dancing through life

"No, that's hideous. What wasn't clear about that the first time?" Percy was definitely undercaffeinated, and his pop-up shop wasn't going as smoothly as he planned. He had gotten back to Rosewood just a few days ago after a few weeks in Paris and he was trying not to be a snob. But the summer staff he had hired barely knew their right from left. "Hey does anyone want a job? Everyone here is fired!" He stepped outside and patted his pockets for his cigarettes. "God, I've become a bitch, haven't I? Or do bitches just have high standards?"

Emory watched in amusement at Percy's diva shenanigans. New York was everything they had ever dreamed of, but it was moments like this when Emory missed the simplicity of home. "Would love a cute summer job." They teased, chuckling brightly. "For the record, it was hideous. It's hard to find good help these days. People just don't know how to fucking listen." Granted, Emory always had high expectations for themselves and those they chose to surround themselves with. They expected excellence and nothing less. A sentiment Percy could agree with. "I don't think you ever stopped being one. There's nothing wrong with being a bitch and having high standards. You want what you put out to be good. It's known for being good. God forbid you allow a slip up and let your reputation be tarnished."

"Oh I can push you if you want. Physically," she joked back with a warning glance. It'd been over a year since the break up and while they both knew healing wasn't linear or whatever, she did think that was a perfectly appropriate amount of time to start moving on. "Got the point across though, didn't it." And what was she, a poet? "Mhm, okay. We can say hi. To that guy, or anyone else really. Let's see how many cliches I can think of."

"Sisterhood is pushing with encouragement not physically." They replied with a teasing grin. Emory was thankful to have Haven this past year. She'd been a lifeline when they felt like wallowing in self pity. Perhaps for that she earned one friendly push. "It did. He's generic but decent to look at." Emory shrugged. "The world's our oyster tonight, well, my oyster. You have a Kieran. So we'll say hi and you'll give me your opinions. See if they're Emory worthy."

"I feel like I'm holding you back here," Haven said from behind her sunglasses, drink in hand. Her and Emory were at the first Pride event of many that season, and while they were past their sad divorcee era, she sensed her being there was doing more harm than good. "What about tall dark and gorgeous?" She nodded to a potential suitor. "You should go talk to him. Without me." @emoryjeffers

"Well I highly disagree. I assigned you to be my wingwoman for a reason and that is because you always push me." Emory peeked over their heart shapes glasses, a smirk working on their lips as they looked at Haven. Self wallowing was no longer allowed. It was a new year and the best time of the month. Emory had made a promise to themselves that they would live life to the fullest from now on. "Ah, yes the description of every man in every romance novel ever made. Bit of a cliche don't you think?" They laughed. Though, they did enjoy a good cliche now and then. "Oh but I was so excited to introduce him to my best friend, Haven, who will kick his ass if he tries anything."

"Tonight's the night," she repeated, unsure what 'doing this' actually entailed but happy to see Emory in better spirits. That wasn't to say she wasn't prepared in case things went south, or likewise, if she had to hold their hair back later. "I'm not making out with anyone, that's all you. I can steer the ship though."

Emory was happy to have Haven in their life. The last few months would have been unbearable without her. The plan for the evening was to make it memorable and fun but however the night decided to unfold Emory knew it would be fine in the end because of Haven. "Oh come on just one person? Maybe Kieran?" They teased. "I will be making out with everyone thank you. Aye captain. I hope you got your ship licenses online like you did to get ordained."

"It's pretty chic of you, getting married and divorced so young," she offered, hoping they might feel better about the ordeal if they treated it as a lifestyle statement. Though she'd had her doubts about the level about commitment they'd made, Haven never wanted to see either of them hurt either. She picked a polaroid up off the floor, tossing it as soon as she registered the dark outline of somebody's ass. "Grinch heart? Let's not forget I got ordained for you."

"It was always my lifelong dream to be a hot divorcee." It did get a small smile out of them. Emory was never one to feel sorry for themselves or wallow in self-pity. They've picked themselves up many times before. This time was no different. Or so they thought but navigating heartbreak was a beast Emory wasn't prepared for. They were thankful to have Haven by their side to make the change a little easier. "Six hours before no less. A true ride-or-die. At least you'll be ordained for my second and third marriage."

"Got my ass handed to me by a bunch of teenagers at the rec center today and now I'm in a Chadwell mansion trying to figure out if this punch has been dosed with some non FDA approved shit. Get into politics, it'll take you places!" Josh was mostly talking to himself. He had attended a charity event earlier and ended up playing basketball with a few kids and he was already sore which was something he wouldn't admit. He had only gone to this party because Lavender had drunk texted him and he still couldn't find her. "Have you seen my sister? She's got a decent sized afro, about this tall, wearing uh I think a purple shirt or something? She probably tried to read your palm or some shit."

"I think that's a good sign to take from the universe that you are officially an old man. Oh, I'm sure it's not but that's the fun of it so I'm told. A nice little roulette of will this punch help me make a total fool of myself or am I spared." Cher giggled. She had opted for the safer option of drinks because she refused to make a fool of herself in any capacity. "I don't think I've seen her but I can help you find her? Two pairs of eyes are better than one. I need a little palm reading anyway. Need some clarity on things that I can't find on my own."

Hernando had been pretty determined to have a good night, especially with both him and Blue in attendance. Things had started to feel different lately, like she wasn't quite ready for them to actually be a couple and it was proven when he tried to kiss her earlier by the drinks and she ducked away, leaving him standing there as she went off with her friends instead. So he took his drink and a plate of food and went elsewhere to drown his sorrows. "You should really try the pumpkin cupcakes, I've had like five, they're so good," he told someone, mouth still full as he glanced over at them. "You think they're gonna have a cupcake eating contest cause I might just sign myself up."

cher was trying to be nice given hernando looked like he was down in the dumps. the chewing and glance of his mouth full of food did cause a visceral reaction. one she hoped wasn't too noticeable before she looked to something else. "if you've had five I'm sure they're good." she replied with a nod. they did look good. she'd eventually have to get one for herself. "I don't know if that's a contest you want to win. eating contests gives me anxiety. the probability of choking is too high and .. it just sounds gross." cher shrugged. "buuuuuut enjoying them without a contest sounds way better and less of a risk of like dying or whatever."