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[ranchevents]

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[goodbar12]

Good + Bar is a non-alcoholic cocktail bar service specializing in providing unique and sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks for events. Our customers are looking for a stylish and healthy alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages for corporate events festivals, weddings, and private parties.

[tropes-and-tales]

Team Prime, Part One

CW:  Unrequited love; pining; heavy angst.

Word Count:  5349

Other pieces: This is part of a mini-series.

AN:  Not beta-read; barely proof-read. An angsty companion piece to @youvebeenlivingfictional's Jake Seresin piece (and upcoming Bradley Bradshaw piece).

When your sister, Hannah, gets engaged to her long-term boyfriend, she chooses you over your other sisters to be her maid of honor.

“Maid of horrors, more like,” you grumble, but you’re secretly touched by the trust she puts in you.  She and Eric have dated since high school, and they’ve been through a lot—mostly long-distance during the years as she went to college and graduate school and as he joined the Navy.  And yet here they are.  Still together.  Still in love.  Ready to make it official-official.

“Eric’s best friend from the Navy will be the best man,” Hannah tells you.  “I met him a few times.  Bob Floyd.  He’s nice.  You’ll like him.”

Bob Floyd.  Something about the name puts you in mind of a middle aged man with strong opinions about lawn maintenance and grilling meats, so when you finally meet the baby-faced Bob with his bright blue eyes and stammering flush at the engagement party, you find yourself surprised, knocked back on your heels.

-----

You were never the sort of girl who dreamt about her wedding day, but when Hannah foists much of the wedding planning onto you, you decide then and there to elope if you ever meet someone you want to marry.

The cake tasting wouldn’t be bad, but Hannah has an entire binder of ideas she gleaned from the internet. It’s difficult to enjoy the white cake with raspberry compote, for example, when you’re worried about how the pearl luster dust will hold up under the California sun.

The venue only rents out some things in-house, so you spend two entire weekends tracking down a dance floor, chairs, linens.  You pick the wrong linens (white instead of cream), and you have a minor breakdown that night, crying in the shower at the stress of planning a party that isn’t even for you.

It’s a moment of weakness.  At the engagement party, Bob gave you his number and mumbled shyly, “if you need help.  You know, with the planning or anything.”

You hadn’t thought of it originally, but you’re tired and figure, why not reach out?  He offered to help.  Worst he can say is ‘no.’

He doesn’t say no.  He says tell me what you need.

-----

What you need:  help with the menu.  Help with the seating arrangements.  Help with the joint bachelor and bachelorette party.  

For the menu, the two of you do a whirlwind tour of the local catering companies.  Two of the three companies confuse you and Bob as the bride and groom, and you laugh to see Bob’s face turn bright red, the way he stammers to correct them.

“I apologize,” one woman tells you.  “You make a really cute couple.”

Afterwards, pleasantly stuffed from peach and goat cheese crostini and tri-tip, you reach across the driver’s seat to where Bob sits to your right.  You poke him lightly on his still-flushed cheek, call him really cute…which makes his face burn even hotter.

For the seating arrangements, he spends an evening at your apartment in Monterey.  You split a pizza and a six-pack, and you pore over the massive guest list.  You list out the people who can’t sit together—old family grudges, friendly rivalries—and you get a rough chart pulled together for Hannah’s inspection.

For the joint party—by then, you and Bob work like a well-oiled machine.  You book hotel rooms in Vegas.  You book tickets to shows, reservations to restaurants.  You book dance lessons, since Hannah insists that everyone in the wedding party learn how to not stumble around the dance floor for the first dances.  You send out itineraries, details.  You collect money.  

When it’s done, you sit back on your couch and heave a sigh of relief.  Your head lolls back, and you turn to look at Bob.

“Team Prime strikes again,” he says with a soft smile, and you hold up a hand for a high five.  It’s an inside joke between the two of you, a dumb joke about how you’re the first bridesmaid and he’s the first groomsman, the best of the best, the chosen-above-all-others.  The Primes.

“Hell yeah we did,” you reply with an answering smile, and that’s when you first feel it:  the pleasant little dip in your stomach at the sight of his smile, his blue eyes.  The first little tremor of infatuation.  Of burgeoning love.

-----

Two months pass, and after the initial press of planning, things stabilize.  With Bob Floyd’s help, the wedding plans firm up, and you can breathe.

You stay in touch.  You trade daily texts, checking in on each other.  Sharing funny memes.  Talking about movies you’ve seen, books you’ve read.  Joking on the side about the main wedding party group chat.

Then the bachelor and bachelorette party in Vegas in upon you.  You text Bob about your fear of flying.

Reassure me that it’s safe, you plead via text.  Tell me I’m safer flying than driving.

You’re safer flying than driving.

You snort.  Funny, you type back.

He doesn’t text anything in reply.  Instead, he calls you.

Bob Floyd, graduate of Top Gun, walks you through the physics of flight.  His soft voice, his slight drawl that comes out when he’s comfortable….he soothes you with his matter-of-fact discussion of lift and thrust, of yaw and roll.  He tells you that planes are stringently designed to be safe, maintained for safety.  That pilots train rigorously while any dumbass can fumble their way into a driver’s license.

He talks to you for an hour.  He doesn’t quite talk you out of your fear; he doesn’t slay that dragon entirely, but he makes it smaller.  Less scary.

“We’re on the same flight out tomorrow,” he points out.  “We can try to switch seats and sit together.”

That first little dip in your stomach was nothing compared to the roiling now.  It’s such a damned cliché, yet here you are:  the maid of honor falling for the best man.  Like a stupid Hallmark movie, yet you can’t stop the wide grin from splitting your face.

The next morning, you are able to switch seats after all, and for the entire short flight to Vegas, Bob holds your clammy hand in his, twists himself in his seat so that he can talk to you, low and soft, explaining each bump and lurch of the plane, making them seem like nothing scary at all.

-----

“You’re more sure on your feet than I would have expected,” you tease, and Bob gifts you a shy smile as he turns you gracefully across the dance floor.

“I guess I’m full of surprises.”

You hum in agreement, then look around the studio at the other coupled-off bridesmaids and groomsmen. After an hour-long lesson in ballroom dancing, few people other than you and Bob have grasped the steps of the easy waltz.

Two couples have given up altogether and are standing haplessly where they stopped on the dance floor.  One couple is sorta doing their own thing, that awkward swaying shuffle that kids used to do at middle school dances.

Hannah and Eric are giving it an honest shot, but even from where you and Bob are, you can hear them bickering over who needs to lead, over which step is next.  You glance at your own partner and see him watching them too.  There’s a faint frown on his face.

“I think we’re the best dancers of the bunch,” he whispers, conspiratorial.  

“I think you’re right,” you whisper back.

He turns his gaze back to you, and his returning smile makes his blue eyes crinkle at the corners.  “Do you think if we show them up, they’ll kick us out of the wedding party?” he jokes.

“Oh, please,” you groan.  “If there’s even a chance, I say we go for it.  I’m so damned tired of earnest, late-night discussions about freesias and cake toppers.”

He laughs, and he squeezes your hand lightly as he turns you, an advanced move the instructor showed you earlier.  “It can’t be that bad.”

You settle back into his hold and look at him.  He’s been the most surprising part of the entire miserable wedding planning, this buddy of the groom that you’ve been paired with.  Not a typical military guy at all.  Bob is too sweet, too kind, too polite to be a complete dork…but even if he was, you’d still like him.  He’s an easy guy to like.  An easy guy to fall for.

“Nah,” you reply.  “It’s not that bad at all.”

-----

The first day in Vegas is dance lessons and a nice dinner.  The second day is a helicopter tour, which you politely skip, and then dinner and then dancing at a club.  You and Bob had managed to book a VIP space, and you both volunteered to stay sober to help wrangle the drunks at the end of the night.

So for the first day and much of the second, you remain ignorant.  You lean into all the feelings of your growing infatuation, but it doesn’t feel like your usual harmless crush.  You like Bob Floyd.  You really like him.  There’s not a single ounce of artifice to him—he is genuinely just himself.  Smart.  Driven, in a quiet, steady way.  Kind and funny.  Despite his outwardly nerdy appearance, he seems fairly comfortable with who he is.  He possesses a quiet confidence that you’ve never noticed in a man before.

You’ve dated in the past.  You even had a semi-serious boyfriend, dated him for three years and talked vaguely of getting engaged, getting married.  But nothing ever came of it; neither of you felt that elusive tug on the heartstrings that the other person was the one.  So you broke it off amicably, and a month later, he met his would-be wife.

You remain single, and it rarely bothers you.  You’re alone but not lonely, and you like your own company.  You have your sisters.  You have your coworkers and friends.  

But in meeting Bob Floyd, you start to see the possibilities of finding someone and building a life with them…as long as that someone is…well…Bob Floyd.

For the first day and much of the second, you lean into the burgeoning fantasy.  You play out how the wedding day will be.  The reception.  You wonder if Hannah will aim her bouquet toss at you, and if Eric will aim the garter at Bob.  You wonder if there will be a moment on the dance floor, or maybe somewhere quieter.  If Bob doesn’t make a move, you decide, you will.  

The night at the club starts out great.  The VIP area is elevated and set apart, so you can watch the dance floor but still have space to yourself.  The champagne flows, then everyone switches to liquor.  You and Bob are like hovering parents, easing glasses of water into people’s hands, checking in with them to make sure they are still coherent, cognizant.

