(set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d)) (set: $solo to "1")
<img src="elBad_images/game/+1demo.jpg" style="width:100%" title="+1"/></a>
It's been three months, two weeks, and two days since your ex but who's counting? So far all this time has been spent wallowing in private and hiding behind brittle smiles when forced into social engagements.
(link: "Yup, this kind of sucks") [
Life as you know it has slowed to a crawl for better or worse. Months worth of free time has been squandered in your PJ's eating things you know you really shouldn't be eating and //definitely not// in those quantities.
The mobile puzzle games keep you from delving too deep into how differently things could have gone and whether the right decisions were made.
It's been three months, two weeks, and two days since your ex but who's counting?
(link: "Where was I?") [
You position the next block in your puzzle game but before it fits nicely into place a reminder notification goes off. All this secret wallow time has put off the rest of the world for longer than you realized.
Now, alarms of all types are going off in your mind and panic begins to boil over.
Something important is coming up but what is it? What did you push so far into the void that you left no available mental resources to remember, instead focusing said resources into how to boost your level and break your own scoring records in deep, meaningful, nay, //critical//, mobile puzzle games?
(link: "What now?") [
Viewing the notification you realize you have to drag yourself out of the shadows and into the painful world of human interaction because the Calendar Gods have digitally decreed it so.
By week's end you will face the ultimate doom for any single the world over - A Wedding.
* You need to get a //gift//.
* You need to get //in shape//.
* You need to //get a date!//
** You could use a drink....
Your friend Shayne sent you a pair of roundtrip tickets to her posh wedding in the Cayman Islands. The other ticket was meant for your ex but now will just serve as a big empty seat for your carry-on unless you can do something about it by next Friday.
Why couldn't Shayne just downplay //this one thing// in her life?
It's going to be a busy week.
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]]
Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]]
I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without greasing myself up first.
* [[Gym]]
No time for this nonsense, let's go.
[[Travel]]
]
]
]
(If: $vace is 1) [ You show up with the fancy, overpriced vace.]
(else:) [ You didn't hit the registry but found a servicable wedding card and this lavish event looks really pricey so the cash will go far. You might be embarassed for showing up at anyone elese's wedding otherwise empty-handed but Shayne knows you by now. ]
Your journey finally brought you to the beautiful Cayman Islands.
(if: $fit is 1) [Hitting the gym paid off. I am //back// and I've never felt or looked better! $plus1 seems to agree and can't stop gazing at you.]
(else:) [You've felt better and are lucky the wedding party outfit doesn't make you look like you had to be greased up and stuffed into it //(even though it may feel that way)//.]
(if: $male is 1) [
The first night is as gorgeous as you can imagine. You know Shayne picked the right place for her wedding.
Of course she planned for it outdoors. The staging is magical. Arbors and greenery, archways with white lilies - her favorite - against a backdrop of the sea with the orange and purple sunset sky pouring in. The sun lazily sinks into the horizon and a breeze as fresh as any washes over the scene. Rows of white wooden folding chairs fill the grass. The aisle to the small stage is cleared away but for the windblown grass and loose flower petals.
The wedding party herds together for a quick practice so everyone knows what they need to do the next day. This is wedding party only so there are fewer distractions, which is good because the little ones who will be “Ring Bear” and Flower Girl are already a handful. You can’t blame them; you wish you could run around carefree like a child in paradise too.
Shayne emerges from the cluster of people near the stage with an expression of tired war but that gives way to the smiling goofball you know all too well when she sees you. She rushes to you and gives you a big hug and kiss.
“Finally, my sanity is here,” she calls. “Strings, where have you been?”
“Secretly orchestrating the chaos,” you say, wiggling your fingers as if casting spells.
“Don’t even joke like that,” she says. Then, taking you by the arm, she leads you to a man with dark freeform dreadlocks with light colored tips poking out from a wide cloth band tying his hair back. “This is your left foot. Left foot, right foot.”
He turns to regard you with a slow warm half-smile, like a grin that could be mischievous if not for his kind eyes behind round lenses in pale gold frames. “I’m Andre. Shayne’s told me about you.
Shayne slaps you on the back and briskly walks back to the center of humanity setting up the staging area. “We’ll catch up, Strings,” she calls, waving over her shoulder at you before adding her voice to the din.
“Hi, Andre,” you say, shaking hands. “She really knows how to make an entrance and just ‘poof’ doesn’t she?”
“She once introduced me as a southern history buff to a group of college professors and then walked away,” he says, “I studied statistics and analytics.”
“Sounds like something she would do. I’ve often wondered if she can see her reflection. If she wrote an autobiography what would the dust jacket say?”
“I don’t know but I’d probably have her sign a copy and then burn it.”
“That would mean you’d have to buy it first,” you point out.
“True,” he concedes, “but something tells me my level of satisfaction would justify it.”
“So, you went to school together?” you ask. “I think she’s mentioned you before.”
“We didn’t have any classes together but we hung out with a lot of the same people,” Andre says. “I actually met her through her cousin, Dan. Dan and I go back, too.”
Well, I think the DJ has eyes for you. Who am I to get in the way...?
[[My man]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
“Yeah, I wasn’t around for her college experience. I had my own going on but we stayed in touch,” you say. “In a lot of ways it was like we were there but not really.”
“She catch you up on the good and the bad, did she?”
“So much that I almost thought that I’d be the one walking her down the aisle. Not that I wish ill for her father. He’s been nice to me over the years.”
“You must have had some history. I actually remember her mentioning you. Did you two really take a rival high school mascot costume and put it in the back of a running squad car?”
“It sounds a lot worse than it was and no we did not do that.”
“She showed me the pictures -”
“She said she burned those!”
“That is cold-blooded,” he says, shaking his head. “Did she really drive with it in the trunk of her car for almost two weeks?”
“It was rumored that whoever //did// have it could not find a safe, suitable backdrop for the pictures.”
“//A running squad car?// You know those things have dash-cams, right?”
“I, you know what? I’m sure whoever did it had some very, very good reasons and are really very good citizens. Kind to old ladies, love kittens and pay their taxes and besides, it was freezing that night. You could tell because they were wearing ski masks as per the dash-cam. That footage remains part of a stumper the local PD could never solve.”
“A regular cold-case,” he says. “Rumor has it Shayne was propelled to legendary status on campus but she continues to deny all connections to the incident.”
“Rumor has it,” you continue, “that the accomplice extraordinaire played it real low key wherever they went to college. It would be foolish to drag something like that behind you. But yeah, Shayne and I stayed close. Don’t know about those two though.”
“Don’t know if I should make friends with you or walk away quickly,” he says with a scoff.
“You won’t get far without your right foot,” you wink.
“Sounds like I’m stuck.”
Well, I think the DJ has eyes for you. Who am I to get in the way...?
[[My man]]
Andre is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $andre to 1)
“‘Fraid so,” you say, twisting back and forth at the waist and batting eyelashes. “Besides, do you really think you can withstand wave after wave of sappiness on your own, left foot?”
Shayne calls everyone to their battle positions and the practice run goes off without a problem. As long as the little ones stay on task, should be a breeze.
As Shayne, her fiance Tyler and the priest go through their prep everyone else is off to the side out of the way. You watch from a safe distance with a smile.
You tilt your head toward the main event and Andre’s attention follows your motion. Shayne is misty-eyed with Tyler and the priest on hand. “Gonna be hard to move through all of that sappy sludge without a right foot. You need me.”
“Are you saying we should lean on each other to survive this?”
“You’d never make it without me.”
“You have a really interesting way to get a date,” he says. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised knowing your history with your partner in crime. Not sure if you taught her or she taught you.”
“It’s all about survival ‘round these parts, matie” you say, “lest ye be a bucket of chum, chum. The sea be hungry, arr..”
“A promise of thrills and chills, huh?”
“Beats stats and analytics,” you say.
“Everybody dumps on stats and analytics,” he says with a laugh. “All right, I’m game.”
“Yay!”
“Guess I’m all about surviving, right foot,” he says. “See you tomorrow.”
“Arr….”
Well, I think the DJ has eyes for you. Who am I to get in the way...?
[[My man]]
Can't ignore the signs, the Fates have brought us together...
[[Andre]]]
]
]
(else-if: $female is 1) [
The first night is as gorgeous as you can imagine. You know Shayne picked the right place for her wedding.
Of course she planned for it outdoors. The staging is magical. Arbors and greenery, archways with white lilies - her favorite - against a backdrop of the sea with the orange and purple sunset sky pouring in. The sun lazily sinks into the horizon and a breeze as fresh as any washes over the scene. Rows of white wooden folding chairs fill the grass. The aisle to the small stage is cleared away but for the windblown grass and loose flower petals.
The wedding party herds together for a quick practice so everyone knows what they need to do the next day. This is wedding party only so there are fewer distractions, which is good because the little ones who will be “Ring Bear” and Flower Girl are already a handful. You can’t blame them; you wish you could run around carefree like a child in paradise too.
Shayne emerges from the cluster of people near the stage with an expression of tired war but that gives way to the smiling goofball you know all too well when she sees you. She rushes to you and gives you a big hug and kiss.
“Finally, my sanity is here,” she calls. “Strings, where have you been?”
“Secretly orchestrating the chaos,” you say, wiggling your fingers as if casting spells.
“Don’t even joke like that,” she says. Then, taking you by the arm she leads you to a sandy-blonde. “This is your left foot. Left foot, right foot.”
The sandy-blonde turns and her hair bounces over her shoulder. She looks at you with sleepy eyes and smiles widely at you. “Hi, I’m Andrea,” she says, holding her hand out.
Shayne slaps you on the back and briskly walks back to the center of humanity setting up the staging area. “We’ll catch up, Strings,” she calls, waving at you over her shoulder before adding her voice to the din.
Andrea laughs. “She’s not much for introductions is she?”
“I think we’re friends but I don’t know why,” you say wistfully. You shake her hand.
“She’s told me a lot about you. You seem pretty cool,” she says, nodding her head with a slight tilt as if playfully trying to decide for herself.
“She told you I dismembered my last dates did she?”
“What?” her voice cracks above the noise. “No, tell me you’re joking!” Her half-closed eyes go full wide and you see the warm hazel in them and it makes you feel relaxed and peaceful. “She takes you by the shoulders, “I said, ‘Tell me you’re joking!’” Her laugh is a perfect match for her eyes, which have returned to half-closed.
“She keeps my secrets. //That’s// why we’re friends,” you say, with your finger on your chin as if remembering now.
Andrea slaps your arm. “You’re so not funny. Besides, this is not a date, it’s a wedding-thing-a-ramma,” her hand twirls in the air looking for the right words. “So you can’t do anything to me.” She pokes her tongue out briefly.
Well, I think the DJ has eyes for you. I'm just gonna go....
[[My girl]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
“We’re both wedding-party-animals,” you say trying to help out.
“Yep, that’s right. Because if we were on a date right now we wouldn’t just be standing here,” she says matter of factly.
“What would we be doing? Just, you know, for future reference?”
“For ‘future reference,’ we’d be, I don’t know what we’d be doing but we’d be doing it all right,” she says with her hands upside down at her lower back and shaking her head laughing at her own fail. “I just flew a bucketload of hours on a plane and my back and my butt are tired and I have no idea where I’m supposed to be other than you’re my right foot.”
“Bucketload of hours?” you ask confused.
“Look here, friend,,” she says, with an overturned hand pointing at you and a forward tilt of her head, “you may have dismembered your last date but my last date can tell you there are worse things than death.”
“I don’t know that living to tell the tale makes it as scary,” you say.
“Well believe me, you don’t want what they got because what they got, no one wants,” she says, with a dismissive wave of her hand.
You wince. “Sounds like a medical condition.”
She laughs, “Right foot, you do not want to mess with all this danger over here.” She shifts her weight to one leg and turns her hands toward herself. You take in her very model-like frame. Not a scary thing about her. Quite the opposite.
You let out a long sigh. “Good thing for both of us then that this is not in fact a date.”
“Right?” she laughs again and lightly slaps your shoulder.
Well, I think the DJ has eyes for you. I'm just gonna go....
[[My girl]]
Andrea is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $andrea to 1)
Shayne calls everyone to their battle positions and the practice run goes off without a problem. As long as the little ones stay on task, should be a breeze.
As Shayne, her fiance Tyler and the priest go through their prep everyone else is off to the side out of the way. You watch from a safe distance with a smile.
“Just think, that will be you someday.” Andrea bumps you with her shoulder. You turn to see her watching them with a glazed smile. Her eyes are wet. She notices your smile. “What? I have never not cried at one of these. I know it’s stupid but I can’t help myself. I try not to watch any of those sappy Christmas movies until Christmas week.”
“Wow,” you say, “all that concentrated sap in one week? You are brave.”
“Just let it go, baby!” she laughs. “Some wine and tissues, I’ll be fine… I’ll be fine….” she sniffles.
You wouldn’t normally do this but given the setting and atmosphere, you hold her hand.
She lets out something like a whimper and rests her head on your shoulder.
“Don’t pick my pocket and we’ll be just fine,” you say.
She chokes out a laugh and bumps you with the outside of her hip sending you off balance. Still holding hands she catches you from falling over and the two of you go back to watching Shayne and Tyler as they face each other beaming. From here you can see Shayne is misty-eyed.
“She’s going to lose it tomorrow, isn’t she?” Andrea asks.
“She’ll either be too busy managing all the details or be too lost in the moment to lose it. She’ll be ready. Just like it should be.”
“Aw,” Andrea whimpers as she somehow draws closer.
“I don’t know if you came with anyone but how would you feel about celebrating their wedding with me tomorrow?”
“Are you actually asking me on a date? Don’t you know the potential risks and dangers implied by that one simple question?”
“All risks and dangers accounted for, hazards too.”
“It’s a ‘Yes’ from me,” her voice trembles. She looks at you with watery eyes and the warmest smile you’ve ever seen.
Well, I think the DJ has eyes for you. I'm just gonna go....
[[My girl]]
Nothing's ever felt more right. Let's do this!
[[Andrea]]]
]
]
(else-if: $plus1 is 0) [You see the wedding party hanging out by the doors to the rooms where they are getting ready to walk down the aisle. Shayne will make good on her promise to set you up so you decide to jump on your own grenade and beat her to it.
You see a more than capable groomsman wrestling with the last button on his sleeve cuff - the last one can be tricky for the best of us. He's biting his bottom lip and probably doesn't realize it.
[[Andre]]
The flower-girl can't be older than four and is a little ball of energy. A bridesmaid is corraling her and dancing with her. Total hero, fun, and there's something about how she dances even when she's playing nice.
[[Andrea]] ]They've overbooked the flight in coach and your seat is taken.
A stewardess discreetly approaches you, smiles and says, "Today's your lucky day. It looks like we have an available seat in //first class//."
She pulls the curtain and motions to a couple of vacant spacious seats.
A man is sitting by a window seat.
[[Upgrade]]
A woman is sitting at an aisle seat
[[Luxury]]
Let's just get this over with.
[[Wedding]] (set: $bar to 1)
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
You stop at a bar called //The Dusty Jug//. It's an old style bar with long windows out front. You can see patrons inside. The lights inside are low but cozy and warm not creepy.
On entering, the interior is nicer than you could see before. The patrons sitting in the windows sit at tables for four. There are a couple of steps down with a ramp on the other end going to the main floor with more tables.
Old wood flooring with plenty of character sprawl from wall to wall. Dark wood molding hand carved throughout is almost breathtaking. There's a shuffle board table toward the back where the restrooms are as well as a couple of electronic dart boards.
The bar itself is trimmed with curved dark wood, brass accents and lined with hgh stools with padded seats.
A man at the bar wearing a striped button down shirt, slacks, and dress shoes nurses a pint of beer and breifly holds his stare at you over top his phone.
[[Bar]]
A woman in a dark longsleeve top, blue jeans, and dark flats sits alone at a table sipping a beer and notices you right away.
[[Table]]
No time for this nonsense, let's go.
[[Travel]]
(set: $vase to 1)
Need to get that gift. The list mentions vaces. Likely pricey.
A man is at the far end of the aisle looking at a long vase.
[[Long]]
A woman is comparing two vases.
[[Two]]
No time for this nonsense, let's go.
[[Travel]]
(set: $fit to 1)
Need to get fit. That wedding party outfit isn't made of spandex.
You've seen this place advertised and while the people in the commercial looked too manicured to come to a gym and lift a weight you decide to either satisfy the need to prove the commercial was phony or that those people are real and you have a long way to go to clean yourself up for Shayne's big day.
So is it a gym or a healthclub? Is there a difference today? You open the door and the smell of rubber mats hits your nose squere. A middle-aged woman at the counter who doesn't look like she interacts where she works when she's not working signs you in.
After paying for the day you head to the back per her instructions and find the locker room to get changed. Along the way you see the backwall of full-length mirrors that both make the place seem really huge and row after row of machines. The gentle clang of weights is like a broken drum beat you can easily resist but know you mustn't.
Changed and determined you look around for a place to start and realize with as many people here at this hour you may just kill two birds with one stone.
A man is at the dumbell rack looking for the right weight for his next movement.
[[Dumbells]]
A woman is on the treadmill in a steady walk poking at the settings.
[[Treadmill]]
No time for this nonsense, let's go.
[[Travel]]
(set: $fstyle to (color: #ffccff))
(set: $mstyle to (color: #99ccff))
(set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
It's time. You've dragged your feet for as long as your possibly could.
Procrastination has no greater autuer.
This is your game and your name is inscribed on all of its championships but there will be no further delays.
You're all out of time-outs.
This is it.
So....
{
[Bar
* (if: $alec is 1) [ Alec:
$mstyle [[423-659-4475 ]] ]
(if: $alec is 0) [ ]
* (if: $terrance is 1) [ Terrance:
$mstyle [[256-266-1542 ]] ]
(if: $terrance is 0) [ ]
* (if: $adrienne is 1) [ Adrienne:
$fstyle [[735-212-4593 ]] ]
(if: $adrienne is 0) [ ]
* (if: $candice is 1) [ Candice:
$fstyle [[265-691-8325 ]] ]
(if: $candice is 0) [ ]
]
}
{
[Store
* (if: $cedric is 1) [ Cedric:
$mstyle [[473-515-2739 ]] ]
(if: $cedric is 0) [ ]
* (if: $sam is 1) [ Sam:
$mstyle [[735-244-6413 ]] ]
(if: $sam is 0) [ ]
* (if: $cathy is 1) [ Cathy:
$fstyle [[449-418-9121 ]] ]
(if: $cathy is 0) [ ]
* (if: $mindy is 1) [ Mindy:
$fstyle [[449-212-7273 ]] ]
(if: $mindy is 0) [ ]
]
}
{
[Gym
* (if: $javier is 1) [ Javier:
$mstyle [[473-253-9450 ]] ]
(if: $javier is 0) [ ]
* (if: $sebastian is 1) [ Sebastian:
$mstyle [[735-212-4200 ]] ]
(if: $sebastian is 0) [ ]
* (if: $camilla is 1) [ Camilla:
$fstyle [[449-212-8120 ]] ]
(if: $camilla is 0) [ ]
* (if: $chelsea is 1) [ Chelsea:
$fstyle [[735-479-4174 ]] ]
(if: $chelsea is 0) [ ]
]
}
No time for this nonsense, let's go.
[[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }(set: $caughtup to 1)
Hello?
Hey, Shayne, it’s me. Long time no speak.
Strings!
//Ugh, I’ll never get away from that one. She’s called me that since I nervously asked her out years ago. She never said //Yes// or //No// but when I asked her response was to tell me my shoestrings were untied. After all this time I’m not 100% convinced she knows my actual name. Needless to say we make better BFs.//
How’s the planning coming? Have you taken completely over or did you at least let him pick one a wedding color?
How long have you known me, Strings?
Long enough. Is he curled up in a corner somewhere and if so do you at least feed and water him?
You are going to love Tyler. You got the tickets I sent you, right? When are you two coming in?
// Right, still need to address this. //
(Link: "About my plus-one....")
[
Odd turn of events, Shayne.
What? What happened?
We sort of split up a few months ago.
No way! I thought you two would get hitched before me. I’m so sorry, Strings. Are you okay?
I’m great. Things are good. I’m actually trying to decide who I’m taking to your little soiree.
Really? Look at you playing the field.
Well, I can’t cash in the extra ticket right? Can I…?
No. And you better introduce me to your plus one because if you show up to this thing all by yourself, the first thing I'm going to do is match you up right after I say //I do//. Trust me, I already have someone in mind and we have a big wedding party.
// Nope. She tried this twice before and is 0 - 2. //
(Link: "Take a holiday, Cupid")
[
No thanks. I’m still not over your hook-ups. When I hear violins or strumming I duck from PTSD.
