Poor Unfortunate Souls

~

Deziree was quite clearly miffed by the fact Ella hadn’t called. In fact, had she been capable of feeling any real emotion at all lately, it very well might have irritated her. (Thinking back on it later, it had, but right now it was more puzzling.) How could Ella pass up an opportunity with Ursula Di Rossi just like that? Didn’t she realise how important this woman was? How many opportunities she had thrown out the window? Especially after Deziree had given them up specifically for her, because of that tiny little thing called guilt.

It wouldn’t be very becoming to start ranting about all that right now. Deziree certainly didn’t have the energy or enthusiasm to. Her eyes landed on the familiar card. Was she wanting..? Truly, at this point, should she just bite the bullet? “You’re too kind, Ms. Di Rossi,” Deziree replied quietly, finally taking the card.

--

Ursula could see that a nerve had been struck. Good, it deserved to be. What kind of person--especially working in fashion--would pass up the opportunity to work with her? It would be one thing if this was just some nobody who didn’t know of her, but she was sure that her name was in the mouths of anyone who 1) had any sort of wealth or 2) knew a thing or two about fashion.

Perhaps it was pride, or perhaps something more. Things were always harder to manipulate when she wasn’t the one directly speaking to a potential victim client. In that regard, Deziree was looking like a much more promising option. “Of course, my dear. Well, whether or not Miss Fontaine takes the offer, there’s always opportunities for up and coming young fashionistas like yourself. At the very least, Tremaine is a name I know I can trust,” she said, her lips curling into a smile. “For your consideration. Now, I must be off. It was lovely talking to you, Miss Tremaine.” With that, she gave Deziree what she wanted and turned to melt away into the Hootenanny crowd. Still, she knew her offer and that card would burn a hole in the young woman that she would happily, graciously fill.

~

The internal cringe and eye roll was almost too much to contain as Ursula smiled pleasantly and sent well-wishes in her mother’s direction. Part of Deziree was sure that Ursula saw right through her, but she was going to blame the single glass of alcohol and anxiety on that feeling, opting instead to believe that her lies were completely bought.

“I’ll be sure to pass on the message,” she replied politely. “I’m certain she’ll be happy to hear you were asking for her.” Deziree said nothing on ensuring the call went through. It wouldn’t. She prickled slightly when it became clear that Ella had wasted the opportunity Deziree had given her by passing on Ms. Di Rossi’s card. “I–I– Yes, I’ll take another one, just in case,” she said quickly. “Did Ella not call at all? I gave her your card.”

--

“Thank you, my dear,” she replied, her smile ever-pleasant and gleaming. It was obvious from her body language and the strain in her voice that she wanted Ursula to leave her as soon as possible. From this entire interaction, she was sure the young woman didn’t want to have to interact with everyone. But Ursula wasn’t done with her. Not yet.

The news that her card had in fact been given gave Ursula pause. She was sure that the owner of this boutique--a businesswoman and single mother--would be chomping at the bit for some relief in the stress of her every day life (not that Ursula knew the half of it). Yet, she’d never gotten a call. Her eyebrows dipped and her lips pouted in disappointment. “I’m afraid not. Well, not everyone can be helped, I suppose. At least those that don’t want it. If you happened to be wanting, however...” She reached into her clutch and pulled out another business card, holding it out to Deziree. “My previous offer to you still stands.”

//

He hardly considered focusing on one’s appearance a worthy thing to sacrifice for. Jason did make sure he always looked nicely turned out, but that was an important part of making a good impression on current and potential clients, as well as him always wanting to look his best. He would never let fashion interfere with work, though. “Ah. I was unaware that was such an integral part of work, certainly not to the point of even interfering with the work of others.”

His frown deepened at her pointing out that he was indeed calling attention to himself now. “As I said, when I absolutely must. And no, you may not. I’m not inclined to share such important details when my working space has been disturbed.” Jason would not have been inclined to share anyway, but the irritation only reinforced that.

