#but forever scooping my friend up for taco dates

[ca-d]

tacos and after storm sunsets are the best things ever 😮‍💨

[bbrandy2002]

Fools Rush In

Part 6

I’m participating in @wackydrabbles​ prompt 55: This is without a doubt the stupidest plan you’ve ever had. Of course, I’m in.

Book: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Liam x Riley

A/N: Thank you to my amazing bestie @burnsoslow who beta read at 2 am last night. And my prereaders @charlotteg234 and @mom2000aggie

Series Premise: With two weeks until Liam is to marry Madeleine, the guys throw him a bachelor party in Vegas. After a drunk night, he finds himself with way more than he bargained.

**MC did not exist in Liam’s social season. OC lives in Las Vegas.

Word Count: 1740

TW: Drug usage mentioned

Permanent Tags: @burnsoslow @dcbbw @ao719​ @hopefulmoonobject @texaskitten30 @drakesensworld @janezillow  @merridithsmiscellany-blog @mskaneko @loveellamae @queenjilian @sirbeepsalot @pedudley @caroldxnvxrs @jovialyouthmusic @forthebrokenheartedthings @desireepow-1986 @bebepac @kingliam2019 @lovablegranny @cordoniaqueensworld @amandablink @blueaster-blog1 @liamxs-world @choiceskatie @iaminlovewithtrr @hopelessromanticmonie @charlotteg234 @twinkleallnight @annekebbphotography @txemrn @thecordoniandiaries @alyssalauren @cordonianroyalty

Series: @princessleac1 @cordonia-continued @sanchita012 @shz256 @cordonia-gothqueen @narrytheworld @graceful-leah @mom2000aggie @queenwalton @tinkie1973 @muchkoolermk @captain-kingliamsqueen @gabesmommie1130 @cordonianprincess @cinnamonspongecake @loudbluebirdlover @liamandneca @waywardromancefantasygirl @thegreentwin​ @walker7519 

The limo pulled out of the Taco Bell parking lot onto Tropicana Avenue, headed west towards Spring Valley. In the back was one king, a former prince, and a teacher-turned-overnight-queen of a country she'd never heard of 24 hours ago. 

While the trio cruised down the bustling thoroughfare to retrieve some of Riley's belongings, Liam was on the phone with his credit card company. He was trying to figure out why his unlimited card was declined, leaving Riley to foot the bill for Leo's Nacho's Grande Box, a Triplelupa Box with extra lupa, and a Pineapple Freeze. 

Leo gulped as he scooped melted cheese and beef up with a tortilla, trying not to look too guilty. He didn't want his younger brother to know that he and Drake paid for the entire bachelor trip using Liam's card ... among other unusual expenses. However, he breathed a sigh of relief, knowing Drake had it last, and the blame could fall squarely on his shoulders.

Frustrated, Liam hung up the phone after the automated agent couldn't understand his Cordonian accent and continued to reroute his call back to the beginning. No sooner did he put his phone away than he was alerted to an incoming call. Liam glanced down to see his stepmother's name flashing boldly with each ring. There were no doubts in his mind what she wanted. Obviously, the news had reached her at the Palace.

With an anxious feeling growing in his stomach, Liam let out a heavy groan before tapping the screen. 

"Hello, Regina."

"Hello, dear." Her greeting was surprisingly warm and pleasant. "I need to know the truth; are these rumors accurate? Did your brother marry you to some strange woman?"

Liam rubbed a hand nervously across his mouth; he was in no mood for a lecture. "He did. But I don't even remember it happening."

He could hear her disappointed sigh and felt terrible that his actions caused her this much distress. Regina might not be his mother, but she had been an integral part of his life since childhood, and he didn't want to let her down.

"Is your brother with you? If so, I would appreciate speaking with him."

Liam shot a look at Leo, whose hands were covered in melty cheese and sour cream. "Uh, yeah, hang on. Let me put you on speaker." He hit the button and whispered loudly to his brother that it was Regina for him.

A broad grin appeared on Leo's face as he swallowed the last bite of food. "What's up, Mommio?"

"Leonardo Wolfschitz Rys!" Her once-gentle tone was now brittle. "I am highly disappointed in you."

His eyes widened in confusion, the grin he had on before fading instantly. "What? Why? It was Liam's idea."

"Perhaps, but did you try to stop him?"

"No. He's 27 years old," he squealed.

"Be that as it may, you're the older brother. You're supposed to know better."

Liam snorted. "That's true, Leo. You really should start setting a better example for me."

Leo narrowed his eyes, reached across Riley, who jerked back, and punched Liam in the groin, causing him to yelp. "You're such a tattletale; you got me in trouble! She was all I had left."

Liam rolled his eyes then reassured his stepmother he would meet with her when the plane landed back in Cordonia in the morning.

Staying quiet, Riley's wide-eyed stare remained fixed to the front of the limo, hands crossed in her lap. This ... this is my new family.

They made their way to Riley's townhome located within a tree-lined community scattered with homes similar to hers. 

While Riley took the shower she’d been desperate to get since waking that morning, Liam made himself at home just as she asked him to. Leo had met Old Man Burt -- Riley's elderly neighbor -- as they walked up the driveway. He begged the man to let him whittle sticks with him. The senior man thoughtfully looked at him before spitting out chewing tobacco and instructing Leo to score him a dime bag, and it would be a deal.

Leo didn’t know the man from a hole in the wall, but replied, “You know what, Burt? This is without a doubt the stupidest plan you’ve ever had. Of course, I’m in.”

Leo knew just the place and took off.

The neighborhood was quiet and serene; as Liam drummed his fingers on the leather sofa's armrest, he could almost envision a life of simplicity like this. He closed his eyes to take in all the sounds and scents not entirely unfamiliar to him but things he imagined most people took for granted:birds chirping in the windowsill, the occasional car that passed by, the screech of bicycle brakes, apple cinnamon air fresheners, and another scent he hadn't smelled in years. Craning his neck around to look out the window, he saw Leo smoking pot with the white-haired man dressed in denim overalls in the front yard. "What the hell? Dumbass."

Riley's shower took longer than he expected; feeling antsy, he rose from the sofa and walked through the home, trying to get a sense of who she was. The house was well maintained with brightly colored artwork on the walls, a nicely stocked bookshelf, shiny hardwood floors, and metal-framed photographs of different sizes assembled atop the fireplace mantle. 

Liam's eyes danced from photo to photo, studying Riley's images in a graduation gown posing with a small grinning brunette about Riley's age, her with two older gentlemen hugging in front of a Christmas tree, and a classroom of smiling kids holding up colorful drawings. 

There was one frame that laid face down.

Thinking perhaps it fell over, he gently lifted the frame to put it back in place. His brows lifted in shock.

"She's married?" 

"I was," Riley answered.

Liam whipped around with the photograph still gripped in hand, not sure what else to say. It wasn't like it was some deep, dark secret hidden from him, something that should upset him. She more than likely would have mentioned it to him at some point, considering they still hadn't had time to get to know each other. But he couldn’t shake the jealousy he felt.

"I'm sorry. I was just looking at your pictures and thought this one had been knocked over." He carefully placed it back on the mantle as Riley approached him.

Liam watched the hurt etch across her delicate features, and eyes that reflected a shattering pain as she stood face to face with her image in a flowy white gown wrapped in the arms of a man she admitted to being married to at one time.

"I … met him in my senior year of high school. We dated all through college. Had this big elaborate dream wedding after graduation. He was my best friend, my lover -- I thought he would be it forever ..." 

Liam gripped her shoulder when she paused to catch a breath, noticing the slight break in her voice. "After two years, he no longer wanted to do anything together. His excuses were always the same: working late, too tired, ‘just want to hang out with the guys tonight.’ He stopped talking to me. Quit looking at me. Stopped touching me. I think I knew in my heart what was going on, but didn't want to believe it. Then one day … I came home from work, and his closet was empty." She let out a humorless laugh. "But at least he left a strongly-worded letter detailing all my faults and where I failed him. It said he found someone better and that I didn't make him happy. He just ... didn't want me anymore." Those last words came out in whimper.

"Riley." Liam wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him. "Sweetheart, that wasn't your fault."

Riley stepped back and swiped the tears from her cheeks. "That's why I'm doing this, Liam."

"What d’ya mean?."

"When I met Madeleine, I just knew I couldn't let you marry someone who would make you miserable too. You deserve to find someone who will make you happy."

He smiled at her. "What if that's you, Riley?"

She stood motionless for a moment, thinking about that question, then shook her head and muttered, "I don't make people happy, Liam. In the end ... they always leave me."

When Riley turned to walk away, Liam caught her wrist and drew her back. His hands flew to both sides of her face, cupping along her jaw. Their eyes studied each other; those compassionate blues cast a spell on her teary browns, engulfing the warm air surrounding both of them in want and desire. 

"I can't do this," she rasped weakly and lowered her face away from him.

Liam tilted her chin, his voice desperate and pleading. "Look at me, Riley. You can. You can. You just have to let me in."

Without a second more of hesitation, their lips collided into each other passionately.

--------------------------

Drake scowled at the envelope in his hand that bore his name in large letters. "What do you mean, I've been served? I ain't been served shit."

The smaller man prepared to explain, but the intimidating glare in Drake's eyes made him choose his words more carefully. "Mr. Walker. Sir. I'm just the messenger --"

"Then, you can take your message and ..." Drake shoved the envelope toward the man. "This fucking envelope back to where you came from. I don't have a kid or owe anyone child support."

The man backed away and looked at Maxwell to gauge whether he would protect him from his rather large, angry friend. He figured out real quickly the lanky one holding two full bags of medications most definitely wouldn't. He swallowed past the fear that collected in his throat. "Everything you need to know is in the envelope." He nodded to them, both. "Have a good day."

