Bahaaa, I'm all for Annie pestering Cutter like that. He is a bit hard to read for people that don't know him well, he has this condition where he rarely ever moves muscles in his face. But he definitely gets uncomfortable and slightly twitchy and there would be lots of inner flailing. And as long as Simon doesn't try to flirt or anything he's okay. Well, there is that temper thing...
People always seem so wary about his snakes, and if she wants to play with them she is more than welcome to. Seriously, that metaphorical bit, he wouldn't even get that one. He is very straightforward and expects people to be that way, too. And if Simon stays away, well, he probably wouldn't notice that, either.
Ella doesn't mind bitches. In their profession I expect a certain amount of that, and it's very hard to push her away. Unless someone starts making fun of people with mental disorders or wants to put her in a straitjacket. Ahem. So, I can see them get along just fine. If he relapses, she might as well be around. She keeps trying to get people to party with her and have a good time, all with good intentions because she wants everybody to be happy.
Name fun times! But I thought, what kind of name would she choose and Hester Prynne just jumped at me. I personally think it beats being "Destiny" for the rest of her life. Esther doesn't feel very religious these days anyway. It was all she knew for 22 years, but if you found out your whole life was based on half truths and lies... Given her situation she doubts that Jesus really loves her. So, no lectures for anyone. But she is still in the process of adapting to a life in the real world.