Ha ha ha! Hey, you bring out the most bizarre qualities in people. I can’t help that. But really, Strings, you should see a professional and work on repressing those memories.
It’s the war stories that bind us, Shayne.
God knows we have them. Well, I’ve got to get back to the final prep. We’re deciding on center pieces for the tables.
Really, Shayne, // we’re // deciding?
Shut up, Strings. Sounds like you’ve got your own big decision to make or you’ll be in for Shayne match-up number three.
Third time’s the harm. When it comes to you anyway.
Ha ha ha! See you at the Cayman Islands, Strings.
See you soon, Shayne.
// She was right. I couldn’t put this off anymore. Time to make my decision. //
[[Decision Time]]
No time for this nonsense, let's go.
[[Travel]]
]
]
(set: $male to 1) (set: $female to 0)
“Oh, hey. I’m glad you called,” Alec says.
“I’m glad you answered. It would have felt weird leaving this message.”
“Yeah, what’s up?”
"I know this probably sounds crazy, but I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. Would you go with me as my plus one, Alec?"
(link: "More")[
“The couples event you mentioned the other night?”
“You are a good listener, Alec.”
"No way," he says with a chortle in disbelief. "You’re serious?"
(link: "More")[
"My job comes with plenty of vacation time just waiting to be used. I’m in!"
/He's game!//
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Alec?")[ (set: $plus1 to "Alec") (set: $occupation to "") (set: $eyes to "brown eyes") (set: $cave to "") (set: $cave to "")
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel with Alec]]
]
]
](set: $female to 1) (set: $male to 0)
"Hi! I was hoping to hear fom you." Adrienne sounds genuinely happy to hear from me. I'm relieved.
"Sorry, it's been a minute. I've had a lot going on."
"No worries. Thought maybe I scared you off about my germ infested daytime fun."
"Nope. Not at all. In fact, I've been thinking and a little bit missing."
"Oh?" //I hear the word coming out of what sounds like a smile.//
(link: "More") [
"Well that makes two of us," she continues.
"Really?" I try not to sound shocked but the slight break in my voice might have given me away.
"Well," she says, "I guess it depends on what you were thinking."
"I was thinking: quality alone time with you on a beautiful sandy beach."
"Really?" Her voice goes up an octive in excitement.
"Cold drinks, sunscreen, and tanlines."
She pulls the phone away as she laughs. I imagine her twirl with a smile. "Your imagination is better than mine, but then I like my idea too."
"So what's your idea?" I pry.
(link: "More")[
"Quality alone time, drinks, and... quality alone time."
"Don't ever knock your imagination, Adrienne." I say. She responds with a full, hearty laugh again. "I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands."
"What!?"
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Adrienne?")[ (set: $plus1 to "Adrienne") (set: $occupation to "") (set: $eyes to "gorgeous sea-blue eyes")
[ "Yes!"
There will be things to do while we're there in addition to drinks and quality alone time. Being the adventurous type that you are, we can ride jet skis and go snorkeling. How does that sound?"
"That sounds amazing!"
"That's great, let's go!"
"Whoo!"
"Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel with Adrienne]]
]
]
]
](set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
You approach an empty stool at the bar and signal the bartender pointing to the drafts. They acknowledge you while working on the current request. In a few moments the bartender returns with a pint and makes their rounds.
The man in the striped button down glances up from his phone then back to it.
“Can’t be that interesting can it?” you ask.
The man does a double-take and his eyes go a bit wide in surprise. “I’m sorry?”
“Bad email or text? Doesn’t seem to hold your attention but you keep going back to it. Or is it a video?
“No it’s just some work emails I’m clearing out. Sorry, I’m not focused so my attention is being drawn to movement of any kind.”
“Sorry if I’m being distracting,” you say with a smile and a slight shrug.
“No, no. I shouldn’t even be doing this right now but I can’t seem to find the line between work and anything else these days,” he says, setting his phone face down on the bar.
“That’s not a good place to be. Sure way to a short lifespan.”
“Yikes, got real heavy real quick,” he says.
You raise your pint. “To living in the now.”
He raises his bottle in a //cheers// gesture. “To living in the now.”
You each take a drink and set them down on the bar.
“So, are you self-employed or recently promoted?" you ask. "There must be a reason you’re so dedicated.”
“Salary, actually.”
“So, you’re always working. That makes sense.”
“But recently promoted to salary.”
“Congratulations,” you say.
“Yeah, well. Not seeing the benefits yet and sort of regretting the role.”
“Things will settle down. What challenges are you looking at now and how has your role changed?” you ask.
“It feels like the workload should distribute over more than 40 hours but things start to snowball because you’re essentially always on call. There are times you don’t have to do as much but it’s always the calm before the storm - and this is all still work talk and I need to just stop.
Well that's 20 minutes I'll never get back.
[[Save me]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more. What are you drinking?") [
“You needed to come to that realization on your own. How does it feel?”
“Like I’m living to work.”
“That’s a great way to put it. Now switch the priorities and you should start seeing a work-life balance sooner than you think.”
His shoulders relax. He tilts his head back a bit and takes in a cleansing breath. Then, he lifts his beer and we do another //air cheers//. He gets up and moves a seat down. “I’m Alec,” he offers his hand. You take it and introduce yourself.
“So, now how will you spend your time away from work?” you ask.
“I used to do a lot of hiking. Great for clearing your head. Fresh air and all that green does you a lot of good. Should have been doing that all along but then if I did we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”
“Probably not. Good thing you’ve been a good worker bee,” you say smiling.
“Yeah, good thing.” He smiles back. “I’m feeling better already.”
“How often did you hike? What got you started?”
“Oh, all the time. Used to go on trails mountain biking mostly until I had a bad wreck that ended up with a bunch of pins in this wrist,” he holds up his right, “and left me fending for myself for a few hours.”
“Oh my gosh! That’s terrible.”
“Yeah, felt even worse. I came down over a slope a bit faster than I meant to and it turned before I did. Ended up a few feet down a hillside against a downed tree. Took a minute to get out from under the bike and on my feet. The woods aren’t exactly manicured, you know. So I got up with a bunch of scrapes and scratches, burs and junk all over. My wrist had swollen up so fast I knew right away. Didn’t want to leave the expensive bike so like an idiot I made my way back to the path dragging my bike along. The handle bars were bent and the brakes were dragging on the front rim. Yeah, it was the last time I biked like that. After I was seen for this I wasn’t going to be able to ride for a while so I started easy hikes and that was that.”
Wish I hadn't asked.
[[Save me]]
Alec is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $male to 1) (set: $alec to 1) (set: $drink to "Alec" ) (set: $bar to 1)
Alec asks, “You know why I’m here but I didn’t hear what brings you to this warm cheery place.”
“Oh, I came to a bit of a realization of my own. Something I didn’t want to deal with snuck up on me and bit me.”
“Yeah, what’s that?”
“Nothing bad. Just something I need to do that a life changing event make a little more challenging.”
“Now that sounds heavy,” he says.
“Dramatic more than anything, really. I’m recently single so it makes couples events a bit challenging that’s all.”
“Oh, I see,” he says with his voice raised in subtle interest. “Well, that might be enough for me to wind up here, too. Sorry to hear about that.”
“The nice part is knowing that not only does life go on but there’s plenty of it.”
“Hear, hear. Well, it’s also nice to know that something good can come out of misfortune. I mean, if I wasn’t stressed out from work and you weren’t stressed out….”
“Yeah, agreed. Feels like the sun is rising again.”
“I’ll drink to that. I don’t mean to be forward, but here’s my number. Maybe we can keep each other going.”
Not having fun with Alec.
[[Save me]]
I can't do any better than this - //I'm going for it!//
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Alec?")[ (set:$solo to 0) (set: $plus1 to "Alec") (set: $eyes to "brown eyes")
He's game!
"I know this probably sounds crazy, but I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. Would you go with me as my plus one, Alec?"
"No way," he says with a chortle in disbelief. "You’re serious?"
"The wedding will be fun believe it or not, then the rest of the time is ours."
"My job comes with plenty of vacation time just waiting to be used. I’m in!"
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel]] ]
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }
]
](set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
You smile back at her. She smiles and turns her attention to her drink involuntarily using her fingers to brush her long, wavy blonde hair behind her left ear as if embarrassed she was caught looking at you.
You get the bartender's attention and ask for a draft. She winks at you in confirmation and gets to work.
"You wouldn't mind if I share a table with you in this crowded establishment would you?" you ask.
She glances left then right at the empty tables around her and laughs. "Looks like it's otherwise standing-room-only and it would be cruel of me to make you stand, charmer that you are," she says scrunching her eyebrows in feigned concern.
Your smile broadens at her sense of humor. "Lifesaver," you say as you take the seat opposite hers. You introduce yourself and she offers her hand for a shake.
"I'm Adrienne. Nice to meet you," she says with a firm handshake that surprises you. It's the first time you really look into her eyes and the sea-blue hits you like a storm surge.
"The pleasure is mine. So, it's just after seven-o-clock; what brings you here for a single drink that costs as much as your very own pack you could be having in the comfort of your own place?"
"Wow, right to the point," she says leaning back in her chair with a slight tilt of her head. "Maybe I could ask you the same thing?"
"My answer would be 'Chased by lions'. Thankfully, their kind are not allowed in here."
She laughs. "Well lucky for you, you made it just in time." She nods slowly.
"I'm in the middle of some unexpected things, not bad things but things I forgot, and needed a cold drink to clear my head before stepping back out in the real world."
"Among the lions?"
"Among the lions," you say in agreement.
"Maybe that's why I'm here too. My own lions. Only they wouldn't be lions. I'd describe them as a flock of laser-eyed penguins."
"Wow. Is a group of penguins considered a flock?" you ask with genuine uncertainty.
"What the flock do I know? It's a bunch of angry little penguins -"
"Laser-eyed."
"They just want to get me and all I know is I can't let them!" she jokes. "Probably a little over drammatic but you get it."
"We all have our flocks of penguins," you tease. "You must be a teacher?"
"No."
"Daycare...?"
"No," she laughs. "I'm a medical assistant at a pediatric office."
"Armies of little angry penguins...." you nod making the connection.
"Armies of little angry penguins," she confirms.
"So what does a day like today look like? What drives you to seek refuge here?"
"See this bite mark?" She sets her left hand down on the table in front of you.
You take her hand and see little teeth marks between her index finger and thumb. "Wow, they got you good," you say, gently rubbing the mark with your thumb. You quickly draw your hand back. "I'd better not get rabies from that."
Well that's 20 minutes I'll never get back.
[[I've heard enough]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "That's interesting. Can I get you a drink?") [
The bartender brings your beer to the table with little interruption and heads back to her counter.
Adrienne picks up her drink. "Alcohol doesn't help with rabies," she says, tilting it back and forth careful not to spill, "but it does help get through the day."
"Does it drive you here often?" you ask half-joking.
"No, most days are great. Poor little guy; I couldn't blame him. Three shots in one day."
"Ouch."
"So, typical day?" she says. "We usually start the day with a line of parents trying desperately to be first in so they can get their kids checked out so they can rush off to work. It's a mad rush between 8 and 9 or 9:30, then things kind of taper off. You get parents who know more than you do, of course, because they did their 'research' online and tell you what it is thier kid has, then more or less demand 'X' prescription as if I'm just going to do that. Then you get parents who couldn't seem to care less. They just get stuck with the task because the other parent couldn't bring the kid in. And then there's the parent who doesn't know what day it is because the kid has kept them up all night and they are at their wits end with all of it."
"Can you just tranquilize the parents?" you ask. "Sounds like some wouldn't mind."
"Should consider that," she says as if it's never ever in a million years crossed her mind. "The kids themselves are not bad. "Who wouldn't be miserable with a 103 degree temp? When they're so little they can't really tell you what hurts or how they feel so you almost have to make a game out of it. One, so they aren't scared of a stranger in a strange place. Two, so they can get some help narrowing down where it hurts. The older kids are just grumpy and usually try to hide in Mom or Dad's shirt where no one can see them. By the time I get their temperature, heart rate, check their eyes, throat, and ears the heavy lifting is done. Then, I check medical history with their adult, any allergies to medicines. Once I'm done, they get to sit and wait for the doctor while I go on to the next one."
Wish I hadn't asked.
[[I've heard enough]]
Adrienne is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $female to 1) (set: $adrienne to 1) (set: $drink to "Adrienne" ) (set: $bar to 1)
"So when we're done here do I get a lolly pop?"
She laughs and smiles wide with the tip of her tounge pushing through her top and bottom teeth.
You decide it's cute and tease her. "Well, do I?"
"How about my number instead?"
"Ooh, a number. That's bold. Think I'll use it, huh?"
"Shut up," she says a touch embarrassed. Her cheeks get noticably rosey as she tries to suppress a squirm.
"Better than a lolly pop," you say with a wink.
"Got that right," she says, like a warning if you disagree.
Not having fun with Adrienne.
[[I've heard enough]]
I can't do any better than this - //I'm going for it!//
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Adrienne?")[ (set:$solo to 0) (set: $plus1 to "Adrienne") (set: $eyes to "blue eyes")
"I know this probably sounds crazy, but I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. Would you go with me as my plus one, Adrienne?"
"What?" she asks in disbelief. "That is crazy."
"We can do the wedding, then the rest of the time is ours."
"Can't believe I'm saying this. Yes!"
//She's game!//
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel with Adrienne]] ]
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }
]
](set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
The bartender glances over to see how you’re doing with your drink and you widen your eyes in desperation. He strides over and says, “Hey, Alec. Didn’t you say you still had to pick up your dry cleaning? They should be closing soon.”
“Oh, that’s right. Sorry,” he takes a last quick drink, “got to go.” He leaves in a rush.
“Thanks,” you say with a relieved sigh. “I’ll gladly pay for his and mine.”
“No, no. He has a tab here. Just going to clip that on to it. I’ll see him back here in a couple days. Got your toe stuck in that drain, huh?”
“It wasn’t that bad really, just thought I’d start up a conversation and -”
“The company didn’t live up to expectation?”
“More or less.”
“That happens a lot around here,” he laughs. “Hazard of the job.”
“You must get an earful on a nightly basis.”
“Yeah, but the stories are always colorful. Most people don’t come in because they’re here to celebrate, unfortunately. Some do but those are usually parties or the weekend crowds. The Monday to Thursday crowds are usually doing some form of hiding: from the spouse, kids, both, responsibility in general.”
“Oh, I guess that’s me, too.”
“We’re all running or hiding from something. An hour or two doesn’t make you a bad person. We all need it once in a while. Just makes you human. Maybe it really says something about the world we live in.”
“Or the world we allow ourselves to live in.”
“Now these are the conversations that make the job worthwhile,” he says, pounding his finger on the bar. His gray eyes brighten behind the dark blue frames of his glasses.
“Philosophy. Who can say these conversations are ever boring with sober people let alone the tipsy.”
He laughs a full body laugh he tries to suppress. “Now you know why I do this ‘cause it isn’t the pay. But the tips can be nice.”
Well that's 20 minutes I'll never get back.
[[I'm calling it a night]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more. How about a drink on //me//?") [
“No shortage of colorful characters, I’m sure,” you chuckle as you take another sip.
“This is like being a fly on the wall for real-life daytime drama, that’s for sure. Wild how a couple of drinks and people can spill their guts about personal things like being cheated on or being the cheater. This place is like a confessional for the faithless.”
“Do you actually take part in some of those conversations? Like, do people ask or look to you for advice or do you just get stuck listening?”
“‘Stuck’ is a good word for it but not always. People can be like dogs, once you pay them a little attention, the tongue starts wagging. I tend to stay out of it if I don’t know the person but I might ask questions here and there if I can tell the person is trying to work something out in their mind. Sometimes talking things out helps you see the obvious. Just internalizing doesn’t always cut it.”
“So, you’re a counselor of sorts.”
“That’s too fancy a word. I prefer 'bartender',” he laughs. “I don’t prescribe drinks but I’ll pour it if they ask me to. For the regulars I’ve come to know, I might help steer them in a helpful direction. Like this guy Don. Don doesn’t always remember he has a wife and kids when he sees a new skirt in here regardless the side of the counter. You know what I mean? Sometimes he starts looking that direction and once I see that look, I know to pay him a visit and remind him before he makes another mistake.”
“I think I can appreciate that. At what point do you just let nature take its course?”
“I can’t actually stop guys like Don nor should I but I know if they follow through on bad ideas it could end up doing good people a fair amount of harm. I try to be a good samaritan when I can be.”
Wish I hadn't asked.
[[I'm calling it a night]]
Terrance is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $male to 1) (set: $terrance to 1) (set: $drink to "Terrance" )(set: $bar to 1)
“You’re looking at me a certain way. Are you expecting me to start spilling? You are, aren’t you?”
“Everybody’s got a story to tell,” he says, shrugging innocently.
“You should know it would take a lot more than half a pint to get me there,” you say through a widening smile.
“All you have to do is ask.”
“No thanks, I think I’m good. Besides, it wouldn’t take drinks to get me to talk with you.”
“Oh, really?”
“You’re pretty good at this; finding how to get people to open up. You’re making conversation easy.”
“I think I like the sound of that,” he says while working something behind the counter and out of sight. After a bit of commotion his hands come up with two shallow bowls. He sets them down in front of you, one with peanuts and the other with popcorn. “You don’t have allergies do you?” he asks, pulling the peanuts away.
“The popcorn is perfect,” you say, reaching for a couple of popped kernels. “Thank you.” You introduce yourself.
“Terrance. I’m glad you came in here tonight. Not the standard fare, that’s for sure.”
“Sure about that? I get the impression a lot of your first-timers start off this way.”
“No, people don’t normally connect the first time.”
“Now we’re //connecting//? Wow,” you say.
“Come on, now,” he says, with a slight wriggle of his body.
“If I didn’t know better I’d say you’re almost embarrassed.”
“Embarrassed?" He asks. "No. This isn’t middle school. What’s a more mature word for ‘embarrassed’?”
You look it up on your phone and start reading them off. “Ashamed, abashed -”
“Abashed?” he laughs. “Now there’s a word., a good one at that.” He hands you his number and says, “Not sure how you feel about numbers, but here’s mine.”
Not having fun with Terrance.
[[I'm calling it a night]] [ (set: $terrance to 0) ]
I can't do any better than this - //I'm going for it!//
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Terrance?")[ (set:$solo to 0) (set: $plus1 to "Terrance") (set: $eyes to "gray eyes")
He's game!
"I know this probably sounds crazy, but I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. Would you go with me as my plus one, Terrance?"
His eyebrows lift well above his dark blue frames in disbelief. "Cayman Islands as in the Caribbean Cayman Islands?"
“The very ones,” you say, smiling at him.
He leans closer over the bar. “I’ve seen movies where people get invited to these beautiful places and don’t exactly come back….”
You laugh so hard it fills the bar.
“Or if they do, they come back different, like a bad kind of different,” he continues.
“You’d come back in a good kind of different. So would I,” you say, reassuringly.
“And leave all this for a few days? he says, standing upright and raising his arms to his sides palms up.
"We can do the wedding, then the rest of the time is ours."
"I’m sure I can get in on a lot of good conversations there. We can definitely keep this one going. It’s a ‘Yes’ from me.”
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel]] ]
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }
]
](set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
You pick up your glass about to take a drink and say, "Dirty glass. Just gonna...." You point to the bar and leave the table. You set the glass on the bar and the bartender comes over.
"Can I get you something else?"
"No, it's perfect," you say. "Just regretting some life choices."
The bartender looks over your shoulder and smiles at you. "In search of new company are you?"
"Not sure this was a good idea tonight."
"Still have a perfectly good beer. Don't let it get warm unless you're Brittish."
You laugh unexpectedly and smile at the bartender. She smiles back. Her large brown eyes make you think of a cartoon forest animal. Her short, full hair is like a '30's Hollywood starlet. Full lips pull back into a smile as she flips a towel over her shoulder and leans back aganst the counter. A black tanktop and denim never looked so good.
"Looks like I found that company."
Well that's 20 minutes I'll never get back.
[[Long day tomorrow]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "That's interesting. How about a drink on //me//?") [
"I'm just gong to say, I've never heard that one before," she says swiping her hand at the air in front of her.
"Don't worry, I'll still tip the company," you say with a wink.
"How's the beer? Did I brew a good beer?" she asks dramaically chopping her hand against the bar in slow movments.
"It's a good beer. I would even say it's a fine beer."
"A fine beer," she slaps her towel against the counter. "I've done it."
