Morningstar Manor

The day had been long and somewhat boring, filled with meetings and reports. He'd arrived home to find Roxy was working late, so he'd left her a note in return saying where he was - the new whiteboard and pens system seemed to work so well - and headed up to the pool. A good number of laps later he was now relaxing and enjoying the newly restored view of the sky through the roof. Clouds scudded across, driven by the wind, but inside the poolhouse it was still warm and balmy.

He looked over as people came in, went out, and waved occasionally to those he knew as the place emptied out and filled up, it was very pleasant, and when someone came over to where he was laying on the lounger, he was feeling much better than he had been, and grinned up at them, "Hi, how's it going? The water is lovely today."

Ang was settled in the pool, drifting and lapping alternately, an exercise that Alec had agreed to, and which she was making the most of having left Gavin with his father for a bath and bedtime routine they mostly had down pat. Her mind was racing though, through the essay due next week that she had almost finished, but was indefinably unhappy with. She'd missed something, something, "Conditioning!" She suddenly sat up in the water, unaware that someone else was in the pool house, "I forgot about the damn conditioning!"

----

Emma was in the Gym, the phys ed component of her year was not going well, and she was doing her best to improve that with a few miles on the treadmill, and some light weights, but, really, could she have known less about what she was doing? Just then, she was sat on a mat, supposedly stretching, but in reality, mostly in a dream about opening an exhibition in a gallery, her exhibition, a brilliant success...... strangely enough she was smiling, despite the hunched posture and oddly extended leg that she was bent over.

----

Icene had finished emptying her apartment. The last of her belongings had gone, either to Adams, or the local good will. She'd advised her parents of the apartment number change, but only her father knew what was going on. He'd confessed her mother was slipping still further, and Icene was now worrying over a black coffee, that thankfully remained such, whilst shredding a muffin into crumbs.... should she go home? Could she do anything? Would she just make it worse? And if her mother was as far gone as her father said, would she even realise who Icene was? She sat, without realising she was crying, as a single solitary tear drifted down her face, slowly freezing until a small bead of ice fell from her chin into the mess of crumbs on the plate.

----

Gregori was cheerfully stuffing mailroom boxes with small samples of chocolates, he'd left a box that first time for Ashlynn, and that had given him the idea, now he dropped half a dozen chocs, in bags, into each box in the apartment, complete with a business card, and a small copy of the 'menu'. He was humming a Christmas Carol, because there were no good halloween songs.

----

Cleo browsed the library shelves, wondering, not for the first time, why she'd picked the courses she had. All this studying was not helping her find a date, and with halloween coming up, surely a costume for the rumoured ball was far more important than an essay. She found the book she was looking for, and turned, only to drop the book as someone else was right there, "Oh madre de dios! You made me jump!"

----

Spencer had been in meetings, and was feeling tired and drained. But there were chores to be done, so tonight he was staring blankly at the washing machine as it revolved rhythmically before him, the towels tumbling in and out of the soapy water, his mind seeking only rest and respite from worry and stress. Christmas was coming, the store was gearing up, and yet, he just couldn't find any enthusiasm for any of it. It worried him.

----

Jane was quietly clearing up the daycare centre, slowly cleaning up the spilled paint, the ground in clays, and setting things to rights. Alongside her were a couple of the last remaining children, who's parents hadn't yet arrived to collect them, even though officially the daycare part of their work was over. She was happy though, because the children were helping, and it was all good, however imperfectly they did it, they really were helping! "That's it, one more brush into the pan, and yes! You've got it! Well done," she smiled at the young boy, "Now, can you get it to the bin without spilling it?"

She looked up to see another parent arriving, "Evening! We've had a lovely day, everything all right?"

Roxy had arranged to get home early today, making sure she had enough time to prepare and surprise Spencer properly. When he walked in she was showered and dressed, had dinner keeping warm in the kitchen and had a cake in the fridge for afterward.

On his plate at the table was a wrapped up book, with a small box on top of it.

Roxy had gone by and picked up their photo prints on her way home from work. She'd gotten the mail and gotten home before him. Figuring he might be stuck in a meeting, she fed Indigo then pulled out their photo album to put pictures away.

Nearing the end of her workday, Jazz was down on the sales floor, selecting a few pieces from the cases that she wanted to take with her to tomorrow's morning consultation and catching up with the staff as to how they're day had gone.