It’s so damned easy to fall into the fantasy for these last few moments.  There’s a sort of fraternity among the sober people in the club or bar:  the clear, alert eyes that find each other.  The knowing head nod, the little shrugs as if to say, “what can you do?” as you corral and tend to your drunken charges.  

You and Bob—you catch each other’s eyes as you get a fresh pitcher of water.  You smile at each other in the dim club lights.  He rolls his eyes once, elaborate, and you laugh.

And when he wants to talk to you, he stands close, dips his head.  Puts his mouth right near your ear so he doesn’t have to shout over the bassline, and that sets a low, licking flame of desire deep in your core, his warm breath fanning over you as he gently makes fun of your sisters, the other groomsmen.  You wonder what he would do if you kissed him, if you took his hand after everyone was tucked in their beds and drew him into your room.  Maybe you could kiss him, you think, you could press even a soft kiss to his cheek and see how he reacts.  Maybe you could—

“I told Eric I don’t want any of this,” Bob says.  You turn and look at him, and he gestures broadly with his hand.  At the bridal party, half-debauched and fully drunk.  At the wider space of the dark, loud club.

“Sorry?” 

He dips his head near your ear again.  “I said, I already told Eric I don’t want a big production.”

“For what?” you ask, but you already know—your body already knows, even if your brain hasn’t quite caught up.  The flickering heat of your nascent arousal is doused, and your stomach flips like you might throw up.

“For my bachelor’s party.  I just want a beer and poker night.  Nothing wild.  My fiancée would kill me anyway, but laid-back is more my scene.”

“For your…” you start to say, and then your brain catches up.  “Oh.  Oh.”

And then sweet, unassuming Bob Floyd tells you all about her:  the high school sweetheart, the long-distance fiancée who is finishing up grad school.  The woman finally ready to set a date and make it official-official after all these years.

The woman who will be Bob Floyd’s wife someday soon.

“Congratulations,” you manage to say, and you manage to make it sound convincing, and then you manage to make it to the restroom where you clutch the edge of the sink in a white-knuckle grip.  You manage to take deep, gulping breaths as you choke down your sudden, bitter disappointment.

-----

Bob, Eric, most of the bridal party…they don’t really know you, so it’s easy to mask how you’re feeling.

Your sisters?  Hannah?  They recognize your poor acting performance from the start.

They must have conferred together, and they must have elected Hannah as their spokeswoman because on the second to last morning, she comes to your room, links her arm through yours, and says, “let’s grab breakfast, just you and me.”  Her voice has that artificial cheeriness to it, so you guess what’s up.

“I’m not hungry.”  You tug your arm from hers, turn away from her.  You walk over to the window and peek out around the curtains to see the sun about to rise, the sky a pink wash of color.

“Bullshit.  You’re always hungry.”  Hannah follows you into the room, and at the window, she wraps an arm around your waist, hugs you from behind.  A few inches taller than you, she hooks her chin on your shoulder and gazes out the window too.

“My stomach is off,” you lie.  “I think I ate a bad oyster at that buffet.”

She hums, doesn’t reply for a long moment.  The two of you watch the sun break the line of the horizon, washing the cityscape in a bright yellow light.  

“You know you can always talk to me, right?” Hannah asks.  “I know I’ve been a lot the past few months, but I’m always here for you.  Always.”

You swallow thickly against the lump in your throat.  “I know.”

“You like him, don’t you?”

You don’t bother to deny it.  You nod.

“You love him?”

You shrug, jostle her where she’s perched on your shoulder.  “I thought I did.”

Another hum, another beat of silence.  “Probably wouldn’t hurt so bad if you didn’t love him.”

“What makes you think I’m hurting?”

“You’re my little sister.  I know when you’re in pain.”

You huff out a quiet breath, a near-laugh.  “When did you get so damned wise?”

She chuckles, squeezes her arms comfortingly around your waist.  “I was born wise.”

You sigh, lean your head against hers.  “That makes one of us.”

Hannah squeezes you again, then lays a smacking kiss on your cheek before releasing you.  “C’mon,” she says.  “Seriously, let me take you out for breakfast.  Everything seems easier on a full stomach.”

“Hannah—”

She’s a few inches taller than you, and she’s much stronger.  She man-handles you away from the window, turns you around to face her.

“I’m the bride-to-be.  You can’t tell me no,” she teases, but then her expression turns serious as she studies you closer.

“You know there’s someone out there just waiting for you,” she adds, somber, and she gazes at you so earnestly that tears prickle in your eyes, and before you can stop yourself, you start to cry.

-----

It’s dumb, you decide.  A dumb crush.

You’ve known the man a handful of months.  He was helpful, and you were stressed, so maybe the help seemed outsized.  Bob Floyd is just a regular guy, you decide, and you got wrapped up in his orbit because he seemed nice and kind and helpful and funny.  Which he is all of those things, but to fall in love over it?

Dumb.  Dumb, dumb, dumb.

You make the decision over breakfast with Hannah.  Your wise older sister.  She’s right, you think:  life seems a little less unbearable when your stomach is full of eggs benedict and mimosa.

The rest of the day is sightseeing before another group dinner that evening.  It’s your last day and night in Vegas; you fly out in the morning.  You and Bob are on the same flight home, and you think—you honestly think—that you can get through it.  

It’s just a crush.  It will die off soon enough.

But over the course of the day, once the group has reconvened, Bob sticks close to you.  He’s always right there.  He’s in your line of sight, or right at your shoulder, close enough that you can hear his quiet breathing, or when he chuckles under his breath.  Close enough to smell the cleanly masculine scent of him.

You aren’t sure why he never mentioned being engaged before.  You suppose it never came up naturally, even though the two of you did the bulk of the wedding planning together.  There were a hundred opportunities, you guess, for him to say, “oh, I’ll have to keep this in mind for my own wedding” or “I should tell my fiancée about this.”

Over the course of the day, and now that the fact of his own engagement is out, Bob chats with you about it. You get the entire fucking story.  High school sweethearts who broke up briefly when they went to college in separate states.   How they reconnected over summer vacation their sophomore year.  How they’ve been together ever since.  

How Bob proposed once and was rejected.  “It was too soon,” he tells you with a rueful shake of his head, and you bite your tongue to stop yourself from pointing out that when he proposed, the two of them had been dating for years.

How Bob joined the Navy.  How he kept his budget tight to save up for a better ring.  How his fiancée—Jessica, her name is—finally said yes.  

And now, he tells you how the engagement has stretched on and on, so much so that his parents stopped teasing him and started asking when the hell he and Jessica are going to finish the thing.

“Eric and Hannah,” he says, jerking his chin in their direction.  “They were the kick in the ass we needed.  Once they got engaged, we finally set a date.”

“Yeah?”  Your voice comes out a rough croak, and you’re grateful for the huge sunglasses hiding your eyes from him.

“Next June.  A little more than a year from now.”

You force a smile.  “That sounds lovely.”

Bob nods, then grins at you.  “All this planning, it was good practice for me.  Now I know what to look for in a caterer and a linen-rental company.”

“I’m glad.”  You try to keep your voice light, conversational, but something in your tone must clue him in that something is off.  His grin fades, and he peers at you closer through his thick glasses, his blue eyes swimming behind the lenses.

“Everything okay?  You seem…off.”

You force the smile back on your face, and you swallow back the shakiness in your voice.  Of course Bob would notice that you aren’t yourself.  Any other guy wouldn’t even register your more taciturn nature over the past few days, but Bob seems to miss very little, and he’s kind enough to care, to ask after you.

“Just tired.  I never sleep well in a hotel room.”

He peers at you a moment longer, then nods, but his expression looks doubtful.  “You should head back to the room early and rest,” he advises.  

It’s a good idea.  It would get you away from him, at least.  You nod, and then you go to find Hannah, tell her you’re dipping out early and will meet back up for dinner.

-----

It’s the final dinner when you finally snap.  You reach the end of your ability to sit and smile and nod your head, and your earlier bravado melts away.

Of course Bob sits beside you.  Of course Hannah and Eric are the picture of true, enduring love.  Of course you’re feeling sorry for yourself, positively maudlin, and then Bob—between bites of steak—tells you that Jessica can make it to the wedding after all, and not to worry because Hannah was able to find space for her at the reception.

“No need to redo those seating charts,” he chuckles, and then he tells you how excited he is for you to meet Jessica, how much he’s told her about the wedding planning, how much he’s learned, how much he can’t wait to get started on his own wedding planning.

It’s too much.  Too much to take.  You nod weakly at him, push your own meal around your plate with the tines of your fork.  You keep your head bent, and you miss the looks people start to shoot at each other as they finally notice that the usually-chatty, usually-chipper maid of honor has gone sullen and silent.

It’s Hannah who gets up, makes a show of saying she needs to use the restroom.  When you lift your head to look at her, she makes a “come along” gesture, and you stand up and follow her.

In the bathroom, she cups your face and stares at you, frowns.  

“You look like shit,” she declares after a beat.  “Seriously, are you okay?”

“’m fine,” you lie.

“I know you’re not.  Why don’t we get out of here, huh?  Get some air?”

You shake your head.  “It’s the last night here.  Please don’t…don’t let me ruin it.”

She laughs, then smushes your cheeks together.  “You couldn’t ruin it if you tried.  C’mon…you did all the shit-work for me, planning this wedding.  The least I can do is get you out of here.”