--

Ursula cocked a perfectly manicured eyebrow at the man’s rude behavior. What she had learned about him so far was that he was obsessed with his work and would cut down anyone who dared to interfere with that. She wondered what else she might learn if she pushed the right buttons.

A bit of her polite facade slipped away as she looked over her nails, pursing her lips. “Well I’m sorry to inform you that this is a public working space. It’s not yours, its everyone and that means all the noise that comes along with it,” she said, gesturing to the rest of the cafe, where light chatter and barista work continued. “Have you considered a home office, perhaps?”

~~

Oz was pleased with himself. He did not know much about Ursula, but she was quickly gaining power, and it was important to Oz to keep track of that. Even moreso to claim it first for his side. Oz had no enemies; He liked to stay a solid neutral evil figure. He had his standards, as there were plenty of crimes and schemes he wanted no part in, but otherwise, money talked and Oz could walk the walk there.

It never hurt to make sure you were close friends with someone first, however.

Oz had big plans, but he was going to need help.

“Well Miss, as cliche as this sounds, why don’t you join me in my office?”

--

Now this is what she was talking about. This is what she came to Redwood Hollow for (among other things)--to make connections and gain power throughout a small town to build back up her shattered image. Oz would be the perfect vehicle for that.

Ursula gave a throaty chuckle. “Normally I hate cliches, but I’ll make an exception for you,” she mused, grabbing her wine glass and slipping from the bar. Flashing Oz a look and a smirk, she allowed him to lead the way to his office.

As they walked through the hall of the casino, they caught more than a few eyes, two powerhouses together. For a moment, it almost felt like the old days.

.

“No, my father left my mother when she got too sick to leave the bed.” He said, Cyrus didn’t exactly remembered him much, the man left when he was 9 or so, and honestly if he wasn’t going to help, he was glad the man left, the last thing he needed was people to make her mother sad. “No, they are still in the Middle East, we didn’t exactly had good job opportunities there.” Specially not for someone that  didn’t even finished school, “I went to Europe, and I have been travelling around ever since, I don’t normally stay in one place for this long, but…” he said with a smile thinking about Miriam. “I like this town, and I doubt I will get a better job than this one you offered me.” Which once again he was still very thankful for this opportunity.

Ursula frowned, her ruby lips pursing in disgust. "What a despicable man, leaving right when he's needed most. I'm sorry you've had to go through that," she said, her voice oozing with sympathy. "It seems like you've more than picked up the slack in his absence. This town is a long ways away from home."

Task 8: Alternate Universe ⇒ Dungeons and Dragons

~

Deziree was totally sure that her lies had been working out until now. The odd person here and there had asked about her mom’s whereabouts, but rarely, if ever, had it gone beyond the surface level. A formality, really. It wasn’t like Deziree could afford to go to mom’s usual haunts, so who was there really to remark that she was missing in action? Maybe the townsfolk were as stupid as Deziree thought they were. Maybe they just didn’t give a shit. (Her heart of hearts was starting to believe it may be the latter, but there was no way she could entertain that thought. It went against mom’s goals.)

Something stung her when Ursula asked for a follow-up. Perhaps it was the narrowing of Ursula’s eyes, or the sympathetic smile she offered. Dezi knew she was going to have to try twice as hard to stick her next lie, if it ever came to it. Ms. Di Rossi, of all people, was surely clever enough (or intimidating enough) to find out the truth eventually.

“Uh– Yes, that would be nice. I’m sure she would really appreciate that,” Deziree replied, attempting a grateful smile. Ella was good at those. “She’s a very busy woman. I’m sure you can appreciate that, Ms. Di Rossi. I’m sure you’re very busy yourself, when you aren’t stealing the show at Hootenannies.”

