When do you think the Sandoval and Rachel started?

With Schwartz constantly screwing up the timeline (he knew for a month, then since January, now since August) and all the sketchy behavior over the last couple years (Sandoval paying for the engagement), I feel like the affair started long before they’re admitting to it.

The best theory I’ve seen revolves around Rachel’s hair — in season 8, both started working Sur shifts together, and one season later, she’s cut her hair to a length we know Sandoval is obsessed with (see: Ariana’s previous o comments about her short hair). I’m betting an emotional affair started somewhere between Season 8 and 9, with the real affair starting in Season 9. I just don’t believe Rachel would suddenly dump James without a reason in the back of her head.