beautiful, dirty, rich.

The subway was basically an essential part of New York City life but being stuck down there in a snow storm and power outage? Not so much. Erik found himself annoyed more then anything, though he wasn’t how much he liked the idea of being stuck underground very much either. Still, he was calm for the most part. He claimed a seat easily, scrolling through his phone for several moments; there’d been weather alerts he wanted to check. 

“What’s stopping us from just…leaving? The power’s out, sure. But that doesn’t mean we have to stay down here…” he mused out loud when he noticed someone beside him. “You think?”

( @manhattan-starters· )

Being stuck on the Subway was the last thing Charlotte wanted. It was very rare for her to take public transport, but due to the traffic, her driver being late and the blonde’s rush to get to a meeting, it was her last option. Of course, the one time she set foot on the grimy carriage, she would be caught during a power outage. Fan-fucking-tastic. She was meant to be discussing a lead role in a new film... not being trapped in a subway that reeked of body odour and stale pretzels!

Sighing as she fixed her immaculately curled blonde hair, the actress pulled out a wipe from her purse, wiping the seat before sitting down. It wasn’t until she heard a familiar voice that her lips curved into a smirk. “What would you prefer to do? Go out in a snowstorm, or stay somewhere that is relatively safer?” She chuckled then, shrugging her shoulders. “There’s not much we can do, darling. I’m due to be meeting a director for some drinks, but it’s not in walking distance and the traffic is a fucking mess, according to what I’m reading online.”

Stifling a laugh, she shook her head, her lips pursed as her eyes scanned the vicinity until her focus landed on the person next to her. “As if I’d date Brad Pitt! He tried in 2005, but he’s not my type.” Lie. He was, and she’d already slept with him, but there was nothing she wanted from him that would warrant another round... plus, she was fond of Angelina. Respectable women don’t take their friend’s sloppy seconds. “These writers are using my name to put food on the table... I should be mad, but for all I know, they could have children to feed. I can’t dispute that. I hosted a charity auction for that cause once.” — ( open for @manhattan-starters​ )

Erik: I definitely can. That picture certainly was something.

Erik: You just give out your info that easily all the time? Or are you just horny?

Erik: Scotch. Neat.

Charlotte: I knew you'd like it.

Charlotte: The code and locks are changed regularly, darling. And I have security. But I know you're not a psycho.

Erik: Is that right? Then I think I should definitely test out that mouth of yours

Erik: 😈 👅

Erik: You're fucking sexy. You know that?

Erik: I could be there soon...

Charlotte: I think you should, too.

Charlotte: I do. Can't you tell?

Charlotte: Good. I'm at the top floor, penthouse. *insert address here*

Charlotte: The code to get in is 97789.

Erik: Might just be one of the most fun women i've been with.

Erik: Yeah? The things we could get up to? Sounds like you've got some ideas...

Erik: Why don't you share?

Charlotte: I think you know what I mean. 😈

Charlotte: Why don't you come over and I show you?

Charlotte: I'm better at putting my mouth to use than I am in explaining over text.

Charlotte: *IMG_1367*

Erik: Of course you did. I had a lot of fun too.

Erik: OH? Well I'm certainly up for that if you are babe.

Erik: Should've known an actor would be creative

Charlotte: Always, sweetheart.

Charlotte: Ah, well, that's just the beginning. I've got a lot more talents of that calibre up my sleeve...

Charlotte: Erik, I had a lot of fun with you the other night. 😉

Charlotte: Thank you for your company.

“Welcome,” Brett welcomed the other as he lent against his side of the bar. “What drink do you feeling like having today?” He quizzed. “It’s happy hour right now. You came at the right time,”. Brett tried to make happy hour a weekly thing at his bar. He had regular customers at Hex who came in during happy hour because the alcohol he had behind the bar was served at a reduced price. It wasn’t as if Brett put alcohol prices at a high price the rest of the time. He sold them at retailer price, but people usually came in knowing the prices were reduced more than usual at this time of the week. The dark-haired boy looked at the other and smiled politely. “Have I seen you before?” He asked, resting his head on his hand, looking at the other. “If not, I’m Brett.”

