The Talk: A Magician Reveals His Secrets

You explain to them what the app is, what it does, how it works, the points system, and the traits system. You told them you bought yourself and Stella the ‘Non-Smoker’ trait to test if it was real. Stella agreed that she hasn’t thought about doing smoking again, but mainly because she promised she’d quit if you quit too. Cassie pointed out that she’s been asking Stella to quit, but it was only until now that she even considered stopping. Stella and Cassie didn’t really believe the app due to that, and chalked it up to coincidence.

Next, you told them that you bought a trait that gives people pleasure when you touch them, emphasizing that that’s what made Tanya react the way that she did to you, and not necessarily your own sexual prowess.

When they hear you read the description of the ‘Magic Touch’ they both look at each other with wide eyes, both realizing in hindsight that they may have already experienced that power from you. Stella still has a skeptical look on her face, while Cassie has more concern in hers.

“So, the app tells you what people feel about you?” Cassie asks to clarify, concerned that you may already know she has feelings for you.

“It doesn’t tell me in detail, only in numbers, and they’re open to interpretation; but it gives me a general idea. More importantly though, and I can’t stress this enough, it apparently amplifies what people feel about me.” you answer her, hinting that what she’s feeling may have been influenced by magic.

“You mean their ‘affection’ for you” Stella corrects.

“Is there a difference?” Cassie asks.

“There should be. If it amplified feelings, then hatred and anger would be amplified too. If that was the case, I’d still be very much pissed off that he didn’t show up yesterday” Stella explains, teasing you a bit. That was a good observation by Stella that you really didn’t even consider yourself, maybe the magic only amplifies positive emotions?

“Either way, best not to act like an asshole.” you respond.

...

“Okay, so to recap, this app suddenly appeared on your phone, and it shows you how people feel about you…” Stella stops her recap to glance at Cassie, “... and amplifies their affection for you. If you reach a certain threshold, you’re awarded points which you can use to buy traits. That’s the basic gist right?” You nod to confirm.

“And you bought a trait that gives pleasure just by touching someone?” Stella asks. “Yes.”

“And that’s how you got Ms. Ramirez to wake up the entire floor with her screaming?” Stella continues. You answer “Yes”, but very much under your breath in embarrassment.

“Okay, I believe you.” Stella says.

“I do too.” Cassie adds.

Your face can’t help reveal your noticeable shock at how quickly they believed that magic exists, and it took you all of yesterday to convince yourself that this thing was real. “Just like that?” you ask them.

“Dad, I’d rather believe that magic exists than to think that you’re going insane.” Stella explains to you. “I had my doubts, we are talking about magic here, but I can’t deny that it felt different being with you earlier this morning. Even more than that though, I know you’re not a liar; and if what you’re saying is true, then I can’t think of a more deserving person for it to happen to.” Stella adds, which Cassie nods to in agreement.

“Girls, I don’t think you understand that I may be influencing you in some way; to an extent that maybe what you’re feeling is inauthentic.” you tell them.

“It’s not inauthentic!” Cassie immediately states with the most conviction that you’ve ever heard her have, which shocks Stella a bit too, but she immediately reverts back to being shy and embarrassed. “I mean, what’s my score? I can confirm or deny it if you’d like.” Cassie adds in a much more subdued voice.

- Jones, Cassandra - Affection Score: 100.

Love Score: 61 (+8)

Lust Score: 100

You read her score aloud and Cassie just blushes at how high it is, but Stella gives a more verbal reaction, “You horndog!”, which makes Cassie sink in her chair. Stella laughs at her friend's embarrassment. You just smile at how comfortable they got about this whole thing so quickly.

“So you did know she had feelings for me” you try to confirm with Stella.

“Obviously,” she answers nonchalantly, “I’ve known for years Dad. When she says what she feels is authentic, she means it. She’s been in love with you since before they even moved out.” Stella reveals.

You look at Cassie who’s just blushing but also has an awkward smile on her face, not denying what Stella said or even her scores for that matter.

“And before you ask, you have my blessing.” Stella adds.

“What?” you ask in a mix of emotions. Surprise, confusion, but maybe most of all, excitement.

“Stella and I already talked about it Mr. Craig, she’s okay if I asked you out…” Cassie pauses again, but takes a deep breath and pushes through, “I mean, she’s okay if we both started dating.” she says, finishing her thought. You look at Stella and she nods, confirming what Cassie said.

“Wouldn’t it be weird for you?” you ask Stella, and she looks at you and says, “Of course, but like I told Cassie: you’re my Dad, she’s my best friend and you both have a shot at making each other happy. I wouldn’t want to be the only reason why you both can’t do that for each other.”

Stella stretches her arm across the table so she can hold your hand, and she grips it tightly.

“Be happy.”