nothing notices

HOLLIDAY.

♪

Of course. Holly is hoping that it gets resolved soon, but considering the vaguely hostile face on the lady’s face, she thinks it’s most likely a near pipe dream. “Well, look, the manager’s coming over now.” She points at the lanky man shuffling over; no matter the fact that it looked like the woman could punch him and every other employee around. “Finally.” But instead of solving anything, she begins to pelt them with packets of gum and candy, screaming bloody murder. “Shit, what do we do? Should we just leave? Maybe you should go stop her?” She’s graduated from the smaller items, continuing to throw apples and soda bottles en masse as the rest of the customers scattered around the store, some leaving with their full carts. 

He just wanted his beer. Maybe he should hire an assistant to do things like this for him now because this? This sucked. Things looked like they were getting peaceful until they weren’t. “Me? Why me? I have no training when it comes to crazy shopping ladies,” Maybe he should though, considering he was going to be opening up his own shop. “Maybe someone should just call the cops. Actually, they probably should. It’s not really our problem. But I’m not leaving until I walk out with this six pack.” He raised the beer that he was holding in his hands. 

Georgina [2.34 pm]: I know you didn't ask but I went on a run today and I think I found the location for your surf shop

Georgina [2.36 pm]: *Attached Address to location in Lafayette Square*

Georgina [2.37 pm]: I never realized how beautiful it was until earlier today but let me know what you think.

Georgina [2.39 pm]: P.S. Asher wants you to match with him to Christmas Eve dinner, so please tell me you still have the flannel blouse

Graham [3.00 pm]: That's actually a good location. How much you think rent would cost there?

RYAN.

—

“Well one of us has to and it’s not gonna be me.” Moving the phone closer to his face, Ryan wiggled the phone a little in an attempt to entice him to take it. “Okay but he doesn’t have my number so he can send me possible dick pics! He has my number because he’s the only guy at Mick’s who’ll deliver and I have to make sure he’s working so I don’t have to put pants on and drive fifteen minutes for the island’s best burger. We can’t all be hermits with house phones, honey.” She teased with a grin.

“There’s something you should know about dudes. They’re stupid. Hell, I can be stupid myself. And if you give him your number even for just some burgers, he’s apparently gonna misuse it. So why not just delete the whole conversation so neither of us have to look at it? It’s gonna really interrupt my appetite,” He said as he looked down at his fries. "Do you really not have a home phone? They’re like a hundred bucks a month, that’s nothing. Very worthy it because that’s where all of my spam calls go. You should look into it.” 

HOLLY.

for → @grahamlivingston location: a grocery store time: evening

Holly doesn’t really do her own grocery shopping, but with her fridge completely out of Goldfish and dinosaur-shaped nuggets, she knows that she must replenish for Declan’s sake. She knows she looks ridiculous in line with a basket of what can only be sustenance for a child, but she pays no attention to it, instead tapping away at an email on her phone. 

But fifteen minutes is far too long to wait in a single line, and she pulls her sunglasses onto her forehead, squinting ahead. Only one register is open, and it seems as if a Karen has monopolized the employee’s time. She steps an inch forward, tapping the person in front of her. “Can you hear what she’s saying? What the hell is going on?” 

In order to think, Graham liked to be able to drink. It got his creative juices flowing. Once he opened his fridge, he realized his stock was pretty low, causing him to head out to get some more. While he was in a rush, a lady in front of him didn’t seem to be at all on the checkout line. Turning towards Holly, "I’m just trying to get some beer,” He insisted, looking at his watch. This was taking way longer than he wanted it to. “I think they aren’t taking her coupons,” At this point, Graham was ready to offer to pay for her stuff himself. “How long do you think it’s gonna take by the time they call the manager to come on over?” 

RYAN.

WHO: @catalinastarter​ WHERE: honestly, could be anywhere.

“I need you to look at this text and tell me if it’s a dick pic or not.” With no pleasantries, Ryan slid into the spot next to the unsuspecting person, sitting unusually close as she held her phone out towards them. “My sister’s in surgery and this is kind of life or death, ya know? I need to know whether or not I can keep ordering from my usual burger place or if I have to start all over and find a new place. Pro tip, don’t let the creepy delivery guy see you naked.”

