KEATON CHADWELL

"Yeah but something that gets you up every day, that's purpose, isn't it. Not everyone has some higher calling." It wasn't fair to say she wasn't trying to wax philosophical, she just couldn't help that, but she didn't care to speculate on the inner lives of beauty queens much longer. She shook her head, "Not for me, but you knock yourself out."

"I agree. Most people just have a working heart and that's enough to wake up everyday, technically." He wasn't nihilist by any means, but motivated? He wasn't either. Truthfully, anytime he thought of people who had found their calling; like his sister, or like his cousins, Jimi never found himself in a box. He lit his cigarette and shrugged, "You wanna try whatever this dessert is?" He offered an untouched croissant.

His eyebrows furrowed once she frowned, unsure if it was a result of his offer or something else. "I mean, you would have your own room. It was just- you know, an offer. Or an out, I guess, in case you want a little extra space away from your family." He shrugged, clearing his throat softly. It was an offer he would've made before anything had happened but he had no idea if it was crossing some sort of line or she thought he was insinuating something on his end. "I think you're underestimating how much I like strawberries. I think I can handle a bouquet on my own. I definitely plan on grabbing one of the strawberry lemonade cheesecakes for the apartment so maybe while we're here we should try the stuff that isn't a guarantee. It might be nice to live on the wild side and risk it for once."

"Oh, okay. So you hate me and wouldn't share a room with me is what you're saying." Afra questioned, no bite in her voice as she was only teasing. Truth was, she knew Cory so damn well after years of friendship. She knew when he said that he truly meant it - no pressure, no expectations. The thing was that there would always be expectations for her when it came to him, even before they kissed that one night that they have never really talked about. Her gaze remained around them as she spoke this time, figuring that would be easier for both of them. "Okay, that sounds so good. I saw something on social media about strawberry brownie kabobs, but I think we should also try funnel cake at least once in our life time."

"It's Claymore gang over here, baby and that includes bakery beef. I'm new to it, but I think I'm doing pretty good right? At the very least I make it look good." Sid rolled her eyes though a smile spit her face, "Grow up already and enjoy matcha. It's delicious Franco, oh and you are old and wrong about everything. Except seeking me out, which I assume you did, no? You can't stay away."

"I heard you say focaccia and my world got turned upside down, kid." Franco retorted, eyes narrowed despite the almost lazy smile playing on his lips. "Though I could get some freebies outta you." A lie, for he always liked hanging out with Sid, something about her kept him grounded - probably because more than half of her words to him were an insult. "You know I always seek you out when I'm in town, why would I change tradition?"

Aimee smiled sincerely at the girl, grateful that even someone she didn't know was offering to bail her out if necessary. Part of her felt slightly pathetic for letting something this inconsequential stress her out. It wasn't winning the pageant itself that she was interested as much as it was maybe having a reason to have her family all together for something. "Hold that thought. Can I keep you on standby in case of emergency?" She asked with a nervous chuckle. "Unfortunately, my pride won't let me half ass my way out of anything. I've been talking myself in and out of walking out for the last hour. Have you ever had that feeling when even though something is scaring the shit out of you you feel like you have to keep doing what you're doing or you'll just end up regretting it?"

Afra did not hesitate and nodded. Stranger or not, she wasn't sure why, she'd always hated when people felt as if they had to do things to make others happy. She had been lucky to have the parents that she had growing up, for there was no room for that in Keaton's home. So even if she didn't know the other woman, she'd help. "Haven't we all?" She asked with a small smile. "I should admit, I've been looking forward to the talent portion of the evening, so I'm selfishly happy you won't skip it." Afra murmured and then tilted her head to the side. "Do you have a pros and cons list in your mind yet?"

"It's not a big deal." Cory waved his hand, not wanting her to feel guilty in the slightest. He knew she had her own life in California that he wasn't exactly a part of, so he couldn't blame her for not being around as much as he wanted her to be. His way of dealing with it all, with missing her when she was gone, showed itself when he found himself sending her songs at random moments whenever she crossed his mind or he heard something he thought she would like. Sometimes he still had no idea what he was supposed to say to her but music had never let him down. "Well if you're planning on sticking around and you don't want to stay with your family I actually rented something this time. A high rise in Chicago that has this great view of the lake. There's space if you need somewhere. If you want. No pressure." Heat instantly flared up the sides of his neck as he started to blush, something that instantly had him shifting to fall into step next to her. "Uh, I've seen a bouquet of chocolate covered strawberries but that's the coolest one so far. How weird are we trying to get?"

Though Afra now called Rosewood her home, at least since the opening of the music conservatory, her career as a songwriter and producer had taken off in ways she hadn't expected it to. She was everywhere for most of the past year - something she loved to do but she couldn't say she didn't miss her actual job in town, or being able to see the people she loved. Cory's random messages and playlists got her through the weak periods of being homesick, but they didn't fix the fact that she couldn't see him as often as she'd liked. His offer was a surprise, and for the most part she didn't hide it - her frown appearing out of nowhere before she offered him a shy smile. "You want me to be your roommate for the next few weeks?" A part of her almost brought up how that looked after the moment they shared not too long ago - but she resisted the urge due to not being prepared to handle his answer. She knew he wouldn't bring it up, but if she did, Cory would face it head on, unlike her. She leaned against him some more, genuinely happy to be around him. "As weird as we possibly can. Do you think we can eat an entire bouquet in one sitting? I mean, I guess if we're going to stay together, we can eat it in a few days."

