ᴡɪꜱʜ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ʜᴇʀᴇ

location: ashford stables or lacey's home

“Are you all wrapped up then? The reservation is awaiting.” Perhaps a reservation was a little dramatic — it was simply a trip to the ember and oak, a rustic little place and a very much preferred table that Barbie happened to have. Suffice to say, she was just happy she had offered to pick up Lacey rather than await her arrival. Who knew how long that would have taken. “Do you need to change? You look fine, of course, I was just simply curious if you’d be more comfortable if you had a change of clothes.”

when he mentioned what kiara had said, mackenzie huffed a quiet, almost self-conscious laugh. “a wedding planner, actually. trying to figure out the logistics here since my company is based in north carolina but I love what i do. i get to make someone’s day special and it’s monumental.” ”the sympathy in his voice caught her off guard, and for a moment, she didn’t respond. her expression softened, though as she glanced over to look at him. “thank you,” she said quietly. “it’s been an adjustment. for both of us.” her gaze drifted back to kiara again. “but i think coming back was the right call. even if it’s different than i remember.” at his offer, mackenzie blinked a smile gracing her face. “that’s really kind of you and i appreciate that. hopefully i won’t have to take you up on it too often, but it’s good to know kiara’s got someone looking out for her.” she paused, “basketball coach? that’s exciting. how long have you been coach?”

When she clarified the type of planning she did, Marcus made an ‘o’ with his mouth. “See now that explains why she said you were a fairy godmother too. She said you helped princesses. I’m guessing she meant brides.” He gave an endearing smile in Kiara’s direction, always surprised by how kiddos see the world. “Maybe you could market yourself as the local fairy godmother. Might help you attract new clients.” Marcus chuckled. Mackenzie clearly didn’t know what to do with grief or sympathy, like any human experiencing something so shocking. All he could do was nod at her gratitude, though it felt undeserved. To him, he was just saying what anyone would have said.

“Returning to your hometown can be scary. But you turned out alright — Kiara’s gonna do great here.” Marcus flashed her a reassuring smile. “Hey the offer never expires. I’ve got some of my students from previous years who hang out there too. Think of it like an unintentional club.” He shrugged, laughing a little awkwardly. He squinted in thought of her question. “Dang. I don’t know. I’m old.” He rubbed his neck as he laughed, then seriously answered her, “Well, I started teaching fifteen years ago, started coaching probably five years after that. I’m the only basketball coach now that Coach Hicks retired a couple years back.” He shrugged his shoulders and laughed again, “I’m actually becoming keenly aware of how old I am in this moment.” Fighting off an existential crisis, he rounded the conversation back to her, “Were you always a wedding planner? Or did you do something before?”

BY  THE  TIME  ERIKA  HEARD  MARCUS  MOVE  ON  THE  COUCH,  she  had  already  been  up  for  a  while  and  was  busying  herself  with  the  worldly  news.  It  wasn’t  because  she  had  decided  to  move  back  to  Deer  Valley  that  she  would  simply  stop  reading  about  what  happened  in  the  political  world–even  if  that  was  depressing  as  hell.  The  older  woman  was  nursing  her  big  mug  of  coffee  when  she  heard  her  friend’s  complaints.  ❝  Good  morning,  Romeo.  Glad  you’ve  decided  to  join  us.  ❞  Kiki  chuckled  as  she  tapped  on  her  tablet’s  screen  to  access  another  link.  She  had  seen  him  get  up  close  and  personal  with  a  couple  of  people  at  the  party,  and  it  was  nice  to  see  him  moving  on  from  his  ex.  Actually,  it  sometimes  made  her  think  about  her  own  situation  and  how  she  might  be  holding  onto  her  failed  marriage  for  too  long.  ❝  You  know  I  love  you  to  pieces,  but  next  time  you  decide  to  have  one  too  many  drinks,  maybe  you  should  also  ask  your  male  friend  to  come,  because  I  had  to  carry  you  all  the  way  to  the  couch  and  now  you  owe  me  a  new  set  of  nails.  ❞  Even  though  her  face  looked  serious  as  she  climbed  down  from  the  high  chair  she’d  been  sitting  on,  Erika’s  tone  was  anything  but  humorous.  She  walked  to  the  kitchen  to  get  Marcus  some  aspirins,  a  glass  of  water  as  well  as  a  cup  of  coffee.  They  had  done  this  dance  so  many  times  growing  up  and  usually,  none  of  them  ended  up  completely  blacked  out,  but  in  all  honesty,  it  was  nice  to  see  Marcus  loosening  up  from  time  to  time.  If  he  could,  then  why  not  do  it  more  often?  It  was  different  when  you  were  the  deputy  mayor.  People  looked  at  you  differently.  More  than  that…  people  looked  at  you  all  the  damn  time.  Kiki  made  her  way  back  into  the  living  area  and  sat  down  on  her  coffee  table.  First,  she  set  his  mug  of  coffee  aside  and  handed  him  the  glass  of  water,  which  freed  her  hands  to  get  him  two  aspirin  pills  and  she  handed  those  to  him,  too.  ❝  Pro  tip,  sweet  cheeks:  never  drink  on  an  empty  stomach  and  always  drink  water  in  between  drinks.  ❞  She  smirked  at  him,  then  winked.  ❝  That’s  how  you  survive  a  night  of  drinking  in  your  forties.  ❞ 

