ines-montalvan

[ines-montalvan]

"MIT would've opened doors, all of them were open for a fact design firms around the world wanted me - a first generation cuban american female's talent and eye for design. New York, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Singapore. Especially New York. One of my professors had an architectural internship lined up for me and another had seen my work and so on. Everywhere was open but then my parents had their issues - too many and my brother was in the fire academy. They needed me and they had no one else and I don't even know why I am telling you any of this but I came back and it was rough at first but Briar Ridge took care of me even if dreams gave miles of dust on them now. Its a special place for different reasons and we can find your reason if your willing" Ines spoke having let go of personal information she hadn't shared with anyone - including her family or the man she currently dated or was using mutually. "And I've killed the mood. My question if your still willing - a simple one - favorite color?"

"Well," a sly grin teases Carter's lips now, arching his brows as he considers her offer. "I might just take you up on that offer. I'd love to know what makes this town so.. special." There wasn't a chance in hell Carter believed he'd ever find anything remotely special about this town. He doesn't even remember much as a child, and given his broken relationship with his grandfather who was a Briar Ridge local through and through, he faltered to see his own personal connection to the place. "I do appreciate the set up attempt but, if I need a wingwoman, I'll definitely call you. —So, nowhere else called your name? You came back here?"

[ines-montalvan]

Ines could only smile at him, swept up in a moment of happiness not unlike all the times they had smiled together before but and unlike any she had felt lately with how life had been and how the world turned. Did this foolish man, covered partially in dirt and grime know how much it meant to her to be near him like this again. She wanted for a moment to apologize for the years they didn't speak, the age it seemed they forgot to be friends becoming total strangers. Ines wanted to tell him as long as he needed her to pretend to be his girlfriend or if they had to carry on this ruse until his mother was passed and there were grandbabies to make her happy Ines would be willing. It did mean her parents would be happy too and the Atwater name would've taken them to the best medical care and their troubles over and … she was staring at him with that fool girn overthinking what was transactional between friends and staring at him Ines forgot made her heart leap a little. "So you can just say you'd like me asleep in your arms when its all over but snoring doesn't scare me. Two left feet, huh?"

Ines chuckled more turning her eyes to the road again knowing she'd be taken over by some girlish desire as if they were truly a couple wanting to kiss him on the cheek or take a free hand again and pull it to her lips. "How are we going to top this not date date?" Ines repeated. The answer was on her tongue but unuttered. A real one. That was pushing a boundary right out of the gate they were not ready for yet just rediscovering their friendship. "Sunday dinner, I cook at your place or we have a picnic. A sundress and my red cowboy boots, a less dirt encrusted version of yourself doing the foolish things we did as teenagers. Just a thought. If we are truly going to be convincing I have ideas Colt - you just need to be there. Even if reciting the lines from goonies and eating goodies is hard to top"

Colt shrugged, though he knew over the years that he wasn't the type to keep anyone entertained long enough to not walk away from him in the end. It'd happened time and time again, that he was a good time for most but not really the long time kind of person for them. It didn't matter what he tried, Colt never felt enough and had felt that way his entire life. He was sure there was a lesson to be learned there through therapy or a straight up conversation with his parents, but he had done better over the past few years to try and let that all go. However it was less of something that he could attest to seeing as he was going through with this wild idea they'd come up with to pretend to date as to appease the masses.

Still, he couldn't have imagined going through with it with anyone other than Ines even if they weren't close anymore. But they had been at one time, as kids that grew up together and grew apart. "So it's either we're both up until the crack of dawn together, or I'm the one passed out in your arms 'cause you wouldn't want to leave me alone and defenseless," he joked, glancing across the small space of the cab between them to meet her eyes before he had to turn back towards the road. The drive in isn't that far away, less so than minutes earlier, but he wasn't ready for the drive to be over yet. This was one of the few moments where they could be alone without eyes on them or feeling like any of it needed to be pretended.

"If I had to make a choice, there's a chance that I'd go for the first one so that you're not left to deal with my snoring when work catches up to me." It hadn't yet, but that was because his hours at the shop had drastically decreased since getting assigned the local station that wasn't too far of a drive from his other job. Colt could make his way between the two, especially when he needed extra cash or work to get his mind off other things. Tonight was another one of those times where he knew that he was going to be able to take his mind off work as he laughed.

