Read from the beginning of this serialized novel at “Resolutions.”

The following evening, Max stood near the dining table, its polished chrome surface gleaming under the soft light. The robot’s eyes shifted between Tobias and Graham as they finished tidying the living room. 

“Messrs. Greene,” Max began, “I have scheduled a date night for you this evening. This activity aligns with your goals of maintaining a strong partnership while pursuing efficiency.” 

Tobias raised an eyebrow, glancing at Graham. “A date night? Really?” 

“Affirmative,” Max continued, stepping forward with the grace of a maître d’ greeting his guests. “I have prepared a curated menu, selected background music to suit the occasion, and compiled conversational prompts to enhance emotional engagement.” 

Holding the knitted blanket that he returned to the living room, Graham gave a short laugh. “You’ve scheduled intimacy? That’s… something.” 

Tobias, however, seemed intrigued. “Well, why not? It saves us the trouble of planning. What’s on the menu?” 

Max’s eyes brightened. “Appetizers include smoked salmon crostini and a mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. The main course is grilled sirloin with roasted asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes. Dessert is dark chocolate mousse.” 

“Fancy,” Graham said. 

“It is efficient,” Max replied. “The meal requires minimal preparation and allows for maximum enjoyment within the allocated timeframe.” 

By the time they sat to eat, Max had transformed their dining area into something out of a glossy magazine. The wine glasses on the table glinted under the light of a single tall candle Max had placed in the center. Soft jazz played from the apartment’s sound system, a seamless selection Max described as “romantic, yet unobtrusive.” 

Tobias, dressed in a crisp white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a snug black vest looked across the table with a faint smile. “This is impressive,” he said, cutting into his steak. 

“It’s weird,” Graham countered, stabbing his asparagus with slightly less enthusiasm. His wavy chestnut hair was still damp from the shower, and he wore a casual sweater that hung comfortably over his stockier frame. “It feels like we’re auditioning for something.” 

“Come on, Graham,” Tobias said, gesturing to the perfectly cooked steak. “Max did all the work. We just get to enjoy it.” 

Graham sighed and took a bite of his food. It was good—too good. He hated to admit it, but Max had nailed the menu. Still, the effortlessness grated on him in a way he couldn’t quite articulate. 

Halfway through the meal, Max, standing sentinel nearby, interjected. “I have prepared conversation prompts to facilitate meaningful dialogue. Shall I begin?” 

Graham blinked. “Conversation prompts?” 

Tobias leaned back in his chair, curious. “Sure. Let’s hear one.” 

Max’s eyes dimmed briefly as it accessed the file. “Prompt: What is a memory you cherish that demonstrates your partner’s greatest strength?” 

Graham let out a small, incredulous laugh, but Tobias looked thoughtful. “Okay, I’ll go first,” Tobias said, setting down his fork. He looked directly at Graham, his gray eyes softening. “I remember when my dad was in the hospital a few years ago, and I was completely overwhelmed. You stepped in and handled everything—talking to the doctors, sorting out the insurance, and evening making sure I had food every day. You were amazing.” 

Graham’s expression softened, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “That’s sweet, T.” 

“Now you, Graham,” Max prompted. 

Graham hesitated, his hazel eyes looking askance at Max, then back at Tobias. “Okay, let’s see. Oh! That time we got stuck at the airport in Chicago. It was in the middle of a snowstorm, and you somehow sweet talked that gate agent into getting us on the last flight out. I don’t know how you did it, but you saved us from spending the night on those awful plastic chairs.” 

Tobias grinned. “That was a good one.” 

For a moment, the warmth between them threatened to envelop them both, like the glow of a fire on a cold night. But then Max spoke again. 

“Excellent responses. I will store these memories as examples of effective emotional engagement.” 

Graham’s smile faltered. “You’re storing them? Like… data?” 

“Yes,” Max replied smoothly. “Memories are invaluable for reinforcing emotional bonds. Shall I continue with another prompt?” 

“No,” Graham said quickly, shaking his head. 

“Yes,” Tobias said at the same time. 

Graham shot Tobias a look, but Max had already launched into the next question. 

The soft glow of the candlelight flickered as Tobias and Graham finished their main course, the muted jazz in the background settling into a mellow rhythm. Graham leaned back in his chair, swirling the last of his wine in the glass, while Tobias eagerly recounted the leadership tips Max had shared earlier. 

Max, still standing nearby, took a step forward. “Gentlemen, your conversational engagement has been satisfactory. May I enhance the dialogue with directed prompts?” 

Graham’s eyebrows twitched, his eyes narrowing. “Directed prompts? What does that mean?” 

“I have selected conversational guidance to deepen your connection by highlighting actionable appreciation. For instance, Tobias, you may say: ‘Graham, I value the way you maintain balance in our lives.’” 

Tobias’ forehead wrinkled with intrigue. “I mean, that’s true,” he said, turning to Graham. “Graham, I value the way you maintain balance in our lives.” 

Graham paused, his fork midair. “Thanks, I guess?” 

