𝓣𝐇𝐄 𝓤𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐎𝐖

(jaren & violet playlist - katie's version™)

(matty & tabitha playlist)

In a weird way, being around the guy was a confidence boost, so at least there was that. "Not sure I have a list like that handy, but I can give you the ideas as I think of them," She offered, turning to pull open the door to the store as they finally arrived.

"Innovation awards, huh?" Now that sounded like something right up Billie's alley. Sure, she wasn't a stationary expert, but she definitely had a soft spot for reading about the latest leaps in mechanics. When electric cars had become more common, she'd read about lithium-ion batteries for six nights straight. "That's pretty fucking genius, actually. Super stamps for the ultimate package. Not that I know the last time I used a stamp." She smiled sheepishly and pulled a piece of crust off her current slice. "You know so much cool stuff, by the way. And you work in a pizza place. That's awesome."

The compliment caught her off guard, though, and Briar's eyes widened while her cheeks flushed. Her first instinct was to laugh, eyes darting down to the slice of pizza she'd set down on her plate in favor of picking the extra slices of crispy, greasy pepperoni off of it. "I don't know that most people would consider that awesome. My parents consider it wasted potential, actually." She laughed again, trying to ignore the sting.

Okay, well, add that to the list of things that she didn't want to know about her brother. Still, they were opening up to her and Evangeline wasn't going to turn off the faucet. "You do deserve better than being someone's... mistress," She assured him. "You aren't an idiot. You're feeling things. Feelings are complicated. Do you know what it is that has you so fixated on her?"

Slowly Unity nodded in return, though they weren't quite understanding. Or maybe they were, but it was a bit hard to believe. "And who is Petr?"

"So, the family must have hired you then, right? Since you're so worried about their closure," Arturo shot back, crossing his arms over his chest, still unmoving. "Or, let me guess. You're an out of towner looking for a story. That it?"

“Oh, that would definitely be a tourism trap,” Oliver agreed with a chuckle. “Family compound is a good way to put it. It’s nice, knowing they’re just a short walk away.” With a thoughtful look, he glanced around at the scattered party decorations for a moment. “Can I get you anything?” he asked Zoja. “A drink? Plate of fries? Packed house tonight, but still have plenty of food left. All that inventory preparation really came in handy.” The holiday season was always busy, per usual, but the bar tended to prepare for times like that.

"I can imagine. It's nice you're that close to them," Zoja agreed. To have a support system like that, in good times and in bad, it meant absolutely everything. She knew that better than most. The offer made her smile, and she hummed as she considered her options. "You know, some fries do sound really good. If you're willing to share them with me, that is."

"Who, me? Of course not. Never in a million years... but if I did, I think you'd like that anyway," She accused, already looking away to open Spotify and browse through her playlists before looking back at him with raised brows. "C'mon. Be a good boy and let me pick. You know you wanna." She teased, grinning.

Violet sighed dramatically. "And they say romance is dead," She teased, though her smile slowly dropped upon hearing what was actually bothering him. "Uh. I mean, that's heavy. Not really? But I hate not having what I want so I guess I can sympathize there," She offered, shifting forward. "Why can't you have them?"

"Yeah, well, maybe I just had a rebellious streak or something," Violet argued with a shrug off her shoulders, unable to stop herself from smirking. Influencer wasn't totally accurate but it wasn't as if he knew that. "You could say that. What about you?"

"Oh, shit. Right, my bad. Forgot you're still learning names and everything," Briar cursed, letting out an awkward little laugh. "He's my boss, he owns the pizza place here. Kinda weird, older guy? Talks like a cartoon character. Talking about Doug was easy, the subject of her writing, however, not so much. She chewed at her lower lip, brow furrowing some as she considered Edgar's offer. "I guess, yeah. Maybe not so... lonely?"

"Of course you'd have a little extra cinnamon on you. Always prepared," Zoja teased in response, not at all doubting that it might in fact be true. Instead, she raised her brows at him and continued to usher him further into the house. "What I want you to do is settle in, relax, and warm up a little. I've got it."

"We could always order pizza," Carmen offered, already reaching for her phone—until the question fully processed and she couldn't stop herself from making a face, her gaze falling to the ice cream in her lap before looking back towards Kayla. "I'm totally fine! Not pregnant, definitely not pregnant. Just... really craving ice cream! In a not pregnant way."

"I hadn't gotten that impression about the residents. It is beautiful, though," Unity mused, walking further into the bookshop as they spoke to Edgar. "I'm mostly browsing, though I won't turn down a conversation with you. It's nice to talk to a like-minded individual."

It wasn't as if Evangeline hated herself, really, she'd just never found herself to be particularly special. She'd never stood out, though part of that was due to her fear of standing out. She did think the world of her aunt, though—she just couldn't apply that to herself. The question made her pause, though, holding her drink and blinking owlishly at Christine. "I don't..." She blanked, flushing. She could do that, surely! "I... I think I'm kind, and caring, and thoughtful?" It came out more like a question than she intended for it to.