"Just so you're forewarned, I do have two left feet." Not the complete truth, considering that he'd been made to take dance lessons when he was a kid put on parade at some of his parents' events while growing up. He just claimed it so that he wouldn't have to dance at them anymore, especially not with his mother. "Okay so movie where we're definitely going to be caught saying all the lines and annoying the cars closest to us then maybe a dance lesson in the produce aisle to me passing out on the most interesting conversations of my life? How are we supposed to top this date?"

[ines-montalvan]

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The word real estate caused the gentle lift of a sharp brow as Ines listened on. Handsome, well off, single, passing through in a sense and real estate. He seemed unattached to anything really like he was a wanderer in his own story without realizing he was looking for something to attached to. Real estate set off senses wanting to know what Carter wanted with Briar Ridge knowing one didn't ever casually look during a break from New York around a tiny town unless they were looking for escape or opportunity. What opportunities was he - a man while perfectly alright at present - looking into? "Then you let me show you around so you can see what people love about this place. Might help you find whatever you are looking for here and depending on what you prefer I do have several friends who are also just as single that could show you around if I'm not free. Me? Yes first generation born and raised. I did leave for college for a while but I came back. You may ask another question, mhmm"

"Speculation, huh?" He'd dealt with more than enough of that. "Go on.." Carter was eagerly soaking in the compliments, letting them stoke his confidence even further, inflating his ego to greater heights. "Well, some might argue I'm near perfection, but you know how subjective that can be," he chuckles, seemingly jesting but with a hint of seriousness beneath the surface. "Single as a pringle." And it had never quite bothered him. He was Carter freakin' Chen.. he had a dream life. At least, that's what he told himself. "I have some good friends in town, thought I'd check out the place. Plus, I'm a real estate agent so a real estate friend of mine mentioned the town and.. just checking out the scene. Taking a quick break from New York. Tell me something about you now," he leans back in his seat, crossing one leg over another as he turns to face her with curiousity. "Born and raised?"

[ines-montalvan]

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"River fall in love all you want. You are allowed even if I'm taken" Ines cooed rather sweetly, harmless as her comment was she nodded with a touch of seriousness. There was no peaceful season, no weekend that wasn't fully packed with important things to do or any less worry than before over aging parents and a need to see them succeed in their old age. The cubana was constantly in motion and never slowing down fully even here in a town that could at times be considered sleepy. "We montalvans take care of our people and it often comes at the price of our social life or nice things. Ooph goodness dio mios yeah I should have more good times. You are a sweetheart River. Eight thirty sounds perfect"

ines  flips  her  hair  ,  bats  her  eyes  and  in  response ,  river  whistles lowly and fans herself with a hand. when  it  comes  to  being  herself  ,  it  feels  easy  to  do  when  river  was  in  ines'  presence ;  shes  doesn't  have  that  installed  masked  version  of  herself.  she  doesn't  feel  the  need  to  be  on  guard  or  suspicious  like  she  typically  does.  wiggling dark brows suggestively , river gives ines a certain playful look , ❛ i  give  incentives  you  simply  can't  refuse. i also know that you're currently picturing us on the dance floor absolutely killing it , drinks in hand , all eyes on us. it's what we both deserve ! ❜   river is one of the last people to want the spotlight on her , even before what she had been through she was a typically shy person but ines brought out a confident side to river , a side she didn't know she had. besides , once river finds herself in a dimly lit room with good music there was certainly no stopping her. when  ines  compliments  river  back  , her  first  instinct  is  becoming  bashful  by  tilting  her  head  to  one  side  then  tucks  in  chin  inward ,  like  a  turtle  attempting  to  retreat  into  its  shelf  before  freezing. ❛ stop being so nice to me , i'm gonna fall in love with you , ❜ river laughs , shaking her head , drinking the water ines had passed to her with a thankful gaze over the rim having not realized how parched she was feeling. ❛ your  one  good  time  a  year ? ❜ its clear by the hard arching of her brow that river is unclear if ines was being serious or not. river was hoping it was the latter , but you simply don't know how someone lives their life these days. ❛ honey no , no , no. this'll be us just getting started. how does eight - thirty sound to you ? ❜

[ines-montalvan]

The conversation felt familiar like the warmth of clothes fresh from the dryer, warm and soft. It felt like home oddly enough if a person could be someone's home. He would be had something ever gone on between the two of them to escalate them far beyond the close friendship they had, lost and were rekindling. No, he had been home even when they were simply and so heartbreakingly just friends. It was the reason she had agreed to lie to the world for him to shield him from the critical eye of his mother and allow his space to breath, grow and improve himself for his own reasons. Surely yes it couldn't be counted out that when word got around that the montalvan girl was dating an atwater that it would be easier to access goods and services to help parents out and other selfish points but the thread was there. The line between the two of them as invisible that it was that connected stars and could be pulled from hal a universe away and still see fates bound tethered to one another. Every relationship that had been had always seemed seasoned with the question did anyone feel half as real or cause even a the smallest amount of heartache like there had been to watch Colt love everyone else but her. Maybe one day Ines would tell him just how important he'd been. It wasn't the right time right now to say anything like that not to confuse old feelings for real feelings in what should ultimately be almost a transactional relationship now.