He looked at Ryan before looking back down at the food that he was enjoying before she kindly interrupted him. "Do I have to?” He asked, not wanting to have to look at an unsolicited dick pic. “Why does he have your number to begin with? That’s a rookie mistake.” He then used the nearest napkin to wipe the grease off of his hands, “That’s exactly why I still have a house phone at my place.” 

Gabby: Setting up a business probably needs a bit more information than that, sweet brother.

Graham: Does it though?

AARON.

for: @catalinastarter​ location: lafayette square time: early afternoon

With thanksgiving out of the way, Aaron usually started on decorating for the holidays straight away and this year was absolutely no different. He’d been outside his building fighting with fairy lights for the past hour, having taken it upon himself the year he moved in to decorate the stairwell and fencing as he no longer had a house to do the same to. It had always been one of his favourite things to do with Elena, watching the joyful spark in her eyes as he turned them on —- for years he’d gone all out for her for Christmas, despite his Jewish upbringing. He didn’t push aside any of that, though, the menorah in his third floor window a constant reminder at this time of year, even if he didn’t practise anymore.

He was on his fifth string of lights when he noticed somebody passing by and glanced their way, calling out to them. “What do you think? Too much?”

It was hard to get in the holiday spirit when it was so warm in California. But really, that’s all Graham knew around the Holidays. Honestly, he hated the cold, mainly just the feeling of being cold. But if Christmas movies taught him anything, it was that it needed to be cold to feel like Christmas. So naturally, Catalina residents would have to compensate in another way to get into the holiday spirit. Lights out of the corner his eye caught his attention, his head then moving in that direction as Aaron spoke out to him. “Nah,” He shook his head, “I’ll have to take my niece and nephew by. They’ll love this.” He was pretty impressed himself. “I was thinkin’ of doing one of those outdoor lighting Christmas music sync-up outside of my place but how much work was this? Cause even putting up lights seems like work.” 

GEORGINA.

☼

“You should only do things you’re passionate about,” she reflects with contentment dancing through her hoarse falsetto. An elbow nudges into the side of her brother with dancing brows to keep the topic lighthearted. “After all, look at me, I’ve been sneaking animals into the house since I was ten. So, if this is something you want ─ I’ll stand by you always, Graham.” It’s something Georgina religiously preaches, almost like a soap-box, but it comes from the bottom of her heart. She may come off as bossy and tough to him, but it’s because she loves and wants the best. So if it’s investing in a surf shop and lessons (she imagines), knowing her brother’s love for the ocean and how he gets lost in the moment, then how could she not? “Okay.” It’s breathed laboriously from her behalf after the moment, turning the corner to the offices as she’s not surprised by the mention of her trust-fund. “Give me an exact number next week.” 

The brief quietude submerging alongside her brother, as she witnesses the white office with ceiling to floor windows, gives her a moment to appreciate the sibling. She would’ve been helpless without him. The way he adjusted his life and returned to Catalina once hearing Tucker’s passing is something she appreciates each day. He didn’t have to. But, he did. It’s something she can’t thank him enough for, hoping the surf shop’s payment will endlessly show her gratitude. Laughing at his next words, hazel hues roll into the back of her mind, “Obviously,” she jests, bridge of her nose scrunching. The way Asher and Joanna illuminate each night, around the same time when Graham comes over to tuck them into bed, is a sight that grips her heart. If her brother were ever to have kids, she knows they’ll be the luckiest kids ever to walk the planet. “Oh, trust me, I know they do.” It darts out through a brawny admittance. “There are only a few occasions where they let me tuck them in at night.”  

“I’m passionate about this. I promise.” In another life, maybe he would’ve tried doing it professionally. But in this one, he wanted to follow in his sister’s footsteps of going to a prestigious school. Look at how that worked out for him, though he only had himself to blame. Growing up, Geo was who Graham always wanted to be. He just thought she was the coolest older sister, even if she didn’t think that. “I know, and I’m thankful to have you by my side, Geo. I really appreciate it. I’m probably gonna be looking for your advice through all of this.” He gave her a nod as she mentioned the exact number. 