"By Jove!" you declaire taking a big drink. "All those alchemy skills have to be leading up to something, right? So what do you have planned after this?"
"After this? Probably go home, take a shower, go to bed, wake up, spend all my lottery money, and dream somewhere in between."
You tilt your head and raise your eyebrows in doubt.
"Until then," she says with her hands raised in surrender, "I'm finishing my major in chemistry. Then, I'm looking at something in pharmaceuticals or maybe forensics. I've watched a lot of crime shows lately. Medicine or Law, not sure which one I'd rather do but they're both kind of speaking to me."
Wish I hadn't asked.
[[Long day tomorrow]]
Candice is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $female to 1) (set: $candice to 1) (set: $drink to "Candice" ) (set: $bar to 1)
Your night is saved. Whatever happens at least you're having fun.
"This job must make for some long nights. Got to be tough on you. At least you get to meet interesting characters and really, really great people," you say while making your eyebrows bounce.
"Yeah, that makes it so worth it," she says with comic emphasis.
"How long until you finish your major?"
"I've got two semesters to go. Took a little time off like a total slacker. That's right I know, I know."
"Hey, everyone needs a break. Don't feel bad about that."
She dabs at her eye with her towel in mock tears. "I know, I know. Then one of these days I'll have a cushy job where I don't have to work weird hours and meet really, really great people."
"Oh, you'll still work weird hours."
"No! How could you say that? I'm doomed to a life of weirdness."
“Can’t be all bad,” you say. “We wouldn’t have had this magical night otherwise.”
“Is this magical?” she asks skeptically.
“There’s something magical about destiny don’t you think?”
“Oh, like cosmic forces just aligned the planets for us to be right here, in this very moment?” she asks.
“Exactly.”
“This is actually my shift, so - “
“But what were the odds that //I// would walk through that very door and end up at this very bar on //your// shift?”
“Okay,” she continues, “but I always work this shift. This day and this time, I’m always here.” The edge of her hand comes down to rest on the bar.
“But I do not,” you say. “We should continue this discussion on a different day that is //not// your shift.”
“It’s a convincing argument,” she says. “I’ll meet your case and raise you.” She scratches her number on a bar napkin and slides it over to you, then steps back from the counter not meeting your gaze.
You take the napkin and look it over like being handed a card from a poker dealer, mainly to make sure you can read it. “Something tells me I’ll be using this soon.”
“If you don’t, then it wasn’t destiny,” she says.
Not having fun with Candice.
[[Long day tomorrow]]
I can't do any better than this - //I'm going for it!//
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Candice?")[ (set:$solo to 0) (set: $plus1 to "Candice") (set: $eyes to "brown eyes")
"I know this probably sounds crazy, but I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. Would you go with me as my plus one, Adrienne?"
"What?" she asks in disbelief. "That is crazy."
"We can do the wedding, then the rest of the time is ours."
"Can't believe I'm saying this. Yes!"
//She's game!//
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel with Candice]] ]
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }
]
](set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
(set: $bar to 1)
A quick bottoms-up, then you drop some change for a tip, and walk to the door.
No dice.
Thanks, fellas. Threw away some cash on that one.
What was I thinking?
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }(set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
You're in luck. Each vase Shayne has registered for is still available so you have your pick.
//Who would //buy// one of these things anyway?//
For the amounts listed you're glad you're single, don’t have kids, and have a job. There are at least a dozen things you can think of to spend the same amount of money on, some of those things really dumb but momentarily worth it, whereas this will just sit on a table somewhere. Will it have flowers in it? Will they be real or fake? Will it have anything at all? All you know is it's going to stand there, be momentarily looked at, then ignored.
But //you// are going to the Cayman Islands.
You brace yourself for the reality of “first this, then that” and plunge into the mysterious world of expensive vase shopping.
The list has different vases registered and a few are in the same place but a man is standing in front of them. Apparently he too is on a quest for a vase and odds are he knows less about this process than you do.
You study him for a moment. He has one in his hands and is turning it over to look at it, likely looking for a price tag but this isn’t that kind of store. No one slaps stickers on things in a place like this. You look at the tag with small print on the shelf and hope - no beg - that the item was in the right spot when picked up. The confused man in a moment of defeat even raises it to his nose and seemingly takes a sniff of the empty vase.
In a moment of pity, you step in. “I think it’s $130.00,” you say in a hushed tone as if saying it louder somehow binds //you// to the thing.
He starts and turns to face you. His surprise flashes his light green eyes framed in his olive skin. Like a reflex he quickly puts it back clumsily and realizes you don’t work there.
“Thought I’d make you buy it, huh?” you ask.
He exhales a breath of relief. “You never know with these places. If they catch you touching anything that makes it yours,” he chuckles. “Where did you even see the price?” He looks back at the vase in wonder.
You point to the price on the edge of the shelf.
He closes his eyes with a wince. “Do you think they’ll dust it for prints and link it to me before I’m out the door?”
“Come on, fella. You know there’s no getting out of here without that vase,” you say.
“You’re not security, are you?” he asks, glancing around discreetly.
Well that's 20 minutes I'll never get back.
[[What else is on this list...]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
“If I was you’d be cuffed and interrogated in a small dark room,” you smile.
His eyes flash wide. “That’s a bit extreme.”
“Not in my store, it’s not.” You move up and get a better look at the vases. Their corresponding prices don’t instill you with confidence or an eagerness to buy.
//Cayman Islands, Cayman Islands…..//
“I take it you’re not shopping for yourself,” you say.
“No, I’m not. My mother’s birthday is coming up and she really goes for this kind of stuff. Another reason not to visit. I’m afraid to sit down and knock one of these things over. Then, it’s just adding to a long list of things I’ve done wrong since grade school.”
“Now that’s funny,” you say.
“It’s really not. That chain of wrongs gets longer and longer. It won’t help to add //broken vase// to muddy dogs on the new couches, adding a racing stripe with house paint to the family car, breaking a pane of glass from the kitchen window and pretending it’s still there ....”
Wish I hadn't asked.
[[What else is on this list...]]
Javier is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $male to 1) (set: $javier to 1) (set: $store to "Javier" ) (set: $vase to 1)
“Wow,” you say, “you are bad. “If I had those cuffs you’d be in them already. I’m sure there’s a wanted poster with your mug on it somewhere.”
“It would be more like a warning, ‘Lock your doors if you see this person’.”
You chuckle and introduce yourself.
“Javier,” he says, shaking your hand, “disaster-man at large.”
“Aw, can’t be all that bad,” you say.
“I might rethink the gift. What about you? Getting yourself one of these expensive shatterables?” he asks. “You don’t own a rage room business do you? If you do, I’d have to strongly discourage getting your breakables from here, although it would be one really interesting set of tax write-offs.”
“Oh no. If I’m spending this kind of money on myself I shouldn’t be driving or operating heavy machinery of any kind afterward. I’d rather put it toward something like sky-diving or a day of go-karts,” you laugh.
“No, //that’s// funny,” Javier says. “Nothing like living dangerously.”
“Why I’m here,” you say.
“Are you calling yourself a bull in a China shop?” he asks.
“Nothing could be more on the edge.”
“Wow,” Javier says, handing you his phone number. “I think I found my soulmate.”
Not having fun with Javier.
[[What else is on this list...]]
I can't do any better than this - //I'm going for it!//
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Javier?")[ (set:$solo to 0) (set:$solo to 0) (set: $plus1 to "Javier") (set: $eyes to "green eyes")
"It’s funny you say that - and no, I’m not a bull in a China shop. I haven’t jumped from an airplane but I do like to live life at full speed. I know this probably sounds crazy, but I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. That’s why I’m here. I need a wedding gift.” You hold up the wedding registry. “She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. Would you go with me as my plus one, Javier?"
“What? Are you serious right now?”
“See the edge,” you ask, “you see the edge right here?” You scoot forward on your tip-toes. “This is me right here, on the edge. You want to be on the edge with me?”
“I think I’m scared of the edge,” he says. “Hold my hand?”
“You’re a smooth one, Javier. If I say ‘yes’ - “
“Then I’ll say ‘yes’,” he says.
//He’s game!//
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel]] ]
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }
]
](set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
You're in luck. Each vase Shayne has registered for is still available so you have your pick.
//Who would //buy// one of these things anyway?//
For the amounts listed you're glad you're single, don’t have kids, and have a job. There are at least a dozen things you can think of to spend the same amount of money on, some of those things really dumb but momentarily worth it, whereas this will just sit on a table somewhere. Will it have flowers in it? Will they be real or fake? Will it have anything in it at all? All you know is it's going to stand there, be momentarily looked at, then ignored.
But //you// are going to the Cayman Islands.
"Those are very nice," you say to the woman comparing vases.
"Excuse me?" she looks up at you as if broken from deep thought.
"They're beautiful," you say with both hands toward her as she's holding a vase in each hand.
She tilts her head at you raising both eyebrows expecting you to clarify.
"They're magnificent," you say. "I'd love to come home to both of them." Your smile starts to grow.
She starts to chuckle quietly trying to hold it together.
"What a set!" you say and she breaks up laughing.
"There is something not right with you," she says.
"I have my quirks but I'm never wrong about things like this," you say.
"Lucky for you, I agree with you. They are 'nice, beautiful, magnificent, and they are quite the set'."
"I would get both."
"Do you work here? You getting a commission from this?" she asks.
"Do I look like I belong in this place?"
"You look like you belong in a zoo, a jail, or a hospital," she says. "Maybe all three."
"I've been to two, but you'll have to guess which I haven't been."
"Well, I know which one you're going to end up in if you don't tread real careful," she says, shifting her weight to one leg.
"So, what brings you vase shopping?"
She sighs. "My boss's boss is retiring at the end of the month and we're putting together a collection for some gift ideas. I'm scouting for ideas."
//Retirement. Like I said.//
Well that's 20 minutes I'll never get back.
[[Must be something else on this list...]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
"They must be important if they're getting a vase."
"They are in their social circles."
You introduce yourself. "I'm not important but I am wanted in several counties and municipalities."
"Are you?"
"Cow tipping."
"I believe that. I'm Camilla."
"Camilla, pleasure to meet you," you say.
"You too," she replies. "You know why I'm here, so why are //you// here?"
"I am shopping for a vase for my friend. She's registered here."
"She?"
"Oh, you are jealous aren't you?"
"Say, huh?"
"And here we just met. I must have made quite the impression on you in just minutes!"
"You are so full of yourself aren't you? Go ahead and shop for your she-friend."
"I'm no vase connoisseur like yourself. Would you mind giving me a hand?
"Do I look like I know what I'm doing? It's a vase. You put it on a shelf."
"See? I didn't even know that much. Come on. It'll be your good deed for the day."
"And how are you going to make this worth my while?"
Wish I hadn't asked.
[[Must be something else on this list...]]
Camilla is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $female to 1) (set: $camilla to 1) (set: $store to "Camilla" ) (set: $vase to 1)
"For starters, have you ever met someone so charming?"
"Oh, so now you think you're charming?"
"This is by far the most entertaining part of your day. You don't even have to admit it."
"All I know is I'm spending a lot of money because of you," she says.
"And you'll be in the good graces of movers and shakers long enough to do something with it."
"So tell me about this she-friend of yours and I'll make sure you leave with the right one."
You shift and try to assess if Camilla is genuinely going to help or if she's going to be prickly about helping pick something out for another woman. Either way, she's //choosing// to do this with you.
"She's a little bossy but in a we-have-so-much-history-I've-been-proven-right-time-after-time kind of way."
"Okay," Camilla chuckles.
"We have enough history we can talk once every few months and it's like we never miss a beat. We've seen each other at our best and worst."
"Wow," Camilla is a bit surprised. "Real history does that to people and I'm not talking you survived a bad pottery class together."
"Yeah, we've helped each other survive our scars. Maybe a bit better than the rest of the people in our friends' group."
"Really special, huh? Let me take a look at the list." I hand it over. "Oh, a wedding registry." Camilla perks up maybe better than she wanted to reveal. Nothing subtle about it. She looks sharply at the shelves scanning. "That's it. That's the one." She points with a wagging finger.
It's perfect. The vase is classy and elegant without being gaudy or trying to say "Look at me." I could see this in a home, in a place that matters; somewhere she would rest want to be.
“You’re good at this,” you say with a touch of wonder.
“And you’ve got good taste,” she says, handing you her number. “Let’s see what you do with it.”
Not having fun with Camilla.
[[Must be something else on this list...]]
I can't do any better than this - //I'm going for it!//
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Camilla?")[ (set:$solo to 0) (set: $plus1 to "Camilla") (set: $eyes to "brown eyes")
It also happens to be the most expensive vase on the list.
"I don't have a choice now, do I?"
"That's the one that says, 'Respect to my friend with a lot of hard miles that are all my fault.'"
"That's quite the statement,"I say incredulously. "But it's probably exactly right. Now I'm going to do you one better."
She looks at me suspiciously.
"Her wedding is this weekend."
"Oh, no. Here it comes."
"Nothing's coming. You don't know what's coming," I say in protest.
"You need to drag someone along so you don't show up all alone at your friend's wedding?"
"That's ridiculous. A little high on yourself there, Ms. Camilla. No. But, I would like a travel buddy who could use a little fun. All this? Just a sample."
"You know you can't give samples back, right?"
"You wouldn't. That would be crazy. Besides, this is going to be amazing." You step a little closer to her.
"Oh, it is?" She steps a little closer.
"My friend doesn't do anything halfway. Her poor fiance. They are getting married in the Cayman Islands. It's going to be -"
"Amazing," she finishes wistfully. You are close enough to be within each other's personal space.
"Don't make me go alone to my friend's wedding in the //Cayman Islands//.
"I can't believe I'm saying yes to this," she smiles.
//She's game!//
"I can't believe you can't believe it. Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time."
[[Travel]] ]
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }
]
](set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
Sooo, moving on. The one you really want from the list is not out on the sales floor. There’s not even a “floor model” you can ask to buy. There is no one around to ask so you start heading toward Guest Services at the back of the store when you spot a man in slacks, a dress shirt, tie and a nametag.
“Excuse me,” you start.
“How can I help you?” he asks. His voice is deep and relaxing.
You hold up the gift registry. “I have a question,” you say.
He smiles, “Ah, a wedding registry. They must be really specific about what they want.”
“Actually, I am. This vase is not on the sales floor and I was hoping you maybe had one in back?”
He steps close to you, cranes his neck and takes a look at the registry. His cologne is hard to describe but it’s like a snapshot of your best memories of sunset in the summertime. You breathe deep and want more.
“Mm, no. Afraid not. All of these are on the sales floor. These aren’t something we keep in the back. Management wouldn’t like that.”
“Looks like I’m out of luck,” you say.
“Depending who your friend is, you were out of luck well before that,” he says with a wry smile.
“Ooh, that’s a bit harsh,” you say through a giggle thinking of Shayne.
“Well, I mean based on a majority of my experiences…”
“But yet you’ve stuck around for… how long?”
“I’ve only been here about six weeks,” he says. That same smile widening.
“A whole six weeks and already sea-salty. Wow.”
“Can’t blame me. Who would I be if not honest?”
You lean in. “Well, I guess you wouldn’t be ‘Sebastian’,” you say reading his nametag.
“No one I’d rather be,” he says.
Well that's 20 minutes I'll never get back.
[[I parked in a red zone]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
This is kind of fun. You introduce yourself. “So is there anything on this list worth all the extra digits or is there anything your six weeks experience would recommend instead?”
“No, I mean, it’s all real quality stuff but come on, who wants to spend $300.00 on a blender? Angry wives with their husband’s credit cards.”
“Really? That sounds a little - “
“Far fetched? Maybe a little cliche? You’d be right. But then a lot of the women who shop here are a bit older. This place caters to the rich and bored. I’ve seen a lot of crazy in the field over six weeks.”
“You poor thing, there must be landmines everywhere,” you joke.
“I haven’t made it this far without catching a few tripwires. So far I’ve managed to come away with a few cuts and bruises but no shrapnel,” he says with a grin.
“The more I talk to you the less you belong here. So why are you? It seems like you’re forced into it through a plea agreement or maybe you have a parent who set you up with the job.”
“Just waiting for my pyramid scheme to take seed,” he says leaning on a clothes rack. “Once you get a text about saving the red-tailed Chiba monkeys in Thibet, you’ll know I’ve made it.”
You chuckle, “I’ll be sure to pledge my best wishes.”
“Now that kind of in-action is why I’m looking at seven weeks.”
“No one feels worse than me,” you say. “All that potential wasted in overpriced goods.”
“Hey, can’t say I’m a dying breed ‘cause I’m one of a kind,” he says through a soft laugh.
Wish I hadn't asked.
[[I parked in a red zone]]
Sebastian is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $male to 1) (set: $sebastian to 1) (set: $store to "Sebastian" ) (set: $vase to 1)
“Something tells me that’s true,” you say. “I’d love to know where else you applied. Dog walker, bodyguard, pirate?”
“All too ambitious,” he says, shaking his head. “Besides, this one is continually climate controlled, it’s just that the women are typically cold and bloodless. So this is a nice surprise.”
“What about the guys?”
“Next to none. The guy’s clothes? Women buy them for their boyfriends and have them gift-wrapped.”
“Saw that during your six weeks?”
“I’ve done all the tours,” he smiles playfully.
“So you wouldn’t say any of this is your style? You’re well put together and look like you spent a paycheck or two here.”
“That’d get me a pair of shoes at best. No, you have to look good to work in a place like this but then I try to take care of myself anyway. Life’s too short to be caught in an old T-shirt with a stretched out collar. I’d rather put in the extra care into how I look to operate at my best.”
“So you’re saying clothes make the man?”
“I’m saying they make the attitude. You don’t have to wear a million dollar suit to be confident but if you do it helps. I’d rather make a good first impression than start those battles going uphill.” He hands you his number and says, “We should discuss more nonsense out of here sometime.”
Not having fun with Sebastian.
[[I parked in a red zone]]
I can't do any better than this - //I'm going for it!//
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Sebastian?")[ (set:$solo to 0) (set: $plus1 to "Sebastian") (set: $eyes to "brown eyes")
"I know this probably sounds crazy, but I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. Would you go with me as my plus one, Kathy?"
“You know what’s crazier? Going seven weeks in this nutty place.” Without missing a beat he says, “You could be harvesting my organs for a billionaire someplace overseas and I’d still go with you. When do we leave?”
//He’s game!//
You can’t believe it. This guy’s totally serious. You’re sold on his heir of carelessness and ease. It’s just the kind of no-pressure passenger you need right now.
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel]] ]
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }
]
](set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
Having left the aisle you make a dash for a place affectionately known as "Guest Services" and approach the counter. There's no one there but as if on cue the door at the back opens and a sandy-blonde woman comes into view. Her shoulder length hair blows back with each step toward you. She is smartly dressed and each click of her heels on the pearl white tile floor is in step with your quickening pulse.
She smiles and holds your stare as she reaches the counter. “Hi, there. What can I do for you?” The light flashes across the shiny metal badge on her chest “Supervisor.”
You try not to stare but she makes it hard as she stands with her shoulders rocking back and forth causing the lights overhead to slide silently across the badge. Her name is engraved under her title.
“Hi,” your voice cracks and you clear your throat. Behind you is a water fountain too far away that you wish you noticed sooner. You try again feeling suddenly warm. “Hi, Chelsea. I was hoping you could help with something.” You start going through the gift registry and find the listed vases then share the page with her.
She looks at the page. “Sure, what do you need?” She next looks at you. Her stare holds you still like a cat watching a mouse. The upturned curves at the corners of her lips suggest she could play or just as easily strike and you’d never be ready for it.
“Uh, need?”
“You need help with something?” she says with a smile of amusement.
This is what it’s like to be toyed with. How long until she strikes?
“This,” you manage to say while her stare keeps you pinned.
She looks where your finger is pointing at the registry, “Hm.” Your finger completely missed and is on a blank part of the page.
“You moved it,” you say accusingly. She gives a soft breathy laugh. “This vase is what I’m looking for,” you continue. “It’s a special occasion.”
“Why else would you be here?” she asks.
“Do you have one in blue?” she laughs again.
“I’m afraid not. What you see is what we have but you can file a complaint and we can forward your request to the company.”
“That would be kind of you but I don’t think I need to do that today. Do you gift wrap here?”
“You need to find something you want wrapped up first.”
Well that's 20 minutes I'll never get back.
[[I left the car running]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
“I was thinking of this one.” You point to the vase that looks the most appealing, which happens to be the most expensive vase on closer inspection.
“Ooh, you must have been bad. But I’d recommend flowers if you’re cheap or a full-service spa day.”
“Bad? I wasn’t bad,” you say defensively. “And would I be here if I was cheap?”