Drake slammed the door open and tossed the room key and his wallet on the kitchen counter. He ripped the envelope open and scanned the documents with Maxwell looking over his shoulder. "I'm being sued for $120,000 in back child support by a woman named ... Boom Boom Powell."

A picture slid from the documents and landed at Maxwell's feet. He bent down to pick it up and rose slowly when he caught a glimpse. "Uh, Drake. This must be a picture of the kids." He held the photograph up of what appeared to be three-year-old identical triplets. "Who do these kids look like?" He knew the answer before he asked.

Drake squinted to get a better look; then realization hit him. He had never been to Las Vegas, but he knew someone who had many times before. And judging by the blonde hair, blue eyes, and mischievous smirks on the three little boys in the picture, he knew his assumption was correct. He tightened his jaw. "That fucker! He is dead."

[lucefrs]

WHAT TIME IS IT? SUMMER TIME! The polaroids are stuffed between the pages of her childhood diary, which she’ll take back to America as fodder for her eventual tell-all she’s planned with Faith over a bottle of red wine sometime or when the apocalypse hits (she can’t remember which date they decided on). The pictures feel more like a revisited past. 

“We have summer students, your room isn't a storage facility. You're very lucky we didn't take these boxes straight to the dumpster.”

When Luce got back to Georgetown, she wasn’t able to enter her dorm room. She went to the porter’s office and was given her belongings, which consisted of five boxes worth of stuff, made heavy by her synths, pedals and guitar. She took her mail and promised that she’d come back for the boxes later. The porter was pissed off that she couldn’t take it now and Luce felt like a berated child. In her stack of mail she found out her credit rating had dropped to an R-2, with a notice of delinquency. She figured it was similar to when she got a warning for torrenting Game of Thrones, but never actually got fined.

“I was on Pluto. I wrote you a letter, but it was too cringy to send. Have you heard of The Magnetic Zeros? Let's listen to them for a bit.”

He always lets her talk first. Even after months of silence. Luce traipses around his high rise apartment and touches everything in sight ; the frames of pictures and the thin film of dust that has settled on the coffee table. Then she says sorry for an absence that wasn't her fault because she needs the money and feels immediately icky for acknowledging that her apology has a motive behind it. She can sense his disappointment radiating like underwater sonar pulses, dulled by the glass of whiskey empty on the side table. A year's tuition down the drain. It's not about the money. Need to go home. It's about the money. He kisses her cheek instead of her neck and writes her a cheque. Luce booked her flight that night.

“Oh Luce. My baby.”

Is what her Pa said over and over again, scooped in his arms at arrivals. She was already crying walking towards them, a visceral happiness so intense that the only other feeling it can be compared to is grief. Luce spends the first week as a tourist, waking up early and watching her parents do menial tasks: like making coffee and checking the weather report on their phones. She takes long walks, and when she doesn't, she waits for her parents to come home like a puppy eagerly waiting to hear the clink of an unlocked door. Family gatherings are planned for the weekends and she goes out with her parents whenever they do. In this time she drinks a lot of beer and no Four Lokos.

"No one uses Facebook anymore Lucie, relationship statuses are obsolete. Would you not have reached out if you knew?"

Weeks pass and waiting for her parents gets tiring. She walks around the house in her pyjama shirt and an old acoustic guitar with a fraying strap hanging across her. She drinks juice from the carton and eats cereal by the handful. She Facetime's everyone on her contact list and it's still not enough to bridge the space from 12-9. On a particularly boring Tuesday afternoon she messages her ex on Facebook and asks if he'd like to catch up and get drinks. He brings his girlfriend and their Yorkshire Terrier, Bozo. Like the clown. He says what he says in reply to a casual jest, it was her fault for saying it. "Always too cool too make it official." His girlfriend's several paces behind picking up Bozo's poop. When she doesn’t have an immediate reply to his retort back, he takes the few seconds of silence to his question as an answer, and his lips curl into a wry smirk. She looks away and takes a drag of her cigarette like she's a girl in a black and white French film.

"...Same old Lucie."

Jack calls her Lucie because he was there when the nickname was created and think it's degrading to call herself that. He thinks he's doing her an act of kindness when he calls her Lucie and thinks he's special for being allowed to do so. She goes home after the split pitcher is finished.

“Anything it is, anything. You can tell me.”

She spends her nights with her mam hanging upside down from the couch. This time though she's curled up like a cat in her lap, and mam's combing through her tangles with her fingers. Through trembling laughter she tries to explain, but it's a high roll on a game of Monopoly where she skips straight to the exact square instead of moving through them. Tells her she just really needs a job, has no money is all. Her mam gets her a job at the grocery store. She catches up with every familiar face to the sound of beeps and closed cash registers. She notices how whole lives are spent in this town, not a place to retire or spend your youth, the whole package. She misses America.

“Wa-sah!”

Scott visits the weekend she goes home to the States. It’s good because their flights are both on Sunday night, but bad because it’s her last weekend here, so her house is teeming with family. She introduces him as her good friend, but it doesn’t ease her parent’s enthusiasm, intent on giving him a proper welcome to Ireland, which for the Frear family includes an early afternoon pub crawl. He takes it like a champ, keeps up with the banter and doesn’t shake her nephew off his leg when he attacks it as soon as they enter the front door. When the night dies down she excuses themselves, wooden stairs creaking under their weight, silent until they’re sat next to each other on the edge of her childhood bed. Luce takes a picture with her phone, so close-up that his face doesn’t fit in the frame. A fit of giggles erupt looking at it, thankfully it doesn’t wake the little ones camped in the living room. She wants to thank him, or apologize, tell him it’s not usually like this and it’s a lot for anyone, but instead when her laughter trickles away she thumbs the hem of his shirt, tugging it upwards. 

“Call us when you land, love you.”

Is what her parents say and is what Marlowe and Atty say too. They're going to be together forever. Scott is dropped off at his gate first, which she prefers because she wouldn’t have wanted him to see her weepy with her parents. She spends the last few weeks of summer in complete bliss, basking in the South Carolina sun. She sticks a magnet with a naked leprechaun on their fridge and tucks a bottle of Irish whiskey away for them. Marlowe can’t drink right now, and Atty doesn’t really drink to begin with, but the bottle is pretty and her folks wouldn’t let her go home without it. She spends her days listening to Marlowe play, streaming on Twitch with Atty and buying baby clothes whenever she goes shopping because they're significantly cheaper than adult clothes and can't resist the temptation. They eat a lot of Taco Bell. She burns through her month and a half wage at the grocery store in the span of days. Luce wonders how that's possible while listening to Greetings From Asbury Park, then gets up and puts the kettle on. 

[5sos-kingsandqueens]

In This City~chapter1~Luke Hemmings

IN THIS CITY

CHAPTER 1

MCKINLEY P.O.V

After seeing Luke in the lobby of my apartment building, I panicked and ran. How could it be that of all of the apartment buildings that Luke could have moved into, he moved into this one?

My life 100% changed once luke left. I missed him. I so badly wanted to talk to him everyday but he never called and there was no way I was going to be calling him. It has been months since he moved out here and I haven’t slept with a single person. Not one. Clearly I was a changed person from what I used to be.

If I was in high school I would have already been sleeping with someone else. Luke changed who I was as a person. Going through that breakup was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through and I wish it didn’t end the way it did.

I never wish that type of pain on anyone. Losing someone you love is the worst thing in the world. I’ve lost people to death before and that was hard but this is harder because Luke was still alive. There was nothing stopping me from seeing him again besides distance. And that sucked.

I snuck into the apartment building quietly praying to God that Luke wouldn’t be there. I sighed as I got in the elevator without seeing him. I then nearly ran to unlock my apartment and get inside locking it. I slide down the wall sighing as the cat came over.

“Holy shit.” I had been panicked all day thinking of him waiting by the front door for me. I stood up and quickly grabbing my stuff going to the kitchen to make dinner.

There was a knock at my apartment door and I right away somehow knew that it was going to be luke.

“Who is it?” I shouted not opening it yet.

“Ashton!” He shouted and I opened the door and he was standing there smiling. “Hi!” I giggled as I let him him and hugged him.

“Hi! How are you?” I asked and he shrugged. “How’s Calum and Michael?” I questioned.

“How come you didn’t ask about Luke?”

“Cause I saw him this morning.” I breathed in deep. “He looked good.” I commented offering him a drink. “Wanna stay for dinner? I’m gonna make tacos.” I smiled.

“Sure!” He smiled as we both went to the kitchen and he sat at the island. “Remember that time you got super drunk during taco Tuesday?” He asked and I laughed.

“I remember everyone laughing at me the next day.”

“He misses you.” He blurted after a few minutes making me sigh.

“Then why didn’t he call?” I asked added the taco flavoring to the meat.

“He thought it would be easier for both of you to move on if he didn’t call.” He commented. “If he knew you would be moving out here too he would not have broken up with you.”

“I didn’t know I was moving out here. If I did I would have followed him for sure.” I smiled cutting up the other things we would need for our meal. “Does he ever talk about me?” I questioned.

“All the time.” He commented. “You’re the love of his life.” I looked at him. “He had every intention of being with you for the rest of your lives. Some things just got in the way. It’s not his fault.”

“I know. And I feel like shit for asking him to stay there with me.”

“Hey, anyone would ask that. That’s a normal thing to ask.” I got him two tacos and set the plate in front of him before I got some for myself and sat beside him. We were quiet as we ate. “What are you thinking about?” He asked.

“Has he been with anyone since me?” I questioned and he stayed quiet. “Really?” I asked and he nodded his head.