Still with every thought swirling and the new things flooding a brain, Ines simply nodded keeping a hand on the space between them letting it rest palm up and open there in the void. Chuckling she still smiled, radiating that soft electricity she always had answering back "Colt I didn't mean you would be enough of a bore I would fall asleep. I have every confidence you won't be the type. I can easily see us up and awake till the wee hours of the morning both of us still talking about nothing. How hard you work though if you wanted to sleep I wouldn't leave. It would be a very fake girlfriend thing of me to let you fall asleep in my arms on the couch … maybe make the picture my screen saver on my phone." She half suggested merely playing on the idea and storing it for later knowing it'd only be a natural progression to have pictures of each other if they were dating. Purely for the purpose of laying it on thick enough to be completely believable.

"Goonies is one of the best please there is no debate there. Trust me, mi vida, your fridge will be stocked but if you get me wired enough on popcorn and soda that I may just dance in the aisles of the grocery store with as late as it might be once the movie lets out. Salsa dancing through the produce section is something I have done before. The ladies that work the night shift there before closing will sometimes even put that on purposefully if they know im doing a late night grocery run so who knows what the night will bring"

Colt opened and closed his mouth quickly enough to catch himself before saying something that he might regret, because he had a tendency not to think before speaking. It got him in more than his fair share of trouble, but there was something else to be said about touching on the past between them when he wasn't sure where they stood in present time. Anyone looking at them could only see two people that reconnected and started dating, but for the two of them - they were still figuring things out again as they faked it all for show. "I didn't say that," he countered with a bit of a crooked grin that he shot over at her when they were both settled in his truck.

He also didn't say what he thought of her back then, or even how cute and adorable that he might have thought she was or how he thought about it even now. Colt chuckled. "Damn I missed out on not having asthma. And it definitely wouldn't have been as cool for you to hold my heart pills." He felt a slight wince at the joke that he made towards himself, trying to steer out of that line of thinking when his entire future with the fire department hinged on whether or not he could keep his shit in order. Ines didn't need to think or worry about that.

"It's good to know that you would have had my back though, if there was anyone that I needed to dispose of and I hope you know that it went both ways." He cleared his throat and nearly went for the radio before he stopped himself because he wasn't sure that she'd want to listen to something that he'd like or if she'd rather ride in silence. Either way, Colt didn't mind if it was only the two of them talking because a part of him had missed talking to and he hadn't even realized it until now. "Well now I feel the pressure to be good enough company that I don't put you to sleep," he joked with a bit of a laugh at the thought as he turned towards the drive in rather than heading back towards the closest grocery store.

"Just know, I'm not going to let you get out of this date so easily as to let you sleep through one of the best movies ever made. I'll be keeping an eye on you and make sure to use the excess of snacks and soda to keep you wide awake even after the movie. We can't have my fridge unstocked if we're going to keep entertaining each other."

[ines-montalvan]

"I am a professional waitress with an architectural degree of course there are some intelligent thoughts rattling around about there bonita" She smiled shaking her head knowing the earlier statement about cats was true. listening to the older woman drone on about her bridgerton named felines friends was almost as bad as the smut she had prepared them to read. The act of reading however and what each of them put in would give everyone a voice not just the ones who loved to dominate the conversation. "I could run it. Oh brownie is perfect that is a great code word. We'll make it through as much as we can. If one of us says brownie the other casually goes for the dessert and then we kill the lights and run or we just change a subject. Love you too Leyla"

"Lady Whistlepaw!" Leyla couldn't help but snicker, noting the Bridgerton reference. It was a legendary name for a cat, admittedly. "I still can't get over that name. And as much as I'd love to use cats to distract her, I'm not sure I can sit through another one of her feline lectures either. I mean, it's almost a lose lose situation on our hands," the brunette scrunched her nose up. "But, that just might work. You know, focusing less on the content and more on the act of reading! Ines, you are a literal genius!" The mere thought brought instant peace to her mind, so much so, she shoved a brownie in her mouth and took in all of Ines' suggestions. "How do you feel about running book club tonight?" Leyla's eyes sparkled with amusement as she both jokingly and genuinely questioned her. "How about brownie? We mention desserts, and it's our cue to run. Sound good? —And thank goodness for you, truly. I don't think I could get through tonight without you."