“You must have been really bad,” she says as she plays with the coil of store keys around her wrist.
“Actually, I’m being really good. This is a gift not an apology.”
“Well, that’s too bad. You look suspicious like you have much to answer for,” she says in a sinister voice.”
“Sorry to disappoint?” you say with uncertainty. This is what you get for your behavior in the vase aisle. There must be security cameras with full microphones and she witnessed everything. No, that would be crazy and you would be insane to think so.
“Gift you say?” She cranes her neck to look at the header of the registry. “Ah. Related, friend?”
“She’s a friend.”
“Very lucky friend. Must have had some history, you two.”
"Yeah, we've helped each other survive our scars. Maybe a bit better than the rest of the people in our friends' group."
“Aw. That’s sweet.”
“Not bad, huh?”
“Sure this isn’t a last chance to win her over? With an exorbitantly overpriced vase?” she teases.
“No, nothing like that. But you seem to know a thing or two about atonement.”
“Oh, no. But I do know about penance.”
“Penance?”
“When I’ve been hurt or lied to I can rake you over coals for days.” Her sultry gaze pins you like a bug. And you 100% believe her.
Wish I hadn't asked.
[[I left the car running]]
Chelsea is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $female to 1) (set: $chelsea to 1) (set: $store to "Chelsea" ) (set: $vase to 1)
“Me? You’d rake //me// over coals?” you ask in choked disbelief.
“For days,” she purrs followed by her breathy laugh.
You can imagine a lot of things but not how she’d rake you over those coals. For days. “I can’t imagine doing anything to upset you. In fact, I might be too scared to.”
“That’s how it starts but then you’d find a way to start living on the edge and before you know it, off you go.”
“Sounds more like life with you is on the edge from the start.”
“Excuse me?”
“Looks like the edge is a nice place to be.” You haven’t realized but you’ve been inching closer to one another separated by the counter.
“I don’t think you can handle it,” she says in a breathy voice playing it up.
“Not only would I handle it but you’d find out pretty quick that you’d be on the edge right with me. And should you be the one to fall off that edge,” you hiss.
She does the unexpected and playfully crosses her eyes and sticks her tongue out before breaking into a warm smile still holding you with her stare. “That’s a dangerous game you play. You could find yourself tethered and paddled.”
“What would you do with the rest of me?”
She takes an empty sign holder and fans herself with it. The light wind blows her scent to you and you soak it all in. Her hair blows with every brush of the wind and you would believe it was a photo shoot. She writes her number on a post-it note and hands it cooly over to you. “Let’s find out.”
Not having fun with Chelsea.
[[I left the car running]]
I can't do any better than this - //I'm going for it!//
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Chelsea?")[ (set:$solo to 0) (set: $plus1 to "Chelsea") (set: $eyes to "blue")
She's game!
"I know this probably sounds crazy, but my friend is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. Would you go with me as my plus one, Chelsea?"
“How could I say no?” She narrows her eyes seductively. “I think we can start making our own memories. What do you think?” She traces her finger along your hand.
//She's game!//
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel]] ]
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }
]
](set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
(set: $vase to 1)
Hope she likes this thing.
No dice. Still looking for a travel-buddy.
I could really use some good luck right about now....
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }(set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
(set: $vase to 1)
Not only do I avoid shopping, I now hate shopping after this.
No dice.
Does this need to be so hard?
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }(set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
You find a pair of manageable dumbbells and take the seated bench to his left. Before you can remember to pray you don’t hurt yourself, you bring the weights up to your shoulder and begin to press straight up. With nowhere to look but straight you see the wall of mirrors in front of you and notice the strain in your face means you may have underestimated the manageable dumbbells.
You also notice the man is killing a little time finding his set of weights by glancing up at your reflection. He finds his weights and takes the seated bench next to you. By this time, you’re feeling the burn a little too well and by the look of your red face you are ready to drop the weights, never mind set them down.
With a little more clang than you mean to, the weights find the floor to either side of you. The man next to you is making little fidgeting adjustments to things before starting his set. You lean back on the high backrest and wonder why you picked that pair of weights to begin with.
“Breathe.” The word blind-sides you and you look to your right to see the man smiling in your direction.
It feels like you are still making a face so you do everything in your power to just look normal but feel the temperature of your face getting hotter as he smiles at you.
“Breathe,” he says again in a calming, reassuring tone.
"Yeah, breathe. Uh-huh,” you say as if it’s a no-brainer. “You must be new around here. Haven’t seen you.”
“Actually, yeah. I just switched gyms. The old one was a little too competitive so I’ve been checking out other places. Looking for a new home. What can you tell me about this one? Seems pretty chill.”
“Oh, yeah. It’s chill. It’s… good vibe. Everyone’s… chill. Got weights and things.”
“Then it’s perfect,” he says with a pinch of uncertainty.
‘Yeah, works for me,” you say with full confidence.
“How long have you been coming here?”
“It’s been, I don’t know,” you shake your head doing the Maths in your head - //from around 5:45 PM to now, minus finding locker room, minus getting changed…//
“Okay, so it’s been a bit,” he surmises.
“Been a bit, yeah.”
“Well, it seems really nice. Hoping to find a place I can get in a workout without a bunch of big mouths socializing around the bench press or people roiding-out for competitions and stuff like that. I also like working out in the mornings before going to work but I wouldn’t mind going after work just to burn off the petty daily stress. Know what I mean?”
Well that's 20 minutes I'll never get back.
[[Ooh, pulled somthing]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
“How early would you get up for that?”
“I like to get to the gym by 5:00 -”
“What? 5:00?” you scoff “The way you were talking about other people I thought you were going to describe yourself as sane.”
“I am sane,” he laughs defensively.
“That means you have to get up easily around 4:00. Do you even go to sleep or do you just stay up all night?”
“I sleep,” he says sheepishly. “I just like to get up and get the blood flowing.”
“When do you go to bed? 7:00 PM? Do you sup? Oh my gosh, you sup don’t you?”
“Sup?”
“Have dinner by 4:00 PM like my grandparents.”
“Then digest it over a quiet read from my Reader’s Digest? No.”
“Do you prefer soup or stew?” you ask, pouring it on.
“I prefer steak and baked potato,” he shoots back. “Things you need teeth to chew.”
“Well, that’s a relief,” you say. “You wouldn’t want to make mean faces in the mirror with no teeth.” You growl not unlike what you were doing minutes ago.
He laughs. “I could get those vampire implants with the fangs. That would look pretty cool don’t you think?”
“You’d never need straws,” you say, making a good supporting statement.
“I just wouldn’t want my lip to get stuck on one of the teeth like my dog,” he says, second guessing the concept.
Wish I hadn't asked.
[[Ooh, pulled somthing]]
Cedric is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $male to 1) (set: $cedric to 1) (set: $gym to "Cedric" ) (set: $fit to 1)
“Something tells me you could pull that look off,” you say. “Might need a collar though.”
“I wear a tie for work,” he says, “that’s as close as I get to collars.”
“That’s a shame. You look like you wouldn’t mind a belly rub.”
His face begins to redden before he responds. “Who wouldn’t like that?”
“Good boy,” you say.
“Call me Cedric,” he says.
You exchange introductions. “So what work stress could drive you to do this at five in the morning?”
“The morning stuff is fine. It’s the evening stuff that becomes a need. I work in advertising. That means a lot of last minute decisions or changes in direction but fixed deadlines. I mean, who in their right mind would make a decision and stick with it?”
“Only idiots,” you joke. “I can see why you’d want to do something about the stress. You could also throw hatchets.”
“I could what? Who am I talking to here?”
“They have those places with the plate smashing and hatchet throwing.”
“Rage rooms? We did that once for work. Later that week someone threw a plate in the break room and it was decided the rage room encouraged acting out. Can’t imagine what they’d say about hatchet throwing.”
“Bring it up!”
“What? No!”
“It’d be fun! Show them you have ideas.”
“My job can stress me out sometimes but I think I’d rather keep it.”
“Aw. Being a grown up is no fun at all.”
“What can I say? Responsibility is fine, repercussions are not.” He hands you his number and says, “Maybe we can try a rage room sometime and be really irresponsible.”
Not having fun with Cedric.
[[Ooh, pulled somthing]]
I can't do any better than this - //I'm going for it!//
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Cedric?")[ (set:$solo to 0) (set: _plus1 to "Cedric") (set: $eyes to "blue eyes")
He's game!
"I know this probably sounds crazy, but I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. Would you go with me as my plus one, Cedric?"
“Will there be hatchets?” he asks with uncertainty.
“There’d better be hatchets,” you say.
"Cayman Islands?" he asks in disbelief. "Wow. I’d have to get a sitter for my dog Barkus but my sister’s kids love him so it should be fine."
“You named your dog Barkus?”
“Long story.”
"You can tell it to me on the plane."
"Can't believe I'm saying this. Yes!"
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel]] ]
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List]:'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }
]
](set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
Goodness knows you don't want to risk pulling anything this close to the wedding so you decide to go to the treadmills and find an empty one next to a blonde woman who just finished adjusting the settings to a light jog.
You stand on the sides of your treadmill and suddenly all of the buttons make you feel like you're supposed to land a plane instead. A moment passes, then another until if feels like you're just taking someone else's spot. You start to feel warm and you haven't done anything yet.
The steady footfalls to your left are like your heartbeat and you start to plan your exit strategy. Maybe your phone sends you an alert? Yeah, that could work. Just look at your phone like //Oh, that's unfortunate. I have to go.// But before you can reach for your pocket -
"Press the button with the three little bumps on the top left." The sweet voice tickles its way up your neck and nestles in your ear.
You look to your left and see the blonde staring at you with a little smile trying not to laugh. After a brief hesitation your finger slowly finds the button and you look to her for confirmation. She gives the tiniest laugh - she's having a good time - and says, "That's the one.
The buttons have worn down enough you don't see the little power symbol. I just know from using these all the time. Next push the button with the half circle and keep pressing until you get the speed you want.
A few presses and it doesn't seem to work so you give it a couple more and step on the moving band. It just took a moment to get up to speed but you're off in a hurry and struggle to stay on it.
She laughs softly. "You got it," she says, making sure you are okay.
"Not prepping for the Olympics," you say as you quickly dial it down.
"You sure?" she asks.
"Are you?"
"Ha, no. I just do this enough I can do it in my sleep," she says with her green eyes smiling behind her bangs. Her straight blonde hair bouncing at every step, pulled up high at the back of her head.
"Really? A regular huh?" You try not to sound like you're struggling to talk and run at the same time. She's so fooled.
"It's a great stress reliever."
"It's causing me stress," you huff with each step.
She laughs again. Her laugh makes you feel like the sound would never make you angry even if being laughed at; it's disarming and you just want more of it.
"You must have some heavy stress to want to do this every day."
"Not every day. Only when my cuts aren't straight."
The wideness in your eyes prompts another of her powderpuff laughs.
"I'm a fashion designer. I make outfits for the theater and we have a period piece coming up."
Well that's 20 minutes I'll never get back.
[[Oh, cramp.]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
"Wow, that must be tough," you say.
"Not really unless you can't find materials that fit the period. A lot of shows don't worry about that stuff but when they don't it shows. So I do."
"Sound pretty dedicated."
"Oh, you called me 'pretty'," she says as she keeps her pace. "And yes, I'm dedicated," she says more seriously. "Hence the stress."
"Still do fashion between shows?" you say trying not to sound too out of breath but failing.
"Always designing," she says. "I've made a career out of it for the last four to five years."
"I once drew a robot," you huff, "it was wonky. but I thought it looked cool."
She laughs again and mercifully stops her treadmill. You do the same without the laugh.
"How did you do?" she asks, stepping down from the treadmill.
"I could use something after that."
"Like?"
"Ice cream."
She laughs again and shakes her head at you. Her green eyes look at you pitifully behind her bangs. You notice how petite she is. You also notice how she seems to glisten in the light. You tell yourself it’s just her sweat but part of you isn't convinced.
"You just ran your little heart out and you want to reward it with ice cream? You almost died," she jokes.
"See? Life's too short. "I wouldn't have almost died without you."
"Pardon?"
"You told me how to start that death-machine." You realize you haven't introduced yourself, so you do.
"I'm Cathy."
"Now I have a name for the cops."
"Hey!" She slaps your shoulder playfully with an expression of shock. "You wouldn't really turn me in, would you?" she batts her eyelashes.
"We could settle this over ice cream," you suggest. "Strawberry at least has fruit in it."
"Ew, strawberry. That's not a fruit; it's a bunch of little red bumps in a patch - like a rash."
"That's a different take on strawberries," you say.
Wish I hadn't asked.
[[Oh, cramp.]]
Cathy is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $female to 1) (set: $cathy to 1) (set: $gym to "Cathy" ) (set: $fit to 1)
"Don't get me started," she says, blotting her neck and shoulders with a soft towel. You wish you'd brought your own but instead you're forced to stand there dripping.
"Well, this was fun. I wouldn't mind coming back and running with you again."
"That's brave of you," she says with a smile.
"I'll know what I'm doing next time. You might be impressed."
"Okay," she laughs, "and I promise not to kill you."
“That’s sweet,” you say, “but just in case, do you know CPR? I might push myself too hard trying to impress you and I might really die next time.”
“Don’t worry, I can give you chest compressions.”
“But, but,” you protest.
She laughs gently again.
“I might not be able to breathe, which means I may need more than chest compressions.”
“You said you almost had a heart attack. Chest compressions will take care of that. If you want more than chest compressions, you’ll need to do more than just run with me,” she says, turning her shoulder toward you blinking behind her bangs. “Call me and we’ll work it out.” She takes out a small ID holder and hands you a business card with her number. It’s nice and warm and you want to hold it to your chest but resist.
“Yeah,” you say, “let’s.”
Not having fun with Cathy.
[[Oh, cramp.]]
I can't do any better than this - //I'm going for it!//
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Cathy?")[ (set:$solo to 0) (set: _plus1 to "Cathy") (set: $eyes to "green eyes")
You take a step closer. "I know this probably sounds crazy, but I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. Would you go with me as my plus one, Cathy?"
Her eyes go wide and she rolls them pensively. "Would you really want to take me with you? I mean, I did just try to kill you with a treadmill."
"Something tells me you're worth the risk."
"If that's the case, I'll make it worth your while," she says, turning away from you and looking back over her shoulder.
You do your best to keep your eyes from wandering. "How so?"
"I'll let you carry my bags," she says, "don't worry, I'll only pack the essentials."
"It's just a couple of days -" you begin.
"So that should be about five suitcases."
"We're going to have a great time," you say. "Strawberries excluded."
[[Travel]] ]
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }
]
](set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
You feel silly hobbling away considering you were doing shoulder presses nevermind leaving the weights on the floor but hey, you made it out of there. Still in need of some activity to at least make yourself believe you put some effort into getting ready for Shayne’s wedding you decide to hobble off to something safe like stationary bikes.
These are in a room with large glass windows looking out to the rest of the gym. Upon entering the room it feels like the middle of a windstorm with other bikers pedaling their way to their slimmer selves.
You regret not bringing water to keep yourself hydrated since you would like to ride for at least 30 minutes. Weaving your way through you find an open bike and see it’s not just a bike. It’s a prototype for a time machine. Yes it has a seat, pedals and handlebars but it also has a touchscreen with a lot of buttons and sliding bars.
Your shoulders slump as you mount the bike because you’ve already committed to a bike and wonder if anyone will notice if you just start pedaling without setting anything. You have 30 minutes to figure it out and hey, if it keeps you busy you won’t even know the 30 minutes are up. You might even go 45 or 60.
There is a map on the screen and you see there are different “tours” you can take. You’ve played video games like this. Scrolling through the options there are different European, North American, South American, Asian, Australian, and African tours. You start to chuckle when the rider next to you breaks your focus.
“Take Madrid.” You look over and he’s already got a sheen from riding for a while. “It’s a really good one. Won’t even know you’re pedaling.” His black hair is pulled back into a loose bun.
“Will I find you there?” you ask jokingly.
“If you can catch me.” His hazel eyes light up.
“Oh,” you laugh. “Looks like I’m going to Madrid, then.”
You select it and it starts you off and the faster you pedal the faster the view on the screen goes. The air from the front wheel spinning starts to simulate wind speed or make you think that. Before long you are immersed.
“What do you think? Not bad huh?”
“It doesn’t even feel like work,” you say. “Where are you now in the center square or -”
“I’m in Brisbane, Australia,” he says.
Well that's 20 minutes I'll never get back.
[[Hydrate]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
“I’m Sam,” he says.
You exchange introductions.
“It’s one of the nicer rides, Madrid,” he says. “I’ve probably done it a dozen times.”
“I’m liking this,” you admit.
“Doesn’t even feel like you’re working, does it?”
“I wasn’t expecting all the hills but I’m not out of breath because of it,” you say.
“It is one of the hillier ones but has lots of great views,” he says.
“Makes me rethink my career path. I could be one of those bike couriers.”
“Would be fun, right?” he asks. “At least here no one runs you over.”
“Speaking from experience?”
“I’ve seen movies.”
“How’s Brisbane?”
“Really nice. I’d actually like to go there someday. If it’s anything like the ride here, I think I’d love it.”
“Travel much?” you ask.
“Never,” he says. “Never even been on a plane. But one of these days.”
“What’s stopped you?”
“Nerve to be honest. I could go with friends but can’t get anyone’s schedule to line up. Thought about going it alone but -”
“Don’t have the nerve.”
He laughs. “To the point but yeah. I’d like to go on a trip like that with someone. Be a waste of an adventure with no one to share the stories with.”
Wish I hadn't asked.
[[Hydrate]]
Sam is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $male to 1) (set: $sam to 1) (set: $gym to "Sam" ) (set: $fit to 1)
“Yeah, I know what you mean.”
“How about you? Ever go anywhere?”
“Been to eastern Canada when I was a kid,” you reply.
“How was it?”
“I’d go back.”
“Any since?” he asks.
//Sooner than you’d like.//
“Looks that way.”
“I’ll be stuck watching travel shows for now but I’m hoping by the new year I’ll have a vacation for somewhere I need to fly to and if all goes well I’ll aim for Brisbane by summer.”
“That sounds like fun.”
“Not sure where I’d go first but I like water so maybe something with a shoreline,” he says.
“You could swim with dolphins or go in a shark cage,” you say. “Ooh, what about a safari?”
“That’s a leap,” he says.
“You live once. You’re better off doing things than watching them. At least then you’ll have really good stories to tell even if they’re horrible. At some point you’ll be able to laugh at it.”
“Rather live once and die right than keep going on like this. Not trying to be grim but I’ve been stuck doing a lot of watching.”
“Your time is coming,” you say with a smile. “I know it.”
He smiles back. “I could use a travel partner. Might be handy having someone who can speak Eastern Canadian - “
“Fuent,” you interrupt.
“It’s not Australian but -”
“It’s ballpark.”
“Bilingual,” he says with a wink and hands you his number. “Call me and we can work on our accents so we can fit right in Australia.”
Not having fun with Sam.
[[Hydrate]]
I can't do any better than this - //I'm going for it!//
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Sam?")[ (set:$solo to 0) (set: _plus1 to "Sam") (set: $eyes to "hazel eyes")
He's game!
"I know this probably sounds crazy, but I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. It’s not Brisbane but would you go with me as my plus one, Sam?"
“The //Cayman Islands//, as in paradise? Has water?”
“Yes, yes, and yes. There’s even snorkeling and boaty things to do. You can swim right?”
“Like a fish. But just in case I get into any trouble can I count on you to help me out?”
“Do you want me to pack an inflatable duck inner-tube or maybe those arm floaties?”
“I would rather drown.”
“Then it sounds like the perfect warm up trip for Brisbane. No more travel shows. What do you say?”
"Can't believe I'm saying this. Yes!"
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel]] ]
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }
]
](set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
(set: $fit to 1)
Almost pulled something for real just trying to get away from there. //sigh//
No dice.
What did I expect, really?
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }(set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
You look for a place that you can go to convincingly work out a cramp and spot an area just for Yoga mats and stretches. Perfect.
You limp over and see someone there. She's doing some poses you probably heard the name of before but couldn't for the life of you name now. As she sits up her shoulder length red hair ripples and she starts another position.
You really don't want to stare and try not to really, really hard. There are a couple of mats rolled up and you consider unrolling one to use but then wonder if those ever get cleaned. Her mat is not like these. She most likely brought her own. Smart.
You start to just sit right there on the floor and decide that's probably a worse idea than using one of the mats and instead strike some stretching poses you sort of come up with on the spot but feel mostly right.
She turns and faces your direction. Upon noticing you she gives a smile and goes into her next position.
