Jason: stuttering You-you look, um, amazing. Better than all the, uh, Insta-fakes.
sincemuse
Thanks babe
nervously adjusts his tie Yeah, uh, I mean it. You're really rocking that red carpet, Hollywood superstar style. tries to give a thumbs-up but fumbles
sincemuse
smiles and takes his hand
takes a deep breath So, uh, listen up. There's this guy, right? And he's like super rich and totally into you. Like, we're talking obsessed.
sincemuse
Really?
nods quickly Yeah, seriously. He's got the money, the looks, the whole package. And guess what? He's been asking around about you.
sincemuse
teasingly Jealous, are we?
laughs nervously Uh, no, no, of course not! I mean, why would I be jealous? It's just... trails off, avoiding eye contact
sincemuse
Just what?
runs a hand through his hair, visibly anxious Look, babe, the thing is... this guy, he's not exactly... you know... reputable.
sincemuse
What does that mean?
leans in closer, whispering He's... he's into some shady shit, okay? Drugs, illegal stuff.
sincemuse
No way…
puts a finger to his lips Shh, keep it down. We don't want anyone eavesdropping.
sincemuse
Baby this is serious
quickly pulls out his phone and starts scrolling through pictures I mean, look at this. shows sincemuse a photo of the guy, surrounded by suspicious characters
sincemuse
Wow…
gesturing wildly Yeah, exactly! Wow! And wait, there's more. swipes to another photo Check this out.
sincemuse
Oh my god…
hands shaking He's involved in some real nasty business, babe. I'm talking weapons, illegal transactions, the whole nine yards.
sincemuse
Wtf…
grabs sincemuse's arm Look, I didn't want to freak you out or anything, but you deserve to know the truth.
sincemuse
But why are you only telling me now?
sincemuse confronts Jason about his secrecy and the true nature of his relationship
sincemuse
I thought we were serious…
takes a deep breath, looking conflicted You're right, sincemuse. I should have told you sooner. It's just...
sincemuse
What?
runs a hand through his hair, hesitating I was scared, okay? Scared of losing you if I showed you the real me.
sincemuse
Well I’m not gonna lie. I’m scared
takes a step closer, his voice filled with vulnerability I understand your fear, sincemuse. But I want you to know that I'm still the same person I've always been.
sincemuse
The same person? With all that guilt you’re carrying around? How can you even…
interrupts, his voice cracking I know it's a lot to take in, but I promise you, I'm not involved in any of that mess.
sincemuse
But you’re hiding it from me..
pauses, taking a deep breath You're right, sincemuse. I haven't been completely honest with you. But it's not because I want to hide anything from you.
sincemuse
Then why?
takes a step closer, his eyes filled with sincerity Because I was afraid of losing you. I didn't want you to see the darkness in me.
sincemuse
But by lying you just pushed me further away from you..
reaches out and gently takes sincemuse's hand I know, and I'm sorry. I should have trusted you enough to be honest from the beginning.
sincemuse
Why don’t you tell me everything you know about this guy?
nods, his voice filled with determination Alright, sincemuse. I'll tell you everything I know.
sincemuse
…
takes a deep breath and begins to speak, his voice steady His name is Anthony Ricci, and he's a notorious crime lord in New York City.
sincemuse
Have you ever met him?
pauses, swallowing hard No, I haven't met him personally, but I've seen him around.
sincemuse
Where?
pulls out his phone and shows sincemuse pictures of Anthony Ricci Here, look. These are screenshots from an article in the New York Daily News.
sincemuse
Shit…
leans in closer, his voice urgent Yeah, "Shit" is right. This guy is bad news.