I don't think Maria _cares_ if Johnny is "playing the long con". That's what I like about it.
(Hell, how many 'normal' friendships/romantic relationships are "playing the long con", if you want to put it that way, call me cynical, but people aren't entirely honest with each other and take advantage of each other all the time, with varying levels of self-knowledge. It's being human.).
It does sound like her financial assistance to him is part of their relationship, just like that of, say, Donald Trump and Melania, or people who pay professional dominatrixes, or your aunt with the picture and bio of the 'african orphan' he's donating to every month.
(Hell, how many 'normal' friendships/romantic relationships are "playing the long con", if you want to put it that way, call me cynical, but people aren't entirely honest with each other and take advantage of each other all the time, with varying levels of self-knowledge. It's being human.).
It does sound like her financial assistance to him is part of their relationship, just like that of, say, Donald Trump and Melania, or people who pay professional dominatrixes, or your aunt with the picture and bio of the 'african orphan' he's donating to every month.