It's all part of the process

Jack entered the lobby of the sleek corporate building where Rachel's firm was headquartered, scanning the space until his eyes landed on a familiar figure by the reception desk. Veronica. She was scrolling through her phone, clearly distracted but still exuding that typical air of confidence. Jack hadn’t expected to see her so soon, but as she looked up, their gazes locked.

“Hey, Jack,” Veronica said, sounding curious but guarded. Maybe it was his imagination, but Jack thought he noted a slight change in how she regarded him, no longer dismissing him as easily. Something had shifted.

“Oh, hey, Veronica,” he greeted casually, as if he hadn't noticed her before. “How’s it going?”

Veronica shrugged but tilted her head slightly, an almost unintentional show of interest. “Not bad. Actually, I tried out your playlist.”

Jack arched an eyebrow, keeping his tone light. “Oh? What did you think?”

Veronica crossed her arms, a slight frown on her face as she considered his question. “Honestly? It's strange, but effective. I didn’t expect it to actually do anything, but I’ve noticed my focus has been sharper all day. I don’t usually buy into these things, but...” She paused, her gaze lingering on him, her usual air of superiority dimmed just slightly. “Maybe it’s working. I’m intrigued.”

Jack smiled at the thought of Veronica apparently listening to his hidden messages all day. “Well, it’s just the beginning. These things tend to build over time. Let me know how it progresses,” he replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

She nodded, a small, almost involuntary smile creeping onto her lips before she quickly composed herself. “Yeah, I’ll keep you updated.” Veronica glanced at him one last time, her expression unreadable, before turning to walk away, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Jack watched her go, the weight of her gaze still lingering in the air.

With a sense of quiet satisfaction, Jack turned toward the elevator and ascended to Rachel's office.

"Jack!" Rachel greeted him warmly, her voice bright as she stood from her desk. She looked more relaxed than usual, her eyes lighting up as she saw him. "Dinnertime already?" They exchanged pleasantries as they unpacked the take-away dinner he had brought, her demeanor almost a flashback to the independent woman she once was—assertive and clear, yet different now, like her unrelenting drive had softened.

Over dinner, conversation flowed easily. Rachel laughed at his jokes, shared work stories, and, for a moment, it felt as if nothing had changed. But Jack noticed the subtle hesitations in her words, the moments where she deferred to him, almost unconsciously seeking his approval. It was both thrilling and telling.

They finished eating, and the corporate corridors emptied out as the evening descended into night. Jack soon felt the anticipation of the real reason for his visit creeping in. He could feel Rachel’s energy as she shifted in her seat across from him, a subtle nervousness weaving through her usual composure.

“So,” Jack began, taking out his notebook with the questionnaire. “I wanted to go over some things with you, if that’s okay. Just to see how the experiment’s been affecting you so far.”

Rachel knew this moment had been coming, and nodded. “Sure, I'm ready.”

Jack cleared his throat. “Okay. First question: Have you noticed any changes to your mood while listening?”

Rachel paused, thinking. “Yeah, actually. It's almost instant. I feel more focused, calmer, and sometimes more... determined, I guess? It’s hard to explain. It’s like everything clicks into place, and I can get so much more done.”

“Good,” Jack said, nodding. “That’s what we’re aiming for.”

She looked relieved, then nervous again, as if bracing for what came next.

“Have you noticed any new thoughts or feelings about yourself and others?” Jack asked carefully.

Rachel hesitated longer this time, a blush creeping up her neck. “Yes, but, I think it’s probably things I’ve always thought, you know? Just... surfacing now. Like, maybe I’m more aware of them.” Her tone was uncertain, as if she couldn’t quite reconcile the new feelings she was experiencing.

Jack leaned forward, his voice reassuring. “That’s actually exactly what the tech is supposed to do—help you break down mental barriers and become more aware of what’s been there all along. It’s possible these thoughts have just been repressed, and now they’re coming to the surface.”

Rachel blinked, as if processing his words. “I guess that makes sense,” she murmured, seemingly more at ease.

Jack watched as she nodded, almost encouraged by the idea that these feelings were hers all along. He could see her rationalizing it, deciding that the experiment was helping her in some strange, deeper way.

“Have you noticed any new habits or behaviors?” Jack asked next.

“Yeah,” Rachel fidgeted, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ve been more aware of how I look, how I act. Like now, around you. Like I want to be... more pleasing? Maybe that's weird, I don’t know if that’s the right word.” She looked down, embarrassed, before glancing up at him for reassurance.

