Runways, Race cars and the Rumba

Victoria
Victoria looked over, two women had gathered round the injured... Person. While the clothes where more masculine, the face and scarf even could be considered a nod to feminine. Guys could not make a scarf work quite as well as that person did. She could tell if she got closer but decided to not get involved too far into thr drama walking by carefully keeping close eye on her surroundings being less steady and a little more delicate.

Victoria did not recognise the women, if they leaned that way they should be happy they met a pretty "Nurse" of sorts. If they where smart it would turn into a date that is to Sol Mates and Thirsty Thursday. Alcohol was a great one to smooth the social rust and rough spots.

Looking out at light lane, it was glowing more than normal, the shops where open and all ready for business, that definitely was not in short supply tonight. Feeling a buzz from a blue tooth bracelet hooked up to her phone when she got a message that was not spam notifications. Finding a corner to lean to check and also not get walked into, Ryan... That message caused a have of mixed feelings including a desire to bite back but had deleted her message twice already unsure how to even answer, did she even want to?

Sighing, that was a complicated problem, and a very personal one. "It's way more comfrey than the Mini.

That's a rather personal and complicated issue. Short answer. I have a body guard because of certain prior issues regarding security. You know my condition. My family is rather protective of me. Especially in my present condition.

Its complicated, there's a lot more to it and id ever tell on a insecure method. Why are you asking? If your after a story for media you can go fuck yourself in ass with razor wire coated in lemon juice. If your being a friend, sorry its just difficult time for me right now. Its bloody scary how fast my life is going to change and being responsible for a another humans beings life and welfare.

You have a odd idea what can be answered on a text message Ryan. :)

LVDR"

Replying and hitting send, why did he even ask that? I mean did he like her? Surely he was not after a 23 year old pregnant woman with a medical history longer than a European country? That was a strange set of requirements... Her life did not need to become more complicated! It was mad enough as it is.

Though she did not see someone Victoria knew, a voice that came across as Manami was clear, and rather raised among another small commotion. Some kind of argument, a older males voice and as she got closer Manami was dressed up all nicely in a outfit that looked like meant for a lot warmer evening. Victoria as wearing tights, a coat and she had semi bare legs and what passed as a track jacket. Calling over and her distinct blend of English and Russain hard to confuse for anyone else."Manami! You alright? Need any help? Lift? . Isosef, please let me know if you see Ryan about.

Thanks for helping me find the dress, might as well wear it while i can. " going from serious to girly, she needed lighter hearted moments and hoping to take a night off from her worries, wear a pretty new dress and meet a friend seemed a better way to forget pressure for a few hours. "Need assistance miss Takahasi? My Principle. Mean no harm to you of you to her or me." The larger Russian enquired, though was little blunt but straight to point with the older gentleman in a calm military manner who seemed to be rather riled up. Victoria seemed to have taken to the Asian woman and she was not a bad influence or threat. Rather pretty, if he was not married he might be more distracted. "Can i get a diet coke, Raman super soup and whatever my escort wishes" as the Raven haired woman tried to disarm the Raman man with a smile and deliberate softness to her mixed accent.

Victoria felt strange, she did not always trust quickly but Manami seemed to bypass her defences. The woman she has quickly learnt was far more complicated than the Instagram model outward appearances. She was genuine, well under the false front out out for business purposes.

---

Mentions
The Instagram model hiding from herself
@Allycat
Text Message bandit :)
@Infinite Cosmos

If there was anything this week could be described as for Xia, it would be...a roller coaster. With the events going on in town as of late, Xia, despite her intentions of wanting to get some unwinding relaxation with her girlfriend, things just have not been going her way. She may have been able to hangout for lunch or maybe spend one night throughout the week with her, but most of the time, she spoke to her by phone. Not that things weren't still good between her and her English muffin, it just feels like the full moon has been out for the last couple of nights.

Marlin has been dealing with her family stuff, which Xia was not able to keep up with as of late but also, weird things have been happening. Recently it seemed that her room has been a little off. Maybe she's been tired but it seemed she couldn't find a certain pair of panties and shirt she usually had around. Her things in the bathroom seemed to be slightly moved. Her bed, even though it was made up, just seemed like someone laid in the middle of it. Maybe it was Carlo coming over to fuck with her things like he always did but...just something was off about her apartment and it's been like this for about 2 weeks now.