[ines-montalvan]

"Alright. Promise not to take any offense by this because its all speculation" Ines stated scribbling something on the order pad covering the writing before ripping it at its perforation. Putting a finger up she attempted to squash any protest shaking her head. Ines would give no opportunity to peek at what had been scribbled down knowing the item was not entirely on menu as there was a classic that would need a few adjustments. If he liked it enough she'd put it forward to her boss and see if they could call it the Carter. "It will be out in about fifteen minutes. Gosh look at your smile - are you actually perfect? Are you single I mean if you aren't you're going to have the town falling over themselves for however long you're here. So what brings you around since we have some time to kill before you tell me if my guess at your new favorite dish is correct or a bit off" Ines breathed having to remind herself one this was a stranger to her, two she wasn't technically single and three even if she was - god this man was distracting.

"Come on.. I'm sure we're all full of secrets but you can't keep a man waiting," Carter replies, a teasing grin tugging at his features now. He was a shameless flirt, let's be real. But the sole reason he was even in this hell hole, in his eyes, of a town, was for one reason and one reason only. He'd fight to keep his eyes on the prize. And that meant making all the connections so he can find out all the information he needs to win. "It's okay, I know my face is unforgettable. You already called me handsome. I'm not fishing for more compliments," he winks. "Now that just sounds like way too much fun. I'm much too intrigued, I'll let you surprise me. See if you can work me out."

[ines-montalvan]

Wrinkling her brow a head cocked for a moment before shaking as if dismissing the comment entirely like it was any other piece of conversation but it stuck with her. It infected a particular part of her brain with a handful of inappropriate thoughts for an old friend, for a once best friend. Did he like that - was that one of his kinks and dios mio why did she want to know what he liked. Perhaps it short circuited her for a moment causing her to wonder what her own name was for a short two and a half seconds. When the door opened Ines came back to herself giving a bow of her head in gentle respect for the gentlemanly move made by the mechanic that had for a moment sent her mind off into the deep end. Had to be the heels, she didn't wear them often so if her feat ached we'd be blaming the pain for the moment of pure befuddlement.

"Was I not cool and adorable ?" Ines feigned shocked with a smile, giving a shrug of her shoulders giving a knowing glance. He might not have known it but Ines had adored him before her space became firmly cemented in the friendzone sure enough that childish feelings had long fled from her. Her answer was rooted in the fact that they were that close of friends rather than the clearly one-sided feelings for the boy before he hit that growth spurt. "Of course I would and I would've hidden all the proverbial bodies gladly with you"

As they started off on the journey there was an urge to reach for the radio, to flip stations and turn on music to sing along with whatever before a hand settled on the console between as he spoke at length to what he had and what could be done. Chuckling he was right she had wanted a good spot, biting down on her bottom lip to curtail the large smile that wanted to burst forth. He had one too but it was gone in an instant and Ines covered her own, smoothing down the front of her shirt with a hand again drifting to the space between shaking her head. "You forget I get a discount and have a set of keys to the concessions - let me flex my 40% off that would be the best choice. Then -then we hit the grocery store unless somehow the combination of the goonies, blankets, cheap popcorn and you put me to sleep."

"I'm gonna ignore that for the moment 'cause I have a feeling that if I try to explain myself, then it's only to make me look even worse than I already look," he joked as they head towards his truck that was unlocked. But he hadn't lost all his manners even with all the hits to the head that he'd taken while growing up between sports and his own inability to stay out of trouble. Colt made his way to the passenger side and opened the door for Ines, even giving so much as a hand in case she needed a step up into the truck.

He chuckled at the other's impression as he closed the door for them before quickly making his way around to the driver's side with a bit of a laugh. "So what I'm hearing is that you think you're cool and adorable and would have held my inhaler as a kid if I had one, yeah?" It was a joke, though he could agree with most of the statements other than agreeing that he was any kind of leader. If anything, he was more likely to be the one that walked other into trouble as he usually did when he didn't stop to think about the consequences of his actions. He was trying to aim for better, but sometimes there wasn't enough time. The truck rumbled to life with the turn of a key as he sat there for a moment to think.