~.~

Adam was picking up the necessary ingredients for the spaghetti dinner he was hoping to make for Icene tonight. And also, on a whim as he for the headed for the checkouts, a bouquet of flowers.

Here was hoping it was one of her decent nights and not one of her work-all-night nights.

~.~

His sister's birthday coming up, Riley was wandering aimlessly. Where to start, what to look for? Really these sort of things should have gotten easier with age, but to Riley it only seemed to get harder and more confusing.

Saturday, and not working was definitely a bonus. Spencer had been run off his feet getting the end of summer sales stuff sorted, and now, about mid afternoon, was thinking pleasant thoughts about dinner, and later on, and oh yes, he had a surprise for Roxy too....

"So I was thinking," he said from the sofa, remote in one hand, beer bottle in the other, "that we should go on a trip or something, but, I don't know, anywhere you really want to go, or would really rather not?"

He was hoping that there might be something, anything, on any one of the lord alone knew how many channels they had on the TV, but so far was coming up empty on interest. "And would you have any problem getting time off work?"

Emma had put the phone down after a long chat with Ang, and yes, Alec too, even Gavin had gurgled at her, and finished her cup of tea, then fetched up both dogs, and headed for the gardens. They needed a longer walk tomorrow and she was thinking of taking them out for a long hike, but for now the gardens and a dozen or so laps, along with assorted fetch and tug of war games would have to do. So for a while she was settled on the lawns, throwing tennis balls in various directions and laughing as Faith and Lily raced each other to bring them back.

Spencer was hiding out in the Gazebo, he was fairly sure his mother was likely to call, so had left his cell upstairs, and instead bought some paperwork with him to read while he sipped on his coffee. A whole batch of papers had just slipped from his grasp though, and were now drifting about in the breeze as he tried to catch them without spilling his drink - if only he'd thought to put it down.

Icene was basking in a secluded corner that had sunshine, not working on her tan as much as trying not to burn, but then, she had plenty of sun cream, at least on the bits she could reach. An ice cold, and staying that way, bottle of white wine sat next to her, along with the one glass she'd poured and was currently sipping. She had a veritable picnic in the bag by her feet, but, so far, no-one to share it with.

Jane was not too far from her apartment windows, in a more shaded spot, wearing a large floppy brimmed hat, and a long-sleeved but very cool loose cotton kaftan type thing. She'd bought it on a whim because the pale blue fabric was covered in little white daisies with yellow centres, but she really wasn't sure even now that it was a good choice. Bare feet peeked out from under it as she struggled to keep her attention on the book she was trying to read. Any distraction from a childcare textbook would probably be more than welcome!

Gregori was just outside the Mocha doors, on the phone to his builder, and slugging down a bottle of water fresh from the Mocha's fridge. He was not in the best of moods, but the sunshine was helping, along with abject apologies and promises of cost reductions... after a few more exchanges he hung up and sighed, then rolled his head on his shoulders before leaning back against the sun warmed wall and almost, but not quite, wishing he smoked or something.

Cleo was in the tenant gardens, admiring the plants, and occasionally pulling a random weed out of a plot here or there... and if she pocketed a few leaves of bay, or a sprig of rosemary, well, nobody would notice right? She did draw the line at pinching strawberries though, leaving those well alone in the plots where they were, just, oooh, garlic chives! Those would be good. She wondered how difficult it would be to get a plot, then she could maybe grow her own herbs outside, they usually tasted better than indoor grown...

It was, as always, the soft tapping approach of his cane against the floor that gave George Hazeldene away. Her door open and able to catch the sound, Jazz's head was already up, expectant when he came into view. She greeted him as warmly as ever, but still he knocked politely with his cane and asked permission before entering her office.

"I'm sorry, I don't have any tea to offer you," she said once he was seated. "I have lukewarm coffee though?" She gestured to the cup at her elbow with a playful arch of an eyebrow.

He held up a hand, chuckling, and declined. "No matter, my dear, no matter. I'm here on business. No refreshments required."

Jazz's smile went lopsided, "I'm flattered, as always, Mr. Hazeldene, but, as I've said before, I like it here at Michaels Bros. I don't-"

She cut off as he grinned, his eyes glinting secretively as he wagged the head of his cane at her. "Ah, but you haven't heard what I have to say yet. Perhaps once we discuss it, you'll change your mind."

Jazz looked at him carefully, head tilting as she considered her response - but before she could get it out, she was interrupted by another unexpected visitor.


