[Setting: Alex's office. Alex and Jack are sitting in front of her desk.]
Jack: Hey, Alex! What's up? You've been working nonstop lately.
Alex: (sighs) Just trying to keep up with the competition, Jack. Business doesn't sleep.
Jack: Yeah, I get it. But don't you ever feel like there's more to life than just making money?
Alex: (smirks) Like what? Love? Ha! That's just a myth created to sell cards and flowers.
Jack: (laughs) You're such a cynic, Alex! Don't you ever want to find someone special?
Alex: (shakes her head) No way. Love is a waste of time. I've got better things to do.
Jack: But what about your parents? They were in love, weren't they?
Alex: (bitterly) Yeah, they were. And look how that turned out. Divorced and miserable. No thanks.
Jack: I understand where you're coming from, but don't you think you're closing yourself off to something amazing?
Alex: (firmly) No, Jack. I'm not missing out on anything. I've got my work, my friends... that's all I need.
Jack: (smiles) Okay, Alex. But just remember, love can surprise you when you least expect it.
Alex: (rolls her eyes) I'll keep that in mind
Alex: (skeptically) I don't know, Jack. I just don't believe in love. It's all just chemicals in the brain, right?
Jack: (passionately) Ah, come on, Alex! Love is so much more than that! It's the way you feel when you're with someone who truly gets you. It's the way you want to make them happy, to protect them, to be there for them no matter what.
Alex: (unconvinced) That's just hormones and emotions, Jack. It's not real.
Jack: (smiling) You're not going to convince me of that, Alex! Love is the most real thing I've ever felt. It's what makes life worth living!
Alex: (shrugs) I guess I just haven't experienced it yet.
Jack: (excitedly) That's because you're not looking for it, Alex! You're too busy hiding behind your walls and pretending like you don't need anyone. But I'm telling you, love is out there! And when you find it, it's going to blow your mind!
Alex: (rolls his eyes) Yeah, yeah. I'll believe it when I see it.
Jack: (grinning) Oh, you will, Alex. You will. And when you do, you'll be begging me to shut up about how right I was! (laughs)
Alex: (chuckles) Whatever, Jack. You're just a hopeless romantic.
Jack: (smirks) Guilty as charged, my friend! Guilty as charged!
Alex: (teasingly) Yeah, yeah, I'm sure love is just around the corner for me.
Jack: (serious) You know, Alex, love isn't just about finding someone. It's about being open to the possibility of connection, of vulnerability, of growth.
Alex: (skeptical) Vulnerability? Growth? You sound like a self-help book, Jack.
Jack: (laughs) Hey, those books are onto something! But seriously, Alex, love requires risk. And I know you're afraid of that.
Alex: (defensive) I'm not afraid of anything.
Jack: (gentle) Yes, you are, Alex. You're afraid of getting hurt, of being rejected, of being seen for who you really are. But that's where the real beauty of love lies.
Alex: (pauses, looking away) Maybe you're right, Jack. Maybe I am afraid.
Jack: (encouragingly) That's the first step, Alex! Admitting it! Now, let's work on taking down those walls, okay?
Alex: (small smile) Okay, Jack. Okay.
