Just a few opinions and comments.
If you are going to name the cat ernesto, then get one that looks like it.
Both of the current cat residents of the house were adopted from our vet.(Meghan Nahill DVM of the Catonsville Cat Clinic.) She named Tony simply because he IS a Tony. Swagger and all.
Godiva is a Chocolate York breed hence the name. Our cats recognize the sounds of their name and will turn to me when they hear them.
Once and outdoor cat always? Not quite true. Godiva was a rescue from outdoor life. She will go out the door to grab some grass and will wander a house or 3 away but she always comes back if I go walking after her.
She and Tony will play together but most always she decides when it will stop.
They both love being brushed.
If you want a stand offish cat then dont pick it up and dont make efforts to pet it while sitting down. If you are petting a cat and it hisses, get your hand away quick.
By the way, it sounds more like the girlfriends decision than yours, but thats ok.