“He’s with someone right now. Not sure if it’s a serious relationship but he’s taken her on a few dates.” I nodded listening to him talk. “I mean, we all live together, he hasn’t taken her back to the place yet so…” He trailed off and finished eating before getting up and getting himself more. “Have you been with anyone since him?”

“No. I tried but I couldn’t bring myself to sleep with anyone else. I felt like I was cheating on him. As crazy as it sounds.” He shook his head.

“Not crazy.”

“You’ve felt the same?”

“Of course I have.” It felt nice knowing that Ashton was a mutual party and that if I ever needed anything I could call him and he would come and help me out. I could also get the inside scoop on Luke.

“How have you been? Since moving out here? Do you like it?”

“Yeah. It’s nice.” He shrugged. “It will never be home.” I nodded my head. I knew exactly what he meant. It was hard moving from a place that you’ve known for years into a new place. I still got lost trying to get to my office.

“How did Bryana handle you moving?” I asked. Ashton and Bryana had only been together for a few months but it had to be difficult.

“She was fine with it.” He shrugged. “I still check in on her every so often but she moved on.” He answered. “I should do the same.”

“You still like her?” I asked putting my dishes in the dishwasher and pulling out a bottle of wine pouring myself a glass.

“Well, don’t you still like Luke?” I narrowed my eyes at him.

“I was with Luke for like a year and 5 months.”

“People can still fall in love even if they only dated for a few months.” I guess he was right. It happened with a lot of people. A lot of people fell in love within weeks of knowing each other and we were married until the day they died.

“I guess you’re right.” I commented. His phone started to ring and he pulled it out of pocket and answered the Facetime call.

“Hey, Cal.” He smiled.

“Where are you?” Calum asked back.

“At a girls place.” Ashton smirked making me roll my eyes and giggle.

“A girl? What girl?” Calum asked and suddenly he gasped. “McKinley!” He shouted. I waved even though I couldn’t see him. “What are you guys doing? Where are you?!” He shouted.

“We’re at my apartment.” I commented.

“Where?” I gave him the address and he was thinking. “You live in the same apartment building as us?” I nodded giggling. The front door opened and it felt nice that Calum was still comfortable enough with me to just walk into my apartment. “You’re real.” He commented standing in front of me.

“I’m real.” I giggled. “How have you been?”

“Good. It’s so good to see you. What are you doing here?” He questioned.

“I was moved here for work. Promoted to boss of all the workers.” I smiled. We sat around talking for awhile, just catching up. It was nice having them around.

*LUKE P.O.V*

I had been distracted all day at work and all night during my date. It’s alarming when your ex-girlfriend suddenly shows up in your apartment building and then takes off out the door. I had no idea what she was doing here but she shouldn’t have followed me here.

“Are you okay?” My date, Kendall questioned. I had been staring at my drink for the last five minutes but her question made me look up to her face. She was looking at me with her innocent brown eyes and her dark brown hair and I just couldn’t bring myself to tell her how insane I had felt all day.

“I’m fine.” I smiled moving the straw in my drink around before lightly hitting the table; getting impatient with our waiter who was taking forever to bring our food to us.

“You don’t look fine.” She commented as she set her wine glass down. I started to respond but our waiter thought it would be a perfect time to place our meals in front of us. I wanted to run out of the place but I didn’t want to embarrass her.

“I’ve just had a long day.” I commented as I started to eat.

We ate pretty quickly and then we headed to my car so that I could drop her off at her place. We had only been on a few dates.

“Do you want to come in?” She asked unbuckling herself and getting ready to get out of the car.

“Not tonight.” I commented. “I’m pretty tired.” I half smiled at her. “I’m sorry.” She sighed from her seat and opened the door and stood outside.

“I get the point. We don’t have to keep doing this.” She commented before slamming the door and heading inside. I made sure she got in safe before I sped off down the street. I wanted to confront McKinley, ask her why the hell she was here and why she stalking me.

Once I actually got to the building and got inside, I chickened out. I headed up to the apartment and was greeted by Ashton and Calum coming home and looking slightly drunk.

“Where have you two been?” I questioned unlocking the door as they laughed behind me.

“With a friend.” I raised my eyebrows at both of them. Not sure how they got home in their drunken state since their cars were parked with mine in the garage.

“What friend?” I questioned.

“Just a friend.” Ashton commented shoving passed me into the living room. I followed behind him.

“Guess who followed us here?” I said looking at both of them as they laid on the couch, Calum letting his arm hang off the couch and touch the floor.

“Who?” Ashton asked with his eyes closed.

“McKinley.” They both looked at each other before looking back at me. “What?” I asked taking my shoes of and heading to the kitchen to get a beer.

“We kinda uh..” Calum trailed off.

“You what?” I asked sitting down in the recliner.

“We kinda hung out with her.” Ashton commented sitting up. There was a knock on the door interrupting our conversation. I was taken back by what he said. Why would they hang out with her? I swung the door open and there she stood.

“Hey you forgot your phone. Oh.” She looked at me with her blue eyes which looked a lot more gray today then they ever have. She was still in her work clothes but her hair was up in a ponytail.

“Why did you follow us here? Do you know how weird that is?” I asked taking the phone from her and passing it to Ashton. She looked a little bewildered at me.

“I didn’t-”

“I moved on, McKinley, you need to too! Go back to New York.” I raised my voice. Tears automatically sprung in her eyes as she looked at me before stepping back from the door and rushing off down the hall.

“Dude, she moved here for work.” Ashton commented. “She didn’t follow us here.”

“Why were you hanging out with her?” I asked.

“We were just hanging out. Calm down.”

“Why were you hanging out with my ex?” I questioned. I would never go and hang out with their ex.

“We missed her. We know you do too. You should go talk to her.” Calum commented.

“I’m not going to talk to her.” I huffed crossing my arms. “I moved on.”

“Yeah you sure look like you moved on. We’ve been watching you the last few months, Luke. You’re not yourself. You don’t smile anymore. You don’t really go out to bars or clubs with us. You just work.” I rolled my eyes. “You didn’t move on.”

“I loved her.”

“I know.” We sat in silence for a while before I got up to take a shower. I tried to move on, I did. I just couldn’t.

*MCKINLEY P.O.V*

Luke talked to me like he hated me. Like I was the one who broke his heart. Like I was the one who decided to move away for my job.

I knew things weren't friendly between us. The last few times we had talked before him leaving was pretty much us yelling at each other. I guess he was still bitter about it.

I had kept in contact with his mom and I wonder if he knew. Maybe that's why he was so bitter, because I talked to his mom and not him. But he wasn't the boss of me, I was allowed to speak to anyone I pleased.

I cleaned up the kitchen before heading to shower and get into bed. I answered emails before turning on the t.v. I had recorded Supernatural and now was my time to catch up on the episodes.

I was thinking that maybe if I was in the same state as Luke he would want to get back together and maybe we would finally have our happily ever after. It wasn't going to happen.

[krs724490]

I have to come on here and say something because this is really quite profound. I’ve wrote on this tumblr about every man. Literally since the OG Evan Flashner. And here I am. Back. This time it’s about Tyler Joseph Horner.

I have to say. I had hoped for myself that I wouldn’t be back so soon. That I would take time to build myself up without anyone in the picture. As you’ll learn, Tyler has taught me that building yourself and building a relationship are not mutually exclusive events. They can, in fact, occur simultaneously. And, actually, work together quite beautifully. Tyler has taught me so many things. So much so, that I know whatever happens, he’s given me more than I could ever ask from him and for that I am grateful. That is how I want to set the tone for this. So, let’s start at the beginning, shall we?

I met Tyler late February 2021 in Vail, Colorado. He was there on a ski trip with friends whom I am also friends with. I drove in from Denver to stay with them for a few days. I remember walking into the airbnb and taking mental note that he was the most attractive male there. No shame. It’s what I thought! Later that night we went to the grocery store. This is when being vegetarian came in handy! You see, Tyler is also vegetarian. So naturally, our friend Marcela thought there could be a potential match between us **eye roll at how she was right. Anywho! We discussed lentil pasta while the crew ran around filling 2 carts to the brim (literally) with all the food we would need for the week. They then proceeded to leave us in the car alone together while they took forever in the liquor store (not not on purpose). We made light get to know you conversation. Nothing crazy. Just what you would expect. & that’s the night we met. Funny how you look back at days like this & realize you had no idea you were meeting someone special.

Fast forward to the night. Ya know.. the night ;) I’m going to be honest here. And I don’t think Tyler knows this. But, I went on a date in Breckenridge that night (Danny was vanilla)….. then came back to our Airbnb in Vail to find the whole squad turnt up. By turnt up, I mean, quite hammered. Ya know, sloshed. I joined in the festivities and then, slowly, people started retreating to their rooms for bed. Eventually, Tyler and I were left in the living room. I’m not going to go into detail here, but you can imagine what happened. We slept uncomfortably on the couch. I’m still not sure how Tyler’s arm is attached to his body after that. The next morning I really just did not know what to do with myself. I still laugh at how awkward I felt. I didn’t know what to do with my hands!!! (Anchorman reference) I don’t do one night stands. In fact, I have never had a one night stand. This had that sort of vibe to it as Tyler is from New York & I was leaving that day to go home. So, I woke up and could not look him in the eye. I said my goodbyes to everyone (awkwardly side hugged Tyler saying nice to meet you, absolutely no eye contact was made) and drove back to Denver. On the drive home I imagine I was probably hitting myself over the head saying, “stupid stupid stupid.” Not over the awkwardness of the goodbye, but over my love life as a whole.

