#boutique hotels jersey

[thehubmiddletown]

Experience the epitome of comfort and luxury at The Hub Middletown, the best hotel in Middletown, New Jersey. Situated in the heart of the city, our boutique hotel offers a sophisticated and memorable stay for both business and leisure travelers. With its convenient location near Middletown, NJ, The Hub Middletown provides easy access to local attractions and amenities. Discover the perfect blend of modern elegance and personalized service at one of the finest hotels in Middletown, New Jersey. Visit our website at thehubmiddletown.com to book your stay today.

[lalunanymph]

𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐄𝐆𝐎

↳ a foul-mouthed, aggressive, pro-soccer player on the verge of being disqualified from the biggest game of his life, is tossed into a fake relationship with a spoiled heiress to salvage their bad public reputation. what exactly could go wrong?

𖨆♡𖨆 itoshi rin x fem!reader

cw. mentions of alcohol, angst, mentions of death, mentions of cheating, violence, blood, mentions of medication, arguments, shidou being a menace, language, internet bullying

masterlist | playlist

#5: VANISH

Milan was a beauty which deserved every single praise from travellers and magazines around the world.

Your little upclass boutique hotel overlooked the city centre, and the wind tugged on your sleeping shirt like a child demanding for attention. Sitting on the cool bench, you bundled your knees closer to your chest, stretching the well-worn Blue Lock jersey down your thighs as you sighed, lifting a cigarette to your lips. 

If Rin were here, he would look on disapprovingly at this bad habit.

His name ignited a fissuring ache somewhere under your left rib where your tender heart still pulsed; your lips pursed around the cigarette, and you exhaled softly.  

I need to forget about him.

Flickering your vintage metal lighter open, the tip of your white stick smouldered and you breathed in the first cloud of nicotine; expelling it out into the autumn air. Your favourite season was far prettier in a city as vibrant as this. 

Below your feet, leaves turned orange, scattering down onto the grey pavement where boots and heels crushed them with a satisfying crunch. A flock of birds darted overhead in a V formation leaving you appreciative of the  simple pleasures of such a beautiful morning.

Today, you had to visit your designers to make sure the changes on your line were reflected as per your last review yesterday. 

You had worked till late last night, never mind the jet lag and your swollen eyes from crying on the plane left your face puffy and heart even more exhausted than when you sought refuge in the arms of another location. 

Far away from Tokyo. 

Far away from him. 

You didn’t know why you bothered in the first place—Rin would not search for you. He had made it abundantly clear what he thought of you, and subsequently, how he wanted nothing to do with you.

Such childish fancies. You sighed, deciding to put Itoshi Rin out of your mind the moment you stub out your dying cigarette in the metal ashtray. 

Your designers welcomed you warmly when you entered the atelier, and you smiled at them, glad that you had this little secret project to buoy you through such intense sadness. 

Soon, you forgot about Rin’s harsh words. His radio silence for the whole three days when you lingered in Tokyo like an idiot, waiting for him—waiting for an apology which never came. If there was a cure for a broken heart, it would be laughter flitting in between tulle skirts, your sketches coming to life and good pasta for dinner.

However, once the darkness came, the empty cavity shaped like him in your chest started to throb again, rendering your earlier efforts useless. 

Heartache was not linear, and neither was grief. 

You were intimately knowledgeable of such a fact. Shifting through your wallet to find your mother’s picture, you sat outside the balcony again, inhaling deeply. Milan’s lights twinkled through your tears and you bubbled a sad laugh, trying to swallow around the lump in your throat and speak through your misery. 

“I’m here, oka-san,” you managed to mumble, tracing the edge of the age-worn square with your thumb. “I wish you could see my first show.” Sighing, you cast your watery gaze towards the beautiful city beyond, hiccuping a sob. “I wish you were h-here, oka-san. I want to ask you so many questions. I’m so confused.” 

All a girl wants is her mother when she’s heartbroken. And in this instance, you would’ve given the world to feel her embrace around you; to shield you from the hurt and tell you everything was going to be okay.

Sniffling, you pocketed her photo back into your wallet and decided to visit the bar down the street. It was barely filled with people, and looked like the perfect spot for you to chase your worries down a bottle of wine. 

Thankfully, no one in Milan knew who you were; your reputation in Japan was left behind, and you were allowed to shed the heavy cloak of hypercritical fans so you could wallow in your sadness for the night. You ordered two glasses of red wine, sipping it slowly while the noises of the city disappeared behind you. In Milan, you felt safer to indulge in the intoxication you were often criticised for back in your country, and you did not pay any mind to the people around you.

If you did, you would’ve noticed his teal green eyes studying from across the room; the long under lashes casting shadows onto his chiselled cheekbones as he quietly drank from his glass of whiskey. 

You would have anticipated his heavy footsteps, the easy way he settled into the empty bar stool next to you.

“Rough night?” 

Snapping your attention back from the edge of staring off into space, you focused your gaze on a man who looked familiar, but you couldn’t pinpoint exactly where you had met him. Your sluggishness dissipated when you registered a pair of heartachingly indistinguishable teal eyes on a face more mature than the one you loved. His name was poised on the tip of your tongue, melting into your consciousness like precarious drops of rain. 

Itoshi Sae, right in the flesh.

You gaped at him, and Sae smirked—all arrogance and ego dripping down the corners of his lips right to his muscular build. He was a few inches shorter than Rin, but something about his presence demanded an undeniable majesty; he walked like how he owned the field, judging from your quick snatches of Rin’s frequent gameplay studies regarding his brother. 

Confident. Sure.

He captivated your attention the second he saw recognition flash through your eyes.

“Ah. So, you do know me.” He slunk slightly back in a casual show of masculine conviction, throwing a lazy hand up to order another glass of whiskey which the bartender quickly set down before him; like a King making demands of his court. Sae sipped on the amber liquid, his teal eyes never leaving your face. You shifted back straighter, clutching your purse in a tight grip.

“Itoshi Sae.” His name hummed in your mouth like something forbidden. “What’re you doing here?”

He tilted his head forward, whiskey-soaked lips carved into another smirk. “I have a game soon. Didn’t my dear little brother tell you it’s almost World Cup Season?”

As if on cue, your phone chimed with a Blue Lock update, and his eyes were quick to read off your dim screen. 

Representing Japan, the Blue Lock 11 will make their first ferocious move in France. Catch us on JSN for more updates!

Sae’s carefully constructed expression was neutral, and he hummed. “It’s a little rude of me to not have extended my congratulations on dating my brother, but I hope it’s not too late.”

He was quick to catalogue the minute fall of your expression, the darkness misting over your eyes.

“Oh. Um. Thank you.”

You shifted in your seat, suddenly too aware of how short your dress was. You did not want to give Rin’s brother any idea of your vulnerable state; the walls around your heart firing up towards the sky, keeping your defences manning the perimeter for any signs of a breach from this callous, stone-faced man.

Sae tilted his head forward, and he didn’t have to be a therapist to know how inexplicably terrified you were of him.

“Rin’s poisoned your thoughts against me, hasn’t he?” 

The sound of his little brother’s name uttered between the both of you, shocked him as much as it did for you. 

A short laugh fell from your lips, and you shook your head. “I’m sorry, Sae-san. Rin never really mentioned you a lot back home. I was just taken aback because I didn’t expect you to be here.” Bowing your head forward slightly, you murmured, “I’m sorry for giving you the wrong impression.”

Sae clicked his tongue, and something in his teal eyes had gone hyperborean from your small admittance. Your frayed nerves were at its tether when he leaned forward—close enough for you to smell his clean cologne from his collar. 

“Liar,” Sae murmured, flitting his eyes to your lips, his heavy lashes framing his eyes perfectly. It sent a stab of pain straight to your heart from how familiar those eyes were. “I know Rin told you to never say my name, didn’t he? You don’t have to play dumb, Y/N-chan. I’m your friend here.”

His expression did a 180, and he smirked again, leaning away to give you back your breathing space.

“Truly, I don’t know what you see in him,” Sae snorted and your furrowed brows gave him fuel to elaborate. “Rin. He’s such a sour little brat. I can’t believe you willingly dated him.”

The slight twitch of your lips, and the quickness in how you darted your eyes to the side, spoke volumes. Sae was close enough to unravel this mystery within his short time frame with you, and he was determined to find his brother’s weak spot; needing to understand if this girl in front of him was Rin’s Achilles heel.

