And all things sweet

location: Sip by Sip event: Wine Tasting date: January 18th, 2020

Red manicured nails tapped against the wooden table as light eyes scanned the room. So many others had arrived and began their sessions in groups, laughing and commenting on the wines they were provided with. A breath blew from her lips as Rebekah waited impatiently; her phone being pulled out, Rebekah sent a quick text before she realized her person she was to meet had approached the table. “Listen, I don’t care why you’re late, I’m just happy people aren’t staring at me with those pity eyes they give girls who get stood up.”

“Hey… don’t mean to be a pain in the ass, but is there any chance you can grab that bag for me?” Honestly, it was a miracle that Josh had even made it down as far as where his boat was docked, but as for getting things onto the actual boat or down the jetty —- he wasn’t having much luck. “I really need to stop trying to carry so much down here,” he added with a roll of his eyes. 

“I see.” Nodding when she realized what Xo had meant. Running a hand through the ends of her hair, she smiled sweetly at Xo. “The more the merrier. Honestly I love hosting as many people as I can. It makes life exciting.” She told her with a laugh. She loved more than anything hosting a good party— having those around her. “Yes, Barnes. It’s probably because of my dad or if you’re a Bachelor fan.” Admitting softly, even though she was proud of who she was there was something about having to admit who she was that felt shameful. Be it the fact her dad had pimped her out like a show pony for most of her life or that she’d put her love like on display twice now. “It’s really nice to meet you, Xiomara.” Extending her hand out to the other woman. “Would you want to get lunch?”

“Sure you are.” Rolling her eyes at Xo’s words and she didn’t believe them for a minute. “Please it’s been like fifteen minimum.” She told them with another dramatic sigh. “Fine finish your sentence.” Rolling over on the bed in defeat while she waited for them to finish up her one very long sentence. “Finally!” Practically celebrating at Xo’s announcement which meant they could finally go get something to eat. “Only sometimes.” Looking over at them with a wink, she let out a laugh. “So what were you working on just now? Was it work or something else?”

Xo playfully rolled their eyes as they pushed their hair over their shoulder. “It was for work, I have a meeting tomorrow, so I won’t be able to meet with some of the kids,” they told her as they rest their head on the bed for a moment. “Okay, so what are we craving? Chinese, Italian, Korean ... ? ” they asked, placing their hand in front of them before resting their chin on top. “As long as I have something with a little crunch, I’m good,” they claimed before shifting their body until they were laying flat on their back.

special delivery for → @xicmar​

location: winery 

time: january 9th

“I have to say I think this is the least favorite out of the wines we’re tried since we started this which is saying a lot.” Making a face as she sat her glass of wine down against the white tablecloth. “I think we need to go back to reds because this was something else.” She really didn’t have words for how bad the wine was. “Please tell me that you aren’t a fan of this?” 

“Well,” they started as they laced their glass of wine down on the table, “it’s not my favorite for sure, but it’s not that bad.” For the most part, their opinions on the wine they’ve tasted have been the same until now. “I mean, it wouldn’t be my first choice, but if it was the only one from the list of the other, bad, wines we tasted, I would pick this one.”

♛ ⋮ Brows gave an almost involuntary , inquisitive twitch as his coincidental company spoke up , choosing to indulge him in the simple , silly little pastime he’d so casually shared , and Theo let his gaze wander from the couple he’d been eyeing curiously to better address the woman at the nearby table he’d seemingly roped into his little game . He let his head fall into a curious tilt as he listened to her list of suggestions , of possibilities , not expecting quite so many answers to a singular question but wholly intrigued by the litany of options nonetheless . His nod was a thoughtful one , consenting , curious — she posed many options to him , but which one from the line up , if any , did she favor ? He couldn’t quite tell . There was something rather analytical about her gaze , though , as she scrutinized the couple he’d pointed out ; it was clear that , whatever her motivation , she did seem to be putting genuine thought into the answer she provided him . 

    ❝ But that is why I said I create my own stories , ❞ Theo confessed , a smile tugging at his lips behind the curve of white ceramic .  ❝ I will never know their actual truth , not unless I stood from this table right now and sprinted across the block to ask — and even then , I may just as well be met with assertions that I am absurd or speaking out of pocket for even wondering , and I am still none the wiser than I would be should I remain sat where I am . ❞ He flashed her a grin at that , almost conspiratorial in nature .  ❝ And in that reality — my reality — nothing can be wrong because anything , in theory , could be true . That’s the fun of it . ❞

"It would be quite a scene,” she commented while trying to hold back her laugh. Xo knew it wasn’t the takeaway of what he was saying, but it was hard not to imagine the scene played out. Everything he was saying wasn’t wrong - since it was his reality. Honestly, there was a part of her that wanted to have some type of rebuttal. “In your reality, what is the relation between that couple? ” she turned the question on him. A part of her was curious about what he would say. Would he go a typical idea, like the ones she listed prior, or would he add some type of interesting twist to it? 