--

Ursula considered herself an intuitive woman and something did not seem right about this. As an underhanded person, she could smell when she was being lied to. But to what end? What secrets could the Tremaine family be hiding? Well, one thing was for sure--Deziree would not let up. If she wanted to learn anything, she was either going to have to go through the more emotionally charged sister, or send her boys to do some digging around. It certainly wasn't something she'd unveil at the Hootenanny.

Despite it all, she offered a pleasant smile in return. "I can indeed. Well, you tell your mother I wish her well, and to give me a call when she has the chance. Do you need another one of my business cards?" She offered. "Did my other ever get to your friend, by the way? Miss Fontaine?"

.

Cyrus tried to do everything he could and more, if she asked her to do something in a certain way, he made sure to remember that, so she didn’t had to repeat herself, the job wasn’t exactly difficult, in fact it was way easier than having 10 different jobs at once, it was easier to remember what he had to do, he had way more free time to spend with Miriam and her adorable kid, and also more money to help out his family. He was truly very grateful for this job, it was almost too good to be true.

When she told him to take a seat, Cyrus nodded and made his way to where she told him to be, the question took him a little off guard, people he worked with normally didn’t wanted to know about him, if fact, the less he talked, the better, but he was happy to say anything she wanted to hear, after all he had nothing to hide. “Of course.” He said, not exactly sure what to say. “Well… I have 3 younger brothers, one of them is starting college now.” He remembered how hard it was for him to convince his brother to go to college instead of getting a job like he did, but as long as he could pay for everything, he was happy to do so. “My mother has some good days and bad days, unfortunately of them were bad when I was growing up, she couldn’t work, so I left school and started working when I was 12 years old, and I haven’t stopped since.” he smirked.

--

Cyrus was good at what he did. She found that she didn’t need to repeat herself, and he would even do things she didn’t ask just to go above and beyond. He was quickly working his way up to rival even Fabian and Julian in her hierarchy of help. He still had to lay on quite a bit of charm if he was to surpass her babies, though.

Ursula nodded along as she listened. “Right, you mentioned that your mother is sick. And is there a father in the picture?” She asked curiously, hoping to get as many details as possible. “Do they live here in Redwood Hollow or somewhere else?” She asked, though she assumed it was the latter. Redwood Hollow was a weirdly socialist nightmare where people’s healthcare and education were subsidized, unlike the rest of America. If he was struggling financially, it was likely because he wasn’t getting that kind of support. Which made him perfect for financial manipulation.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ 

Anastasia was almost instantly hooked. She watched Ursula with big Bambi eyes, ready to hold onto every word that she said. Totally freaking out that she was really talking to Ursula Di Rossi. Totally freaking out that she was talking about how she felt right now which was a mess best left untangled. Gods, she would never forgive herself if she bubbled in front of this icon. She nodded at Ursula’s every word, blinking back the water in her eyes.

“Yeah. That- That’s true, right? I’m- I’m just me. I just have…me,” she said, voice trailing off. It wasn’t strictly true and she knew that deep down. She had Dezi. She had Ella. But it was too scary, too messy, to think she could drag anyone else into this. She blinked in disbelief at the offer. “I- I mean, oh my gosh, yes. I’m literally doing nothing at all.” A pause- “That sounded really tragic, sorry.”

Stasia took in an almost steadying breath, smiling a little. “I know. I mean, you’re Ursula Di Rossi. I- I’m Anastasia. Anastasia Tremaine.”

--

Ursula's benevolence rolled off her like waves, drawing in suckers looking to bathe themselves in sympathy, attention, and validation. She was more than happy to provide. There were still quite a few details to figure out, but it would come with time and lots of comfort.

"You do have you. But you could have others too. Others who are willing to help." Not people like her friends or family, of course, but people like her. The girl's admission of free time had Ursula giving her signature throaty chuckle. "Oh, not at all. We've all been there, haven't we? Now, come along."

