Fancy Like

character name: Shelby Renee Thompson age & birthday: november 1st, 1996 gender & pronouns: She/ her place of birth & time in Brodgeport: born and raised. district: downtown bridgeport occupation: boat mechanic & waitress at nancy’s tavern faceclaim: ella purnell

CHARACTER BIOGRAPHY TWs: Divorce, anger issues, trust issues

“I am hoping you’ll enjoy it.” Luca said as he felt there was a lot of pressure involved. If she didn’t enjoy it Luca was going to be disappointed as he wanted her to have fun.  “My job always comes in waves where it is busier. It just has to do with the type of work I do. There are times of year where people are more worried about their finances than others. It just happens that the holidays are a time where most people aren’t paying someone to figure it out.” Luca replied as often there were other things on people’s minds the last couple of months a year. It wasn’t until later on that people remembered to worry about it.  It was something that had happened every year since he opened the business and he didn’t worry about it now.  “There is usually quite a lot to do.” Luca agreed with a nod of his head. Every Christmas of his entire life had been filled with magical activities that were thrown by the town. “I suppose that happens when you live with a lot of people.” He said, as he lived alone so Luca couldn’t really relate to that sort of thing  anymore.  “I better not disappoint.”

“If I don’t can I exchange it for something else?” She teased him, leaning on him more as they walked to this mysterious destination. I’m her heart of hearts she hoped he was asking her out officially. “As long as we’re together, I’m happy.” She said honestly. The time spent with him never felt dull or forced. She was her most comfortable with herself in years when she was with him. “ I imagine they’re spending all their money on presents or holiday experiences instead. Which is why they are gonna need your help with all the debts the rack up. Why did you chose to go into accounting?” She imagined the months following holidays are always a busy time for him. “There’s so many things I’d like to go do. The park walk-through of lights for one thing. I don’t know if I’ll get around all of it, though. They put me in charge of decorating the float for the parade this year. Any chance you want to be the skipper on it?” When he said that he better not disappoint, she had to laugh a little. “With you, I highly doubt that’s possible. You never cease to amaze me.”

“We went all out this year, we’re determined to win the award for best parade float.  It’s a giant boat, and we can drive it from the inside so it’s gonna look like it’s sailing down Main Street.” Shelby proudly explained, stopping briefly to take a sip of spiked eggnog as they roamed through the winter market. “ I was wondering if you would wanna be one of our Beach Bunnies on the float?  I’m trying to recruit Luca gonna be the skipper, because I do not trust Jamey drive it, but he would make a great sailor.” She’d have to remember to ask him. “How are things with you and Colton? Have you gotten his present yet?”

Anni wasn’t typically one to eavesdrop. Other people’s conversations where none of her business, and she liked to keep it that way. However, in times like these, she was thankful that the wine was near by the baked goods, as she’d been standing in the same spot - picking out wine of course - listening in on anyone that mentioned anything that sounded appealing to not only a four year old and sixteen year old, but to two adults as well. So when she heard someone ask for the package of whoopie pies - that’s what she assumed they were considering she’d eyeballed that same baked good item just moments prior to coming to the wine - she picked up the bottle she’d had her heart set on moments ago and approached the baked goods. “i heard you ask for those whoopie pies from that man that just went by.” she started, moving towards the items again. “Do you happen to have any suggestions of treats that go well with this wine?” she held out the bottle towards the other, showing her the label. “I was going to grab the chocolate covered strawberries, but I’d like something that’s teenager and toddler approved as well. Not that they’re getting the wine.” she paused, realizing her request probably sounded bizarre. “I just wouldn’t mind saving money and just buying one type of treat.” 

Shelby looked up when she heard the voice, switching her basket to her other arm as she settled the pies inside. “They are a classic. You should get some.” She said of the pies. She’d grown up eating them with her dad and would recommend them to anyone she met. Hearing the question about the wind stumped she’ll be for a minute. She wasn’t super well versed in moderately priced or expensive wines, but she remembers her dads advice on what to pair with sweet vs. dry. “Uhm. Sure. Yea. Let’s take a look.” She read the bottle label then looked at the desert display again. “In my opinion, you can never go wrong with some chocolate covered strawberries.” She grinned. “But, in favor of some thing a five year old might like that will also pair well with that for you.” Shelby totally knew what she was going for. “I would say maybe those buckeyes over there. Kids love peanut butter dipped in chocolate, given they aren’t an allergic. Another good choice could be that Struffoli there. How much do you like sweets?”

“I did not take a billion years.” Colton said with a shake of his head. He felt like he had barely taken any time at all. He was the type of person who liked to be sure of things, but this wasn’t one of those cases where he needed to think things over for too long.  “I suppose that is fair enough.” Colton replied as he knew that Verity had mentioned something about that. She came to his place a lot to eat because Jamey seemed to eat all the food in their place. “I am picking up some things for my mother.” He explained, although he was sure that Verity would be coming along for the family adventures this year. It was weird to think about in a sense. That she was his girlfriend after all this time. “She doesn’t get out and about town as much as she used to.”

