Date night?

Alone again, Alex stared at the mysterious package. His heart pounded as he carefully opened it, half-expecting something sinister. Instead, he found a small tupperware container filled with homemade cookies and a handwritten note. The scent of vanilla and chocolate wafted up, oddly comforting in its normalcy.

With trembling fingers, he unfolded the note and read:

"Dearest Jason,

Not even death could keep us apart. I know you're back in the city - those pesky guards can't keep me away forever. I baked your favorite cookies, just the way you like them. You blocked my old number, but please call me on this one. Our love is eternal.

Forever yours,

Jessica

555-0177"

Alex's eyes widened as he read the note. This wasn't just a fan or a casual acquaintance - this was clearly an obsessed ex, one who seemed to have no qualms about stalking him.

Suddenly, a notification popped up in his mental interface:

[New Quest Unlocked: "Taming the Stalker" - Deal with Jessica without escalating the situation. Reward: 5,000 Cashback Points]

Alex felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was his chance to test the cashback system and tackle one of Jason's lingering problems. But how to proceed?

He couldn't use Jason's credit cards or access his bank accounts - he didn't know any of the PINs or passwords. He was effectively broke until he could figure out a way to access Jason's finances without raising suspicion.

For now, he needed to focus on the immediate problem: Jessica. He couldn't ignore her - that might provoke her to more extreme actions. But he couldn't encourage her either.

He picked up his phone, hesitating for a moment before dialing the number she'd provided. As it rang, he steeled himself for the conversation ahead. He had no idea what Jason's relationship with this woman had been like, but he needed to handle this carefully.

"Jason?" a breathless voice answered on the second ring. "I knew you'd call. I've missed you so much."

"Jessica," he began, trying to keep his voice steady. "It's... good to hear from you."

"Oh, Jason!" Jessica's voice was breathy, tinged with a manic energy that made Alex's skin crawl. "I knew you'd call. I've missed you so much. Did you like the cookies? I made them just the way you like them - extra chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon."

Alex's mind raced. How would Jason handle this? He decided to play along, at least for now.

"The cookies look delicious," he said, eyeing the tupperware warily. "It was... thoughtful of you to bring them."

Jessica giggled, the sound both girlish and slightly unhinged. "I knew you'd appreciate them. I've been so worried about you, Jason. When I heard about the accident... God, I thought I'd lost you forever."

Alex felt a pang of guilt. This woman clearly cared for Jason, even if her affection had twisted into something unhealthy. "I'm sorry I worried you," he said softly.

"You should be!" Jessica's tone shifted abruptly, anger flaring. "Do you have any idea what I've been through? Thinking you were dead, then finding out you were alive but wouldn't see me? It's been torture, Jason. Torture!"

'Steady,' Alex thought to himself. 'Don't antagonize her.'

"I know, and I'm sorry," he said aloud. "Things have been... complicated. But I'm here now. Maybe we could... talk? In person?"

The words left his mouth before he could stop them. Part of him screamed that this was a terrible idea, but another part - the part that was curious about the cashback system and eager to solve the mysteries surrounding Jason's life - pushed him forward.

Jessica's breath caught audibly. "You mean it? You want to see me?"

Alex closed his eyes, mentally preparing himself. "Yes," he said. "How about tomorrow? We could meet for coffee."

"Coffee?" Jessica scoffed. "After everything we've been through? No, Jason. I want a proper date. Dinner. That little Italian place we used to love. Remember?"

Alex's mind raced. He had no idea what place she was talking about, but he couldn't back out now. "Right, of course. Dinner it is."

"Perfect!" Jessica's voice was giddy now. "I'll wear that red dress you love. The one from our first night together. Oh, Jason, I can't wait to see you. To touch you. To-"

"Jessica," Alex cut her off, his cheeks burning. "Let's... take things slow, okay? A lot has happened. We should talk first."

There was a pause on the other end of the line. When Jessica spoke again, her voice was cool, controlled. "Of course, darling. Whatever you need. I'll see you tomorrow night. Eight o'clock. Don't be late."

The line went dead before Alex could respond. He lowered the phone, his hand shaking slightly.

"What the hell have I gotten myself into?" he muttered.

Just then, a notification popped up in his mental interface:

[Quest Update: "Taming the Stalker" - Dinner date scheduled. Proceed with caution. Potential Rewards: 7,500 Cashback Points]

Alex stared at the floating text, a mix of excitement and dread washing over him. He was diving headfirst into Jason's complicated life, with no idea of the history or emotions involved. But if he could navigate this successfully, the rewards could be substantial.

As he collapsed onto the couch, his mind whirled with possibilities and potential pitfalls. He needed to learn more about Jason's relationship with Jessica, and fast. But how? Sarah might know something, but asking her directly could raise suspicions.

"One step at a time," Alex told himself, reaching for the container of cookies. He hesitated for a moment, then shrugged and took a bite. They were, he had to admit, delicious.

As the night wore on, Alex found himself both dreading and anticipating the coming day. He was walking into a minefield of emotion and history he didn't understand, but the thrill of the challenge was undeniable.

"Well, Jason," he murmured to his reflection in the darkened window, "let's see if we can't turn your mess of a love life into something profitable."

With that thought, he settled in for a restless night. Tomorrow, Alex freaking Turner had a date!!

It was hard to believe!