Stanley, the guy she started doing rehab for, a few times have asked personal things that she had to set him straight on. Mostly talking about her relationship with her girlfriend which she was not comfortable talking to him about. Most guys, if they see two women kissing, they want to get involved in it. Maybe he was that kind but she was keeping her relationship with Stanley professional. He still seemed weird though, she ran into him about 4 times in different places she went to visit...mostly coffee shops, stores and whatnot. Recently, she had an issue with some of her things she uses for her massage therapy going missing. She felt someone broke into her car.

It's just been one thing after another. Then also got strange phone calls where someone would call and when she answered, no one would say anything on the other side. Even more strange, it would be different numbers. Soon, she'd block each of them. She called Marlin and left her a voice message as she was on lunch on Wednesday Hi baby, I really miss you and need you. I'm sorry about us not being able to spend the time we used to have. I think I'm going to take a week off work. It's just so much stuff going on and maybe I'm just tired but things seems to be misplaced, gone, I'm getting weird phone calls and I'm just feeling things aren't going my way.....our way for us. I don't know what I did to piss the universe off but I'm about over it. And....like I mentioned before...I feel I'm being watched at night when I come home...might be losing it but...I swear I feel someone's eyes are on me. Call me back when you get a chance. Love you babe. Bye She said hanging up and giving a sigh. She would go to the front. Renee...I'm gonna take off for today, I just need to get some air and unwind... She said before leaving to head to the park.

Mention
@PrinceAlexus Through phone message

>>Stirring the pot- Vika@PrinceAlexus. Being a general buffoon @KatKook More surpirses, just for you @Pilatus

---

After regaining his footing, Ryan quickly got up and straightened himself out. "I apologize for being so absentminded. Are you two alright?" He asked, seeing as the other...boy?... helped the girl up. "I'm fine. Again, sorry for bumping into the two of you. Hopefully I didn't disturb a moment. It is in the air after all..." Ryan chuckled, trying to defuse the tension.

"Uh. My name is Ryan. Ryan woods. and you two are...?" He said, waiting for their names. He can't go on calling him guy one and her girl one for the rest of the night, could he? It would keep things simple, but it would just be rude to do so. Ryan shuffled over, gesturing to the bench the other male was already sitting one, offering the girl to sit. "No, I wouldn't say that it is my first time out. I usually am working this time of day, though. So, I don't get out much." He said, trying to keep his profession out of his mouth as per usual. "What about you? You get out much?"

Here he goes. Starting to stumble over his words. There definitely are better opener than 'You get out much?'. Just what in the hell was he doing, he thought to himself. Then the second thought crept in. Why did he care so much? He had only met these two. Sure, he bumped into her, and nearly knocked her over. But, she is good, he is good, no harm, no foul. Typically, people would have just dusted themselves off and went on with their days. What was he doing still just awkwardly hanging around?... Could it be the atmosphere? Could it be the meaning to the event? Was love really in the air tonight, or something? Or perhaps he had set himself up when he decided to not be a hermit on his rare days off and venture out of his house. Fate has a funny way to toying with you, he always believed. Ryan was a believer in cosmic karma, what goes around comes back around and all that.

Now he is sweating, slightly. The weather was still cool, but he was nervous. Shit, he was more at ease cooking for the Führer de Gourmet just last weekend. A small interaction with two strangers was freaking him out. Or maybe its because he sent a rather...risky...text to Vika just moments ago. To which he knew she had replied. He felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He hadn't checked the contents of that message yet. He doesn't know if he wants to either. In any case, back to the situation at hand. For some reason, Ryan had thoughts of 'either this guy leaves this girl or I'll have to'. He tried his best to read the body language between the two in front of him to gauge their involvement with each other. Judging by the fact that they didn't just shuffle off right away, Ryan made the bold guess that they're not here on a date.

'So you're saying there is a chance...?' Ryan thought. Wait. Why? Why did he think that? If he wasn't in public, he would have shook his head to try to get rid of the thought. What is happening. Why was he behaving like this? Where is the calm and collected Kobayashi Satoshi, sushi chef? Where is this little teenaged Ryan woods coming from...

As there was a brief moment between the two of them, Ryan did his best to speed read Vika's message.

Ahhh shit. Well... She responded alright.