His intentions were dirty and foul, but his coach was desperate for a quick win against Japan. Sae’s defection to the European superpower team would be seen as a betrayal for his home country, but no one could fault him. Japanese soccer was abysmal, and he would much rather sow his seeds on much verdant and fecund lands than the ones which he came from.

“He’s nice,” you mumbled defensively, picking up your wine glass by its delicate stem and taking one irritated sip. 

Sae scoffed under his breath. The both of you knew it was a lie.

“I heard a rumour that the both of you were thrown into a fake relationship because of bad press.” 

Your stunned silence did not need to be translated into words. Sae heard your confession loud and clear.

“Ah. That is sad. It must’ve been hard to be with Rin, huh. Let me guess—” Sae sat back, and like a master puppeteer, he pulled your strings tautly till you could not breathe; predicting every play of your relationship with Rin like he was reading from a script.

“He started getting closer to you, making you fall in love with him, and then when the going got tough, he lashed out, didn’t he? Told you that you were worthless and to get the hell away from him. Then, he didn’t come back home. He left you worried and all alone. He suffocated you with his silent treatment until you felt like escaping was the only route you could take, and now you’re here—heartbroken over a man who doesn’t give two shits.”

Sae watched intently as devastation imploded across your pretty features. Your lower lip wobbled uncontrollably, and you sniffled, turning your eyes back to your wine glass. Every fibre in your body was raging at you to run, but you remained rooted in one spot, unable to move. Caught in the headlights like a deer about to be run down by a freight truck. 

His warm palm on your back made you flinch, but Sae did not intend to hurt you. He was slowly patting the tight spot between your shoulders, rubbing reassuring circles to loosen your stiff muscles. A master at pushing and pulling, leaving his victims torn both ways. 

The wine left you slow and sluggish; your defences crumbling until your face met his sturdy chest and he was holding you while you sobbed softly.

Despite his callous manner, Sae was not entirely made of stone. He didn’t know exactly why, but he liked to think you were a lot like his brother.

Young and impressionable. Easily bending to his will.

“Do you want to come back to my hotel?” Sae asked in a low, even voice. Every pore of your touch-starved body craved for a touch which echoed Rin’s—as feeble and farfetched as it was. But, your rational mind took over and you shook your head.

“I think I need to go back home,” you murmured, and as much as Sae wanted to see how much he could push you, he conceded.

“At least let me walk you back to your hotel,” he offered sincerely. After a beat of hesitation, you nodded.

Sae helped you to your feet, letting you hold onto his arm as you tottered in your heels.

“How the hell do you women walk in those?” he asked in a withered tone. Your answer was a short laugh and a shake of your head.

“Black magic,” you mumbled, a shadow of your old self arising from the ashes. Sae rolled his eyes, and put his hand on yours to keep you steady.

“Did you know we’ve met before?” 

You peeled your eyes from your swollen toes squished in your heels and fixed him with a questioning look. “Have we?” 

“The Silver Strikers conference,” Sae murmured. “I was one of the keynote interviewees and you were in the box above with your father.”

You recalled a man of his build with light brown hair and gasped. “Oh my gosh. Yes, we have met.”

Sae chuckled when you smacked his arm lightly. “Why didn’t you lead up with that instead? You made me think you were flirting with me.”

His answer was a snort. “Even if I was, would you have reciprocated?” The ball was back in your court, and he waited for you to make a move. Predictions running rampant in his mind.

He never expected your answer.

“To be honest, I’m done with you Itoshi men,” you muttered candidly, oblivious to Sae’s growing amusement. “If Rin is anything to go by, you two need help. Serious help.”

You were half-joking, and Sae picked up on your teasing. He was about to retort something snarky when you stumbled and he murmured a low whoa, holding on tightly to your waist. He let you lean into his embrace, and you shakily held onto him, your head thumping back intermittently on his sturdy chest with every trembling step you took. 

Any outsider would assume the both of you would be dating from how close you both were, but you suspected Sae was merely being nice.

In fact, he was overtly nice. A little too friendly.

Taking advantage of your sluggish movements, Sae looped your floppy arm around his neck and hoisted you into his solid embrace.

“Wh—whoa!” you gasped when the ground disappeared underneath your heels. A terrified giggle slipped past your gaping mouth, and you held onto him, yelping in fright from every jarring step he took. 

“You’re such a lightweight,” the older Itoshi murmured, and you didn’t have to look into his expression to know he was rolling his eyes. A reaction you were intimately acquainted with as being extremely Rin-like. 

“Wait—hey! Put me down!” This was the second time in your life an Itoshi brother was carrying you because you were too drunk to walk. The thought should’ve miffed you, but all it did was make you miss Rin even more.

You kept quiet when he effortlessly carried you towards the front of your hotel, and set you down with a soft grunt.

Somehow, you couldn't look into his eyes, and only when his fingers slid underneath your chin to hoist your face up to meet his teal eyes, did you find the courage to smile.

“T-Thank you, Sae-san for accompanying me back.” There was a beat of hesitation—a lingering sort of unrest where neither of you knew what else to say. You broke the tension first by bowing clumsily, missing his small smirk.

Sae tipped his head forward in acknowledgement, and turned on his heel. “I’ll see you around, Y/N-chan.” 

You barely echoed his wish when his broad back disappeared down the corner into the night. Like a mirage, he had reappeared and disappeared in a total span of fifteen confusing minutes. Inwardly shrugging, you decided to let Sae’s uncanny presence bury itself in the back of your mind and took one wobbling step forward. 

A few more days to go and you would be splashed on the front headlines of a tabloid for your debut fashion line. You wondered what the critics would say; how they would dissect your entire collection apart. The singular thought sent a stab of nausea through your churning stomach, and you tried to swallow down your trepidation. 

It was too late to think of what-ifs. You had a future ahead of you to look forward to. You couldn’t let yourself be held back by naysayers and those who never wanted to see you grow. 

The courage you kept under wraps for years while you pandered to everyone’s impression of a perfect, soccer heiress started to glow brightly; an unmistakable flare lighting the cavity of your soul.

A wayward seed was planted in the fertile hopes of your invigorated determination, and you took one more confident step forward, the sound of your heels on the pavement steady and sure—miniature applauses which spurred you on forward and out of your slump.

You would wade through whatever hell or high waters the future might throw at you, and you would do it all with a smile.

Despite every nerve in Rin’s body telling him not to react—not to scroll further down this rabbit hole of spiralling thoughts and painful incredulity—Rin continued to read the article.

There was a soundbite from Sae, and he realised this photo was taken a few days ago in Milan. 

His heart leapt from his ribcage to collide painfully against the wad of spit he swallowed, the interview text burned into his retinas, shadowing behind his closed lids.

When asked about his relationship with you, Sae’s soundbite didn’t give much information. His reps reassured that the midfielder “saw her as a friend”’ and was much more, “interested in the playoffs than with his brother’s ex-girlfriend.”

His phone rang and Ego’s name flashed on screen. Rin denied the call and sank back into the sofa, scrubbing a hand down his face.

What the actual fuck.

His phone beeped again, and despite the early hours—the darkness blanketing the city and his stinging eyes—he read every article that Nagi and Reo sent into the group chat. 

His family group was in chaos, too, judging from a whiny cousin on his mother’s side who offered sympathy in a thinly-veiled attempt to mock him whenever the opportunity arose. He shut them out; he shut everyone out and switched off his phone, tossing it harshly onto the glass coffee table where the device clattered noisily right towards the edge.

Rin closed his eyes, and breathed deeply. His mind was boiled down to a stew of cacophonous thoughts, nothing standing out corporeally to get him to focus on a singular strand. Nothing beyond your face, happily smiling at his brother. Ropes of his muscles tenderly holding your smaller frame close to his chest. 

The look of contentment on both your faces.

Saw her as a friend.

Rin shot up to his feet, seething angrily at Sae’s stupidity. Just a friend? A woman like you deserved more than that. You deserved a gentle love which did not discard you in the limelight and left you reeling in ambiguity. You deserved to be loved out loud, right towards the heavens and on top of someone’s lungs.

You deserved to be loved by him. 

Rin felt his breath and common sense physically knock out his body. 