"I've already got the blankets in the back, along with a cooler that I'm sure we could stash things in if we wanted to make a run before the movie. But didn't we want a good spot?" If so, then they were going to need to head out there soon so that they didn't end up behind someone's lifted truck that would overtake his in a heartbeat or be stuck to the side where they wouldn't be able to see much from their vantage point. Still, he wasn't in the biggest hurry as he glanced over to see Ines sitting in the passenger seat that had him sporting a bit of a goofy grin, one that he wasn't thinking about just then before he snapped back into the present. "We can make it quick if we hit something with a drive thru or else I promise I'll buy you whatever you want at the concessions stand if you'd rather."

[ines-montalvan]

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At the compliment paid to her by a gentle and wonderful human being that in the time it took to become a regular and a friend Ines could almost grant the title of close friend to it was refreshing to hear causing a lift in Ines' already decent mood. Giving a sassy little flip to her hair she batted eyelashes before giving a great chuckle followed again by another smile. Soon a knowing look cam about tapping the countertop before her. Casually while answering Iness was sure to pass a fresh glass of water over to River just in case it was needed. "with an argument like that mi bonita how could i truly refuse cutting it up with you. River dearest you are also pretty darn hot yourself. A regular peach. What time should we go out and have my one good time a year?"

there's  something  about  being  a  regular  that  has  felt  homey  to  river.  she  used  to  be  very  insecure  about  being  a  someone who visited a space so many times that the workers eventually learned her name and order ;  mostly , when it came down to it , she  just  didn’t  like  the  idea  of  people  knowing  her  or  possibly  judging  her  for  visiting  everyday  to  get  the  same  exact  drink  or  food ,  but  she  eventually  stopped  caring  after  realizing  that  being  a  regular  was  actually  super  fucking  rad.  and  sometimes  you  even  make  a  friend  out  of  it.  ❛ no ,  no.  nothing  like  that , ❜  river  exclaims while shaking her head viciously , her mop of freshly dyed brown - black tresses swish against the middle of her back.  a  pause ,  squinting  at  the  woman  before  taking  on  impishly ,  ❛ well.  maybe  a  little  exhaustion  is  showing , but it's okay because you're a stunning human and you make exhaustion look hot. ❜ river grins impishly.  ❛ but  yeah ,  you're  here  all  the  time ,  dude.  you  need  a  break ,  you  need  to  live  life ,  and  i  think  you  should  do  that  with  lil'  ol'  me. ❜  a  sound  emits  from  her  throat  ;  high ,  slightly  strained ,  and  clearly  excited  that  ines  decided  to  join  her  on  a  night  out.  ❛ you'd  do  that !?  ines  we're  gonna  have  so  much  fun.  first  round  is  on  me.  maybe  the  first  two ,  depending  on  how  hard  we  go  on  the  dance  floor. ❜

[ines-montalvan]

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"Levi, have I mentioned lately I do love you so, acere? If not thank you for the eventual heads up my friend" She beams ever so softly, the relief washing over her knowing it had been an exhausting length of time and what had stopped her from attending the gala had contributed to her stress. Surely it meant business for him by being business for the resort in his informing her but Ines did appreciate the man who was not everyone's cup of tea. Shaking her head in agreement craziness was a term she could get behind most definitely. "Then let me bring something back for you. Your favorites and something sweet for later on to take the edge of the insanity. Levi. I regret to inform you once you even vaguely matter to me I will worry if you are eating or doing well. Crazy is for certain the word"

“All in a day’s work.” Levi mused as the individual he alerted about the nearby obstructions turned out to be a familiar face. “Yeah? Who knows when they’ll be done at this point. But I can let you know when they finally do so you can check out the event space without all the commotion.” He offered to Ines, as he was certain that the resort would be thrilled that there was another prospective renter for the room so quickly right after a large event. “Can’t say you missed that much at the Masquerade anyway. I mean, it was great for the business and charity, though.” The work piling up on his desk recently was a direct testament to the gala’s success and he did not miss how uncomfortably the masks became under the blinding lights as the night went on. “I have not. And wow, free food sounds like too good of an offer to pass up.” Besides, Levi did have some freed up time at the moment since he wasn’t getting anywhere currently with his usual track blocked. “Bringing back something is a solid idea too.” Levi nodded, knowing some of his co-workers would appreciate it since they were likely just as tied up. “You’re not wrong, it has been busier than usual around here the past couple days. But, kind of expected it.” He grimaced. “Don’t worry about me. — Luther’s crazy as always for you too?” 