A few days later, he texted me. I knew I had no room for boys in my life, so when he texted me at first I was thinking “goddammit ain’t nobody got time for this….” but then we texted, and texted, and texted, and TEXTED. When I say we texted, I mean, it eventually got to the point where I was sending 80 messages at a time that took me an hour to write. Different conversation threads. Incredible emoji usage. I had to set aside time to message him back - I made myself a cup of tea and every night I would sit and write Tyler, sipping on it. There were times I would look forward to it. Other times I was exhausted typing things out haphazardly. I was trying to be funny and entertaining, witty, with those messages. Phone calls were sprinkled in here and there - when we could find time in our schedules that didn’t seem to too align well. My raspy voice could barely hold up my end of the conversation. Next thing I knew he was back in Colorado to “visit his Aunt & see Ki and Bobby” hehe. I’d like to think he was coming for me.

His first visit back, I met him at a coffee shop in Cherry Creek. I remember being so nervous! He pulled up in his uber, jumped out, scooped me!!! Kissed me!! And then put me down??!! Amazing. Incredible. Wonderful. Outstanding. I went to Ki and Bobby’s (by the way the sweetest couple ever) to see him the next night. The next day, we practically walked a half marathon…. we went down the Cherry Creek Trail to get matcha at the same shop as the day before (we were regulars now)(this was before Tyler drank matcha - also he knows about cherry park! Ask him about it!) Then, we went to tattered cover book store (of course), ate at True Food kitchen (vegetarians ugh!), got ice cream (DUH), stopped for some kombucha (which flavor to choose ?!), and circled back home. We got our steps in. Which is a thing that Tyler does on the regular. Now that I think about it, it’s an underrated thing that he has brought to my life. I love walking everywhere in order to eat, see, and do all the things. You come home tired, feeling accomplished. What a good practice to have. On the last day, he came to my yoga class at ONE. Which means a lot to me as a lot of my friends and family don’t participate in or see what I do. And I love what I do. So for him to be there and see the things and try the things ?! Thank you.

**one month later** Tyler is back in CO! This time to “see Anthony” his old roommate who was there working remotely. This is the trip I got called a fungible asset! We went to Boulder to hike the flat irons. My tummy hurt on that hike, but I didn’t bring it up. We had tacos for dinner with Anthony and Jen and Alanoud and her bf. Tyler cooked dinner for his Aunt Vicki and I the next night. Impossible burgers and veggies in her backyard! I like her yard. Something so homey about it. Juju and Syrus were great company. Remember how earlier I said it’s funny how you don’t realize you’re meeting someone important when you’re meeting them? That’s also true for Syrus. My future hiking partner. More on Vicki to come. She’s amazing.

Now we reach the point where it’s my turn to go see Tyler. So I book a flight to New York in July. 2 months away. These 2 months flew by. We texted and called. I do have to mention that this was when I was running on a treadmill at VASA & suddenly decided I did not want to be with Tyler. I was unhappy with my body and fitness goals. I had convinced myself over the course of that 30 minute run that Tyler was the reason I didn’t have my shit together. I simply didn’t have excess energy to give to a relationship - I needed to use that energy on myself. I had made up my mind to call him right after I got off the treadmill to tell him I was done. That way I could focus on myself and lift weights lol. So I got off the treadmill and told my front desk friends what I was going to do. They said ok! but what did he do wrong? I said... well nothing, I just decided I’m done. and they were like... ok? So then I took a step back and thought - it’s not like he compromises my workout schedule or changes my eating habits because he eats unhealthy.. he doesn’t even live here. He doesn’t interfere with my day to day life. I also really enjoy talking to him. He doesn’t stress me out at all. He’s actually... never done anything wrong really... in fact, I think my life might be worse off if I wasn’t talking to him. Now this, was a concept. One I had never encountered before.

Also over the course of this time, I took Syrus for 2 hikes and got to know his aunt. Which, in its own way, was connecting to Tyler. We chatted in her backyard about Tyler and his family. She told me about herself. About how she loved being independent. We bonded over this as I’m the same way. I don’t need anyone. I like to do things alone to better soak them in. She reminisced about Chad and Tyler when they were kids. We talked about dating… all of the things! I really admire what she’s done with her life. She’s so content in her cute home. She’s very connected to her inner circle - she knows everyone in the neighborhood! She treats them like family. She made me feel like family! Inviting me back. Wanting to hang out. Telling me straight up that she liked me. This made me really happy. Not because she’s Tyler’s aunt and I want to feel close to him, but because it felt nice, warm, wholesome, genuine.

Then it came time to go to New York. For some reason I was really quite nervous. The day before I was on edge. I had butterflies the whole Uber ride to his apartment. But as soon as I was with him that all subsided. 

[bapyess1r]

O!RUL8, 2?   00:02

Arya’s P.O.V

“So wait, tell me about this boy again.” Zac said as he pulled a beer from the fridge.

“Why? It’s not like you’ll date him.” Carlos chuckled as he dusted the elote onto the cobs of corn.

“Carly, be nice.” Briahna said in a motherly voice, cooking the beef for the tacos. Zac flipped him off which Carlos happily returned.

“There’s not much to tell,” I sighed dipping chips into peach-mango salsa. “It was a very brief encounter…”

“Uh huh- and does Myke know about your little encounter?” Zac giggled. I gave him a stern look as the door knocked. I got up to answered the door yelling ‘who is it?’.

“Who else do you know here?” I heard Myke’s voice from the other side chuckle.

“We don’t like tall attractive black people here so I’m afraid you’ll have to leave.” Zac yelled causing us to giggle a little.

“Guess I’ll have to take Arya with me then, huh?” Myke replied as I opened the door, his tall, lanky body leaning in the doorway sexily. “Hey you!” he said kissing me deeply, running his hands all over me.

“Mmm…..hey yourself.” I said catching my breath, closing the door behind him.

“I brought tequila and marijuana.” he said proudly, holding up a brown bag full of goodies.

“I can always use more green in my life.” Zac said with a huge smile. He grabbed the small plastic bag out of the brown bag and began to roll up instantly.

“Of course you can. Roll up enough for everbody,” he said and I sat down next to Zac and began to assist. “So look yall….I know you’re all probably tired from it being your first day here and you’re all probably jet lagged like a muh-fuck, buuuut…..”

“Christ on a bike, here we go…” Briahna sighed.

“I got us invites to this house party down on Sunset. Y’all in?” Myke asked.

The house gave mixed reviews on that one. Carlos suddenly yelled out above everyone so he could ask the make or break question.

“Will there be free booze…..?” he asked, quite seriously.

“Absolutely.”

“I’m in.”

“That was quick.” I said crossing my arms as Myke hugged me from behind. For once I dreaded going to a party. I was so tired, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I just wanted to end the day with eating myself into a coma.

We completed rolling up and then we all sectioned off to get dressed. Briahna and I spent longer than we ever had getting dressed. Going to a party in Virginia is one thing but we were in California now. We had to do significantly better. She put on a black tulle dress and a leather jacket paired with fishnet tights and boots. Her hair was twirled to perfection, teal strands of hair intertwining with her dark tresses. Her dusty blue eyes surrounded by rings of black smoke. She was beautiful and I was jealous. I wasn’t ugly by any means but my insecurity makes me believe otherwise at times. “So what are you wearing tonight?” She asked as she sat on the bed checking her phone. I answered with silence as I stared at my closet unimpressed by anything in there. “Oook- why don’t you wear that top you bought when we went shopping before we left? That black one with spaghetti straps and the sheer pieces on it?” I tilted my head as I began to piece together what to wear with that…… I went to my drawer to pull out the top and I put it on, staring at myself in the mirror for what seemed like forever, hoping that an outfit would just come to me. I could see Briahna in my peripheral pulling on her eyebrow piercing lightly. “You gonna put some pants on with that?” she exclaimed causing me to just laugh uncontrollably for no reason.

“Yeah.” I sniffled. “Um….how bout you just do my whole outfit, bud-D?”

“How bout you just go on instagram?” she retorted.

“Touche….” I said.

Zac’s P.O.V

 I spent more time in the bathroom than usual. I was fresh out the Air Force and after taking some time to grow my hair back to normal, I decided it had been long enough and I deserved to date again…. “I’m officially on the market as of tonight.” I announced as I smoothed my lame excuse for facial hair down and adjusted my blazer. My friends cheered in the background before I turned around to get there approval. “So…. how do I look? Too much?”

“I like it.” Myke said simply before sipping his tequila.

“Of course you do.” Carlos chuckled.

“There’s nothing wrong with what he’s got on.” Myke retorted.

“If you’re asking me, it’s just a house party bro. Pick one. The blazer, or the shirt. One gotta go. Personally, I think you don’t need the blazer. You got on a heart printed collar shirt for christ sake. And the slacks are velvet. You don’t wanna be too fancy.” Carlos said. Unfortunately the fucker was right. Myke had a torn up grey sweater and a faded leather jacket with worn boots. Carlos chose a dark grey blazer with a striped t shirt and some slacks that he rolled up to his calves. And here I was wearing damn near wearing a whole suit. I took his advice and lost the jacket and tie. I returned to the mirror and unbuttoned the top and rolled up my sleeves. I stared long and hard as I wiped the light condensation off of my forehead.

“Bro don’t sweat it. Any guy would be more than lucky to hold your attention for even 5 seconds.” Myke said coming to my side and rubbing my shoulder.

“Uh huh. I see how you picked up Arya now. You have the tongue of the devil, you know that?” I chuckled turning to him to dap him up and pat his shoulder.

“Clearly I’m not silver tongued enough. She won’t date me. But she’ll fuck my brains out….” he said in a slight melancholic tone.

“Now that’s a little cold, bro. She cares about you but you gotta understand. She’s been in a lot of relationships back home. She’s enjoying her freedom. She’s just afraid to lose you, I think.” Carlos said taking a hit of his blunt.

“Ary just wants to make it.” I chuckled.

“Shit, don’t we all?” Myke grunted.

“Amen to that brother.” Carlos said raising his red cup. We all rose our cups to toast to making it.