Formulating a response, Ryan tried to dissect the message. He wants to probe further. He is going to probe further. Fuck it. He was already in deep anyways. Whats another message to possible ruin whatever there could have been with Vika?

Speaking to the two in front of him, Ryan said "Please excuse me for just a moment. For my rudeness, first round of drinks are on me, just pick the spot and we'll go." As he finished his sentence, he looked back down on his phone to start his reply to Vika

-Well. Never mind about the body guards. I don't care about that. Unsecured line. I don't think anyone is tapping my phone. And thats not a thought a nor...-

Ryan paused. Thinking about his next words, he deletes some letters.

-Thats not something that just comes into mind unless you're in that field. Nevermind all that. A story for the media. Is that all you take me for? Some rank media sleuth, out here to get the latest scoop on Victoria Romus? What a ridiculous notion. I asked because I cared. Someone with your pedigree and background, the father to your children should be around constantly, making sure you want for nothing. I mean, for fuck sakes, given your reluctance to talk about it, I would even go as far as to call it something along the lines of him hitting it and quitting it. Feel free to correct me. Matter of fact, feel free to send Charles or whoever to collect me. Seeing as we're both in Light Lane. If you want to continue in person that is-

Ryan looked back as his message. Why was he being so harsh? His word choice was much more direct than how he usually speaks. Where is the courage or boldness coming from? He hasn't been drinking, and not that he was a brave drunk anyways. His thumb hovered over the send button once again. This time, with less hesitation, he tapped on the button and sent the message on it way. There was no turning back now.

Fuck, now he really wants that drink. Who the hell was he to suggest that Vika was the subject of some guy railin' and bailin'? God dammit.

Looking back at the two in front of him, he cleared his throat. "So uh, yeah, that round of drinks?" He said, feigning a smile.

What was he truly after. The twenty-three year old, potentially single mother? Or just the company of some strangers...?

---

Lilith walked over to Aria when she began stuttering, something that she had found cute. "We can go over if you want to change," She leaned down to kiss her cheek and take a seat on her lap. "My shorts look cute on you, but if it makes you feel more comfortable we can drop by. We'll go on my truck so it's faster." She wanted Aria to feel comfortable during their date. Since they were gonna go out to the public eye she wanted to make sure Aria wasn't worrying about her appearance so they could both enjoy themselves. Though, she had to admit that seeing Aria wearing her clothes made Lilith's heart flutter. How could a person he so damn adorable and hot at the same time?

"And it's really sweet you think I look like a supermodel- I'm nowhere as skinny as they are." She wrapped her arms around Aria and gave her a quick peck on the lips before standing up and offering Aria the hoodie. "Well, should we go? I still remember your address." " She reached down to pull out her phone from her bag to search for Aria's address. It wasn't too far, it was just past Central Park and Lilith could use it as an excuse to get to know Aria's place a bit more. When she had spent the night over she had only gotten to see Aria's apartment drunk and then hungover the next morning. She remembered the layout just enough to navigate without opening a door and see a closet there and not the bathroom.

Lilith grabbed her keys from the keyholder by the door and offered Aria her hand, "Ready? Not forgetting your phone?" She offered the other woman a brief smile. She was looking forward to their date.

Charles had taken a few days off after losing the cooking competition to collect himself. After those few days he returns to work, deciding to join in on Thirsty Thursday and Sol mates. Getting the food ready, he completely reworked the menu to be romantic meals for couples or dates to share.

Putting up a sign for drink specials he does the same and creates shared cocktails including a pink Bailey's cocktail with grenadine and rum. A tequila drink and a fishbowl drink. Placing the sign out in front of the bar. He gets the bar up and running for the day, preparing for the dates to come hopefully.

As the day progresses it becomes clear, he made the right decision preparing extra spaghetti, having it become far and away the best seller early in the day. As he watches the various couples come and go he gets a little lonely but keeps up his work and makes it through the day until the evening arrives.

"Alright everybody. Sol mates is in full swing, it is evening so be on your toes. Business is really gonna pick up now." Charles calls out to the staff before stepping out to change out of his chef gear and get into some casual bar wear. He helps the staff get rolling before finishing up for the day himself, deciding to spend the rest of his night relaxing at the bar, hoping for friendly faces to show up.

