At Vlad's promise to not sell the tape on eBay, Max clutched his hands to his heart, expression almost teary-eyed. "Oh, that's so sweet!" he said, pretending to daub tears away from his eyes. "That's the nicest thing that anyone's said to me all month. You are earning major brownie points, mister." He instantly dissolved into a low snicker, playing with the salt shaker.
He watched the waitress leave, glancing over to Vlad at his observation. Max's brows rose. "You think?" He paused, grinning. "Yeah, I think you're right. I'm her favorite customer already, I bet. Sorry, pal. I'm sure the bartender would like you!" He gestured to the burly, tattooed bartender as he cleaned a glass with a visibly dirty rag. "See? He's interested in cleanliness too!"
At that, he burst out laughing, keeping the sound relatively contained as he covered his mouth.