The calendar imprinted in his mind told him it was 3 days till his match in France, and he had to leave for the airport tomorrow to make it to the World Cup Village. Ego had scheduled them for a pre-interview with BBC, and they could not miss such a momentous occasion to bring more attention to Japan’s soccer scene.  That shitty four-eyes could not bear having his number one striker gone from the mix.

As one of the only players who could speak fluent English, Rin was needed to translate interview questions for his teammates, a task he found little pleasure in. However, in this instance, he couldn’t be bothered in the least. Isagi can handle it. Rin brusquely picked up his things, already booking a one-way business trip to Milan. That motherfucker can string an English sentence together—let him play nice with the press. 

Isagi would understand; he would forgive him for ditching the team just this once. Granted they haven’t spoken since Rin broke his nose during practice, but Yoichi was a mild guy in the face of animosities. 

Rin would make sure to hand him a few of his passes on the field to make up for his abysmal behaviour.

But, first, he had a flight to catch and a woman to win back.

The pounding headache from the seventh declined call was starting to annoy you to no end.

Your publicist’s number flashed on screen again, and this time, you didn’t bother to press the huge red button on screen, letting it go to voicemail. Your open laptop on the table scrolled down on its own as more alerts hit the SNS pages; tweets, Instagram tags and emails pinging with your name in the Google Alert tab making your head hurt.

The backlash did not end there after your 2-day old exposed “relationship” with the elder Itoshi brother. 

Jealous girls of every age were sending you death threats on your profile, and one of them even drew your face in the middle of a summoning circle and crossed your eyes out with red paint.

Criticism was nothing new to you, but this was far too much. The chimes were getting on your nerves and you felt nauseous from how you had once again fucked up your public image.

Maybe it would be better if you retreated from the spotlight. You never had any intention of being famous. Your father had decided you were the face of the Silver Strikers one day and pushed you to become his organisation’s spokesperson when you much preferred focusing on fashion. 

Fame was secondary to your peace of mind, and with that thought, you closed every tab on your laptop and sank back into the luxurious leather couch, rubbing your temples. Soft lighting diffused across the atelier, a sense of peace which did not touch your soul floated in the air like dust motes, spinning and twisting like demented ballerinas. 

You sighed, and Damara, one of your Italian designers who worked closely with you to conceptualise the theme of this collection, came to check on you. “Miss Y/N? Is everything alright.”

You eyed the pretty, light-haired woman with a tired smile. “I’m fine. Just some rumours going around which I prefer not to engage in.” 

“Ah.” Damara shifted from one foot to another, unexpectedly candid. “Is this about those two brothers you are involved with?” 

Word does travel fast. You hadn’t expected to make it this quickly over foreign waters.

You decided to come clean and nod, too tired to hide behind any pretences. “Yes.” Tossing your phone onto the couch, you sighed again. “I used to date the younger one, but we broke up and didn’t tell our fans. So, when they saw me out with his older brother, they jumped to conclusions.” A wry smile played in the corners of your lips. “And now, I am a lightning rod for slut-shaming across Japan and even here.”

Damara winced at the defeatedness in your tone. “Don’t worry, Miss Y/N. We all know the truth here. You are a nice person and would never try to intentionally hurt your loved ones.”

“I appreciate the confidence,” you murmured and stood up, stuffing your hands into your hoodie pockets, going back to business. “Please make sure the models have their second fitting. I want them to outshine the Pinacoteca di Brera.” 

She nodded. “Of course, Miss Y/N. We will make the necessary checks and arrangements.”

Once it was sorted out, you trailed towards a nearby cafe, sitting down outside the al-fresco dining spot to nurse a cup of espresso. You barely had any sleep last night, nervous for the show later.

Outside in the bright sun, the tight knot in your chest loosened momentarily. No one in this tiny cafe was giving you a second glance, and for a moment, you were grateful for every shred of anonymity Milan offered you. This bright, pulsing city big enough to hide a woman from her country’s eyes was little like a mother’s arms holding you close, shielding you away from the world with gentle coos and caresses. 

You appreciated the verve of such a serendipitous moment, and tilted your head back, exhaling slowly.

“Y/N.”

The peace you felt in your soul shattered the moment you recognised his voice.

Peeling your eyes wide open, you hastily set your coffee cup back onto the marble table, gaping at the sight of your pretend lover’s brooding, downcasted expression, half-hidden behind his dark green bangs. Dark circles similar to yours shaded under his murky teal eyes. You wondered if the sleep deprivation had taken over and made you hallucinate his presence.

Rin approached you with his hands in his pockets, unaware of the storm he set off in your soul from the sight of his tall silhouette carving through the perfect sunshine of this unperturbed day. He was blissfully oblivious to how your soul screamed to run towards him, but your body stayed frozen, remembering his harsh words; his terrifying anger that led you to this country in the first place.

Your shoulders tightened towards your ears when he hovered close to you; near enough to touch, but far enough to keep you comfortable. A myriad of emotions fired off behind his muddled, bloodshot irises: fear, worry, hesitation, regret. Since when in this lifetime were you adept at reading Itoshi Rin’s reactions? 

It felt like you were going against a sacred creed. Like you were an anomaly within the laws of the universe who was not supposed to uncover such clandestine information. 

“How… how are you?” His earnesty was the second thing to render you mute. You blinked one too many times, as if trying to get rid of a spot of gunk stuck to your lashes. The silence stretched on, and you weren’t sure what to say.

Perhaps, if you had half a mind, you would ask him what he was doing here. Or, why did he come to see you when he had everywhere else in the world he could go. 

Why would he disturb your grieving process by coming back to life when you were resolutely trying to bury him within the sterile soil of your stained memories? 

Realising he was waiting for a response, you cleared your throat and slowly stood up. Rin was forced to take a step back from your sudden proximity, and another when your tight smile swam in his vision.

“I’m fine.” You didn’t ask him the same question, needing to leave before the irrational lump in your throat would threaten to make the sting in your eyes overflow. “I have somewhere to go. It’s nice to see a familiar face in Milan.” Please leave me alone.

You bowed to him even if you weren’t supposed to, and turned on your heel to walk away.

“Hey—” His touch on your wrist gave you a semblance of what it would be like to suffer from a heart attack; throwing off your composure for a split second before you recovered it and tugged your hand away from him. 

This time, the tightness around your mouth was exacerbated, like a lioness holding back a snarl in anticipation of striking a doltish prey. “It is nice to see you, Rin,” your voice coiled around the cadence of his name. “But, I am late.”

Those teal eyes swam with rueful trepidation from your sudden refrain of his touch and presence. “Y/N, I wanted to—”

“Please.” 

Rin was quietly startled to find tears glistening in your eyes. He reflexively took one step back, lips clamping tightly shut. What a sham of a game you two were playing—words unsaid and charades of repressed love shaded in between stark pockets of silence and the fear of being vulnerable. 

You didn’t want to play this game anymore.

“Don’t do this to me. Not now.” 

Your mumble set off his righteous anger, and he was about to call your name again, this time more forcefully to get you talking to him, when another presence joined the fray. 

“I think Y/N made it clear she’s not interested in a reconciliation.”

A voice materialised straight from his worst nightmares and hopeful dreams. Sae strolled down the pavement, tanned skin made warmer from his white dress shirt and thin silver chain gleaming from his clavicle. The sight of his older brother shocked Rin to an inert silence. He watched, wide eyed, as Sae walked up to you and leaned in close, the lines of his body language imprinted with intimacy.

“Go,” Sae murmured. “I’ll handle him.”

You didn’t know where to look or what to say. Around you, the cafe patrons sensed the tense atmosphere, and despite the language barrier, your teary eyes and the stiffness in both brother’s shoulders spoke of an impending altercation. The waiter who served you coffee hovered waveringly by your table, unsure if he had a right to butt in this spat.

Bowing your head forward, you started to walk away, oblivious to Rin’s devastated stare on the small of your back, or Sae’s cool, cruel gaze narrowing at the sight of his sibling. 

“You shouldn’t be here.” 

Fucking asshole piece of shit vomit brother. Rin’s glare turned hyperborean, and he cocked a brow right at the older man. Discarding the natural order of birth and hierarchy of respect, Rin chuckled sardonically right in his brother’s face. 

“You always did want whatever I had.” Something about Rin’s conviction and his steely tone took Sae completely by surprise. 

