— rolling thunder, flashing lightning

Without missing another beat, Jackson took Arthur’s hand and shook it, a sign of the beginning of what Arthur hoped was a fortuitous relationship. “I assume you’ll send me the essentials,” he replied, careful not to ask too much — he could tell that whatever Jackson was involved in most likely required his discretion. He didn’t mind that; after all, when Arthur was embroiled in his own shady dealings, the only person that he ever trusted with sensitive information was himself. 

10: most interesting person in contacts? 

Justin Timberlake.

17: last person you texted?

Naomi.

18: have you ever sent someone a paragraph of text?

5: 

Mexico, Both East and West Coast for United States of America, Canada, England, China, Russia, Australia, Japan, Brazil.

23: 

8:

15: last text

Jackson: You can’t just scream at the bus boy and expect him not to burst into tears, Reina. Jackson: Even if you look hot doing it. 😏

26: ever dialed 911?

Yes. When he was young and newly adopted, and had heard that 911 was the number you call when someone is hurt. His father was in a bad mood...and his mother took the brunt of it. He quickly learned his mistake once his dad turned his anger to him. 

28: who would you call in an emergency.

Reina feels Jackson come up behind her before she sees him but given the fact that he hadn’t been around to escort her to the beginning of the ball, she’s not expecting anyone to grab her by the waist, nor does she expect the low rumble in her ear. His presence scares the absolute shit out of her and she jumps in surprise, ready to deck whoever has the audacity to lay a finger on her. “Jesus fucking—” Her curse is cut off as soon as she turns around and notices that the offender is actually her husband, and her scrunched up face falls as the realization sets in. Reina’s happy to see him, of course, but he’s lucky his little surprise didn’t end with her elbow connecting with his nose. “Hi, baby,” she says, still a little shell shocked as she leans in to kiss him before she steps back and takes in his attire. He looks good but then again, that’s always a given for both of them. “You look handsome.” 

After a moment, she has the good sense to get ahold of herself and not act too surprised by Jack’s arrival, given the circumstance. There’d been a nagging feeling pulling at her for the last day or so thanks to his absence, though, and more than anything she’s just relieved he managed to show up. “I wasn’t sure you were going to make it tonight.” Truthfully, she hadn’t been sure he was going to make it back at all, but Reina knows better than to voice that aloud — especially in public. She’s a master at masking her emotions, and her fears are too heavy for them to deal with at the current moment.

Jackson does a bit of a cackle as his wife jumps, obviously startled. In truth, he’s glad she was that sort of reflex, as it was a better method of self-reservation than someone who just went around letting themselves be grabbed. “Someone’s grumpy,” he teases as she turns, taking note of the way her face was easily ready to rip him a new one if he hadn’t been...well...anyone but himself. “Language, darling,” he teases. “This is a family event.” Was it? He doubted it. He hadn’t seen any children running around, and it seemed far too fancy for anyone to want to bring their kids. He grins into the kiss, too eager to share his news to that they’re free to stop smiling. It was wholly uncharacteristic of him. The last time he’d been in a mood as good as this was when he and Reina had been reunited. And before that...he couldn’t remember another time that came close. “And you look beautiful. Maybe you need just a little something more to finish off the outfit, though?” Would he be Jackson if he hadn’t brought home a gift for her while he was away? 

“Well, I’m here now,” he said somewhat solemnly, knowing that they both had been worried this might end up all too similar to the past, and with Jackson in a ditch somewhere. But it was as if fate had heard his words and decided to force he and Reina apart for a moment longer, as one of his shadier business associates tapped his shoulder. Jackson gave them a displeased looked, not approving of being interrupted of time with his wife. But they whispered something in his ear, and he knew he had to deal with this now. “Reina- I’ve got to deal with this. I’ll find you later. Maybe if you’re good I’ll let you have that gift I was talking about.” And then he was off.

It seemed as if the man had no intention of revealing any more than just vague details of what he actually wanted Arthur to do. It would’ve scared any one else, to get involved in a situation where one was asked to dive headfirst without knowing what they were diving into, but for Arthur?

Well, life was getting boring.

Boring was okay, for a while, when he wanted to lay low, find his footing and stabilize some portion of his life but performing a routine was starting to grate on his nerves. How could he pay attention when nothing commanded his attention?