You shake your head again, more emphatic.  “No.  Why don’t I just go?  You can make up an excuse that I’m not feeling well.”  You bite your lip, swallow hard against the lump in your throat.  “I just can’t be around him anymore right now.  I just need space to get my head right.”

“Oof, you got it bad,” she says with a sympathetic cluck of her tongue, but then she nods.  “Why don’t I go grab your purse, and then I’ll make something up.”

You offer her a shaky smile.  “Thank you.”

She nods again, then kisses your forehead, more motherly than sisterly.  Hannah always had a maternal streak to her as the eldest sister, always was the first to tend to you and your sisters’ scraped knees and bruised hearts.  She’ll be the family’s matriarch someday, you realize:  the person who will hold you all together, who will gather you up for holidays and celebrations and moments of grief long after your parents are gone.

“A little distance from Bob Floyd will cure what ails you,” she jokes, and you have to agree.  Tomorrow you’re supposed to fly out with Bob, and the thought of his hand in yours, his reassuring voice right by your ear…you can’t do it.  You’ll snap and say something you won’t be able to take back.

That evening, in the hotel room, you call the airline and cancel your ticket.  You book a rental car instead.

-----

You don’t see Bob Floyd again.  The two of you are supposed to meet in the lobby the next morning to share a ride to the airport, but you wake up earlier and leave alone, bound for the rental car part of the airport.

Decided to drive back, you text Bob.  Enjoy your flight and thanks for all your help!

He doesn’t text you back.  He calls.

“Is everything okay?” he asks, and for the first time since you’ve met him, his voice is deeper, edged in real concern.  “You’re driving back to California?  It’s eight hours or more.”

“I just wanted to clear my head.”  It’s not a lie, and the reason falls easily from your lips.

“But you’ve not been sleeping well, and you were sick last night,” he points out.  “Should you even be driving?  Flying is safer anyway, and it’s only a two hour flight—”

You cut him off gently.  You tell him that you’ve already cancelled your ticket, that an eight-hour drive is nothing.  That you want a little alone time to think.  That a road trip through the desert with the music blasting is sometimes just the cure for what ails.

“I promise I’m okay to drive.”  You’re touched by his concern, and you realize that your bravado was false, that it isn’t just a dumb crush.  Bob Floyd is a genuinely good man.  Of course you fell for him.

And if it isn’t just a dumb crush, then the only way to handle it is to endure it.  There’s no cure but time.

“Well, let me know when you make it home,” he finally concedes.  “Team Prime looks out for its own.”

You smile in spite of your crushing self-pity.  “Team Prime.  I’ll text you when I’m back.”

You end the call, and you situate yourself in your rental car.  Challenging situations always make you want to flee, but you were right too:  a road trip is a good time to think, to turn over your muddle thoughts and sort them out.  To clear the head, ease the heart.  

You pull out into the Nevada sunshine and turn towards home:  the sun rising at your back in the east, and maybe the possibility of finding love, as Hannah said, to the west.

*****

Bob frowns when you cut that call, and for the entire plane ride home (the seat beside him still empty; there were no standbys), he mulls it over.

You had been so gregarious, so funny and sweet in the months since he’s met you.  Despite the overwhelming pressure of the wedding planning, you were level-headed.  Managed to joke about it all.  When he stepped in to help, you thanked him profusely, called him a life-saver, called him your hero.  

It was easy to let it get to his head, a little.  People rarely noticed Lieutenant Robert Floyd, and it made him feel good to be seen by such a sweetly cheerful woman.

Something happened in Vegas, and he couldn’t put his finger on it.  It’s like a switch was thrown.  The chipper demeanor disappeared, but it wasn’t like you were sullen or angry.  You seemed pained, almost, on the verge of tears a few times that he noticed.  You tried to pretend you were okay, and that made it sadder, more perplexing.  Whatever you were going through, you were trying to power through it, hide it.

He tried to draw you out by talking about his own impending wedding, talking about Jessica…but after a while, something about that line of conversation made his stomach dip and twist unpleasantly.  

He had been looking forward to the flight home.  That got to his head too, the way you clung to his hand the entire flight to Vegas, the way you needed him to get through it.  The shaky exhale you gave when the plane finally touched down.  The shaky, embarrassed laugh, then the half-hug in your seats, the two of you twisted towards each other, as you wrapped your arm around his shoulders and thanked him profusely.

He likes being needed, he finds.  Not in an extreme way, or an unhealthy codependent way.  He just likes being needed by someone once in a while, for little things like that—sketching out a seating chart, being a bulwark against a fear of flying.  Jessica never seems to need him, and it—

Bob pushes the thought out of his head.  He won’t compare the two of you.  He won’t.

The entire flight home, he mulls you over.  The drive back to base too.  He calls Jessica to hear her voice and he gives her the abridged version of the Vegas trip.  He runs errands:  restocks his refrigerator, does laundry, presses his uniform shirts and pants.  He goes for a jog, then hits the gym on base, lifts until his arms burn.

He goes home and showers, and then he settles in front of the TV.  He dozes off and wakes in the middle of the night with a start, his heart hammering in his chest and the taste of pennies in his mouth.

He has no idea what’s wrong until he checks his phone, notes the time…and notes that you haven’t called or texted.

Bob scrubs his face with his hands.  He makes his way to the bathroom, splashes himself with water.  He studies his own reflection, and even with his glasses off, he can see the worry writ all over his expression.

Maybe she got tired and pulled off for the night, he thinks.  Or maybe she just forgot to let me know she’s home.

That’s what he imagines when he moves to his bed and tries to fall back asleep—he imagines you home in your own apartment, the cozy little space that is so perfectly you.  He imagines you returning the rental car, showering off the road dust, then turning in for a long, well-earned sleep.

When he finally drifts off, his dreams are unsettling, and he wakes early, coated in a thin sheen of sweat despite the AC running at top capacity.

“Something’s wrong,” he mutters aloud to the empty bedroom.  He can feel it in his gut.  Something is off, and just as he makes up his mind to call you, to check in on you, even if it’s rude and even if he wakes you up, his phone lights up with an incoming call.

From Eric.

Eric, his best friend, his oldest friend.  Eric, who rarely calls and who prefers to text.  Eric, who only calls—especially at four-thirty in the morning—when there’s bad news.  

Eric, the most unflappable man that Bob has ever known, openly, obviously trying to hide the tears in his voice.  In the background, Bob can hear a woman crying—Hannah—as Eric relays the news:  the only other member of Team Prime, the best of the best like him, was struck in a head-on collision by a speeding driver.  

That you were life-flighted to the nearest trauma center, but that the prospects for your survival are so bleak that the attending surgeon told your father over the phone to not entertain much hope.  That the doctor asked if you had a religion, if there was perhaps a priest or pastor or rabbi…someone who might come and offer final blessing, last rites, whatever.

“We’re trying to get everyone here,” Eric says.  “Dude, what do I…I mean, what can I even do?  If a doctor says…fuck, Bob, I don’t know what to do—”

Bob says the only thing he can think of, an echo of what he texted to you all those months ago.

“Tell me what you need,” he says, and he keeps his voice level despite the emotion—shock, sorrow, burgeoning guilt—coursing through him like electricity.  “Tell me what you need and I’ll do it.”

[d-criss-news]

Ruben V. Nepales: Farewell and thanks for the delicious Filipino food and best of all, for the scintillating conversations, Lem Balagot!

Lemuel “Lem” Lorenzana Balagot

May 3, 1951 - October 17, 2024

We lost a Filipino cuisine pioneer in America and owner of the long-running and everyone's favorite, L A Rose Cafe.

So many memories.

When Darren Criss and his mom organized an intimate breakfast gathering the morning after the 2019 Golden Globes, where else did the mother-son have it but at Darren's favorite LA Pinoy restaurant?

Serendipitously, Darren won the Globe for "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story" the night before (becoming the first Filipino American to win a Golden Globe) so it was an extra special celebration over Lem's yummy Pinoy breakfast fare.

When the Globes held a press conference with Paris Hilton, we heard that she loved Filipino food in her Manila visits. So we thought of Lem to cater the event. Paris loved the food so much that she asked to have photos with Lem and his staff.

Janet Susan Rodriguez Nepales and I are also glad that our girls got to know Lem this year. Nikki Bianca Nicole and Ella Rafaella Angelica met Lem when he catered our housewarming in the Valley but they were too young to remember him.

In more recent times, Nikki and Ella got to know Lem as they dined at LA Rose Cafe. Lem sat down with our family when we had lunch at LA Rose before we headed to a wedding mass in summer this year.

Some of Lem's endearing qualities were his affability, wit, humor and intelligence. Our conversations with him were as satisfying as his lunch and dinner staples. We brought Hollywood friends and colleagues to his Fountain Ave. cafe.

Last time we ate at LA Rose, we brought a visiting friend Evita Wise to dinner with our family. Janet and I just told the staff to give our love and hugs to him since he was upstairs, resting from a treatment. The day after, he called to say thanks and ask how the food and service was.

About three weeks before Lem passed away, we had a long phone conversation about many topics, from the recent earthquakes to his health condition. From out of the blue, he spontaneously said some very kind words to Janet and me which we will always treasure.

Paalam, Lem. We will miss you. We will always remember you. Hugs and sincerest sympathies to Lem's partner, Rai, and Lem's family.