“You wanted my luck. My skill. You wanted to crush me and mould me into some kind of monster like you. Now, you want the person I love. You’re always going around thinking you’re some fucking god when we all know—everyone knows—how much better I am than you are.”

Pain exploded right in his temple, and Rin staggered back, hands flying to his face. Sae did not stop there. He slammed his entire fist into Rin’s stomach, and he went sprawling onto the floor, taking his older brother down with him. The scuffle roused a spectacle from the other patrons; some screamed, others cursed, and the sane ones called for the police. 

Rin had never wrestled hand to hand with Sae, but years of his pent-up anger and resentment flowed forward, changing his headspace into complete red. He snarled, slamming his fist into Sae’s jaw, and hearing something pop with satisfaction.

“... stop—Rin! Sae! Stop!” 

Sae snapped his head back, teal eyes wild with fury and clamped both hands around his little brother’s neck. Ready to suffocate him to death. 

You wrenched the older Itoshi off his brother with the help of the pale-faced waiter. Rin struggled to his knees, his acid-wash dark jeans speckled with white dust from the concrete pavement, and he bared his teeth, about to lunge at Sae again when your face appeared in his line of vision; blocking Sae’s ugly glare with your owlishly wide, terrified gaze.

“... stop… come on…” Your hands were on his cheeks, coaxing him to look at you instead of his brother. Through some miracle, the tension coiling like a snake which kept his figure locked in attack mode loosened, and he let you pull him to his feet.

Let you lead him out of the fray, only stopping to turn back and make sure Sae was okay. Shidou’s voice emerged from the din, deep and fraught with worry for his older brother’s face. Fucking annoying bug-like freak. The bastard he called his sibling would live; the most he would get was a busted lip. 

Rin’s right eye started to throb, and if it weren’t for your arms around his torso, he would’ve doubled back in the pretence to ask for some ice only to throttle Sae again. But because he was finally held by you, he didn’t want to lose out on this blissful opportunity, keeping quiet when you brought him back to your hotel room, all tense nerves and furrowed brows which he silently found adorable.

You sat him down on the velvet couch and rushed to your mini bar, pulling out some ice. Rin hated to admit how the familiar weight of your body settling next to his made his heart start to swoon. Or, how your touch was delicate despite your hand shaking with restrained anger, dabbing at his eye which would swell and blacken in a few hours.

“Idiot.” 

Rin snapped out of his thoughts and noticed your deepening frown. The courage he carried all the way from Tokyo with him to this foreign city withered under your blithe look, and he suddenly could not find his voice when you started to tersely speak.

“Our reputation is going to go to shit because of your temper,” you scorned gruffly. “Why did you even come here?” 

To the uninitiated, Itoshi Rin’s glare would be terrifying, but you were familiar with his souring moods, and fixed him with a matching grimace.

He mumbled something under his breath which vaguely sounded like I miss you, and you wished you hadn’t heard it. You wished he could unsay it so your stupid little hopes did not start to stir. But, you did, and your heart soared even as you desperately tried to pull it back down to reality.

This cannot go on. Rin was toxic and you had to cut him off less you lose a part of yourself to his blasé and callous nature. You had already been burned once, and you didn’t want to goad tragedy for a second time.

When he would not repeat what he had said, your hopes diminished, one flicker of light at a time until your chest was left darkened and hollow. The hand holding the ice pack to his face waned, and you set it down on the couch in between both your bodies; the space between was enough to remind you of two separated continents when in reality, only a few inches remained for your pinkies to touch. 

Between that space and silence, you let every unsaid word die in the back of your throat, and sighed, standing up. 

Without looking at him, you shuffled back to your ensuite room and fished for some painkillers in your handbag. No other words fell from your lips when you returned, pressing the aluminium strip into his hand and gesturing to the door.

“I did what I could for your eye, but I think you need to go to the doctor.”

Rin was staring at you from his perch on the sofa, expression agape and struggling to sift through the thoughts in his mind. He opened his mouth, closed it, and opened it again. Words eluded him, and even if he had spilled his entire heart out to you, would you have cared? Would you have picked up the shattered pieces and tried in vain to glue it back? He was a selfish bastard—he knew that. But, he wished you would. He wished you could’ve been the one to save him when he didn’t even know what he needed saving from.

He slowly stood to his full height, towering over you with solemn teal eyes glimmering slightly in the light and a parted mouth as if he wished to caress you with his words. But, the truth was apparent from your averted eyes and crumpled figure like you were trying to hide within yourself. 

Any touch from him would be unwelcomed, and he hopelessly wished he was a silver tongue like Sae or had a grit of steel like Isagi. 

Maybe he would’ve salvaged this relationship if he could’ve just talked to you. 

Maybe he wouldn’t walk out of your space for the last time or watch your balcony door from a safe distance away in a nearby park, turning the strip of painkillers in his hand like they were prayer beads which would conjure your mercy and reconciliation onto him. 

Maybe his feet wouldn’t take him down the street, past the bent oak tree and towards another park where he bumped into a nasty face from his past.

“Aw, it’s tiny Rin. Lost your girlfriend, huh, Romeo?” Shidou’s pale red eyes glinted tauntingly. He almost crushed the medicine in his hand, forcing himself to loosen his grip and coolly gaze at the antennaed freak.

“Fuck off.”

“Ouch.”

Shidou pretended to wince and kiss his teeth. “Didn’t nii-chan teach you to be nicer to people, hmm?”

Rin swore that if it weren’t for the pulsing migraine on the right side of his temple, he would’ve taken a swing at the blonde freak. He was almost about to, but another voice halted his impulses.

“Rin.”

Sae was cooling off on a bench, holding a packet of ice to his jaw. His teal eyes, so much like his, bore right into his skull. 

Rin didn’t know what compelled him to open his mouth, or for those words to tumble freely from his loosened lips. He liked to think it was grief which compromised his unwavering pride for a split second. Or, the guilt for what he did and said to his brother when he exhaled—

“Teach me how to win her back.”

— feedback, rbs and support and fully appreciated !!

©️ all rights belong to lalunanymph. do not copy, repost or claim as your own.

[jaspersalvo]

alex fitzalan.     he/him.     male.      ›spotted   at   the   met   steps   ,   jasper “duke” salvo   ,   most   likely   listening   to   saints of the sinners by the faim   with   their   airpods   pro   .   the   twenty five   gained   quite   a   reputation   ,   known   to   be   -temperamental  yet   +loyal   to   anyone   who   knows   them   .   you'll   easily   spot   them   when   you   hear   about   smoothly delivered excuses, obnoxiously patterned socks and ties, a permanent smirk, the sound of ice clanking around a cocktail glass   ,   followed   by   dior sauvage mixed with a lingering waft of the morning’s espresso   .   latest   nepoupdates   article   talks   about   how they broke into and trashed their ex’s apartment     ,   but   i   guess   any   reputation   is   good   reputation   . 

About:

Name: Jasper Nicholas Salvo 

Nickname: Duke, but he’ll respond to Salvo

Age: 25

Hometown: Ridgewood, New Jersey

Height: 6’0

Sexuality: Bisexual

Job: Sales Director at Apeti Restaurant Group

Sign: Aries

Positive Traits: Outgoing, Sociable, Resourceful, Perseverant, Enticing, Effervescent, Organized

Negative Traits: Duplicitous, Temperamental, Capricious, Cunning, Conceited, Rash, Crafty

TLDR: Duke Salvo, synonymous with snake, player, and trickster. A sales director at his parents’ company, he lives life like everyday is a party. Consequences? Never heard of em. Drugs TW, Alcohol TW

Is it possible to have a head start on life before you’re even a concept in your parents’ mind? That’s what Jasper had in his hand. The third child of Nicholas and Amarie Salvo (nee Windsor, in his mother’s case) – success was a given, and the money was always raining down. Jasper’s fully convinced that Windsor, his mother’s surname links them to the royal family… Doubtful, but he goes with it.

 Together his parents founded the Apeti Restaurant Group. A restaurant collection and consulting service that worked alongside hotels. All it took was becoming the flagship restaurant team for a couple of major hotels over in the City, and they were off. Money was always flowing in and their business was ready to go. They flew around the world, bringing their creative minds and menus to everything from boutique hotels to large conference centers. 

Eventually, they decided to settle down in Ridgefield. A suburb about an hour from New York City proper and filled with other successful families who wanted to be close to the city without being right inside of it. Oh, and it was one of the wealthiest towns in the country. No big deal. They wanted a family for selfish reasons – to keep their name and their dream alive. To prepare their heirs to take over the company – as antiquated as that was.