(OOC: Slow burn plot is slow! :) For convenience, the first part - from back in January - is here.)

Things were starting to come together for the BBQ. Emily was on board for evening out Adam's carinavore with some of her tasty vegetarian dishes, the comissary butchers had finally caved to Adam's demands, and Icene had said she'd stop back by the Lamb to finialize their agreement.

All that was really left now were the details. Those annoying little things that always seemed to trip him up at the end...but he was trying.

He was wandering the grocery section at Micheals Bros right then, a list of supplies in one hand while the other hand steered a shopping cart laden with more things than any one man (even a man of Adam's size) could possibly need.

Spencer had been home earlier, and taken Indigo out for a 'visit'. Not his usual type of visit, but one that Spencer thought was perhaps worth a look at. It had gone well, and Spencer had struck a deal, which Indi had seemed rather pleased with. What Spencer hadn't noticed was the determined chewing that Indigo had been doing to one of the straps holding his basket closed. Spencer stopped in the mail-room to check the mailbox, and set the basket down on the floor, failing to see that Indigo was now capable of squeezing out of the basket.

He opened his mailbox, and then heard a strange noise. he looked down, just in time to see Indigo vanishing into the lobby... "Indigo, get back here!" He let the mail sit in the box, a few leaflets drifting to the floor silently, and ran after the cat, "Someone, please! Catch that cat!"

Indigo of course, was more than happy to be out of that horrid basket, and ran in and out of legs, under chairs, behind plants, around and across the security desk, and generally seemed to be enjoying himself rather more than his owner was...

Spencer was tired, it felt like it had been a very long week, but he still had three things to do before he could call it quits and pull a "poets day". He was hoping to be away before the store closed for once, and with that end in mind he signed off the post and pushed the folder to one side. Next up, Jazz's return to work interview. As was customary with the consultant roles, HR relied on local managers to deal with these, so it was his job to find out how things were going and whether or not more time off would be needed, or should be offered, or even refused, depending on the circumstances. Oh, and to encourage a swift return to work of course!

He was perusing the file, showing the days off and the short days, oh yes, all recorded, and wondering just what they could possibly get away with, although there were some good sales within those days, so the department's profit/loss line hadn't suffered.... That should help, although it didn't in some other ways do much to reassure anyone in the current climate.

Mrs O'Sullivan buzzed the intercom to let him know Jazz had arrived, and Spencer asked for coffee and his favourite jewellery consultant to, "come right in."

Spencer had let her sleep the last Christmas they had spent here. He'd made her breakfast in bed too, so when she got up first, she slipped out of bed careful to not disturb him.

Indigo wound himself around her legs and she fed him, then finished up making breakfast. After she'd arranged coffee, eggs, toast and fresh fruit on a tray she took it in to their bedroom.

Spencer had picked up some flowers from the grocery dept, and nearly the whole store had signed the card (just as well it was HUGE!!!!) and chipped in a little bit for Jazz. To many of them she was just another colleague, but for some of the staff, particularly on her floor, she was almost family. So, arms laden with flowers, chocolates, and a rather good package deal for the Michaels Bros Spa (pampering would be so good on recovery), he knocked a little tentatively on her door.

For sure Roxy knew where he was, he'd told her straight out, but he was a little nervous about how Jazz might take being spoiled rotten by the people she worked with. He was expecting quite a wait, especially if she was sleeping, so after a minute or so he knocked again, a little harder, and then just waited. And hoped.

The taxi arrived very late at night, and deposited two very tired, but happy people, in front of the Manor doors, complete with several large suitcases, and a couple of bulging flight bags. Spencer grabbed the largest suitcases, and both flight bags, somehow managing to get himself into the lobby, and over to the lifts. Thank heaven for the doorman on duty, who held the doors open for Roxy, who was not her usual bouncy self as she towed the remaining two suitcases inside.

"I'll be glad to get upstairs and crash, what about you?" Spencer asked her as they waited for the elevator. "Cup of tea, shower and bed? No working tomorrow, I already called your boss earlier. Not entirely sure they believed the story about the plane breaking down and then the incident at the airport.... but, hey, we needed those few extra days huh?"

They'd spent them lounging around in a top hotel, and shopping, and just, generally being tourists in the bustle of Seville.

