sweet in your memory.

bj had just blown into town, she set up camp in a spot that seemed to be ‘free property’ just to last until the town’s campsite has an open plot. though she was tired from a long, hot day of untying and unpacking everything, settling in and figuring out her next moves - the blonde kind of wanted to explore her new hometown. so, she settled on taking her bike down the road to explore a bit more, opting to go into sparky’s upon sight. now that, was where she’d find good conversation. as bj made a b-line to the bar, spinning the chair slightly as she sat, “did i scare you? usually, i’m one to make a boisterous entrance, i’ll try better next time.” she joked. “i’ll take whatever you recommend, so, the fries and bartenders’ choice drink? oh, the stronger the better !” she grins, leaning on the bar. “ i travel, so,  i got this lil game i play whenever go somewhere new, i live off of recommendations. at least, for a while. i’m not picky at all, so, it’s always fun.”  

Aidan grins at the bubbly blonde seated in front of her. “I’m sure your entrance was perfect, I was just too in my own world to enjoy it,” she jokes back. She’s never seen the woman around town before, but that fact is quickly explained when she mentions she travels. “Sounds like a high risk but potentially high reward game?” She chuckles and moves to put in the order of fries into the kitchen. “What’s the best recommendation you’ve gotten? Oo! And where were you when you got it?” 

The bartender starts working on a drink that she feels fits the woman’s vibe, and makes sure to meet her one request, the stronger the better. Aidan loves experimenting with new drinks, and her fave for the beginning of this summer has been trying out new frozen drinks. The one she’s whipping together now was tested and eagerly approved by a group of friends who have more of a taste for alcohol than she does. “Tequila sunrise slushie?” Aidan says with a hopeful raise of her eyebrows as she sets the drink (garnished with a pink paper umbrella) down in front of the other woman. 

It’s taken CJ two weeks to get situated and into a routine she could be proud of. Though Sparky’s bar had seemed enticing the moment she landed in Wellcliff, she knew the biggest lesson she’d have to learn this summer was self control and moderation.

So, with CJ’s room fully unpacked, a job secured and protein shake downed, she finally treats herself to a cold beer and — “Some fries,” the woman’s chuckle is contagious, and she offers a laugh in return too, taking her seat right in front, lifting her arms up to reveal a tiny, rainbow string bracelet on her wrist. “And a corona,” she takes a chance, “Plus something your boss lets you drink on the job.” 

The blonde’s sudden appearance in front of Aidan is jarring enough, nevermind the fact that she’s also gorgeous and has a contagious smile that literally lights up the dim bar. She’s either a tourist or new to the town, the bartender decides, because there’s no way she’s been in Wellcliff long and not caught Aidan’s attention. “You’ve got it,” she replies with a grin, eyes flickering down to the rainbow at the customer’s wrist that confirms what her vibes already hinted at. 

Aidan turns to call in the order of fries to the kitchen before grabbing two bottles of corona, cracking them open, and wedging a lime on the top. “Cheers,” she says, setting the bottle down in front of the woman and holding up her own to clink them together. She takes a swig of the beer and leans her hip against the bar. “So, what brings you to little ole Wellcliff? I’ve never seen you around before.” 

[chyler leigh, cis female, she/her] have you seen AIDAN THOMPSON hanging around? the THIRTY FOUR year old often hangs around THE BOARDWALK when they’re not being a BARTENDER at SPARKY’S PUB. i’ve been told they’re LAIDBACK but FLIPPANT, and when i look at them, i see LEATHER JACKETS, LAZY MORNINGS IN SWEATPANTS, and STARGAZING ON THE BEACH. wellcliff wouldn’t be the same without ‘em! [ lily, 23, she/they, EST ]