Cavendish.

Ela let out a small, almost imperceptible sigh. "And yeah, it’s tough admitting what pain’s taught you. It's hard to see the silver lining when it feels like you’re drowning in it. But I get it. We both know that growth doesn’t always feel like growth when you’re in it. But when you come out the other side, it’s not about what they think. It's about what you learned, even if they can’t see it." @cavenshh

She smirked faintly. “I guess that’s the point, right? I’m not gonna give him the satisfaction. He’s so busy thinking he’s winning, he doesn’t even realize I’m building something he’ll never get to touch.” Lia shook her head. “It’s hard, though. Growth doesn’t come with a medal. But, like you said, I’ll learn from it, even if they can’t see it.” She gave Ela a small, grateful smile. “Thanks for reminding me of that. It means more than you know.”

"Oh is that a thing now? Pleasantly pickled?" he chuckled lightly. "Well from now on, you have me to chauffeur you around. Well, as long as I'm around. I'll be going to New York soon to supervise one of my dad's projects there. But that's in like two weeks, I think."

“Don’t you be laughing at what I’m calling it.” Lia said with a soft laugh of her own. “You know, that might just be right around the time I have to head to New York myself for a few conferences. I think a day or two after though, perhaps I'll surprise you this time around.”

“ isn’t that the fear though? That we turn out like our parents? I feel like that’s all of us in some level” he admitted before glancing back and giving Lia a smile. “ I think I’d do anything to not be him “

“ it’s a fucking nightmare “ Arkin laughed. It wasn’t that he found it funny, well he did but in that sort of way where he couldn’t believe that he hated the night so much now. He was so restless and couldn’t handle sleeping unless he was next to Sterling. But he had new coping mechanisms and he was prepared. He was gonna make sure Sterling would get a good nights sleep no matter what when the baby arrived and his restless energy would be put to good use. “ I’m lucky to have her. Think this whole thing sort of saved me from relapsing. “ cause there were already several moments where the urge had come back. “ honestly I appreciate that. Wanna be added to the list of people ready to spoil him ?” @cavenshh

She took a sip of her drink before flashing a smirk, breaking the weight of the conversation just enough. “Obviously, I fully expect to be on the list. No offense, but I doubt anyone else is gonna teach that kid how to properly charm a room before they can walk.” She lifted her glass in mock solemnity. “Consider it a public service.” Then, with a softer edge, she added, “But seriously, you’re doing better than you think, Arkin. You’ve got people who care about you, who see you, even on the bad days. And if this whole thing saved you? Then I’d say that kid’s already changed the world for the better.”

Gossip had always traveled quickly among the Aurora Bay Drive fucks, and although she had pointedly avoided Lia at all costs for years now, Nora was sure that she'd heard some kind of warped telling of her own self-imposed exile from all of it. She was positive that Lia — like any of them — wouldn't understand the real story or rationale, even if Nora cared to share it.

She sent a shark-like smile through the mirror. "I could just crash the car, if you'd prefer."

She finally glanced over, arching a perfectly sculpted brow. “And for the record? I don’t give a damn about whatever tragic tale you think I’ve heard. Not my business, not my problem.” She smirked, leaning back against the seat with an easy, unbothered air. “But by all means, keep projecting. Makes for great entertainment.”

The more Lia talked about mood lighting and ocean sounds, the more Haley was sold. “Mood lighting is essential. I’m thinking candles in every corner, fairy lights draped across the ceiling like we’re in a Pinterest dream. The ocean sounds? Genius move. Maybe we throw in some gentle rain noises too. Just in case we need that extra level of serenity.” Haley leaned forward, tapping her glass against Lia’s with a satisfied smile. “Here’s to becoming legends in relaxation. If this doesn’t fix everything, I swear, we’ll have to start a spa empire. People will come to us for the ultimate zen experience. And if nothing else, we’ll have a hell of a time pretending to be meditation experts.”

Her eyes sparkled, already picturing the whole ridiculous yet perfect setup. “I can already feel the stress melting away. This is exactly what I need." She paused, then added with a wink, "Also, if anyone dares question our spa day, we’ll just hit them with our ‘I’m one cucumber slice away from enlightenment’ look."

