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Post by Jennifer on Apr 24, 2021 21:25:31 GMT -5
Jen grinned brightly, so happy that Safi would consider it. She knew Safi was miserable with her current living situation, but she didn't know to what extent. Since someone had recently died at her old apartment she figured it would be nice to look for a new place. She hated moving. But she really didn't have that much really to pack up. She had been in that apartment by herself for the last three years. She didn't have any friends and knew no one in LA when she first moved so it worked out well for awhile. But that wasn't the case anymore and it would be nice to have some company she thought.
"Great! It's a date. I'll start looking or at least get an idea of what's near-ish to campus. We'll sit down together and see what we can find."
She'd smile and nod as Safi mentioned she was going to go stand outside.
"I'm so ready for food. And I don't think I've been in a limo since Prom." She'd laugh at that, looking over to Michael. She'd move back to him and loop her arm in his and just lean her head against his arm. What was the word from Bambi.. Twitterpated. She couldn't help it. It had been an intense few days and it left her feeling quite enamored with this tall, dorky, hunk of a redhead. Something that should have taken months, not days.
"You sure Donny's Place is ready for this crowd? This Zed fellow seems confident."
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Post by Ivy Chardin on Apr 24, 2021 22:15:24 GMT -5
‘Thank you Ivy, I haven’t forgotten about them.’ She paused when Zaid looked at her for an introduction. ‘This is Ivy my new assistant. Ivy, this is my personal guest Zaid.’
Zaid disappeared before Ivy could offer a hand and formal introduction. She caught view of who the young man hurried off to see. Her eyes darkened a bit but quickly returned to their normal color as the djinn left, seemingly at Zaid's insistence. Relief washed over her but there were no physical indications to anyone watching her.
Ivy knew Atraya was wary of her even if it wasn't showing. There was a patron requesting the young gallery owner's presence. But Ivy understood and she was not someone who took offense easily. She and Atraya were still getting to know each other. They had been working together for a few weeks but only over Zoom. The dynamic was different in person. Carlos joined them before Ivy could respond.
‘Sorry Ivy you’re such a church mouse tonight I forgot you were there.’
Ivy would grin at him. "Then I'm doing my job well." She watched as he left, excusing himself.
‘Lead the way, since I’m assuming someone specifically was hounding you for my presence..’
"They are friends of Martha and Richard Collins." She walked with Atraya giving her a quick debrief. "The Reid's were the highest bidders of the evening. They insisted they must meet you as they have been very impressed with the evening this far. They came in from Connecticut specifically for this evening. Both are recently retired. He was the owner/CEO of a security company and she found success with a jewelry business that catered to the elite."
Ivy would finish the debrief a few moments before they reached the couple.
"Excuse me, Mr. & Mrs. Reid. Allow me to introduce, Ms. Atraya Crowe. She is the owner of this lovely gallery."
"Miss Crowe, it is my pleasure to introduce Mr. Charles Reid and Mrs. Eleanor Reid."
Ivy would slip into the background allowing Atraya and the Reids privacy to chat. She wanted to check on the catering staff anyway and see if there was anything they needed.
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Post by jsmith506 on Apr 25, 2021 10:55:29 GMT -5
"He seems like the type that can make alot happen with just a phone call. He said he was going to call ahead to make a reservation. Right now the staff is all probably running around in a panic trying to get the place ready." Michael chuckled and lead Jennifer to the front door. He opened the door for her, and there Bruno stood with the door of the limo open for them to enter. "It would appear our chariot awaits my lady, shall we?"
Michael lead Jennifer down the stairs, he held her hand to give her balence as she slipped inside the limo. Bruno smiled at Michael and spoke a few words.
"Good to see you Mikey, we've missed you at the gym. But, I can see why now hey?" He gave Michael a little nudge on the shoulder with his elbow and grinned.
"Awe shucks Bruno, it's good to see you too. Things have been pretty crazy lately, but I should be able to get in and go a few rounds with you next week my man." Michael and Bruno did a fist bump and he piled in beside Jennifer. Zeddy was up near the front by the driver sipping on a glass of champagne. There was a rack with glasses and a bucket of ice with a bottle of champagne recessed into a little counter top on the passenger side of the limo. Seating was kind of like an L shape that wrapped from the back along the driver side of the limo.
Z'ress motioned to the champagne, "Help yourselves to the bubbly, are the others on their way out?"
"I believe so, I was hoping for a pied piper effect and to lead them out here. Aaand don't mind if I do!" Michael poured both he and Jennifer a glass of champagne.
