Question D

[Jonetta]

The first call Sam makes is to Jules but he reaches Alyssa. She involves Max but he’s tied up with Tom Paoletti’s debacle. But Max also knows he’ll eventually need to be in Florida. Did this feel like a hot mess at the time? What was Max most worried about, Gina or Alyssa?

[Sharon]

I felt he was equally worried about both. He didn't want to run into Gina and bring all those emotions to the service. Also, he worried that Sam would convince Alyssa to give him another chance. Max couldn't have that because Alyssa is his plan to avoid admitting that he wanted Gina.

[Jonetta]

Exactly! When I reached this point, I felt the messiness and futility of everyone involved. I also hated that Jules wasn’t there to help straighten it all out. You could feel his absence.

Poor Max. He does have strong feelings for Alyssa but even he has them all mixed up. His isn’t a romantic love but he’s talked himself into the possibility. It’s Gina all the way and he’s fighting with all he’s got.

[Lauren]

Max's denial about his feelings for Gina made him a complete mess. He was so unlike his stoic and self-restrained self, and his decision-making was all over the place.

His wanting to marry Alyssa even though it is clear she doesn't love him and he doesn't love her is very weird.

[Anita]

Alyssa was acting so immature about Sam's very real problems. She came off as very selfish and bratty. Sam let her paint him as the bad guy in their relationship, when in reality, there was no bad guy, only bad timing and a manipulative woman.

While Max greatly admires Alyssa, he is not acting in her best interests. I don't think their fake relationship really fooled anyone but Sam.

Max was most worried about himself.