“Thanks Rikki.” He smiled, receiving the coffee and aspirin with a lopsided smile as he looked up at the other. He knew Erika preferred Kiki or Erika but in his defense, her name was fun to dance with, come up with new and exciting ways to drag it out. It was their thing, kind of? He supposed, at least. She had never really stopped him, and he always loved when he was nicknamed. “God, I am like barely forty.” He deflected, waving his hand at her before downing the aspirin dry. It tasted terrible. “My bones aren't as old as yours, dep.”  

Being handed the coffee, a smile spread across his lips, having thought she had brought the cup for herself. His skin bristled where the kiss had been planted, soft, platonic, happy tingles where his old friend's lips had been. “Yeah, yeah. You have your vacations planned by the minutes.” He laughed, imagining the long detailed itineraries she probably sent out to everyone involved in relaxing. “Did I?” He looked mortified, and again, slightly proud of his behavior and shrugged, taking another sip of his coffee. “What can I say. I'm fine as hell.” He tilted his head in her direction, brows furrowing slightly, “What about you, Juliet? Any lovers on the horizon?” But Erika was quick, too quick, and Marcus nodded eagerly. “I am always hungry miss ma'am. Take pity on me.” 

"Not sure, imagine the fee's probably cost more than the meal." He paused though as she listed off what she was thinking about ordering. "Well, maybe not with that order." A small smile surfaced. He could eat. Especially with the work they were putting in -sometimes food was put on the back burner. Personally, he had consumed enough energy drinks in it's place. It didn't really tie him over but it kept him energized enough that he wasn't hit with the whole hangry mentality. "Define easier - because are we both going to actually come back and finish the job once we leave this place?" Ultimately, he assumed that it was just best to get the food delivered. At least for the sake of their work ethic. "You may be on to something - A burger and a chocolate peanut butter shake sound heavenly right now. Unless you're like allergic to nuts or something? I wouldn't want some kind of weird contamination and who knows if that stuff can be airborne?" There was some rambling but in the end, Koa was a caring person to the one's whose company he didn't mind. "I'll pay if you ask the customer why did the car die on the highway? Obviously because it went to Cadillac arrest." He chuckled at the off chance she would. "I'm kind of kidding. But yeah I am totally down for some Doordash."

With a sigh, she tapped on the screen in irritated agreement. “Ya got that right. The hell is a convenience fee anyway?” When she puffed out a breath, her hair went flying with it. It was becoming increasingly apparent that Emery had never seen Koa eat — and that was weird. Wasn’t it? It probably had something to do with the fact that they dirtied their hands all day with metal and oil, greased up from elbows down, but she’d never seen him eat so much as chips in the garage. Was this because she hid out too much herself? Probably. Her lunch break was spent hiding out in her car, smoking or downing fried food in record timing, scrolling social media like she had some life she was dying to get back to.

“Don’t talk like that.” Emery scuffed her shoe on the concrete. “Have a little faith in us.” She added, like her eyelids weren’t heavy and the thought of sitting down and never getting back up hadn’t crossed her mind. “This asshole could absolutely wait for his car.” The mutter was more to herself, but she added his order with mild interest. “I don’t think peanut allergies work like that, my guy. I think you’d only need to worry if you planned on trying to get lucky with me tonight.” She snorted, then showed her phone with his order for him to see. While he offered to pay, her flat eyebrows rose and then — startled. Since when did he make jokes? She almost choked her laugh out, so surprised. “I’ll do anything to not pay. That customer is never gonna come see us again.” She almost giggled in delight at the thought. 

