"Sent home for bad behavior," he said, with a tight smile. Brian wasn't really the type to back down from a fight, but he didn't have the first clue how to navigate this conversation. With Max closer, only the bar counter separating them, Brian pushed himself away, drawing in a deep breath and turning to walk into the living room.

"You should go upstairs, take a shower." He stopped in the middle of the living room, arms falling heavily against his sides, and threw a fleeting look toward Max, over his shoulder. "You fucking stink."