[ines-montalvan]

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Lifting her brows she smiled up toward the ceiling throwing her head back in a grand laugh only imagining a hilarious scene in which he had called her that knowing it would have warranted that. "Dios mio, mi vida. I don't know if I could spank you - you may enjoy it too much though I have never understood that but to each their own." Musing, she had while he'd been dressing taken to kicking her feet in mid air knowing when hopped on the desk her feet barely touched the ground knowing she was the small to his tall. Dangling her feet a minute more eyes finally found him again pulled from their wandering and roving about the room to a more freshened up version of Colt. She'd nearly in her mind thought of him as and almost called him her grease monkey but refrained from doing so. Pushing off the desk Ines followed after him knowing there might be more than a grocery store trip in store for the two of them. It would be necessary to get him some proper clothes for planned dates when they had them and outings that took a little more forethought than a surprise night at the drive in with dinner thrown in.

"Oh Alfalfa my hero" She teased clasping her hands together giving a pop of her foot, gently cupping her cheeks mimicking the tone of the character from the movie. Batting eyelashes a second more she saw that truck of his giving a thought to his words. "Data has the gadgets, he's adorable as am i, thinks outside the box. I think he's cool. You, Mouth? No. You are for sure Mikey, he's the leader, the one who starts them on their quest - their glue. He's cute too." She complimented as they made their way to the car. "I always had the biggest crush on Mikey you know? Little Ines would've fought to hold his inhaler. What are we picking up on the way to the drive in or can you be content with popcorn and then we go after the movie to the grocery?."

"That's clearly what my other hand is made for," he joked as he held out his empty hand, palm up as they head back towards the office here he had some clean clothes stashed. If they made it back to his place, then he could shower and clean up well and good but it might make them late for the movie. "One to hold your hand and the other to hold your earrings when you're ready to kick some ass for my sake." He laughed then, a hearty chuckle at the mental image of her taking off the heels and earrings because someone had the problem with smell of a little elbow grease. Though he was sure it was a bit more than that by this point as he opened the door and let her through first, feeling the first burst of air conditioning after however many hours he'd spent out in the garage. Or underneath the hood of the old car.

He shook his head as he slipped out from her arm, heading toward the small half bathroom that was attached where his gym bag was tucked away in a locker. There was a clean set of clothes and deodorant in there, though he was sure that he didn't have a spare set of shoes so she'd have to suffer with him in his work boots that had seen better days. At least this way he'd be able to get them to the drive in early enough like she suggested, changing quickly enough with a splash of water in all the worst spots before he tried to cover up the old sweat and grease smell with something a bit more presentable.

If people were going to believe them, then Colt needed to think ahead of time and remember that he was going to need to put in more effort than simply showing up as he reappeared with a grin in the doorway. "I think you might spank me if I called you the spanky to my alfalfa," he jested as he tossed his gym bag on the office desk before he grabbed the keys to his truck from the side drawer. "Let's stick to the goonies where it's safe, darla." Colt shot her a wink before he knocked the bag to the floor next to the desk where he'd deal with it tomorrow. "But Data?" He hummed for a moment before they stepped out into the warm air once more and head towards his truck. "Does that make me Mouth? " Though he was sure with his medical condition, that he had more in common with Mikey.

[ines-montalvan]

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Clicking her teeth together she gave a half smile, fighting the rosy tint that flooded her cheeks Ines gave a roll of her eyes cocking her head to the side. "Fishing for compliments now. I will have to let you know if the face is as unforgettable. It might be, handsome. It might be. Around here am I sweet to all my customers in the same way? You should stick around to find out. Can't go giving away the whole bulk of my secrets even if you have an incredible smile" She mentioned wryly, tapping her order pad. Pocketing it momentarily she extended her own hand to shake his. "Whose the charmer now, Carter? Would you like to order or can I surprise you with what I think if you stick around long enough might be your new favorite?"

She almost makes it too easy for Carter to spark up conversation; and instantly he flags her as someone that would likely open up to him about the town. All with a little buttering up, of course. "Does it match the unforgettable face?" A cheesy grin tugs at his lips as he makes himself comfortable in his chair, glancing up at her. She'd called him handsome. It was like music to his ears. Any more compliments and his head just might explode. "Aren't you just the charmer? Are you always this sweet to all your customers?" It wouldn't be difficult for him to turn his own charm on, roping her and admittedly all of Briar Ridge in, ultimately for his own gain. A weighted sigh escapes his lips as he offers a nonchalant shrug. "I only got to town last week, actually. Not sure how long I'll be here for, but for now, you'll see a little more of me. —I'm Carter," he offers a hand now, beaming up at her as a charming grin encompasses his features, something of a playful spark in his eyes now. "It is truly a pleasure to meet you."

