the winner takes it all

Oh, look! It’s [SYLVIA LAWSON]! I heard they’re [48], a [FEMALE], use [SHE/HER] pronouns, have been in town for [ONE YEAR] and are actually from [TULSA, OKLAHOMA]. They are currently working as a [PHYSICAL THERAPIST] and living in [LIBERTY HILLS]. You know, I personally think they look like [JESSICA CHASTAIN], but that’s crazy, right?

Where: Sylvia’s House

“How are things goin’ at the bakery?” Sylvia asked her friend, pouring them each a glass of red wine. It was always nice to catch up with friends. Sylvia loved hosting people at her home, but she also knew she needed to get out more and stop living in her bubble of just work and home and Trace’s restaurant. Having grown up in such a conservative family, she struggled to branch out and let herself really enjoy life sometimes. “I was gonna stop in the other day but Leanne called me with an errand so I didn’t have time.” 

Harper had gotten to the point where people around town knew her art, which she knew was a great place to be in career wise. But it was still surprising to her when someone reached out wanting an art piece. She was glad to be meeting with Sylvia today, because she loved meeting new possible clients.  “I do aim to please.” She replied as it was important to her both personally and professionally.  “I can definitely come up with something that will fit the space. Is there a certain theme or something you’d want me to follow?” 

Sylvia thought for a moment about what she would like. She had been thinking about that for a while but wasn’t too set on anything. “I was thinking I would just give you creative freedom, if that’s somethin’ you’re interested in?” She asked, wanting to hear Harper’s thoughts. “I can show you some pictures of the living room and then you can run wild. I’m not too picky, and you could probably come up with somethin’ way better than I ever could.”

“That would be perfect. Yes. We’ll make sure he’s got a nice big add at the festival. ” Leanne smiled at her suggestion. “Who doesn’t love captains catch? I am addicted to their oyster stew.” Leanne was a big fan of seafood. “ That sounds like a plan. I will get these cookies all wrapped up while your doing that so we’ll be set to go.” She moved the baggies over to the couch area so they could sit together while she worked. “That would be my livvy alright. The ballerina.” Leanne nodded, The description of her being little made her smile. “Maggie is the taller one, she’s a writer. I’ll see if she’ll sponsor us too.” Leanne was so proud of her children’s success. “ All right. Well I’m gonna get myself some tea and then we can tackle all of this. When your off the phone I want to know going on in your life?”

“Isn’t it just so good?” Sylvia was proud of her husband and his accomplishments since moving to town. It was nice to see that everyone enjoyed the restaurant. “Perfect, just let me make a few notes,” she said, opening her notepad and making a few comments so that she would remember to do everything. “Yes, she’s a real sweet girl, I can see she takes after her mama,” Sylvia said with a smile. “Take your time, I got this handled. You want to know about what’s goin’ on in my life? It’s pretty slow at the moment.” She picked up her phone and started to dial the number she had to call. “Nothin’ interesting to report.”

Where: Coral Cove

Sylvia was definitely an art lover, and she had been a fan of Harper Phillips’ work for a long time, which was why she was extremely excited to meet with her to talk about doing a piece for her. She sat in the bar and immediately waved as she saw Harper walk in. “Hi, Harper! I’m Sylvia, it’s nice to finally meet you in person,” the redhead said, a smile on her face. “I’m real excited to talk to you, I know whatever you create is gonna be beautiful.” Picking up the drink menu, she looked it over. “So I’m remodelin’ my living room and I’d love somethin’ to hang over the fireplace.”

Where: Lawson Household  Who: @sylvialawson​

Trace had prepared a nice dinner, their daughter is babysitting Chance. Every year on their birthday’s they always spend it with their family. But Trace felt as though Sylvia deserved a night on her own. So that was what he was going to give her. Dinner was set on the table, with a nice bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers, and a couple different presents. Leaning against the counter, he looked at his watch knowing his wife would be walking in the door any moment. “Well hello” he said as if right on cue his wife opened the door to the kitchen from the garage “Happy Birthday Beautiful” he said smiling at her, as he walked over to her to grab her stuff from her hands. 

Being a mother, Sylvia wasn’t used to having much time to herself. Her children were her everything, so she fully expected to spend her birthday as a family. However, when she walked inside and saw no children, dinner on the table, and a romantic scene, a smile spread across her face. As her husband approached, she placed a kiss on his lips. “Thank you, honey,” she said, taking another look around the room. “Where are the kids? Are we having a just us dinner tonight?” While she loved spending time as a family, it was nice to have quality time with just her husband as well. 

