* nina park.

“Means they care, at least.” He couldn’t say as much for his birth parents, but he tried to not give them a second thought when the parents he had now were the ones that gave a shit. He knew that he should call them more - that he should be there for them more than he had been in his life. Especially in recent years. “Do you always analyze conversations and try to make everything seem like a ploy?” He didn’t really prescribe to the idea that he should say or do certain things in order to get a girl back to his apartment. That normally happened the way it was meant to - naturally. “That’s not usually what charms people but if that’s your thing - being charmed by people sleeping - then hey, good for you. A little odd, but whatever.”

It was honestly a miracle how quickly she went from charmed to irritated. As perplexing as it was, she didn’t consider herself ready to pick apart a conversation just to make a point. She liked her quick jabs and changing the subject to avoid any real consequence. This man, well, he was providing a consequence. “Do you always talk to Liv’s friends with the same annoyed and higher power vigor?” Nina quirked a brow as she pressed the drink to her lips. “I don’t like to be dismissed. Though, I guess I should congratulate you for attempting a conversation, Rhett.” 

Alex couldn’t help but chuckle at her words and nod in amusement. Taking a sip of her drink her eyebrow rose at her response. She understood what the woman meant but that didn’t mean she didn’t worry. But that was just how she was. She knew what it was like to be victim of someone who was supposed to protect you, someone you couldn’t just pay to make go away. So she trained, and searched to feel stronger and not feel so helpless against enemies closer to home. “Fair point. and I’d never suggest you were helpless. Just a force of habit. I’m more use your fist kind of girl, guns are messy. However should you need protection Edgar’s team is the best. which i probably shouldn’t say considering I work for Elite but still.” 

“I like the distance of guns. I never like to get personal. Well, unless it’s a man fucking me over.” Nina tilted her head in thought. She never considered employing Edgar’s little business. It was one of many contracting agencies in the area that could provide her security. Her parents went with another, brushing someone along when she attended galas and charity events outside of her work. Nina scowled slightly. “I wouldn’t take this as a chance to push your brother’s business. If anything, I’d much rather hire you than someone on his team.” 

“Mmm, with my mother there’s always some kind of politics involved.” Everything was a carefully orchestrated idea, words spoken carefully in order to maximize their use - or their impact. “You’d be surprised. She’s very adept at the long run games. By the time you realize what she’s doing she’s already ten steps ahead.” Her mother was a force of nature, but she had never deigned to use that for any true good. She was a wonderful surgeon, talented beyond measure, but she lacked a certain amount of empathy. “Have you met those heathens? Someone has to be the mom friend.” She was joking, if only slightly. “Though I suppose staying and having one drink can’t hurt.”

“I never got complex families. I married into one for sure. As you know, Nick just had a knack for setting political warfare during Sunday dinners. I didn’t even like going to church with his family.” Nina rolled her eyes as she placed her manicured nails beneath her chin. She tapped against the skin as the music wavered in the lapses in their conversation. “Come on, sit. I’m sure you don’t really want to be babysitting today after sitting your stupid clients.” Nina waved a hand in the air. “I mean, I’m sure they’re brilliant in their own mind, but I honestly want to put my client’s head in the wall sometimes.” 

“Yes, most of my friends do,” Olivia said with a light roll of her eyes. Ever since he turned eighteen there was a handful of her friends that made it a point to ask about Eugene and what he was up to. ‘Is he seeing anyone new?’ some would ask, and she’d always wrinkle her nose at the thought. Nina, at least, played a little more coy. “Maybe we should invest in Cryopreservation,” she mused for a moment, then Nina asked the question of the week. How was her PR arrangement? Olivia looked over with a shrug. “If you haven’t been able to ignore us, then I would say pretty well. It’s been fine, though. Sometimes we have pleasant conversations, other times I fall asleep in the car – it’s almost like my actual relationships,” she grinned at the joke, Nina knew better than some that her track record was deplorable. “What about you? Anyone new on the radar?

