Scarlett's House

When you leave to go to Scarlett's, Clara and Fia are still going at it. Not wanting to interrupt them, you leave without saying a word.

You check your phone once you get to Scarlett's. You're a half hour early. Figuring Scarlett would appreciate that, you knock on the door.

When the door opens, you hear a startled yelp. Scarlett seemingly wasn't prepared for you to get here so fast, and is in only a tank top with no bra, and shorts. "Maxwell, you're early. How unexpected." She tries to play it off, but you know she's not comfortable.

"Scarlett, I'll admit it; I expected you to be as stuffy at home as you are at work. But you surprised me. You seem very relaxed."

Scarlett takes the bait. "I am?"

"Yeah, that's why I came early. I thought you'd be all strict about timing, knowing you and your amazing work ethic."

Scarlett smiles at that, and lets you into her place. "Can I get you something to drink?"

"Tea, if you have it." You usually don't have tea, but figure getting on her good side is a way to build a relationship.

"Ah, a fellow tea drinker? Maybe I've misjudged you, Max."

"So I'm not the worst person in the world?"

"Don't push it." She leaves for the kitchen, while you wait in the living room.

You decide to check your phone.

[Friday, Scarlett - Affection Score: -30 (+4)]

You frown at the very little progress made. "And I thought I was doing so well, too."

"Doing so well with what?" Scarlett comes back into the room, carrying two cups of tea.

You scramble for an excuse, something she'll accept. "Oh, nothing, just roommate drama."

"Do tell."

You're surprised, having never taken Scarlett for a gossip, but tell the story anyway. "Okay, so me and my one roommate Fia have been friends since college. We have a third friend, Clara. We're all friends, but we talked less once I started dating my now-ex, Daphne. Clara and Fia started dating around the same time. After graduation, I move in with Daphne and we split the rent. I still talk to Clara and Fia, and everything's fine. Daphne breaks up with me, saying I'm too complacent, and I move in with Clara and Fia, and suddenly, Clara hates me! What's up with that?"

Scarlett takes a sip of tea. "I think it's obvious. Fia has had a thing for you since college, and Clara views you as a threat to her happy relationship. So to stop the potential threat from blossoming, she puts you down constantly so you don't get any bright ideas."

You mull it over, not entirely convinced. "You really think someone would do that?"

"I do it personally in my day to day life." The statement isn't finished, but the implied to you is understood.

"I never expected you to be a love expert, Scarlett."

"Love expert isn't correct. My personal love life has been a disaster. My last boyfriend cheated on me with my sister, and I have been out of the dating pool ever since."

"Scarlett, I'm so sorry, have you ever considered getting back in?" Before she can answer you, someone pounds on the door.

"LET US IN, SCARLETT! ME AND OLIVE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR FIVE MINUTES NOW!"

Scarlett turns to you. "This conversation never happened." She walks to the door.

You check your scores.

[Friday, Scarlett - Affection Score: -15 (+15)]

Callie tosses a napkin at you. "Max, get off your phone and get to work, so we can all go home!"