alicexcheng

[alicexcheng]

[alicexcheng]

Al rolled her eyes, but the corner of her lips twitched upward in spite of herself. "Oh, wow, look at you, the emotional philosopher with a side of sarcasm. I'm sure the world is better for it." She leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, but her gaze softened when it settled on him. She couldn’t help but appreciate the ridiculous way he managed to wrap everything in humor, even when he was actually being serious.

"You make it sound so simple," she muttered, swirling her drink. "But if it were that easy, I wouldn’t be stressing over this. I mean, sure, I could decide he's worth the risk… but what if I screw it up? What if I’m just one more person who lets him down?" She looked at him, her voice quieter for a second. "You know I'm not good at this stuff."

She grinned as he mentioned the liquid courage, shaking her head. "Alright, alright, fine. No tequila shots this time. I'll try to keep it together." She sighed dramatically. "I swear, Colton, if I make a fool of myself, you're going to be the one to deal with the fallout, not me." She gave him a pointed look. "And if this goes sideways, I expect you to work your magic. No one makes me regret a decision without consequences."

But as her expression softened again, she gave him a look that said everything without words. "Thanks for being my backup. Even if it is in your weird, fucked-up, rich boy kind of way."

Colton rolled his eyes, leaning back in his chair with a mock look of exasperation. "Yeah, yeah, alert the media. 'Breaking News: Rich Boys Actually Have Feelings. World Shocked.' Catchy!" He smirked, tipping his glass in her direction. Leave it up to him to make light of an otherwise normal conversation. Even with his own best friend. "You're just jealous that I can make being emotionally stunted look this good."

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as his tone softened just slightly. "But seriously, Al, you've got to stop psyching yourself out. It's not about having all the courage in the world —it's about deciding he’s worth the risk. Take it from the guy who generally doesn't think people are worth it." Colton chuckled "And, I mean, worst case? If he screws it up, now you've got me here to deal with him. No one hurts you and walks out of here unscathed, you know that." With a grin though, he added "Also..you know I love you sober and wasted but.." he winked at her before continuing "maybe skip the liquid courage this time. Nobody looks good mid-vomit, no matter how charming they are." || @alicexcheng

[alicexcheng]

"I have not, but I did try snake soup when I was visiting family in Hong Kong back when I was a teenager. Let me tell you...it tasted like chicken--well actually yes I did held a snake once but it was a tiny one and wasn't too bad but I was still like 'holy fuck, I'm holding a snake' type of deal and the fact it probably knew I ate it's friend or something." Alice grimaced at the memory.

"Exactly! Oh my god, no, I can't do it. Sometimes when I think of snakes I think of Britney Spears dancing with a snake at the VMAs and I just can't imagine ever doing that. Have you ever held a snake in your hand? It's so slimy and disgusting, I can't even imagine one that big slithering around on you like that. Ick!" Sterling made a face of disgust as she shook her head.

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[alicexcheng]

"I mean you look good cleaned up, so I think I did justice on people seeing how great you look in a tux." She said smiling as she accepted the Champagne that was calling her name. Alice took a small sip and smiled at the fact it wasn't something cheap that would give a terrible hangover. But looking over Caleb's attire, she was impressed with how well he cleaned up and the fact he looked handsome as well was an added bonus. "Well thank you, I was just basing off the dress I got."

CLOSED STARTER for @alicexcheng

Caleb errs on the side of caution and grabs a glass of champagne from one of the trays rather than taking a guess at what Alice might be drinking that night - the realization that he let her, all too often, order the drinks. It didn’t matter if he paid at the end, he never paid attention to her order for all these months of on and off rendezvous, so champagne is the safe route.

The flute is delicate, and the fizzy pale color of it just so happens to match her dress when he approaches. 

“The little devil on my shoulder taking the night off now that she successfully convinced me to dress up and come here?” He holds the champagne out. “You have a very Greek Goddess look going on here.”

[alicexcheng]

ALICE CHENG || 2025 New Years Ball

@aurorabayaesthetic

[alicexcheng]

"Uh hell yeah you do, you aged gracefully and rather hot." Alice stated with a smile. "I'm only thirty-five and I hope I can look good in my forties which I believe I will because my grandmother looked good for her age and she's in her seventies."