"Don't sell yourself short. I had classes with a few of your cousins at Ravenwood, and I'm pretty sure one of them said my old bike was a piece of shit in high school. You're the only one I've ever enjoyed." She raised her hand out to him, pinky extended in silent promise. Her expression mirrored his as her eyebrow shot up curiously. "I'm pretty sure it's called the Strawberry Social. The Grape Gala isn't until December and you missed the Blueberry Ball a few months ago." She shrugged one of her shoulders teasingly, figuring he would probably know more about it than she did. Events like the one they were currently at had always felt like more of his thing than her own, but when her brother had pointed out she was passing up free drinks she'd decided to tag along for the night. "And I'm saying hi to you. It's been awhile but I'm not at the point where I pretend I don't see you when you're in the room."

"So I was right, I'm the only Chadwell you know." Journey teased lightly, offering her a smile. Not that it truly mattered, she was very special to him, no matter how long ago they had talked last. "No Grapefruit event? Color me surprised." Though he had never really called the town his home, unlike most of his relatives, Journey knew all their traditions. Rosewood was more festive than any other town he had ever called home in the last few years. "Really?" It was a genuine question, even if masked by the casual tone that he used. Journey couldn't remember the last time that either of them had reached out or even waved hello, not that she was to blame for it, really. "I thought we were doing that this whole time."

"May haps?" Louise said with a playful shrug, the sight of her boyfriend only making her smile all the much more brighter. "Some would say I do currently have the best seat in the house." She teased, as she looked back at the dunk tank where one of the rabid teenage girls managed to hit the button and sink Cameron James. "I might need more of an incentive. Perhaps a peek of ab or all six. For charity, of course."

"Honey," J grinned widely, "I love you and I'm obsessed with you but my shirt doesn't have any other buttons and I already look like a contestant in Love Island, I think you and everyone else are seeing enough of me." He retorted as he gestured towards his own naked chest and abdomen, all while walking closer to her.

I don't give a shit about being bias but my step mom's desserts blow that other booth out of the corner. Oh wow you put some fucking whipped cream on top of a store bought yellow cake and chopped some strawberries on top? Big fucking deal, she was up at like 4am making strawberry focaccia with strawberry cream cheese frosting drizzle.

Who's got a gun to your head doing all this promo? First of all, there is no competition if there is focaccia involved so whoever told you that is stupid. Did you try the matcha thing? I hated it, so I'm sure you'd love it, just to tell me I'm old and wrong about everything.

"It was full about ten minutes ago, but I got thirsty. But now that you're here I can totally buy another one. You just have to deal with the line with me this time around." He motioned towards the stand but made no actual move towards it. He needed a few more seconds to soak in the fact that she was actually in front of him. "Or I can get it for you if you want. I think I might owe you one. And I know you said you were coming, I just... I dunno. I thought something might come up. We haven't been on the same wavelength in awhile so it wouldn't be that surprising."

There was something about how earnest Cory always was that left very small room for Afra to ever feel genuinely annoyed or bothered by his actions. Whether he was like this with everyone or just her, she didn't want to ever find out as it was part of the reason why she always wanted him around. "That's a long line." And though she loved milkshakes, she didn't think she cared enough about the drink to spend the next hour stuck there. She tilted her head to the side, almost feeling guilty for cancelling plans with him out of nowhere recently. Or for simply...not being there. They were friends and nothing had to change. So Afra, slipped her arm around his. "I know, some of the tour dates have been messing with my schedule. But what if I say I'll be here for a few weeks this time? And we can walk around and try to find the weirdest strawberry-themed thing to eat here?"

"So true," she said, tone dripping with sarcasm. "I think something has to be or we'd all just kill ourselves, right." Though Onyx could be pessimistic she wasn't a total nihilist- if these lobotomized women had found purpose in their spray tans and tiaras then more power to them. Her gaze flicked to the cigarette carton in the guy's hands, "They're gonna love that."

Only a shrug followed her words, " Wouldn't know, I live day by day, can't say I have a purpose in life. Not yet, at least." Which Jimi actually loved, being as he had been raised in a household where dreams and goals were encouraged and he had always been pretty aimless. He offered the pack to her, silently. "We're outside, whatever happened to freedom?"

"Yup, for the low low price of five dollars, you get a chance at dunking some of Rosewood's most eligible bachelors into the drink." Louise let the crowd at the dunk tank, which consisted mostly of those who were enjoying the sight of gorgeous guys in wet white t-shirts. "I promise you won't regret it. Come on, give it a try." She encouraged, bouncing a ball up and down in her hand.