"Hi," you begin trying not to look foolish. "Trying to work out a thing. Think I've got it."
She starts to laugh. Not fooling her. "Did you get it?"
"Yeah, I'm just like new," you say awkwardly going into another made up stretch.
"Okay," she chuckles. "Haven't seen you around before."
"Yeah, I'm looking to start a new regimen. New day, new leaf, new - yeah."
"Okay," she chuckles again. Yup. Not buying it.
"What do you recommend?" //What am I saying?//
"Well, do you want to just get more limber, do you want to improve your balance, are you coming back from an injury?" She stops her position and sits up offering her full attention.
"Uh, well, I, injury. Yeah, just getting back to - shape." You can't remember a time you felt more awkward.
"Okay," she says pityingly. "You can start off with something like this." She stands and flips her hair away from her face. A wave of fragrance hits you and something stirs deep in your chest. She plants her feet and positions her arms, then turns to you. You do the same. "Keep your back straight and tighten your core. Head up."
You follow her direction and feel like a puppy on day one of obedience school.
"Good," she says.
Yup, obedience school.
She smiles at you and walks you through the next pose. You can't help but notice how limber she is, how nice she is for helping you, how easy she's taking it on you knowing you are very likely lying (which you are) about why you're over here in the first place.
"Okay, good. Relax, and do the other side."
You shift position so now she can stare at you. A bit self-conscious, you decide it's only fair. After doing your best not to disappoint she says, "Good. How do you feel?"
"Kind of amazing actually," you say. "Want to see?"
She laughs and shifts her weight to one leg. "You seem better," she says, playing along tilting her head back as if assessing you head to toe.
Well that's 20 minutes I'll never get back.
[[Need carbs]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
"No kidding, I actually do," you say as you roll your shoulders and twist your back. "My neck was stiff back here the last two days and I actually feel pretty good now. You could do this for a living, you know."
"I've done it enough, I have a few go-to moves," she smiles. "Glad they helped," she says with a cute shrug.
"Me too." You introduce yourself.
"Mindy," she says, her smile widening, "nice to meet you." She brushes her red bangs away revealing soft, hazel eyes. Her lightly freckled face turned from fair to slightly rose.
"So are you finishing up or just getting started? I don't want to keep you from it if you just got here. I mean, I do but don’t want to interrupt your session."
"But you do." She smiles.
"But I do."
"No, I'm just winding down."
"Okay, good. I feel like I should repay you for this. Really, I feel much better."
"Hm, I have an idea."
"Ideas are good but they can also be dangerous in the minds of the wrong people. So this idea?"
"You can take me to the Honduran restaurant on 5th."
Wish I hadn't asked.
[[Need carbs]]
Mindy is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set:$solo to 0) (set: $female to 1) (set: $mindy to 1) (set: $gym to "Mindy" ) (set: $eyes to "hazel eyes") (set: $fit to 1)
"'Honduran restaurant,’ you say?"
"I like trying new places and I've never been there. Have you ever had Honduran food?"
"I had an eggroll once."
She laughs so suddenly she lets out a sudden snort. "Egg rolls are not - "
"Honduran. I know but I kind of stay in my lane when it comes to food."
"No way. Don't tell me you only eat basic things like.... Okay, what do you normally eat?"
"Uh, I eat stuff," you say trying not to be defensive but suddenly recalling all the things you've eaten over the last week and yes, they are very much the same. "I'm a creature of habit but that's only because I need a food-wingman."
"A food-wingman?" she says through her widest smile yet. "What's the most adventurous thing you've ever eaten? Like, an actual meal, not something you've uncovered from the back of your fridge."
"Eggroll?" you say sheepishly.
"You are going to love Honduran food," she assures you.
"I'm sorry but you look like you might be Irish. How would you know if I like Honduran food? Have you had it?"
"No."
You chortle.
"But it looks amazing and I know I won't be disappointed so I know you won't be disappointed either." She stands tall, very sure of her prognosis.
"I like your confidence."
She can't help but to snicker.
"If you can assure me that I will like it -"
"I can assure you, you will like it." She smiles. “We can work out the details,” she says, handing you her number.
Not having fun with Mindy.
[[Need carbs]]
I can't do any better than this - //I'm going for it!//
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Mindy?")[ (set: _plus1 to "Mindy")
"You're on. Honduran restaurant it is."
"Yay, it'll be fun."
"I know this probably sounds crazy, but we can maybe do better than a local restaurant. I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. Would you go with me as my plus one, Mindy?"
Mindy's mouth drops. She looks around as if there is a hidden camera she's trying to spot.
"Close your mouth," you say, "you look weird," you tease, as you make it weirder by looking around to see if anyone //is// watching.
She puts her hand over her open mouth.
"I am completely serious," you say. "We can do some adventurous Caribbean eating but I won't do it alone. I can't. I need you there, my food-wingman."
"I'll be your food-wingman," she says.
//She's game!//
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel]] ]
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }
]
](set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
(set: $fit to 1)
Swing and a miss.
No dice.
Another bad idea scratched off the bucket list.
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }(set: $lstyle to (color: #ff4d4d))
(set: $ldstyle to (color: #00cc00))
(set: $bar to 1)
A quick bottoms-up, then you drop some change for a tip, and walk to the door.
No dice.
Thanks, ladies.
Here's hoping I don't wake up with a headache, 'cause I've already got one.
$lstyle [''(text-style:"underline")[To-Do List:]'']
{ (if: $bar is 0) [ Feeling the pressure now. I need to take the edge off.
* [[Need a Drink]] ]
(if: $bar is 1 ) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Need a Drink]]
]
}
{ (if: $fit is 0) [ I need to make sure I fit into my wedding party outfit without needing a body-sized shoe horn.
* [[Gym]] ]
(if: $fit is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Gym]]
]}
{ (if: $vase is 0) [ Should get a wedding gift for Shayne. Really hope she's registered somewhere....
* [[Store]] ]
(if: $vase is 1) [ Done
* $ldstyle [(text-style:"wavy-strike")[Store]]
]}
(if: $plus1 is 1) [[Travel]]
{ (if: $caughtup is 0) [ Gonna touch base with Shayne.
* [[Catching Up]]
] }You step through the curtain and it’s like you are transported onto a different vessel altogether. It’s wider. The air is different and smells cleaner. The seats are like luxury suites by comparison. //Is Coach really a thing?// You wonder.
Sitting beside your new empty seat is a guy who couldn’t look cooler and more relaxed if this were his actual airplane. One elbow on the armrest with his hand in the air holding a clear tumbler with something you’re very sure is not just water but clear and odorless just the same with a curly green peel, lime, you expertly tell yourself. His strawberry blonde hair pokes out from a white baggy pullover and white baggy slacks with no socks and white sneakers. A beat gently pumps out of his earbuds and his light brown eyes focus as he regards you.
“Uh, hi,” you blurt, not knowing what else to say but becoming fully conscious that you actually belong in the back with the other swine. You hide behind your carryon that feels more like a burlap sack than a proper bag.
He removes an ear bud and the corner of his mouth raises in a cool grin. “Hey, got the upgrade, huh? Nice.” He pulls his hoodie down and his styled hair cut fades into a chain of tattoos down his neck that look like wildflowers. “Make yourself comfortable. Do you need a hand with those?”
You realize he meant the carryon and neck pillow you are awkwardly carrying. “Nope, I’ve got it.” There is clearly enough room to navigate but you somehow manage to clumsily fill it.
Not quite dropping the pillow but setting it into your seat you fumble at the overhead latch and manage to open it to find most of it is taken up with some oversized bags.
“Oh, yeah, sorry about that,” he says. “I brought a few extra things for this trip.” He quickly sets his drink down and gets up to help. “I’ll rearrange for you,” he says gently brushing against you, sending a rippling wave through you as his arms work the baggage in the compartment.
A woman’s gentle voice comes from another row, “You know you’re not moving there right?”
He tightly cocks his head with a smirk and says, “Cheers, Meg,” with a smile. “There. Should be all set.” He reaches for your bag and puts it away for you. He returns to his seat and swirls his tumbler before taking a sip.
You shut the compartment. “Thanks,” you say returning to your seat.
“Should really get yourself one of these. They’ll relax you, which is what I’m trying to do before touching down, ‘cause then it’s gonna be a madhouse.”
“Not a bad idea,” you say before signaling the stewardess.
She comes and asks what she can help you with. “I’ll have one of the same, please.”
Within moments she returns with your own tumbler. You take a drink and feel your face screw itself as the heat plunges down your throat. Not sure what’s in it you let out a wheeze regretting not starting with a sip.
Your neighbor nods his head, raises his glass and says, “The second one is much easier on the way down.”
(if: $solo is 0) [What was I thinking?
[[Wedding]] ]
(else: ) [Looks like I'm going it alone....
[[Army of one]] ]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
“A head’s-up would have been welcome,” you say, considering whether you should put more of it in your body.
“No one told me what was in these things. I just said, ‘Sure’. Life’s too short for regrets.”
You wonder if that has been Shayne’s motto all along.
Setting your drink in your cupholder you ask, “So you’ll be busy on landing? What do you do if you don’t mind my asking?”
He tilts his head back into his seat. “Well, it’s not what I do that’s the issue it’s what I’m going to - a wedding.”
“Ha, me too,” you say. “My crazy friend decided to get married in the Cayman Islands and sent me a roundtrip ticket. Where are you headed?”
“I’m on the same plane you are, friend. Looks like we’re headed to the same demise. I mean, people tend to get married there so it may not be the same one but who knows. My mom kept pressuring me to bring someone and I’m like, first of all, show me a guy who //wants// to go to one of these things and I’ll bring a guest. I mean, you get invited to these things but you don’t invite yourself. Not unless you’re trying to stop the thing anyway.”
“Yeah, that only happens in movies,” you say.
“Which part?” he asks.
“Take your pick,” you reply.
“No kidding. The movies always show the person going out of their way like an idiot scrambling to find someone to show up at those things to avoid being that much more awkward and guess what? The whole thing is still awkward.”
“Yeah, what an idiot.” You correct yourself, “What idiot would do that?”
“Exactly. Thank you.”
You take another big fiery drink.
(if: $solo is 0) [ What have I done?
[[Wedding]] ]
(else: ) [Looks like I'm going it alone...
[[Army of one]] ]
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $dan to 1) (set: $eyes to "blue eyes")
“I can’t say I look forward to these,” you say. “The whole last week was dread-filled. I forgot the date so I thought I had at least another week.”
He laughs. “I would have missed the flight if my cousin didn’t call me today and remind me.”
“Oh, that would not have gone over well. Your family gatherings would be really interesting if you had. Is your cousin getting married then?”
“Yeah.”
“Hence your mother….”
“Ding, ding, ding,” he says with a wry smile. “You can’t get any bigger than weddings in my family. Funerals are a big deal and babies I guess but weddings,” he scoffs with a subtle shake of his head. “Miss one of those and you’re on everybody’s hit list.”
“Did you actually miss one?”
“No. Two.”
“What? How?”
“Just leave it to me. I’ll find a way. The first time wasn’t really my fault. I was nine. Back then I raced BMX and came down from a huge jump -”
“And your handlebars came loose?”
He turns his head and looks at you with scrunched eyebrows. “Yeah?”
“Are you Shayne’s cousin, Dan? She told me about this when we were kids!” You introduce yourself.
“You know Shayne?” He sits up in shock. “I think I need a water.”
“We’ve been friends for ages,” you say.
“Oh, wow,” he says, sliding down in his seat running his hands down his face.
“I take it you lived? The way she told it I thought you died.”
“We don’t talk about that and yes, everything works fine,” he says.
You cover your mouth and try not to laugh into it but feel your face reddening and your ears getting hot.
“So the story goes,” says the same woman further in the cabin from earlier.
“Glad you’re coming, Meg,” he calls back.
(if: $solo is 0) [ Where's the nearest exit?
[[Wedding]] ]
(else: ) [ Looks like I'm going it alone...
[[Army of one]] ]
I can't do any better than this - //I'm going for it!//
(Link: "So, here's a crazy thought...") (set: $plus1 to "Dan") [
"I know this probably sounds crazy, but I feel like we could have a lot of fun there together. Now, I did come with someone but it’s not serious and it’s a big wedding in the Canary Islands so there will be lots of people to hang out with. I’ve heard so much about you I feel like I know you. We have so many //other// stories we can share that I’d love to hear and it seems like Shayne rearranged the stars to get us together. Fate, destiny, call it whatever you want. Would you go with me as my plus one, Dan? It would also help to get your mom off your back."
“Trust me, nothing would be sweeter. Sure your friend won’t mind?”
“No, we are still doing some of the activities the next day but you and I can hang out at the wedding if you want.”
“I want,” he says with a smile.
//He’s game!//
“Perfect. Shayne will be off my back and your mom will be off yours. We’re going to have a great time.”
(set: $male to 1)
[[Wedding]] ]
]
]
You step through the curtain and it’s like you are transported onto a different vessel altogether. It’s wider. The air is different and smells cleaner. The seats are like luxury suites by comparison. //Is Coach really a thing?// You wonder.
A graceful brunette sits next to your new empty seat. Her legs are elegantly crossed. She’s already sipping champagne from a glass flute. The way she holds the flute is so natural you wonder if she’s always lived this kind of life. She wears an oversized cozy top with baggy long sleeves you somehow know still costs more than your entire wardrobe and dark leggings. A thin necklace shimmers as the light catches the chain. Her hair frames a delicate featured face with two large, gorgeous green eyes that make you come to a halt as she looks up to see you approach.
“Sorry,” you blurt, not knowing what else to say but becoming fully conscious that you actually belong in the back with the other swine. You hide behind your carryon that feels more like a burlap sack than a proper bag and have that goofy neck pillow that makes you feel puffy.
She smiles invitingly at you, aware of your situation. “Don’t apologize,” she reassures you. “Come in stretch out. Enjoy yourself.” She holds up her glass in a //cheers// motion.
You smile back feeling better about your situation. As you reach your seat her scent hits you like a playful slap smelling of warm berries and fruit; it’s like what heaven probably smells like. The more you think about it the more you believe it. Reaching up to put away your carryon you hope you don’t smell funny after being herded in with the others. You quickly close the baggage compartment and bring your arms down.
Now regretting //not// taking anything out of the carryon to busy yourself with you are forced to sit down and do nothing like an idiot or get your burlap sack back down and pull something out like an idiot.
Which would you rather be?
“Ms.?” she delicately says. Amazingly the stewardess from the front of the cabin hears and comes.
“How may I be of service?”
“I don’t think my friend has had a chance to settle in,” she says waving her flute.
“Of course. What would you like? We have a selection of wines, champagne, mixed drinks and beer.”
“Coke,” you say, realizing that can be taken as the soda or the illegal substance. You want to laugh but are frozen by the stares of the two lovely women staring at you slightly confused.
“Gonna need it,” says a male voice from somewhere in the cabin.
“Thanks, Dan,” says the woman sitting next to you with an eye-roll and a smile.
“The good stuff,” chimes in the man again.
//”Thanks, Dan.”//the brunette calls back.
“Just a Coke then?” the stewardess asks in gentle confirmation.
“Uh, sorry. Strike that. I’ll have a rum and coke,” you say, now hoping you don’t come off as an experienced drunk.
“Right away,” she says with a smile.
You settle into your seat and before you know it the stewardess is back with a small tumbler in hand for you.
“Oh, thank you,” you say.
“No problem. Let me know if you need anything else,” she smiles back, then heads back to the front of the cabin.
You finally have something in hand to fidget with and are both relieved and concerned with how quickly you should drink it because once it’s gone you have nothing to fidget with. Maybe if you take long enough you can get your carryon and find a book. Then you remember you brought that dumb fantasy book with the wild cover that you //know// you can’t get away with in first class.
“First time flying?”
The sweet voice comes from the green-eyed woman next to you.
“Ah, no. But it’s been a while,” you reply, then take too big a drink. The tumbler is now empty.
“Oh, let me take that,” she offers with a smile.
You hand her the tumbler with a few clinking pieces of ice and regret not eating something before boarding the plane. “Thank you,” you say with a hiccup. You know it’s not the alcohol because you’ve had more than that in less the time and been fine but you know this happens when you drink cold things too fast.
Her shoulders bounce in a silent laugh. She holds up the tumbler and the stewardess comes to retrieve it. “Maybe a water for my friend?”
“Of course,” says the stewardess as she walks away.
(if: $solo is 0) [ What was I thinking?
[[Wedding]] ]
(else:) [ Looks like I'm going it alone....
[[I'm flying solo]] ]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
“I’m not drunk, really,” you hiccup again.
“I’d hope not. They really don’t give you much unless they forgot the soda,” she chuckles.
“I just drank too fast,” you hiccup. “Ugh,” hiccup.
The stewardess returns with a small water bottle in a shape you’ve never seen in coach and wonder if you get to keep it or give it back when you’re done. “Thanks.”
“So where are you headed if you don’t mind my asking,” she asks. “Sorry, I’m bored. I forgot to pack a book.”
You want to offer yours to the kind, magnificent lady but remember that silly cover. “No bug me all day. You’re not bugging me at all. Ask away. You did ask. ‘Where am I headed?’ I’m headed to the Caymans, yeah, that’s where I’m going.”
“Oh, it’s really nice there.”
“You’ve been there?”
“Half a dozen times probably,” she says, as casual as going to a local theater.
“Oh, I’ve never been,” hiccup. You take a slow drink and hope not to kick it back up with another stupid hiccup.
She’s trying not to laugh but you decide she is allowed to laugh at you all she wants. “Are you on a vacation, weekend getaway?” She pulls her legs up almost sitting on her knees as if comfortably sitting on a luxurious couch at her home.
“I’m going to see a friend,” you reply.
“Oh, that’s nice. You could have your own private guide. Do they live there then?”
“No, actually. It’s a special occasion.”
“Hard to imagine a better place for a special occasion this time of year. Then again, Greece is also really nice. Some people really like Hawaii. I’ve traveled a lot.”
“This is my first time out of the country, over large bodies of water anyway.”
“Wow this must be some occasion or some friend. Both maybe.”
“Both,” you say, smiling without meaning to. Just thinking about Shayne brings back a cascade of stories you could tell. “One of my best friends is getting married and decided to go big like she always does.”
“Really? Me too.” She perks up, pulling her knees under her as if sitting on them. “Every time I’ve gone there someone is getting married. Not that that’s why I’ve gone but I’ve seen other people getting married. It’s a good place for it. Makes you feel transported to another world for that special occasion. It’s just beautiful.”
(if: $solo is 0) [ What have I done?
[[Wedding]] ]
(else:) [ Looks like I'm going it alone....
[[I'm flying solo]] ]
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $megan to 1)
The plane banks slightly left and the sunlight from the porthole catches her eyes. They shimmer like magical emeralds. You don’t care if she’s a sorceress or a witch; she can cast any spell or curse on you she wants and you’ll just live with it. You notice light colored freckles below her eyes like a sprinkle of cinnamon atop the foam of a latte.
You find yourself smiling. “I’m actually going to be in this one. Can’t say ‘No’ to this friend.”
“This is wild. So am I,” she says. “It’s like she knows exactly how to get you involved in things you’d be happy being a bystander for but -”
“She finds a way to ensnare you without even asking but somehow you end up saying ‘Yes’ to something no one else could ever convince you to.”
“Shayne.”
You look at each other, mouths agape then start laughing together.
“Unbelievable!” She playfully slams her hand on the armrest with a giant smile. “How do you know her?”
You introduce yourself.
“Oh my gosh! I’m Megan. I was her college bestie. We got into a lot of trouble but had so much fun. She told me about you, like the time you went on a double-date and ended up - ”
“At the abandoned house? Yeah, she’s full of great ideas.”
“Unforgettable ones, at least!” Megan says with a laugh that brings you joy.
“And you are the legendary Megan, the only friend I felt I was in competition with.”
“Oh, no.”
“No worries. You’re living up to your greatness.”
“Aw.”
“She described you as ‘silver-tongued’ in that you talked the both of you out of a lot of messy situations.”
“All of which was learned on the spot," she chuckles. "I never knew I could put out fires like that ‘till I was in one. This is so crazy. When she asked me to be her maid of honor I could just feel the dread setting in because of all our past exploits but I could never say ‘No’ to her. I’m excited for her and would do this in an instant. In fact, she didn’t even give me the chance to say ‘No’,” she chuckles.
“I would too. That’s why I’m here,” you say. “The whole last week was dread-filled. I forgot the date so I thought I had at least another week.”
“Scramble?”