Shelby tilted her head at his comment before laughing. “Okay. So, maybe you didn’t. Maybe I’m impatient.” She admitted, enjoying getting a rouse out of her friend. “There’s extra if you wanna join us?”  Shelby saw no fault in inviting him, he was her friend after all. Considering he was now seeing Verity, It only made sense right? “That’s really sweet of you to do that for your mother.  I’m sure she’s going to be very happy. She’s lucky to have a son as sweet as you.” More times than none Shelby had seen people forget their parents once they had ventured out on their own. Especially someone a successful is Colton.  She was happy to see that, even in his success, he had remained loyal to his family.

 Walking through the winter market with a fresh cup of cocoa, Shelby be turned to her dear friend, and the woman that she’d been smitten for a long time. The same woman who happens to be the sister of the man that she was madly in love with. As if things couldn’t feel more awkward or complicated. “I’m gonna be honest, I have no idea what to get your brother for the holidays. I was hoping you could help me out? I’ll model your clothing samples for you in return.” She smiled sheepishly, looking around at all the stalls and vendors. She trusted Isla’s good eye. It was a lot of pressure, loving a Ricci. “I want it to be thoughtful. Also, maybe something sexy? To show him I’m ready when he is? I hope I’m not being too forward. He’s super smart intellectually, but he’s been missing all of my  intimate gestures.”

   “You’re welcome,” the male replied with a smile on his face. “I know sometimes I get to get lost in my thoughts about what I need, or checking the ingredients that sometimes I forget that I might be in the way and sometimes, I think am too nice too to say anything if someone is in the way and I need something,” he added as a small chuckle escaped his lips. “You can never go wrong with pecan pie and I say go for it.”

Listening to his words, Shelby nodded. “I can totally relate. I hate food shopping because I always end up being here way longer than planned. Now, clothes shopping, that’s a totally different story. I’m usually in and out.” unless she’d come with Verity  to spice up her wardrobe, or her dear friend, Isla. That girl could could spend hours and clothing stores. “ Honestly, you prove a good point. I haven’t met a person yet that doesn’t like pecan pie. I’m gonna get two.” She added confidently. “Do you have anything exciting plans for the holidays?”

“I hope you like it.” Luca said as he didn’t want her to be disappointed. He didn’t want to be the reason that she felt any sort of disappointment, even something small. He knew that he was happy around her and wanted the feeling to be mutual.  “Okay, that is fair enough. I am taking you to one of my favorite places in town.” Luca explained to her as he could understand not wanting to be surprised. There was a certain sense of anxiety that went with that. Luca was just hoping that Shelby would  enjoy their time together, even when they weren’t doing anything overly special. “Work is starting to slow down a bit for the Holidays. But that just means I am going to be swamped come the New Year.” Luca replied as that was  when people started to worry about tax season. “What about yourself?”

“I’m definitely nervous now.” Being with him made anything special. Going to his favorite place, could mean he was finally going to ask her to be his girlfriend? “ I highly doubt that. You haven’t done anything to disappoint me so far.” well, maybe one thing. He’d yet to say how he was feeling or make any sort of move. Which was a bit upsetting.  She was afraid that maybe you should imagined this whole thing, and he only saw her as a friend. Which would honestly crush her if it were true. “ I never thought I’d actually say this, but I’m glad business has been slow. You deserve a break, focus on things outside of your work.  I’ve never met anyone who enjoys work as much as you.” She half teased. “Worry about the swamping later. For now, it means more time for us to explore all Bridgeport has to offer for the holiday’s.” When he asked about her own life, she felt bad. There wasn’t too much to report. “Oh, you know just trying to help all of my roommates navigate through life shit.  The marinas always dead this time of year, so mostly, it’s just maintenance for some of the bigger boats we house.  The most exciting things I do are with you.”

“Beggars can’t be choosers. I used to tell Jamey that all the time growing up and look how well he’s turned out,” she joked. Really her brother was doing pretty well with his life. He was working, had a car and a place to live. The most important thing was that he wasn’t acting like their parents. “Dinner prep? As in getting the food or in cooking? Since if it’s the cooking part then I can always help you with that. I’ve been told my food is passable. Rainey seems to like it but then again she eats mud so maybe not the best judge,” Sophie shrugged with a laugh. “She’d love that. She gets tired of playing with me all day.”

Shelby was taken back by the words. She couldn’t even speak for a minute, just nodded. “ Listen, Jamey may be a bit of a menace at times, but his hearts always in the right place.  Thank you for raising him with good sense.” She admired his sister a lot, looked up to her in some ways even.  Sophie was calm, levelheaded, and always seemed to know just want to say. “A little bit of both?  I know Harper in verity will help, but I don’t really trust your brother in the kitchen.  He left dishes in the sink so long they were growing mold.” She half teased, laughing at her comment about Rainey and mud. “ I ate mud as a kid too. Now my immune systems rock solid. I think she’ll be a good taste tester none the less. As a reward I’ll happily play with her while you take a mommy break. What are you shopping for?”