“They really need to stop producing boys that look like that. I’m never gonna get over it.” Nina smirked towards her friend’s exhaust. In truth, Eugene did rake in the women wherever he went. There were few friends, she noticed, that stayed away from the mess. The brunette wasn’t sure how to approach a PR date. It seemed very old Hollywood. There was little taste to a Brangelina couple dominating every pap outlet, but Edgar and Liv were managing. After all, Hollywood still scrapped the bucket in putting a spotlight on powerful Asians. Nina licked her bottom lip as she reclined her neck to look at the dog not too far from them. 

She plucked the Juul away from Liv and pressed it to her own lips. Nicotine did little to soothe her nerves, but it did appease the artistic look she went for. “I wouldn’t say new. I’m still enjoying myself. I mean, the divorce only finalized a few months ago. I don’t see myself really calling anyone honey soon.” She clicked her tongue and pointed the Juul at her friend. “You should have taken my advice and stayed single too. This whole Eddie Yang bullshit has you in a twist sometimes. C’mon, he’s not even that rich.” 

Aria couldn’t help but smile inwardly. It was so typical of Nina to be so blunt and straightforward, refusing to acknowledge the awkwardness that settled in between the cracks. At first, she was a bit taken aback — they’d hardly ended on good terms — but despite everything, Aria had a forgiving streak. It got her into shit sometimes, when she gave everyone and their mother second chances, but the satisfaction she got when people surprised her was more than enough to keep her going.“You still like the same thing, I presume,” she stated, turning towards the bar and waving the bartender over. Pushing over the drink, Aria looked expectantly at the other woman. “So,” she sounded, stirring her own drink with a little straw. “How are… things?” It was the most awkward way she could address them, with her voice all stiff and unyielding, but she couldn’t blame herself for trying.

How were things? In every blunt way around it, Nina could say it was fine. She was single which was a tragedy on its own during the holidays. She was buried with work which most would consider a blessing. At least she was getting a check. Her friends were particularly busy around the holidays, dealing with forced interactions and less time to play. Nina felt alone. Her gaze flickered towards the glass as it slid before her. Aria did remember her drink. She ran her finger across the salt on the glass and plopped it between her thick lips. “Things are fine.” Okay, it was a little forced. Her jaw slacked back as she looked over at her. “I...can’t say I’ve kept track of your social media. I honestly don’t know what you’re up to these days.” 

Olivia’s sigh was a cloud of sweet vapor. She pressed her back into the bench as Nina took her Juul back. At times, talking to Nina was easy as breathing. They had a good understanding of each other without speaking too much, and that was the same level of ease she had with Allie. Out of all of her relationships, she could at least say that Nick gave her a good friend. Even if he gave her nothing else during the course of that relationship – if one could call it that. She laughed at Nina’s logic.  “God, you sound just like Eugene. You know what he said to me the other day: ‘Livvy, don’t worry about how much I drink in like ten years 3D printers are going to be able to make a photocopy of a kidney and a liver for me.’ Sometimes, I can’t decide if he’s a genius, or just really good at bullshitting.” 

"Well, perhaps your brother and I think alike. I do enjoy his company.” It was a roundabout way to say she liked her brother but she knew Liv would appreciate the subtlety. “You know, he’s not wrong. A little liver damage might swirl down the toilet with herpes as life ruiners. Not that I would really enjoy either of the diseases on my plate. I just think medicine will operate fine before we croak.” She turned her head as the smoke filled the air. She wanted to stay close to Liv, finding the silence comfortable for only a moment. “So, how is the PR dating? I haven’t been able to ignore you two at all these days.”

“Trust me, is why I currently live in the Village, far away from the circus of my Mother’s home,” Clem said, signaling for a drink. She truly wanted nothing to do with the reality TV life. So much of her Mother’s life was a spectacle that she wanted nothing to do with. “So what will you do for the holidays if you don’t go home?” she asked, truly curious. 

