Loved. Loved. Loved this. Again, I was right there with all of the characters. I love the human side of Ben with his insecurity and petty thinking because honestly, isn't it in all of us? The ONLY thing that was missing for me...but might show up later, was Sam "letting Max off the hook." Not the time or place but I think it needs to he done. As honest as Sam and Max have been, I can't see Sam not sharing his self-realization with Max and Ben. Realizing his part in the lack of a relationship with Max is huge because all of this time, he's held Max at fault when they both are responsible parties.
Thankfullly, Tara was there to give Max another reality/truth of his relationship with Sam.
At the end of the day, hurting and all, Max did what he does....stood behind and for Sam while acknowledging he himself was not Sam's person but could and would be one of his people.
Just amazing to read. Thank you again for sharing these characters with us.