LA Rose Cafe will remain open -- if you have not been there, try it one of these days. And to all of Lem's regular patrons and friends, let's keep LA Rose Cafe jumping in loving memory of and in tribute to the wonderful human being Len was.

******

From the family:

An open casket viewing will be held on November 6 from 10 am to 8 pm, followed by a closed casket visitation on November 7 from 10 am to 8 pm at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 9 at 9:00 am at the Church of the Recessional, also at Forest Lawn Glendale with a reception at LA Rose to follow at 12 pm. The family requests that flowers be delivered to Forest Lawn Glendale, located at 1712 S. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, California 91205.

[typicalopposite]

Clipboard proposal (turned clipboard wedding I guess) part 3.3

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3.1 | Part 3.2 | AO3

(Getting sappy on both sides of the alter with this one)

If they thought Clipboard!Buck was bad… Clipboard!Buckette is ten times worse! She is efficient and no nonsense and will absolutely not take no for an answer. Something goes wrong, never fear big sister is here… At least that’s what Chimney and Hen teasingly say each time she swoops in to come up with a solution to every problem they run into.

When they realize the only way to get everyone there is to have it at a beach in California, she shrugs and makes the necessary changes. “Yeah well fireflies don’t exactly live here, Maddie…” Chimney says when he sees she still has that incorporated in the set up.

“Then I guess I’ll have to bring in the 118 with strobe lights strapped to their butts,” she deadpans. When Chimney doesn’t respond she pulls out the postcard and taps her pen to it. “Magical dream wedding, Chim.”

He supposes he can’t blame her too much. Each time Buck’s face lights up when a little bit more of it comes together., all the micromanaging, seems worth it. And if that includes strapping a strobe light to his butts and running circles around the grooms when the day comes… it’s a small price, right?

Slowly but surely Maddie gets it together. The spot is reserved on a private beautiful beach, the catering is scheduled, photographers booked, chairs and tables and decorations ready to be set up. She sits with a Buck and goes through the checklist. “Wow, Mads…” he says softly. “It’s perfect— it’s really going to be perfect!”

“You think?” She asks, going through everything once more. “Everything is just like you wanted, right?”

Buck takes her hand and smiles. “Everything is better,” he says. “There’s just… one more thing.” Maddie takes out her pen ready to write down his request. Buck laughs, “All I I need for this is a yes or no.” He swallows; he knows he shouldn’t be — he know she will probably be honored by what he’s going to ask — but he is nervous to ask anyway. “All my life the biggest constant in my life… has been you. Even when I was mad at you, and thought you had abandoned me… you were still rooting for me.”

Maddie laughs, she has to or she’s going to cry. “That’s what big sisters are for…”

Buck squeezes her hand and shakes his head. “Yeah but you have always been more than just my big sister. You’ve been a friend, and- and you’ve been a parent…” he clears his throat before he starts crying. “Anyway… I know we had decided to just skip the walk, but Tommy actually told me he wants it— wants me to walk down to him.”

And that is enough to have Maddie clutching at her chest, her bottom lip poking out and she is desperately trying to hold it together. “That is so sweet oh my god.”

Buck feels a blush creeping up. “I know, he’s a big sap,” he laughs. “So… I already talked to mom and dad about this, and they are completely on board—” he takes a deep breath and clutches Maddie’s hand. “—with you walking me down the aisle.”

***

Chimney’s involvement in the wedding is a lot less hectic. He wasn’t lying when he said he was taking on the bachelor party.

He doesn’t bring it up much because he knows it’s still a sore spot for Buck. But he has plans and it is going to be epic.

And said plans include giving Buckaroo the themed party he had so desperately wanted to throw Chimney. He has already talked to everyone invited, they all agreed to participate this time. (“Hey I participated last time!” Eddie had argued)

And if Chimney plans to be just a little petty with it by making the theme classic movies, so everyone can talk in famous quotes Buck won’t understand… just for the fun of it… that’s between Chimney and Buck’s clipboard.

“So who are you going as?” Chimney asks Tommy; it has been a while since the two got to go out, just the two of them, for beers. “And don’t say some guy in a Henley!”

Tommy nearly spits out his beer; “He told you about that.”

“More like he pouted for weeks about that, yes.”

“Well, I didn’t realize how serious he was about it… not until I got there anyway.” Tommy sighs and takes another sip of his beer; they sit quietly for a while. “He really gives everything his all.”

“That why you let him make all the wedding decisions?”

Tommy shrugs. “As long as I get to marry him in the end that’s all I care about.”

“Maddie says you haven’t chosen anyone for your side of the wedding party. Not even a best man.”

Another shrug. “Don’t really have anyone to ask that’s not already involved in the wedding. I— uh— I was going to ask— well, you actually, but—”

“What?! But nothing! Heck yeah I’d do it!” Chimney says face lighting up.

“Really?”

“I was getting a little upset you hadn’t asked to be honest,” Chimney laughs. “What more does a guy have to do beyond save your life. I’d be honored, man.”

Tommy looks a little misty eyed, he isn’t exactly sure what to say so he settles for; “Thanks Howie.”

Chimney smiles. “So how about the terminator?”

“I actually do a pretty good terminator.” Tommy laughs, and takes another sip of his beer.

(Ok there! Part three is done! And *whew* I didn’t mean for it to be so long! But next I guess is the Wedding. Maybe I can keep it short and sweet and figure it out before they are canonically married!)

[saltygilmores]

Thoughts While Watching Gilmore Girls- Season 2, Episode 22 (Last Episode of the Season). "I Can't Get Started" Part 1

This episode may just be the ultimate game of memory roulette, because I remember nothing. Zero. Nada. Zilch. Zippo. except these two things:

I am told this episode involves a Lorelai-Crusty hookup and I have no recollection of that whatsoever. The mind has a way of bleaching itself sometimes. Can't wait to be retraumatized! The episode begins with Sookie playing wedding music choices for her coworkers and everyone falls asleep listening to the depressing songs she picked. Leave my girl Sookie and her emo music alone. She lives in Stars Hollow, of course she can relate to songs about pain, depression and misery.

Emily the Strange, seen on Rory's cast.

My conflicting emotions as I think about how Season 3 brings Jess to the forefront (that's good) but he rarely knows a moment's peace (that's bad) and in the blink of an eye we lose him to the California Wormhole (that's bad) but it also temporarily sidelines Dean (that's good) but it brings Crusty back (that's bad) but there's the debut of Dave Rygalski (that's good) but in the blink of an eye we also lose Dave Rygalski to the California Wormhole (that's bad) then we meet Alex who is cool and also hot (that's good) but then he disappears forever (wormhole?) and Max briefly returns from the California Wormhole (meh?) When Michel complains about the drudgery of wedding preparations, Lorelai reminds him she's in Sookie's wedding party so he has to oversee the entire wedding by himself, which is something he's never done before. Excuse me? Why don't you hire some more staff Lorelai, you fucking cheapskate. (We also learn later on that Sookie's catering her own wedding. WHAT? I know Sookie is a perfectionist when it comes to food but that's fucking bonkers). Rory offers to brainstorm with Lane to come up with wedding songs for Sookie and she agrees to let them do it because letting teenagers pick the music for the most important day of your life is a smart idea. This is where I realized I have no idea what kind of music Rory is actually into except that she has expressed she doesn't like the pop music/boybands of the day, which is fine. I just hope Rory wasn't one of those super annoying kids in school who were always coming up to me saying things like "You know, the Backstreet Boys don't play their own instruments." I was well aware. Anyway, Lane was definitely one of those types, as we see it happen on the show frequently, but as for Rory, that one is maybe up for debate.

Sookie asks Lorelai if she wants to invite Emily and Richard to the wedding. Uhh, may I ask why? Just 5 episodes ago, Emily was meddling in the wedding planning and blew up Sookie's budget and Lorelai had to intervene so she wouldn't go bankrupt. That's about the extent of any significant interaction between the Gilmore Grands and Sookie. After that mess, why would Sookie want her there? Sookie's all "Ah, that ol "almost bankrupted me" thing. She was so thoughtful to help me with the planning! Even though it was nothing more than a passive aggressive scheme to stick it to you for never getting married. She made me realize I love the color pink!" And then she giggles away the deep seated pain that anyone so relentlessly cheerful and forgiving has to be holding deep inside. Something historic just happened: I watched the Intro, instead of skipping it, which is something I haven't done in years. Let it be known I have nothing against the intro nor the song, and they're very nice and heartwarming, but I'm just not an intro girl. But I've been pretty down in the dumps and the theme song is like a warm cup of cocoa. It might behoove me to watch the opening credits once in a while so I know when to expect Dean, Crusty and other creatures from the deep.

More fine work from the Gilmore Girls fake food designer. Looks delish. She's still wearing that fucking quarter on a string, god damn. Rory is pestering Butthead to trade his pancakes for her fruit and egg platter.

You know, sometimes I start writing a joke, then realize it was funny, but it didn't make any sense and I have to scrap it, which makes me sad. Sometimes I don't even notice it after I've already posted and have to do a quick deletion (it just happened with LGD, in fact). Today, you're in for a treat because I'm going to give you one of my bloopers. Rory is incessantly asking Dean for his opinion on the pancakes. I decided she had poisoned them and she was monitoring his reactions, like when his breathing would start to become labored, or if he started to foam at the mouth, or if he would say something like that "huh, these pancakes taste kinda metallic." and then he would keel over. But then I remember they are at Luke's and she didn't cook the pancakes. But she could have sprinkled some rat poison on top of it when he had his back turned. I'm 100% convinced Lindsay had tried unsuccessfully to poison his meatloaf.