"You can look at is as a hobby, isn't that what rich people do anyways? They get bored so they do things like picking up random hobbies even if they don't need to work. Now that's the type of lifestyle I want."

"That's certainly a plus. I would like to say I've achieved that myself since I'm forty-two now, but-- well, who am I kidding. I know I look good for my age." Noelle laughed, perfectly happy and confident in her own skin.

"Sugar daddy? Now that's not something I haven't considered. Might not ever have to work again. Actually, I like my job too much for that."

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[alicexcheng]

She tried not to read too much into his response. After all, maybe just maybe he felt the same as her. Yet that fear of being rejected still sat at the pit of her stomach but again the words of Colton whispering in her head that maybe just maybe he felt the same as well. "Well...we can order extra kimchi rice? I mean it does taste good so why not." She said with a smile. "There's also something I would like to talk with you after we have some food in our systems."

“ that’s like half the fun of it. What’s life without making some minor or major mistakes with someone you absolutely adore “ Gavin replied with a teasing sort of smile on his face. He kept slipping in words and phrases that were clearly meaning more than he had anticipated but maybe it was because Gavin’s was started to get tired of hiding how he felt. “ do they still have that kimchi rice? Cause I think I could eat a whole container of that?” He asked before giving her another smile. “ absolutely. Whatever your hearts desire Alice “ @alicexcheng

[alicexcheng]

"God snakes are terrifying. I don't care how much someone tries and say they are cute they are nothing but creatures of death. I watched enough of Anaconda to know that." Alice said with a grimace. She wasn't exactly a reptile fan and never will be. Along with rats or mouse.

"I have about a million pictures of Enzo cuddling with baby Sunny. It was the absolute cutest fucking thing ever! Sometimes he comes and snuggles with this little one already." Sterling rested her hand on her stomach as she pouted at how cute it was. Sometimes when she would be laying in bed or sitting on the couch, her dog would come up and sleep next to her, pressed up against her baby bump.

"Understandable. I could never handle snakes or anything like that. Someone brought a snake to the rescue one time to try to get it a home and I screamed when I saw it."

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[alicexcheng]

"I'm a planner, I got my Christmas gift shopping done back in August." Alice said happily, but now she looked at gifts, she may have splurged a bit more for family. "But trust me, I did that one year and I hated myself for it. I'm guessing you're not having any luck?"

open starter: @aurorabaystarter

where: serenity tea room

"I'm hoping this actually grants me serenity after all the Christmas shopping madness." Izzy sighed as she shook her head, her fingers gently wrapped around a tea cup. "I knew I should've started my shopping in October because I'm already over this. Are you anywhere near being finished- have you started yet?

[alicexcheng]

"Oh I bet you're a crowd pleasure if there were a threesome," she jokingly said laughing. "But okay, I'll graciously accept this one invitation of a life time." Alice raised her glass to clink against his. She did wonder if he would actually give her a little sexy lap dance and would she be able to hold herself back from laughing at the song choice and moves? Maybe not but she would definitely try.

"So Caleb, tell me a little about yourself before I get this amazing performance. Because I don't really remember from the amount of drinks last time and other than the fact I do quite like annoying you on my days off." @caleb-majhi

“Nah, no,” Caleb disagrees, looking Alice over with a deep frown. “Moderate, maybe.” 

Caleb doesn’t mean it, he hopes she can catch it’s just a tease of his own. He’s in no place to think Alice is less than a ten in the looks department. Personality fluctuates depending on if she’s being an annoyance, or beating him at darts. The darts he has abandoned for now in favor of enjoying his new drink and focusing on her.

“Stage fright makes me sound like a chicken. Just look at it as an exclusive show that’s by invitation only. One invitation, because I can only stand to disappoint one person at a time. Besides, you should take it as a compliment that I'm willing to humiliate myself in front of you.”

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[alicexcheng]

"Oh really? Then don't be surprised if our meal ends up burnt or really badly seasoned." Alice jokingly said as she let out a small laugh at the thought. "To be honest, I've been craving korean food. Something about that kimchi is calling my name lately." Just the thought of the food had her stomach growl and realized that the last time she ate an actual meal wasn't even breakfast if you don't count the three cups of coffee she had. "So what do you say, we order from a korean place?" @gavin-carrigan

There was this part of Gavin that didn’t know what was propelling him into reaching out to Alice in this way. But he knew deep down she was where he wanted to be. If he examined it all a bit closer he would know what he had always known. he was dealing with some long standing feelings he needed to sort out. “ one of these days I’m coming over and we’re putting that to the test. You me and a home cooked meal. I think together we could do it” he admitted before giving her another smile. “ but what are we craving tonight?” @alicexcheng

[alicexcheng]

"I heard the relationship between dogs and babies are a different type of adorable so I bet that was fun to experience that." Alice never seen herself the type to have kids, but who knows maybe that would change when she finds the right person to settle down with. She was okay with being a step mother considering her age and the dating pool they're bound to have kids already.

