A Late-Night Talk with MAX About Caroline

Night fell.

MAX's apartment.

"Wait!"

MAX held out a hand to stop Adam. "We haven't talked about the important matter yet."

"What important matter?"

Adam looked at NAXAM in confusion.

"What do you think?"

MAX turned Adam's head, forcing him to meet her eyes.

"You said we'd go to the stables to see Caroline's pet horse, right?"

Adam could not help laughing. "I got it. The day after tomorrow, then. You guys go ahead, and I'll come find you after morning rounds."

"You're not going with us?"

MAX worriedly said, "Caroline told me those places are all members-only. Ordinary people can't get in."

"You're worried Caroline will be humiliated because she can't get in?"

Adam smiled. "Don't worry. It'll be fine, I guarantee it."

"You guarantee it?"

MAX was still somewhat worried.

"I guarantee it!"

Adam raised his right hand and solemnly swore, "In the name of NAXAM!"

"You really know how to show respect."

MAX rolled her eyes. "I'll thank you on NAXAM's behalf, then!"

"That's it?"

Adam teased, "Your way of thanking me is way too insincere. I'm not expecting you to be all heartfelt or take any real action, but at least your verbal thanks should sound sincere and touching, right?"

"Then forget it."

MAX lay flat on her back. "I won't represent NAXAM anymore. Go find whoever you want!"

"Fine, go to sleep."

Adam did not keep giving the completely couch-potatoed MAX a hard time. Smiling, he said, "I'll read for a while."

With that, he got up and went to the study to get a mathematics monograph.

"Come here!"

MAX called from the bedroom.

Adam smiled and carried the book inside. He lay on his side on the bed, letting MAX hug him from the side as he began reading.

It had become a habit.