Oh no, they traded breakfasts. Eat AROUND the poison sprinkles, Rory. Rory and Buttzilla are observing someone who is repeatedly walking back and forth in front of the diner without coming in. *Sniffs the air* I smell unhealthy boundaries. It must be Lorelai.

I actually forgot that Luke and Lorelai were still "fighting". In fact, I just realized there was no Luke whatsoever in the previous episode. Okay, okay! I plum forgot about Luke completely! Anyway, can we please resolve this nonsense before season 3? How is Lorelai hooking up with Crusty going to end this stalemate?

Ya'll, she really blurted out "Dean don't leave me", not "Don't leave me, guys" or "Rory don't leave me." I CAN’T! I'm dying! Poor Rory, shows where she really ranks on the list of her mother's priorities. Anyways, sucks to suck Lorelai, good luck with solving this fucking mess completely of your own making.

lolbye

That's a wild under-exaggeration for how you acted after that car crash. Just wild.

There is no quicker way to get Lorelai’s goat than to act Pleasant Neutral towards her and not entertain her quirkiness! it is aggravating her to no end that Luke isn’t entertaining her stupid doughnut jokes! Hahahahaha! He isn’t groveling at her feet over her half baked fake bullshit apologies either. Sucks to suck Lore! Luke being so indifferent to Lorelai's bullshit is glorious, no one has ever deserved it more.

Meanwhile, Paris is running for student council president. Her campaign promises include mandatory recycling, clearly gendered bathrooms and gluten free options in the cafeteria (hey, as long as Rory can still order her favorite Chilton lunch, The Prison Special, two slices of white bread with nothing in the middle). After Madeline and Louise poll 150 students in the span of about 1 minute, the results are in: While the People think she would make a competent politican, nobody actually likes her. So she strong arms a very reluctant Rory into becoming her running mate. Paris feels Rory's nice girl image will soften her own. She puts the fear of God into Rory that she will end up going to Connecticut State instead of Harvard if she doesn't take this opportunity to pad her college resume with school politics. I mean, she's not wrong. Rory is still pitifully lacking in extra cirricular activities. Until they showed Rory writing in the audience, I had completely forgotten she was already on the school newspaper because it hasn't been mentioned in ages. And now I just remembered that horrid school newspaper storyline in s3 is approaching. The one with the redheaded mean girl, Francie. Ugh! S3 is going to be such a rollercoaster. Wait, isn't Connecticut State where Dean was considering going to school? Heheh.

Out of context Gilmore Girls.

Hmmm.

You know who else AmyShermanPalladino said this about?

AmyShermanPalladino wrote Paris to adore Rory as much she adores Milo, I'm just saying. Rory is getting her cast off.

Emily Strange again...

SECURITY!!!! No, but what kind of medical office is this where anyone can just barge in to a child’s appointment and be like "it's okay I'm the Dad" and the Dr is like “sure I believe you have a seat”. Not like Crusty is ever around that the doctor would recognize him. He drove down all the way from Boston to watch Rory have her cast cut off but can't be present for anything important? Alright. Anything to get into Lore’s pants I guess.

Yeah. Love is in the air at their child’s medical appointment.

Their nauseating attraction clouded their minds enough that they both resisted the urge to get in one last jab about Jess being the cause of Rory's injury. Miraculous.

Hur hur hur! You're so funny! Drink drain cleaner.

Honestly? They deserve each other. R: “If I become vice president, I'll have to spend my summer at some junior leadership program in Washington."

Oh, you would HATE That.

[copperbadge]

Hi Sam, could you share the timeline for the Shivadverse please? Because the epilogues tend to be little time jump and the books overlap, and Twelve Points confused me a bit in regards to when it takes place, ngl. Like, Eddie went for the coronation, stayed, he and Greg dated for a year(?) and get engaged. Are still engaged when Jess and Noah arrive. Are married during Euro Vision, but engaged (?) when the song is written at the start. And Tiger happens somewhere too, but Alanna and Jerry haven't gotten married yet...

I would love the proper chain of events! How much time has it been since Eddie's arrival and the end of Twelve Points?

Oh sure! I have it all written out (more or less) so find below the cut.

You do kind of have to squint a little in places; they're cramming a lot into a short amount of time and I was deliberately vague with real dates because it makes it easier to sort of slide stuff in, and with the first three books I was shuffling events around a bit. Spring 2022 saw a lot of action and fall 2023 is looking to be the same. :D

To short-answer your question, between the start of Fete For A King (February-ish 2021, don't look too hard at that) and the end of Twelve Points (May 2022) it's been about fifteen months. If we count to the true end of Twelve Points in the epilogue (November-ish 2022) it's been a year and nine months. By the time we hit the end of the planned-out novels (Spring 2024) it will have been three years.

SPRING 2021

Events of Fete For A King (except epilogue): Eddie arrives to cater the coronation; Gregory and Eddie begin a relationship. Michaelis retires and Gregory is crowned king.

Pre-LATT: Jerry is diagnosed with ADHD.

SUMMER 2021

Pre-LATT: Jerry begins medication for ADHD at the start of Infinite Jes.

Events of Infinite Jes (except epilogue): Jes and Noah arrive. Jes and Michaelis begin a relationship in late summer.

FALL 2021

Prologue of Twelve Points: Noah begins school at the Maritime Academy as a Junior. Caleb sees him and Michaelis interacting and composes Young Prince.

Events of the short story Love Like A Freight Train: Gregory and Eddie get frisky in the bedroom.

SPRING 2022:

Events of the short story A Pizza For Purim in March: Eddie makes pizza for Jes and Michaelis.

Epilogues of Fete for a King and Infinite Jes, plus short story Theophile and The Kings: Gregory and Eddie become engaged at Gregory's coronation anniversary ball (April-ish, possibly a bit earlier). Michaelis gives them 18 months before he starts pestering them about grandchildren.

Events of The Lady And The Tiger: Alanna and Jerry travel to Galia; they begin dating and become engaged. Ofelia Ansevali is installed as Duchess.

LATE SPRING/EARLY SUMMER 2022:

Beginning of The Twelve Points Of Caleb Canto: Caleb wins the National Final and meets the royal family; Buck comes to Fons-Askaz to write his next album.

Events of the short story The New Duke: Eddie is made a duke. Michaelis reminds Gregory that they have 16 months left before he starts pestering them about grandchildren.

Events of the short story Gold Digger: Jes fights with their parents about dating Michaelis (prior to attending Eurovision in Turin).

SUMMER 2022:

Ending of The Twelve Points of Caleb Canto: In May, Caleb and Buck compete against each other at Eurovision National Finals.

Noah officially/legally becomes a prince.

PROSPECTIVE: Beginning of The Royals And The Ramblers; Eddie, Gregory, Michaelis, Jes, and Noah visit the Rambler family in California, escorted by Georgie. Monday Rambler is asked to be the royal Surrogate. Monday becomes pregnant circa July.

FALL 2022:

Epilogue of The Twelve Points of Caleb Canto: Buck returns from touring to spend the winter in Fons-Askaz. Noah becomes first mate of the Dychev.

PROSPECTIVE: Royals/Ramblers: Georgie begins a relationship with Monday Rambler. Eddie and Gregory meet and adopt Ioanna. Eddie and Gregory have a huge state wedding.

Events of Cryptofauna Of The Shivadh North: Eddie and Gregory go on vacation and hunt a Svichwurm.

Now, all of that has been written and all but the start of Royals/Ramblers has been published or at least posted. The rest of 2023 is planned out as well so:

SPRING 2023:

PROSPECTIVE: Ending of The Royals And The Ramblers (around late April). The novel spans almost a year, since it begins prior to Monday's pregnancy and ends shortly after she gives birth.

SUMMER 2023:

PROSPECTIVE: The Chicken Salad Wars: Simon LeFevre begins publishing a recipe blog and is recruited into helping plan the Reclamation Day festival. Spans roughly April-August.

PROSPECTIVE: Noah will graduate from the Maritime Academy in June 2023. In theory, if I write his gap year novel, it would begin somewhere around summer 2023. I may not write this one in chronological order (IE, I may write other books set later first, then come back to this one).

FALL 2023:

PROSPECTIVE: Beginning of the yet-untitled Football Novel; Felix Giddings begins building Shivadh RFC and recruiting players for the team's first 11. Spans the midseason gap and will likely end in spring 2024.

PROSPECTIVE: Events of the yet-untitled Roman Ruin Novel; crews hired by Jerry to clear and cultivate portions of the Shivadlakia estate uncover a Roman floor. Unclear how long this novel will span but likely a relatively short period of time.

There are also several stories in the pipeline that have indeterminate dates assigned, but presumably they are further out.

[standingonmyjuicebox]

It all started with a Cab.

No, not a taxi. That's the wrong kind of cab. I'm talking about Cabernet Sauvignon. A Bordeaux grape that made it's way to America and is found to grow beautifully in California. Cab Sauv is the baby of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc (both Bordeaux grapes). It's a big, bold, rich, fruity grape that offers high alcohol, high tannin and a full body. It pairs well with steak and also works as a cocktail wine. It's a great way to get into wine for beginners, and for more experience wine nerds it's a great varietal to collect and age. But I'm a little deep in the weeds. Let me slow it down...