“Well,” she started as if she found some rebuttal against his theory when she didn’t. “I do agree with your theory, and I can see how it would be --- fun. There are endless of possibilities. It could be someone best dream or worst nightmare,” for her it would probably be a mix of both. It all depends on the day, her mood, and how creative she’s feeling without repeating same ‘stories’. But to be honest, it seems a bit lonely - which Xo wasn’t against. She loved her alone time, but to come up with relations for strangers instead of making your own is different.

Honestly, Xiomara was not expecting this. She had felt out of place the moment they were able to put a face to who Noah was. As much as she would like to deny it, this was bringing up personal issues and insecurities for herself. Xo considers herself an Aldridge, in connection to her siblings - not her parents. She has felt accepted by them, but that varies depending on who she’s talking about individually. Maybe she’s in denial of wanting to accepted by Noah. All she knows is that she doesn’t want to be treated different from her other siblings because she’s not related by blood. And, if anyone were to ask, is the main reason why she kept her distance from the whole thing.

But here she was, with Noah as her cooked her lunch. She wasn’t sure how she got herself in this predicament. “It looks like we have a mini Gordon Ramsay over here,” she teased with a chuckle. It was better to make it light and playful instead of awkward, right?

“In a good way or bad way?” Safiye questioned with a laugh. When Xo confirmed that she could count her in Safiye smiled happily. “Awesome! I can’t wait to see you. Bring a friend or two if that’s your thing.” Letting her know that all plus ones were welcome at this point. “I should probably introduce myself formally— I’m Safiye Barnes.” 

Xo chuckled before nodding her head, “A good way.” Of course, no one wants to get the ‘bad’ gift ( based on perspective ), but she wasn’t really focusing on that. But beforehand, when everyone is together and all having fun and anticipating who gets what gift. At the end of the day, it supposed to be an event that was fun, right?  So there would be no point for Xo to take it so seriously. Nor, get upset with the gifts - its the thought that counts, right?  “Oh, I have a few in mind to drag to this party,” she laughed, “-- Barnes?  Sorry, your last name just seems familiar.” She couldn’t tell why, but it was at the tip of her tongue, “I’m Xiomara Rivera-Aldridge.”

@xicmar​ | lucky’s bar 

“ are we supposed to feel any different today? ” he asked, taking a swig of his beer. with the new year just starting, he didn’t have any resolutions or anything - he just wanted every day to go as well as the one before. ( raul had tried sleeping in that morning, tried to force himself to, but no dice. he couldn’t. ) and the more he hung out with xiomara, the more he realised there was something crazy familiar about her. he just couldn’t really put his finger on it. “ you got any resolutions you’re planning to break this year? ”

“We’re supposed to feel like a brand new person,” she told him. Xo let a hum escape her lips before tilting her head to the side, “Is it working yet?  Is there a new Raul coming for 2020? ” Xo was only teasing, of course. She swirled the Corona in her hand before taking a swig of it. “There are some things I need to work on,” she mused, “but working on my clinical hours will be my go-to answer for the next two to three years.” She knows, compared to the ‘things’ she wants to work on, her focus on clinical hours is superficial. But why get into that now and ruin the mood?

Laying across Xo’s bed, she looked over at her sister before sighing loudly. “Are you hungry yet? I’m over here wasting away.” She complained, she hugged the pillow to her chest. “You said you were only going to be ten more minutes and it feels like it’s been at least an hour.” 

Xo chuckled before nodding her head, “I’m almost done! ” They knew, if the roles were reverse, they would react the same way as Alex. “It’s only been five minutes,” they pointed out as they continued typing on their laptop, “but I just have to finish this sentence.” Well, two sentences - maybe three?  But Xo was going to be quick, they already have everything they needed to be written down. It didn’t take long, humming along to their music playing as she finished their last sentence, “Okay,---” they dragged out for a moment, “I’m done! ”  Xo closed their laptop before turning to face Alex with a grin, “you loveee me,” they sang as they jumped on their bed, causing Alex to move in some type of way. 

Saf stood there watching the woman look over the invitation and the moment her features expressed confusion Saf was ready to answer the question. “In a way yes and no. Basically bring a gift that you don’t like or don’t use, then toss it in the gift exchange. People will fight over it and it’ll be a lot of fun.” She explained with a cheery smile across her features. “So does that mean I can add you to the guest list?”

“Oh, that’s interesting,” and seemed more fun. She would be lying if she said she was not excited for a white elephant gif exchange. Xo nodded her head with a grin at the girl's question, “yes, count me in.” She acknowledges the fact that there was going to be a chance she wouldn’t know anyone at this party. But that wasn’t really a deal-breaker for her since she tends to get along with most people. 

“Maybe – maybe not”