With that, she stood from the bench, motioning the girl to follow her. The Neverland Hotel had a halfway decent spa, at least as far as this town was concerned. It would do the job. However, when the girl introduced herself, she all but stopped in her tracks. A delighted smirk curled across her lips, though it was gone by the time she turned to talk to Anastasia directly. "You're Anastasia Tremaine?" She asked in faux surprise. "Why, your mother told me all about you! Granted, it was years ago, but I imagine things have only gotten better since then."

You must be lonely in your big house?

She laughs. “Is this your way of inviting yourself over? No, in between my babies and Cyrus, I have plenty of life in my house, thank you very much.”

Are there any poor, unfortunate souls that you think could use your assistance?

 “I think everyone could use assistance sometimes. However, if you’re asking for specifics, I have been keeping an eye on the Tremaine sisters and their financial situation. I’m also quite the matchmaker--if you want to be noticed by your crush, I have many means on helping with that. And there are quite a few people in Redwood Hollow who could benefit from those services.”

Do you feel more connected to the moon or the sun? 

"The moon, who turns the tides and shines eternal in the darkness.”

Have you ever wished on a shooting star?

"What on Earth would I have to wish for? Stars haven’t got me where I am, I have.”

Do you believe in guardian angels?

"Refer to the last answer.”

What is something (or someone) you’re in love with?

"As much as I hate to admit it, I love my two terrible twins. Fabian and Julian are the first hired help I can truly rely on.”

Do you believe in love at first sight?

“I believe people have with me, anyway.”

Do you collect anything? And what are some hobbies you have?

“I actually have a rather extensive art collection that I’ve built over the years. My wine cellar is also something to be envied. As for hobbies I enjoy fishkeeping, cooking, exercise. I also keep up to date on all the latest fashion trends.”

What did you dream about last night?

“I generally don’t remember my dreams.”

Name a movie that makes you genuinely laugh.

"The Devil Wears Prada. I’ll admit, I don’t watch a lot of movies.”

Name a song that makes you feel ethereal.

“The Weight by Aretha Franklin”

What is something you own that is important to you? What makes it so important?

"As materialistic as I may seem, things come and go and can easily be replaced. There’s very little I hold sentimental value for. That being said, I do own a lot.”

What’s your zodiac sign? Do you think you fit the general characteristics of that sign?

"Scorpio. I’ve been told that makes me powerful, ambitious, and according to one particularly scorned individual--”an egomaniac bent on complete control”. I don’t know, would you say that sounds about right?”

Are you more of a hopeless romantic or realist?

"Oh, I’d say I’m extremely realistic when it comes to matters of love and romance.”

Name a book you don’t mind reading over and over.

send   🖼️  for  a  moodboard  of  my  muses  art  aesthetic.

ABOUT URSULA 🐙

~

“I’ve given up expecting much from the committee,” Deziree said, mostly under her breath. She was vaguely aware that there were community events committee members floating around the venue within earshot. While she didn’t expect any of them to be listening to her, she didn’t want to run the risk of getting herself banned from the one social event she didn’t need a Name and a Gold Card to attend. “You look spectacular, Ms. Di Rossi,” Dezi complimented, after Ursula gestured to her one of a kind dress. It made her own dress look all-the-more drab, and Dezi all-the-more self-conscious. 

The moment Ursula asked about her mother (and sister) the hair on the back of Deziree’s neck stood on end. She hadn’t been able to find Anastasia before the Hootenanny began to corroborate a story with her. There was no time now! Whatever Dezi made up on the spot, she would have to somehow relay it to her sister who was likely completely drunk and incomprehensible by now. “Oh, uh– My mom left early. She has a terrible headache. I think after all that detoxing she did at the spa the wine was just too strong for her.” Yeah, that would work. Headache. That was indisputable. “My sister is… somewhere dancing the night away.”

