All right! Just finished re-read - this is what I got:
I definitely noticed you trimmed the fat with the interactions/each intro — and you’re right: Nothing significant was lost. It reads very smooth; the pacing matches that of a conversation happening with continuously added people. You nailed it.
I would ‘say’ if you’re conscious against too much repetition, the words ‘fractional’ and ‘recalibrate’ (or versions of it) are used quite often describing each ROs reactions. It’s not taking away anything; I like both words and how you use them - - but if you want to give yourself a fun challenge, you could find synonyms that hit the same way (or - different, but beautifully so).
A few in-game things I found:
(the slashes around "Please")
You use Mattie's name before she's introduced herself; it felt omnipotent in a way I didn't feel with the others.
I noticed Mattie did a very similar thing to Scarlette’s bit, during her intro - the not-quite-smirk, the barely there drink tip — is that intentional? (i.e. I wouldn’t mind seeing something more unique/just for her.)
Hopefully that's helpful~ Great job, again!