She took a sip, tilting her head thoughtfully. “And if anyone dares ruin our vibe? We’ll stare at them in absolute, unbothered tranquility until they feel deep personal shame for disturbing our sacred ritual.” Lia smirked, eyes gleaming with amusement. “Because let’s be real... Whether or not this fixes anything, we are starting that spa empire. Worst case scenario, we end up with glowing skin and a very lucrative backup plan.”

His gaze followed hers to the leaning tower of books, and he shrugged with an air of mock defensiveness. "Hey, don’t knock the system. It’s not chaos; it’s... creative organization. I know exactly where everything is." He paused for dramatic effect before smirking. "Except maybe the floor."

When she mentioned the plant, he raised an eyebrow, feigning deep thought. "A plant, huh? Bold move. But you’re right—it’d probably throw off the whole aesthetic. Wine, though? That I can get behind." He pushed off the counter and made his way to a cabinet, grabbing a bottle and two glasses.

"You’re calling this a disaster zone, but here you are, willingly stepping into it. What does that say about you?" he teased, pouring her a drink before handing her the glass. "Hazard pay, huh? Well, lucky for you, I’m a generous host. Here’s to surviving my ‘masterpiece.’" He raised his glass in a toast, his smile softening just enough to show he appreciated her being there, teasing and all.

She leaned against the edge of the table, crossing one leg over the other as she swirled her drink. “And as for what it says about me?” She shot him a knowing look over the rim of her glass. “Maybe I just have a soft spot for disasters with good taste in wine.”

“Well, that sounds ominous,” she said, reaching for the bottle in Lia’s hand and inspecting it, they both had expensive taste. “How bad are we talking? Crying in the shower bad? Or setting something on fire bad?” She didn’t wait for an answer before getting up to grab a couple of glasses, already bracing herself for whatever disaster had driven Lia here. If it involved Eddie, Maia had a feeling it was going to be a night. @cavenshh

“Neither, technically,” she said, watching as Maia grabbed the glasses. “But I wouldn’t rule out a dramatic monologue at some point.”

She sank onto the couch, one leg tucked beneath her as she set the bottle on the table with a dull thud. She wasn’t even sure where to start. The sting of it had dulled since the conversation with Eddie, but it was still there, lurking under her skin.

“I found something out,” she said finally, fingers tracing the seam of the couch. “About Eddie.” Her lips pressed together before she huffed a quiet laugh, shaking her head. “And before you ask, no, he didn’t kill anyone. But, while he was gone for the weekend he slept with someone. And like, we weren't official or anything... But damn it hurts."

"Yeah, traditions can be a lot," he agreed, voice even. "Depends on whose rules you’re following, I guess." He took a sip of his drink, letting the words sit between them for a second before nodding at her mention of singing.

"Still keeping busy, huh?" His lips quirked in something close to a smile. "Not surprised. You never were the type to just sit still." His gaze lingered for a beat before he tapped his fingers against his glass. "And is ‘interesting’ a good thing these days?" @cavenshh

She took a sip of her drink, shrugging softly “But you’re right. I don’t do ‘still’ very well. Never have.” Her gaze flickered to him. “And you? Keeping busy, or just keeping occupied?”

"Gus? He's having a big dude day with Buddy. I'm not exactly sure what that means but he assured me that they wouldn't be going out for beers so that kind of the best I can hope for sometimes."

@cavenshh

"Wow, I can't believe he didn't message me. Usually I get cute snaps of uncles day and he shows off. That's it, we're fighting." She joked, a soft laugh coming from her. "How long are you here signing people up for beach clean up?"

( His failed engagement should have been a warning for how badly that could go, he thought. )

"You know we can figure a way out of this if needs be."

Those words were easier said than done but he would try to move mountains if Lia asked him to, moving the needle on his father's decision wasn't something he would back down from if it meant she had the freedom to seek happiness rather than tick a box.

"I want to be sure that you know what it is you're going along with because once there's rings and vows and legal arrangements involved, it gets harder and harder to get out."