--

If Ursula caught wind of the comment, she didn't make it known in her reaction. She did make note of it, though, tucking it away in the back of her brain. Just in case she ever needed it for later. "Thank you, my dear," she cooed at the compliment, drawing her hand across the elegant fabric. She considered making a comment about Deziree’s dress in turn, but couldn't think of anything that wasn't intensely undermining and passive aggressive. Which was not the energy she was going for with this interaction. Besides, she was absolutely positive there were others in attendance who would say it for her.

@ursuladirossi​

Cyrus was never afraid of hard work, her house could be big, but at the end of the day he wasn’t nearly as tired as having all the small jobs he could find, he had some free time to talk with his family and spend more time with Miriam and Connor, he also way more money to send to his family, he even had some for him to rent his own place, but he preferred to save that money in case his family had another emergency, than spend with himself.

He was basically done for the day, he was just making sure everything was perfect before he left for the festivities in town when he saw his boss. Cyrus nodded. “Can I do anything else for you today?” He asked her before he left, more than happy to stay and do anything extra.

--

Ursula was relieved to finally have some proper help around her house. It was the one thing she missed the most after moving from New York City to this nothing of a town. The first few months of having to do everything herself was miserable. Although she hired Cyrus as a way to keep him under her thumb and potentially sacrifice him to C.B.’s whims, she had to admit that she would be remiss if he actually were to disappear. Finding good help was never easy.

She was actually in the process of finalizing that list, which she planned to deliver to the Neverland Hotel while everyone was busy at the Hootenanny. As she got to Cyrus’s name though, he appeared. Shifting some other papers over her list, she looked up at him and smiled. “No, you’ve done excellent work, Cyrus.” As he was about to turn and go, she gave a thoughtful pause. “Actually...take a seat, I’d like to have a chat with you. Nothing serious, but I do like to get to know my employees on a more personal level. And I realize now that I know so very little about you. Please, tell me more about yourself.”

♚

It wasn’t lost on Lorelai that there were implications here. After all, it was one thing to know of Ursula di Rossi’s reputation and quite another to seek her out with something to offer. Ursula was a deal maker, the one who held all the cards. You had to have a certain level of confidence in your ability to approach her, to play these cloak and dagger games. Either this mysterious partner was very clever or very foolish. Either way, it didn’t sit right that he held the power here. You should always have another ace up your sleeve that can cripple your companion if necessary.

“Oh, quite. You don’t have to tell me twice about the incompetency of hired hands. Tragically, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day for us to do everything ourselves and therefore get it right,” she sighed. This was a task for bigger fish. A small smile tugged onto Lorelai’s lips at Ursula’s request. She had been hoping she’d say that. “Why, you needn’t even ask.”

Lorelai eyed the manila envelope curiously, with a glint of something in her eye. The game was afoot. Her red nails reached out for it, turning it over in her hands to judge the weight, eyes on Ursula as she spoke. Lorelai had had less to go on in the past and there were still plenty of strings she could pull when it came to locating a ‘would-rather-not-be-found’ type. “Of course, that will be no problem. It’s a good start. No one can quite move around without a trace and by reaching out to yourself, this C.B has already crept a little more into the light. I’ll cross-reference with my private collection, put out a few feelers. Not everyone can offer up money, wealth and power and mean it.” Lorelai wrapped her fingers around the envelope, sliding it into her handbag. “Leave it with me. If C.B has walked by a security camera, received a parking ticket or pre-paid for a cellphone- we’ll find out.”

--

There were so few people in this dump of a town that Ursula considered on her level, so it was quite the relief to speak to someone like Lorelai. Cunning, clever, and cutthroat, there was just a level of understanding that was so hard to come by, especially in a place like this. In these moments, she didn’t care if she would be reprimanded by C.B. for telling someone about his plans. She’d much rather have Lorelai on her side.

“It is the unfortunate reality,” she agreed with a sigh. “Though my boys do their very best. Everything in their is their handiwork,” she cooed. Out of all the hired help she’d ever gotten, Fabian and Julian had managed to worm their way into her cold, dead heart. They were absolute idiots, but they were her idiots and they managed to get the job done.

