G O L D

Imogen couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous now, clearly having all of Otto’s attention. She laughed softly at the brunette’s question and nodded, “Yeah, unless you’re really damn hungry?” Imogen had a big grin on her face, “Blackberry will be amazing, I promise!” She waved a waiter down and easily ordered the cheesecake, eager to try it. “If we want more we can always order more,” Imogen suggested with a soft chuckle.

astrid had a habit of talking to people who either wouldn’t know or wouldn’t care about things that were important to her. it was never the other person’s fault, though, she just had a wealth of knowledge that, she found, no one else seemed to share, and it lead to many embarrassing ramblings on her part. she was just the kind of person who spoke what was on her mind, not thinking about how the words would sound to anyone else. she nodded, sighing as she allowed her elbows to rest on the keyboard, a horrible sound being created as she rested her forehead in her hands. “that’s the problem, though. i’ve got nothing to write about.” 

“i know, right?” she smiles. “hopefully, they’ll love the idea too.”

“oh–i am natural when it comes to holding my liquor, sir.” she teased, smiling. “you want me to have more? so i’m not coherent? tsk, tsk.” the blonde giggled before poking his chest gently with her pointer finger. “i’ll only have one more shot and then, maybe, i’ll be at my limit.”

Imogen was relieved when he allowed her to sit, curious as to why she didn’t have the balls to just sit anyway. She was strangely nervous around Otto, perhaps it was just because she was familiar of his work? Or was she… attracted to him?! Imogen shook the thoughts from her brain, perking up at his sexy voice. She grinned and chuckled when he waved over a waiter, getting comfortable in her seat. The brunette grabbed the closest menu and read aloud the three options, “Fudge Dream, New York or Blackberry? I personally vote for the blackberry but it’s your choice, I’d be happy with any.”

“alright, i need your help.” astrid tucked some hair behind her ear before frantically sitting down at the piano. “so, i’m writing this new album, right? and i’ve got a melody going in my head. look, here are the chords-” she turned to face the black and ivory keys, chewing her lower lip in concentration as she played the progression already etched into her memory. “and then the melody goes something like…” then came a hum, accompanied with some ‘ooh’s.’ she looked up at the person stood next to hear with a sort of vulnerable look. “but, like, no lyrics. isn’t that insane? who writes the music before the lyrics? what the hell is wrong with me?” sure, it may have seemed like she was overreacting a bit, but this album was long overdue. she was a perfectionist, though, and nothing she thought of seemed good enough.

“war and peace started us off as playing 15 year olds, so i know what you mean. it’s the worst thing, really.” it’s good to know, if nothing else, that the sarcasm isn’t lost on him. his thought process may differ, but there’s nothing offensively different in his worldview. “if you can choose your kind of longevity, you’re pretty set, no?” a surprisingly detached observation; there’s no discernible bitterness in her voice, rather praise— rare as it may be. “sweet is relative.”

“Well I definitely wouldn’t mind some company, if you don’t mind?” Imogen explained, looking at him with a nervous smile. She took an anxious sip on her coffee, wondering what Otto truly thought of her. She loved the coffee at this spot and she immediately felt refreshed, although not quite as much as a nap might have. Imogen played with her dark curls mindlessly. “Oh!” She exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement at her idea, “That means we can try that new cheesecake they just got here?” Imogen was a sucker for anything sweet, especially if she could find a way to split it with a cute actor.

“that’d be hilarious!” she laughed, she was starting to get some ideas for a great telenovela. “and they fight with churros instead of lightsabers!”

“i mean—-i don’t know. i’m pretty sure i had only like…six tequila shots?” madeline spoke, her words slurring a little.

“melissa’s actually pretty great.” she gives her full attention to otto when she speaks, pushing the half finished martini away. “i don’t make her go on my alcohol runs, though. i mean, if she’s drinking with me then sure, but i prefer keeping her busy with other things.” ana shrugged a bit. “what are you drinking, anyways? i need something stronger.”

“Ahh, yes, dancing is my calling. I wasted my life on acting. Well…so-so. Not a bad face per say, but great biceps.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, you’re just looking for an excuse to drink me with me, but sure. Try it.” She handed them her wine glass and smirked up at them. “Sit.”

she stared at the scene once more before then putting her phone away. “hm, maybe you’re right, i can only imagine what happened to my character in a soap opera.” she laughed. “maybe i should just quit my job here and move to mexico. could you imagine a mexicanrey?”

“do you want to know what’s bad?” anastasia’s speaking to no one in particular, but she’s secretly praying that someone in the bar is listening to her. “that i don’t have anymore vodka at my house.” she takes a sip of her martini, eyes squinting slightly. “sometimes i just want to make myself a good mixed drink without having to go anywhere, maybe not wear pants as i look at the hollywood hills from my balcony, but god wasn’t on my side today and made me put on clothes and come to this bar. it smells like meatloaf in here.”