Rachel: nervously fidgeting with her fork S-so, um, I h-heard someth-thing, y'know, about you and N-Newsam, like, s-s-seriously?
leans back casually Rache, that's old news. We hung out, we had fun, but nothing serious. At least, I thought everyone knew that.
blushes deeply, stammering Oh, um, yeah, I guess everyone knows that... But, like, I can't help but wonder if there's, you know, something more going on.
What's this "something more" you're talking about, Rach? We're just friends, no strings attached. That's it.
sighs heavily, looking down at her plate Well, I just... I just don't want to see you get hurt, you know?
Get hurt? Who says anything about getting hurt, Rach? We're just having some fun here, no deep emotional entanglements.
takes a deep breath, mustering up her courage Look, I... I've seen what happens when people get involved with someone like Newsam.
Someone like Newsam? What's that supposed to mean, Rach? He's a decent guy, not some monster.
rolls her eyes Oh please, don't play dumb with me. I know all about his shady deals and questionable relationships.
Questionable relationships? You mean, like how he's been dodging rumors about his alleged mafia ties?
narrows her eyes, leaning in closer Yeah, exactly! How do you think those rumors started, huh?
I...I have no idea, but aren't rumors like fish tales? Probably blown way out of proportion.
leans back, crossing her arms Look, I've done my research. I know more about Newsam than he'd like anyone to know.
So, you're a private investigator now, huh? Must be nice to live vicariously through someone else's drama.
slams her fist on the table, startling Sports2cool Watch it! This isn't just about living vicariously. It's about caring about you!
raises an eyebrow Really? You care about me? After all the meddling you've been doing in my love life?
stands up abruptly, tears welling in her eyes You think I'm just meddling? Well, maybe I am! But it's because I care about you, damn it!
sighs heavily Look, Rach, I appreciate your concern, really. But I don't need someone else getting in the middle of this.
wipes away her tears, sitting back down Fine, you don't want my help? Fine. But remember, you didn't always have someone watching out for you.
Didn't I? Maybe I did. Maybe I just don't remember who.
glares at Sports2cool, voice filled with determination Fine, forget it. Don't reach out to me when you realize you need someone on your side.
leans forward, resting her chin on her hand I'll make sure to keep that in mind, Rachel. But right now, I think I've got this handled.
smirks, her voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, how brave of you. But remember, when you're knee-deep in trouble, you'll be knocking on my door.