Being the youngest, and the only boy, he was given what little energy his parents had to devote to actually being well.. parents. They coddled him, showered him with compliments, treated him like he was the future of the Salvo family and Apeti empire… To say it gave him an ego was an understatement.

Jasper’s older siblings, Flora and Chloe, both want nothing to do with the business. They didn’t want to live in the shadow of something that was created for them. Flora fled to the West Coast, and Chloe to give entire being to academia. Jasper didn’t pay much attention to what she was studying, only knew it was way out of his league.

So once he was old enough, the path was basically picked out for him. Business school or bust. Luckily, his grades (and the money that came along with his enrollment) got him into the business program at Cornell University.

And of course, he took college for all it gave him – parties, sex, drugs. You name it… not a lot of learning business, but time learning other things.

It was where he picked up on the tricks of acting like you knew what you were doing, the power of a smile and a pretty face. The power of playing the game. He’d seen it in action with his parents. You could get whatever you want if you threw a smile and some big words on…so that became his calling. Getting everything he wanted without working for it. Did he deserve the opportunity? Probably not. Was he good at it? Absolutely.

Now, Jasper wasn’t exactly mean. He was cunning, a bit of a player, but he didn’t get by with backstabbing. He got by with genuine compliments and kind words – overdoing them to a point it was saccharine, but they were real.

That was where the “Duke” nickname came from. Somewhere between his first days at Cornell and his position as a center forward on the soccer team, he realized that he liked power. He liked how he was treated when people saw him as in power… So he pulled in that good ole Windsor name and picked out a nickname that was royal and important. Plus it sounded cool, and people accepted it.

Unfortunately, with the little wins came the bad. Jasper got power hungry. He realized that just as easily as he could get by with the truth, he could get by with a loophole. They weren’t lies, but they weren’t real… and it was his chance to live the little rebellion that every rich kid wanted.

Gambling, joy rides, bets… He picked up on the con-artist life. It gave him a rush and in his mind, it was harmless. Sure, people could lose money. But no one got hurt… that much.

After graduation, his way with words and pretty face spelled out one clear path: sales. Winning contracts and bids like no other for his parent’s company. Because why bother applying anywhere when you have a job set up for you? They put him high up in the ranks from day one, and he’s now the Sales Manager for Apeti. Does he work hard? Not much, but his office is pretty sweet.

Headcanons:

“Duke” is Jasper’s nickname due to an heir of self-importance. The moniker, chosen by himself, alludes to royalty and the dominance that he thinks he has over his friends and his coworkers. He’s always thought of himself as the crème de la crème, and there’s nothing that can change his mind. Does that mean that he thinks he deserves more than he has? Absolutely. If he could get people to bow and kiss at his feet, he absolutely would.

Jasper has a temper underneath everything. He’s so used to winning people over, being the best of the best, so on and so forth, that when he hits a wall – he cracks (the occasional lines and pills don’t help either – but that’s business, baby!). 

 He’s a bit of a snake and con. He doesn’t do it enough to get himself in trouble, but he isn’t afraid to find those little loopholes and bend them large enough until he’s able to crawl through. Making a bet to get some extra drinks but playing with a stacked deck of cards. “Stealing” but justifying it by saying he’ll bring it back eventually. Saying things that sound one way but have a hidden meaning. It’s why he threw in a philosophy minor – only instead of learning morality, it was all amorality. Besides, what’s life without breaking the rules?

He’s quiet about it, but due to his family’s industry, he grew up knowing how to cook and how to cook well. It’s on the down low because he doesn’t want to get himself wrapped up in being the go to cook. 

He’s got a thing for watches and cuff links, both shiny and overly expensive objects that he’s amassed a collection of… how he gets them? Well, he’ll never tell.

Like any good future business bro, he likes showing off his personality with brightly printed and patterned socks and ties, and the occasional goofy short-sleeved collared shirt. 

[parksaversnews]

Ultimate Disney Guide to World Princess Week Around the Globe

Hear ye, hear ye! The enchanting World Princess Week is upon us, and Disney Parks around the globe are rolling out the red carpet for a magical celebration fit for royalty. From August 25th to August 31st, 2024, Disney fans can immerse themselves in a world of princess-themed attractions, entertainment, merchandise, and delectable treats. Whether you're dreaming of twirling with Cinderella or embarking on an adventure with Moana, this ultimate guide will help you make the most of your royal experience at Disney Parks worldwide!

A Royal Welcome to World Princess Week

World Princess Week is a time when Disney Parks transform into even more magical realms, honoring the beloved Disney Princesses who have captured our hearts for generations. This annual celebration brings new and returning offerings, allowing guests to feel like true royalty as they explore the parks. As we embark on this regal journey, prepare to be dazzled by exclusive shows, enchanting encounters, and mouthwatering princess-inspired cuisine. Whether you're visiting Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, or Shanghai Disney Resort, there's a treasure trove of princess magic waiting to be discovered.

Disneyland Paris: A Fairy Tale Come to Life

Disneyland Paris is pulling out all the stops for World Princess Week, offering a truly majestic experience for visitors of all ages. Royal Greetings and Encounters Start your day with a special royal welcome from Minnie Mouse at the Main Street, U.S.A. train station balcony. Minnie, dressed in her stunning princess gown, sets the tone for a day filled with wonder. For literature lovers, a magical encounter awaits in Fantasyland, where Belle shares some of her favorite stories with guests. It's a perfect opportunity to discuss your favorite books with this bookworm princess.

Exclusive Entertainment The highlight of World Princess Week at Disneyland Paris is the exclusive show "Live Your Story – a Disney Princess Celebration." This limited-time spectacle brings your favorite princesses to life in a way you've never seen before.

Princess-Inspired Shopping No royal visit is complete without some regal retail therapy. Disneyland Paris has designed an exclusive merchandise collection available only during World Princess Week. Visit shops like La Chaumière des Sept Nains, World of Disney, Main Street Motors, and Royal Collection Boutique to find: - Jasmine and Belle-inspired spirit jerseys - Moana, Jasmine, and Aurora-themed ear headbands - Other princess-themed souvenirs to commemorate your magical visit

Themed Treats Fit for Royalty Indulge your taste buds with princess-inspired delicacies available at Disneyland Park and Disneyland Hotel. Some of the royal treats include: - Royal Bayou Cake - Best. Shake. Ever! - Wave of the Ocean Cake - Mermaid Kiss Cupcake - Rapunzel's Golden Glow mocktail - Enchanted Petals Cocktail These limited-time offerings are sure to satisfy any princess-worthy cravings.

A Stay Fit for Royalty For the ultimate princess experience, consider staying at the newly reimagined five-star Disneyland Hotel. This luxurious accommodation is inspired by Disney stories such as Moana, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Tangled, The Princess and the Frog, and The Little Mermaid. For an even more immersive experience, book one of the five signature suites featuring design elements from Walt Disney Animation Studios classics like Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Tangled.

Dining with Disney Royalty At La Table de Lumière, inspired by the iconic Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles and Disney's Beauty and the Beast, guests can enjoy exquisite French cuisine in the company of beloved Disney princesses and princes. This unique dining experience allows you to interact with your favorite characters while savoring delectable dishes.

Walt Disney World Resort: A Kingdom of Princess Adventures

The magic of World Princess Week extends to Walt Disney World Resort, where guests can embark on thrilling princess-themed adventures and experiences.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure Join Princess Tiana and the jazz-loving alligator Louis on Tiana's Bayou Adventure. This exciting attraction takes you on a journey down the bayou, where you'll discover both familiar friends and new faces as you search for that special last ingredient.

Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana For fans of Moana, the Journey of Water attraction invites you to explore outdoor trails and encounter water in magical ways. This interactive experience teaches guests about the global water cycle and how to protect it, encouraging visitors to make a positive impact on the world's water resources.

Princess Breakfast Adventures Start your day like royalty with the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Napa Rose inside Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. This scrumptious three-course breakfast offers unique interactions with your favorite Disney Princesses. Learn warrior moves from Mulan or enjoy a story read by Belle herself. Princess-Themed Novelties Throughout Walt Disney World Resort, keep an eye out for adorable princess-themed novelties, including: - Princess Tiana Sipper - Princess Aurora Sipper - Princess Belle Sipper These charming souvenirs are available while supplies last, so be sure to grab yours early!