It wasn’t uncommon to find Charlotte sitting in a club, numbing herself with the most expensive liquor available. She never skimped when it came to alcohol... or anything in general. She had the money, more than enough, and wasn’t afraid to spend it to a ridiculous degree. Bars had become her safe haven in a way... not that she particularly had anything to run from, but living in the fast lane could slow down at times... especially in the holidays when everyone would return to their hometowns or families. Something she didn’t care to do. She had no desire to see her family, which left her in the dark at times. Years ago, she had a husband and his own family, but all she had left to keep her company was her ego and cocaine habit.

Her chosen establishment for the night was Hex, a nightclub she’d never been to before, but heard enough about to warrant a visit. A little peruse to see if it was her sort of scene. Usually, if there was booze and attractive men, it was. “Oh, thank you, darling.” The blonde cooed as she turned to the man next to her, assuming he worked there. “Ah, Happy Hour or not doesn’t matter to me. If the drink’s good, I’ll pay the price.” She chuckled, winking at the taller gentleman, ignoring the looks from people passing by, obviously taking note of the actress’ presence. “I’ll have a vodka on the rocks.” His question caused her to raise a brow as she ran her fingers through her hair. “You may have. I’m an actress, you see. I suppose that’s where you’ve seen me. But it’s a pleasure, Brett. I’m Charlotte.”

An eyebrow rose, he was impressed. “A two-time Oscar winner? Well I certainly wasn’t expecting that,” he snorted, shaking his head as he looked at her wide eyed. “I don’t really watch movies but I might just have to check some of yours out then. It’s not often I’m in the company of someone so esteemed,” he told her, chuckling as he sipped his drink.

“Sweet?” He echoed with a light laugh. “That’s not usually something I hear,” he told her and it was true. Charming, attractive, romantic. All words that had been used to describe him but certainly not sweet. At her words he let his eyes roam over her playfully. “I bet you are fun,” he mused lasciviously. Her next words amused him and he almost snorted. “Really? Well, I’m a hedge fund manager. Money man. Not as exciting as being an actors I’m sure.”

Erik grinned widely at her question, leaning closer to whisper his answer to her. “The kind of entertainment that involves you and me naked somewhere a little more private,” Erik told her boldly, smirk firmly in place as he looked her in the eye. He was pretty sure he was reading her correctly. “If you’re up for it, of course.”

The man’s surprise at her revelation made Charlotte laugh rather smugly, shrugging her shoulders as if it were an everyday occurrence to run into a celebrity as big as her. It didn’t even offend her in the slightest that he didn’t immediately recognise her, it was rather cute seeing a man be so clueless for once. “Oh, you should. They’re a lot of fun. Though, Gone Girl might scare you if you’ve got a scorned wife.” The last part was said in a joking manner, completely clueless whether or not he was attached, although, she automatically assumed he wasn’t married due to the lack of a wedding ring on his finger.

Watching as Erik laughed off her comment about him being sweet, she gave him a feigned quizzical look, pretending she meant every word. Frankly, he seemed a lot like the men she surrounded herself with regularly, but that didn’t make him any less fun. In fact, she liked it. “Oh, wouldn’t you like to know?” Her words were salacious in nature, matching his as the pair shamelessly flirted. From that moment, she knew what she’d be doing for the rest of the night. “Ah! That sounds very interesting. You must be incredibly smart. I’m sure it’s still rather exciting. I promise you, being an actress isn’t as glamorous as it seems.”

It didn’t take long until the blonde was close as she could to the man while remaining completely appropriate. She liked him already. Obviously, she saw no potential in anything other than sex with this man in an intimate sense, but she could already they could have a rather interesting friendship. “You get straight to the point, don’t you? I like that.” She purred, her free hand resting slightly above his knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Do you think we should get out of here?”

An eyebrow rose curiously at the woman’s words. “Oh?” He hummed curiously. Then his smirk widened as she continued talking and admitted she was an actress. He’d not met an actress before. “An actress? Anything I might’ve seen you in or are you into theater?” Erik asked, leaning in a little closer, blue eyes fixed on Charlotte intently. “Lucky you,” he chuckled, smirking at her playfully. 

“I do,” he nodded. “And if it means anything, I think it definitely suits you,” he complimented her, sipping at his scotch. His grin widened at her words, relaxing a little more as he smiled at her. “Oh, absolutely. I’m much the same,” he said with a nod. An eyebrow peaked as she spoke. “You are? Well, aren’t I the lucky one then?” he replied teasingly, voice deep and lilting as he spoke to her. 

