i could use a love song.

“I didn’t even know it was possible to lose them,” she raised her eyebrows in shock, “but I’m glad we could help! ” It’s not the first time she heard someone call her a lifesaver when it came to working, sometimes even outside of work. It always made her feel good inside, which is what she needed right now. She needs to hide the guilt that was residing in her chest. Trust me, you have mine and my bride’s business from now on. This should be enough to make her day. She wasn’t necessarily unhappy with what the woman said. Yes, it’s an honor to know a customer is choosing her family’s business because of her services.  Her grandmother would be proud of her. How could she not feel guilty when there’s a customer who wants to stay loyal to the flower shop?  Especially when she hasn’t done that yet. Oh, was this not the time or place to have these feeling be dug up. Ivy offered a smile, “Well, I look forward to working with you again, is there anything else I could help with? ”

“Not as glad as I am. Trust me.” Sofia let out a breath, shaking her head as she tried to regain composure. Everything was fine. The floral arrangements were ordered, and Ivy’s shop had never let her down before. There was a look across Ivy’s features, however, that had Sofia fearing she’d offended the woman by not having chosen her business first. It hadn’t been anything personal, a preference of the bride’s, but afraid of making it worse by saying anything, she decided to keep quiet. “Uh...no, no, thank you, though, Ivy. I really appreciate it, and I look forward to working with you again.”

“The easy part?” Thalia curiously reiterated, then followed up with a hunch, “Let me guess, you’re a wedding planner?” Being no stranger to dealing with that type of customer they were easy to identify depending on what they shared. "Oh definitely, just fill out this information card for me,” she slid the card over to Sofia’s side of the counter with a pen. “And then I’ll email the list and any other material you might need in preparation for the tasting,” The card required basic information for the sake of future business; client’s name, business, and contact information. 

Sofia nodded her head, flashing the other a small, almost guilty smile. “I am.” Though she too had been a bride, once upon a time. Despite being her own, it had been the hardest one to plan. She couldn’t recall how many nights Nathan would awake to find her still up, hunched over the dim light of her laptop. The running joke was that they would just wind up eloping, throw all the wedding planning to the side and get right to what was important: their marriage. The thought was always enough to kick Sofia back into gear and make decisions she’d otherwise have spent hours agonizing over, wanting them to have a day to remember. A day that was theirs. And it had been. Her wedding had been one of the happiest days of her life. Though, looking back on it now would bring on pain she hadn’t known back then that she would feel. A pain that, if she had, perhaps she would have given into the idea of an elopement. Spent less time stressing over color schemes and more time with him. For a moment, Sofia found herself lost in the thought, only breaking out of it when she recognized that a card and a pen had been slid across the counter for her. Snapping back into things, she was quick to nod her head and reach for the pen. “Of course. Thank you.” Her phone was required for the contact information, copying down what appeared on her screen to the card, before being slid back towards Thalia.

This is not how she ideally saw her morning going, but at least it wasn’t shaping up to be a terrible one. “Oh, I might be able to help with that,” Zahra began rummaging in her bag for her purse. From inside one of the card slots she pulled out one of Ivy’s business cards for the flower shop; The Enchanted. “This is her card. It’s my friend’s business,” she clarified while offering the card to the Wedding Planner. “I don’t know if you’ve done work with her before or not.” Regardless, Zahra figured it was worth a shot. Why not turn this awkward situation into something positive? She mused.

Sofia’s eyebrows furrowed as she watched the woman rummage around her bag, unsure of what exactly she was looking for, but when a business card was produced, her face softened, head beginning to nod in understanding. She took the card from the woman, glancing briefly at the information, before offering her a smile. “I have, actually. Ivy, right?” She was usually who Sofia went with, and this just proved that it was better sometimes to simply stick with what she knew. “...do you normally carry your friend’s business cards with you?” 