Royal Storytelling and Meet-and-Greets Visit the Royal Theatre in Fantasyland for witty reenactments of scenes from Beauty and the Beast and Tangled. For an even more personal experience, stop by the Royal Hall in Fantasyland to meet some of your favorite Disney heroines in person.

Disneyland Resort: A West Coast Princess Paradise

Disneyland Resort in California offers its own unique twist on World Princess Week celebrations, combining classic experiences with new magical offerings. Princess Dining Experiences Start your day with the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Napa Rose inside Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. This enchanting dining experience includes a three-course breakfast and unique interactions with beloved Disney Princesses. Princess-Themed Merchandise and Treats Throughout Disneyland Resort, guests can find an array of princess-themed novelties, including special sippers featuring Princess Tiana, Princess Aurora, and Princess Belle. Royal Encounters and Storytelling Don't miss the Storytelling at Royal Theatre in Fantasyland, where you can enjoy witty reenactments of scenes from Beauty and the Beast and Tangled. For a more personal experience, visit the Royal Hall in Fantasyland to meet your favorite Disney heroines face-to-face.

Shanghai Disney Resort: Eastern Elegance Meets Disney Magic

Shanghai Disney Resort brings its own unique flair to World Princess Week, offering experiences that blend Chinese culture with Disney's princess magic. The Enchanted Storybook Castle The centerpiece of Shanghai Disneyland, The Enchanted Storybook Castle, pays homage to "happily ever after" and the magic of fairy tales. Inside, you'll find tributes to Disney queens and princesses, including four mosaic walls depicting different princess stories.

Royal Meet-and-Greets For a chance to meet your favorite Disney royals, head to Castle Encounters Boutique. Here, you can have a personal audience with some of the most beloved princesses. Dining Fit for Royalty When hunger strikes, visit the Royal Banquet Hall for delectable dishes inspired by Disney heroines. This themed dining experience offers a culinary journey through the world of Disney Princesses.

Once Upon a Time Adventure Within the castle walls, experience the "Once Upon a Time" Adventure, an attraction that brings fairy tales to life in a uniquely Shanghai Disneyland way.

Tokyo Disney Resort: A Magical Journey Through Princess Tales

Tokyo Disney Resort adds its own unique charm to World Princess Week, offering immersive experiences that transport guests into the enchanting worlds of Disney Princesses. Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs is the newest themed port at Tokyo DisneySea, featuring Rapunzel’s Forest inspired by Disney Animation’s Tangled. Guests can explore the lush landscapes where Rapunzel grew up, including iconic sights like Rapunzel’s Tower and The Snuggly Duckling restaurant. At the Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, the story of Rapunzel comes to life in a dazzling display that features the beloved song "I See the Light." This attraction is a must-see for fans of the film.

Cinderella’s Fairy Tale Hall Inside Cinderella’s Castle at Tokyo Disneyland, visitors can step into Cinderella’s Fairy Tale Hall. This enchanting space features beautiful paintings, dioramas, and artwork that tell the iconic story of Cinderella in a captivating way. Arabian Coast For fans of Aladdin, the Arabian Coast at Tokyo DisneySea offers attractions such as the Caravan Carousel and Jasmine’s Flying Carpets. Guests can also explore shops like Agrabah Marketplace and dine at restaurants like Sultan’s Oasis and Casbah Food Court.

Princess-Inspired Cuisine Across the Globe

No celebration is complete without delicious food, and World Princess Week is no exception. Disney Parks around the world are offering an array of princess-inspired treats that are as beautiful as they are tasty.

Walt Disney World Resort At Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, don't miss the Guardian of the Dragon Gem, a new indulgence perfect for fans of Raya and the Last Dragon. Disney Springs is offering the Moana Petit Cake, a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the adventurous princess.

Disneyland Resort Disneyland Resort is serving up its own array of princess-themed treats, from elegantly decorated cupcakes to specially crafted beverages that capture the essence of different princesses.

Disneyland Paris In addition to the treats mentioned earlier, Disneyland Paris is offering a range of princess-inspired desserts and drinks throughout its parks and resorts.

Hong Kong Disneyland Hong Kong Disneyland joins the culinary celebration with its own selection of princess-themed foods and beverages, adding an Asian twist to classic Disney Princess flavors.

Dressing the Part: Princess-Inspired Fashion and Merchandise

No princess celebration would be complete without the perfect outfit. Disney Parks are offering a wide range of princess-inspired fashion and merchandise to help guests feel like royalty.

Exclusive Collections

Each Disney Park has its own exclusive merchandise collection for World Princess Week. From spirit jerseys to ear headbands, there's something for every princess fan.

DisneyBound Inspiration

For those who love to DisneyBound, World Princess Week is the perfect opportunity to create princess-inspired outfits. Look for color palettes and accessories that capture the essence of your favorite Disney Princess.

Capturing Magical Moments: Photo Opportunities

World Princess Week offers countless opportunities for magical photos that will help you remember your royal adventure for years to come. Iconic Backdrops Each Disney Park has iconic locations that serve as perfect backdrops for princess-themed photos. From Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland to Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom, these fairy tale structures provide stunning settings for your royal portraits.

Character Meet-and-Greets

Don't forget to capture your moments with Disney Princesses during character meet-and-greets. These personal interactions make for unforgettable photos and memories.

Planning Your Royal Visit

To make the most of World Princess Week, it's important to plan ahead. Here are some tips to ensure a magical experience: - Make dining reservations early: Princess-themed dining experiences are popular and may book up quickly. - Check the entertainment schedule: Don't miss out on special shows and character appearances by planning your day in advance. - Arrive early: Popular princess attractions and merchandise locations may have long lines, especially during World Princess Week. - Stay connected: Follow Disney Parks Blog and social media accounts for the latest updates and surprises during the celebration.

A Happily Ever After for All

World Princess Week at Disney Parks is a truly magical time that allows guests of all ages to immerse themselves in the wonder and joy of Disney's beloved princesses. From exclusive shows and royal encounters to themed cuisine and merchandise, there's something for every princess fan to enjoy. Whether you're twirling with Cinderella in front of her castle, embarking on a bayou adventure with Tiana, or exploring the seas with Moana, World Princess Week offers unforgettable experiences that will leave you feeling like true royalty. So dust off your tiaras, practice your royal waves, and get ready for a week of enchantment, adventure, and dreams come true. Remember, the magic of Disney Princesses isn't just about beautiful dresses and fairy tale endings. It's about courage, kindness, and the power of following your dreams. As you celebrate World Princess Week, let these inspiring heroines remind you of the royalty within yourself. So, whether you're visiting Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, or Shanghai Disney Resort, get ready to create your own happily ever after during this extraordinary celebration of Disney magic. After all, every day is a perfect day to feel like a princess at the happiest places on Earth! Read the full article

[germtrips]

Best Hotels In Atlantic City

Atlantic City, a vibrant coastal destination known for its casinos, boardwalk, and exciting nightlife, offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s taste. From luxurious resorts to stylish boutique hotels, these are the best places to stay in this iconic New Jersey city. Atlantic City Accommodations: Best Hotels for Your Shore Escape Atlantic City Accommodations: Best…

[bike42]

PAWs Old World Wisconsin Ride

Saturday June 1, 2024

We’re no strangers to riding our bikes in the rain, in fact, we did it just two weeks ago on a training ride up north! We set out early this morning to try to get a bit ahead of it. We were riding by 7:30am, with just three other riders. Down the Capital City Trail, over the fantastic Lower Yahara River Bike Trail towards McFarland.

We’re on a 7-day ride put on by PAWs (Pedal Across Wisconsin), run by a family from northern Illinois. We’ve twice ridden their Northwoods Tour (Eagle River WI), as also their San Juan Islands (Washington State) tour. They do a great job with the logistics and we’ve met many like minded riders along the way. This is their Old World Wisconsin tour: starts in Madison, two nights in Whitewater, two nights in New Glarus, and two nights in Spring Green. If you know Southern Wisconsin, you know this is hilly territory!