Tucking the kids in was definitely a favorite pastime (if it could now be considered that) of his. He liked spending time with them and did his best to answer all of Asher’s questions before bed. “I’m just really cool, especially compared to you. What can I say?” He teased, a smirk resting upon his lips. “Those kids, they’re lucky to have you, G.” He didn’t say that often enough. “They’re really lucky to have you. You’re carrying on the good Livingston mom legacy. Mom’s proud. I’m proud.” 

EDIE.

~

Edith smirked. Working at a bar, especially one like Bad Alibi definitely encouraged exciting things to happen but it was always the same shit, either a fist fight, someone learning their partner’s been cheating on them, shitty dates, people puking and on and on. It was all the same. It was all…exhausting. “More exciting than yours?” She shrugged a shoulder, “I don’t know if it’s any more exciting, but just same old, you know? Most days, this place just makes me wanna quit. I’d rather be doing other things.” She took another sip of her cider. “Are you from around here? I feel like I’ve definitely seen you in here before.”

“Trust me, I’m sure yours was much more exciting than mine,” He didn’t do much during his free days, besides figuring out how he was going to set a successful surf shop up. And whether he liked it or not, he’d have to ask for help from his mom. She knew how to run things successfully. “I mean, I do surf everyday but that’s not that exciting. Unless you’re into that stuff,” He admitted. “Yeah. Is it that obvious that I’m from here?” 

RORY.

-

“You know, you might be right there. This game’s hold over me is just…” His words trail off, though he does manage to let out a long groan. Which is a gesture that had truly spoken for itself. “You maybe got anything recommend, there?” He finds his question, pursing his lips in deep thought. He regards the decision with same weight as if he were choosing a different career path altogether, as opposed to a different brand of brain fodder. “Oh, man, don’t even talk to me about schedules. It’s, like, all or nothing with me. Could finish paperwork in an hour or, like, leave it alone for a week.” He shakes his head, chuckling. “Are you the same way?”

"I just think you should move onto something more 2020, you know? Candy Crush is like an ancient game, up there with Temple Run.” Though when he was looking for nostalgia, he still had both on his phone. He just said it was for his niece and nephew, however. “Maybe Among Us. Or Minecraft. Hell, Angry Birds 2 is still acceptable,” He said as he let out a little chuckle. “If I had to fill out paperwork, probably. I just work better under pressure. But now I’m really procrastinating things cause I’m in between jobs. So I’m just thinking to myself, what’s the point in getting stuff down right now?” 

GABBY & GEORGINA LIVINGSTON.

All Georgina can do is laugh, shooting Graham a pointed look, “What can you expect from us? Someone has to keep you in check, and it can’t be mom and dad forever,” she tells him, hazel hues rolling playfully into the back of her mind. Both girls knew he’d show up, especially since this is a monumental time in their parent’s relationship, but they have to roughen up their brother once in a while. Lifting the scorching cup to her lips, her optics bounced from one sibling to the next, hearing as they attempted to piece together a way to bring their parents out without any suspicion. Perhaps it’s harder than what it turns out to be. “Gabs, can you double-check and see that mom and dad aren’t planning to go to the cabin that weekend as well?” It only crossed her mind on the possibility of them wanting to getaway. The cabin isn’t far ─ located in a secluded hiking part of the island ─ but it happens to be a treasure within the family. “Wait,” she begins, only to halt herself and others around her once snapping back to reality as her brother’s words make sense as a lightbulb goes off. Her arm loops around Graham, planting a kiss on the side of his head like she does with Asher and Joanna before bed, “Look at my mastermind. There would be no hesitation from mom.”

