Behind the Scenes: Family tragedy, secrets, and love that was there all along.

Tony and Max are best friends. Writing partners. People swear he doesn't know she's a girl and she doesn't know he's a boy. When Tony goes away for a few months as a teacher, he realizes that empty place inside is Max-shaped. His revelation isn't something he can tell her over the phone. Every idea to tell her how he feels sounds like the plot for a book they would never write.

Then Max's parents are nearly killed in an accident. Tony drops everything to come home and be there for her and he...