“Only a few colleagues. They won’t mind if I find my own entertainment for the night,” Erik told her and it was the truth. His colleagues were pretty aware of what he was like when he was out on his own. “I certainly wasn’t expecting to meet an actress tonight,” he chuckled playfully. 

It was somewhat comfort when Charlotte wasn’t immediately recognised, even though, it was a big boost for her ego. Being bombarded by fans wasn’t her favorite thing in the world, but she did appreciate their love for her. It was nice to feel adored. Even if it was by people she didn’t even know. “Ah... well, I guess it depends on what you watch. If it helps, I’m an Oscar winner. Two-time Oscar winner.” A smirk formed. Her intention wasn’t to brag, but somehow it always seemed that way when she mentioned it. She watched him move closer, her gaze moved down to his lips for a moment, a feeling of desire beginning to fill her. He certainly was charming. Something she appreciated in a man. If a man had little charisma or sensuality, there was often no interest on the blonde’s part.

“You’re sweet.” She chuckled with a wave of her hand, acting as though she had an ounce of humility within her. While bringing her glass to her lips, the blonde watched him over the top of the glass, finding herself utterly intrigued by the man. He probably did this a lot... picking up women in bars. That was a trait she’d learned to pick up after all the years married to her first husband. “I suppose you are, darling. I’m good fun. What about you, though, Erik? Tell me about yourself... I’m sick of talking about myself.” She wasn’t.

His use of the word ‘entertainment’ peaked her interest, immediately causing a brow to raise. “Entertainment? What sort of entertainment interests you?” She was almost certain she knew the answer, but decided to play along... it was a game she knew all too well.

moss was quiet for a moment; she understood the impact of the action, she just hadn’t thought clearly enough when executing it. “sorry,” the canadian woman apologized with a shake of her head, releasing the woman and taking a step back against the wall. she probably looked like a psycho. when the woman handed her a fancy looking lighter, moss whistled playfully as she sparked up. “fancy,” she offered with a smile, handing the lighter back and take a deep drag from the joint. “can i tempt you?” she asked curiously, holding the burning paper out for the other.

The stranger’s apology caused Charlotte to shrug lightly, shaking her head. “No, actually, it’s fine. No need to worry, sweetheart.” Frankly, she had no energy to muster at that particular time of night. They seemed rather harmless, and the blonde could use some company. She had several things on her mind, and was very much in need of an outlet to distract herself from everything with plaguing her thoughts. “Ah... you read my mind.” Taking the joint between her fingers, she brought it to her lips, inhaling a healthy amount before handing it back to the other as she let out the breath she was holding in, the smoke swirling around in the air. “It’s been a while since I’ve even touched weed.” A charming laugh. “Thank you, though. A generous offer considering I almost bit your head off. But tell me... what has you sitting out here in the dark on your lonesome?”

Erik smirked at her words, sipping his drink. “I know. I’m surprised I’ve never seen you here before,” Erik told her lightly and it was true. This was a usual hangout for his firm. Looking at her though, which he was doing so very appreciatively, he couldn’t help but feel like she was familiar in some way. He shook her hand though, letting it linger a little as she introduced herself. “I’m sure it is. And Charlotte…a beautiful name,” he told her with a light wink. 

As she gave him her drink order, he turned to the bartender and quickly ordered another for both of them. “So, tell me Charlotte. Are you here on your own tonight?” he asked, leaning in a little so she could hear him over the noise of the bar. 

With a quirked brow, Charlotte chuckled softly, shaking her head. “I suppose I come here at hours that aren’t as conventional to most people.” Shrugging, she figured she’d give a little more background on the situation, in hopes that her new friend wouldn’t think she was some sort oddity who lurked in the shadows of the bar when the average patron was at home sleeping. “I’m an actress, so, I work long hours and often finish in the early morning... a lot of the time I don’t quite like the thought of going home right away. That’s where bars come in. I know the owners well enough that they’re kind enough to stay open a little longer for me.” Ah, the perks of having wealth and fame.

“You think so? Well, thanks. I like it... I think it suits me.” She watched him order their drinks then, finishing the last sip of hers before playing the empty glass back down on the counter. “That I am. No one to hold me down, you know? I like doing own thing. Of course, I certainly revel in company, but tonight I was happy to venture out on my own. I’m rather glad I met you, though. What about yourself? Come out with anyone?”