Runways, Race cars and the Rumba

Marinalia
Marinalia sat in the small office drinking her sweet and caffeine heavy concoction of sugary bliss though despite her ease some of the things Xia had said, or not said were a little worrying. It was just, peculiar and that rarely was a good thing when you felt a bad gut feeling. A week at the manor might be a good idea for her, least it was safe to feel relaxed behind the walls, gates and layers of alarms. They could work something out during the week regarding the situation. Marlin would not turn Xia away when she needs help, fuck that. What was the point in having money and resources if you could not use them to help those close to you?

Tapping out a quick message, they had talked a bit but appreciated Xia needed a little space to sort out her head. Things were a bit weird. Leaving a message once the office was quiet, plus she trusted the other pilots. Little nerves but her accent retaining its small chime that had been returning of late as things improved. Making a slightly bold suggestion but they had done things the wrong ways round. "Hey Cutie, missing you. Stupid network error lost your message for a bit.

Your welcome here, I have work, but I'll make time and call in a few favours. We can make some good luck. Pack for a week or longer, if you want to stay longer, I have spare closet space. I mean it, time will be found if I have to strange the fates with there own loom to do it.

Stay safe, please. Really, you're important. Its been a short time but your important to me, I'm worried, and I admit il feel happier when you have a week off at my place. Love you Cutie" A worried Marinalia would be keeping a close eye on her phone, probably have to dig you her smartwatch she did not wear so much. Yeah definitely feel better knowing she did not miss a call right now. Where did that reaction come from? Yes, the family was loyal to a fault but Xia had ended up under the category without her noticing?

Sipping her overly sweet coffee, she had this unknown thong from her grandfather to deal with. What venture caught his interest this time?

---

Victoria
Hearing a faint tune in her handbag playing a Russain Tatu song for the moment. Vibrating away, she probably overreacted but after being hacked, hormones and her maybe volatile personality... Not crazy, just a little highly strung. Yeah. Highly strung. How did she even react to that message? "Your not only one with guy issues, too pretty for own good!" Doing best to make light of it, might as well add a positive spin.

"Ryan, I was hacked, through multiple layers of advanced security, my intimate moments broadcast to the world and only one who could know had to be close somehow. Of course, I'm a bit overly worried!

Sorry, thank-you, I'm just pretty stressed right now... Reluctant... Knocked up and changed up! Fine, there's issues ok, things are not happy Waltons world rights now. No Jim Bob changing the oil in dungarees whistling Dixie with a ring on his finger. Child, no twins thankfully, one is sufficiently challenging on its own.

I do not send men to grab people. It's Sol, not Somalia and is not my dad. Asian place opposite the big yellow budda in heart sweet nacho hat. If you want to talk. Old man's Ramen shop. Purple dress, black coat, dark tights.

If you want to talk, your choice... "

Wondering, changing. The dam burst and it all came out, lying her head on arms at the counter a second. "Manami, where's Disney Princes when you need it?" Cheesy, a bit creepy in some respects but hey, least Disney you found prince charming, kissed them and you had a charming prince.

Perking up at the smell of delicious Ramen, savouring a spoon full of her soup and giving the old man an appreciative smile and generous tip"Should stay gone for tonight though. Hey, its Sol mates, we can find you a cute guy if you want to make up for the jerk?" Joking mostly, she did not get to tease Manami much so all in good Spirits. "Let me know if he returns. He learns No quickly. Practice for Daughters too." Isosef gave her a nod ordering a soft drink and keeping a lookout from a little further away to give the women some privacy. He worked the job, for one thing, money. The Romus Family had tested him well when he worked for them but his daughters would not know his upbringing, degrees, white-collar jobs and every chance to excel even if it meant some hefty sacrifices.

"Hot, you do look it though, you look great in casual too! I needed to get out of the house, and need no excuse to dress up a bit. Are you doing better? You were having a bad week when we met at the food festival?" Happier with that distraction and her Raman dish, Victoria would remember this place the food was lovely. Talking with a friend over a bowl of Raman felt right, something vaguely normal in her life. Something Victoria really needed in the crazy times. Not wanting to dump on Manami too much, Ryan opened that door, she did not need to worry about all her problems when thr woman next to her had her own issues to handle. "me, a little confused about someone but I'm managing. I ate fish sticks and custard earlier, so feel free to work out how not normal I am.