"Oh yeah, I don't do slimy." She crinkled her nose at the thought of dealing with a fish. "If anything, I would end up killing the poor creature by accident." @sterlingxlevin

"Plants would be so much better, I just know it." Sterling laughed softly. "If I didn't get pregnant when I did, I would have totally adopted way more dogs. Enzo was three when I got pregnant with Sunny, so he only got a human sibling, not another puppy."

"I was going to say you could get a fish but they're still a lot of work with all the tank cleaning and all that."

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[alicexcheng]

She shrugged her shoulders as she held the glass in hand, he did have a point about women finding ways to lessen the blow of possible rejection from a guy they're interested in. Alice chuckled lightly at Colton, it was definitely nice to have a good best friend like him. He would fight whoever and she would do the same for him. Which is probably why this friendship lasted so long because they were cut from the same cloth. Often times she would just roll her eyes when he does something stupid or being obsessed over one who got away.

"Aw, who would have thought the Colton Crane would have a heart. I must alert the press." She teased him in a friendly banter. Alice knew that sometimes life is harsh but you just had to take a risk whether you like it or not. She just needed to gain some courage that didn't require liquid courage because lord knows what else she would utter out by accident or worse, vomit all over the poor guy. @eternalconsxlationprize

He simply winked seeing the look on her face. His mother would die on the spot if this ever happened, and then she'd come back from the dead to plan a wedding within the next three to five business days —she would never risk giving them time to back out. Colt huffed out a laugh "No, it scares boys." he chuckled. "Otherwise, and I'm sorry to say it, it's mostly what girls tell each other to sweeten the blow when the guy is just not into you." he said honestly. He had plenty of experience on that one. Bringing the glass to his lips, he chuckled "But of course you wouldn't know that." cause, one, who would ever be stupid enough to reject Alice and, two, nobody would dare say he did if he got his hands on that poor foolish souls...

"I hope so. Really." he said, and he meant it. Alice deserved the world and if he had a say in it, she'd damn get it. And if this Gavin guy was just that for her, then he'd back her up. With a heavy sigh, he reached across the table and placed a hand on hers. "Feelings suck." he said wrinkling his nose like she had. "But..if anyone deserves a risk like that paying off, it's you." he said nodding slightly as he patted her hand. || @alicexcheng

[alicexcheng]

Alice felt the tingling emotions bubble to the surface at his words, it was the exactly emotion she felt whenever she was around him but instead she pushed those emotions back down to focus on the matter. Being a good best friend. "Yeah, we can totally get take out because heaven knows I can't make a decent meal to save my life unless you count those microwavable dinners."

Gavin felt instantly relaxed as soon as he saw Alice and gave her a small smile. Being around her always seemed to fix any of the problems on his life he was having. “ I was just having one of those days. “ he admitted before entering her place. “ I needed to get out and everything. You were the first place that popped in mu mind “ he admitted. “ feel like maybe some take out somewhere?” @alicexcheng

[alicexcheng]

"I don't own any pets, plants yes but animals no. I have no time to spare for them unfortunately." Alice said with a shrug, she thought about adopting an animal but she would feel guilty for not giving them the time they need when she was so busy with work and never have time to give them after hours when she much preferred relaxing with a bubble bath and wine. "I would love to have a pet but time just doesn't work with me."

Sterling gave Alice a little smile at that. Sterling would honestly do anything to put a smile on her daughter’s face. The world was so cruel and one day she’d have to see all of that for herself, so Sterling did everything she could to give her a wonderful childhood and steer her in the right direction to happiness and a fulfilling life. If a cat would make Sunny happy and have yet another reason to have fond memories of her childhood, then Sterling would get her just that.