The impulsivity won out in the end. Holding out his hand, Arthur gave the man a single nod, wondering for a brief second whether he’d just signed away his entire life — “You’ve got yourself a deal, Jackson.”

Perhaps Jackson would have offered more details if Arthur seemed more hesitant, but the fact that he agreed so readily had him wondering whether such a thing was actually necessary. After all, the less people knew, the better, right? There was less risk involved that way.  

Nevertheless, Jackson extended his own hand to accept the shake with a the pleased beginnings of a smile, glad that this had gone off without a hitch. “Perfect. We can set up the little test run, then as soon as you’ve got anything you might need to do in order.” Generally, Jackson didn’t go on too many jobs anymore after what had happened in Memphis, but this would be an exception. He wanted to make sure everyone went as according to plan as possible, and to see how Arthur would perform. 

LOCATION: anywhere that has a pool table, really WHEN: Saturday evening TAGGING: @catalinastarter​

“You look like you’re in need of distraction,” Sasha teased, a grin on her lips as she set up everything for a round of pool. It was her night off and she was about two drinks in already – this, of course, had happened while she had been waiting for a companion to play a round of pool with her, and perhaps she was finally getting lucky just now. “You wanna go grab yourself a drink first or do you wanna go ahead and start?”

To be honest, Jackson tried his best not to see employees outside of work. He was certain any subsequent meeting would be awkward for them, and he didn’t think it wise to get too chummy with those that worked at the restaurant. Of course- he was nice enough to all the waiters and bartenders, Leah included. But he also ran a tight ship along with his wife, Reina. Therefore, he was a bit surprised at Leah’s apparent comfort with asking him to play a round of pool. He didn’t particularly want to, but he supposed it could never hurt to brush elbows and make a bit of rapport with the staff. “If I play- you can’t go to Human Resources and complain if I win,” he said with the air of a joke.

Jackson knew that Reina most likely wanted him there to enter by her side for the masquerade ball, but at the same time the event had helped create a perfect cover for going back home, and finishing a job that was years, perhaps a lifetime in the making. He couldn’t remember a time he’d ever liked his father, always simply knowing him as the one who brought pain, hurt, and misery to his mom and sister. And then...later to his wife. The hatred had been brewing in him for years only made worse by a failed attempt on Carlo’s life, ending with his Reina injured, and his need for revenge thriving. 

Of course, it had been years since then, but he’d been playing the long game. A game that finally resulted in something the felt like the entirety of his life had been building up to it. The murder of his father by Jackson’s hand. So now as he sifted through the partygoers, he looked for the dress his wife had told him she’d be wearing, and finally spotted her. Still in an uncharacteristically good mood, he didn’t hesitate to surprise her from behind, his hands going to her waist as he leaned forward to speak into her ear. “And who might this gorgeous creature be?”

tagging | @catalinastarter​

“Honestly, what can you say, you know? It is what it is, really.” Miles shrugged, in doubt of what to say to the question he was posed right then. Throwing his hands up in resignation, “What do you think?” 

Jack was in a genuinely splendid mood for once in his life, flying high after he’d finally done in his father, feeling more confident than ever. “I think that if they wanted to dress like that to a ball,” he began in a hushed tone towards the young man, “They should have just stayed home.

The offer was interesting, to say the least. The usual responses to Arthur’s initial question were diverse, of course, but it almost always included some sort of demand. He was used to it, having to either work through the details of someone who only demanded protection but no explanation of logistics, or to meticulously follow through with every single one of the client’s wishes to the exact wording. But this was the first time that he’d been offered something right off the bat, and he was curious.

A pause inserted itself into the conversation, before Arthur leaned back into his seat, regarding the other with a careful eye. “Yeah?” He finally replied, tilting his head to one side, not removing his eyes from the other. “Well — say that I am interested. What now?”

Jackson was accustomed to people usually making demands when they were giving offers, that was why he’d specifically gone out of his way to do the opposite with Arthur. It was one of his many tactics when it came to cutting deals and the like. It was generally different enough to catch interest, and made the person ideally feel valuable and desired rather than just another piece of a puzzle. He nodded in confirmation of Arthur’s reply before answering, though he was reluctant to give the man all the details before he knew if he could trust him or not. 