What happened to me? Umm, I'm a bit boring compared to you, coffee, met up with my friend from Russia Dira, Grampa is in the about something, its just nice to spend an evening with a . oh, my old friend from Englands here for a short time, I missed him, not his bad jokes though!" Ending with a smile, Victoria got a tad lonely in Sol at times, she had friends here for now and hopefully Manami would be in that category.

---

The black 4x4 of Maxamilion Olympus breezed through the large security gates of the Old Sol airport and found a place next to a rather familiar white land rover he should recognise. Marinalia had beaten them here somehow... Though she did know the local area well. Hugging his oldest grandaughter as he walked in, Lucile watched gladly her boss would be in a good mood. "Grampa max, finally. I was getting worried. What is this, why we here?" why indeed, while his idea might not be popular with his female family members. It was his risk to take, not theirs. " You see Marlin, just trust me ok? Lucile, relax, we have time before they arrive I'm sure. Just sign a few papers, hand out copies. It's an easy one. Everyone already agreed. Just formalities. She did worry about things, though that was kind of her job. Even so, this should be an easy one anyway.

What could go wrong?

Mentions

@Allycat@Infinite Cosmos@King Tai@Pilatus

>>Prince Fumbling, rather than charming- Vika@PrinceAlexus. Being a general buffoon- @KatKook Being friendly- @Allycat

---

Being dragged along was not something Ryan had planned for his evening. In any case, he was moving towards a spot that served good drinks, cheaply. Not that money was an issue, but Ryan can be frugal if the occasion is right.

Says the guy that drives a McLaren P1 from time to time.

Entering the stall, Ryan took a seat and ordered to the bartender, who just so happened to be free "Yeah, I'll take two shots of Don Julio, reposado preferably, otherwise whatever you have. Also, the first round for these two are on my tab. Thanks" Ryan said, gesturing to Tao and Elise. The bartender brought up Ryan's two shots and waited for the other two to order their drinks. Ryan needed the two shots. Fuck, for what he just did? He was nervous, annoyed, disturbed, and filled with gusto, all at the same time.

After slamming down the two shots of tequila, Ryan again called out to the bartender "Oh yeah, I'll take a Long Island Iced Tea, after these two gives you their orders." Ryan drew in a deep breath through his nostrils, the familiar, yet soothing burn of the tequila warming his chest.

"So, if Elise here is a stranger to you, why was she on kneeling on the ground, wiping your face? And what brings you two out here, especially this evening? Elise, its not possible you're single, right?" Ryan said, feeling some sort of courage well up from inside his belly.

Damn, was it really that quick? The two shots of tequila already at work, distorting his sense of what is appropriate and what isn't. This isn't how Ryan usually is. He is much more reserved and considerate, under normal circumstances. But, tonight, he was drinking as if he wanted to be drunk, and not behave responsibly as an adult. The business was on its usual hiatus, and Ryan did not have a care in the world.

Well, that isn't entirely true...

His phone buzzed, while he was waiting for Elise and Tao to order or respond to him, or both. He picked up his phone to see what happened. It was, of course, a reply from Vika. Ryan read it, drawing in yet another deep breath through his nostrils, and started formulating a response.

-That. Is about as official an response I could have gotten. You were hacked, through multiple layers of cyber security. My question is, for a woman of your stature and intelligence, why was your intimate moment being recorded and made available for broadcast anyways? Fucking hell. Well, how do I know? A body guard never seems to be far from you anyways. Yeah. I want to talk. I'll be over presently.-

Ryan sent this message without hesitation. Digging in his wallet, he fished out two business cards for his restaurant and scribbled his cell phone number on the back of them and handed one to Elise and one to Tao. "Hey, I'm sorry. I have a...pressing matter to attend to. My number is on the back of the card, come by the restaurant, I'll make it up to you two. Maybe next time it could be an official date..." Ryan said, chuckling and giving a wink to Tao. "It was nice meeting you two, and again I'm sorry for runnin' into ya" He said to Elise. Reaching back in his wallet, he took out a neatly folded $100 note and left it for the bartender. "Their first drinks are on me, the rest is tip after you close out my tab, thanks man." He gave the bartender a small nod before exiting the back and making his way towards Vika.

What was he going to say when he sees her? How would he act? Shit, matter of fact, he should have a few glasses of sake before he approaches her. Making that a priority, he stops by another bar, takes down two Long Island Iced Teas, pays for them and exits. All in all, it took Ryan a good 20 minutes to get to Vika.