“You’re a real life savor, Harp.” Shelby had no idea what she was doing really. Thankfully Harper was there to make sure things went smoothly. “I’ve never really planned one of these.” She was an okay cook, but her skills were being handy around the banana house. Fixing things. “Maybe we should grab one more bottle of wine? I feel like we’re gonna need it. Are you inviting anyone over to join us? We’ve got enough for a couple guests. I invited Jamey’s sister Sophie when I saw her the other day. I hope that’s okay?”

Colton knew the holidays could be hectic. He’d come to the store to pick some stuff up for his mother and then he had to drop it off so that she could start all of the cooking she planned on doing. Colton was looking through the baked goods for some cookies to take home with him when he heard a voice and looked up to see Shelby. “Yeah sure, here you go.” He told her as he handed her one of the package in front of him. Colton glanced at her cart. “It seems you are feeding an army.”

“Thanks.” She nudged his arm playfully, happy to see him. “I was gonna reach over you since you were taking a billion years to decide what you wanted, but didn’t wanna be rude.” She explained, looking at the contents of her basket. “ would you believe this is only for five people? I have to get so much, because Jamey will have about three servings on his own.” She half Joked, the man child could certainly eat. “Looks like I’m not the only one on a mission. Are you doing a family dinner thing too? Or is that for all for Verity? Because she totally deserve to be spoiled with yummy desserts to say the least.”  she’ll be adored, her roommate, and you a little bit about what was going on with her and Colton from the talk they had before Halloween. She was happy that they were finally together. Hopefully things will work out this time.

  Evan loves cooking, it was one of his favorite things in the world. He was glad that he could continue the tradition with his kids. His great grandmother taught his grandmother who taught his mother to cook and his mother taught him. Evan made sure to teach his kids. Evan stopped by at the store grabbing a few things he had ran out. He was glad he did not need too much and the male was excited to enjoy some time off which he needed. Evan looked at the different baked good when he heard the other and smiled. “Sure, here you go,” he spoke grabbing it and extending his hand for the other to take. 

“So sorry if I was in the way,” he spoke smiling softly. 

“Thanks.” Shelby smiled awkwardly, tossing them into her basket and moving further town the isle. His comment caught her though and she turned around to wave him off. “You’re totally fine. I felt like I was in your way, actually, Didn’t want to be rude and cut in front of you.” She explained, shifting her basket in her hands.“Honestly, I’m still considering grabbing a pecan pie too.” She added, seeing the way he was looking at all the deserts. “They make them all look too good. It’s almost impossible to choose.”

Normally Sophie didn’t care about the holidays. Growing up there was never much to celebrate. Thanksgiving had only ever been whatever she could scrape together which usually consisted of pb&j sandwiches and a can of soup if she was lucky. Now that she was a mom though? She wanted Rainey to have everything that she didn’t growing up and that included a proper Thanksgiving meal. Looking at what desserts were left in the bakery aisle she looked up when she heard a familiar voice. “Of course Shelby. Good choice in dessert.”

Shelby smiled as she placed them in her cart. She liked Sophie, unlike jamey she cleaned up after herself around the house. He was such a pain in her side. Still, she loved him. “Thanks. I’m hoping the roommates are a fan too. You’re welcome to join us, we’re having a little dinner this weekend. I drew the Short straw, so I’m in charge of dinner prep.  As you can see, it’s going great.”  she laughed, sarcastically, looking down at her mediocre assortment. “ I could really use some help if your not too busy? How’s little Rainey? I’m always up for a game tag, or I could show her how to dribble a ball if you need a break.”

Shelby would often slip his name into conversations with friends, and his sister as a matter of fact. He’d become the center of her world and she found herself feeling sad when they weren’t together. Which was frightening in some ways. She didn’t want to lose him, and worried he’d find someone better. Prettier. More interesting. “I’m glad to hear it.” She flirted subtly as she shook out her hair, letting it fall naturally. She always felt her prettiest when he looked at her like that. “Excellent, I’m dying to try it.” She considered Isla a very good friend, and for a long time had a little girl crush on her. Until she’d met Luca. She had confided in her a little bit about how much she liked Luca and her hopes for the future. “Come on. Can I get a hint? Surprises always make me nervous.” She confessed, though she hoped he might ask her to be more. “I’m all set. How was work?”

Stasus: OPEN

Shelby was picking up a few items for the Friendsgiving for her and her roommates at the Banana house. Considering they were all on a budget, they would be having picante chicken flavored Ramen in place of Turkey as the main course with instant mashed potatoes and can of Cranberry sauce for the sides. After securing some wine she found herself eyeing a container of Whoopie pies in the bakery asle.“Do you think you could pass me one of those?” She asked the fellow shopper, not wanting to reach in front of them.