“We’d do a trial run, of course. Both for you and me. To see if you like working in this spot, and if you fit well with the crew.”  He wouldn’t send Arthur on anything too important to begin with, and would most likely go along for once to see just how Arthur performed. 

Lourdes wasn’t what one considered as the epitome of intelligence. Yes, she did well in her classes, and she knew her alphabets and her numbers. But she wasn’t the intellectual sort, and she definitely wasn’t clever enough to think of ulterior motives. Unless her anger was evoked, Lourdes was a docile being, content with just being who she was, without wanting to lash out at someone else. She wasn’t entirely oblivious to AJ’s crush on her, but there was no way she was going to address that; he was a kid and Lourdes loved him like a child, and certainly it was helpful that he liked listening to her more than someone else.

She nodded along, following him for every fourth word and then she smiled. “That sounds like fun! And yes, I heard about the soft opening. Reina’s been…it’s been quite a couple of days, actually.” Lourdes wasn’t going to complain; her employer had raised valid concerns about her lack of attention, and the increased workload was what she was getting paid for, after all. She shrugged, and then nodding again. “Yeah, probably! I mean, I’m a ho—sucker! Sucker for lemonade, so I might have gotten all the kids to try it with me. I guess I should let you…” She gestured weakly to him leaving. “And if that will be all, then I’ll be on my way too? Unless you guys need a hand?”

Lourdes’ words in conjunction with Reina piqued Jackson’s interest, and for a moment he put down Iris’ new drink to look towards the young nanny. “She’s been...?” he asked, prompting her to finish the sentence with the slightest raise of his eyebrow. He knew his wife could be far beyond too much when it came to things such as this, but he was curious to see if Lourdes would complain about it, and to her husband. After all, loyalty was something to be much appreciated in the family. His brow only raised higher as she only barely caught herself with what he assumed would be the word hoe. It seemed that Lourdes was rather distracted at the moment, and he wasn’t entirely sure how much he approved of it. “I’m sure we can manage from here,” he said, though he wasn’t all that sure he wouldn’t question Reina about what it was Lourdes might be referring to when it came to her. Or rather..he certainly would.

headcanon :: the grand opening of IRIS & EVE.

The grand opening of Iris & Eve was held on Saturday, January 18th, on a cool evening with starry skies on Catalina Island. The ribbon to signify it’s opening was cut by none other than cousins Iris and Eve, namesakes of the restaurant, and daughters of the owners. Thankfully, older cousin Eve who had just yesterday celebrated her seventh birthday was able to help the younger Iris in the holding of the giant scissors, and the restaurant was declared officially open among the cheers of the onlooking diners ready to enjoy their dinner, and a new dining experience. 

When entering the restaurant, the guests were asked whether they’d be dining with Iris or Eve tonight. Depending on their answer, they would be led to either a downstairs or upstairs table. The downstairs (the ‘Eve’ portion, top left picture) had more of a steakhouse vibe and menu, complete with prime cuts of meat, and a signature cocktail in the form of a Blackberry Whiskey Sour. The upstairs is an open air rooftop restaurant, complete with plenty of fresh seafood options fished locally offshore. In this ‘Iris” portion (top right picture) of the restaurant, the signature cocktail is made up of cucumber vodka, elderflower liquor, sparkling rosé wine, soda water, and a splash of grapefruit juice. Each portion of the restaurant is equipped with their own separate kitchen to accommodate the separate menus. If people aren’t planning to dine in, or are waiting for a table, they are welcome to relax in the lounge area (bottom picture). From here they are able to order drinks from the bar, and/or appetizers. Happy hour is from five to seven, and all day on Sundays.

Reina resents the call out but he’s not wrong, compliments and gifts have definitely always been a sure fire way for him to get on her good side. In the near twenty years they’d been together before she had to flee her home and everything she knew, Jack had clearly learned a thing or two about how to keep her happy. “Hm, you’re funny,” she dishes back with evident sarcasm, lifting an eyebrow at him before she breaks eye contact to check the computer and make sure she can actually go to lunch with him. “I can maybe make an exception after you wine and dine me at this mystery lunch spot.” The stylists are all busy with appointments for at least the next hour, and there are enough people around to answer the phones if need be. Reina’s not needed at the moment, so after yelling out a ‘Carol, I’m taking my lunch’ she gathers her things and comes to meet him on the other side of the desk, subconsciously looping his arm in hers so he can lead her out in the same way they’ve done a million times before. “I think I know where you’re talking about and I’ve gotta say, I heard the owner’s a real piece of work.”