Damn. Two Long Island Iced Teas in 20 minutes is...not ideal. Ryan would come to realize the next morning. For now, he presses on, entering the ramen shop.

Scanning the crowd, he spots Vika, sitting with some other woman already. He blinks and slightly stumbles before he approaches.

"Vika, why? Why are you here alone? Where is your mans?" His speech is obviously impaired, compared to how he normally talks. Sitting down, Ryan smell of hints of alcohol, mixed with the cologne he dabbed on earlier that day. "He should be here. Taking care of you.." Ryan mumbled on.

---

---

---

Siobhan woke in her bed and reached out to encounter an empty spot where Joel normally was. The place was slightly warm but cooling quickly. He must have just left since he had to be at the airport and she had other things that she needed to get done. She needed to head to the flower shop and take photos. Stretching she rolled onto her stomach and inhaled the scent of Joel that lingered on the pillow. She sighed and recounted the daydream she’s had in the shower of finishing that painting of Joel.

Getting up she showered and decided cute casual was in order. That Sol-mates thing was running so she was not dressing up. She had her man. Speaking of her man he must me on his way to the airport to pick up his new toy. She didn’t begrudge him the opportunity to enjoy his passions. They were who he is and she’d not change him for the world.

Dressing Siobhan snagged her camera and slung the bag on making her way out of the apartment. She thought she felt eyes on her and after the whole Bradley incident it made her look around. She shrugged and locked up running down to her car.

---

---

Siobhan got out of Karen her ‘Vette her white high top Chucks hit pavement rather than the gas, break or clutch. She’d gone casual in a black and white striped shirt, overall shorts and white high top Chucks. She walks over to the door to the flower shop and opens it.

The riot of color did not disappoint. Lifting her camera she snapped a shot of the front of the building. The soft pastels and bold petals blended well together catching the eye. They were arranged to catch and hold the attention of passersby, which appealed to Siobhan’s artistic nature. The light scent of hyacinth, lilies, lilac, damp soil and freshwater washed over her and she breathed deeply. Slowly she let go of the breath sighing in pleasure.

Siobhan walked to the door and opened it up the bell tinkling prettily. Looking around she saw a veritable jungle indoors. This place seems to never disappoint. I wonder how well the shop is doing…

As Siobhan looked around determining the best place to start with pictures. Everywhere she turned it reminded her of Jamaica. The only thing missing was the sounds. And the coffee. Oh the coffee was amazing. Just the thought of it had her salivating. Joel had her craving her morning, and afternoon cup daily now. And sometimes as a midnight refuel.

Taking candid shots of the shop making sure that she didn’t get any customers in her shoutd since this wasn’t her persons of interest collection. That she’d be working on for this next showing. Lexi had tentatively planned for the coming fall.

Siobhan caught sight of a familiar figure in her lens and grinned putting down the camera to hang around her neck. Moving over to him and giving him a quick hug. “Well Milo as I live and breathe. I haven’t seen you in a while. Are you getting Paige flowers? Can I make a recommendation?”

_{LOCATION & TIME : GOLDEN FLOWER
INTERACTIONS : ASSOCIATES
MENTIONS : Milo - @Pilatus , Siobhan - @Almalthia
OUTFIT OF THE DAY: ♦}

---

Busy busy busy. That was what was going through Alejandro's head ever since he arrived at the flower shop. He shouldn't have allowed the paper to write about it. John had said it would be good PR for the shop and get some attention from his real competitor- and to show that they were serious about the business, but all of this was too much. The store was filled to the brim with people swarming in and out of the shop. Mara had been the first one to arrive at the shop to make sure everything went smoothly, out in the front and the back of the shop. They were going to take the opportunity of a busy day to transfer out pounds of cocaine out of the shop and into some trucks disguised as the shop's delivery service. So far, everything was going smoothly and without a hitch- something that was keeping Alejandro in the back for almost two hours now.

Everything going to smoothly was suspicious. Nothing ever went this good without something very, very bad happening at the end. Alejandro sighed and rubbed his temples as he watched an arrangement of nothing but lavender being made by one of his workers. Everyone in this place had been sent from back home in LA, all of them had been with the Castillo family for years now- some were even family. It was nice to see them work in something other than handling block of cocaine.