[ines-montalvan]

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Nodding in agreement a soft sigh left lips that parted with a knowing smile well aware just how intense mrs. robinson's shenanigans could get only having served her at Luther's enough that her way of ordering scrambled eggs was enough to have the cook threaten quitting. "Oh I know her well enough. We could try to distract her that is something we could do that. She does adore her cats. No then that would be a three hour special on Miss Kitty and Lady Whistlepaw. Beautiful cats but that is a dissertation that could be surmised in an email. How about instead of speaking about her book choice we talk about our favorite book accessories or what creates our little reading nook, haven, private reading space - what do each of us do to get settled into a book. Do we pull up a blanket, do we have tea, do we put on some sort of lo-fi beats to create the world we're going to dive into? How do each of us make reading more than just simply reading. How do we make it an adventure?" Ines spitballed for a moment coming up with ideas off the cuff to distract from what surely would've been talk about what made Leyla uncomfortable. Surprised, Ines shook her head breathing softly "Maybe we do need that safe word. Glad to be your ride or die Leyla. Give me a call I'm there no questions. I've always got your back Leyla"

Leyla paused suddenly, looking over at Ines with wide eyes, a literal lightbulb moment taking place after mulling on her suggestions. "That is genius!" Life returned to her features where previously nothing but concern existed. "Fire alarms are for emergencies, this is basically an emergency right?" Of course, she wouldn't actually pull the fire alarm but.. it was very tempting. At the very least, Ines had ignited a smile from her, and that was more than enough to ease the stress a little. "You know I'd never subject you to dealing with Mrs Robinson and her shenanigans alone.. I can't let everybody down." It was a constant fear she held over herself, knowing that she wanted to do right in every situation that warranted it. Running the book club had been one of her favourite pastimes, and still was.. but as much as nights like these called for a lot of amusement, she was also a bit of a prude. Publicly hearing a near eighty year old woman read smut.. well. "Have you met Mrs Robinson? There's no steering that woman away from anything. We could try.. what could possibly distract her?" The brunette glances over at the elderly woman who was happily chatting away to a small group of people, a weighted sigh escaping her lips. "Ines, you are literally my ride or die, you know that right? So maybe we just.. see how things go and if they get too uncomfy we just.. maybe we need a code word and an escape plan for when that happens."

[ines-montalvan]

Were they as close as they had been once Ines would give him a gentle nudge and tell him she hadn't given up on him when they were kids and she wouldn't give up on him not. It would've taken the form or one of her favorite sayings that if he had one fan she was it and if he had no fans she was dead. That would've been her exact words had they never lost touch and had she not left for college far enough away and with intense enough of a schedule it wasn't feesable to keep in touch. At the time it hadn't been to her. So when greated with the gesture that the grime was as good as it would get Ines chuckled, eyes sparkling knowing there was more but she'd be in it no matter what he looked like. She owed him this much to pretend to be what she had once longed to be what seemed forever ago.

"You can change here unless you want to shower but I'm alright to stop by your place. I'm fine with you the way you are and if anyone wants to talk about my boyfriend well they will have to deal with all five feet and four inches of me. You just have to promise to hold my earrings" She mused rather cheekily before shaking her head gesturing towards the back taking up the crook of his arm matching his grin. "Come on, go change Colt. If we get to the drive in early enough we'll get the good parking spot. We never die do we - nope. Me a little rascal? Am I the Darla to your Alfalfa or can I be the Andy to your Brand? Or is this where you tell me I was Spanky? Though if you tell me which goonie I am I will accept Data."

To anyone else, it would have looked and sounded exactly like a date. All he'd have to say that it was all an effort put forth to impress someone like Ines, then Colt knew that the rumor mill would spin out of control and it wouldn't take too long before it reached the ears of his mother. That was the one person that he needed to hear it, so that she would stop breathing down his neck to slow down and saddle up with someone that was good for him. She'd always loved Ines when they were friends, but that had been decades ago which left him still grinning up at the other when she wiped at the grease on his face. "You've got to know that this is a lost cause," he remarked, gesturing towards his face but there was an underlying promise that there was more to him that was a mess than just his face and his clothes.