“I know,” he doesn’t hesitate to answer, a smirk on his lips. Smugness is one of his healthiest traits when it comes to him and Reina, though he’s fairly certain there’s a part of her that likes it on him. “Only maybe? There’s no guarantee? What if I’m not so sure I’m willing to take that risk?” Nevertheless he didn’t hesitate to take Reina’s arm as she looped it, resting his hand over her forearm to better secure their position, and perhaps to simply have a hold on his wife. He was still making up for lost time, and beginning to wonder if he’d ever stop. “Don’t spoil the surprise,” he chastised. Even if she knew where they were going, she wouldn’t know the real surprised yet. After all, the sign had only been put up a couple of hours ago, and Reina had been trapped here. “The owner? You should hear what they say about his wife. I heard she made the designer’s life a living hell,” he teased back...even if it was a little true. Still, Rory had been a good enough sport. 

Miles rolled his eyes, before looking at Jackson in a deadpan stare. “Seriously? First it was AJ, and now you’re gonna join in too? What does a guy have to do to catch a break in this place?” His fear of ducks, however comical, stemmed from a childhood of farm animals and running away from riled up poultry and ducks in farms. Miles didn’t like the sight of those things, and he’d swear by it till the day he died at the beaks of one of them. “Yeah, what’s respectable to be afraid of? The cops? Death, maybe? I dunno Da, nothing seems too scary about those.” The hypothetical was met with another drag of his cigarette, a wry smile across his face. “I dunno, Jack…those girls would probably befriend that quacking demon before it did something to them.” Miles shrugged. 

“What can I say? The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.” Though perhaps...with AJ it did fall decently far. Him and Reina still didn’t know where the boy got his...intellectually challenged nature. “Thankfully though, the tree isn’t also afraid of ducks.” The basically father-son relationship between him and Miles wasn’t exactly a secret, and he had no problems with alluding to it. “Don’t be afraid of cops. They’re just men with an over-inflated sense of ego and a gun. Death is a little better to be afraid of,” he continued to joke with a shrug. “At least afraid enough to not go looking for it. I’m fairly certain Reina and Naomi would have it ready and stuffed for dinner in no time, though.” Not that Reina would eat a bite of it. “Iris would probably insist on trying to bring it home. Naomi too if she thought it would keep you out of the house.”

As if on cue, Reina’s eyes light up and her light scowl is replaced by a hint of a smile as soon as she sees the bouquet of flowers Jack has yet again decided to shower her with. God, she’s so predictable, always placated by gifts (although, she’d have definitely preferred jewelry or something that lasts, but the sentiment is nice all the same). It’s a little weird for him to be this sweet to her, he’s always treated her well but their relationship isn’t exactly what anyone would describe as overly affectionate, but Reina assumes this is just his way of making up for lost time and she’s certainly not about to start complaining. “Flattery will get you nowhere, and neither will bribery,” she points out, but it lacks the hostility her tone had taken earlier and there’s a teasing smile on her lips as she takes the flowers from him to set on the desk. When he leans over her desk she leans forward right back, partly because she wants to stand her ground and partly because she doesn’t want him to see that what she does all day at work is the equivalent of, well, nothing. “That depends on what you have in mind. And no, I can’t take you into the back room for a quickie.”

According to plan, he sees the way Reina’s excitement is nearly palpable as he approaches with his little gift for her. Yes, he knows she’d prefer jewels or bags or shoes to flowers but...he had to save the good things for more worthy occasions, and bigger bribes or she’d get too used to it. Then he’d just have to up his presents even more. Not that he entirely minded. His wife was cute when she was being pleased with material items. “That’s a lie, and we both know it, Mrs. Rhodes,” he accuses with the beginnings of a teasing smirk. “Flattery has gotten me plenty of places with you. Some very thrilling places,” he shamelessly insinuates. “You’re sure about the quickie?” he asks as he leans a bit closer to her, dropping his voice an octave, just wanting to see what reaction he might garner. “I suppose I could take you to lunch as another option. I had a place I thought you might like in mind.”