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Post by Mel Benett on Apr 25, 2021 20:33:43 GMT -5
Mel squeezed Safi's hand again when she joined her outside and let her take in the limo. Mel never felt like she had to fill in silence when she was with her friends and Safi was no exception. She had a feeling Safi hadn't been in a limo before by the way she was taking it all in. Her eyes caught sight of Jen and Michael and watched as they climbed into the limo. Jen seemed happy and Mel loved that for her friend. "She really does look happy. This is a great chance for us to feel him out. I'm not getting any bad vibes so far." Mel wiggled her eyebrows at Safi.
Kai joined them shortly and she'd smile at him. "Yeah, this is our ride." She tilted her head in the direction of the limo. She held onto Safi's hand and started moving towards the door. She let go to climb into the limo and grinned at Jen and Michael. "Hey, lovebirds." She winked at Jen as she took a seat next to Michael. "So, this is an unexpected but pleasant turn of events. It certainly makes the logistics of getting to the restaurant much easier." She chuckled a bit as Safi and Kai climbed in and got situated.
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Post by Jennifer on Apr 27, 2021 21:58:20 GMT -5
Jen slipped into the limo as Michael paused to speak to the driver. She'd duck down and slide in as far as she could to give others plenty of room to slip inside. She'd instantly spot Zed in the front of the limo and give him a smile. She noted the champagne and wonder idly, judging by appearance alone if he was old enough to be drinking. She then quickly dismissed that though, recalling her last encounter with Michael's boss and his girlfriend. It reminded her that things were not always as they seemed. It would make her give the young guy a second look. Not that she could tell any difference truthfully. Maybe he was just really into K-pop given his dress and hair color.
"Thank you Zed. It's really generous of you to offer to drive us to this restaurant. Especially since you really just met us."
Her gaze would move to the door as Michael slid in and immediately went for the champagne for the both of them. He would be followed closely by Mel, Safi, and Kai. She noted how close Mel wiggled up to Michael and wondered if this is where he was going to get the third degree.
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Post by kinkednitemare on Apr 28, 2021 19:06:57 GMT -5
Safi Marie Hayes
-=Safi stood there with Mel holding her hand. She was very much comfortable like this getting affection from the people she was close with always made her feel good...special, but also fed into her love language. Kai was out beside her and she'd smile looking at the limo as he mentioned it Mel would explain it was their ride and Safi would look at him just as excited as she did when she found out before she was pulled along to get into it with Mel. Her hand grabbing Kai to drag him along with her with a bit of a laugh.
She was so happy for Jen and she would nod agreeing she didn't get a weird vibe from Michael either. He seemed legit and this was amazing for Jen. So glad Mel felt the same way she'd look at Jen and Michael as they got into the limo and smile wide when Mel called them love birds.
Her hand would stay in Mel's until she let go. Her other hand on Kai's arm as she took in the whole limo her eyes big as she tried to contain herself a little not act like the poor girl she was, but alas that was next to impossible, this was pretty kewl and she would let her dorky side fly at this point as she leaned forward to look at some of the stuff lining the opposite side of the limo. So much to explore. She felt the need to touch...it was a tic she could usually keep under control, but she let it take over for the moment since everyone seemed a little distracted from watching her or so she thought.
There was free water bottles and she'd glance back at Kai curiously...could she have one? Who did she ask? The driver? She'd sit up leaving them alone for now, but would look up and observe the lighting in the limo quietly as everyone chit chatted around her.=-
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Post by jsmith506 on Apr 28, 2021 22:27:10 GMT -5
"It is my pleasure Miss Jennifer, we'll call this a publicity stunt for the restaurant. Please, everyone make yourselves at home. Help yourselves to whatever you like, champagne, water, and I think there's even some beer in the mini-fridge. Is this all of us though? Zaid opted to stay with Lady Atraya hey? Was it just me, or did they have something going on between them?" Z'ress tapped his watch with a chuckle and spoke into it. "Alright Bruno, that's the last of us we're ready to head out." Bruno would then gently close the door to the limo and climb into the driver seat to fire up the Limo. "I call dibs on the first song though! You can connect to the sound system with your mobile devices via Bluetoot." Zeddy let another one slip, he had a hard time with some of these weird Terran phrases, completely understood their function and how to use them like a savant, yet pronouncing some of them got away from him from time to time. Good F**king Music by Solence would start to thump in the back of the Limo. Michael would chime in then, "Woo! This is my jam! You're the man Zed! I frickin love Solence, old man Sanders got me hooked on them! Heck yeah Mel!" He offered a fist bump to Jen's bff, then Michael slipped his arm around Jen's shoulders and give her a big squeeze with a smile, this was such a great night for a fly by the seat of your pants kinda' thing. And that seemed to be the trend in their relationship thus far. They were both having fun though in spite of all the crazy and enjoying each other's company and that's what counts in the end. "Ah, I'm not surprised. Mr. Sanders seems to have fine tastes and is a good man. I'm eager to meet him in person." Zed smiled and nodded. He had not had much dealings with Mr. Sanders, only over the phone conversations, mostly brief but very colorful and entertaining ones to say the least. The limo would pull away from the gallery then and they were all off to Donny's Place, in style.