“True. I work with cats at the rescue sometimes. They’re sweet creatures, I’m just more of a dog person. I’ve had my dog, Enzo, for about eight years now.” She shrugged. “Do you have any pets?”

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[alicexcheng]

Alice wrinkled her nose at his response about her wanting him. Sure she entertained the thought when they first met, but after they got to know each other she realized that he was nothing more than a best friend who they share their lives together. No matter how much their families wanted them together. Who knows, maybe things would change when they're in their forties and decided to settle down. "You're not wrong, it's just hard because apparently being a woman who knows what she wants scares guys off." She waved her hand as she took another sip of her drink.

"Yeah well...Gavin's not like that....at least I know he's not." The question was would Gavin just be doing that to get his pride going? No, Alice knew in her heart that Gavin wasn't that type of man. She put a line of not to cross when he started a family and remained as a good friend who was there for him. But now, the lines were blurring now that they were both single and her lingering feels were there surfacing again. "I just...I don't want to lose a good friend over something complicated like feelings."

“He’s not going to do that.” Colton rolled his eyes. The fact that Alice was entertaining this discussion though was proof that he may be at least not awful at this. “Freak out, maybe. Out right reject you? Not happening.” He chuckled. Alice was a beautiful but it was the strength of her character that made her stunning and outstanding. Taking a sip from his drink, Colton tried not to laugh and joke at the use of the two of them as an example. “First of all, I know you want me.” he said in a serious tone but winked, proof he was joking. “Second, you would never just come over and say kiss me or profess undying love.” Colton rolled his eyes “You’re no romcom girl, Alice. You’re a woman who knows what she wants” he leaned forward looking her dead in the eyes “And knows how to get it too.”

“Okay” He tried to contain his laughter at her reaction, holding his hands up in surrender. He was really amused but he missed those easygoing teasing chats with her. “It’s not your morals I’m worried about, you know that.” he said honestly, as he began placing items in her plate. “But some men, no matter how awesome we may be as people, or friends even well…” he shrugged “..we can be horndogs and god awful partners.” He thought it was common knowledge he was part of this category; great friend —or so he hoped— but absolutely unreliable and emotionally unavailable as a partner. “I wouldn’t want you getting hurt cause some guy was trying to make himself feel like he could still get it, while having a wife and three kids at home.” That would also mean Alice would eventually have to get him out of jail but he wasn’t telling her that. || @alicexcheng

[alicexcheng]

Alice struggled to hide the smile from appearing on her face at the way Colton tried to speak female with her. It was one of her favorite past times to see him trying to have her understand a situation and that was probably why she loved Colton. Beyond his sarcastic nature, he did have a caring heart that he showed in his own way. "Okay but let's just say....I do make a move but what if he is like 'what the fuck are you doing' type of reaction. Then I would rather crawl under a rock and die. I may be overthinking this whole situation but this is a very tricky situation. Because let's say I had feelings for you and decided to try something and you just automatically reject me. My pride could not handle that."

Having this talk with her best friend was actually relaxing, she could finally talk out these mixed emotions out and it helped that alcohol was involved so she didn't just avoid the whole conversation. After all, she did her share of listening to Colton talk about his one that got away with her quite a few times. "Yes there's been a divorce. Oh my god Colt, I wouldn't go after a married man--that was one time and in my defense, I didn't know he wasn't officially divorced."

"You shouldn't have." he said flatly. It still amazed him how women overthought every single thing yet they were plain and blunt as can be. He decided that if it hadn't translated in Alice's mind yet, he could make it sink in using words she understood; he'd speak female. "You know those moments you girls describe as time freezing when you" he shuddered a little, shit, this was giving him hives "look at the guy and there's this now kiss voice chanting in your head?" he asked downing his drink. "Time kind of does freeze. Because...both parties freeze..cause the wheels are spinning in a guy's brain too." he explained. "Just not as much as yours or in the same way." Colton waved a hand. "So your odds of this Gaving guy having a thing for you too might actually be better than you think."

Married. Family. This was the part Colton would tell Alice to bolt, run for the fucking hills cause the guy was probably trying to play her and he'd probably have to break his face. But. Alice was no fool, she wasn't the type men found gullible or could string along for more than a week or two; and that would only happen cause she'd allow it, being bored and all. "Has there been a divorce yet?" he asked trying to reserve judgement as the waiter appeared and refilled his glass with champaign. || @alicexcheng