“So!” Myke stood up to clap and grab everyone’s attention. “Imma call a van. Cuz I don’t know about you guys but I’m tryna get fucked up.” I nodded in heavy agreement and went out to the kitchen to pour myself another cup of tequila. Arya walked out looking gorgeous as always. Red lips, highlighted to the gods, eyeliner so sharp it could cut your soul; her hair was curly and sunkissed and she wore this sheer bodice and floral printed silky joggers paired with red strappy heels. I wolf whistled, staggering towards her and Briahna, picking up the bottle on the way.

“Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttccccchhhhhhh!!!! Yes, queens. You look gorgeous! Ugh! Sometimes I wanna be a girl but then I realize I like my dick too much.” I joked as I began to pour drinks for us all.

“You think you might find the one tonight?” Briahna asked me.

“Meehhh there’s a possibility. I’m not giving my hopes up early. It’s my first night out, I’m ready to just enjoy this. It’s gonna be as epic as I make it.” I smiled. I tried my best to believe that. Carlos came out and hugged Briahna sweetly before Myke announced that the van was out front.

We arrived at the party and so far everything was copasetic. The lights were of pink and purple and blue….neon signs and LEDs hanging from every corner of the house, smoke from weed and cigarettes clouded the air. Music was blasting into every crevice. I probably should’ve asked whose house we were at but I figured since we were invited it wasn’t like we weren’t supposed to be there. I branched off all of maybe five feet from my group. Just to let the people see me and know I was there. Then the anxiety set and I panicked so I casually but quickly stepped back to Arya and Myke’s side. Myke obviously noticed I chickened out and gave me a wide grin, tossing his head back in boisterous laughter. “Oh shut up!” I groaned taking my cup to the head and taking a drag of my cigarette. I looked around nervously and went to get some more of that trainwreck of a cocktail they claimed was jungle juice. Clearly it was cough medicine mixed with gasoline. I could hardly feel my face after one cup. I let my cigarette dangle between my lips and as I tried to scoop some fruit and gummy bears into my cup, I got the strong feeling. You know the one. The one when it feels like someone was watching you. I looked around in an almost paranoid manner. Attempting to find the source, I found myself locking eyes with an amber haired minx. His nose was thin and his skin was clear and smooth. His eyes were tightly lined with black and undressing me. I felt my chest tighten up as I noticed his muscles through his loosely knitted sweater. He licked his lower lip as he eyeballed me across the room. I was amused so I smirked, removing the cigarette from my lips to take a big swig of jungle juice before joining my friends again.

“Oh my god.” she gasped.

“What?” I replied, hardly paying attention. I was still analyzing the asian gorgeousness by the wall.

“You’ve got sex eyes!” she shouted. With that, I looked at her with embarrassment.

“Well Jesus Christ, Arya! Just shout it to the world why don’t you!” I exclaimed.

“How drunk are you buddy?” Myke asked.

“Drunk enough.” I said confidently, shot gunning my drink. “How do I look?”

“You look wonderful, now go get him!” Arya smiled.

“Yes! Go get him with your sexy ass!” Myke added, totally making me feel like I could do anything. With that, I headed his way.

[anamorales]

WIAW

Hi friends! How’s the day treating ya? Things have been pretty crazy over here. Anyone else feel like January has lasted forever? We have a cruise booked for next month and I’m really looking forward to some vacation time together. The Pilot gets real vacation time (whaaaaat) so that’s going to be crazy and amazing. 

For today’s post, I thought I’d share a What I Ate Wednesday, since I received quite a few requests for these and more everyday eats in my annual survey. Here’s a recent full day of eats!

6:40am: I’m done making the girls’ breakfast (waffles, eggs, and fruit), so I heat up the coffeemaker and eat two Enjoy Life protein balls before heading upstairs to finish getting ready.

Collegen coffee before heading out the door! Decaf coffee with 1 scoop Vital Proteins, oat milk, and 5 drops of monk fruit

9:10: Back home from drop-off and time for real breakfast. I’ve been on a breakfast salad kick and it makes it super easy if we have a large salad with dinner. I save the leftovers, add protein, dressing, and eat. This is a leftover dinner salad with greens, cucumber, celery, and carrots, and I add a sautéed Beyond Meat sausage, Primale Kitchen dressing, and some toast on the side.

The Trader Joe’s gluten-free whole grain toast is good but the pieces are super small. I have two slices with Miyoko’s vegan cream cheese and everything but the bagel seasoning.

80 supplements with breakfast:

(DIM, adaptogen blend, B-complex, Vitamin C, Selenium, Vitamin D and MitoQ)

While the girls are at school, I hop on the Peloton bike for 45 minutes, record a podcast interview, tweak my post for the following day, answer emails, and host a Beautycounter team call.  

1:30: I have the head back out to pick up the girls soon, so I make a quick lunch with curry chickpea salad wraps and an orange. The recipe is here! I’ve been making a batch each week and it’s perfect for three lunches. 

I have the wraps on Siete tortillas with spinach and make a matcha latte to take with me for pickup.

(Half water, half almond milk, 1/2 teaspoon matcha powder, 1 scoop collagen, monk fruit) 

We have to go straight from school pickup to dance, so I grab two medjool dates to have at some point while we’re out and about, stuffed with almond butter.

6:45: Dinner! I make some shrimp curry, and rice in the Instant pot. The shrimp curry cooked on the stovetop with onion, zucchini, bell pepper, carrots, garlic, ginger and chicken broth. I stirred in some red curry paste and after it bubbled and started to simmer, I added in some defrosted shrimp. When the shrimp was cooked through, I stirred in a can of coconut milk. 

8:45: a glass of wine while watching The Bachelor. I stopped drinking alcohol for Dry January but to be honest, it didn’t last very long. I have maybe 1-2 drinks per week (usually a glass of wine at home and a margarita when we go out with the fam for Taco Tuesday) and in the end, decided I didn’t want to give it up. It makes Bachelor time even more enjoyable.

(This is so real lol)

What I liked about this day of eats:

I feel like it was a pretty solid day! Lots of fresh produce, protein, and I didn’t feel hangry throughout the day. Something I could have done better would be to drink more water. I’ve found that I’ve been slacking a bit on the water intake. 

What I didn’t like about this day of eats:

No chocolate. This is always a fail when this happens. 

Tell me, friends: what’s one of your favorite current meal staples?? What’s the best thing you ate yesterday?

xoxo

Gina

The post WIAW appeared first on The Fitnessista.

WIAW published first on https://immigrationways.tumblr.com/

[deadlydodgers]

The One | Cody Bellinger

❝ You loved him. And you loved him, you loved him.

And you still love him.

You love him. ❞

Requested, I hope you like it!

Imagine - Cody has been your best friend since middle school. He is about to get married to your sister, but on the wedding day he confesses his love for you.

The love of your life was getting married. 

And you were invited.

Cody had been dating your sister for roughly two years before he popped the question earlier this year. It was hard not to be jealous of the two. Your sister bloomed when the news got around he asked her out which only sent you into a year of depression. Worst of all you couldn’t even talk it out with your dear sister, which only sent the two of you apart. When you found out the news you cried for a week, ruining your happy image because you had thought you were getting somewhere with Cody. Somewhere beyond just friends.

You should’ve seen the signs.

The way they looked at each other.

The way she laughed at all his jokes.

The way his smile went to his eyes.

You had fallen for someone who had fucked with your heart.

None of the boys in the clubhouse understood your pain but they knew enough. So Cole became your anchor for these past couple of months. The only family member with your secret. November rolled around and the wedding was in three days. Your parents favored your sister, she was in her senior year in college. She was going to graduate top of her class. She was going to be successful like Cody. She was going to marry him. She was going to be doing something for the family. What were you still doing? 

Sitting in your kitchen trying to devour your sorrows.

A knock at the door pulled you from your thoughts. “Its me” you heard an all too familiar voice. Heart pounding you pretended to be invisible and held your breath. What did Cody want? He hasn’t visited since the engagement. “(Y/N) I have food.” You opened the door to reveal not Cody but his younger brother Cole. The two sounded so alike you couldn’t tell who was who. Blankly you took the bag of tacos from his hands and munched without a word.

“Sorry I haven’t been here often, the padres wanted me to start early.” He tells you. You tried to smile but all you saw in Cole was Cody, and so you stiffened and you let the tears flow silently. The silence screamed emotions as Cole hugged you tighter, and then the sobs came. You still haven’t said anything, but you didn’t want to ever let go. Your sobs became frequent and you accidentally had stained his Padres polo with your tears. He rubbed your back, calming you just like be would all those years ago. “I’m so sorry I’ve been gone. I should’ve visited at least once.” his voice soothes you and you fell asleep on his shoulder, the ice cream on the counter long forgotten.

“Cody?” You ask in the morning surrounded by two arms around your waist only to be greeted by the sight of Cole. You had a dream that when Cody won the 2017 National League Rookie of the Year, you had been there to kiss him and hold all his attention instead of your sister. Cole bad stirred awake, placing a kiss on your head while checking his phone. “Crap, mom needs me she wants another rundown before the wedding. I’ll see you later (Y/N).” Cole was the man of honor so he couldn’t miss this rundown. You bid him farewell only to receive a text afterwards. 

Cody

Hey (Y/N/N)

Cody always had a special nickname for you since childhood. After five years he has decided to use that name again which confused the fuck outta you. He continues to type…

I’m sorry.

Something was up. Cody never had proper grammar.

So you did what any concerned lovesick friendzoned girl would do. After the lengthy drive to Los Angeles you made it to his apartment. You knocked twice on the door but he wouldn’t answer. You remember about the key under the plant so you took that, opening up his apartment. 

