A Revelation

"I know we're already lying about the app, but telling her what she wants to hear might make things worse. But on the other hand, that Rodney guy might be a good red herring so she doesn't look too closely into me. Man, I'm smart!"

"On the elevator ride up here, I met one of your coworkers, and her....boyfriend? They seemed nice, if really into PDA. Do you know anything about them?"

Fia shrugs. "Oh, you mean Rodney and Gretchen? It's a classic love story. Rodney was always really into Gretchen, but she iced him out, and wouldn't give him the time of day. Over time, he kept coming around, and she warmed up to him. Now, she's one of his girlfriends!"

"...'One of'? Are they Mormon?"

"I don't think so. Rodney is just allowed to date multiple women at the same time. It's his thing."

To her, everything Fia is saying sounds normal. Like it's a rule of life. To you, it sounds insane. Like something the app could do! If Rodney ever realizes you have the app, you might be in danger!

Thinking back to what you've gleaned from the app, you wonder on how it truly works. "I couldn't do anything to Gretchen, but Fia has had no interactions with Rodney. Whatever trait gives him the power to normalize dating multiple women is a passive one. Maybe my power will override his if I'm actively trying and he isn't? Worth a shot."

"But that isn't normal! Rodney is just some guy, isn't he? Why would he just be allowed to do that?"

You look at Fia. It's like she's trying to fit two contradictory ideas in her head at the same time.

[Goodman, Fia - Affection Score: 70 (+7), Lo: 20, Lu: 15]

"I....you're right! It's so weird. It's like something I've never questioned, even though I should! But why did I think that?"

"Are you thinking it has something to with the app?"

"I think I need to do more research on this. I won't be home right away." You nod, and turn to leave, before Fia stops you.

"And Max? Thanks for believing me."

You exit the office, a little more sure of yourself. At least you're not Rodney.