@algernon-riggs

The afternoon hadn’t gone exactly as planned in Neil’s mind, but brilliantly above his expectations. Everett had a great time. Maybe some of his photos would turn out poorly lit as they started indoors, but there was no doubt the boy came out the other side of this intimate tour feeling special. He was laughing, then humming along to the soft early 90′s one hit wonders filling up the drink shop while tilting his head back and forth to the melodies where he sat beside the table. Just an all around goof. Neil was smiling too. He usually balanced tension with his own pleasant attitude so Rett being so at ease took a load off the workaholics back.

“Mm. What flavor did you get?” Neil asked when Riggs appeared from the shop doors. There was always a temptation to try out jellys or small flavored spheres, but since Neil chose a sweet mango base the well rounded dark tapioca balls made for a clean finish.

Dressed to the nines Dimitri often liked to look his best, but that desire only doubled when the chance to attend Hynne arrived. With such good company too. Regardless of who paid for the meal or when, Burkov already felt quite spoiled. To exist in the walls of a fine dining restaurant that required reservation, well, the man was enjoying old comforts. Without stepping foot outside of Maple Bay. Amazing.

“Their cheese assortment is great, but can’t compare to the tray they serve at The Biltmore in Coral Gables--with honeycomb, too.” He still savored that trip, the tastes and smells, days spent poolside. Then Dimitri had a sobering thought, “But with the hurricanes. Oh god.”