I just can't see Tara as a LI in the next game. She is gushing for the brother (long-time crush) and sister (best friend and fwb/lover). Even Lisa as a LI for the next game is a bit of a stretch.
The MC knew Tara more than 5 years ago.
She has reentered his life as Jaye's bestie but has never hinted at anything sexual since the end of high school before she drove the MC to the airport, early morning after the disaster of a graduation party.
In the next game, we will get to know Tara as an adult, versus the 18-year-old BFF of Jaye.
I'm not ruling out Tara (or Lisa) without learning her background - her identity - away from the MC and Jaye.
Who did she become since high school?
What trials did she face that have shaped her personality?
What are her dreams and goals and what has she done to help make them come true?
Once the devs start us on the journey and give us some of the answers to these and other questions, Then I'll know if, in my playthrough(s), Tara is someone the new MC will want to pursue as an LI (over or alongside other LI possibilities).
The same is true of Lisa who we have known for a far shorter time in CS.
If Sarah, the MC's brilliant mother, and his stepfather James, chose and kept promoting Lisa within their company, they had to see admirable characteristics that set Lisa apart and above many other men and women.
We've gotten to know very little about Lisa the woman in CS.
I'm a big believer in letting the devs develop the world and story in which each of the LIs live, then choosing the LI(s) who most resonate with me.
Tara and Lisa may not be your choices right now and perhaps halfway into the new project, this will change or it will not.
I trust the story telling of the devs and I am looking forward to learning more about Tara, Lisa and the other LIs as part of a compelling story with a new MC.
I'd be shocked if neither Tara nor Lisa turned out to be compelling LIs once I get to start enjoying the new project (sometime in 2025 - I'm guessing).
Cheers!!