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Post by Kaivion Stone on Apr 28, 2021 23:21:04 GMT -5
Kai would nod in answer to Zed's question about Zaid as he was the last one in the car. 'yeah I guess so. I wish that man the best of luck. I have a feeling he's gonna need it with a catch like that' He shook his head in almost disbelief, but would turn to look at safi who was just glowing with the affection and the closeness that everyone was offering and just her over all excitement of being in the limo, it made her beautiful in a way he didn't quite understand, but he rolled with it. Instead he just squeezed her hand against his side as she held onto his arm letting her know that he was rigtht there with her. and as long as she held on he was never letting go. Cuz that's just the kind of guy Kai was.
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Post by Atraya Crowe on Apr 28, 2021 23:47:12 GMT -5
"Miss Crowe, it is my pleasure to introduce Mr. Charles Reid and Mrs. Eleanor Reid."
Atraya would smile and make conversation with the Reid’s. Answered their questions and offered much gratitude for them being there and of course their purchase. It felt like the conversation went on forever before the couple finally excused themselves when they realized how late it was growing for them, coming all the way from the east coast and all.
Atraya would smile and bid them good night, and start making her rounds throughout the gallery. Saying good night to other patrons as they also wanted their meet and greet with the up and comer. Eventually all that remained in the gallery where the general public who showed up for the evening show that had been also advertised in the paper. The one that Atraya was entrusting Ivy to look after. She had told Ivy that she was expecting to leave shortly after the public opening started so she could go home and rest. Dealing with fellow rich people was exhausting. But more than that Atraya at the time just wanted to be alone and left alone. But tonight, there was someone she wanted to be around.
She deliberately hunted down her assistant. When she found Ivy finally she smiled and pulled her aside.
‘I’m going to call it an evening since everyone who I needed to speak to I’ve either spoken to and are wandering with the public or they’ve left for the evening. I’m exhausted and I intend to see my guest home. Carlos has called for a car.’
She paused looking around with a staitisfied look on her face. ‘And good Job Ivy I couldn’t have pulled this together without you.’
With that she’d walk away looking for Zaid. Lasst she had seen him, he’d been near the entrance talking to a strange man. One she had thought she’d seen at the rave carlos dragged her too. But was left uncertain. She’d find him still standing there watching as if he was waiting for the stranger to suddenly re-appear. She’d slide her hand into his. A bewitching smile crossing her features.
‘I’ve called a car to get out of here. Will you join me?’
They were never going to havea private moment if they stayed there. Atraya just had that feeling. She hoped that Zaid would say yes to the change of plans.
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Post by Mel Benett on Apr 30, 2021 22:14:38 GMT -5
Mel would fist bump Michael back and grin. She'd help herself to some champagne. The high energy in the limo was way more exciting than the gallery opening. Safi's pure excitement of being in the limo, Jen's energy from a new relationship, Michael's energy in general. Kai was still moody and talking to her as little as possible but he was here for Safi and she was grateful to him for that. The music was pumping so she'd hold up her glass and tilt it towards her friends in a sort of silent toast before taking a sip. She couldn't help but grin as she leaned back in the seat a bit. Yep, the night was just beginning.
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Post by darkheart on May 1, 2021 11:02:51 GMT -5
The passenger side of the limo would open and a man in a literal million dollar suit would step out. He would look to be in his late 50's, his silver hair laced with grey just above the ears and his silver blue eyes sparkling brightly. There was a silver ring with a bright blue emerald in it on the middle finger of his right hand and a wedding band that would be most familiar to Zed on his left ring finger. Nodding quietly to the young adults with a warm smile, he stood, taking a silver tipped black cane from the car, leaning on it and walking with a little difficulty towards the back of the vehicle. Leaning down to look into the limo, his voice was warm and inviting.
"Good evening young ladies and gentlemen. Michael, it is good to see you again young man! I hope you are well. Miss Jennifer, you do not know me, but I know you. A pleasure to see you well. For those of you who do not know me, I am Mr. Jacare's employer, Mr. Shadowstar. Rest assured I am pleased you are here and hope you have a fun evening. I am only here to speak to Mr. Jacare to request a favor. Zed, it's very complicated to explain, but would you text my wife and let her know that I am okay. I may be delayed with my current endeavor, but I'm working to get home to see her and the girls soon. Also, I've a list of procurements and investments for you. Some may seem high risk, but please believe me that I know they'll pan out correctly."
