Morningstar Manor

Emily invaded a large table from the coffeeshop and spread her things on the table: laptop, cell phone, calendar, coffee mug and a slice of pie. Her birthday was coming up and she had a party to plan, and at the same time she hoped to bump into any Manorite lady who would like to come along.

She wrote down the names of those who had already signed up, and started thinking of a place to go. Perhaps she should contact Gil - the Flamingo had space, it wasn't too loud for a bunch of girls to gossip and giggle together, and there was everything from food to drinks to dancing.

Emily continued brainstorming and keeping an eye out for friends for a long while in the Mocha, getting refills to her coffee mug every now and then.

Zack was beginning to feel a bit better. It had been very touch and go for a while and if Brendan hadn't been staying with him he might well have ended up in the hospital. But he'd gotten through what he hoped was the worst and now actually felt up to going down to the Mocha for a coffee and to nibble on a muffin.

He looked pale, small in his oversized hoodie and scarf. He'd lost weight and that didn't help matters and his eyes had dark shadows under them but they twinkled again now and his smile, though tired, was genuine.

He sat curled on one of the couches near the fireplace and answered an email from his iPhone while he waited for Brendan to come back with their coffee.

***

Gabe had had a grand time with the photoshoot but he was glad it was done. Lewis, bless him, was a dear and lord knew Gabe had had a fine time with a few of the models but he could only handle them all for so long was thankful he had his and Kris's apartment to themselves again.

Sitting at a table he chuckled as he replied to a text to one a friend. Oh the gossip that had come from that shoot!

***

Eris sat at a table, sipping a white chocolate mocha and looking through various brochures on various tropical places. Money wasn't a problem and she knew Daddy would keep her apartment open for her so how long to be gone wasn't an issue either.

The only question was where to go?

***

Loki was sprawled in one of the overstuffed arm chairs, legs dangling over one arm and head dangling over the other, bright red hair nearly touching the floor. His eyes were closed, headphones stuck in his ears and playing something with a low bass loud enough to be heard by passers by.

***

Max was headed to Sanctuary but he had a bit of time yet so stopped into the Mocha for a coffee and found himself an empty table to enjoy it at as he flipped through a newspaper someone else had left.

Lucas was glad to leave his mother and sister to Thomas's care as they all came back down to the lobby from their apartment on the 12th floor. Lucas zipped up his jacket and left for work while the three others headed to have the Mocha. Thomas was starting to feel rather nervous but tried his best to act cool, even though he couldn't help but keep an eye out for Jazz. She wasn't supposed to be in yet but you never knew of that rather mischievous woman.

"Lillian," Thomas called to get the girl to follow them into the coffeeshop instead of stare at the couple of security men in the lobby in a way that a 16-year-old only does when she sees fit men in tailored uniforms.

"Aren't you a little too young for that?" Thomas asked her gritting his teeth together.

"What?" the girl asked and shrugged. She walked past him to examine the muffins and cookies. "I was just looking. Besides, I have a boyfriend."

"Really?" Thomas's voice dropped to a low disbelief and he glanced at Beatrice.

"They go to school together," Beatrice said in a very approving manner. "Tom's father is a bank manager."

Even Lillian got an accetable boyfriend. Thomas was already considering taking Beatrice to the Auberge instead and was already making up excuses in his head how to explain it to Jazz, but Lillian was already placing her order to Joy, and Beatrice followed. He couldn't help but give in to his fate, and eventually carried a tray of coffee and cakes to a table readying himself to the appearance of his bonita.