Jack smiled, giving her a nod of approval. “Don't worry, it’s all part of the process. I'm sure you'll stabilize eventually.”

Rachel’s discomfort seemed to ease further, her shoulders relaxing as she sank into the belief that this was all for the better.

“Are you happy with the results of the experiment so far?” Jack asked.

Rachel bit her lip. “I think so. I mean, it’s hard to say exactly, but yeah, I think it’s doing something. I like how productive it’s made me, and I feel more in tune with myself. But sometimes, it’s confusing. Like, I had no idea I apparently had all these thoughts, all these feelings.”

Jack gave her another reassuring smile. “Interesting. I suppose we’re exploring new territory. That sounds very positive, doesn't it?”

Rachel let out a nervous laugh, but her expression remained thoughtful.

Jack, satisfied for now, moved on. “And finally,” he said, letting the question linger a bit longer, “is there anything you would like to ask, share, or... show me?”

Rachel froze. Her eyes darted to the side, the flash of confidence from before suddenly cracking as uncertainty set in. “I...”

Her voice faltered. She seemed caught in a tug-of-war between her old, independent self and the new impulses creeping into her mind. She looked up at him, then away again, her hand instinctively going to the collar of her blouse.

“Well, there’s something I’ve been thinking about,” she admitted in a small, but clear, voice, her old confidence flashing for a moment. “But it’s embarrassing.”

“You can trust me, Rachel,” Jack said softly. “Whatever it is, it’s okay.”

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with uncertainty, and sighed. “I’ve been feeling self-conscious lately. About my body. I don’t know if it’s the experiment or just... me. I mean, I know I look fine, and I know we texted, but... sometimes I wonder if you even... think I’m attractive anymore.” She trailed off, biting her lip.

Jack saw his opening. “Rachel, you're beautiful. There's no need to doubt that. But if you're feeling self-conscious, maybe, you could show me something, you know, more? I’d be happy to give you my honest opinion.” He deliberately, slowly, allowed his eyes to travel across her lips, neck, collar bones, finally settling on the part of her blouse that concealed her breasts.

Rachel’s eyes widened slightly, her breath catching as she processed his words, his gaze, his intent. For a moment, she seemed torn, her internal battle visible on her face. Then, almost timidly, she stood up. “I don’t know why I’m doing this,” she whispered, half to herself, half to Jack, as if even she couldn’t believe what was happening.

“Sometimes, these thoughts just need to be addressed, I guess. I'd be glad to explore them with you. But, of course, you don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with,” he said smoothly, though inside he was urging her on.

She hesitated, looking at him with a mix of fear and desire for approval. Then she shook her head. “No... it’s okay. I want to.” Her fingers fumbled with the buttons of her blouse, trembling slightly as she undid the first few.

Rachel paused. Her old self would have drawn a firm line, but now she wasn’t so sure. Slowly, she removed her blouse, revealing a lacy, light orange bra underneath, its color matching her hair. She looked up at him, searching for validation, and dropped her blouse on the chair next to her. She stood up straight, determined, but her face flushed with embarrassment. “Is this... okay?”

Jack’s gaze lingered. “It's more than okay. You’re stunning, Rachel. You don’t need to worry about anything,” he said softly.

Rachel exhaled, her body trembling as she stood there, half-exposed. “Thanks,” she whispered, a shy smile tugging at her lips. After a few moments, she quickly reached for her blouse, slipping it back on with shaking hands.

“I think, maybe, we should call it a night,” she said, her voice wavering as she buttoned up. “Sorry, I just need some time by myself. To process.” She still sounded uncertain, but there was a faint smirk on her lips now.

Jack leaned back, sensing her need to retreat, her mind likely spinning with everything that had just transpired. “Of course. We can continue whenever you're ready,” he suggested gently.

“Yeah,” Rachel nodded, still avoiding his gaze. “I think I need to think about this.” Then a full, coy smile broke through, and she looked at him. She was blushing, but there was a flicker of something more—something beyond her embarrassment. A sense of relief, perhaps, or even satisfaction at having pleased him.

As Jack left her office, he couldn’t help but grin. Rachel’s independent streak was still alive, but he was slowly, methodically, reshaping it. Her expression had been a mixture of relief and bewilderment, and Jack knew—there would be no going back for her.