“Mad scramble. I had so much to get ready including finding a - "
”Date? She’s so pushy isn’t she?” Megan laughs. I had the invite but didn’t have anyone in mind. See that? I rebelled against Shayne.”
“You are mighty. I came with someone but it’s not serious,” you say somewhat defeated.
“Don’t worry, I can get you out of it if you want,” she says with a wink.
(if: $solo is 0) [ Where's the nearest exit?
[[Wedding]] ]
(else: ) [ Looks like I'm going it alone...
[[I'm flying solo]] ]
I can't do any better than this - //I'm going for it!//
(Link: "So, here's a crazy thought...") [(set: $plus1 to "Megan")
"I know this probably sounds crazy, but I feel like we could have a great time there together. I’ve heard so much about you I feel like I know you. We have so many stories we can share that I’d love to hear and a great friend who rearranged the stars to get us together. Fate, destiny, I don’t care. Would you go with me as my plus one, Megan?"
“This does kind of feel like //fate// doesn’t it? Knowing Shayne and the way she can pull a rabbit out of anything, it’s kind of impossible to say ‘No’ isn’t it?” She sits up tall in her seat. “To Shayne,” she raises her champagne flute.
//She’s game!//
“To Shayne,” you say, smiling back and raising your water bottle like an idiot. You //cheers// together and finally everything about this weekend seems to align the way it was supposed to.
“And when it’s over, I can show you all the best places no one knows about,” she says curling her lips slyly. She could chop you up and toss you to sharks and you would still be perfectly happy.
“Then maybe you can tell me how you ended up in first class,” you say.
“I’m a Hollywood agent. I’ve racked up so many travel miles I bumped up my ticket and it was still free.”
And the best part, no more hiccups.
(set: $female to 1) (set: $eyes to "bright hypnotizing green eyes")
[[Wedding]] ]
]
]
The vows have been said, happy tears shed, and the serious business is over.
It's party time.
(link: "Let the games begin") [ The dances are on. Shayne and her father have their Father/Daughter dance. The dollar dance was sure to recover a pinch of their spending. The drinks are pouring.
(link: "Now it's time for the first of the frenzies") [
Shayne sits on the chair under the strobe lights and music blaring while Tyler goes for the garter belt. He stands triumphantly with his hand raised with the garter. The guys close in and Tyler shoots the garter behind.
(link: "Arms shoot up for the catch") [
$plus1 catches garter and spins to find you. His smile is warm like the sun and you feel a rush as your eyes meet.
(link: "Can this get better?") [
Shayne stands and pushes the chair aside. It's cleared out by one of the family members as the DJ makes the call for all single ladies to take the floor.
There are a lot of eager hands ready. Some playing it down but you know they want the bouquet. Even you quietly wish to make the catch.
Shayne takes the bouquet in both hands and as the DJ counts to three your heart beats harder and louder. Shayne gives it the old heave-ho and the bouquet flies overhead. Loose petals fly leaving a sweet smelling trail. The flower girl, Elise, gets in front of you and you stumble in your heels. Elise looses her balance but you catch her from falling. She smiles at you and you're just happy she didn't fall on her face and start crying.
The voices shout as arms shoot up around you but you feel the sweet-smelling bouquet fall into your chest. With a free arm you catch the bouquet before it hits the ground. You manage to save both the flower-girl and the bouquet like some A-list bridesmaid superhero. Not a bad day's work.
(link: "Unbelieveable") [
The shouts and laughter roar and above them all is Shayne.
"You did it, Strings! Next one's you!" she says as she playfully dances pointing fingers at you while the DJ spins a new track to get the dance floor hyped.
A hand slips around your waist and you turn to see $plus1 smiling at you; his other hand twirling the garter on his index finger.
"Nice catch," he says pulling you closer.
You close your eyes as you smell the bouquet, then look at $plus1. "I know." Your arms wrap around each other and your lips find one another as the music, sing-song, and dancing go on around you both. You’ve never been kissed so passionately. He pulls you close in a tight embrace, both of you now where you’ve always belonged.
From dating purgatory you somehow managed to find yourself in the best possible dream vacation thanks to Shayne's glam wedding and the best luck you've ever had.
This storybook is closed.
]]]]]The vows have been said, happy tears shed, and the serious business is over.
It's party time.
Shayne and Tyler put on a show as the garter toss takes center stage. Andre catches the garter in a flurry of excitement and whooping from the crowd. He scans the room and his gaze finds you. With a wink he sets your pulse racing. You made the right call. Relieved, you know the whole adventure was worth it.
Your travel buddy and the Maid of Honor found each other on the dance floor and are finding their own groove.
From dating purgatory you somehow managed to find yourself in the best possible dream vacation thanks to Shayne's over the top glam wedding and the best luck you've ever had.
This storybook is closed.The vows have been said, happy tears shed, and the serious business is over.
It's party time.
Ever the center of attention, Shayne takes over the dance floor as the DJ summons all single ladies. A toss leads to frenzy and as if the Fates arranged it Andrea catches the bouquet. The women cheer and Andrea's sleepy-eyed gaze finds you. She curls the corner of her lips into a smile that both puts you at ease and makes your heart beat a little faster telling you that you made the right call.
Your travel buddy and Tyler's brother have hit it off. Conga lines can have dangerous effects on people.
You look into the sleepy gaze of the hazel-eyed goddess and know without a doubt you're falling fast for her. From dating purgatory you somehow managed to find yourself in the best possible dream vacation thanks to Shayne's glam wedding and the best luck you've ever had.
This storybook is closed.The vows have been said, happy tears shed, and the serious business is over.
It's party time.
(link: "Let the games begin") [ The dances are on. Shayne and her father have their Father/Daughter dance. The dollar dance was sure to recover a pinch of their spending. The drinks are pouring.
(link: "Now it's time for the first of the frenzies") [
Shayne sits on the chair under the strobe lights and music blaring while Tyler goes for the garter belt. He stands triumphantly with his hand raised with the garter. The guys close in and Tyler shoots the garter behind.
(link: "Arms shoot up for the catch") [
You stand among the other singles waiting to catch the garter when you notice Arnold the ring-bearer toddle his way to the group. Sharp dressed as he is the little guy is about to eat floor. You scoop him up as they guys scramble in their dress shoes. Opportunity lost, but hey, you saved the little guy. Arnold laughes excitedly as he's hit in the face. His little fist takes the garter and next throws it in your face. You pull it off your face and a flash goes off, then you know that one's going in the wedding album.
Thanks, Arnold.
(link: "Can this get any better?") [
Shayne stands and pushes the chair aside. It's cleared out by one of the family members as the DJ makes the call for all single ladies to take the floor.
There are a lot of eager hands ready. Some playing it down but you know they want the bouquet. Even you quietly wish to make the catch.
Shayne takes the bouquet in both hands and as the DJ counts to three your heart beats harder and louder. Shayne gives it the old heave-ho and the bouquet flies overhead. Loose petals fly leaving a sweet smelling trail.
The voices shout as arms shoot up like eager hands around the stage at a concert. From the cluster of women comes a whooping and cheering. And as the group relaxes and pulls away, they clap and reveal $plus1's radiant smile holding the bouquet with her other arm raised, finger pointing to the sky in victory as she strikes a playful pose.
(link: "Unbelieveable") [
The shouts and laughter roar and above them all is Shayne.
"You did it, Strings! Next one's you!" she says as she teasingly dances pointing fingers at you while the DJ spins a new track to populate the dance floor.
A gentle hand rests on your shoulder and you turn to see $plus1 smiling at you with the bouquet resting in her other arm like the winner of a beauty pageant.
"Nice catch," you say pulling her closer. I look at her $eyes and know without a doubt I'm falling fast for her.
$plus1 closes her eyes. She smells the bouquet and looks at you. "I know."
As the music, sing-song, and dancing go on around you both, she wraps her arms around your neck like a silk scarf. Her breath warms your mouth as she nears and you feel a slight tremble in her soft lips as they find yours. You’ve never been kissed so delicately and passionately. You pull her closer and embrace, both of you now where you’ve always belonged.
From dating purgatory you somehow managed to find yourself in the best possible dream vacation thanks to Shayne's glam wedding and the best luck you've ever had.
This storybook is closed.
]]]]](set: $male to 1) (set: $female to 0)
“Hi, it’s nice to hear from you,” Cedric says audibly through a smile.
“Yeah, I’m glad I caught you.”
“Really, why’s that?” he asks.
"I know this probably sounds crazy, but I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. Would you go with me as my plus one, Cedric?"
(link: "More")[
“Will there be hatchets?” he asks with uncertainty.
“There’d better be hatchets,” you say.
"Cayman Islands?" he asks in disbelief. "Wow. I’d have to get a sitter for my dog, Barkus, but my sister’s kids love him so it should be fine."
“You named your dog Barkus?”
(link: "More")[
“Long story.”
"You can tell it to me on the plane."
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Cedric?")[ (set: $plus1 to "Cedric") (set: $occupation to "") (set: $eyes to "blue eyes") (set: $stingray to "") (set: $beaches to "")
"Can't believe I'm saying this. Yes!"
//He's game!//
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel with Cedric]]
]
]
](set: $male to 1) (set: $female to 0)
“Hi, I wasn’t expecting to hear from you,” Sam says.
“Well, something pretty exciting came up and it’s sort of a don’t-come-alone thing and I thought of you immediately."
“Really? Do tell.”
I know this probably sounds crazy, but I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. It’s not Brisbane but would you go with me as my plus one, Sam?"
(link: "More")[
“The //Cayman Islands//, as in paradise? Has water?”
“Yes, yes, and yes. There’s even snorkeling and boaty things to do. You can swim right?”
“Like a fish. But just in case I get into any trouble can I count on you to help me out?”
“Do you want me to pack an inflatable duck inner-tube or maybe those arm floaties?”
(link: "More")[
“I would rather drown.”
“Then it sounds like the perfect warm up trip for Brisbane. No more travel shows. What do you say?”
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Sam?")[ (set: $plus1 to "Sam") (set: $occupation to "") (set: $eyes to "hazel eyes") (set: $snorkeling to "") (set: $jetski to "")
"Can't believe I'm saying this. Yes!"
//He's game!//
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel with Sam]]
](set: $male to 1) (set: $female to 0)
“Hello?” Terrance answers. “Oh, hey. I’m glad you called.”
“Well, that’s nice to hear,” you say. “That makes me want to hang up and call you up again.”
He laughs. “I missed you too. So, what’s up?”
"I know this probably sounds crazy, but I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. Would you go with me as my plus one, Terrance?"
(link: "More")[
“The very ones,” you say, smiling.
“I’ve seen movies where people get invited to these beautiful places and don’t exactly come back….”
You laugh so hard your stomach muscles tighten.
“Or if they do, they come back different, like a bad kind of different,” he continues.
“You’d come back in a good kind of different. So would I,” you say, reassuringly.
“And leave the sanctuary of the desperate for a few days?” he asks.
(link: "More")[
"We can do the wedding, then the rest of the time is ours."
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Terrance?")[ (set: $plus1 to "Terrance") (set: $occupation to "bartender") (set: $eyes to "gray eyes") (set: $stingray to "") (set: $jetski to "")
"I’m sure I can get in on a lot of good conversations there. We can definitely keep this one going. It’s a ‘Yes’ from me.”
//He's game!//
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel with Terrance]]
]
]
](set: $female to 1) (set: $male to 0)
"Hi, Candice."
"Hi. How are you?" she says a bit stiffly. I'd be concerened but she kind of talked that way when we met.
"Doing okay. Sorry I didn't call sooner. I've had a lot of things pile up this week but I finally got things in order."
"That's okay. I've been holding down my own fort over here," she says a bit akwardly. I'm already feeling better about myself.
"I had a good time with you the other night and was hoping we could spend a little more time together. Are you free this weekend?"
"This weekend? Yup, looks like I'm clear. A whole weekend, huh?"
(link: "More")[
"I know you said you liked a little adventure so how about we have one together?"
"Like what kind of adventure? Paintball, skydiving, cave exploring?"
"Yes to one of those only very chill in a very warm place. Can you guess which activity?"
"I'm going to need some clues! I can't just make a wild guess," she says playfully, "These are all very good options!"
"Well, for one, we'd take a plane to get there and while you //can// jump off the plane I'd rather you get off of it like a sane person."
"You know I don't do sane! Come on. You're giving me way too much credit here."
"Would hate to then wheel you into an ambulance and spend the rest of the weekend holding your hand while you have broken bones set. Not that I wouldn't take good care of you."
"Would you? Would you really? What level of care could I expect?"
"Well depending how hurt you get you might get a sponge bath out of it."
"A sponge bath?"
"I'll offer to kiss any booboos but I'm not going anywhere near compound fractures."
She breaks into laughter. "Where are you planning to abduct me to?"
(link: "More")[
"I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands."
"A wedding? Are you crazy? Those things are like the worst for single people." I can envison her squirming on the other end.
"Which is why we won't be. We'll have fun a my friend's wedding, then it's off to ride some jetskis and explore the Cayman Crystal Caves."
"That, that really sounds amazing!" she gives an involuntary laugh.
"No serving anyone this weekend. This one's for us. What do you say?"
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Candice?")[ (set: $plus1 to "Candice") (set: $occupation to "bartender") (set: $eyes to "wide, bright brown eyes like new pennies") (set: $cave to "") (set: $jetski to "")
"Let's do this!"
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel with Candice]]
]
]
](set: $female to 1) (set: $male to 0)
"Hi! How are you doing?"
"Hi, Mindy. I'm alright. How are you?"
"Taking the day off. Don't tell!"
"Hey, that makes two of us. So, I wanted to say sorry that I haven't called. I had a lot of stuff pile up lately. But, things are settled down and in a really good place. I was hoping we could get together."
"That sounds good to me." Her voice perkes up. "What did you have in mind?"
(link: "More")[
"Well, how about something exotic?"
"Exotic? Like...?"
"Like maybe a trip someplace nice?"
"I'm listening,"she says through a smile.
(link: "More")[
"I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands."
"Oh, wow! Are you serious?"
"I can't think of anyone I'd rather be there with than you."
"Aw."
"Don't worry, it's round trip. I'll bring you back. Unless you'd rather stay there, then my gift to you I guess."
She laughs. "If you're coming back, then so am I."
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Mindy?")[ (set: $plus1 to "Mindy") (set: $occupation to "") (set: $eyes to "warm hazel eyes") (set: $snorkeling to "") (set: $food to "")
"Yes, I could use a Cayman Island getaway. And lucky for you, I've been limbering up with some new positions."
"Then I can't wait. In addition to appreciating each other's company some things I'm sure you'll enjoy would be snorkeling through the Coral Gardens -"
She squeals in excitement.
"And a cultural food tour -"
"That sounds amazing!"
"And some quality alone time for us."
"You've just put the cherry on top. I can't wait. I'm so glad you called!"
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel with Mindy]]
]
]
]
(set: $female to 1) (set: $male to 0)
"Hi," she answers the phone almost musically.
"Hi, Cathy. Sorry it's been a while. I've had a lot of stuff pile up this week."
"Oh, no problem. I'm glad you called."
"I was hoping we could get together and talk more about why strawberries should not be considered a fruit."
"You remembred!" she laughs pulling the phone away from her mouth.
"I wouldn't forget.
"Strawberries are stupid!" she says playfully with her sweet little voice.
"Only this time instead of talking about it on a treadmill I thought it would be nice to walk on clean, white sand."
"Say again?" she chuckles.
(link: "More")[
"The scenery would be much nicer don't you think?"
"What are you talking about?" she says with building excitement.
"This weekend I have a trip I need to make someplace beautiful and I'd hate to waste all that beauty without you making it better."
"Aw, that's sweet!"
"Sweeter than strawberries."
"You know it. Tell me more!"
(link: "More")[
"Imagine this: You and I on a cultural food tasting tour and spending the rest of our time on endless white beaches."
"A beach for my beach bod I've been working so hard on!" she says jokingly.
"Exactly! You get to show off all your hard work. Bring your bikini. I'll bring the sunscreen."
"Did you win a timeshare or something?"
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Cathy?")[ (set: $plus1 to "Cathy") (set: $occupation to "") (set: $eyes to "playfully seductive green eyes") (set: $food to "") (set: $beaches to "")
"I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands."
"What?"
"Yeah, no joke. What do you say?"
She shoults in excitement. "Yes, of course, yes!"
"That's great, let's go! You'll have your chance to convince me about strawberries. You make a compelling argument."
"And if I don't convince you, we'll learn to settle our differences knowing you're wrong," she says playfully. I imagine her batting her eyelashes at me again. "I'll also bring a few different swimsuits," she says seductively.
"Oh, my very own fashion show?"
"I'll bring mine and some for you to try on for me."
//Glad I got back into shape.//
"Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel with Cathy]]
]
]
](set: $male to 1) (set: $female to 0)
“Oh, hey! How are you? Javier asks.
“I’m doing okay here. Did you get your mom that perfect birthday gift? Anything breakable or did you get her a box of pool noodles?”
(link: "More")[
“I should have done that,” he says. “Just to see the look on her face would have been worth it. Instead I went the fancy restaurant route.”
“That is a good safe play,” you say. “How would you like to do something completely opposite?”
“Are you inviting me to a demolition derby? That would be so hot.”
(link: "More")[
"No, but I’ll keep that in my back pocket. I know this probably sounds crazy, but I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. That’s why I’m here. I need a wedding gift.” You hold up the wedding registry. “She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. Would you go with me as my plus one, Javier?"
“What? Are you serious right now?”
“Life on the edge, Javier” you say, “that’s where I live it. You want to be on the edge with me?”
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Javier?")[ (set: $plus1 to "Javier") (set: $occupation to "") (set: $eyes to "green eyes") (set: $food to "") (set: $beaches to "")
“I think I’m scared of the edge,” he says. “Hold my hand?”
“You’re a smooth one, Javier. If I say ‘yes’ - “
“Then I’ll say ‘yes’,” he says.
//He’s game!//
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel with Javier]]
]
]
](set: $male to 1) (set: $female to 0)
“Oh, hey,” Sebastian answers. “Didn’t expect to hear from you.”
“What can I say, you left quite the impression.”
“I’m that kind of guy I suppose. Best to be unforgettable than another face in the crowd.”
“I don’t know,” you say. “Anonymity can be a nice thing.”
(link: "More")[
“Sure, if you’re a stalker.”
“Which is why I called,” you say.
“Don’t think you’re forgettable either. So what’s going on?”
(link: "More")[
"I know this probably sounds crazy, but I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands. She's getting married there and it's going to be over the top but it's //the Cayman Islands//. Would you go with me as my plus one, Sebastian?"
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Sebastian?")[ (set: $plus1 to "Sebastian") (set: $occupation to "sales rep") (set: $eyes to "brown eyes") (set: $cave to "") (set: $bioluminescent to "")
“You know what’s crazier? Going seven weeks at that nutty job.” Without missing a beat he says, “You could be harvesting my organs for a billionaire someplace overseas and I’d still go with you. When do we leave?”
//He’s game!//
You can’t believe it. This guy’s totally serious. You’re sold on his heir of carelessness and ease. It’s just the kind of no-pressure passenger you need right now.
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel with Sebastian]]
]
]
](set: $female to 1) (set: $male to 0)
"Hey, I was wondering how long until you rang me."
"Sorry, Camilla. I've had a lot going on."
"Well, shame on your for making me wait. But, you did call so all's forgiven," she says playfully.
"That's good because I wanted to do something special with you this weekend."
"Special? Really?"
(link: "More")[
"Remember when we were shopping and I said I needed to find something unique?"
"Go on."
"Well, I wanted to reward you for helping me make my decision."
"And just how did yo plan to do that? Because I've got some ideas," she says playfully.
"I think I'd like to hear some of these ideas," I say.
"And I'd rather show you," she counters.
"You'll get your chance if you say 'Yes' to what I'm about to tell you."
"'Yes' as in, 'Yes, yes'?"
(link: "More")[
"I have a friend who is getting married this weekend and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands."
"Say again?"
"So you can show me your ideas on white sandy beaches or after we tour Stingray City. What do you say?"
"Are you serious?"
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Camilla?")[ (set: $plus1 to "Camilla") (set: $occupation to "") (set: $eyes to " mischievous brown eyes") (set: $stingray to "") (set: $beaches to "")[
"Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!"
"I don't think I caught that," I tease.
"Yes!"
"That's great, let's go! Get your bags packed. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel with Camilla]]
]
]
]
](set: $female to 1) (set: $male to 0)
"Well, hello." The sultry voice comes through the phone tickling my ear and other parts of me.
"Hello," I say in return, trying not to say anythying as foolish as I'm feeling.