“Don’t worry yourself too much, it’s easier because it’s Eddie to be honest.”

At least she had to provide some positive outlook toward everything that had been going on. Their father might have decided her future for her, but she was still determined to make the most of whatever this decision was.

Whether that outcome be good or bad, something told her that it wasn’t going to be as bad as originally thought though.

“I understand, and I very much appreciate your concern. But this one isn’t something I’m just going to dive head first into. I want this to feel like a genuine connection, not something we were both forced into.”

Eddie smiled. He was finally starting to relax upon seeing Lia in a much better state than before. At first he had his doubts about this chat making anything better, but it appeared this was precisely what they needed. "I will. And you weren't flying off the handle. You were in your right to be upset. Don't invalidate your own feelings like that. Go out with your mate and get properly hammered tonight. You can call me if you need an Uber driver. I'll likely be around somewhere." he chuckled lightly and finally reached out to eat his veggie omelette.

@cavenshh

Lia had been having much more fun now, it was a welcome change to speak to someone who understood that things just needed smoothing over sometimes. She had known people who would just immediately jump to hurting each other instead of ignoring feelings. “I just want you to know, yes it hurt, but I understand where your head was too. Nothing set, and we’re still working out our own feelings. Hammered? We’re ladies, we get pleasantly pickled.” She said with a soft giggle. “Uber Eddie on your way to save the day? I definitely could have used you this one time when I lost my keys at work.”

Eddie took another sip of his coffee and he listened to the brunette, glad that despite everything she was receptive and they could get on the same page. "I agree, I think for the time being this is a solid foundation. And don't hesitate to bring up any topic that you want to discuss. I'd prefer us being on the same page than you being upset with me." he said, reaching out across the table for her hand. "Are we good?"

Lia began on a smoothie, a soft hum of appreciation for the flavor. She didn’t know if it was the usual in Eddie’s home, but she loved a good smoothie in the morning. “If one thing came from all of this, at least we both understand that we’re adults who can discuss this kind of thing without hating each other. Don’t worry though, because just as you’ll respect my boundaries, if there’s any boundaries that I might overstep tell me on that front too.” She took his hand and gave it a light squeeze, running her thumb over the back of his hand. “We’re good, and I appreciate getting to talk through everything. I also apologize for flying off the handle in all of this. Though, I might just have to pop around to my best friends for a few drinks later.”

"I like it, but we do have to keep it to five drinks. Or four, and one seasonal shot. I was told to limit it so we don't have a lot of ingredients to throw out after Christmas." Joey taps her chin with the pen, and she pauses when Lia brings up an idea that she definitely thought before.

"No..." she answers, because speaking about it out loud is a smidge nerve-wracking. She has the savings to throw an offer out, but that does nothing to ease the feeling. "Well, I- did I ever tell you I was on the way to co-owning Oasis a few years back?"

She made her slow climb, found someone who could help her to that spot, but a deal and a promise meant nothing to Bora Winters. She did well nothing thinking much about him this year, so Joey allows herself grace for letting that animosity clench tight around her heart so close to the end of it.

"Anyway," she concludes, placing her pen down and plastering on another smile, except this one is one-sided. "I never asked. But maybe. It's an idea."

“I’m telling you, if we had the time, we could have made a million different drinks. But I feel like that would pull way too much on you,” she said, shaking her head a little. “But man, I think I could come up with about a thousand different Christmas ideas… Maybe I should focus on New Year’s instead.”

“Don’t you ‘no’ me,” Lia said, a little too stern. Something about the idea of Joey being her boss actually had such wonderful connotations for Lia that she couldn’t help but think they needed to get the ball rolling right away. “So what you’re telling me is that you have the experience to do this? And that you haven’t yet done it.”

Lia was already off on some kind of tangent, wondering just how she could convince Joey that this was going to be the perfect venture for her. “I recall you telling me that you wished you had my level of drive. Well, I’m about to rub some off on you. Let’s get you going on this… If in six months this still hasn’t happened, I’m going to start a petition. I think I’ll title it ‘Joey’s Golden Hour.’ Actually, that would be perfect... I might do this sooner than you think.”