Preconceived notions

In the morning, you play the usual game of disengaging from Ellie, who clings to you in half-sleep. After you shower and dress, you sit down with Mazzy for a quick breakfast. She laughingly explains that Dakota and Kenna wore each other out last night. As the two of you eat, she tells you she’s staying home to guide the contractors today. You worry a bit, but she waves off your concerns, having met the workers before when they were setting up the diner. Satisfied, you smile, and get ready for work. With a kiss, she sends you on your way, waving as you pull out of the driveway.

When you arrive at the AWIO, you’re a bit early, so you sit down and read through the file for the person you’re interviewing today. It’s not long before you get a bad feeling about him. Connor Bradford, 20 year old son of real estate magnate Nathan Bradford. Young and rich, you get the impression that he’s never had to work for anything in his life. Nothing in the file indicates he’s a bad person, no evidence either way, actually. He comes across as a typical rich kid, although the fact that he’s coming to the AWIO does at least suggest that he’s not racist towards the monster girls.

As you’re finishing up your reading, Edward approaches, smiling. “Getting up to speed?”

You nod. “Just reading up on Connor. I can’t explain it, but something feels…off.”

Edward shrugs. “There’s nothing in his background that suggests he won’t be a good sponsor, beyond his being second generation wealthy. Try not to go into the interview expecting anything. It’s easy to rush to a snap judgement, and that doesn’t help anyone.”

You chuckle. “Fair enough.”

Edward smiles. “We get a lot of rich men seeking to sponsor monster girls, actually. By and large, it’s worked out. And for the most part, the bad eggs reveal themselves quickly.”

You think for a moment. “That makes sense. And I suppose I can’t judge too harshly. I’m building an extension on my house to make room for another girl.”

He laughs. “Happens more often than you think. And remember, it’s not really you doing the judging. The girls can make their own decisions, we’re just here to help them.”

You nod. “Right. I’m just meant to get him talking. The girls will be watching.”

Edward smiles. “Precisely. Remember, they know what they want far better than we ever could. And our job is to ensure they see enough to decide.”

With a laugh, you nod. “I’m still learning. Hopefully I’ll get better at this.”

Edward pats you on the shoulder. “You will. You’re an empathetic guy, and that’ll go a long way. You just need practice, and that’s what we’re doing. I’ll be there to help, so don’t worry about making mistakes. Everyone has to start somewhere!”

You chuckle. “All good points. So, I’m guessing everything is ready?”

He nods. “Just waiting on the sponsor. He’s due any minute.”

As if on cue, you see a bright red sports car pull into the parking lot. As soon as the car is parked, a young man climbs out, walking briskly towards the door. A confident smile rests on his face as he walks in, twirling his keys around his finger. He stops, looking between you and Edward, and nods.