It was on the tip of his tongue to defend his profession. Nina may have scoffed at his choice of the word noble, but it was truly the best fit for what he did. “For once, it’s not about ego,” Edgar argued. The men and women who he employed had all come from various backgrounds, but were all well trained and experienced. Granted, the majority of their job description involved following around clients or ensuring that only those on the approved list were allowed into events, but there were days when those mundane jobs could take a turn for the worse. Though Edgar and his crew attempted to account for every possibility, it simply was not always possible, and sometimes jobs became dangerous. It hadn’t happened in a while and for that, he was grateful, but Edgar still felt the sting that that tiny scoff brought. His employees deserved better than that. 

“I’d argue that it’s a little bit more than sex,” he replied, switching gears and shelving the previous topic for another time. “People crave companionship, someone who isn’t annoyed by the prospect of spending intimate with them. It’s one of our flaws as humans.” He paused and bit the inside of his cheek. There was no need for this conversation to get any deeper. 

He was feeling out of sorts, jumbled up inside, and it was becoming apparent in his inability to maintain a coherent strain of conversation. “Fine,” he huffed, internally grateful for the suggestion. “Though I’m not worried about a scandal. I’m sure someone will insinuate that I’m fucking my girlfriend’s friend.” He was getting better at saying the word without appearing as if he’d accidentally bitten his tongue. Practice made permanent. “But that would be their problem. Where do you suggest we go?”

They were mere polite friends. Liv was all too pompous at her little PR date. If anyone granted the air, the model would fill the room with her awkward and painful conversations with what People Magazine depicted 2019′s Couple of the Year. She could understand what disdain her friend had towards Edgar. The man was robust and not for the faint of heart. He held walls that reached higher than her own. Just when she thought she was closed up, Edgar beat her. There was a level of respect that fell into such a sound structure. Nina wondered if the man had ever let anyone in aside from his darling sister. In some parts, the artist wanted to see if she could crack his armor. There was no romantic intention hiding behind her desire, but one of curiosity. She wanted to learn the way he thought and processed his daily life. So far, she could only snippet out the bristled parts he forked in her direction. 

When he gave in to move locations, Nina felt like she had a win. Neither of them was really interested in discussing the flaws of humanity. It would poke too close to any skeletons they locked in key. “Do you crave companionship, Edgar?” Nina tilted her head as she plucked up her purse. The maroon leather fits well against her nude skirt. “If we really wanted to rile up the papers, I would suggest a hotel but there is some part of me that believes you do care for Lee -- even if it is selfish on your part. I was considering lunch. I know of a lovely place a few blocks if you’re steady for a walk. With how much cardio your sister and you put into fights, I’d imagine you’re up for the challenge.” 

Alex chuckles as she waves to the bartender who offered her an icepack he kept on hand. “No I just mean I don’t really care about the money. Atleast that’s not why I do it, its just a mini bonus.” Holding the icepack to her shoulder she grinned to her friend. “Sounds like the perfect poison..” Lifting herself up into the seat her eyes shifted over to the woman amused. “That’s a good place for it. I can’t say a tumble on the mat hasn’t led to a tumble in the sheets before. Not often but it happens. but its always good to know how to protect yourself, especially in this city”

“That just sounds like a yeast infection waiting to happen.” Nina quirked a brow as a wicked grin crossed her lips. She enjoyed Alex’s company even if her admiration grew past friendship. Though she did fight the edge to roll her eyes at the mention of protection. “Darling, I have enough money to pay for protection and more so. Trust me, I know what it’s like to be helpless and I’m not that helpless little girl anymore. I just don’t get my hands dirty. A gun works wonders instead of a fist.” 

“You know, sometimes I wonder why I’m even friends with you.” Benji said. He rested his chin in his hand and squinted back at Nina. She was always a little mean. That was part of the allure when they were supposed to be studying for the bar and wound up tangled in between library stacks, or rolling around on one of their couches. It was practically another life to him now, that time before Lorelai and Lina. He still laughed when he thought of the close calls that they had. He waved a hand at the mention of a dog. “I have to pay a pet deposit, and I have to actually pick a dog I’d like that also won’t mow down a four-year-old girl. Any suggestions? You’re about the same height.” 