He would smile warmly, handing Zed a small black leather booklet filled with a strange language that none of the young adults would not understand, but Zed would immediately recognize as Drowish. Reaching into his coat, he'd pull out a money clip with several hundred thousand dollars in it, leafing through and then handing each of them around $500 each with a nod.
"What does Ecclesiastes say? Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die? I don't know about the dying part, but do have a good time and enjoy the gift and freedom of youth! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have further business to attend to. Miss Jennifer, Sir Michael, Master Jacare, everyone...I bid you a fine revelry and a grand evening!"
He would straighten, turning to walk down the sidewalk, the tip of the cane clacking on the pavement. Turning down the nearest alley and out of sight, the air around him would bend in like a warped mirror, then snap back into place and he would be gone.
*~*~*
After Faruq had left, Zaid had made his way upstairs again. Away from all the wealthy people he might be a cause of embarrassment to Atraya to, he isolated himself where he could be considered interested only in the art without anyone to question him, his upbringing, or anything else that might belie him as nothing more than a shined up poor Indian kid. He found a black and white image of a white daisy resting in a quarter inch of rippling water. It's distorted image in the reflection brought a dissonance to the reality of its form that he found both ironic and satisfying. He wondered, idly, which was the reality - the perfect, ordered petals or the rippled, chaotic ones. Did the mind try to find order in the chaos, or was the chaos the true beauty of the order? Perhaps this was a hidden truth in his life and why it resonated so well. It seemed like only a moment had passed when Atraya's hand found his. He did not startle at the touch, but rather seemed to relax naturally into it as a smile slowly etched across his lips. After a brief moment, he turned to her, his eyes radiating sincerity on a deep level.
"I will go anywhere with you."
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Post by Jennifer on May 1, 2021 12:37:43 GMT -5
Jennifer had a moment of confusion as the strange man leaned his head into the limo and greeted both Michael and herself. She'd dart her eyes over at Michael a moment and give his knee a squeeze, assuming at first that this was someone he knew that he might've mentioned her to. Then he would explain he was Zed's employer. It would bring her memory back to when she actually met Mr. Sanders and much like Zed, she'd pause to give this Mr. Shadowstar an extra curious look. Not that she could tell anything anyway, especially when he began handing out money to all of them.
Jen's eyes would widen, she didn't want to be rude and openly count the folded hundred dollar bills that had been placed in her hand, it was enough that at least one had been freely given in such a manner. Brows would furrow and she'd glance around in the car, looking to Michael but addressing her question to both him and kind of Zed after Mr. Shadowstar had walked away and out of sight.
"Is... is this okay? He's not, off his rockers and handing out money he shouldn't be, right?"
She didn't want to spoil the fun for everyone, lord knows all of them probably needed it with college expenses and all. But stuff like this didn't normally happen. But then again, when had anything really been normal since she met Michael.
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Post by jsmith506 on May 1, 2021 20:31:16 GMT -5
Z'ress' eyes were wide with shock. It was the man formerly known as Cat-man to him. Except, he was older looking, much older. He took the booklet and nodded to the man. "At once Mr. Shadowstar, I will contact Lady Seraphina immediately." He swallowed hard and watched Nathan walk down the street, still in shock at what had just transpired. He shook his head and pulled out his phone and immediately started typing out a message to Sera.
Michael gave Jennifer's hand a squeeze, he was equally shocked as Zed, the last time he had seen Nathan, he looked twenty years younger yet only a few months had passed. He whispered to Jen "That was Don's Son-in-law, he bought the restaurant and Heaven can Wait and the chauffeur company I was working for when I met them. It's alright, he's the real deal, but something is off. Zed and Don and I need to talk in private later."
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Post by jsmith506 on May 2, 2021 12:09:48 GMT -5
Z'ress' eyes widened at his phone, a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead. Lilith was also at the Shadowstar residence in Africa. At least if she was there, Mia and Morsus and by now most likely Niwyn and Ilimetha... Lady Seraphina was safe and in the best company she could be in. He looked to Michael who would know what was up from who Zed was texting and how Nathan appeared to them... A grimace crossed his face and he shook his head at Michael indicating the situation was dire, but dinner would go on as intended.
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Post by Jennifer on May 2, 2021 16:52:30 GMT -5
Jennifer would look over to Michael, then to Zed as it was mentioned they needed to speak in private. She didn't know what was going on but it wasn't any of her business really. Sounded like a family matter with Mr. Sanders. Instead, she'd put on a bright smile and sit up in the seat, looking at her friends.
"Well this is certainly an interesting night. First round is on me!"
She'd snicker, sliding the gifted money in her clutch.
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