#oliviaberkeley

𝐈𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 was Olivia. She wasn't even the first lady, nor had she met with her actual husband, if he could recall. At this time, Luke already knew the time the museum wasn't so crowded, it was unusual to have a lot of people at that hour he was. The tall male smiled and approached the 'first lady'. Did he need to address her as such? ❛ Olivia Oyl! ❜ He says humorous tone in an attempt to get her attention. ❛ Long time and no see. ❜ Oh! He lied about his age to her a long time ago.

Val had asked for an extension on the next chapter- something they almost never do. Sure, they're a bit of a drunk. A bit of a stoner. And yeah, maybe they bring home the odd individual for a little laid back horizontal tango when the mood is right. But they're dedicated to their deadlines. So they had hoped that an extension would mean relaxing.

But their assistant was quick to bring up a whole calendar of potential events. Q&As (absolutely not), book readings (unless we can get one in Braille last minute, that's a no-go), and school talks (normally fun, but not on a break). The very last option had piqued their interest - some celebratory award event celebrating 'game-changers' across industries. Val had been invited, but it would be an evening filled with free booze, free food, and a whole lot of schmoozing. It meant Val could listen for gossip and intel while getting wasted. Perfect.

At the event, however, they're more bored than expected. Carrying champagne in one hand, their red-tipped cane in the other, Val is relieved to hear a familiar voice. Messy hair pushed back and wearing a suit (ugh), Val moves carefully towards the cadence they recognize. "Liv? Is that you?" Val calls carefully, ringed fingers reaching until they gingerly touch an arm. "Oh my god, Liv, my darling, my savior, my angel. Save me from this utter boredom. I'm not drunk enough t'hear some of the shite from these idiots."

It's almost customary at this point to have coffee with Olivia. She was important to Lara, therefore important to Mars, and years later he still finds her company comforting in its own way. In the years after Lara's passing, he'd found that many of the people she'd surrounded herself with were worth their weight in gold. Maybe Mars just hadn't been around enough to realize that until her last days, when he saw these people more. And of course, after her passing, when many showed support, gave contact info, and reached out.

Now he stands in the queue at their usual coffeeshop with hands in his pockets, bouncing on the balls of his feet in sporty, understated sneakers. He's always dressed nicely - a businessman in sleek clothes with a sleeker tongue. And Mars is sure his friend will have questions about the Instagram posts he's made recently involving a newer face in his life, a certain blonde that he's been seeing.

"Liv." Mars greets her warmly as he sees her walk in, leaning to kiss her cheek and embrace her. "Been a bit, yeah? How are things?"