Joaquin stood to the side as he watched his fiance work the crowd, one that rarely needed working considering this game was all for eye candy. His grin was wide as he watched her though, she was a natural. "Do you get to walk away from all of this if I give you twenty bucks?" J asked teasingly, reaching for his wallet.

"Well if it isn't my favorite Chadwell." Dario tilted her head to the side as her eyes trailed over Journey. The last time she'd seen him... well, she honestly couldn't remember how long it had been , and it wasn't completely due to the alcohol running through her system. It was strange considering at one point he'd been one of her best friends. He'd been a lot more than that too, but that went without saying. Seeing him in the moment felt like a reminder of something she hadn't realized she'd forgotten in the first place in the best way possible, something that reflected in the way she slowly started to smile. "This must be my lucky day. You think I should play the lottery?" @kingchadwell

Journey recognized her voice immediately. He assumed that would never change, even after...years of no contact. What he and Dario had once had meant a lot to him, enough to remember it fondly nowadays, even if at the time it had caused him more hurt than he cared to admit. The smile on his face was genuine as his gaze moved to meet her. "I fear I'm the only Chadwell you know, actually." He retorted, clearly teasing her, for he did not know that was a fact. There were a lot of Chadwell's around town, including ones with a different last name. He watched her for a moment, an eyebrow raised. "What is happening right now?"

Cory's smile was automatic once he heard Afra's voice, and it only widened when he actually turned to look at her. "What kind of friend would I be if I didn't get you a milkshake? It might not be full but you can't blame me. I've been waiting for you a long time." He raised his hand, showing off the milkshake that had actually been his though he had no problem sharing. He huffed out a laugh when she threw herself at him, easily wrapping one of his arms around her waist and lifting her off the floor playfully. "I missed you too. I almost thought you wouldn't show."

Afra laughed lightly as he picked her up like nothing, almost making her not paying attention to his words in the process. Except, she did listen, despite the excitement. Few people saw this side of Afra; walls down, more outgoing than she usually was. "Waited for me for so long and yet you only got me a quarter of this drink?" Once she was finally back on her feet, she did take his milkshake, eyes narrowed. "I said I'd be here, didn't I?" Granted, she had been showing up to Rosewood less and less. For the first time not due to work, but because she wanted to keep acting like everything was the same between them. As it was. Except it wasn't. But for her sake, it had to stay that way.

"I've been sewn into this dress for hours, some of these girls have threatened to gouge each others eyes with their louboutin's, and I still have to somehow bullshit my way through the talent portion." Aimee shifted uncomfortably, feeling out of place, off to the side of the stage in between segments. Pageants weren't her thing but she had reluctantly agreed to participate this once to humor her mom who had already won the thing back when she was her age. "You think anyone would notice if I made a break for it?"

Pageants, despite being a Chadwell, were never in Afra's radar. Blame it on her father - who had insisted on raising them unlike most people in their family had. Better yet, blame it on Grandpa Chadwell, actually. However, she was looking forward to the talent portion of the evening, solely because she had watched Miss Congeniality with Sabrina recently and she wanted to see if anyone would do the cup thing. She offered the other woman a small smile, "Want me to cause a distraction right as they call your name so they don't notice you are already out of here?"

"I could but that would look incredibly lame on my part," he admitted. "I don't know if I want to be known as the ticket giver guy. Rule stickler. It's already bad enough people think I'm a square." He smiled at his suit, feeling good about it. "Appreciate it. I'm trying to be more festive. This place has so many events it's kind of like Halloween all of the time. I think I can get down with that in the long term. I've recently realized I don't mind a bit of a dress up." He kind of loved a theme but he was pretty sure that was just Chanel's impact.

"Solid point, you'd be like an adult hall monitor. Like a snitch. Nobody likes them." Jimi admitted easily, somehow freeing one of his hands to pat the taller man's shoulder. "Dude, you're like...tall." It was probably whatever he'd smoked with Lyrica earlier, but then again, that was also just Jimi. "Something people understand is how important it is to feel good with what you're wearing, so you're killing it. Your suit reminds me of Olivia Rodrigo, and that's a compliment."

"I didn't think I would be able to cross 'getting scolded by a pageant mom dressed as a strawberry' to the list of things I've experienced but here we are." Even though Willa had stepped down as Mayor last year, he was still working for local government, waiting for the right candidate to back. Instead he was doing all sorts of random shit which included helping the Board of Legislators show off their check to the pageant winners. "Apparently I didn't know how to get her daughter's angles in the picture I was taking on her busted Galaxy phone." He looked down at his strawberry patterned suit. "She also called my suit tacky but I love it."

"You think you could fine her for lack of town spirit?" He had no clue if Josh had the power to do that, but he looked like it. Jimi sipped from his strawberry matcha, his other hand holding onto something that resembled an empanada, though according to the lady who had sold it to him had strawberry and cheese in it. Strange combo. He gestured at his suit, "Think this is better than most of those flag-themed suits people wear on July 4th."