To say you were scared was the least because you were frightened. That was the last text he sent ever since July. You then got a text from Cole. 

Cole

 (Y/N) he’s spiraling. 

 But it was too late. You opened up to the someone wearing the face of someone you once knew, but you don’t. This isn’t your Cody. He was holding a flask, making circular motions on the bottle. “I’m sorry (Y/N)” you were feeling all sort of emotions, confusion, sadness worried and fear. “What for Cody?” What did he do? What could be be possibly be talking about?

 (Y/N)? 

 (Y/N) I’m sending over the boys. 

 (Y/N) the boys said your car is gone. 

 Where are you? 

 Oh god please tell me you didn’t go to Cody’s.

The boys are on their way.

 Hang tight.

 "I’m sorry that I fell in love with you.“ There was only one emotion going through your veins the moment he said the magic words. There was only one thought, one thing you wanted to do. So you did. You slapped Cody so hard that your nail had sliced his cheek but you didn’t care. He made you feel anger. A sense of anger that was born from the beginning underneath the layers of love. 

You hated him. 

 "No. No you don’t, stop lying!” Your voice got louder with every word. You knew Cody to drink but this type was something you haven’t seen before. “I wish I was but I’m not.” He places the flask to his lips but you snatch it from his fingers, smashing it onto the floor. “You don’t get to do that,” you started, “you don’t get to act like you don’t give a shit about me only to confess your love for me two days before your wedding. I’m done with you Cody.” He was up on his feet, begging for you to stay. “Please. Please, don’t go. I’m nothing without you (Y/N) please.” “I don’t know you anymore.” You quickly left only to be confronted by some of his teammates in the parking lot. You walked right past them treating them like strangers.

 Your head wasn’t right and you just wanted to scream. You wanted to cry, you wanted to let it all out. You started to cry in your car forgetting that the boys were still standing in front of you. You drove off, wanting more than just to forget what you just heard. 

But of course, life just kept on at it. Your sister was calling you. “(Y/N)?” She sounded unsure of herself, as if she was trying to find the right words to say. “We need to talk.” 

 "What do you mean you want to cancel this wedding?“ You almost scream at her remembering you two were at a cafe. She placed her head down in shame, looking at the floor. "I may have….” you didn’t even need to know the rest of that sentence. She cheated on Cody. “With who?” You clench your teeth, trying to keep your cool. “Mike. I’ve been in love with him since February." 

 You’ve never had the brightest sister. 

 "Then why did you play Cody like that? He asked you for your hand!” You exclaimed, the rage following from your eyes. “I promise you I was in love with him, I really was… god I’m fucked (Y/N) I have no idea why I said yes he said he wanted to talk to me about something and I wanted to as well but it was to break up with him. I froze.” Hearing this from your sister brought you cheer that you hated to feel. Even tho your mind told you that Cody deserved this your heart said otherwise. 

“I didn’t even go to the practice today. I blocked my contacts.” That explained her bummish look. She didn’t know about Cody’s episode then. “Just please sissy. How do I fix this? I feel so bad.” In a twisted way this had solved everything. You told her to calm down and that everything would be alright. You added that she should have one on one time with Cody later and the two of them would talk it out on how to cancel it. “You shouldn’t lie to mom and dad (Y/S/N). The truth needs to come out eventually so set them straight.” 

 THE NEXT DAY.

You woke up better, preparing eggs and pancakes. Before breakfast you would always eat a scoop of ice cream. Someone had taught you that habit. The events came flowing through your brain at an alarming pace. You thought it was all a dream, but apparently the knock on your door said otherwise. This time it wasn’t Cole, but Cody himself. 

“I’m sorry.” Those magical words made you run your hands through your hair in frustration. “For what exactly?” You shot back. Maybe you won’t get a half ass answer. “For what I said.” You gave him that look. “I know you thought I was drunk but I remembered it all. Truth is that I’ve been in love with the image of your sister. I thought she was just like you, smart and beautiful. You were with Logan so I had to distract myself.” You slapped him again. 

“So you played my sister?!” You shouted defensively. Oh, the irony. “I swear it wasn’t my goal. I was young, a kid-” “Still a kid!” You corrected him. “Yes, but you saw how I was like in highschool. Our friendship was like no other, you were always the most important thing to me. Not her, you. And you still are.”

“I thought the ring would save our relationship.” “But you were the one, and you were the only one that I truly loved Cody why are you so dense!” You had admitted your biggest secret. The blood rose to your cheeks and you broke eye contact away from him. You were crying all over again.

You loved him. And you loved him, you loved him.

And you still love him.

You love him.

He’s the one.

“You love me?” He sounded taken aback, but his eyes were filled with the joy that you always caused for the boy that you loved since high school. Your cheeks felt warm. And he rubbed the back of his head. 

“Me and (Y/S/N) talked with everyone. They were displeased with everything but they’ll eventually get over it. I’m happy for her, she’s going to live with her boyfriend in Miami for a few months, maybe more.” That made you feel better. Maybe some time away from everyone was all your family needed.

“You know I still meant what I said. I love you. I always will.” You looked up at him and after what seemed like forever he took your face in his hands and gave you a slow, passionate kiss. Immediately you kissed him back, wanting to savor every moment. “I had to do that. At least once.”

You walked him out of your apartment promising that you would spend some time with him once you had figured out some things, and encouraged him to do the same. You wrapped your arms around him one last time, never knowing if it would be the last. He kissed your head.

“I love you (Y/F/N).”

You dreaded the thought of letting go.

Perhaps maybe in the future when you both figure out what was real and not real things would be different. Maybe they wouldn’t. Maybe in another life a happy ending would be valid. Or maybe you could let your heart speak.

So you did, and in time it would be the best decision you had ever made. 

Sorry I wanted to make it different from some from other fandoms that I’ve read, I also had to change the name like 10 times but here it is and I hope you guys like it! 💫

[abiteofnat]

NYC? NYFEEDME... 

Because if there’s one thing NYC is good at, it’s making sure my bottomless pit of a stomach is consistently full of something tastyyy. As well as beautiful. They are the epitome of making food into an art and waste no time or money with creative executions of something as simple as “cookie dough” (more on that later). A couple weeks ago I went to NYC as a part of a) finding a smart-kid college for my smart-kid sister and b) due to a standing family vacation reservation that fit in nicely to part “a” so after my donut-filled Syracuse excursion we bopped on down to Midtown! There was the glitz n’ fake glamour of NYC just blocks away in Times Square, but we tucked away in the 1 Hotel on 6th which has become a second home of sorts. While it’s strangely organic and it all smells like wood and hemp, it’s a literal oasis from the trashbag-lined streets and taxis honking and honking (and honking). Do NOT get me wrong, I ADORE New York. I live for the salty street pretzels and the iced coffee at every deli and the need to just live it up there constantly. But I’m a Chicago girl, midwestern to the bone and Jesus I thought I might have a better fate in store but it appears I’m baseball and cheese fries until I die. 

Give me ten days in that wild city though and I will make them my bitch! Since I’d only ever spent 48 hours at a time in NYC many times a year in the past few years, and still managed to consume most of the island I was concerned as to how I would fare. I’d say thankfully we as a family eat pretty healthy and my one friend I stayed with is a ~vegan~ and the other one is a marathon runner with a taste for really really good carbs, so damage was light. I’ve rounded up my tippity-top spots for grub worth taking one to one million photos of and I hope you get to go try them all, because I’m a creature of habit and rarely wine n dine somewhere once so I’ll see you around! 

1. BLUESTONE LANE! 

This cafe was one of my sister’s finds, and still one of my favorites to look back on! Elise isn’t usually one to choose where we dine, but we all needed coffee and a breakfast that wasn’t bagels on bagels (which would be my choice if it was my turn to choose breakfast) and she pointed us to a little funky-chic cafe called Bluestone Lane, an Australian chain dotted across NYC. The location we went to was on 5th Ave (2 E 90th ST for the exact address) and was attached to a gorgeous old church, the seating within some of the re-done structure with tables spilling out onto the scenic sidewalk. Bluestone offers a “reasonably” priced, health-oriented menu that’s somewhat Cali and somewhat NYC-foodie-on-a-mission-for-THE-PIC. I was beyond thrilled to get to shoot this food- we ate at a table right inside the doors between the beautiful stone walls which meant natural, warm light and perfect people watching. 

What we ate: the BIRCHER MUESLI STOLE THE SHOW. With creamy oats, crisp apples, quinoa for texture and health benefits, and seasonal berries + fruits it was a killer combo of filling and still light in the stomach. The homemade banana bread (gluten free!) with ricotta and fruit is a great sharing plate which is exactly what we did, and added something sweet and heavier to everyone’s meals. The avocado smash was beautifully composed “On Balthazar toast with tahini, heirloom cherry tomatoes, feta, sunflower sprouts & e.v.o.o” (from website) and could have been the full meal if we came an hour later. For a breakfast/brunch/lunch date, this is the place. You want to sip their scrumptious espresso and fragrant, rich chai over the colorful food and chat forever in these walls. And guess what? The Guggenheim Museum is right next door, which is exactly where we went after this meal. How perfect is that? 

2. DOUGH!

So my mom loves donuts. As in donuts are worth twenty minutes to find parking for, legit anger if they are sold out, real old school donut appreciation level of love. This is something I love deeply about her and why I can always count on a “yes” upon a donut excursion request, and while in NYC it’s a m u s t to go to Dough. These big ole fluffy fuckers are too good to skip, and given there’s plenty of flashy, over-the-top donuts to be found on Instagram I can’t praise Dough enough. These are bigger than your hand but weigh less than a baby bunny, and the flavors do nothing but enhance the sweet, airy dough you can watch being hand-fried in the back baking room through a glass wall. My favorite one to date is the Blood Orange donut coated in the prettiest pink glaze and donning a dried orange slice, and it’s tangy and flavorful and citrusy without being sickeningly sweet. 

