The weatherman was so, so wrong about today. It was only supposed to be overcast, not the brutal downpour that's raging outside right now. Lightning flashes, thunder rumbles. With a storm like this, there's always the threat of losing power. And some of the workers are glancing up at the sometimes flickering lights with that knowledge.
Mina, however? She seems to be loving it. Her red hair is still wet from her walk here, and her eyes flash with every lightning strike. The succuflower is wearing a pair of skinny jeans, paired with a closely fitting t-shirt of grey, 'Be The Trouble You Want To Se In The World' written across the chest. She's working behind the counter, serving up coffee and smiles in equal measure, with a breezy ease.
Angelica runs into the bakery in a flash of red and green. That red being her hoodie that is almost soaked through and the green her leggings. Once within she removes her hoodie to reveal her rainbow hair and unzips it. Underneath is a baby blue 80's style t-shirt that looks like it hands off one of her shoulders. Her lilac sneakers soaked and she says "Well... at least the plants are getting fed," to all present. Her steps leading her to the counter and leaning against it as she breathes in through her nose. A content sigh escaping her lips as she says "I love how it smells in here."
Rain does not bother someone like Aaron. It almost seems to fit his quiet and peculiar demeanor. But that's a horror writer for you. He comes in after fanning his umbrella, which (fittingly) bears a custom handle of a stainless steel skull on the end. His pacing is slow, taking the time to look at the place and all it details. His sightseeing takes him over to the cafe area, or maybe the lure of caffeine. "Might I get a cup of black tea, please," he asks the barista with polite and formal tone.
That long, red hair is bound back loosely, to keep it and the foxglove within from spilling over into anything that Mina might serve. "Doesn't it smell fantastic? The bakers really out do themselves," she muses towards Angelica, flashing one of those bright smiles. It's Aaron that catches her attention, before he comes on over. "Of course. Anything else?" The tea is loose leaf, as it should be, and she measures it out into a baggie, to steep in the hot water.
Angelica smiles to Mina as she says "It does. Have any pumpkin bread? Also chai tea if you have it with milk and sugar." A warm smile is offered to Aaron, her eyes studying over the lost features before she looks back to Mina and asks "How are you by the way?"
Aaron points to Angelica who must have said the magic word, "Do you have any pumpkin bread? I'll take a slice of that as well." He takes a moment to look over to Angelica, who is looking at him. Another polite nod is given, before looking to Mina. He's about to take his tea from her but pauses. Taking a bit longer than normal to look over the redhead. "Have we met someplace before?" His eyes look down, and dart left to right, as though going through a mental file cabinet, looking back up to her, "Boston, maybe?"
"You people, always so eager for fall flavours," Mina says with an exasperated sigh that has too much good humor in it to be serious. She lets one of the other workers handle the chai, which makes its way to Angelica, while she handles looking through the bakery case to see what's left there. And does come up with two slices, one on each plate. "I'm still basking in the glory of strawberries, myself." The question from Aaron has her looking him over more thoughtfully, narrowing eyes slightly. "...Maybe? That's where I'm from, at least." Reaching for her own cup of coffee - poisoned with cream and too much sugar, she offers, "Mina Grey. And thank you, Angelica, I'm well. You?"
Angelica laughs at Mina as she says "Hey pumpkin is super tasty." Her hands then take the chai and she holds it close to herself, letting the drink warm up her cold hands. She add on "I love strawberries too. But I would rather eat them not baked into something and just by themselves." Her gaze looks to Aaron when he brings up possibly knowing Mina and looks back to her as she says "Ok? I am stuck on a project for school so I thought I would come by and take a break. Maybe see if C.B. was about to bounce ideas off of. It is a project for art history class and they want us to make something of our own but from the impressionist era and I am stuck on what to do for it considering colors are a huge factor for it."
"I'm more of a fan of autumn flavors than spring or summer ones. Cinnamon baked apples, pumpkin and vanilla," Aaron adds. "And like was already said, is also super tasty." He takes the offered slice of bread. "But I'm also a fan of lemon and lavender as well." Once introductions of names are given, Aaron returns the polite gesture. "Aaron Fletcher." When Mina says her name, there is a flicker of familiarity that goes through his eyes. "Mina Grey? The dancer? I recall seeing your performance in La Sylphide. I'm sure you get this a great deal, but it was one of the best that I'd seen..." he pauses a moment then adds, "given I've not seen a whole lot of ballet performances, but still, one of the better ones." Between the two women, he adds, "Pleasure to meet you both." He sets his bread down to get milk and honey for his tea.
"I can let him know that you were asking after him," Mina offers to Angelica. "I'm not sure if he's going to be in tonight, but I'm sure that I'll see him at some point, before the evening is over." Leaning against her side of the counter slightly, she takes a sip of her coffee and eyes Aaron with continued thoughtfulness. "I know your name, but not your face. Well. I do now, I suppose," she says with a little chuckle, before dipping her head. Rose coloring her cheeks, just a little. "Yes, that Mina Grey. I did enjoy dancing that role. I'm planning on doing a performance here, in the near future, as my return to the stage. Something a little less...traditional." Her lips quirk, into a wide smile.