The rain started as we were leaving McFarland. We had our cycling rain jackets on, tights over our bike shorts, and wool socks on with our bike sandals - so we were mostly ready. Jeff had dug out his booties, arm warmers and full-fingered bike gloves, but left them at home on the laundry room counter (along with his wallet!). It didn’t take long for me to realize that my 20-year old cycling rain jacket was no longer water resistant, and I got soaked through my layers. It was about 65 degrees, so not too cold, and thankfully not windy at all. We’ve had some terrific storms these past few weeks, but this was just steady rain, no thunder or lightning.

We rode through beautiful scenery on really good roads with very little traffic. After 24 miles we got to the food stop at a park in Cambridge. I’d been thinking of coffee shop instead, but the had the table under a shelter and it was actually quite pleasant to hang out there with about a half dozen riders (there are 90 registered riders but most were hanging out at breakfast when we left the hotel, and some were strapping their bikes to their cars having decided to sit today out I guess).

We left the food stop and headed down the Main Street of Cambridge - quiet on this early rainy Saturday morning, but fun to window shop the boutiques there. Doing so, we made our first navigational error of the day. They mark the turns with yellow paint which I can’t see from the back of the tandem. I have a plastic wrapped cue sheet in JT’s pocket so I generally know the name of the road for our next turn. We also have downloaded “Ride With GPS” and have the routes on our phones, but decided we didn’t need the turn by turn instructions. We turned around, and I pulled off my phone and found we were parallel to the route so it was easy to get back on course.

We rode along the shore of Lake Ripley, a beautiful cottage / resort area I didn’t know existed! Then through rolling hills, past pretty farms and into the town of Ft Atkinson. We got to Highway 12 and stopped, and I realized we’d missed another turn. We decided to detour into Downtown to find a cafe. I noticed a bike shop too, and suggested we stop there for a shopping excursion. There we bought a new rain jacket for me (I will get a lot of use out of it this week), a warmer shirt for JT (he thought it was too expensive, but I insisted … his rain jacket is working well, but he just had a short sleeved Jersey under it), and warm gloves for JT. We left our bike chained there and walked to a cafe I’d spied: Scottie’s Eat-Mor. Our kind of dive! There were about 12 stools at the counter, where 10 heads swiveled to stare at us as we walked in out of the rain wearing bike helmets covered with those disposable shower caps that we take from hotels (our secret weapon when riding in the rain!). We peeled off our wet layers and squeezed into the remaining two stools. The waitress, Jackie, was a hoot. A women of few words, and many facial expressions! Randy was the talented, multi-tasking cook. We saw that the portions were huge, so we tried to order a smaller sized meal, but one pancake was still more than I could eat! That was a great stop, and we were able to continue on after a nice break.

While in the diner, I researched how to get us back on course, and saw that the route was a bike trail just the other side of the bike store. We collected our bike, and then began to see a few other cyclists with orange tags identifying them as part of our group. We rode a few miles on the Glacial River Bike Trail, and it was really beautiful! Awesome sculptures and landscaping - raining too hard for photos though, we’ll have to go back!

Back out to country roads, about 10 miles of mostly gentle up and down until we reached the hotel in Whitewater. We’re at a Baymont Inn - not glamorous, but the front desk lady was friendly and helpful, offering old towels for people to wipe down their bikes. We collected our bags and brought them to the room - then back for the bike, carrying it up the stairs to our second floor room. We cleaned it up, and cleaned ourselves up. The hotel has a hot tub, but it’s out of order so I soaked a bit in the tub in our room. Felt fantastic!

We’d arrived at the hotel just before 1pm, so had lots of time to relax! Jeff walked to the hardware store, and when he came back he reported the rain had stopped and the crew was setting up the 4pm Happy Hour at the UHaul van. We went out and grabbed a beer and met a few more people. Just after 5 we were ready for dinner, and I suggested we walk the 1.5 miles down to a brew pub that had a good dinner menu. Along the way, we met Mary-Claire and Roger, and struck up a conversation with them. We walked quickly and were soon at the brew pub, so they joined us for dinner and we continued the conversation. They live in Delaware, and this is their first PAWs ride, although they have friends that have recommended the rides. They were really interesting and have done some awesome adventure, including a 10-Country Self-Supported European tour last year! Dinner was good, and we decided to walk back versus jumping on the shuttle bus they were running. Whitewater has a UW campus, and it seems this is the slow time between Spring and a summer session - town seemed quite, and just a few frat houses seemed occupied - one with kids outside playing Beer Pong. For some reason, it felt like TRAM to me (might have been the school bus shuttle), and I felt nostalgic for those fun times riding across Minnesota and searching for dinner in a small town.

We have a Culver’s just down the road, so JT and I deviated there for a small concrete mixer. We returned to our room for some cribbage before bed time.

51.6 miles, 1843 elevation gain

3 hours, 45 minutes of riding time (5 hours elapsed time)

[customknitfactory]

kids christmas sweater Production

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Buzzing Breweries, Boutique Stays: See Biz Openings, Closings In NJ | Across New Jersey, NJ Patch

New breweries have arrived in the Garden State, plus a boutique hotel, bakery and more. Catch up on openings and closings in New Jersey:.

[3detour123]

Exploring the Future of Real Estate and Hospitality with 3D Tours in New York and New Jersey

In the rapidly evolving world of real estate and hospitality, technology continues to play a pivotal role in transforming the way properties are showcased and experienced. Among the latest innovations, 3D tours have emerged as a game-changer, offering a virtual window into properties and hotels. In this article, we will delve into the exciting realm of 3D tours in New York and New Jersey, exploring how they are revolutionizing the way we view and perceive real estate and hospitality.

3D tour New York

Real estate professionals in New York are leveraging the power of 3D tours to provide potential buyers and renters with immersive virtual experiences of properties. These tours go beyond traditional photographs and floor plans, offering a lifelike walkthrough of homes and apartments. Whether you're looking to buy a penthouse in Manhattan or rent a cozy apartment in Brooklyn, a 3D tour allows you to explore every nook and cranny from the comfort of your own home.

Similarly, across the Hudson River in New Jersey, the real estate landscape is also witnessing a transformation with the integration of virtual tours. Prospective homebuyers can virtually step into their dream homes in Newark or Jersey City, gaining a realistic sense of the layout and design. This technology proves particularly valuable in the current era, where travel restrictions and busy schedules make it challenging for individuals to physically visit multiple properties.

Real Estate Virtual Tour New Jersey

Hotels in New Jersey are also capitalizing on the benefits of 3D tours to enhance their online presence and attract guests. A hotel virtual tour in New Jersey provides potential visitors with a captivating preview of the accommodations, amenities, and ambiance. Whether it's a luxury resort on the Jersey Shore or a boutique hotel in Hoboken, a 3D tour allows guests to explore the premises and make informed decisions about their stay.

Real Estate Virtual Tour New York

In the bustling metropolis of New York, hotels are utilizing virtual tours to stand out in a competitive market. From the iconic skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan to the trendy boutique hotels in Brooklyn, these immersive experiences give travelers a taste of what to expect before making a reservation. Guests can virtually wander through lobbies, check out room configurations, and get a feel for the overall atmosphere, ensuring a seamless booking process.

Hotel Virtual Tour New Jersey

The advantages of 3D tours extend beyond the convenience they offer to potential buyers, renters, and hotel guests. Real estate agents and hoteliers benefit from a more efficient and streamlined showcasing process. With virtual tours, properties can be presented to a global audience without the need for physical open houses or on-site visits, saving time and resources.

In conclusion, the integration of 3D tours in the real estate and hospitality industries in New York and New Jersey is redefining the way we experience and interact with properties. These virtual walkthroughs provide a level of immersion that traditional methods cannot match, offering a valuable tool for both buyers and sellers, as well as guests and hoteliers. As technology continues to advance, the future of real estate and hospitality is undoubtedly shaped by the limitless possibilities of virtual exploration.

[theodorevitaleblog]

Theodore Vitale on Elevating Your Retail, Restaurant, and Hospitality Projects

In New Jersey, a state known for its diverse commercial infrastructure, one name that stands out in the world of construction is Theodore Vitale. Having honed his skills and gathered extensive industry knowledge in the Garden State, Vitale has made significant contributions to the development of many of the state's designer retail, department stores, and hospitality spaces. His experience also extends to the commercial aviation sector, making him one of the most versatile construction executives in New Jersey today. Vitale's ability to understand and adapt to the specific requirements of each project, coupled with his unwavering commitment to excellence, sets him apart in the highly competitive construction industry. Whether it's a retail outlet, a restaurant, or a luxury hotel, you can trust Theodore Vitale New Jersey to deliver a project that exceeds expectations in every aspect.

