Some good experience

"Well hi!" The woman replied. "I've got a say, you seem a lot more nervous than most of the guys that hit on me in the bar." She couldn't help but giggle before extending her hand. "I'm Viola. And you're cute. What's your name?"

"Ah, I'm John. I've got a be honest: this is my first time doing anything like this. My friend told me I should put myself out there more." You rubbed the back of your neck as you gently shook her hand. You could feel your face burning with embarrassment.

"Well, they sound like a good friend." Viola patted the seat next to her. You figured that was as good as invite as any and sat down next to her. "So, if you don't usually put yourself out there, what do you do?"

You did your best to loosen your shoulders. The tension in them was insane. Tegan would kill you if she found out you were doing something like this. "Uh... It's a bit complicated. I'm a lawyer, but I'm also running for mayor."

"Better you than the charlatan we currently have," Viola rolled her eyes. You were thankful that she didn't have a great view of Jake either. Though, it didn't seem like anyone was actually into Jake, but more the sex and power he had. You almost pitied him.

"Hopefully I can make a bit of a difference. I grew up here, so I want to make this town into a place where everyone can feel welcome and safe." You smiled, nothing hers as well. "I guess I should also offer to buy you a drink."

"You could..." Viola bit her lip and rested her hand on your leg. "Or we could skip the pretense and head back to my place."

You felt your stomach jump. You'd never really had a woman be so forward with you before. Was she joking around?

"What if I was, like, a murderer or something? You barely know me." You tried to find an out— appealing to her sense of reason.

"I have a feeling that you would be the one who ended up getting murdered, cutie," Viola put her arms around your neck. "I can tell that you're not that kind of guy. You're already looking for ways out because you feel awkward. You probably think that I wouldn't be into a guy like you. Well, lucky for you, Mr. Future Mayor, you're just my type. I like the gentle, kind, and loving guys."

"Hey, there," a familiar voice popped up from behind you. Brenna to the rescue! Viola pulled back and eyed Brenna carefully. She'll clear this all up. Your passivity was making this whole interaction a bit awkward, but if you knew anyone who could— you felt her arms around your back as she kissed your neck. "Did you miss me, honey? Who is your friend here?"

You froze. What was she doing? "Honey?" Viola raised an eyebrow. It's not that she believed Brenna, but that suddenly made you a bit more work than she was looking for. She could do complicated, but she wasn't going to get into a competition for you. "Well," Viola rested her hand on your leg, "if you ever decide to invest your time in a real woman, then come find me here. I frequent this bar pretty often. But until then," she stood up and stole a kiss from your cheek before leaving.

Brenna watched her walk out, a smirk on her face. She wasn't about to let anyone swoop in and steal the man she was building. You would be her perfect partner soon— hers and no one else's. "Brenna, what was that about?"

"You were floundering. The goal was to flirt and get comfortable talking to attractive women; not fall for the first one that tried to seduce you," she replied with a roll of her eyes. She sat down in Viola's former seat and rested her hand on your leg where Viola's had once been. "We're a team. Partners. You and me. We're in all of these together and I want to make sure you're not getting in over your head."

You felt like it was a little too late for that. This whole thing felt like you were out at sea and only occasionally caught glimpses of the lighthouse. "So... I take it I failed."

"I just think..." she took your hand in hers and ran a thumb over your knuckles. "...we need to take a different approach. Maybe with someone you know. How about you try flirting with me?" Brenna raised an eyebrow and met your gaze.

It seemed silly. It probably was. But, well, you'd decided to trust her expertise and if this was what she thought you needed, you owed it to her to at least try. "Okay. What do I need to do?"

"You looked like a lost puppy with that other woman. I want you to be the dominant one. Seduce me. Be direct. Nothing is off-limits. Make me yours. We'll see if you can handle that. We've got a prep you for being assertive on stage." She leaned back, "so, go ahead. Have at me."