"Hello?" she says stretching out the word playfully. Now she's messing with me. Advantage: Chelsea.
"I was wondering if you could help me with something."
"Does it involve a bottle of wine and silk neck ties?"
"Mind reader," I say.
She laughs on the other end. "What's up?"
(link: "More")[
"I was thinking that I want to see you again."
"Mind reader," she says toyingly.
"Sorry I haven't called back. I've had a lot of things going on but I have something big coming up and I can't think of anyone better to do this with."
"Do tell," she says curiosly.
"How do these sound to you: beaches, sunscreen, swimsuits, ocean."
She draws a sharp breath.
(link: "More")[
"I have a friend who is getting married and she sent me two roundtrip tickets to the Cayman Islands."
"Are you joking? When is it?"
"This weekend. Can you make it?"
"No, you've got to be kidding me. I'm scheduled to close this weekend."
//No is right. This can't be. Chlelsea was my girl, my plus one.//
"Ugh, I can't believe this. I'm pulling in 45 - 50 hours a week and I've covered enough shifts for others."
(Link: "Could you use a vacation, Chelsea?")[ (set: $plus1 to "Chelsea") (set: $occupation to "supervisor") (set: $eyes to "playfully seductive blue eyes") (set: $biolumenescent to "") (set: $snorkeling to "")
"You know what? You're right, I do. Looks like I just caught the flu."
"Well, why don't you share it with me on a white sandy beach? We can also take a Bioluminescent tour and go snorkeling in the Coral Gardens."
"Aw, you want to get sick with me?"
"Only if you promise to kiss me."
"Mmm," she purs. "Promise," she says through a smile. "And, just so you know, I don't believe in tan lines," she says in a breathy voice.
I almost drop the phone. "That's great, let's go! Pack your bags. We're going to have a great time!"
[[Travel with Chelsea]]
]
]
]
I'm so lucky. Adrienne's amazing.
You board the plane and as the others shove and shoulder their way past the stewardess at the front you smile and say excuse me in the tight space.
Courtesy pays off. She smiles back and discreetly pulls you aside and says, "Today's your lucky day. It looks like we have available seating in //first class// if you want it."
She draws the curtain and motions to a vacant spacious seat.
A man is sitting by a window seat.
[[Upgrade]]
An elegant woman is sitting at an aisle seat
[[Luxury]]
"Wow," you say. (link: "I'll keep that in mind")
[You smile back with a wink.
You walk toward the back. "So glad I'm here with $plus1."
Closer to your seat you find your travel friend packing a bag in the overhead compartment. With a couple of shoves it latches shut. Looks like your carry-on is going underseat.
What was I thinking?
[[Luxury]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
Learning more about $plus1.
Just imagine clear skies, water so clear you just want to dip a cup into and drink - but really shouldn’t, a sun so warm on your shoulders you’d never miss winter again, and racing up and down the seas - just don’t hit any dolphins. We’re going to have our own jet skis for all the wave crashing we can handle.
What have I done?
[[Luxury]]
She is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $adrienne to 1)
Having fun with $plus1.
In two days we’ll be in the warm Caribbean waters snorkeling among the coral and schools of tropical fish. We’ll probably see all kinds of sea life. Hopefully nothing we’re going to eat later. That might make me sad but it’s going to be great to go and do that.
Where's the nearest exit?
[[Luxury]]
Let's go!
[[Wedding]]
]
]
] I'm so lucky. Camilla's amazing.
You board the plane and as the others shove and shoulder their way past the stewardess at the front you smile and say excuse me in the tight space.
Courtesy pays off. She smiles back and discreetly pulls you aside and says, "Today's your lucky day. It looks like we have available seating in //first class// if you want it."
She draws the curtain and motions to a vacant spacious seat.
An elegant woman is sitting at an aisle seat
[[Luxury]]
"Wow," you say. (link: "I'll keep that in mind")
[You smile back with a wink.
You walk toward the back. "So glad I'm here with $plus1."
Closer to your seat you find your travel friend packing a bag in the overhead compartment. With a couple of shoves it latches shut. Looks like your carry-on is going underseat.
What was I thinking?
[[Luxury]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
Learning more about $plus1.
Can you believe we’re going to be snorkeling with stingrays? It’s going to be crazy! I can’t wait. I’ve never snorkeled before. This is going to be awesome. Those things are huge. We’re probably going to see all kinds of stuff out there. We might even see some starfish, sea horses, and sharks. When I was a kid I wanted to jump into the huge tanks at the aquarium and I’m going to get to do just that, only it’ll be the real thing.
What have I done?
[[Luxury]]
She is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $camilla to 1)
Having fun with $plus1.
We’ll be on white, sandy beaches relaxing under the sun. We can go for a swim and play in the sea, then lay out on beach towels with those fun umbrellas or sit somewhere on some cozy chairs with the ocean breeze washing over us while we drink some fun fruity drinks with those fun //little// umbrellas. Then, we can get the sun screen, trade massages and take a nap in the open air.
Where's the nearest exit?
[[Luxury]]
Let's go!
[[Wedding]]
]
]
] I'm so lucky. Chelsea's amazing.
You board the plane and as the others shove and shoulder their way past the stewardess at the front you smile and say excuse me in the tight space.
Courtesy pays off. She smiles back and discreetly pulls you aside and says, "Today's your lucky day. It looks like we have available seating in //first class// if you want it."
She draws the curtain and motions to a vacant spacious seat.
An elegant woman is sitting at an aisle seat
[[Luxury]]
"Wow," you say. (link: "I'll keep that in mind")
[You smile back with a wink.
You walk toward the back. "So glad I'm here with $plus1."
Closer to your seat you find your travel friend packing a bag in the overhead compartment. With a couple of shoves it latches shut. Looks like your carry-on is going underseat.
What was I thinking?
[[Luxury]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
Learning more about $plus1.
Come sunset, we’ll be able to get out to Bioluminescent Bay where we can swim or take a kayak. We can even snorkel once we’re out there if you feel up to it. We can stir up the bioluminescent plankton and get a light show. Sounds incredible. The water isn’t deep either. Should be around four feet deep depending where we are. If we snorkel we should get a better experience. What do you think?
What have I done?
[[Luxury]]
She is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $chelsea to 1)
Having fun with $plus1.
In two days we’re going to be in the warm Caribbean waters snorkeling among the coral and schools of tropical fish. We’ll probably see all kinds of sea life. Hopefully nothing we’re going to eat later. That might make me sad but it’s going to be great to go and do that.
Where's the nearest exit?
[[Luxury]]
Let's go!
[[Wedding]]
]
]
] I'm so lucky. Mindy's amazing.
You board the plane and as the others shove and shoulder their way past the stewardess at the front you smile and say excuse me in the tight space.
Courtesy pays off. She smiles back and discreetly pulls you aside and says, "Today's your lucky day. It looks like we have available seating in //first class// if you want it."
She draws the curtain and motions to a vacant spacious seat.
An elegant woman is sitting at an aisle seat
[[Luxury]]
"Wow," you say. (link: "I'll keep that in mind")
[You smile back with a wink.
You walk toward the back. "So glad I'm here with $plus1."
Closer to your seat you find your travel friend packing a bag in the overhead compartment. With a couple of shoves it latches shut. Looks like your carry-on is going underseat.
What was I thinking?
[[Luxury]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
Learning more about $plus1.
In two days we’re going to be in the warm Caribbean waters snorkeling among the coral and schools of tropical fish. We’ll probably see all kinds of sea life. Hopefully nothing we’re going to eat later. That might make me sad but it’s going to be great to go and do that.
What have I done?
[[Luxury]]
She is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $mindy to 1)
Having fun with $plus1.
My mouth is already watering for the food tour. I’m so looking forward to the jerk chicken. I’ve had Caribbean food at some restaurants but having the real thing right there made fresh is going to be unreal. I love seafood and really can’t wait to go. Every meal is going to be my favorite.
Where's the nearest exit?
[[Luxury]]
Let's go!
[[Wedding]]
]
]
] I'm so lucky. Cathy's amazing.
You board the plane and as the others shove and shoulder their way past the stewardess at the front you smile and say excuse me in the tight space.
Courtesy pays off. She smiles back and discreetly pulls you aside and says, "Today's your lucky day. It looks like we have available seating in //first class// if you want it."
She draws the curtain and motions to a vacant spacious seat.
An elegant woman is sitting at an aisle seat
[[Luxury]]
"Wow," you say. (link: "I'll keep that in mind")
[You smile back with a wink.
You walk toward the back. "So glad I'm here with $plus1."
Closer to your seat you find your travel friend packing a bag in the overhead compartment. With a couple of shoves it latches shut. Looks like your carry-on is going underseat.
What was I thinking?
[[Luxury]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
Learning more about $plus1.
Can you believe we’re going to be snorkeling with stingrays? It’s going to be crazy! I can’t wait. I’ve never snorkeled before. This is going to be awesome. Those things are huge. We’re probably going to see all kinds of stuff out there. We might even see some starfish, sea horses, and sharks. When I was a kid I wanted to jump into the huge tanks at the aquarium and I’m going to get to do just that, only it’ll be the real thing.
What have I done?
[[Luxury]]
She is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $cathy to 1)
Having fun with $plus1.
We’ll be on white, sandy beaches relaxing under the sun. We can go for a swim and play in the sea, then lay out on beach towels with those fun umbrellas or sit somewhere on some cozy chairs with the ocean breeze washing over us while we drink some fun fruity drinks with those fun //little// umbrellas. Then, we can get the sun screen, trade massages and take a nap in the open air.
Where's the nearest exit?
[[Luxury]]
Let's go!
[[Wedding]]
]
]
] I'm so lucky. Candice is amazing.
You board the plane and as the others shove and shoulder their way past the stewardess at the front you smile and say excuse me in the tight space.
Courtesy pays off. She smiles back and discreetly pulls you aside and says, "Today's your lucky day. It looks like we have available seating in //first class// if you want it."
She draws the curtain and motions to a vacant spacious seat.
An elegant woman is sitting at an aisle seat
[[Luxury]]
"Wow," you say. (link: "I'll keep that in mind")
[You smile back with a wink.
You walk toward the back. "So glad I'm here with $plus1."
Closer to your seat you find your travel friend packing a bag in the overhead compartment. With a couple of shoves it latches shut. Looks like your carry-on is going underseat.
What was I thinking?
[[Luxury]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
Learning more about $plus1.
Can you believe we’re going to be snorkeling with stingrays? It’s going to be crazy! I can’t wait. I’ve never snorkeled before. This is going to be awesome. Those things are huge. We’re probably going to see all kinds of stuff out there. We might even see some starfish, sea horses, and sharks. When I was a kid I wanted to jump into the huge tanks at the aquarium and I’m going to get to do just that, only it’ll be the real thing.
What have I done?
[[Luxury]]
She is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $candice to 1)
Having fun with $plus1.
We’ll be on white, sandy beaches relaxing under the sun. We can go for a swim and play in the sea, then lay out on beach towels with those fun umbrellas or sit somewhere on some cozy chairs with the ocean breeze washing over us while we drink some fun fruity drinks with those fun //little// umbrellas. Then, we can get the sun screen, trade massages and take a nap in the open air.
Where's the nearest exit?
[[Luxury]]
Let's go!
[[Wedding]]
]
]
]I'm so glad he showed up. Terrance is the best.
You board the plane and as the others shove and shoulder their way past the stewardess at the front you smile and say excuse me in the tight space.
Courtesy pays off. She smiles back and discreetly pulls you aside and says, "Today's your lucky day. It looks like we have available seating in //first class// if you want it."
She draws the curtain and motions to a vacant spacious seat.
A man is sitting by a window seat.
[[Upgrade]]
"Wow," you say. (link: "I'll keep that in mind")
[You smile back with a wink.
You walk toward the back. "So glad I'm here with $plus1."
Closer to your seat you find your travel friend pacing a bag in the overhead compartment. With a couple of shoves it latches shut. Looks like your carry-on is going underseat.
What was I thinking?
[[Upgrade]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
Learning more about $plus1.
"Can you believe we’re going to be snorkeling with stingrays?" It’s going to be crazy! I can’t wait. I’ve never snorkeled before. This is going to be awesome. Those things are huge. We’re probably going to see all kinds of stuff out there. We might even see some starfish, sea horses, and sharks. When I was a kid I wanted to jump into the huge tanks at the aquarium and I’m going to get to do just that, only it’ll be the real thing."
“I’ve never done anything like this,” Terrance says. “The closest I’ve been to swimming with stingrays is swimming at my Aunt’s house and sharing the pool with my cousin’s girlfriends.”
“Are you saying I should keep a close eye?” you ask.
“No, just stay close,” he grins.
“So you do a lot of swimming?”
“It’s the only exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise,” he says. “Otherwise, I like relaxing and nice long naps between working those odd shifts.”
What have I done?
[[Upgrade]]
She is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $terrance to 1)
Having fun with $plus1.
Just imagine clear skies, water so clear you just want to dip a cup into and drink - but really shouldn’t, a sun so warm on your shoulders you’d never miss winter again, and racing up and down the seas - just don’t hit any dolphins. We’re going to have our own jet skis for all the wave crashing we can handle.
“That sounds like a really good time,” he says. “I used to ride motorcycles and quad runners all the time. Never jet skis though. This’ll be a first.”
“Me too,” you admit. “Can’t be much different than riding bikes can it? I used to make revving noises while twisting the handlebar grip.”
“Ha, not exactly but you’re close.”
“At least if I wipe out I won’t get road-rash.”
“No, but I’ve heard of people going so fast they lose their swim suits when they wipe out.”
“Looks like I’m not wearing any skimpy bikinis then. Shame.”
“We won’t be on jet skis the //whole// time,” he says.
Where's the nearest exit?
[[Upgrade]]
Let's go!
[[Wedding]]
]
]
]I'm so glad he showed up. Javier's the best.
You board the plane and as the others shove and shoulder their way past the stewardess at the front you smile and say excuse me in the tight space.
Courtesy pays off. She smiles back and discreetly pulls you aside and says, "Today's your lucky day. It looks like we have available seating in //first class// if you want it."
She draws the curtain and motions to a vacant spacious seat.
A man is sitting by a window seat.
[[Upgrade]]
"Wow," you say. (link: "I'll keep that in mind")
[You smile back with a wink.
You walk toward the back. "So glad I'm here with $plus1."
Closer to your seat you find your travel friend packing a bag in the overhead compartment. With a couple of shoves it latches shut. Looks like your carry-on is going underseat.
What was I thinking?
[[Upgrade]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
Learning more about $plus1.
“My mouth is already watering for the food tour,” you say. “I’m so looking forward to the jerk chicken. I’ve had Caribbean food at some restaurants but having the real thing right there made fresh is going to be unreal. I love seafood and really can’t wait to go. Every meal is going to be my favorite.”
“I am going to be a fan of anything the put in front of me even if it’s octopus.”
“Wait, have you had octopus?”
“No, but if they offer it I’ll have it,” he says. “Do you think they’ll let me fish right off the beaches?”
“If you get caught, I don’t know you, I’ve never seen you before….”
“I could get behind being a prisoner on the Caribbean islands.”
“Rum and seafood. That hardly seems like prison does it?” you ask.
“Care to join me in lock up?”
What have I done?
[[Upgrade]]
She is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $javier to 1)
Having fun with $plus1.
“Let’s see how they feed us first,” you say. “We’ll be on white, sandy beaches relaxing under the sun. We can go for a swim and play in the sea, then lay out on beach towels with those fun umbrellas or sit somewhere on some cozy chairs with the ocean breeze washing over us while we drink some fun fruity drinks with those fun //little// umbrellas. Then, we can get the sun screen, trade massages and take a nap in the open air.”
“I can literally feel the stress falling off my shoulders already,” he says. “Bye-bye, Mom, work, neighbor’s dog that won’t shut up at four in the morning.”
“Okay, I love dogs and all but yeah, that would be a bit much,” you say. “I’m up early but not typically functional until around 11:00 AM.”
“What about you, what are you leaving behind?” he asks.
“Traffic, commuting, noisy neighbors, bad weather, and dishes.”
Javier nods to all of those smiling. “Totally get it. Any Exes?”
“Yeah.”
“Me too,” he says.
“So long, suckers!” You both wave out your porthole window at them as the plane takes the runway.
Where's the nearest exit?
[[Upgrade]]
Let's go!
[[Wedding]]
]
]
]I'm so glad he showed up. Cedric's the best.
You board the plane and as the others shove and shoulder their way past the stewardess at the front you smile and say excuse me in the tight space.
Courtesy pays off. She smiles back and discreetly pulls you aside and says, "Today's your lucky day. It looks like we have available seating in //first class// if you want it."
She draws the curtain and motions to a vacant spacious seat.
A man is sitting by a window seat.
[[Upgrade]]
"Wow," you say. (link: "I'll keep that in mind")
[You smile back with a wink.
You walk toward the back. "So glad I'm here with $plus1."
Closer to your seat you find your travel friend packing a bag in the overhead compartment. With a couple of shoves it latches shut. Looks like your carry-on is going underseat.
What was I thinking?
[[Upgrade]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
Learning more about $plus1.
“Can you believe we’re going to be snorkeling with stingrays?” you ask. “It’s going to be crazy! I can’t wait. I’ve never snorkeled before. This is going to be awesome. Those things are huge. We’re probably going to see all kinds of stuff out there. We might even see some starfish, sea horses, and sharks. When I was a kid I wanted to jump into the huge tanks at the aquarium and I’m going to get to do just that, only it’ll be the real thing.”
“Can’t tell you’re excited,” Cedric chuckles.
“Have you ever done any of those things?”
“No but I have been in a swimming pool a little too close to some trees when I was a kid. A frog chased me around for about 10 minutes before my mom came with one of those long nets used for cleaning the pool and scooped up the frog.”
“Saved by Mom. That’s sweet. Please tell me you were like nine years old,” you say.
“I was 11,” he says, shrugging.
“Is that why you got your dog, Barkus? To protect you from the mean old frogs?”
“Barkus was a birthday gift when I turned seven.”
“And you named him Barkus because?”
“Rover was taken,” he says. “The last thing I wanted to call him was something everyone would expect. No one anywhere had a dog named Barkus.”
“So you went with Barkus?”
“I was seven!” he says. “We also had an uncle somewhere named Marcus. Never met him but the name stuck somewhere in my subconscious and it sort of came out then.”
“Barkus?”
“Barkus.”
What have I done?
[[Upgrade]]
She is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $cedric to 1)
Having fun with $plus1.
You chuckle and close your eyes as you tilt your head back on the headrest. “We’ll be on white, sandy beaches relaxing under the sun. We can go for a swim and play in the sea, then lay out on beach towels with those fun umbrellas or sit somewhere on some cozy chairs with the ocean breeze washing over us while we drink some fun fruity drinks with those fun //little// umbrellas. Then, we can get the sun screen, trade massages and take a nap in the open air.”
“Mm,” he hums. The sound of pleasure is right in sync with your anticipation. “I can’t wait. Relaxation is so long overdue. Do you think work will be able to reach me out there?”
“If they call, just feed your phone to a stingray,” you say.
“Sound advice,” he laughs. “But really, they might need to get a hold of me. That was part of the conditions for my leaving on short notice.”
“It’s the weekend,” you say.
“I know, which is why relaxation is long overdue. I can’t be blamed for dead zones.”
“Then we’ll find the dead zones and set up there,” you say.
Where's the nearest exit?
[[Upgrade]]
Let's go!
[[Wedding]]
]
]
]I'm so glad he showed up. Sam's the best.
You board the plane and as the others shove and shoulder their way past the stewardess at the front you smile and say excuse me in the tight space.
Courtesy pays off. She smiles back and discreetly pulls you aside and says, "Today's your lucky day. It looks like we have available seating in //first class// if you want it."
She draws the curtain and motions to a vacant spacious seat.
A man is sitting by a window seat.
[[Upgrade]]
"Wow," you say. (link: "I'll keep that in mind")
[You smile back with a wink.
You walk toward the back. "So glad I'm here with $plus1."
Closer to your seat you find your travel friend packing a bag in the overhead compartment. With a couple of shoves it latches shut. Looks like your carry-on is going underseat.
What was I thinking?
[[Upgrade]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
Learning more about $plus1.
“In two days we’re going to be in the warm Caribbean waters snorkeling among the coral and schools of tropical fish,” you say. “We’ll probably see all kinds of sea life. Hopefully nothing we’re going to eat later. That might make me sad but it’s going to be great to go and do that.”
“Now I’m going to be seeing cute little cartoon animals on my plate every time I go to eat something,” Sam says.
“Just close your eyes and chew, Sam, just chew.”
“You can be scary, you know that?”