Here's the quick story. I have been bartending since the day I turned 21. I had wanted to be a bartender since I was a kid and watched "Cocktail"...who didn't want to be Tom Cruise in that movie? Spinning bottles and making the girls smile and making a ton of money in the process. Who didn't want to move down to the islands and open a place called "Cocktails and Dreams"?

I worked at every bar I could. Dive bars, theater bars, restaurant bars, wine bars. I worked private events and catering events. Never did weddings. The opportunity just never arose. I also worked in a ton of restaurants and a server and a cook. I was a professional actor, which meant I was also a service industry professional. But it wouldn't become my career until around the year 2020. Some big cataclysmic event happened that sent my destiny in another direction. WINE!

But I think we need to start from the beginning.... Wine wasn't a big deal in my family. My aunt would drink Kendal Jackson, Turning Leaf, Franzia. And when I stole some I hated it. At the college parties when Boone's Farm and 2 Buck Chuck went around I understood it was swill and was only going to lead me to a severe hangover or upchucking and ruining the vibes.

When I started bartending, I was in this little dive bar in South Bend. My boss was an older woman who owned the place and I would pour her this awful white wine from a 1 liter bottle. That's all I really thought wine was. Just bitter grape juice with high ABV that I poured for people who had pour taste.

But there just had to be more to it! They wouldn't make movies like "Sideways" if wine wasn't a bigger deal. I had to keep exploring. I would go to the stores and try to find wine that I liked, but it felt like I reading another language. I mean...I was...but even the english words in wine culture seemed foreign and scary. I found a sweeter red wine that I managed to drink a couple bottles of, until I chugged one at a house party and turned the toilet bright purple. That was the end of that. I stuck with mixed drinks and beer for years after.

But then I moved to California and met a girl who would later become my wife. She grew up in a much different way than I did. She grew up in a well to do family, in California with a father who loved the wine world. My wife introduced me to wine by taking me to Temecula and Santa Barbara. I would go visit her parents with her and her dad would bring out bottles of California Cabs that were easy to drink. He wasn't looking to pair the bottle with food, it was a cocktail wine...and that's exactly what I was looking for.

I learned that I just needed to keep exploring the wine world. I still had no idea that I was going to dedicate my life to becoming a Somm. That wouldn't happen for another twelve to thirteen years. At this time I was just enjoying the fact that I was in California chasing my dreams and enjoying what I considered a sophisticated adult beverage. I was growing up and I was very proud to be around people who had more sophisticated pallets than I had.

As a budding sommelier, I don't drink as much California Cab as I used to. Southern Australia, Chile, Bordeaux, Washington state also offer some absolutely stunning expressions of Cab Sauv. But I still get together with my father-in-law and we pop open our favorite Paso Robles Cabs and share in the sense of nostalgia and comfort that these wines offer. He was truly the person who sent me on the path to love wine. He would deny this if you asked him, but it's true.

We went to Paso Robles and Santa Barbara multiple times. Each time I'd learn a little more. I'd watch some documentary, take James Suckling's Masterclass, read an issue of Wine Enthusiast. I was trying to understand this world. It would be a decade before I really got my sea legs and felt like I understood what the wine world was all about. (More on that later.)

I remember going to restaurants watching Bob pour over the wine book. I remember thinking, "Thank God he's doing this. I don't know what any of that means!" He was always trying to learn more about wine as well. The beauty of being a "professional wine guy" is that I am able to take us further down the rabbit hole than we thought we could go. The further down we go, the more fun it is. Having someone on the journey with you makes it all the more fun. My wife and mother-in-law enjoy the finer wines that come from it, though they seem to not be as excited about learning about malolactic fermentation and botrytis.

So, in closing, one question remains unanswered. What was the bottle that made me fall in love? What was that California Cab? It wasn't just one bottle. It was Soul Of A Lion from Dauo. I remember being up on Daou mountain, a light breeze blowing and the sun shining. A glass of the most beautiful Cabernet I had ever tasting resting in my hand standing with my future wife and father-in-law looking over the vines. "This feels like heaven."

Daniel Daou, founder of Daou, aimed to make the best Cabernet Sauvignon possible. He knew that he needed to find a place with the Calcareous Clay soils like Bordeaux. He found them in Paso Robles, CA where he became one of the first wine makers to bring and Cabernet Sauvignon clones. The result speaks for itself. If you ever get a chance to get a bottle, I recommend it. The feeling of that first sip is something I continue to chase. That chase used to be a hobby, but now it's my profession.

[stealth-liberal]

My son's bar mitzvah is tomorrow, my daughter's bat mitzvah was last year.

Everything is nice and meaningful. We're doing the same thing we did for my daughter. After the service, there's a luncheon in the courtyard of the synagogue. It's not catered. Instead, family and friends are bringing homemade dishes that my son loves that they make. Both of my kids had certain dishes that they associate with loved ones, and that's the food both of them wanted.

There's a HUGE tree in this courtyard that my kids have always loved, my daughter decorated it last year, my son will decorate it this year. It's not a mini wedding, I think that sort of b'nai mitzvah excess is vulgar personally. Everything has been chosen for it's meaning to Micah.

Ya wanna know what wasn't planned? THE CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE THAT WILL HIT OUR PART OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SATURDAY AFTERNOON!

Ya wanna know when the last time a hurricane hit this part of Southern Cali? 1963!!! We. Don't. Get. Hurricanes.

I grew up in Rhode Island, we got hurricanes there. We do not get them here.

Hurricane Hillary may or may not hit during the bar mitzvah. Hurricanes are temperamental. We are frantically planning on moving the luncheon to the lobby of the synagogue, which is NOT set up for this sort of thing.

I'm gonna have a fucking heart attack....

[laresearchette]

Friday, October 13, 2023 Canadian TV Listings (Times Eastern)

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES?: LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY (Apple TV+) THE PUPPETMAN (Shudder/AMC+) RAID THE CAGE (Global) 9:00pm CURIOUS CATERER: FATAL VOWS (W Network) 9:00pm CREEPSHOW (AMC 10:00pm/Shudder/AMC+) SHINING VALE (Starz Canada) 10:00pm

WHAT IS NOT PREMIERING IN CANADA TONIGHT? JOHN CARPENTER’S SUBURBAN SCREAMS (Premiering on October 18 on Showcase at 10:00pm) NEXT AT THE KENNEDY CENTER (PBS Feed) READY TO LOVE: MAKE A MOVE (TBD - OWN Canada)

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

AMAZON PRIME CANADA THE BURIAL DARK HARVEST EVERYBODY LOVES DIAMONDS JIGEN DAISUKE

CBC GEM CHUCK AND THE FIRST PEOPLE’S KITCHEN COME TRUE HOW TO FAIL AS A POPSTAR

CRAVE TV BRIA MACK GETS A LIFE (Season 1, Episodes 1-3) CABBIE THE CABLE GUY THE DROP FINDING A FAMILY FREDDY VS. JASON THE HATEFUL EIGHT PREDATOR (1987) THE PREDATOR (2018) PREDATORS (2010) SHINING VALE (Season 2, Episode 1) SPOILER ALERT STAYING INN: HOTEL JULIE (Season 1) STELLAR THE THING

DISNEY + STAR GHOST OF THE MOUNTAINS GOOSEBUMPS (five-episode series premiere) THE SOUND OF THE POLICE

NETFLIX CANADA THE CONFERENCE IJOGBON SPY KIDS SPY KIDS 2: THE ISLAND OF LOST DREAMS SPY KIDS 3: GAME OVER SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD

CFL FOOTBALL (TSN/TSN4/TSN5) 7:00pm: Lions vs. Ti-Cats (TSN/TSN3) 10:00pm: Roughriders vs. Stamps

MONSTER HIGH 2 (YTV) 7:00pm: As they enter sophomore year at Monster High, Clawdeen Wolf, Draculaura and Frankie Stein face new students, new powers, and an even bigger threat that could not only tear their friendship apart but could change the world forever.

NHL HOCKEY (SN) 7:30pm: Penguins vs. Capitals

NBA BASKETBALL (TSN2) 7:30pm: Heat vs. Spurs (TSN2) 10:00pm: Warriors vs. Lakers

BE MY VALENTINE (Super Channel Heart & Home) 7:30pm: A widowed firefighter (William Baldwin) asks a florist (Natalie Brown) to be his date for a Valentine's Day ball.

MARKETPLACE (CBC) 8:00pm

THE MULE (CTV2) 8:00pm: Broke and facing foreclosure on his business, a 90-year-old horticulturist takes a job as a drug courier for a Mexican cartel. His immediate success leads to easy money and a larger shipment that soon draws the attention of a hard-charging DEA agent.

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF JERSEY (Slice) 8:00pm: A Grave Concern

THE VERY VERY BEST OF THE 80s (AXS Canada) 8:00pm (SEASON PREMIERE): We're ranking EPIC MOVIES OF 1987. From tear-jerking to side-splitting, find out what made our list as Jodie Sweetin, Tia Carrere, Morgan Fairchild, and more give us their opinions!

PLANET WONDER (CBC) 8:30pm: Johanna dives into how climate change is messing with the motion of the ocean.

