Surprise was a good first reaction. It confirmed he still had some sway over the feelings of others and, therefore, held power. If only over the other residents of the high school. But that was a good start. He was only seventeen. The rest of the world would follow. He tried not to scowl when she pretended to think about it and instead waited patiently. Or as patiently as his mind would let him be. Rejection was really not an option here, he hoped she realized that. While he wasn't probably wasn't considered as great a catch as Russell (at least as far as the cretins in his high school were concerned), he hoped she realized this was an honor for her. He could've gone stag. But then he wouldn't be able to pick out a dress for anyone and that would just have been depressing.
When she finally gave her answer, it was terribly noncommittal. He had hoped for a little more excitement. Then again, if he just wanted squealing, he'd have asked Sydney. "How about I can have you picked you up a little early for dinner - lady's choice or we can dine at the manor, if you like, our cooks are excellent. Russell will be renting his own limo, so you can choose if you'd like one - we can certainly pick up your friends...or your siblings, if you like - or something more intimate...I can borrow the family Jaguar. We show up fabulous, become the envy of the school population, and then I take you home at an appropriate hour. Unless, of course, you'd rather not and then I can oblige that, as well," Max smiled. He had had this planned out for days. The only missing piece at that point was the girl and now she was here. Oh, and her dress. They'd get to that later.