“Oh, don’t worry. Word has it, most of their food is frozen anyway,” you say, swiping your hand in the air dismissively.
“I can’t imagine they serve frozen anything but daiquiris or margaritas,” he says, with a laugh.
“Just trying to make you feel better. You could just play along like it’s working. I did invite you on this Caribbean dream weekend, you know.”
“You’re right. As long as I don’t have to look over my shoulder for frogs, I’ll be fine.”
“I’ve got your back,” you say with a wink.
“It’s a good thing, ‘cause I left my mom at home. At least now I know I’m safe.”
What have I done?
[[Upgrade]]
She is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $sam to 1)
Having fun with $plus1.
You change the subject. “Just imagine clear skies, water so clear you just want to dip a cup into and drink - but really shouldn’t, a sun so warm on your shoulders you’d never miss winter again, and racing up and down the seas - just don’t hit any dolphins. We’re going to have our own jet skis for all the wave crashing we can handle.”
“Ah, yes, jet skis,” Sam says wistfully.
“Have you jet skied before?” you ask.
“I used to… with an old girlfriend,” he says with a wince.
“Oh, now you’ll be judging my skills against some old flame. Well, I’ll have you know that I’m no stranger to jet skis myself,” you say.
“Really, have you jet skied before too?”
“Sort of,” you say. “You know those side-by-side arcades with the jet skis you sit on and lean to one side or the other? I did those a few times on a date. We had fun.”
“I’ll bet,” he says. “Who won?”
“Well, I’d say they did,” you say, with a smirk.
“Huh, I see. Something tells me //we’re// going to have a better time.
“I think we are,” you say.
Where's the nearest exit?
[[Upgrade]]
Let's go!
[[Wedding]]
]
]
]I'm so glad he showed up. Alec's the best.
You board the plane and as the others shove and shoulder their way past the stewardess at the front you smile and say excuse me in the tight space.
Courtesy pays off. She smiles back and discreetly pulls you aside and says, "Today's your lucky day. It looks like we have available seating in //first class// if you want it."
She draws the curtain and motions to a vacant spacious seat.
A man is sitting by a window seat.
[[Upgrade]]
"Wow," you say. (link: "I'll keep that in mind")
[You smile back with a wink.
You walk toward the back. "So glad I'm here with $plus1."
Closer to your seat you find your travel friend packing a bag in the overhead compartment. With a couple of shoves it latches shut. Looks like your carry-on is going underseat.
What was I thinking?
[[Upgrade]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
Learning more about $plus1.
“The pictures of the Crystal Caves aren’t going to do them justice and these photos look incredible!” you say. “They’re said to have some of the largest natural crystals ever seen. We might even be able to swim there. These pictures of stalagmites and stalactites look like rows of teeth for a giant sea beast. Look at this one!”
“Wow, we’re really going to get to see that?” Alec asks. “I’ve been to caves before but all those looked like good places to stash bodies. These look amazing.”
“We must have been to the same caves,” you say flatly. “I know these pictures are made to bring in tourists but come on. These are crazy.”
“I’ve never been to a place where everywhere you look could be a postcard.”
“So you haven’t traveled much?” you ask.
“I’ve traveled, sure but domestically mostly. The places I’ve been are known for the world’s largest cereal bowl. Not exactly something you’d write home about.”
“That is a sad trip, Alec. Oh my gosh, who planned your family vacations? Were you a problem child?”
He laughs and says, “No I was not! These are quick work trips; all business. Traveling just for fun I haven’t done in a few years but that was mostly road trips with buddies. How far could we get in 24 hours headed west or wherever.”
“It’s always the journey, not the destination right?”
“Yeah, I’ve got stories but most of them involve sleep deprived antics, not actual amazing things or places.”
“This trip will be different and while the journey will be uneventful, fingers crossed, the destination will be a whole other story,” you say.
What have I done?
[[Upgrade]]
She is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $alec to 1)
Having fun with $plus1.
“My mouth is already watering for the food tour,” you continue. “I’m so looking forward to the jerk chicken. I’ve had Caribbean food at some restaurants but having the real thing right there made fresh is going to be unreal. I love seafood and really can’t wait to go. Every meal is going to be my favorite.”
“I had a friend growing up whose family was part Caribbean. The smells coming from the kitchen were mouthwatering, for sure. Sadly, I was just a kid and had really basic taste buds. While I loved the smells I couldn’t get myself to stay for meals.”
“Ah, one of those,” you say. “I’ve missed out on my share of great meals growing up too. I’m glad I got over that pretty fast or I would have missed out on some great cooking. Did you ever have any of the food?”
“Nope, we moved before I grew into my senses,” Alec says.
“Round two,” you say. “This time you’ll get to have all you can eat of the good stuff. I know I will. But word of warning, if you start wandering off to a fast food joint, I’ll leave you there and won’t look back.”
“Trust me, I don’t plan on it.”
Where's the nearest exit?
[[Upgrade]]
Let's go!
[[Wedding]]
]
]
]I'm so glad he showed up. Sebastian's the best.
You board the plane and as the others shove and shoulder their way past the stewardess at the front you smile and say excuse me in the tight space.
Courtesy pays off. She smiles back and discreetly pulls you aside and says, "Today's your lucky day. It looks like we have available seating in //first class// if you want it."
She draws the curtain and motions to a vacant spacious seat.
A man is sitting by a window seat.
[[Upgrade]]
"Wow," you say. (link: "I'll keep that in mind")
[You smile back with a wink.
You walk toward the back. "So glad I'm here with $plus1."
Closer to your seat you find your travel friend packing a bag in the overhead compartment. With a couple of shoves it latches shut. Looks like your carry-on is going underseat.
What was I thinking?
[[Upgrade]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
Learning more about $plus1.
“Can you believe we’re going to be snorkeling with stingrays?” you ask. “It’s going to be crazy! I can’t wait. I’ve never snorkeled before. This is going to be awesome. Those things are huge. We’re probably going to see all kinds of stuff out there. We might even see some starfish, sea horses, and sharks. When I was a kid I wanted to jump into the huge tanks at the aquarium and I’m going to get to do just that, only it’ll be the real thing.”
“You know that’s not a good idea right? I don’t want to get kicked out of the Caribbean for being an accomplice to something like that.”
“Nothing to worry about. If we’re in the water we can totally get away with it,” you say. “Just not if they had an aquarium or exhibit. Then it would be a no-no.”
“You’ll get to live your childhood fantasy,” he says with a laugh. “You should keep your socks on to make it memorable.”
“Ugh, wet socks? That is a hard pass. Extra ‘no’ to that.”
“Do you know if they have shark cages there? That would be freaky.”
“I don’t know if they have those but I’m pretty sure I can find a guy and pay him $50.00. Just go along with it if you get bagged and tossed in a van, okay?”
“Okay,” he laughs.
What have I done?
[[Upgrade]]
She is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $sebastian to 1)
Having fun with $plus1.
“Just imagine clear skies,” you say, “water so clear you just want to dip a cup into and drink - but really shouldn’t, a sun so warm on your shoulders you’d never miss winter again, and racing up and down the seas - just don’t hit any dolphins. We’re going to have our own jet skis for all the wave crashing we can handle.”
“Never actually done that before but I’ve been tubing, you know when they pull you from a boat?” he asks. “That is a lot of fun unless the person driving the boat forgets you’re back there.”
“Oh no,” you chuckle. “What happened?”
“They steered a little too late and swung the tube out too far. I caught some low hanging branches along the lake edge and got this.” He points to a scar just below his left eyebrow. “I thought I lost my eye for a second. The branch scraped the side of my face and I came away with that one scar.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem where we’re going. Just as long as you steer clear of the coral. Don’t even want to imagine that one.”
“Yeah, I might just follow you around,” he says.
“Really? Don’t want to be a flashy rider out there do ya?”
“I’ll still look good doing it,” he says. “I just don’t want to add any scars if I can help it.”
“Oh, come on. You’re supposed to impress me.”
“You will be.”
Where's the nearest exit?
[[Upgrade]]
Let's go!
[[Wedding]]
]
]
](If: $vace is 1) [ You show up with the fancy, overpriced vace.]
(else:) [ You didn't hit the registry but found a servicable wedding card and this lavish event looks really pricey so the cash will go far. You might be embarassed for showing up at anyone elese's wedding otherwise empty-handed but Shayne knows you by now. ]
Your journey finally brought you to the beautiful Canary Islands.
(if: $fit is 1) [I am //back// and I've never felt better!]
(else:) [You've felt better and are lucky the wedding party outfit doesn't make you look like you had to be greased up and stuffed into it //(even though it may feel that way)//.]
The first night is as gorgeous as you can imagine. You know Shayne picked the right place for her wedding.
Of course she planned for it outdoors. The staging is magical. Arbors and greenery, archways with white lilies - her favorite - against a backdrop of the sea with the orange and purple sunset sky pouring in. The sun lazily sinks into the horizon and a breeze as fresh as any washes over the scene. Rows of white wooden folding chairs fill the grass. The aisle to the small stage is cleared away but for the windblown grass and loose flower petals.
The wedding party herds together for a quick practice so everyone knows what they need to do the next day. This is wedding party only so there are fewer distractions, which is good because the little ones who will be “Ring Bear” and Flower Girl are already a handful. You can’t blame them; you wish you could run around carefree like a child in paradise too.
Shayne emerges from the cluster of people near the stage with an expression of tired war but that gives way to the smiling goofball you know all too well when she sees you. She rushes to you and gives you a big hug and kiss.
“Finally, my sanity is here,” she calls. “Strings, where have you been?”
“Secretly orchestrating the chaos,” you say, wiggling your fingers as if casting spells.
“Don’t even joke like that,” she says. Then, taking you by the arm she leads you to a sandy-blonde. “This is your left foot. Left foot, right foot.”
The sandy-blonde turns and her hair bounces over her shoulder. She looks at you with sleepy eyes and smiles widely at you. “Hi, I’m Andrea,” she says, holding her hand out.
Shayne slaps you on the back and briskly walks back to the center of humanity setting up the staging area. “We’ll catch up, Strings,” she calls, waving at you over her shoulder before adding her voice to the din.
Andrea laughs. “She’s not much for introductions is she?”
“I think we’re friends but I don’t know why,” you say wistfully. You shake her hand.
“She’s told me a lot about you. You seem pretty cool,” she says, nodding her head with a slight tilt as if playfully trying to decide for herself.
“She told you I dismembered my last dates did she?”
“What?” her voice cracks above the noise. “No, tell me you’re joking!” Her half-closed eyes go full wide and you see the warm hazel in them and it makes you feel relaxed and peaceful. “She takes you by the shoulders, “I said, ‘Tell me you’re joking!’” Her laugh is a perfect match for her eyes, which have returned to half-closed.
“She keeps my secrets. //That’s// why we’re friends,” you say, with your finger on your chin as if remembering now.
Andrea slaps your arm. “You’re so not funny. Besides, this is not a date, it’s a wedding-thing-a-ramma,” her hand twirls in the air looking for the right words. “So you can’t do anything to me.” She pokes her tongue out briefly.
Well, I think the DJ has eyes for you. I'm just gonna go....
[[My girl]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
“We’re both wedding-party-animals,” you say trying to help out.
“Yep, that’s right. Because if we were on a date right now we wouldn’t just be standing here,” she says matter of factly.
“What would we be doing? Just, you know, for future reference?”
“For ‘future reference,’ we’d be, I don’t know what we’d be doing but we’d be doing it all right,” she says with her hands upside down at her lower back and shaking her head laughing at her own fail. “I just flew a bucketload of hours on a plane and my back and my butt are tired and I have no idea where I’m supposed to be other than you’re my right foot.”
“Bucketload of hours?” you ask confused.
“Look here, friend,,” she says, with an overturned hand pointing at you and a forward tilt of her head, “you may have dismembered your last date but my last date can tell you there are worse things than death.”
“I don’t know that living to tell the tale makes it as scary,” you say.
“Well believe me, you don’t want what they got because what they got, no one wants,” she says, with a dismissive wave of her hand.
You wince. “Sounds like a medical condition.”
She laughs, “Right foot, you do not want to mess with all this danger over here.” She shifts her weight to one leg and turns her hands toward herself. You take in her very model-like frame. Not a scary thing about her. Quite the opposite.
You let out a long sigh. “Good thing for both of us then that this is not in fact a date.”
“Right?” she laughs again and lightly slaps your shoulder.
Well, I think the DJ has eyes for you. I'm just gonna go....
[[My girl]]
Andrea is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $andrea to 1)
Shayne calls everyone to their battle positions and the practice run goes off without a problem. As long as the little ones stay on task, should be a breeze.
As Shayne, her fiance Tyler and the priest go through their prep everyone else is off to the side out of the way. You watch from a safe distance with a smile.
“Just think, that will be you someday.” Andrea bumps you with her shoulder. You turn to see her watching them with a glazed smile. Her eyes are wet. She notices your smile. “What? I have never not cried at one of these. I know it’s stupid but I can’t help myself. I try not to watch any of those sappy Christmas movies until Christmas week.”
“Wow,” you say, “all that concentrated sap in one week? You are brave.”
“Just let it go, baby!” she laughs. “Some wine and tissues, I’ll be fine… I’ll be fine….” she sniffles.
You wouldn’t normally do this but given the setting and atmosphere, you hold her hand.
She lets out something like a whimper and rests her head on your shoulder.
“Don’t pick my pocket and we’ll be just fine,” you say.
She chokes out a laugh and bumps you with the outside of her hip sending you off balance. Still holding hands she catches you from falling over and the two of you go back to watching Shayne and Tyler as they face each other beaming. From here you can see Shayne is misty-eyed.
“She’s going to lose it tomorrow, isn’t she?” Andrea asks.
“She’ll either be too busy managing all the details or be too lost in the moment to lose it. She’ll be ready. Just like it should be.”
“Aw,” Andrea whimpers as she somehow draws closer.
“I don’t know if you came with anyone but how would you feel about celebrating their wedding with me tomorrow?”
“Are you actually asking me on a date? Don’t you know the potential risks and dangers implied by that one simple question?”
“All risks and dangers accounted for, hazards too.”
“It’s a ‘Yes’ from me,” her voice trembles. She looks at you with watery eyes and the warmest smile you’ve ever seen.
Well, I think the DJ has eyes for you. I'm just gonna go....
[[My girl]]
Nothing's ever felt more right. Let's do this!
[[Andrea]]]
]
]
(If: $vace is 1) [ You show up with the fancy, overpriced vace.]
(else:) [ You didn't hit the registry but found a servicable wedding card and this lavish event looks really pricey so the cash will go far. You might be embarassed for showing up at anyone elese's wedding otherwise empty-handed but Shayne knows you by now. ]
Your journey finally brought you to the beautiful Canary Islands.
(if: $fit is 1) [I am //back// and I've never felt better! $plus1 seems to agree and can't stop gazing at you.]
(else:) [You've felt better and are lucky the wedding party outfit doesn't make you look like you had to be greased up and stuffed into it //(even though it may feel that way)//.]
(if: $male is 1) [
The first night is as gorgeous as you can imagine. You know Shayne picked the right place for her wedding.
Of course she planned for it outdoors. The staging is magical. Arbors and greenery, archways with white lilies - her favorite - against a backdrop of the sea with the orange and purple sunset sky pouring in. The sun lazily sinks into the horizon and a breeze as fresh as any washes over the scene. Rows of white wooden folding chairs fill the grass. The aisle to the small stage is cleared away but for the windblown grass and loose flower petals.
The wedding party herds together for a quick practice so everyone knows what they need to do the next day. This is wedding party only so there are fewer distractions, which is good because the little ones who will be “Ring Bear” and Flower Girl are already a handful. You can’t blame them; you wish you could run around carefree like a child in paradise too.
Shayne emerges from the cluster of people near the stage with an expression of tired war but that gives way to the smiling goofball you know all too well when she sees you. She rushes to you and gives you a big hug and kiss.
“Finally, my sanity is here,” she calls. “Strings, where have you been?”
“Secretly orchestrating the chaos,” you say, wiggling your fingers as if casting spells.
“Don’t even joke like that,” she says. Then, taking you by the arm, she leads you to a man with dark freeform dreadlocks with light colored tips poking out from a wide cloth band tying his hair back. “This is your left foot. Left foot, right foot.”
He turns to regard you with a slow warm half-smile, like a grin that could be mischievous if not for his kind eyes behind round lenses in pale gold frames. “I’m Andre. Shayne’s told me about you.
Shayne slaps you on the back and briskly walks back to the center of humanity setting up the staging area. “We’ll catch up, Strings,” she calls, waving over her shoulder at you before adding her voice to the din.
“Hi, Andre,” you say, shaking hands. “She really knows how to make an entrance and just ‘poof’ doesn’t she?”
“She once introduced me as a southern history buff to a group of college professors and then walked away,” he says, “I studied statistics and analytics.”
“Sounds like something she would do. I’ve often wondered what she sees in her reflection. If she wrote an autobiography what would the dust jacket say?”
“I don’t know but I’d probably have her sign a copy and then burn it.”
“That would mean you’d have to buy it first,” you point out.
“True,” he concedes, “but something tells me my level of satisfaction would justify it.”
“So, you went to school together?” you ask. “I think she’s mentioned you before.”
“We didn’t have any classes together but we hung out with a lot of the same people,” Andre says. “I actually met her through her cousin, Dan. Dan and I go back, too.”
Well, I think the DJ has eyes for you. Who am I to get in the way...?
[[My man]]
So far, so good....
(Link: "Tell me more") [
“Yeah, I wasn’t around for her college experience. I had my own going on but we stayed in touch,” you say. “In a lot of ways it was like we were there but not really.”
“She catch you up on the good and the bad, did she?”
“So much that I almost thought that I’d be the one walking her down the aisle. Not that I wish ill for her father. He’s been nice to me over the years.”
“You must have had some history. I actually remember her mentioning you. Did you two really take a rival high school mascot costume and put it in the back of a running squad car?”
“It sounds a lot worse than it was and no we did not do that.”
“She showed me the pictures -”
“She said she burned those!”
“That is cold-blooded,” he says, shaking his head. “Did she really drive with it in the trunk of her car for almost two weeks?”
“It was rumored that whoever //did// have it could not find a safe, suitable backdrop for the pictures.”
“//A running squad car?// You know those things have dash-cams, right?”
“I, you know what? I’m sure whoever did it had some very, very good reasons and are really very good citizens. Kind to old ladies, love kittens and pay their taxes and besides, it was freezing that night. You could tell because they were wearing ski masks as per the dash-cam. That footage remains part of a stumper the local PD could never solve.”
“A regular cold-case,” he says. “Rumor has it Shayne was propelled to legendary status on campus but she continues to deny all connections to the incident.”
“Rumor has it,” you continue, “that the accomplice extraordinaire played it real low key wherever they went to college. It would be foolish to drag something like that behind you. But yeah, Shayne and I stayed close. Don’t know about those two though.”
“Don’t know if I should make friends with you or walk away quickly,” he says with a scoff.
“You won’t get far without your right foot,” you wink.
“Sounds like I’m stuck.”
Well, I think the DJ has eyes for you. Who am I to get in the way...?
[[My man]]
Andre is interesting
(Link: "This was fun")[ (set: $andre to 1)
“‘Fraid so,” you say, twisting back and forth at the waist and batting eyelashes. “Besides, do you really think you can withstand wave after wave of sappiness on your own, left foot?”
Shayne calls everyone to their battle positions and the practice run goes off without a problem. As long as the little ones stay on task, should be a breeze.
As Shayne, her fiance Tyler and the priest go through their prep everyone else is off to the side out of the way. You watch from a safe distance with a smile.
You tilt your head toward the main event and Andre’s attention follows your motion. Shayne is misty-eyed with Tyler and the priest on hand. “Gonna be hard to move through all of that sappy sludge without a right foot. You need me.”
“Are you saying we should lean on each other to survive this?”
“You’d never make it without me.”
“You have a really interesting way to get a date,” he says. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised knowing your history with your partner in crime. Not sure if you taught her or she taught you.”
“It’s all about survival ‘round these parts, matie” you say, “lest ye be a bucket of chum, chum. The sea be hungry, arr..”
“A promise of thrills and chills, huh?”
“Beats stats and analytics,” you say.
“Everybody dumps on stats and analytics,” he says with a laugh. “All right, I’m game.”
“Yay!”
“Guess I’m all about surviving, right foot,” he says. “See you tomorrow.”
“Arr….”
Well, I think the DJ has eyes for you. Who am I to get in the way...?
[[My man]]
Can't ignore the signs, the Fates have brought us together...
[[Andre]]]
]
]