As Lorelai spoke, Ursula smiled and leaned back in her chair, very satisfied with the answer. If there was anyone she could rely on, it was her. “Excellent. I leave it in your very capable hands, then.” With that, she uncrossed her legs and in a fluid motion, lifted herself from the chair. “Well, I didn’t mean to interrupt your tea time, but I am very glad we had this chat. We will definitely be in touch. I’ll have my people get in touch with yours about scheduling a proper get together. Maybe at mine over some wine?” She suggested. “But until then, ta, love.”

~

By the time of Ms Di Rossi’s approach, Deziree had almost completely zoned out of the party. Every person that walked by her flaunting new shoes and sparkly clothes was just another kick in the shin, and every person that glanced the other way when they passed her was another chip to the ego. She couldn’t say that she was particularly ecstatic about having to dodge more questions about her mom’s whereabouts, but there was something so very inviting about Ursula’s approach that Dezi was already answering before she could stop herself. (Even if was simply to avoid further interrogation.)

“Oh, uh– Fairytale Romance just really isn’t my thing, you know?” she replied, forcing that well-practised smile that Mom always talked about when in good company. “Way too flouncy for my taste, and they keep playing those awful Bridgerton cover songs that are worse than the originals.”

--

Ursula gave a throaty chuckle at her remark. “Oh, the theme is atrocious,” she agreed before gesturing to her own one-of-a-kind handmade gown. “When you don’t fit a theme, transcend it is what I always say.” Dark eyes did a once over Deziree, immediately clocking her out of season dress. This was certainly not the standards that the matriarch Tremaine had laid out, and further confirmed Ursula’s suspicions that something was amiss. Even though it was obvious from her expression that she knew Deziree’s dirty dress secret, she didn’t make a comment about it.

As much as the young girl wanted to avoid it, it did not take long for the interrogation to come. “I have yet to see your mother or your sister at this event. Surely they wouldn’t stay home from the biggest event of the year?” She asked, her voice laced with concern.

If anyone were to take one look at Deziree Tremaine and say she looked absolutely thrilled to be at the Hootenanny, they would be lying through their teeth. She was here only out of obligation. Obligation to tradition and her mother’s voice in the back of her head. It was mortifying, standing here in a dress that was out of season amongst Redwood residents flaunting their most expensive garb, and still feeling the obligation to network with anyone above her station, despite the utter failure that it was proving (and had proven) to be. Demoralizing was the understatement of the century.

By eight thirty, Deziree had become what she had always been told not to; an undesirable wallflower. Lingering at the edge of the room, nursing her one free drink… Judging the absolutely horrendous accessory choices some of the party-goers were sporting. If it wasn’t for the major FOMO she’d have already gone home, despite mommy dearest’s voice.

--

All was not well in paradise. Ursula never gave much thought to the Tremaines after Deziree had given her Ella’s contact information. Although it had been some time, the two had never gotten to connect. However, Miss Fontaine never really drew her eye--on the outside everything seemed to be going fairly well with a successful business, child, and inherited wealth. Indeed, there wouldn’t seem to be any need for Ursula in the blonde beauty’s life.

After meeting and talking with Anastasia Tremaine, however, that family came into sharp focus beneath her watchful gaze. Something wasn’t right, and Ursula was going to figure out what it was.

Her attendance at the Hootenanny was little more than an opportunity to flaunt herself in front of a town that was beneath her. In that regard, she was having a wonderful time. However, when she saw the young Tremaine plastered against the wall, looking utterly defeated, it immediately set off her “poor unfortunate soul” alarm. This would need further investigation. “What’s wrong, my dear? Not enjoying the party?” She asked as she slipped to take the spot next to Deziree. Her voice was dripping in concern as she looked the poor thing over.