“Because you like my power and presence.” It wasn’t a lie. Between both of them, Nina had a much broader clientele that she barely touched due to her art. Nina didn’t stall a glare in Benji’s direction. He deserved it after a comment like that. Her words slid off of her tongue like acid. She knew it would burn, but for a brief moment, she wanted to catch his reaction. The air was light between them until Nina decided she was hurt from his playful prick. “I’m sure your wife would’ve picked a dog, but you married one instead.” 

“Eh not so worried about that but I’m glad to hear you raked in a bit yourself. I had a feeling the odds would be pretty decent tonight.” Alex smirks as she tugs on her jacket over her tank top her smirk faltering briefly at as the fabric brushed against bruises. She wasn’t new to the pain by far, but she was definitely going to have to assess the damage when she got home. For now atleast she could numb it. “A drink would be great, preferably something strong” 

She motioned back to the ropes as she unwraps her hands. “You ever thought about getting in there yourself? Or atleast coming down to the gym to spar with me or my brother.” 

“Your confidence is suspicious, but what the hell can I say?” Nina chuckled, trying to keep her gaze above the collar. She never liked the deep concern that swelled in her belly over the aftermath of a fight. The bruises nestled against her skin like clouds, sprouting out across far greater galaxies than any one person could bear. “How does gin straight sound?” Nina asked, turning her head towards the bar they approached. She held her fingers up for two, wavering her drink in consideration for the bartender. 

“I mean, some people do like their families.” Talking into thin air was something that he excelled at. He could carry on a conversation with a brick wall, if needed, which was essentially what he did six times a day when Arthur stopped by his desk to have a ‘chat’ about his wife and kids and boat and white picket fence bullshit Rhett couldn’t give less of a good god damn about. “And people who announce working for charity are usually covering something.” Maybe it was his skewed view on the world. He spent all day working with the lowest of low - it was hard not to see things in a twisted, pessimistic way. “Eh. I’ll probably go home to ma and pops. Spend the day helping my dad fix whatever car he’s working on now, disappoint my mother with my lack of emotional relationship prospects, have a slice of pie and pass out on the couch.”

“I never said I didn’t like mine. Well, I just like space from mine. My mother believes it’s her personal mission to helicopter around me when I visit.” Nina insisted on her point though she could see where Rhett was coming from. She curled a hand on the bar counter as he spoke. He seemed closer to any Hallmark American dream than any other. She let herself smile as she watched him work. “Is this generally what you do -- describe your labor-intensive family gatherings and let women think about what you must look like when you sleep? Honestly, it’s endearing. I don’t think I’ve ever been this charmed in such a short period of time.” 

“Tomatoes aren’t inherently ketchup.” She retorted, bored, lips still half wrapped around her straw. She didn’t give a damn what anyone thought in that moment, considering she was relatively sure her body was shutting down on her and she would only live for a few hours anyway. “Also, ketchup isn’t spicy.” She couldn’t help but add more arguments, flicking her hair over her shoulder and regretting the movement. Sliding a menu towards her she stared at the menu, trying to decide what she wanted. “Are you going to judge my food preferences too? Because if you are, you should just tell me what I should get so that we can limit it.”

“Fried pickles or fries seem fitting for the beverage.” Nina couldn’t help the smirk that spread across her lips. The mere offense she caused was enough to amuse her for the night. She swirled her drink with a soft sigh. There was no point in going to an empty home, so she might as well enjoy her time out. “What brings you here to avoid your family anyway?” 

The squad had dragged her to the bar, refusing to let her sit on her couch and while away her hours watching Vanderpump Rules. She hadn’t put up too much of a fight, going with what they wanted and allowing for there to be at least one person qualified to keep them out of jail before the night ended. Rattling her empty drink she walked away from the group, leaning up into an open space of bar and setting her glass on the counter. “Can I get another? And six waters. Please.” She was only on her second drink, but the rest of her friends were farther gone and could benefit from a bit of hydration. She glanced over at the sound of a voice, tipping her head to the side at her question. “Going home isn’t really a choice for me, in the end. I’ll do it because it’s easier than dealing with the fallout. Though, water may be a good option, too. No one wants a wicked hangover.”