IT   WASN’T   A   SECRET   JUST   HOW   MUCH   ERIKA   ADORED   BARBIE.   Despite   their   undeniable   differences,   there   was   something   about   the   older   woman   that   absolutely   fascinated   the   younger   politician.   Sometimes,   it   made   Erika   wonder   if   someone   would   ever   be   able   to   get   miss   Barb   out   of   her   gilded   cage,   but   that   was   something   for   Kiki   to   wonder   by   herself   and   /   or,   bring   up   when   the   duo   got   together   for   some   innocent   gossip   during   brunch.   In   all   honesty,   however,   she   couldn’t   be   happier   for   the   other   woman’s   happiness.   Although   her   own   marriage   was   practically   giving   its   last   strides,   Barbie   was   having   her   second   chance   at   happiness   and   those   types   of   things   were   priceless.   ❝   Thank   you   so   much   for   coming,   lovely.   ❞   Kiki   smiled,   her   arms   moving   warmly   around   the   blonde   in   a   sweet   embrace,   before   she   pulled   away   and   then   handed   her   the   cup   of   lemonade.   ❝   I   wouldn’t   say   the   town   heeled   to   my   boot,   but   it   is   nice   to   see   the   community   coming   together—while   also   shamelessly   celebrating   my   birthday,   of   course.   ❞   Again,   the   younger   politician   chuckled. Her   lips   rested   against   the   border   of   her   cup   for   an   extra   second,   before   sipping   on   the   lemonade.   ❝   I’m   sure   whatever   you   brought   is   perfect.   D’you   want   to   give   them   a   try   now?   ”   Weirdly   enough,   fried   green   tomatoes   were   one   of   Kiki’s   favorite   snacks,   so   of   course   she   wouldn’t   say   no   to   them.   But   then   again,   Erika   loved   all   fried   things.   That   was   possibly   her   biggest   guilty   pleasure:   fried   things.   ❝   How’s   the   wedding   preparations   going?   Can   I   help   with   anything?   I   do   have   my   favorite   catering   service   in   town   if   that   helps?   ❞

“You overestimate my skills, Erika.” Barbie shook her head, casting a glance back at the dishes she had prepared. “But, if you wish to judge my food like I'm a contestant on a cooking show, who am I to deny the birthday gal?” A slight twinkle of that southern charm sprinkled into her voice at then end — masking her discomfort. She had never been on par with the elite chefs they were lucky enough to have in town. Barbie plucked up a plate and began piling food on for the other to eat — had Erika even enjoyed all the delights of her own party? Barbie was inclined to think not, but she batted away the motherly inclination just as she had with her own children and presented the plate to her friend. “Ah, it is coming along as best as it can.” She hummed, drumming her hand on the glass of lemonade she still held. Barbie was dealing with cold feet and nerves and the desire to just elope all at once. “You'll have to give me their card. I keep drifting between hiring someone local and just using the chefs at the w. But the allure of someone from denver also keeps calling to me.” 

Setting down the red flowers, she twirled the purple ones in her hand and considered the statement. “Mysterious, yes. Perhaps even a little bit of a royal air to them?" The question was posed to Gunes, interested in her genuine opinion. There was something playing on the other one, as if a performance Barbie was far too versed in herself. However, she couldn't be certain — after all, she assumed everyone wore a mask outside to conceal the unbecoming parts of themself. Who was she to judge? “You know, the last time I got married. I let his mother plan the whole thing. It was hideous.” Her fingernails scratch into the stem of the bouquet she is holding, leaving her mark in yet another part of town. “I suppose what I am trying to say is — I really want to get this right.” Barbie hated being sentimental, but there was something so vulnerable her fiancee had made of her, and she couldn't help but become a rambling fool before the other. “Do you believe in second chances?” 

It hadn't been anticipated, flirting with the other, nor did Emery really have the energy after the shit shifts and the rascals back home. But there was some internal struggle to hold onto the semblance of youth she had in name only, and seize an opportunity to indulge herself. So what if it wouldn't go anywhere? So what if she was too emotionally disengaged from anyone to form a deeper connection than her baser instincts? She deserved to have fun too, right? “I've been an ass my whole life.” She quipped, standing upright and several inches lower than the other. It was almost comical she was the one doing the picking up. “Well, if she does know how to move those long, toned, gorgeous legs, then I say its a damn shame you're hanging on the wall.” With a twitch of her lips upward, and pink cheeks from the heat, conversation, and alcohol, she giggled just a little. “And you don't strike me as a wallflower.” 

At the mention of ‘Jolene’, Emery had to laugh, face flushing with actual embarrassment from the other breaking past her barrier — just barely. “Gladly.” Her hand held the other's and guided them to the floor. The crowd was in full swing, chaos in every drunken sway and step of their fellow townies. Emery was used to dodging drunks and ill tempered people, so finding a nice spot on the dance floor was a little easier than she anticipated. Emery fell in line with the other dancers, hand still holding the other. “You gonna show me what those legs can do?" The tease elicited a slow appreciation of the other's form, the other's beauty unparalleled. 