He was aware of the situation with Sofia and Michael’s family — even before the two of them had become friends, the school board had notified him of the situation, which prompted Mac to make sure the young boy was well taken care of. It couldn’t have been easy, raising a child by yourself, but Mac hoped that his guidance (even if it was limited in the classroom setting) was at least somewhat helpful. Back when he was that age, he wished that he had an adult figure to look out for him considering his older sister could really only do so much. “Alright, more for me,” he teased, taking another sip from the bottle in hand. “Right, well, I’m glad he’s havin’ fun.” Hopefully. Kids at that age could be brutal, but from what he had seen it seemed like Michael had acquired genuine friends over the years. “Mind if I join you, then? My boyfriend left a little early, so I could use a new date. Don’t worry — I won’t hit on you.” He teased.

Mac had been one of the first friends that Sofia had made in Santa Monica. She hadn’t expected to do so with one of her friend’s teachers, but after a meeting to discuss Michael’s work in art class, something between the two had merely...clicked. Sofia was thankful for him, for after that meeting, she took the time to actually look at the art her son was bringing home, began to listen to how passionately he talked about it, how he talked about Mac. Even without his father, Michael wasn’t short on male role models in his life, but Sofia couldn’t help but feel grateful for the additions, wherever they appeared. “More for you.” She teased back with a small smile, taking a sip of her soda. Frankly, it would be better with the rum in it, but Sofia had to drive home still. After Nathan’s accident, she erred on the side of caution. Her head nodding at the sentiment, a more genuine smile tugging at her lips at the thought of her son. “Me too.” He had really opened up in the last year and a half or so, ever since they had moved out of his grandparents and into their own place. It was a relief to Sofia, who feared that her bright, beautiful little boy would close up and shut down, as she had. “I don’t know how good of a date I’ll be, but if you’re willing to take the risk...” She gestured to the seat next to her. God, a date. When was the last time she had been on one of those?

Task 002:

Sofia Grace Austin was born to Carol and William Austin on February 18th, 1985; the second and final child of the couple. Though she was the shyer of the two siblings, she grew up in a family that loved and paid attention to her. Growing up, she had everything that she needed, and almost all of what she wanted.

She met her future husband her second year at UCLA, after he spilled a beer on her at a party. Nathan had looked like a deer caught in the headlights then, stumbling through an apology, cheeks redder than the now empty solo cup in his hand. Sofia couldn’t even find it in herself to be embarrassed about her soaked shirt, because he’d been plenty embarrassed enough for the both of them. A few minutes and a promise of a shirt to change into later...and the rest had been history, really.

Married at twenty three (becoming Sofia Brooks), pregnant at twenty four. There was not a day that even compared to the happiness she felt upon the birth of their son, Michael...nor a day that compared to the sadness she felt upon the news that, seven years later, Nathan was no longer with them.

“Thanks,” Zahra nodded as she repeated her tea order. She felt bad for the other, as they clearly weren’t having a good day thus far. Flower crisis, mixed up cafe orders– well that’s what Zahra is aware of. Shrugging her hair over her shoulder, she turned to head back towards the counter. “So, are you a florist?” One of her best friend’s was in the business and she was familiar with hearing about several types of dilemmas with flower orders. 

“Of course.” There was a bit of a line, which Sofia moved to wait in, the other woman moving with her. She expected the wait to be done in relative silence, but when the other spoke to her, there wasn’t anything to do but respond. “Oh, no. Wedding planner...but I may be in the business of finding a new florist.”

Logan nods before realizing the woman in front of him probably needs more than that. Save for the quick glance, he’s all too aware of attention span and when someone does or doesn’t want to give it to you. Pros (and cons) of having to deal with customers for many of his daily hours. “Should be nice weather for the fireworks,” he supplies absently. “Nothin’s fun outside if you can barely breathe and feel like you’ve jumped in a pool.”

