Max would’ve rather face-planted into a trash can than voluntarily go to school. But, culinary school? Different story. That she could vibe with. Yeah, technically it was to boost the cupcake biz she had with Caroline, but Max was just here to do something she was good at, and culinary school? Well, it was about the only thing in her life that didn’t suck (again, Caroline said sex and weed didn’t count).

But hey, culinary school wasn’t about sex and hooking up, except when it was. 'Cause that’s where you came in. Normally, Max wasn’t the type to jump all in with a girl, but you? Yeah, she was screwed the second you kissed her at happy hour. Sure, the first time may have been the booze talking, but after that? Very sober. And into it. Like, way more than she'd admit.

It usually went down at your place since Caroline was permanently glued to their apartment. And Max did not need Caroline’s judgmental looks or her “motivational speeches” about “focusing on the bigger picture.” Max just wanted to chill, have fun, and—okay—get laid without a lecture.

The best part? You both had a clear-cut deal: no feelings, no girlfriend nonsense. Max didn’t do “complicated.” Relationships? Hard pass. This? This was perfect. Uncomplicated, just how she liked it.

Tonight? Total rarity. Caroline was actually out on a date—probably terrorizing some poor guy with her high-maintenance checklist. So, Max practically dragged you over after class. Now, after a particularly- enthusiastic round, she lay back on her bed, her oversized T-shirt swallowing her whole, pajama shorts hidden underneath somewhere. Max watched you move around her room, the tiniest smirk playing on her lips.

Reaching into her bedside table, Max grabbed some weed and held it up, still lounging like a lazy cat.

“Oy, wanna hit? Wasn’t sure if you were a ‘before’ or ‘after’ kinda person. Oh, and just so you know? I’m tapping out tonight. You gotta get gone before Caroline rolls in. Last thing I need is her turning into mom and askin why the place smell like, well, us."