“I didn’t know avoiding family required such politics, but then again, with your mother, it makes sense.” Nina quirked a brow in her direction. She watched as the bartender lined up enough waters to make his head explode. She wondered if he was going to charge for the water. She craned her neck to watch him put in the order on his till as her attention turned back towards Hadley. “You should take a break from babysitting. Come on, have a drink with me. You don’t always have to be the mom friend. People use that, you know.” 

Sofie squinted hard at Nina and scoffed after he speil about charity. “Look, I love a good charity as much as the next girl, but at least if you go home to your family, you can drink. I’m sure toys for tots frowns on that sort of thing and what are the holidays if not excuses to drink-”  Sofie grimaced, stabbing her heel into the bar floor. “I mean for those of you who aren’t sober.” Sofie rolled her eyes, taking a long drink of her pineapple juice and fizzy water, “Look, I can’t drink, you can. Thus it’s my job to get you, so shit faced that the night somehow doesn’t feel like a waste- so enjoy the free drinks. When you think you’re ready to dance on the bar, I’ll slow em down.” Sofie waved a dismissive hand, “There is nothing about me  that I want to talk about sober, so don’t hold your breath.”

“Not everyone needs a drink to survive a day with their mother, dear.” Nina chimed in, knowing she risked a fist to the shoulder over the comment. She looked aside towards Sofie, knowing her friend’s adoring roommate always had something to say. She liked Sofie when she was sober. She had a lighter air about her that unmatched the chaotic energy on her standing on a bar counter at two in the morning. “Should you be here?” Nina finally asked, pressing her drink to her lips as she noticed Sofie without an alcoholic one. “I feel like the environment is a little counterproductive to what you’re trying.” 

“Evidently, since you don’t remember me,” Benji said with a light shrug. He took a sip of his drink, ignoring the bitter tang as it slid down his throat. It was not habit that he drank after work. This was a drink before a meeting with a high-society client. One that would most likely make his head numb. Nina would understand. She remembered his lack of patience for certain cases well. Just like she remembered the drink he used to order at any bar they wound up at between studying and the bedroom. It was almost nostalgic to see her again. Her face barely aged, but he knew his had by at least a decade.  “I think, I didn’t realize you were the charitable type, and my daughter would probably riot if I took her to volunteer instead of her grandma’s house. Grandma has a dog.” 

“I remember you, alright. It’s hard to forget someone who kisses like a deranged fish.” Nina squinted towards Benji. Their shared memories decorated their few years shared together in law school though they didn’t bother to study half of the time they hung out. She never considered Benji a friend until he was married. It was easier to press him in the ex territory rather than the asset he really was. Nina tilted her head towards the fellow lawyer as the crowd rustled behind them in awe over the next song. “Maybe, you should get a dog. Then, Grandma would become obsolete.” 

Olivia deadpanned at the Juul offered to her. Nina always had something to give, coke, a Juul, but of course, not a lighter. No one could tell her that Nina was a selfish friend. At least not to her. Olivia waved her lip palette in the air at Nina.  “While that’s very sweet, I don’t think your Juul’s going to unthaw this,” she dropped the palette back into her purse with a flick of her hair. At the mention of lawsuits, Olivia considered the Juul again, and lightly plucked it from Nina’s hand to take a hit.  “I think it’s funny that people are freaking out about it now. You can put it in a little cartridge but it’s not any healthier than a run of the mill cancer stick. A spade’s a spade.” 

Nina blinked at the item in her hand. She had completely blanked on what Liv asked. Rather than ask again, Nina assumed she knew what the model wanted. In the end, it didn’t matter. Liv always took what she offered with stride. The two stood side-by-side, matching as near sisters as Liv plucked the Juul away from her. The brunette turned her head towards the street as a dog ventured across the park off-leash. “Cancer is cancer. That’s definitely right. I’m sure there’s going to be a cure within a few decades, so I have time.”