vienna waits for you.

closed for @shiiiksa

Cate has been exceptionally lucky to be surrounded by the most incredible people at such an emotionally draining time of her life. Friends that knew her well and knew just what she needed. She smiles as she accepts the glass of wine, the rich aroma swirling up to greet her. “Oh, dear, this looks amazing. You do always know how to pick something special.” She takes a small sip, savoring the flavors as a delightful expression settles on her face. “A weekend away does sound like a dream. I’ve been taking some days away by myself, but the company can always make it better. You let me know next time and I’m in.” She takes another sip. “And thank you for the wine, by the way. This one tastes as delectable as it smells.”

“That would be a bit predictable from you but that’s okay, I’ll live.” Cate only shrugs, a smirk on the corner of her lips. Her expression changes as Zig’s does as well, as if the secret he’s holding is much heavier than what he’s letting out. But Cate isn’t one to pry, she knows how that feels a little too much. “That’s fine, sweetheart, you don’t have to start talking about it with me. But if looks like you should with someone. A best friend, a family member, anyone that you know you can rely on — because trust me, not talking it out only leads to heartburn and forehead wrinkles.” She tries to lighten up, slightly patting his hand. “And you’re such handsome boy, you shouldn’t be walking around with such an anxious expression.”

"Flawless? Please, you flatter me. I'm the newbie who's only just started taking epsom salt baths," Bryony was even tempted to take the compact out of her purse and point out the pores she thought were too big, the wrinkles she thought were getting too noticeable. But of course, Cate was a consummate professional and would've never spoken those insecurities to Bry's face, "I do always wear sunscreen, that was an essential being a mom. But... massaging? I mean, that's what the jade roller is for, right? And the, uh, the thing that's like a flat stone?"

“But you’re young and your skin hasn’t started to wither yet so it’s about the perfect time to start.” Cate winks at her. She would never lie to another woman, especially a friend, and though Cate had a caring nature, she valued the truth. She’d want the same in return — if her hair looked unkempt or the bags under her eyes looked too deep, she’d like to know. “And what did you think the roller was for, Bry? Heavens,” She chuckles, a hand over her mouth. “The roller and the gua sha, the flat one, are for massaging your face and your neck. It’s great for puffiness, improved circulation and even to soothe skin inflammation. There’s a lot of videos online about how to use it, but I can always come over and give you some tips, if you’d like.”

though jade was not the confrontational type, she often found herself pushing others to stand their ground and speak their minds. still, she knew better than just rile cate up just for the sake of.. what? she studied cate, but jade was unable to tell if her friend needed a distraction or to keep venting. perhaps a bit of morbid curiosity, but also an earnest attempt at supporting her, jade waved away the inquiry. "no if you need to babble on, go ahead. i'm honestly so happy for you because now you get this new beautiful start! how many people get this opportunity to just be fresh and new?" jade spoke in a soft voice, but her words were stern. "plus, that guy stank!" she pinched the tip of her nose and waved the air around them away with her other hand. it didn't matter to her if it was true or not. what mattered was making cate laugh.

Cate isn’t sure if talking someone’s ears off about her problems is the thing she needs, she’s been through therapy already and has been surprisingly tame when it comes to releasing her tongue against her soon-to-be official ex-husband. But as they come to an agreement in the divorce process and she’s faced with the swan song of their marriage, she’s becoming more fragile. Five months just weren’t enough time to heal from the end of three decades and three kids together. She shakes her head lightly, sipping what’s left of the wine on her glass. “No, that’s just the amount of wallowing that I’ll allow myself today. That man won’t cause me any more wrinkles.” Cate lifts her eyebrows, relaxing her face. “You know, what? He does. Fuck that man.” She joins in Jade’s joke, chuckling lightly as she does. “I can’t believe I won’t have to share a house with him anymore. Now, that’s a relief.”

“Oh, so that’s why you’ve been awfully quiet over there. Just absorbing all the information that you can on one of the town’s biggest gossips, I see you.” Her tone is playful, raising her brows at him. “If I catch you sitting here with Mr. Gibson next week…” She points an accusatory finger towards him but ends up laughing. To be frank, Cate couldn’t care less if that’s really what Zig was there for — she knew the whole town would talk about it behind her back anyways, and have been for weeks now, it didn’t make much of a difference anymore. “You said interesting, so perhaps it hasn’t been completely bad. Or are you sugar-coating it for me?”

"Life tends to throw us curveballs when we least expect it." Stef muses with a nod, humming softly. For him, it had been twins in his forties, long after he thought his days of parenting young ones were past. "It's alright - if you need to vent, vent." He adds, shrugging. Stef didn't mind listening. "Oh, just some minor writer's block, but I'm hoping it'll pass soon."

“I was hoping for early menopause, it would’ve been less stressful.” Cate jokes, attempting to lighten her situation. Over the past few months, finding humor in her circumstances has become a powerful coping mechanism. “You’re a good listener, Stef.” She smiles, grateful, as she sips on her glass. “I’m sorry to hear that. Have you tried meditating after a good cup of tea? I find it that has been helpful for me whenever I’m on a creative block for a new project. Of course, I’m not writing an album or anything like that.” She laughs.

closed starter // @shiiiksa

Cate had never had a problem with admitting that she was vain. Despite a deep sense of love for herself that was taught by her mother, she also had an image to maintain. Perfectly manicured nails, tamed hair, bright teeth and a skin that would send shivers down a younger woman’s back. She liked to take care of herself, which is what eventually led to the skincare line she’d designed especially for aging women like her. She was proud to see her mother’s face starting to appear within the lines of her own, but she’d be caught dead before allowing herself to age badly. “Your skin is practically flawless but I have told my daughter that the earlier you start, the better. Essential oils can be a lifesaver. They’re a must for me, right up there with sunscreen.” She sips on her decaf vanilla latte. “How often to you massage your face?”