@gabbylivingston​

The idea of it making it a charity event was actually a briliant one and it made Gabby laugh that it was her brother who came up with it while he had been the one telling them that it was going to be Geo who could take the lead. “I will change the event name in the calendar to a charity event and then she’s going to be fine. Maybe I can tell her that we as a company thought it was a good idea to get working on an early Christmas event for the charity with a dress code? That way we are sure they will fit the part as well.” Their mother definitely would not want to miss that, especially with dress code related things. She got up her phone to put a reminder in that she would check if her parents weren’t going to the cabin for that weekend and smiled up at Geo. “I’ll check with mum right away tomorrow and then change block information in the system of one of the banqueting halls as well.”

@grahamlivingston​

What he wasn’t expecting was such a reaction from Georgina, but he should’ve known better. Most people were shocked when a good idea entered his head. “Mastermind? You’re not robbing a bank, Geo.” He chuckled, looking at his older sister. Though he was happy that he was the one who came up with the good idea. It made him feel useful for once. “She’ll definitely be dressin’ up anyways but yeah, put it in with a dress code. That way she’ll really ball out with whatever she’s wearing.” It couldn’t hurt to put in that extra bit. She probably wouldn’t catch on. “Is she gonna be more pissed or excited when she realizes we surprised her?” 

Gabby: Definitely get in the lessons tho, I mean with all those tourists coming over

Gabby: I will maybe, but I am going to need more information!

Graham: That's the plan!

EDIE.

~

Edie hadn’t seen him enter, usually one to look up when she heard the door to the bar swing open (having been a bartender there for so long, it only made sense she’d prepare herself for what was to come next any time someone made their way in), but this time, she’d been completely distracted by yet another new trend on Instagram. But hearing Graham’s voice, she turned away from her phone and looked over at him.

“Oh,” she let out something between a sigh and a laugh, “just cider. I promise it’s not better than yours though,” she rose her glass, using it to point at his whisky before taking a drawn-out sip. “Cider may taste better but whisky feels better…and that’s what counts with alcohol,” a pause, “how’s your day treating you?”

“Never thought of it like that. I guess whiskey feels better when you’re in need of something a little stronger,” Today was one of those days. “Cider’s pretty fall themed, though, Even if it doesn’t feel much like fall here.” The perks of living in Catalina. “My days are pretty much the same so I can’t really complain,” Most of it consisted of him thinking about what his next move was and then surfing when the waves were perfect. “How about yours? I hope it’s more exciting than mine. I could use a good story.” 

GRAHAM LIVINGSTON + INSTAGRAM:

WREN.

who: anyone (@catalinastarter​) where: la -> catalina ferry when: early evening

Wren sighed deeply as she removed her cello case from her back and sat down, listening to people board the ferry and settle into their seats around her. She rolled her neck, and then her shoulders, enjoying the feeling of lightness that always came after carrying her instrument around for too long. It had been a good day; after struggling for a while, she’d finally nailed the first movement of the Haydn cello concerto they’d been working on at the Philharmonic. By the time she was headed home, the sun had started to set, treating her to a view of a perfectly multicolored sky from her seat on the deck of the ferry.

There were still ten or so minutes until they were set to leave, so she reached into her tote bag for a pack of macarons that she’d bought from her favorite bakery on her way to the marina, a small pat on the back for doing well that day. She glanced over at the person sitting a couple of seats down from her as she opened the pack. “Hey,” she said with a smile, picking one and holding it out to them. “Macaron? It’s not poisoned or weird or anything, I swear. I just– who doesn’t love a macaron, you know?”

He forgot how much he fit into LA, considering it wasn’t often that he visited the area. But he could fit in with the crowd of hipsters like it was no one’s business with his long hair and clothing style. But it was time to go back home, hopefully in time to head to his parents’ place for dinner. He didn’t feel like cooking, honestly. 

He was so busy in his thoughts he didn’t even know there were macarons next to him. He loved those things. “If it’s not poisoned then why aren’t you having all of them?” He asked, brow raised, “Cause I’d be having all of ‘em and not sharing. It’s just suspicious is all. Maybe don’t mention you didn’t do anything to them. It’ll probably help sell your poisonous macarons.” 

Gabby: I just want to know what you're planning with it

Gabby: If it's a good idea, I might invest in it yeah.

Graham: It's gonna be a surf shop. Maybe I'll get lessons going too.