The tables and chairs had been rearranged, the dj was playing background music as the band settled into their chairs, and many bottles of champagne had been lined up to be opened as needed. The buffet was laid out, and many of the guests from this afternoon had been able to freshen up, and were definitely finding their second wind. Spencer and Roxy stood by the main doors to the ballroom, quietly talking between themselves, and occasionally sipping champagne, or nibbling at a plate of little dainties that Emily had given them. Spencer's parents were nearby, but the party was pretty much set up and ready to go. Not that Spencer knew much about that, he'd been far too busy since getting married, there had been a lot of kissing, and posing for photos, with all sorts of combinations of people, and then the meal and everything was just, one great big blur for him.

It was Roxy who was still with it, and realised their first guests were coming in. She chivvied Spencer back to alertness, laughing as he looked a little sheepish, and then looping her arm through his and turning him towards the doors, receiving lines were not that much fun, but it did mean a chance to say hello to everyone.

The ballroom was decorated in the colour scheme Roxy had chosen, and the gardens between it and the gazebo had been divided off from it by rope tied with ribbons in the same colour scheme, and flowers were bound into the ribbons. The gazebo itself was festooned with ribbons and flowers, so much so that the wooden structure itself was barely visible, and the scent of freesias and gardenias filled the garden. Spencer found himself fixated on one set of ribbons, desperately ignoring the jibing of his brother, busy teasing Jazz about being on the wrong side of the party, and now she had to dance with the bridesmaids. He was conscious of his father, conversing gently with his mother, and of Erika holding John's youngest and playing rock paper scissors. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, and again wondered why collars had to be so tight when you had a tie on. He turned to ask his mother if everything was all right, and stopped, stunned, because there she was, Roxy, walking down the path towards the gazebo, towards him, and she was, she was perfect. It was the only word that worked, perfect.

It was time. She'd seen Mrs. Sullivan walk ahead of them all, then Lexi just ahead of her, but Roxy was waiting like she'd been told to. It was tradition and she wasn't going to go against tradition. As the music changed and the people stood, she walked down the aisle to Spencer. Roxy wanted to run. She just wanted to be there with him and not have every eye on her. The fear of tripping came back briefly, until she looked up and saw Spencer. Her jitters subsided and she smiled brightly as everybody but the celebrant and Spencer started to fade from her mind. At the altar, she handed her bouquet to Lexi and joined hands with Spencer as directed. It seemed like a fairy tale to her, but it wasn't. They were actually here, getting married, and it wasn't a dream.

( Read more... )

Spencer had spent the night with John, and his father, while Erika and his mother had spent the night at the Empress with John's wife Nikki and the children. It didn't stop Spencer waking early, and getting up as if it were a normal day, pulling on his running shorts and shoes, a tee-shirt, and filling a water bottle before heading out for a run. He hadn't slept all that well, and to be honest he felt wired. The run would probably do him good, relax him somewhat.

He came back of course to a scene of complete chaos, with his Dad and John running about trying to ring people, see if anyone had seen him, and it was all he could do not to just laugh and laugh and laugh, but then, he did accept that maybe he could have left a note, or woken John to say where he was going, or his father.... but, enough! He left the two of them arguing over the bag of breakfast goodies he'd picked up from the Foundry Market shops on the way back and went to take a shower. From there on in, the day went steadily to plan. Until about half an hour before the wedding was supposed to start, Spencer was down in the ballroom, nervously adjusting his collar and tie, and starting to wonder if Roxy was all right, and whether she'd be on time.

These have gone out already, I've just been procrastinate with posting them :(

Jane had finished her grocery shopping, including a tub of her latest ice cream obsession, Haagen Dazs Green Tea Ice Cream. It was truly unusual, but utterly delicious! So she wasn't very happy when having stashed her grocery bags in the trunk the car wouldn't start. It turned, and turned and turned, it just, wouldn't start.

She waited a few minutes, in case she'd flooded it, then tried again. It woudn't go. So with a sigh she got out, unpacked her groceries, and headed back in towards the store. Of course pushing in through the doors she bumped into someone, and one bag split, sending her groceries across the floor. It was too much, she'd come out early hoping to be back in time to get up to the Avery apartment, and now everything was going wrong.

( What you need, is a knight, but in pinstripe suiting? )

He'd had two appointments so far today and both women had left all but glowing. But then Gabe had magic hands so it was only to be expected. He'd nipped out for some lunch, got a Mocha on his way back, and was now sitting at the front desk of the spa sipping his coffee, going over some orders that needed to be made for one of the other spas, and tapping his fingers on the desk.

The schedules were starting to pick up but walk ins were always welcome.