The other front runners are the chocolate-hazelnut and the lemon poppyseed which tastes like a much less buttery version of lemon poppyseed pound cake and instead would make a lovely breakfast pastry. While Dough is small and there isn’t much open seating since it’s ~always~ full of people eating a donut with fork and knife, my family grouped up by the window and shared donuts with chocolaty fingers and smiles galore. Can’t frown when you’re eating a donut unless you’re a miserable person! 

There she is, the Blood Orange baddie calling my name. I’ll be back, my sweet. 

3. TOBY’S ESTATE COFFEE

What’s a family vacation in my family without copious coffee??? Seeing as donuts and 3 p.m. always call for caffeine, we wandered around the Flatiron District where Dough is located and found this little coffee shop that’s Brooklyn originated and very very cute. They take coffee seriously so don’t expect grande sizes, but do expect major taste. Bonus? It’s attached to a boutique bookstore so you can sip and shop (but do NOT SPILL). I got a mocha and it was rich, delicious, and also very expensive. That’s what good espresso (cough cough not Starbucks) will cost you. 

4. DŌ, Cookie Dough Confections

That’s right, another “dough”! There’s a theme here of trendy sweet treats and this one certainly takes the... dough. Made famous through social media and the 2017 “need” for colorful and unique foodie experiences, DŌ offers a variety of cookie dough flavors all entirely safe to eat either in a cup or a cone quite like an ice cream store! I turned 22 during our trip and this was my pick for birthday breakfast because what adult doesn’t want to turn 22 while eating a scoop of oatmeal and M&M cookie dough that comes in a PINK CONE?!?!? I may be getting old and gross, but my stomach is still a dessert-driven child. I literally only eat my vegetables so we can get to the real stuff. 

We came at a great time- given the fact it’s such a destination spot there can be up to a 2+ hour wait (!!!) so we got there bright n’ early at 10 a.m. and there were enough people to feel cool but not too many people that I was like weneedtoleaverightnowfuckthedough. Mom got the chocolate chip dough on a chocolate chip cone, Elise got the plain ole sugar cookie, and my dad nibbled on a little of it all which was impressive since his sweet tooth is nonexistent. I guess when you don’t have a birthday cake there are no candles, right? NAH. THIS PLACE HAS IT ALL. We got some candles and stuck em right in there. 

And the fact we had leftovers to eat during intermission at “Kinky Boots” on Broadway that night when we were taking a break from salivating over Brendan Urie? PERFECTO. Brendan and DŌ. A winning combo and making me feel real good about 22 so far. 

5. SANCTUARY T! 

HA as if the birthday eating ended there. I planned weeks and weeks ahead to have dinner at Sanctuary T on my birthday, as it’s one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the world, and my mom dragged her heels for a while asking if I was “entirely sure I did not want to try somewhere NEW and FRESH” and I stayed strong because Sanc T is my bliss. She regretted that resistance when we sat down in the fucking cute Free People photoshoot setting of this place and got a rose on happy hour, and when the food was brought to the table I pondered how is this place not on every foodie list because it’s all just so GOOD. The truffle-Caesar kale salad is incredible, as the kale is crunchy and earthy which plays off the strong smooth linger of the truffle dressing, and the fish tacos are fried to perfection and topped with pickled root veggies. The fries (also on happy hour!) come with -surprise- truffle aioli, and they are the best fries in NYC. I’m just going to go ahead and make that claim. The burrata was thick but silky and on homemade bread with some olive oil it was straight s-e-x. Slippery and salty and best with an alcoholic drink in arm’s reach.  

There’s nothing bad on this menu. Nothing. So go H A M and eat it allllllll up. It’s in SoHo so it’s a great area to walk around before or after dinner, with amazing classic New York architecture and picturesque streets. Make sure to hit up the Brandy Melville nearby and scoot over to MarieBelle for after-dinner hot chocolate and sweets. 

That will do it for part one of “Natalie Eats NYC”, part two will be up in a couple days!!! While I can write forever, I don’t think y’all want to read forever. So I’ve chunked it up. 

Until next time, Happy Eating!

-Natalie

[jonasmaurer]

WIAW

Hi friends! How’s the day treating ya? Things have been pretty crazy over here. Anyone else feel like January has lasted forever? We have a cruise booked for next month and I’m really looking forward to some vacation time together. The Pilot gets real vacation time (whaaaaat) so that’s going to be crazy and amazing. 

For today’s post, I thought I’d share a What I Ate Wednesday, since I received quite a few requests for these and more everyday eats in my annual survey. Here’s a recent full day of eats!

6:40am: I’m done making the girls’ breakfast (waffles, eggs, and fruit), so I heat up the coffeemaker and eat two Enjoy Life protein balls before heading upstairs to finish getting ready.

Collegen coffee before heading out the door! Decaf coffee with 1 scoop Vital Proteins, oat milk, and 5 drops of monk fruit

9:10: Back home from drop-off and time for real breakfast. I’ve been on a breakfast salad kick and it makes it super easy if we have a large salad with dinner. I save the leftovers, add protein, dressing, and eat. This is a leftover dinner salad with greens, cucumber, celery, and carrots, and I add a sautéed Beyond Meat sausage, Primale Kitchen dressing, and some toast on the side.

The Trader Joe’s gluten-free whole grain toast is good but the pieces are super small. I have two slices with Miyoko’s vegan cream cheese and everything but the bagel seasoning.

80 supplements with breakfast:

(DIM, adaptogen blend, B-complex, Vitamin C, Selenium, Vitamin D and MitoQ)

While the girls are at school, I hop on the Peloton bike for 45 minutes, record a podcast interview, tweak my post for the following day, answer emails, and host a Beautycounter team call.  

1:30: I have the head back out to pick up the girls soon, so I make a quick lunch with curry chickpea salad wraps and an orange. The recipe is here! I’ve been making a batch each week and it’s perfect for three lunches. 

I have the wraps on Siete tortillas with spinach and make a matcha latte to take with me for pickup.

(Half water, half almond milk, 1/2 teaspoon matcha powder, 1 scoop collagen, monk fruit) 

We have to go straight from school pickup to dance, so I grab two medjool dates to have at some point while we’re out and about, stuffed with almond butter.

6:45: Dinner! I make some shrimp curry, and rice in the Instant pot. The shrimp curry cooked on the stovetop with onion, zucchini, bell pepper, carrots, garlic, ginger and chicken broth. I stirred in some red curry paste and after it bubbled and started to simmer, I added in some defrosted shrimp. When the shrimp was cooked through, I stirred in a can of coconut milk. 

8:45: a glass of wine while watching The Bachelor. I stopped drinking alcohol for Dry January but to be honest, it didn’t last very long. I have maybe 1-2 drinks per week (usually a glass of wine at home and a margarita when we go out with the fam for Taco Tuesday) and in the end, decided I didn’t want to give it up. It makes Bachelor time even more enjoyable.

(This is so real lol)

What I liked about this day of eats:

I feel like it was a pretty solid day! Lots of fresh produce, protein, and I didn’t feel hangry throughout the day. Something I could have done better would be to drink more water. I’ve found that I’ve been slacking a bit on the water intake. 

What I didn’t like about this day of eats:

No chocolate. This is always a fail when this happens. 

Tell me, friends: what’s one of your favorite current meal staples?? What’s the best thing you ate yesterday?

xoxo

Gina

The post WIAW appeared first on The Fitnessista.

WIAW published first on https://olimpsportnutritionde.tumblr.com/

[slashscowboyboots]

Floor A (Part 3)

Part 1 Part 2

Tag list: @izzysdenimjacket @malibubarbievince @spacey-aceys-bitch @rock-em-sock-em-rock-n-roll @sodalitefully @aheadfullofskies @vandova @awrestilinggirlwholoves80sbands @terriiiiible @whisperess33 @killerqueenishere

WHAM!WHAM!WHAM!

That sounded like someone pounding on a door.

Or trying to kick it down.

“Izzy?!  C’mon, man, open up!  I got quinoa!  And brown rice and beans!  And organic chicken!  Her name was Esther and she was raised without antibiotics!  She died of natural causes!  In her sleep!   Are ya hungry!”

This would be the perfect time for you to take a break.  And find out just what the hell was going on out there.

You opened up your door just a crack to see a very tall man with shaggy blonde hair in skintight jeans and a black tank top, his tattooed arms full of biodegradable containers, kicking Dr. Isbell’s door with a very purposeful gray cowboy boot.

“IZZY!!  I know you’re in there!  Open up!”

That’s Dr. McKagan, you realized.  Susan’s McSteamy that she went on and on about.  You had decided to humor her and had made a trip over to cardiac just to see this supposed dreamboat in person.  

You hadn’t been disappointed.  Obviously you preferred Dr. Isbell’s dark, rock star biker aesthetic over McKagan’s blonde, punky one, but the cardiologist was very attractive.

And very loud.

“IZZZZZYYY!!!?  Don’t tell I have to text-”

The pathologist’s door flew open at that moment, thankfully when Dr. McKagan’s boot wasn’t planted on it, and a very irritated Dr. Isbell hissed, “Shut up, Duff!”  

Dr. McKagan laughed.  “Why?  You got someone on the slab and you think I’m gonna wake ‘em up?”

“No, dumbass, I have a neighbor now.”

You leaned back away from your door so the two of them couldn’t see you.

“No shit?” Dr. McKagan asked.  “What was their crime?”

“Standing in the way of Kim’s corner suite dreams.”

“Damn.  Poor soul, stuck down here with you and the cadavers.”

You couldn’t make out Dr. Isbell’s response to that, and the frustration had you biting your fist.