Creating Exceptional Spaces

When it comes to designer retail spaces, the environment is as crucial as the products themselves. Shoppers are drawn to places that exude sophistication and style, and this begins with the physical space. Construction services for designer retail stores must align with the brand's image and target audience. From high-end boutiques to flagship stores, every element of construction must be meticulously planned and executed to create an immersive and visually appealing space.

For department stores, the challenge lies in creating a cohesive yet diverse environment. Construction management services play a pivotal role in coordinating the development of multiple departments within a single space. Effective project management ensures that each section is completed on time and within budget, contributing to an overall seamless shopping experience.

Crafting Memorable Dining Experiences

In the realm of restaurants, the atmosphere is everything. A well-designed restaurant transports diners to a different world, where ambiance, décor, and lighting are as important as the cuisine. Successful restaurant construction services go beyond erecting walls; they involve creating an environment that resonates with the restaurant's theme and concept.

In the fast-paced world of gastronomy, restaurateurs frequently grapple with stringent deadlines to inaugurate their ventures, making construction and construction management services a fundamental necessity for adhering to these timelines. Theodore Vitale New Jersey, with his proficient coordination of diverse trades, meticulous resource management, and lucid communication channels, ensures the punctual commencement of restaurant operations. Meeting these deadlines is vital, as it allows dining establishments to leverage the anticipation and fervor that typically accompany the unveiling of a new culinary hotspot.

Hospitality: Luxury in Every Detail

In the world of hospitality, the stakes are even higher. Hotels and resorts must provide a luxurious and comfortable experience for guests. Construction services in this sector demand an acute attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. Every element, from the grand lobby to the guest rooms and amenities, must be executed flawlessly.

Hospitality developers benefit greatly from construction management services, as they help in streamlining complex projects that involve numerous contractors and suppliers. Effective project management ensures that construction progresses smoothly, minimizing delays and cost overruns. Moreover, it allows developers to maintain a strong focus on guest experience and service quality, as they can entrust the construction process to professionals.

Innovation in Retail and Hospitality

In recent years, the retail and hospitality sectors have witnessed significant innovation in design and construction. Sustainable building practices, eco-friendly materials, and energy-efficient systems have become paramount. Consumers are increasingly drawn to brands and establishments that prioritize environmental responsibility, making green construction practices a competitive advantage.

Construction and construction management services, such as those provided by Theodore Vitale New Jersey, have progressively integrated sustainable principles into their modus operandi. Developers operating in the realms of designer retail, department stores, trendy restaurants, luxury hospitality, and commercial aviation can collaborate with construction partners like Vitale who have a forte in green building. This collaboration ensures their projects comply with environmental norms and attain relevant certifications. This sustainable approach does not only cater to the escalating demand for eco-friendly structures but also trims down operational expenses in the long run.

The Sky's the Limit: Aviation and Retail

While retail, restaurants, and hospitality have their unique demands, developers in the commercial aviation sector face their own set of challenges. Building and renovating airport terminals and aviation facilities require expertise in security regulations, air traffic management, and passenger flow optimization.

Construction management services in aviation projects play a crucial role in coordinating with various stakeholders, including airport authorities, airlines, and security agencies. The goal is to ensure that construction activities do not disrupt airport operations, maintain passenger safety, and enhance the overall traveler experience. Timely completion of aviation projects is vital to minimize disruptions and maintain the airport's reputation for efficiency.

The Power of Experienced Partnerships

Achieving success in construction and development ventures within the domains of retail, restaurant, hospitality, and the commercial aviation industry often relies heavily on the selection of proficient construction and construction management services. Contractors and construction managers like Theodore Vitale New Jersey, with an abundance of industry experience, offer invaluable wisdom and insights. They aid developers in steering through intricate challenges typical of these sectors. The breadth of Vitale's expertise, stemming from his diverse New Jersey-based projects, provides a robust foundation for managing complex project requirements, further enhancing the potential for success.

In addition to expertise, experienced partners also provide valuable connections with suppliers, subcontractors, and regulatory authorities. This network can streamline the procurement process and resolve issues more efficiently, ultimately saving time and costs for developers.

Conclusion

Within the vibrant and ever-changing spheres of retail, dining, hospitality, and aviation, the importance of construction and construction management services, such as those offered by Theodore Vitale New Jersey, is paramount. They are fundamental in creating unique and enticing environments that captivate customers, elevate brand identity, and ensure effective operations. Whether the project pertains to a luxury retail outlet, a high-end hotel, a trendy restaurant, or an airport terminal, choosing experienced construction and management services like those of Vitale becomes crucial. In response to the growing demand for innovation, environmentally conscious practices, and top-notch quality, the role of these services in shaping our physical surroundings becomes more significant.

[dovecherryhill]

Boutique Hotel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey | Cherry Hill Romantic Villa Suites

Experience boutique luxury at our charming hotel in Cherry Hill. Indulge in a romantic getaway at our exquisite villa suites.

[dailyinfohealth]

Ocean Beaches Nearest to Pennsylvania

Ocean Beaches Nearest to Pennsylvania https://ift.tt/w95EPgK Ocean Beaches Nearest to Pennsylvania Many of New Jersey’s ocean beaches have boardwalks. (Photo: Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images ) It might seem unlikely to mention Pennsylvania and ocean beaches in the same breath, but residents of the eastern part of the state can reach the beach in an hour or two. When you’re in the Keystone State wondering “Where is the closest beach to me?” rest assured that tiny Victorian towns, flashy boardwalks and serene state parks aren’t far away. Northern Beaches The Sandy Hook unit of Gateway National Recreation Area about 95 miles east of Bethlehem includes a historic fort, lighthouse and beaches on Sandy Hook Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Asbury Park, 13 miles south of Sandy Hook, famous as Bruce Springsteen’s stomping grounds, has a six-block-long boardwalk lined with amusement rides, arcades, eateries and bars, including the Stone Pony, made famous by Springsteen and other performers such as Bon Jovi. Avon-by-the-Sea, barely two miles south of Asbury Park, is a Victorian village with a quiet, non-commercial boardwalk and white, sandy beaches. Central Beaches near PA The Barnegat Peninsula stretches from Point Pleasant, about 10 miles south of Asbury Park, through Island Beach State Park to the Barnegat Inlet. Point Pleasant Beach’s boardwalk is home to an aquarium, arcades and restaurants. The village hosts an annual seafood festival in September. Eleven miles south, Seaside Beach has a mile-long boardwalk with amusements, boutiques and arcades. Island Beach State Park offers 10 miles of Atlantic beaches, a hiking-trail system and views of the Barnegat Light across Barnegat Inlet. One mile of beach is lifeguarded, and portions of the southernmost end of the park are reserved for surfers and sailboarders. From Southern Pennsylvania Cape May, at the southern tip of New Jersey, is about 80 miles from Pennsylvania’s southern border with Delaware. The town, noted for its historic downtown filled with Victorian mansions, has numerous beaches, including the remote Higbee Wildlife Management Area and The Cove, a favorite spot with surfers. Family-friendly Ocean City is about 30 miles north of Cape May. Eight miles of beach, much of it lifeguarded, stretch along the Atlantic, and coves on the bay side provide anglers and Sunfish sailboat enthusiasts a protected area to enjoy their sport. Atlantic CityFun Philadelphians need only hop on the Atlantic City Expressway to make the 60-mile drive to Atlantic City. An amusement pier, arcades and high-rise hotels join Las Vegas-style casinos along the four-mile-long wooden boardwalk. Atlantic City beaches have no bathhouses, but there are restrooms at regular intervals and outdoor showers at lifeguard stations. Some hotels provide beach volleyball equipment, and grilling is allowed on the beach on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. The Jackson Avenue beach is restricted to kayakers and windsurfers. References Resources Writer Bio Meg Jernigan has been writing for more than 30 years. She specializes in travel, cooking and interior decorating. Her offline credits include copy editing full-length books and creating marketing copy for nonprofit organizations. Jernigan attended George Washington University, majoring in speech and drama. Source link The post Ocean Beaches Nearest to Pennsylvania appeared first on Near Me. via Near Me https://nearme.center/ January 11, 2023 at 05:16PM