"Alejandro, we need help out in the front." Mara peeked her head in with a bouquet of roses in her arms. "It would be nice to see the boss working too!"

"Fine," Alejandro continued to rub his temple as he walked to the front of the store, shutting the door behind him. He pushed the growing headache to the back of his mind and walked over to a rather familiar face talking to a guy.

Alejandro threw a customer-friendly smile on, adjusted his shirt, and walked over to Siobhan and the man she was talking to. "Welcome, Siobhan, it's nice to see you again," He flashed her a charming smile before turning to the man. "I should be the one recommending the flowers; after all, I am the expert on these things." Alejandro's voice was teasing and playful towards the woman.

He turned to look at the man, eyes lingering on his face before clearing his throat. "You don't look like you do this often, buy flowers I mean. Tell me, what do you like about this person? I can recommend a few flowers that would compliment the person's personality and what they mean to you." Alejandro would have rolled his eyes if he was the one hearing his own words. Flowers were flowers. They looked and smelled pretty with no real meaning behind them. His words were just to keep the customers interested and want to buy something from him. Happy customer, happy business.

---

Lilith smiled all the way to Arya's apartment. She had laughed when Arya mentioned her "Whip" but her truck was far too old and beat down to really call it a whip. It was more like a piece of junk than anything else. Either way, Lilith just laughed and explained that she had been saving for a newer car- probably a Honda or Toyota with good mileage so she wouldn't spend so much money on gas anymore. It was hell driving the old truck from her home to her job almost every night and having to refill it every week.

By the time they arrived at Aria's apartment, Lilith was already planning on what to do during their date in the park. Maybe they could walk around a bit, watch the live band, dance a bit, and grab something to eat. They could always go to a restaurant nearby or get takeout and eat in the park. While she thought about it all, she waited for Aria to get changed in her room.

When Aria finally came out, Lilith smiled and walked over to grab her hand. "If we didn't have a date tonight, I would skip the pinning and head right over to the fucking." She winked at the other woman before pulling her in for a kiss. "I'd let you do the pinning though, those pants look cute." She said after pulling back and adjusting her black cap.

Lilith wasn't afraid to flirt so openly with Aria, be it privately or in public. She had never been shy about those she liked, but it always gave her a sense of accomplishment when Aria's cheeks turned pink, or she would get too flustered to say anything. Seriously, how could anyone be so freaking adorable and hot at the same time?

"Ready?" Lilith kept her hand on Aria's as she picked up her bag that she had left on the counter and swung it over her shoulder.

Runways, Race cars and the Rumba

Victoria
Victoria definitely had her own unique guy issues, Ryan added a unique cherry on top of the Romus fun pie. Things were certainly never boring, to say the least. If life was boring it might be a tad easier though. Definitely two peas in a pod though she did not want to ruin the evening going through her baggage like a TSA screening exercise. "Oh yes, Peas indeed, sweet peas though." smiling, positive spin on things, it was a good night, trying to keep it upbeat. "Bar the whole kidnapping deal, evil stepmom and wondering if Uber delivers past dragons. I'd give a lot to wake up looking perfect every morning though!" Disney had a few downsides, but come on did you ever see a Disney Princess with a bad hair day, spot or without a full matching outfit regardless of dragons, trapped in a tower or asleep for a while looked after by a gang of rather hard-working dwarves.

Guys, that she could agree with. She definitely had enough to think about right now without complicated extra layers to add to life. Things were not exactly easy at the best of times lately. Clinking her diet coke into Manami's drink."True dat. Tonight, just complicated already. You're Tall! Oh come on, your like step mums height. Compared to you I'm tiny. 4'9... Not even 5 foot...Top shelf, whats that concept Manami?" Victoria gave a huff but no real force behind it, She was tiny compared to a lot of people and an extremely slight build did not make her look any taller.

Ryan was headed the way she decided against replying, would he even believe how it came to pass? Turning her attention back to Manami and her meal, small meals, regularly were helping her feel more human. Grazing here and there took getting used to though. "Bun rather than Borscht in the oven, we bot that crazy. so crave some genuine Stakanchik, Russain Icecream, so creamy... Shame no one does quite right." Reminiscing about delicious ice cream, they used really high-quality milk and so and the results where obvious. Alas, the versions here just not quite the same.