with his hand extended, she took it and shook it with a smile. she felt instantly at ease and the stress that she felt just a few minutes prior had decreased. “it’s so nice to meet you,” she leaned closer as she whispered, “marcus.” she laughed, nodding her head. “sand castles are always a serious business in our household. we even got second place at a sand castles competition back where we were from. and before you ask, yes it’s an actual thing.” it was one very cool reason that she loved living near the beach. “ i am her mom, yes. you can call me mackenzie or mack whichever you prefer.” to hear that she had been adjusting well felt like a weight lifting off of her. “she talks about you so much so I’m glad that i finally got to meet the person she’s been taking about.” she is such a goof and her energy is unmatched. if only we could have half of their energy.” she nods her head. “I was born and raised here but moved about five and a half years ago but my aunt who we were staying with recently passed and i felt like it was time to come home.” which was half truth but he didn’t need to know she came back to introduce kiara to her father and figure that out. “thank you so much for being here with her. i promise i’m not using late but this will not be an issue. i’m just getting my footing here again.”

His eyes widen and he laughed, hands thrown up to show his innocence. “Hey, hey, no doubt in my mind. Kid’s got skill.” Marcus looked back at the two kids, Kiara dedicatedly packing dirt in the sand. Tobias was…really concerned with digging the moat. Baby steps, he supposed. “Mackenzie — that’s a great name. So, Kiara mentioned you were a planner of some sorts?” He questioned, looking back toward the school parking to see if the other’s parent had shown up yet. No sign. “Wow, oh my gosh.” Marcus pressed a hand to his chest, his face contorting to sympathy. “I’m so sorry for your loss.” If they weren’t strangers, he would have offered a comforting hand on her shoulder, or even telling her she could talk about it with him. And while his social cues were a little lacking from spending so much time around kindergartners, he could tell this needed to be handled with care. “I hope the adjustment back here in the valley is doing you both some good.” At her promise of timely arrival, he shrugged. “It’s really no problem. Life is messy, traffic lights run so slow here. Besides, I’m a coach for the basketball team here so if you ever need someone to watch her for a little longer, she’s welcome to sit on the bleachers until you get here.”

"Okay, remember we are still working!" Maggie called out to her class, effectively dulling the chatter back to a low buzz. She always allowed a respectable amount of noise in the class, but never louder than the music that played from the corner of her classroom. Once the class was settled once again, she crossed the classroom and moved quickly towards the door, a bright grin on her face as she approached the other teacher. She was quick to take the cup from his hands first, breathing out a sigh of relief at just the smell of the coffee.

"Oh you truly are the best person on this planet," Maggie said, pausing to take a sip of the drink before she continued. "Unfortunately I have been this exact height for over a decade, so no shot there. But I think you owe me that now after you riled up my freshmen."

“I dunno Miss Texas.” He teased, raising the container further above her. She wasn’t taking the bait, not that he expected her to actually jump up and try to snatch it from him. “I think you could figure out some alternative methods to grow a few inches for a freshly powdered lemony delight.” He brought the sweet closer to him and used the other hand to mine wafting the scent toward himself. Marcus leaned a little more into the classroom and shook his head, “Y'all are good right? Well behaved and working?” It was a mixed bag of a reply from the confused kids — some nodding, shaking their heads, or just staring. With a sigh, he relented. “I guess there is no harm in letting you win this time.”

Having rid himself of the container, he crossed his arms and leaned against the door frame to lower himself a little more to her height. It didn’t work out perfectly, but it was better than before. “So, Mags. You alive in there? Or just living one coffee cup to the next?” His eyes drifted to the rather tight grip she’d taken on since he had given her the beverage.

this was his life now: middle-aged women and their assistants. widows and divorcees. flower shops and wine and cheese nights. six months ago he would've jumped in front of a bus at the thought of his life being reduced to the quotidian.

"uh..." he stepped back, assessing barbara's options. they both looked tacky to his untrained, unsophisticated eye, but he supposed that different things required different kinds of tacky. "well, whaddaya need 'em for?"

“I'm sure you are aware of impending nuptials I have.” Barbie rose a well sculpted brow at him, as if implying he should pretend to know whether he did or not. After all, Barbie did like to feel like she was the talk of the town. “And so it would seem I have to sift through this rather,” She leaned in then, careful to make sure the flower shop's employees were not where near her and said, “primitive display of flowers and decide which would be less of an eye sore for what is to be the happiest day of my life.” A sigh escaped her then, leaning away from Jamie as if lost in her own world. Drawn from her thoughts, she narrowed her gaze at him. “You avoided the question. Am I to take it that means neither?” Disappointed in the flowers in her hands, she would have shoved them off onto her assistant if she was anywhere to be found. 

As curiosity made it's presence known, she tilted her head at the other. “And what brings you to a flower shop?" She paused, then pointed a finger at him and clicked her tongue, "Oh — jilted lover? Or love confession?”