FRIDAY NIGHT THUNDER (APTN) 8:30pm: Joshua Hill, alongside friends and family, orchestrates a massive lacrosse stick giveaway to help kids in the community and remind us of the importance of giving back.

BIG NEWS (CBC) 9:00pm: Unpacking the media's role in polarization and its effects on democracy.

TRANSPLANT (CTV) 9:00pm: When a sinkhole traps a man beneath the city street, Bash dives in.

THE DROP (Crave) 9:00pm: A married couple face a marriage test when one of them drops a baby during an island wedding.

DEATH OF THE PARTY (Super Channel Fuse) 9:00pm (SERIES PREMIERE): After a night of partying, a young California woman disappears; the police and her parents scour the area around her abandoned car, but there is no trace of Denise; three long years pass without a single clue to the mystery.

W5 (CTV) 10:00pm: Who Killed Sonia?: A 50-year-old cold case murder is blown open by new scientific evidence.

CRIME BEAT (Global) 10:00pm (SEASON PREMIERE): A sexual predator on the loose in the 1970s and 1980s; two little girls are attacked by the "Southwest Calgary Rapist" while riding their bikes one hot sunny day; homicide investigators were on the trail for a killer.

MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT (Slice) 10:00pm (SEASON PREMIERE): In Denver, 10 singles take the plunge to marry strangers, sight unseen in two weeks; among them, an inexperienced bride questions her decision, while a groom's girthy secret shocks everyone; the countdown to the weddings is on.

MYSTERIES OF THE ABANDONED: HIDDEN AMERICA (Cottage Life) 10:00pm: A curiously designed, windowless building adorned with gold tinted diamond shapes now stands derelict in Tulsa; experts investigate and uncover a controversial religious figure and the headquarters behind a pioneering form of American TV evangelism.

STELLAR (Crave) 10:35pm: A man and a woman meet in a bar as catastrophe looms outside.

[that-one-anxious-mango]

Hi!! LOVE LOVE LOVE this series!

I was wondering how reader met all of her friend from the only you chapter?

Hello Beautiful! Thank you so much. I appreciate the love ❤️

So without further ado here is how reader met her found family and a bit of info on them as well…

Texas Native but Detroit raised, Alex Kross and Y/N met through Phoebe actually.

Alex is a broadcast producer over at a division of the Freeform network in town!

And with Phoebe being a Hospitality Manager who caters to the requests of all her high clientele, they met on the set a pilot filming while Alex overseen parts of production and Phoebe was there catering to the needs of a ridiculous client ( that included finding a jar of exactly 362 day old pickle juice for the star's sandwich to be dipped in.)

They hit off in passing and connected over their Michigan roots.

She was invited to the annual girls night You, Phoebe, Beatrice, Alana had. Immediately she fit right in and the rest is history.

Alex is the unfiltered one of the group. Do not ask her opinion or advice on something because she will give you the uncut version. She will always act as a mirror to yourself.

Fun Fact: Alex is the second youngest of eight.

Alana Montgomery is a PR agent and heavy advocate for the sleep when you're dead lifestyle.

Born in the thriving hills of Bank-Head Atlanta, Alana comes from wealth but it was made very clear by her parents that they would not support the lifestyle she had grown up in and become accustom to after the age of eighteen since they wanted her to know what it was like to work for a fortune as they had.

With her knowing she couldn't live her lifestyle any other way, Alana through a finessed full ride reluctantly found herself attending Arizona State University. She was a Public Relations Major with a Fashion Merchandising Minor.

Upon her sophomore year of uni Alana was in the midst of a difficult English class and begrudgingly dragged her self to the on-campus writing center for help. There she would meet you, who at the time was a Communication Major with a English minor.

Although she was hard and cold at first during sessions, after more time spent together the two of you became friends and you soon introduced her to Phoebe who while skeptical at first, eventually welcomed her with open arms. Rest is history.

While most times Alana gives advice and encourages her friends in instances that may rub others the wrong way, she truly does love them and her intentions are pure..most times. Nonetheless though she’ll teach anyone how to treat themselves and never shys aways from a good time!

Fun Fact: Alana's god mother is Janet Jackson.

Beatrice Cortina hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico and is a Wedding Planner turned SAHM.

She met reader years ago when Beatrice was actually the wedding planner for Reader's older sister, Grace, during the time Beatrice and her husband lived in Texas where Grace currently resides.

They became fast friends after they spent a-lot of time together since reader was maid of honor.

After the wedding was over they exchanged info and remained good friends. And once Beatrice's husband advocated for the family of four to move to California for work, Beatrice immediately looked you up to reconnect.

Once you found each other, Beatrice was quickly introduced into the group as " Mother Bea" since she was the only mom friend and the rest is history.

Beatrice is the soft one of the group. If you need a softer kind of comfort or love, or just overall sunshine to cheer you up…she's your girl. She hates confrontation and will not raise her voice unless absolutely necessary because she is a love machine!

Fun Fact: Beatrice started a influencer page on TikTok about her life as a SAHM mom while caring for her children including her youngest son who has cerebral palsy. She has over 800k followers.

Beatrice’s nickname for you is mi muffin de durazano, which translates to my peach muffin.

You and Phoebe, who is a Hospitality Manager, met long ago on the playground of Milton Buck Elementary in the third grade after she was the new girl in class that you accidentally hit in the face with a kickball during recess.

From there in the nurse's office (as you’d been polite and escorted her to apologizing for your goliath strength a thousand times) over a pile of shared stale peppermints, a friendship bloomed.

You've seen each through middle school, highschool, and parts of college, and life. You lived apart after college for about three years when she decided to move to LA for work. Soon after you'd get a job offer at a publishing house in LA and when you moved, the two of you reunited and formed your found family.

Rest is History.

Phoebe has always been your rock, and you hers!

Fun Fact: Phoebe is a very talented artist and was once featured in local papers as a kid for her art.

——

So that’s the summary on Reader and her friends. The background on these ladies will be important for future stories…including You + Me = Us.

If you want let me know what you think of the found family!

Much love *hugs* 💚

[ranchevents]

Best Wedding Menus San Diego Event

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[purple-grizzly]

What a privilege it was to capture such a special wedding. Congratulations Kevin and Molly! - Venue and Catering: @holbrookehotel Photographer: @bryangallagherphoto Instant Film Photographer: @mariah.kay.bee • • • #bryangallagherphoto #grassvalleywedding #grassvalleyweddingphotographer #weddingphotographer #weddingphotos #weddingphotography #holbrookehotel #holbrookewedding #nevadacity #nevadacitywedding #nevadacityweddingphotographer #auburnweddingphotographer #california #theknot #northerncaliforniaweddingphotographer #weddinginspo #greenweddingsuit #weddingring #weddingdress #brideandgroom #downtowngrassvalley #grassvalleyphotographer #theholbrookehotel #bryangallagherphotography #weddinginsp #weddingflowers #weddingcake #weddinginspiration (at Holbrooke Hotel) https://www.instagram.com/p/CrL4kOQJ32C/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[quiet-mindretreat]

Unwind in Romance: Explore San Diego's Best Romantic Resorts and Getaways - Quiet Mind Retreat

San Diego, known for its stunning coastline and vibrant culture, is a perfect destination for couples seeking a romantic escape. Whether you’re planning a wedding proposal, a meditation retreat, or simply want to unwind with your partner, San Diego offers a range of romantic resorts and getaways that cater to your every desire. Discover the ideal spots that combine luxury, relaxation, and breathtaking views, creating unforgettable memories.

San Diego Romantic Resorts

When it comes to San Diego romantic resorts, you are spoilt for choice. From oceanfront hotels to serene mountain retreats, each venue provides an intimate atmosphere ideal for couples. These resorts often feature private balconies, cozy fire pits, and spa services, ensuring you can spend quality time together in style.

Top Picks:

The Lodge at Torrey Pines: Nestled near the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this resort features luxurious accommodations and a world-class spa. It’s an ideal place for couples looking to enjoy nature’s beauty while indulging in pampering treatments.

Hotel del Coronado: A historic beachfront hotel with a Victorian charm, it offers breathtaking views and romantic dining options, perfect for a sunset dinner.

Best Romantic Getaways in Southern California

For couples seeking the best romantic getaways in Southern California, San Diego stands out with its mild climate, picturesque scenery, and numerous attractions. Whether you want to stroll hand-in-hand along the beach or enjoy a cozy evening by the fire, this city has everything you need to make your getaway special.

Activities to Enjoy:

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: Take a scenic walk or have a picnic while watching the sun dip below the horizon, creating a magical atmosphere.

Balboa Park: Explore the beautiful gardens and museums, or enjoy a couple's massage at one of the nearby wellness spas.

Wellness Hotels with Mountain View California

San Diego is not just about the beach; it also boasts wellness hotels with stunning mountain views. These resorts offer the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation, making them an ideal choice for couples looking to unwind.

Highlighted Hotels:

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe: This luxurious retreat is set amidst the rolling hills of San Diego’s North County, offering exquisite accommodations and a full-service spa.

Carmel Mountain Ranch: Nestled in the hills, it provides a serene environment for couples to reconnect, complete with wellness amenities.

San Diego Wedding Proposal

If you're planning a San Diego wedding proposal, the city offers numerous romantic settings to pop the question. From sunset beach picnics to intimate dinners at upscale restaurants, you can create a memorable experience for your partner.