Then things got complicated, hearing a rather drunk Ryan approach and a sharp retort from Manami. Definitely drunk, she could really smell the booze mixing with aftershave thanking the fates the small meal had calmed her stomach at least. Isosef reacted faster and put out a hand before he stumbled if he was too drunk and knocked the deep black haired ladies flying. "Steady, i hope you not driving tonight." Privately thinking it might a good idea for someone not seeming more hammered than a nail to have whatever car keys he had. Right now he was more likely to wrap himself around a tree or solid object. Victoria gave a sigh, she expected him to turn up but drunk meant she would have to be more careful how she put the subject to rest. Audibly softer and trying to be gentle, Victoria did her best to handle things. "Ryan, sit, your pretty drunk right now. Can I bet an extra Raman please for him? And no beer...

Umm, well "Drinky Dude" here is Ryan, Manami is my friend. So be nice to her. She a good egg." Handling this on would give her a headache is she thought into it too far. Why did he have to be so drunk? Gently guiding his attention over with a rather small hand on the shoulder."Ok, Ryan. I'm here with my friend, enjoying a night out. It just happens to be Sol mates. My man, is probably not a topic you want to handle drunk ok?

He, while it would be easier, il manage ok. I faced worse in my teenage years. Thank you for being a friend, but I'm a grown woman, and I'm hardly scraping by to get gas money" Giving him a friendly peck on the cheek, he meant well even if his methods where an Elephant in a China museum. Giving a sorry look to Manami about the interruption to there little get together, she would text her or just ask her later to join for tea or something. Remembering previous comments it sounded like she needs a break from all the fashion stuff from time to time and Victoria enjoyed her company. She was a good friend, never of thought she would be friends with an instragam model, though the photos of them where not shared and more on her photo wall of travels, people, and friends. Victoria did not want to hurt Manami's career if her unconventional family got out.

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Joel Nicolosi

After winning the Sol City Grand Prix a lot of things tended to come by much easier. For Sol City, the closest people they had to celebrities were Tommy and his NFL fame with the Angels, then there was useless Ethan and the Sirens, but Joel was the most recent and though the fanfare of his initial victory had died down, his involvement with Rebellion had kept the fire stoked with interest. The relative obscurity of auto racing was enough to usually make the notoriety bearable, but he knew he was still Sol City’s flavor of the month in many ways. The mayor had essentially given him and Tommy the key to the city and specifically with that, Joel wanted master access to Old Sol Airport for his imports. After some paperwork with City Hall, a substantial background check and the approval of the Federal authorities at the behest of their State Senator, he could come and go on the property as he pleased. No more checking in at the front desk. He merely swiped his magnetic badge over the reader and the gates to the tarmac and hangars opened in front of the GTR.

There was something about the airport that just felt colder than anywhere else. Maybe the absence of trees to break up the slightest breeze or the expanse of lifeless, jointed concrete and steel-framed structures- It was damn cold in the open and it bit through his long sleeve black t-shirt. He didn’t wear anything Rebellion related on the off chance someone was taking photos of him conducting business outside of the team’s per view. His shirt only sported the classic Prodrive logo with jeans and sneakers. He was easing down the travel lane when he turned the corner and could see the unmistakable red, white and blue livery of a British Airways Cargo 747 down the flightline in front of the Daedalus hangar. There was still some activity buzzing around the enormous aircraft as the freight elevator was pulled away and the nose cone began to close. He glanced briefly at his watch. He was right on time.

The growling hum of the GTR rippled across the hangars as he approached, most of which were closed off from the cold as he passed by a bright yellow DHL 757 and a FedEx MD-10 in various stages of turn-around while he made his way down the line. The main Daedalus hangar was open. He coasted into the bright interior and it was nearly like transitioning from night to day. The bright white lights hummed off the subdued black exterior of the GTR. Inside, what looked like a Daedalus branded C-130 was in mid-check with one of the starboard engines on a dolley while two passenger service helicopters were being inspected on other side of the floor. Even with the three aircraft, there was still ample room for another C-130 inside the hangar, but in center of the floor was a single covered skid along with a black SUV making the scene very familiar. He patted the steering wheel before shutting the engine down. “Don’t you get jealous now.” He said as if he were talking to a pet.

The floor of the hangar was spotless and freshly cleaned as he stepped out; something he could appreciate greatly. His sneaker made a slight squeak as he closed the door and walked over while the hangar closed behind him.