“We still need to bring in sponsors for the seafood festival. I was thinking we could start by calling and then make our rounds to local businesses. Take some baked goods as insensitive.” She said, reading her planner through the perched glasses on her nose. “Then we’ve got the fundraiser for kids klub coming up. We’ll need to organize volunteers and some entertainment.. easy peasy.” It wouldn’t take them too long if they tackled it together. “Oh goodness, your fine! Don’t apologize, it happens. I knew you had a side job when I hired you.” Leanne was easy going, they weren’t in a rush. “They are.. who told you?” She smiled in surprise at the beautiful flowers. With the news she’d gotten these we’re in unexpected moment of joy she needed. “Thank you.. Let me get a base.. Do you want something to drink? A snack?”

“Okay, I can definitely start that. I’m sure my husband’s restaurant would like to be a sponsor, he owns the Captain’s Catch.” She was proud of him for owning his own business, it was nice to see it doing well, too. “I’ll make a few calls for the festival and then we can get started on findin’ volunteers for the kids club.” Sylvia admired Leanne and how much she did for the community. She seemed like she was the unofficial mayor of the town or something. “Oh, your daughter did. Olivia, right? The little one? She was in the shop a while back pickin’ you out some flowers for Mother’s Day.” In response to the question, she shook her head. “I think I’m alright for now, thanks. Maybe some water in a little bit, though.” 

x

She nodded. “You’re right. I gotta stop babying him.” She had done it so much over the last couple years and she needed to put an end sometime. After what happened recently, it was clear things had to change on several fronts. “Maybe, but we’ll see.” She said with a sigh before nodding. “I recall. I hope it works out, but I want you happy so I’m torn as to what I want for you.”

“Yeah, it’s really hard. No matter how old our kids get, they will always be our babies,” Sylvia said with a nod. Her daughter was a fully grown adult and she had problems letting go sometimes too. Sometimes, kids had to figure things out on their own. “Why are you torn? You can be honest with me about it, I promise I won’t get mad.” Sylvia was happy again with Trace, but she had her own worries that still had yet to go away. “Are you thinkin’ once a cheater always a cheater?” 

Where: Rhodes Residence 

"Okay, what’s first on your to-do list today, Leanne?” Sylvia asked, raising a brow at the woman. She had just finished at the flower shop and was now at the Rhodes home for the next few hours to assist Leanne with whatever she needed. She liked Leanne. She was a good woman and a town legend, from what she could understand. She had only been in town for a little while and she knew that. “Sorry I was runnin’ a little late. We had a big order to prepare over at the flower shop. I did bring you these, though. We had extra,” the redhead said, offering a small bouquet of yellow roses. “Heard you liked these.” 

Bryan grinned at the redhead as she answered about having a lot of options. “That’s awesome.” He said. Bryan listened intently while she explained the various dishes. “I’ve had a lobster roll before but not from here. Maybe I’ll give that try. I know the coleslaw is great.” He commented with a small smile to her.

"You definitely should, it’s a huge thing and a lot of people like ‘em.” Sylvia was happy to promote something her husband’s place made, and it was really good too. “The coleslaw is a specialty, so I’m glad you like it,” the redhead smiled. “My husband owns this place so I guarantee a lot of heart is put into everything on the menu.” Then she offered him her hand to shake. “I’m Sylvia.” 

“They really do, but hey, it really all comes down to the person who’s doing it.” Nancy pointed out. Some people were okay while other’s were more intense and that was true anywhere. A sigh left her, but she did nod in agreement with her friend. “Exactly how I feel. I hate putting my foot down, though. Maybe I coddled him too much over the last couple years.” She said before nodding again. “I hope so. I just wish I could understand it all.” Listening to her talk about her husband, she was glad to hear things were going well. “I’m sure if you both work on it, things will stay good. Relationships are all about working together.”

“I know, but sometimes you have to do it. If you don’t put your foot down, then he might do it again some day, Nancy,” Sylvia pointed out. Being a parent was hard, especially when your children were adults. Her daughter had a mind of her own sometimes, but that didn’t mean she could be disrespectful. “I’m sure he will explain himself soon enough. You might not understand it at first but I’m sure you will over time,” she said, offering her friend a smile. “Fingers crossed. We’ve been together since we were kids, so we’ve had our ups and downs but this last time was real bad.” 

“Sounds good” he said smiling over his shoulder at his wife. Grabbing the beer bottle from the counter, he clinked it against her glass before taking a sip. “Ain’t that right buddy” he said smiling over at his son. “I appreciate it very much Syl.” He said thinking back over the work and time they’ve put into their marriage and his business. “I’m really proud of you too. We are lucky to have you in our lives.” He said nodding his head. 