Then the sounds of the Beatles’ “Help!” filled the basement.

“Oh shit, Izz, I gotta go.  That’s an emergency.  Here, take all of it, you probably need some vitamins working in this dungeon,” and you peeked out just to see Dr. McKagan shove the food containers into Dr. Isbell’s arms and take off towards the stairwell.

“You say that like you’re a doctor,” Dr. Isbell called at his retreating back, then his shoulders slumped as he sighed. 

Your eyes met his through the crack in your door.  “Hey,” he said quietly, “sorry you had to hear all that.  Would you like to have some lunch?  I can’t possibly eat all of this.” 

“Sure,” you said, not quite certain you weren’t dreaming.  

You had expected Dr. Isbell to hand you one of the containers, but instead he turned his back to you and walked back to his office door.  You guessed that you were supposed to follow him inside, and you paused, long enough to realize you really were willing to do anything he asked, even follow him into a morgue.

Only it wasn’t a morgue.  You walked past a huge room filled with lab equipment and some very impressive, very hi-tech microscopes.  (The stack of gloves marked L did not escape your attention, as well as the fact they were black.)  You could hear music, some tasteful slide guitar playing quietly, and silently approved his excellent musical taste. 

Dr. Isbell finally turned around and motioned you into his private office, and you were surprised at how utilitarian it was, a desk, a small table and two chairs the only furniture in it, and only a few framed diplomas on the wall.  No awards, nothing remotely boastful about his decor.

No pictures of his bike.

No pictures of a girlfriend, either. 

He sat down at the table and laid down the two containers, one marked with an “I” on the top and one with a “D”.  “They’re the same thing, except mine has avocado.  You can have it if you want it.”

“No, thank you, this is fine,” you said, unwrapping your cutlery, touched he was willing to give up his lunch if you asked for it.

“This is Duff’s health food crap he’s always forcing on me.  Thinks I’m not getting enough nutrients down here.”  

“Duff?” you asked him, scooping up some quinoa and beans.  It was actually pretty good, although your company was much more enjoyable.

“Yeah, that’s what everyone calls him.  Even his mom.  Dr. McKagan and I were undergraduates together.  We uh, had a band.”

“Is that them?”  You jerked your chin toward the only photo Dr. Isbell had on his wall, a group of 5 guys standing together.  Duff was the tallest, and Dr. Isbell was standing on the end, a floppy black hat hiding most of his face. 

“What did you play?” you asked him, curious now.

“Rhythm guitar,” he answered, then took a bite of his lunch.

“That’s cool.  Do you still play?”

“Uh, yeah.  That’s me,” he indicated the music in the background, and your mouth fell open.

“Really?  Wow, you’re very good,” and he ducked his head, not before you saw his cheeks flush pink.

“Thank you,’ he said shyly.  “I don’t want you to think I sit around listening to my own stuff all day, but I wrote this and I’m trying to figure out what the next part should be…”

He trailed off because now you were just openly staring at him, completely amazed.  “Wow,” you breathed, then as he looked down and took another bite you decided you had to ask him what you were dying to know.

“Dr.-”

“Please call me Izzy.”

Okay.  “Izzy, why do you have such a-”

“Bad reputation?” He sighed.  “Because I dated someone who used to work here, and when we broke up she started a bunch of rumors about me.  And because nobody knew me, or ever saw me-”

“People believed them,” you finished sadly.  You looked out toward the rest of his quarters, then looked back at him and said, “Well, you do cut open the dead for a living.”

He laughed, a short bark that brought out the most beautiful smile you’d ever seen and you became light-headed for a moment.  “I don’t cut people open near as much as everyone thinks.  I’m usually hunched over a microscope, making notes.”

“You don’t do autopsies?” you asked, now incredibly confused.

“Well, yeah, I do.  I actually like doing them,” he said, and you gasped out loud.

He sat up, elbows on the table, and you noticed he had really beautiful hands.  “Do you know why an autopsy is performed?”

You wordlessly shook your head.

“It’s because there’s a mystery.  Either they don’t know who the person is, or because they don’t know how they died.  An identification has to be made.  When I do an autopsy, I feel like I’m helping someone, giving them the last gift I can give to them.  I’m giving them closure.”

“That sounds very noble,” you said, now completely flabbergasted.  Dr. Isbell-Izzy-wasn’t a monster at all.  He was actually a really lovely person.

His girlfriend was probably crazy about him.  Although from the looks of his office, he didn’t return the favor.

His quiet voice broke into your thoughts.  “Yeah, well don’t let it get out that I’m noble.  I gotta keep everybody afraid of me,” he said.

“Why is that?”

“So they’ll leave me alone.”

“Is that what you want?” you asked softly, trying to keep the disappointment out of your voice.

“I want most people to leave me alone.”  He paused, his eyes making direct contact with yours.  “I didn’t say all of them.”

That hit you like a sledgehammer in the chest.  Did that mean what it sounded like?

“Other than Duff, I never have lunch with anyone here.  Uh, thank you.  For having lunch with me.”

Oh.  Guess he didn’t mean it that way.

“Thank you, Izzy.  For asking me.”

“I’m sorry it was that hi-octane roughage Duff eats.  He went nuts for Quinoa Bowl when it opened up.  I usually go to Taco Bell.”

Be still my heart, you thought.

Even though going back to your office was the last thing you wanted to do, you knew you had to get back to work.

“Thank you again,” you said, and he nodded, and you could’ve sworn you saw a haunted sadness flicker across his face as you turned to leave.

Izzy really did love Taco Bell.  The next day he’d brought back a feast and invited you over to his office again, the two of you devouring it with gusto.  

You had to switch your phone to vibrate and leave it in your office because Kayli and Susan were blowing up it up when you opted to eat lunch with the good doctor, who was warming up to you.  He didn’t elaborate on his personal life, and you were afraid to ask, but you had learned he was from Indiana, he played drums and bass and guitar and piano, oh and he sang too, he loved the Rolling Stones, and was into skateboarding as well as motorcycles.

He wasn’t kidding when he said he didn’t have lunch with anyone.  He seemed incredibly lonely.  Like he hadn’t talked to anyone in a year.  Or ten.  And you listened to him, his quiet voice speeding up and growing louder in his enthusiasm, watching his hands move excitedly, and your heart ached with compassion at this sweet man, locked in a hospital basement for so long without a friend, at least one with a heartbeat, and wished you could stay forever.

[anamorales]

WIAW

Hi friends! How’s the day treating ya? Things have been pretty crazy over here. Anyone else feel like January has lasted forever? We have a cruise booked for next month and I’m really looking forward to some vacation time together. The Pilot gets real vacation time (whaaaaat) so that’s going to be crazy and amazing. 

For today’s post, I thought I’d share a What I Ate Wednesday, since I received quite a few requests for these and more everyday eats in my annual survey. Here’s a recent full day of eats!

6:40am: I’m done making the girls’ breakfast (waffles, eggs, and fruit), so I heat up the coffeemaker and eat two Enjoy Life protein balls before heading upstairs to finish getting ready.

Collegen coffee before heading out the door! Decaf coffee with 1 scoop Vital Proteins, oat milk, and 5 drops of monk fruit

9:10: Back home from drop-off and time for real breakfast. I’ve been on a breakfast salad kick and it makes it super easy if we have a large salad with dinner. I save the leftovers, add protein, dressing, and eat. This is a leftover dinner salad with greens, cucumber, celery, and carrots, and I add a sautéed Beyond Meat sausage, Primale Kitchen dressing, and some toast on the side.

The Trader Joe’s gluten-free whole grain toast is good but the pieces are super small. I have two slices with Miyoko’s vegan cream cheese and everything but the bagel seasoning.

80 supplements with breakfast:

(DIM, adaptogen blend, B-complex, Vitamin C, Selenium, Vitamin D and MitoQ)

While the girls are at school, I hop on the Peloton bike for 45 minutes, record a podcast interview, tweak my post for the following day, answer emails, and host a Beautycounter team call.  

1:30: I have the head back out to pick up the girls soon, so I make a quick lunch with curry chickpea salad wraps and an orange. The recipe is here! I’ve been making a batch each week and it’s perfect for three lunches. 

I have the wraps on Siete tortillas with spinach and make a matcha latte to take with me for pickup.

(Half water, half almond milk, 1/2 teaspoon matcha powder, 1 scoop collagen, monk fruit) 

We have to go straight from school pickup to dance, so I grab two medjool dates to have at some point while we’re out and about, stuffed with almond butter.

6:45: Dinner! I make some shrimp curry, and rice in the Instant pot. The shrimp curry cooked on the stovetop with onion, zucchini, bell pepper, carrots, garlic, ginger and chicken broth. I stirred in some red curry paste and after it bubbled and started to simmer, I added in some defrosted shrimp. When the shrimp was cooked through, I stirred in a can of coconut milk. 

8:45: a glass of wine while watching The Bachelor. I stopped drinking alcohol for Dry January but to be honest, it didn’t last very long. I have maybe 1-2 drinks per week (usually a glass of wine at home and a margarita when we go out with the fam for Taco Tuesday) and in the end, decided I didn’t want to give it up. It makes Bachelor time even more enjoyable.

(This is so real lol)

What I liked about this day of eats:

I feel like it was a pretty solid day! Lots of fresh produce, protein, and I didn’t feel hangry throughout the day. Something I could have done better would be to drink more water. I’ve found that I’ve been slacking a bit on the water intake. 

What I didn’t like about this day of eats:

No chocolate. This is always a fail when this happens. 

Tell me, friends: what’s one of your favorite current meal staples?? What’s the best thing you ate yesterday?

xoxo

Gina

The post WIAW appeared first on The Fitnessista.

WIAW published first on https://immigrationways.tumblr.com/