"I've got some spares clothes in the back if you wanted to head out from here, or else we're gonna need to swing by my place. I can't not date you in this. You'd only be showing off what a mess you've gone and attached yourself with." Colt took her outstretched hand though he kept himself from actually pulling her down onto him as he stood up alongside her and the car to his right. "That sounds an awful lot like we should hit the drive in and grab something there before dinner later." She had a point, that if more people saw them out at random instances rather than just events that would be good to network with the right people then they'd be more likely to talk about the reality that the two of them were making up as they went along.

He grinned. "It's true when they say that goonies never die." Colt offered her the crook his arm, as one of the only clean spots on him at the moment, before he'd take them to the office so he could change and clean up real quick. "Though I always thought of you as more of a little rascal."

[ines-montalvan]

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chuckling softly ines smiled watching the enthusiasm pouring from the newest of her friends idly wiping off the counter with a cleaning cloth to keep it as pristine as one could in luther's. the idea of an open mic night or a night tearing up the dance floor was wonderful truly and Ines was thoroughly game for it. while not knowing everything about the other woman Ines understood everyone had their own baggage and reasons for reasoning happy to be someone others trusted well enough to take care of them in their lives and to be a part of whatever story it was. She was also already deeply protective of the wonderful thing that was River. It was always a good shift when River came in for what was slowly becoming their usual order. "I need a night out? Does the exhaustion show much or am I really here all the time?" Ines laughed a little harder shaking her head putting the cleaning cloth aside before leaning back against the back counter.

"River you are the sweetest thing of course - I can't have all your fond memories of me be coated in fryer grease and the blue plate special. Sure. I can shuffle plans around and be the best wing woman you've ever had."

with ines montalvan @  luther's rare & well done.

it  was  safe  to  assume  that  during  the  two  to  three  weeks  that  river  has  been  settling  into  briar  ridge ,  luther's  rare  &  well  done  diner  had  quickly  becoming  on  of  river's  favourite  locations  to  visit  on  a  day  off.  the  front  of  the  building  continuously  welcomes  the  rising  sun ,  illuminating  the  whole  space  and  bring  it  to  life.  inside ,  the  soothing  old -school music  played  in  the  diner  acts  as  a  treat  for  the  ears  and  a  perfect  start  to  a  day.  it  was  always  such  a  lively  diner ;   a  diner  filled  with  community  is  a  cheerful  place  to  be. 

the  romanticism  could  be  that  she's  in  a  new  country ,  a  new  place ,  missing  home  essentially  by  herself  aside  from  her  roommate ,  heidi  lee ,  whom  she's  known  back  in  australia  before  heidi  decided  to  leave  and  their  friendship  simply  fizzled  out. speaking of acquaintances , heidi wouldn't be the only person river was getting to know. ines montalvan was becoming a favourite individual of river's. funny , outgoing , and says what's on her mind there was no reason for river to not enjoy ines' company while she was in luther's.

❛ ines , i think we should hangout outside the diner at some point ! ❜ river suggests rather out of the blue from a random burst of confidence before taking a sip of her strawberry and chocolate drizzle milkshake. ❛ we can get a few drinks , get a few numbers , tear up the dance floor , maybe preform a duet or two during open night mic ... ❜ trailing off in the hopes it sounds enticing , green eyes roll up to the stunning dark - haired waitress with an excited grin slips on her lips at the prospect of going out on the town with a new friend. you'd think with someone with a history such as river's she would be a little more cautious when it came to who she surrounds herself with. yet , that isn't exactly how river's mind operates. ❛ you need a night out , i need a night out ─ and a night where my roommate doesn't ask me to make a tiktok with her for the hundredth time but that's neither here nor there. so , whadda'ya say ? ❜

[ines-montalvan]

Jeanine Mason as Liz Ortecho in Roswell, New Mexico

[ines-montalvan]

LOCATION: Luther's Rare & Well Done

FOR: @carterchxn

Pulling out her order pad from a well maintained apron the cologne hit her first, the overwhelming smell of overpriced privilege and cardamom(?) - Ines was unsure if she was attracted or her olfactory senses were overwhelmed by a woody smell mixed with spice and the fry grease of luther's. It was not unfamiliar but it was still new enough she didn't know enough of the man who wore it having quite honestly never seen this man before in her life. Taking a moment she smoothed her apron, pushing a stray hair back collecting herself giving the stranger a smile. It didn't help that he was handsome and she'd been working since the breakfast shift. "That certainly is an unforgettable cologne. What can I get for you handsome - are you just passing through or are we going to see more of each other around town? In either case, I'm Ines its a pleasure to meet you. Pretty sure you've been in here before but we haven't spoken before"