was...." Alex tried to smile and play it off stumbling over the non words "uhh....I meant....you know..." 'Oh shit Alex you really did it this time'. "Not that I read your book...." 'ok now would be the time to just shut up Alex.'

"You read my book????" Max asked as the steam was now coming from his ears.

"How the hell did you get my book Alex?"

"I....I.....I don't have your book.....Tesshasyourbook," Alex mumbled all together in one breath.

"WHAT?" Max shouted.

"Tess. Has. Your. Book" Alex said, while bracing himself for Max's reaction.

"TESS, how the hell did she...."