Erik’s grin brightened as the woman beside him spoke. She was beautiful. But she reminded him of his wife and well, he was trying not to think about Kate. Still, that didn’t mean he couldn’t chat and flirt with the woman a little. 

He chuckled at her words, looking back around the bar again. “You’re definitely right. It’s a little bit hectic tonight,” he mused, relaxing back in his seat and sipping his drink once again. He let his eyes travel over her slowly, not really caring if she caught him. “Erik,” he introduced himself, extending a hand out to her. “Let me buy you a drink…” 

Charlotte’s gaze on the man didn’t falter for one moment, she enjoyed looking at him. Her biggest weakness was an attractive man with charm to boot. Although, he wasn’t the type of man she usually found herself entwined with, he was easy on the eyes, and the actress got the impression that he’d be a lot of fun to be around. “That’s for sure. I’ve been coming here for a while, and they usually draw in a decent crowd, but tonight exceeds those expectations.” Shrugging, she could feel him taking a gander at her. It was an ego boost that she thoroughly appreciated... of course, she absolutely knew that she was beautiful, not only according to herself, but to the film executives on the casting couch who helped solidify her career in the early days. “It’s a pleasure, Erik. I’m Charlotte.” She took her hand in his briefly, giving it a light squeeze as she offered him a smirk. “Oh, how kind of you. I’d love that. Thank you. Vodka martini.”

The work day for Erik was over and instead of going home, the hedge fund manager decided to go out for drinks. He’d worked hard and he figured he deserved a little relaxation time; time he definitely wouldn’t get at home with Annie and Lily running around. Oh, he loved his daughters but they were a lot. 

Instead, he made his way into his favorite bar. He ordered a scotch, neat, resting against the alcohol stained wood as he waited for his drink. He turned to let his gaze move across the bar, taking in all the people that were there. A few pretty women he thought he could probably flirt with to have some fun. 

The bartender caught his attention then and as he turned, Erik’s elbow caught against the occupied chair next to him. It stung for a moment, as a knocked elbow is wont to do but he shook it out. “Sorry about that,” he called to the person next to him, hoping he hadn’t disturbed them too much. “Didn’t spill your drink, did you?” he asked with a chuckle. As he spoke he reached out for his own drink, taking a small sip as he looked at the person next to him. 

“You know, Martin, you could probably have a career in the film industry.” Charlotte observed to the young bartender as she sat at the front bar, cradling a martini. The liquor was already surging through her veins, but the blonde had always been someone who could handle it... the only difference was that she became somewhat nicer and more complimentary with a little alcohol in her system. The staff at this particular bar were used to her... her order, her demands and her diva antics. Truthfully, they probably weren’t all too fond of her, but no fucks were ever given in her life.

A light bump caused her to turn her head, borderline annoyed until she realised what the stranger she’d clashed with actually looked like. He was incredibly attractive... very much so. “Oh, darling, don’t worry about it.” She flashed him her signature smile, lifting her glass to her lips briefly before shaking her head, a few strands of blonde hair falling to frame her face. “No, no. You’re rather tame compared to some people I’ve seen in here this evening. Talk about going all in too fast.”

moss gave a somewhat frustrated grunt as the spark on her lighter went out continuously, the joint between her lips vibrating with her growls. “fuckin’ great,” she muttered to herself, patting herself down for another lighter - she had to have one around here somewhere - and only increasing her frustrations when she didn’t find one. seeing a shadow walking past, she took a hold of her last resort - literally. “hey -” her hand gently gripped the arm of a passing stranger - “do you have a light?” she asked, her voice soft. @manhattan-starters·

Charlotte often found solace in late night walks. New York City was particularly beautiful at night, the glimmering skyline was intoxicating to gaze upon, and it didn’t matter what time it was... there was almost always someone around. The city that never sleeps, that was for sure. She was deeply consumed in her own thoughts when the touch of a stranger caused her to startle, immediately flinching, though, not removing her arm out of their grasp just yet. “Jesus. Do you really think it’s a good idea to scare people like that? You’re lucky my immediate reaction wasn’t to slap you.” She scolded, her brow furrowed slightly as she reached inside her purse to pull out a gold-plated lighter with ‘CG’ carved across the front. A gift from a former co-star of hers. Holding it out to them, she used her free hand to flick some loose blonde hair out of her eyes. “Have at it.”