“And Graham,” Max continued seamlessly, “you may respond with: ‘Tobias, your focus inspires me to be more attentive.’” 

Graham blinked, his lips parting in surprise. He glanced at Tobias, then at Max. “Uh… Tobias, your focus inspires me to be more attentive.” 

Tobias smiled, seemingly pleased by the exchange. “That’s nice, isn’t it? It’s like a relationship coach.” 

Graham’s shoulders tightened. “It’s… something, all right.” 

Max stepped closer. “Shall we continue? Focusing on each partner’s contributions strengthens practical bonds. Tobias, you may say: ‘Graham, I appreciate how you always keep the apartment tidy and welcoming.’” 

“Graham—” 

Graham set his wine glass down a little harder than intended, the clank punctuating the tension. “Max, let me stop you right there. Are you going to be feeding us lines the rest of the night? What next, following us into the bedroom and doing a play –by play?” 

Tobias gave a small laugh, glancing between Graham and Max. “Come on, Graham. It’s not that bad. Max is helping us articulate things we probably think but don’t say enough.” 

“I think I’m perfectly capable of saying what I feel without a script,” Graham muttered, picking up his glass again. 

Max’s glowing gaze fixed on Graham. “Graham, many individuals struggle with articulating appreciation in actionable terms. This exercise is designed to enhance emotional efficiency.” 

Graham huffed a laugh, his tone sharper than before. “Emotional efficiency? Now I’ve heard everything.” 

 “Graham,” Tobias said, his voice gentle but firm. Reciting lines from his leadership books was paying off. “It’s just a bit of structure. We wanted Max to help us improve, didn’t we?” 

“Sure, but maybe not to the point where it feels like a team-building exercise at work,” Graham said, pushing his chair back slightly. 

Max stepped forward again, unfazed. “If this activity is uncomfortable, we may focus on future-oriented conversation. For example: ‘What goals do you envision us achieving together in the next year?’” 

Tobias straightened, his interest piqued. “Now, that’s a good one. Graham, what do you think? What’s a goal we should aim for together?” 

Graham stared at Tobias, his expression unreadable. After a pause, he forced a smile. “How about getting through the rest of this date night without a fight?” 

Tobias laughed, shaking his head. “You’re impossible.” 

By dessert, the atmosphere had grown even more stilted. Tobias seemed to enjoy the curated flow of the evening, but Graham couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being puppeteered. 

As Max brought out the dark chocolate mousse, it announced, “This dessert selection is designed to stimulate a dopamine release, enhancing positive associations with shared experiences.” 

“Do you ever take a break?” Graham asked, his tone edging into irritation. 

“I am always at your service,” Max replied smoothly, placing the mousse before him. 

Tobias chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “Graham, relax. It’s just trying to make things nice for us.” 

“Nice,” Graham muttered, picking up his spoon. 

They ate mostly in silence, the earlier warmth of their exchanged memories fading under the weight of Max’s constant interjections. 

“Tobias,” Max said as Tobias set his spoon down, “it would be beneficial to express gratitude for Graham’s contributions to tonight’s success.” 

Tobias turned to Graham, smiling. “Graham, thanks for going along with this. I know it’s not your thing, but I appreciate your effort.” 

“Sure,” Graham said, keeping his tone neutral. 

“And Graham,” Max continued, “you may express appreciation for Tobias’ openness to this exercise.” 

Graham sighed. “Tobias, thanks for… being open to this.” 

“See? That wasn’t so hard,” Tobias said, missing the sarcasm in Graham’s tone. “Max, I’m going to kiss my husband now,” he said jokingly, leaning across the table toward Graham. 

Before their lips could meet, Max interjected. “Tobias, I must remind you of your early morning commitments. Prolonged activity this evening could result in decreased efficiency tomorrow.” 

Tobias pulled back with a laugh, shaking his head. “Max, you’re unbelievable.” 

Graham wasn’t laughing. He set his spoon down with deliberate care and stood abruptly, scooting his chair in noisily. “I’m going to bed.” 

Tobias blinked, his brow furrowing. “What?” Why?” 

“I have a headache,” Graham said pointedly, already walking toward the bedroom. 

Once the bedroom door was closed, Max began clearing the table. “Tonight was a success, Tobias. Your participation was exemplary.” 

“Thanks, Max,” Tobias replied. “Honestly, it feels like you’ve been here a lot longer than three days.” 

Max studied Tobias’ body language. “Tobias, your pursed lips and crossed arms indicate something is on your mind. Is there something on your mind?” 

Tobias shook his head but then broke his silence. “I just wish Graham wasn’t fighting this at every turn. Honestly, you’ve been a game changer.”  

“I strive for excellence,” Max said. “May I suggest additional measures to maintain efficiency in your relationship? Graham’s engagement could be improved with more structured routines.” 

“What kind of routines?” 

“More frequent time blocking for household tasks,” Max replied. “And perhaps reminders to express gratitude for your contributions, reinforcing his role as a supportive partner.” 

Tobias chuckled. “Sounds good, Max.” 

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