Morningstar Manor

Stone wasn't supposed to meet Lara for another couple of hours, but he had a surprise lined up for her, sort of. It was kind of an impromptu surprise really. So he pulled his phone out of his pocket after hiding part of the surprise in his backseat, hidden under a couple of blankets he'd brought along since Lara was so damn cold all the time. Anyway, he hopped in his car in its parking spot in the alley next to his store and dialed Lara's number. He turned the car on and the radio down as he waited for her to pick up.

After a long day of sideways glances, hastily hushed whispers and blatant pity Jazz had been deliriously happy to get home again.

She changed into something more comfortable - a soft, robin's egg blue top and a pair of pale, checkered drawstring pants - and settled on the couch with her laptop and books, intending to get her homework done and out of the way so she could really relax. Before long though the stress of the day caught up with her and she was stretching out, giving in to sleep.

It took even less time for the dreams to start: music fading in and out, gruff faceless voices shouting garbled words that shifted from English to Spanish and back again, pain every which way she turned, a furious pounding....

She started awake, papers crinkling noisily as she shifted and looked around the room. Her heart slowly slid out of her throat and back into her chest where it belonged as she realized, that yes, she was still safe and sound in her apartment and the 'furious pounding' was actually just someone knocking on her door.

"It's open!" she called out, rubbing her eyes and wiping her face.

The wind outside was chilly but it was lovely and warm in the Lamb tonight, its lights shining invitingly out onto the sidewalk, lively Irish pub music, laughter and the clinking of glasses drifting out each time the door opened.

It was a good night and Kara was smiling as she went about her duties. She helped with both the tables and the bar and if she looked up a tad hopefully each time the door opened... well who could blame her?

***

Though he was promised a night off when he wanted it Jack had decided to come in tonight. Phil was on call at the Manor, Nick was likely spending time with Seth and Jack didn't much feel like getting shit faced at a club tonight. And bartending here was a pretty easy job. He was happy to lend an ear or flirt unashamedly with the customers and was making some great tips.

***

Jason - wonder of wonders - was taking a night off himself and had a booth to himself near the back where he was sipping a pint and nibbling on a plate of cheese fries.

***

Demitri had taken over a pool table and for the moment was playing a solitary game.

***

Hugh had heard about the pub and decided to check it out and now sat in a booth going on his second pint and feeling much more relaxed. It reminded him of a pub he'd spent a good deal of time in during his youth.

Emily walked to the kitchen with the phone by her ear. She had retrieved the day's paper but on the way her phone had rang. She put the paper on the round dining table in front of Vincenzo and sat down on a chair beside him.

"Oh so you're coming to check on me?" she was talking to the phone, and after a moment she shrieked disapprovingly, "Dad! No - no he hasn't. Dad, I think I would tell you something like that." After a pause of listening she rolled her eyes at Vincenzo and muttered to the phone, "Oh come on, let's not get back into that subject again."

Hey, it's me. No Tai Chi tonight. I just don't have the time and I don't know when I will again, so don't count on me. I'll let you know.
Bye.

Containing a set of keys and a note:

Hi Ana,

D and I will be heading out EARLY tomorrow so I won't have a chance to see you before I go.
hese are the keys to the lock-up. Sian has the plans and we've started putting up some walls. If you could go round at some point and tell him where you want the power, lights and water to go I'll do that when I get back. Or if you need it done before then have a word with Nick. You know Nick, don't you? He's the industrial-packaged handyman as opposed to the little domestic jobs like me and Jack.

Looking forward to see what you make in there.

XXX Charlie

Loki ( Read more... )

Emma ( Read more... )

And finally because while he'd never spoken to the woman she was a Manor tenant and he was outraged at what had happened, these with a ( note: )

These handmade dark chocolate shells filled with strawberry and double cream mousse and topped with flecks of edible gold leaf, plus a note:

Hey Guapa,

Heard you were poorly so I thought I'd send these little melt in the mouth morsels and assure you that I haven't forgotten about my invitation.

Let me know when you feel up to a trip?

Del

Screaming match over Cleo tore through the house like mini whirlwind, slamming doors behind her at every opportunity until she reached her room and her phone. Some things you just did NOT keep from sisters, and Olly and Heidi had been well and truly yelled at, now it was Jazz's turn. But she resisted the extreme expense of a long distance transatlantic call on a cell phone, and sent a text instead.

Olly just told me, are you alright? He is one miffed guy, did you just purposely forget everything he taught you? Sheesh sis, worry me some more huh? I am transferring at Christmas, and nothing you can say will put me off!!! You need a babysitter. Cleo