Proposal Ideas:

Sunset Cliffs: Choose this picturesque spot for a breathtaking proposal during golden hour.

Private Yacht Cruise: Rent a yacht for an unforgettable sunset proposal on the water.

Meditation Retreat San Diego

For couples seeking tranquility, a meditation retreat in San Diego can provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. These retreats offer guided meditation, yoga, and wellness workshops, allowing couples to deepen their connection and find inner peace together.

Recommended Retreats:

Spirit Rock Meditation Center: Known for its serene environment and experienced instructors, it provides various programs focused on mindfulness and meditation.

The Art of Living Retreat Center: Offering a range of workshops and retreats that promote mental well-being and relaxation.

Silent Retreat San Diego

Experience profound connection and relaxation at a silent retreat in San Diego. These retreats allow couples to disconnect from the outside world and focus on their relationship and personal growth.

Benefits of Silent Retreats:

Enhance communication and understanding without distractions.

Engage in mindfulness practices together, fostering deeper emotional connections.

San Diego Wedding Proposal Packages

Many San Diego resorts offer wedding proposal packages that can help you plan the perfect surprise for your partner. These packages often include romantic dinners, spa treatments, and special touches to make your proposal unforgettable.

Example Package Features:

Candlelit dinner for two at a fine dining restaurant.

In-room champagne and flower arrangements to set the mood.

Romantic Couples Getaway San Diego

Escape to romantic couples getaway spots in San Diego where you can relax and reconnect. Enjoy local attractions, pamper yourselves at luxury spas, or explore the vibrant culinary scene.

Local Attractions:

La Jolla Cove: Perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, or simply enjoying a day at the beach.

Gaslamp Quarter: Explore unique shops, dining, and nightlife in this historic district.

Conclusion

San Diego is a treasure trove of romantic experiences waiting to be discovered. From luxurious resorts with mountain views to intimate meditation retreats, you and your partner can find the perfect setting to unwind and strengthen your bond. Whether it’s a wedding proposal, a wellness escape, or a simple romantic getaway, San Diego offers everything you need for an unforgettable experience. Make your next romantic trip memorable with the serene charm and breathtaking beauty of this Southern California paradise.

[jamesvince9898]

Luxury and Convenience: Experience NorCal Limousine Services LLC

Introduction: NorCal Limousine Services LLC is committed to providing an elevated experience in luxury travel across Northern California. Whether you need a sophisticated Black Car Service, dependable Airport Transportation, an elegant Wedding Limo, a memorable Wine Tour, or a festive Christmas Light Tour, our limousine services are designed to exceed expectations. We prioritize professionalism, punctuality, and a commitment to the highest standards of service, making every ride an opportunity for relaxation and style.

With years of experience, our fleet and dedicated team are prepared to meet your transportation needs, offering tailored solutions and first-class amenities. From individuals to groups, we offer flexible options that ensure your experience is as comfortable as it is memorable. Discover the ease and sophistication of traveling with NorCal Limousine Services LLC.

Body:

Black Car Services: A Touch of Class for Every Journey

Our Black Car Services redefine executive travel with seamless transportation options for professionals and individuals seeking discreet and efficient travel. Our black car fleet combines modern amenities with refined luxury, catering to clients who require a blend of comfort and privacy. Each of our vehicles is meticulously maintained, ensuring that you experience superior quality and cleanliness from pick-up to drop-off. With NorCal Limousine Services, you can count on a polished, stress-free journey that respects your time and enhances your productivity.

Our experienced drivers know Northern California inside and out, ensuring timely arrival at your destination while maintaining the utmost professionalism. Our Black Car Service is not only ideal for corporate clients but also suits those who prefer a higher level of sophistication in transportation for personal trips, events, or leisure.

Airport Transportation: Stress-Free Transfers to and From the Airport

Navigating airport travel can be challenging, but NorCal Limousine Services LLC transforms it into a seamless experience. Our Airport Transportation service is designed to provide you with peace of mind, handling all aspects of your transfer with punctuality and reliability. From the moment you book, our team coordinates every detail, ensuring timely pick-up, luggage assistance, and efficient routes to avoid delays.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, our fleet offers spacious options for all luggage requirements and party sizes. With professional drivers who track flight schedules in real-time, NorCal Limousine Services LLC offers a worry-free ride to and from the airport. Begin and end your journey with the ease and reliability that only dedicated professionals can offer.

Wedding Limo: Make Your Special Day Even More Memorable

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and our Wedding Limo services are designed to enhance this once-in-a-lifetime experience. NorCal Limousine Services LLC provides a luxurious fleet of limousines tailored to meet the needs of the bridal party, family members, and honored guests. Each vehicle is equipped with elegant interiors, providing the perfect setting to celebrate the day’s magical moments.

Our team collaborates with wedding planners and couples to ensure every detail is covered, from scheduling pick-up times to selecting customized amenities inside the vehicle. Whether it’s a classic limousine for the bride and groom or additional transportation for guests, we help make your wedding day as seamless and memorable as possible. Let us be part of your special day with reliable service that brings elegance and joy to every mile.

Wine Tour: Discover Northern California’s Renowned Wine Country

Northern California’s wine country offers an exceptional experience of world-class vineyards, scenic beauty, and unforgettable wine-tasting journeys. Our Wine Tour services provide a luxurious and relaxed way to explore the region’s finest wineries without the stress of driving. Sit back, relax, and allow our knowledgeable chauffeurs to guide you through some of the best vineyards, customized according to your preferences.

With NorCal Limousine Services LLC, your wine tour becomes a personalized adventure. We’ll handle all aspects of the journey, from pick-up to drop-off, allowing you to enjoy tasting sessions and the picturesque landscapes that California wine country is famous for. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a first-time visitor, our Wine Tour services offer the perfect blend of luxury and leisure.

Christmas Light Tour: Celebrate the Season in Style

The holiday season is a magical time, and NorCal Limousine Services LLC helps you celebrate it in style with our Christmas Light Tour. Experience the best Christmas light displays in Northern California from the comfort and warmth of a luxury limousine, making it a perfect outing for families, friends, or corporate gatherings. Enjoy holiday music, festive snacks, and the cozy ambiance of our vehicles as you take in the breathtaking lights and decorations.

Our Christmas Light Tour is carefully curated to include the most popular holiday spots, providing a joyful and festive experience. We cater to your preferences, ensuring that you get the best views and a memorable evening filled with holiday spirit. Let us make your holiday season even brighter with a Christmas Light Tour that captures the magic and wonder of the festivities.

Safety and Professionalism: Our Top Priority

At NorCal Limousine Services LLC, safety and professionalism are at the core of everything we do. Our chauffeurs are highly trained, fully licensed, and dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable ride. Each vehicle in our fleet undergoes regular maintenance and safety checks to meet the highest standards in the industry. We prioritize your security and peace of mind, ensuring that every journey with us is reliable and worry-free.

Our commitment to professionalism extends to every aspect of our service, from the initial booking to the final drop-off. Our customer service team is available to address any questions or special requests, making it easy to customize your experience and ensure that it perfectly matches your needs.

Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

NorCal Limousine Services LLC is also dedicated to promoting eco-friendly practices in the transportation industry. Our fleet includes fuel-efficient vehicles that minimize environmental impact without sacrificing comfort or performance. By investing in sustainable practices, we’re working towards a greener future while offering clients luxurious and responsible transportation options.

[amarithcafe]

Catering in Orange County: A Guide to Memorable Events

When planning an event in Orange County, one of the most important elements is undoubtedly the catering. From intimate gatherings to grand corporate functions, quality catering can turn any occasion into a memorable experience. In a region as vibrant and diverse as Orange County, finding the right caterer is key to achieving the atmosphere and flavor profile that fits the occasion. Whether it’s a wedding, a family reunion, or a work event, catering services in Orange County offer exceptional options for all tastes and budgets.

One of the standout features of catering in Orange County is its access to fresh, local ingredients. Southern California is known for its produce and thriving culinary scene, which allows caterers to create seasonal menus packed with fresh flavors. For example, many Orange County caterers specialize in diverse cuisines, offering a range of options from California-style seafood to international dishes that reflect the area’s cultural richness. For clients seeking something unique, catering services here can often customize menus to accommodate dietary preferences, such as gluten-free, vegan, or keto options, ensuring every guest has a satisfying experience.

Corporate Catering in Orange County

Corporate Catering Orange County is another thriving service, designed to meet the high standards of business clients who need reliability, professionalism, and quality. When planning corporate events like board meetings, team-building events, or annual galas, the food served plays an important role in leaving a positive impression on clients and team members alike. The best caterers know this and go above and beyond by offering a wide range of options, including continental breakfasts, lunch buffets, formal dinners, and even snack stations for mid-meeting breaks. These catering services ensure that every detail aligns with the event’s objective, helping create a productive and pleasant atmosphere for all attendees.

At the forefront of these options, Amarith Cafe has established itself as a trusted name in both personal and Corporate Catering Orange County. Known for its commitment to quality and exceptional service, Amarith Cafe specializes in crafting menus that capture the spirit of Orange County’s diverse culinary landscape. Whether you’re planning a cozy gathering or a large corporate affair, Amarith Cafe’s dedicated team works closely with clients to create a memorable event experience tailored to their vision. With Amarith Cafe, you’re not just getting food—you’re getting an experience that resonates with flavor, quality, and professionalism.