Sylvia was happy that their marriage was back on track, hopefully it would stay that way. She was still nervous, but she loved her husband and wanted to trust things would continue to be good. “Thank you. I’m really likin’ it here, I’m glad we moved here. I think it’s the perfect place for our family,” she said with a smile. “What do we want to do this weekend? Maybe we can go play mini golf or see a movie at the drive in? Could go on a date, it’s been a while since we had one of those.”

x

“It’s just the truth.” She said with a smile and nodded as she moved some glasses around. “More than used to it. I think it comes with every job a female has. Someone will hit on them one way or another and bartenders are one of the worst ones I think. And servers. But I have no proof on anything else.” She said with shrug. “Now, I am all for kicking ass.” Nancy smirked before sighing and rolling her eyes. “You know, I am happy he’s back and safe and all that, but…” She bit her lip and looked at her. “I also just wanna ring his neck. He wanted to see how he could handle the world out there and while I’m not mad at that, I’m pissed he didn’t even think about his family and what this would do to us. I don’t understand him and I just… I feel like a horrible mother.” She shook her head before taking a breath. “Enough about that, though. I’ve spoken too much about it. I wanna hear about you. How’s things been? How’s things with Trace?”

“Bartending does seem like the worst. Intoxicated people always got a mind of their own.” Sylvia was glad she worked in a place where that wasn’t allowed, so she didn’t have to deal with that often. As Nancy spoke about Hal, Sylvia listened intently. “You’re not a horrible mom, Nancy. You have every right to be pissed, it sounds like he was actin’ pretty selfish. He’s a grown man, not a teenager. He should have thought about the consequences of his actions,” Sylvia said with a nod. “I’m sure if he’s got somethin’ he wants to tell you, he will eventually.” On the subject of Trace, Sylvia smiled. “Things are goin’ really well...but I guess I’m just kinda afraid things will get bad again and I don’t want that to happen. We’re finally in a good place again.”

WHERE: Captain’s Catch, downtown WHO: ANYONE @bridgeporthqstarters​

After finishing his shift at the pharmacy and shutting up for the day, Bryan decided to stop by the seafood shack downtown for dinner. Since he did not have his kids, the male wasn’t forced to eat in the restaurant. He was definitely a homebody, so he stood near the place to order with a menu in hand trying to figure out what he was going to get. Noticing someone near him, Bryan gave a small smile and nodded towards his menu. “Got any recommendations? I feel like I always get the same thing here and I feel like trying something new.”

Sylvia’s husband owned Captain’s Catch, so she was often there to visit him and to help out if she could. Hearing someone ask a question about recommendations, the redhead was quick to nod. “Yeah, I have a lot of them, actually,” she said, a smile on her facial features. “The fried shrimp is really good, and you can’t go wrong with a classic lobster roll. That’s what I usually end up gettin’.” From what she learned about Maine so far, it was that lobster rolls were the big thing. 

Trace smiled at Chance, as he looked up at his mom with loving eyes. “I’m positive my love” he said nodding his head. Knowing full well Sylvia had a long day at work he just wanted her to have a relaxing evening. “Homework is all done” he said nodding his head. “We did it before we started dinner” he said shrugging his shoulders. “It’s been good, a little busy but I’ve got the managers who know exactly what they are doing, so I have to trust them” he said walking over to her. Brushing a strand of hair out of her face, he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. “I love you” he said smiling at her. 

“Okay, I’ll just sit right here and watch then,” Sylvia said, grabbing her bottle of wine on the table and pouring herself a glass to go with dinner. She loved moments like these when they were together doing simple things as a family. She was happy their marriage was much better. “That’s great! It sounds like you two have had a very productive evening,” she commented, watching her husband finish up dinner. “I’m really proud of you, you know that right? I feel like I don’t tell you enough.” Trace was doing so much for their family and for his business. Kissing him back, she smiled up at him. “I love you too.” 

x

With Hal home, Nancy was in the bar more and more these days like she used to be. She was serving a few drinks when she heard her friend’s voice and she smiled as she started pouring what Sylvia usually liked to drink and listened to her talk about her day; laughing a little. “Sounds about right. I mean, can you blame him? You are hot.” She knew what it was like, though. It was always uncomfortable when guys did that. “Next time just give him a harder workout. He’ll think you’re a hard ass.” Nancy offered to her before shrugging. “Yeah. Things at the bar are always good.” She said as she handed her the drink. “Hal’s back.” 

“You’re too kind to me, thank you,” Sylvia said, a smile on her face. Creeps were unfortunately something that most women had to deal with. “I’m sure you get that kinda stuff all the time workin’ here. You know, the whole liquid courage thing makes people bolder than usual,” she laughed. “I might try that if all else fails, kickin’ his ass would be worth it.” Hearing Hal was back, Sylvia raised a brow at her friend. “Oh? Well, that’s great news! Why did he even leave in the first place, if you don’t mind me askin? You must be so relieved that he is back safe and sound.” She couldn’t imagine how it would be if one of her kids just up and left, and she admired Nancy’s strength.