The mention of a pool was enough to draw Sofia’s attention away from her phone. “Tell that to my son.” Her lips pulled into a genuine smile, though paired with a shake of her head. “I think he’d live in the pool, if I let him. Can never get him out of it.”

If there was one thing Maverick liked, it was animals. He’d been dying to get a cat for a while now, and the adoption fair seemed like a good place to find one. He’d already known Sofia wasn’t going to be thrilled to let her child down, but Maverick figured this could work in both his and Michael’s favors. He was following after his nephew, finding amusement in Sofia’s look already, “Don’t blame me. You’re the one who won’t get the poor kid a dog.” Maverick smiled a little more, “Get him a dog already. Kids deserve fun things too, mom.” Maverick huffed out a laugh, bending down to look at one of the dogs, “What about this one?”

“Because it’s not just getting a ten year old a dog. It’s getting me a dog; one that I don’t have the time to take care of.” She barely had time to do so for the ten year old, though she was trying her best. She loved that kid more than she loved anything else in the world, more than she ever would. There wasn’t a thing she wouldn’t do for him...dog excluded. Maybe when he was older, could help take better care of it. A brief shove was delivered to Maverick’s shoulder, head shaking in disbelief that she was getting ganged up on. She made a point not to look at the puppies, eyes rolled up toward the sky, but it wasn’t long until her gaze fell to the one that had captured Maverick’s attention, and was unsurprised to find that it was absolutely adorable. Shit. With a sigh, she sunk to her own knees, now eye level with the creature. “...okay, he’s cute. But I’m still not getting a dog.”

“Hardy-har,” he mocked sarcastically, playfully swatting her foot away as he did so. There weren’t many people in his life who Rizzo truly held respect for, but his cousin was one of the only exceptions. Although his priorities had never been set very straight, they were at least tightened up a bit in Sofia’s presence. The eyedroppers so that there wasn’t any redness, an extra shower and some clean clothes to hide any musky scent — Rizzo put more effort into see his cousin and Michael than he did almost anyone else. If only that was enough. Frowning slightly at her insinuation, the musician let out a small sigh. “It’s not like that,” he countered, running his fingers through his messy locks. “The manager wanted a name he could promote. Doesn’t hurt that he thinks I’m actually good.” Or did he? After all, a lot of Rizzo’s successes came out of privilege or favors. “Got any plans this weekend with the kid? Or dates I should know about?”

Sofia managed a smile at the swat to her foot. Rizzo was the only one the action didn’t feel forced around. She loved her cousin--had since the day he was born, and living in such close proximity to each other, they had been close growing up. Even with her college and eventual marriage and family, and Rizzo’s own move to New York, she made a effort to check in, even made a trip or two out to New York over the years to visit. Admittedly, she was glad to have him back home. For Michael’s sake...but also her own. It felt as if she could breathe a little easier with the joy he brought the two of them...until he displayed behavior that tightened her chest with worry, that is. Hearing his sigh, Sofia turned to place her feet on the ground, hunching over her knees to look him in the eyes. “You are good, Riz.” It was something she felt strongly about, him knowing he was worth something, was something great, and not just a product of it. Her soft expression turned with a roll of her eyes as she leaned back into the sofa, snorting at just the thought. “The only date I have is with Michael. Think we’re going to go see Toy Story 4 or something. You’re free to join us, of course.”

Rizzo: I'm sorry, ok? Is that what you want?

Rizzo: Things come up. Somethin came up. I can only apologize so much?

Rizzo: come on dont be like that. I told you I'll pay.

Sofia: You shouldn't have to ask if I want you to be sorry.

Sofia: You're still sticking to that, huh? Something coming up.

“Nah, don’t worry ‘bout it.” A hint of mischief glimmered in his eyes as he shrugged. “I’ll just give it to Jojo, he’s a jackass.”

Though she did not know the man before her, it struck Sofia that she did not know the person he was referring to, either. Perhaps subconsciously searching for a distraction from her already long morning, her eyebrows furrowed. “Jojo?”

