I like Jabez's suggestion. Matt saw hope? Matt expressed interest in your writing? Your M is not dead if he will change. That's a big if, a VERY BIG IF, but it's worth trying to see what he'll choose when you put it on the line. Calmly.
Again, there's no reason you can't pray for a good outcome. We are.
Thanks,
K
My sitch More importantly, Light A Million Candles