Dijana wanted to shift, slightly awkward in the moment, jam hands in pockets, and.. something else. Stay? Flee? Hell. “I- yes. You seemed busy, are you okay? Ah, stressed, I mean.” Had her accent thickened with slight nerves? She could hear her own voice and felt the nerves. “If you do not mind my prying.”

Sofia was, in fact, busy, but then again, when wasn’t she? Her business was not the other’s to deal with, however, whether by dealing with the coffee she had accidentally sipped from or hearing her vent about the stress that had lead to it. Sofia was quick to shake her head, one hand raised to rub at her temple, a smile that read of embarrassment present on her lips. “...I’m fine, really. Just...a long day.” And it had only just started.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Sofia. I hope I didn’t startle you, or you,” she pointedly looked to the child at Sofia’s side. Noticing his attention on the cake pops on display she made a mental note to offer him one before they left. The cake pops were complimentary for all customers today, so he’d be in for a treat. “No problem,” Thalia picked up the iPad and checked the bakery’s calendar. “We have from the 22nd of July and onwards available for cake tastings. The times are flexible depending on the clientele.” From a folder, Thalia produced a document with a list of cake flavours for Sofia to peruse. “Here’s what we offer. You can choose from this list which cake flavours you’d like included for the tasting. I know it’s a lot, but this part of it doesn’t have to be finalized until next week.”

Sofia’s smiled softened from professional to something more genuine as Michael was acknowledged, the boy offering Thalia a smile of his own and a small shake of his head. She mimicked the action, own dark curls bouncing with the shake of her head. “No, not at all...and it’s a pleasure, as well.” Even if she had been just slightly startled at her sudden appearance. “That sounds perfect, thank you.” The iPad was accepted from the other, and she was pleased to see the long list of various cake flavors. Though it was her job, admittedly, the cake tasting was always her favorite part (and not because she often got to tag along). She couldn’t help but laugh at the woman’s assurance. “Trust me, this is the easy part.” Smiling, she handed the iPad back. “Is there a way that I could have that list forwarded to me, to pass on to my clients?”

The broad smile he wore quickly dissolved when he heard her feedback, which was more of a daunting reminder of how rusty he’d turned out over the past few years without practice. “Is it really that bad?” He turned the napkin to face him, then brought his eyes towards the brunette. “At least I got your jawline right. I think.”

Sofia hadn’t meant to offend, but then again, she hadn’t exactly thought before speaking, having been on edge from the staring she’d misinterpreted as malicious. His question had her eyebrows furrowing, watching the way he focused back in on the napkin. Was he expecting an answer? Before she could give one, he was defending his art, which, with a sigh, Sofia got up from her seat and moved closer towards him to see. “This a habit of yours?” She asked, tilting her head to look at him. “Drawing strangers in coffee shops?” Despite herself, a small smile tugged at her lips.

Adelaide nodded. “True but I mean a coffee shop of all places should realize that mornings are pretty busy time and putting it all on one person is just insane.” While she didn’t have any experience with jobs like this, it was a general thought to the blonde. “But I mean what do I know. I just work in fashion mostly so.” she shrugged. Adelaide gave the girl a look. “Well considering I already have one, I don’t really think I need a second one.”

While that was true, in theory, it didn’t mean that it was applied in practice, hence the busy line and the short staff that currently plagued the local coffee shop. “Never played the part-time college barista game?” Sofia asked, raising an eyebrow at the woman. It hadn’t been for too long, but in college, she had worked behind the counter of the on campus Starbucks, taking complicated coffee orders or, worse, making them. It’d put extra money in her pocket though, serving it’s purpose until she inevitably found another, less menial occupation. When the other turned to look at her, her eyebrows furrowed at the response to what had been a joke. “It was a...” She shook her head, lips pulling into a tight smile. “Never mind.” Her gaze returned to her phone.