Angelica smiles to Aaron as she says "I adore vanilla things and apples myself as well. I am Angelica or Angie Lefevre. Nice to meet you Aaron Fletcher." Then she falls silent as Mina's dancing is brought up and just quietly sips on her tea. A nod given at Mina's words for passing the message along to C.B. for her. She comments to Aaron after a moment "I like your books. I have them in my collection." Her attention then looks to Mina as she asks "Oh? I am curious about your dance now."
Aaron offers a light smile to both of you, "If you're a reader of horror, thrillers, and suspense, then I would be that Aaron Fletcher," he says to Mina. To Angelica, he offers a humble, "It's good to hear that you enjoyed the tales I've told. I recently met with someone looking to write. He had one setback and seemed to have given up the endeavor altogether. I've tried to encourage another writer to do so--but we'll see how that goes." At the mention of performance, he nods. "Enough about me. Please, tell us more about this performance."
"I've been dancing the steps others have given to me for my whole career," Mina says, as she sips her coffee. "And I feel it time for a change. This place," a lift of her chin, as if to encompass the Collective as a whole, "Has helped me break free of my cocoon, if you will. I still have much love for the classics, of course. Elegant things that they are. But this place demands something more raw of me." Her eyes flash, bright, impassioned. "You should nudge them here, Mister Fletcher. Ceebee set up a lovely writer's garrett here that they could have temporary use of, perhaps."
Angelica curiously asks Aaron "Oh? Now I am curious as to whom. I am a painter myself but my preferred works tend to... well take a specific kind of person to enjoy though I suppose." Her attention then returns to mina as she talks about the dancing, sipping on her tea all the more. She then asks "A Writer's Garrett?"
Aaron offers a light chuckle, "I believe it would take more than a nudge to get him here, Miss Grey." A pause is given to enjoy his cup of tea. When asked by Angelica, "He's the proprietor of Homepage Books. Kip; or the Casanova of Tamarack Falls, as I like to refer to him in a bit of good clean fun."
"It's a room in a place like this, where a writer might stay. Lock themselves away, and let inspiration run over them, and their next work flow," Mina explains to Angelica. "It's a nice little spot." Her blue gaze swings to Aaron then, and her lips quirk - not quite humorous. "Ah, yes, Kip. We're acquainted. He has his own garret, of a sort."
Angelica looks surprised and says "Oh... I kinda know Kip. I still have books I need to pick up from him there. Didn't know he was a writer too though. And Casanova?" She asks curiously to the later and then looks down into her tea, gently swishing the liquid about. She shifts until she is leaning against the counter as well. A menagerie of feelings flooding from her before she stuffs them all away once more. A nod is given as she says "Ah I have one of those for my painting back at my house. I just call it my studio. Most of my work is there that I haven't painted for commissions or hasn't been bought from me already."
Aaron nods. "He has indicated the same, Angelica. He admits that he is not a Casanova. I only mentioned it to him because of how much...fame he'd accrue from the resident Rita Skeeter. But in any case, he's written some stuff. I encouraged him to write more. We'll see how things go. Maybe a stay in a garret would help." he takes another sip of tea and notes between the both of you, "I hope I was not speaking impolitely about a friend of yours. Kip, I mean."
"He is passingly decent, though his haiku are awful," Mina murmurs, on the subject of Kip. "I've read a few of his drafts." She refreshes cups as needed, including her own pale coffee. "Yes, Kip is certainly the darling of the local tabloids." Not that she's innocent, there. Her name has appeared next to his, more than once. "Oh, no need to worry at all, Mister Fletcher. Kip is a friend, but you've got him pretty much pegged."
Angelica blushes as she looks to Aaron as she says "I didn't... I meant... nevermind. But I'll have to stop by and pester him about those books I wanted to get for my collection. My bookcase looks empty to me. And I don't think it impolite. I just haven't heard someone referred to a Casanova in a while is all." Her gaze then looks to Mina as she refills her tea and says "Oh? I don't read much of the tabloids to be honest but perhaps I should. This way I can find out what it is you are referring to."
Aaron nods. "So when's the debut, Miss Grey? Are tickets for sale?"
"I am sure that Kip could always use more pestering," Mina says with a hint of a smile. "I try not to read the tabloids, but they tend to be waved about in some manner, either laughingly or an 'explain this?!' sort of way," she muses. "As for the debut? To be determined. August, likely. And while we won't sell tickets, there will certainly be a charity of some stripe that we'll be collecting donations for."
Angelica nods softly and comments "I guess? I haven't been back to his store since the other day." She pauses and adds on "I would like to come to it. Maybe donate some of my art to be auctioned to help raise funds?" The offer at the end, she seems a bit unsure about.
Aaron nods. "Charity is always good," he notes. "Are there particulars that you have in mind?"
There's a flash of of smile from Mina, towards Angelica. "That's a great idea. And there's a revolving gallery here, too. I'm sure if you just wanted to display your art some time, we could get that arranged, too. Help you get a few more eyes on your work." She turns those blue eyes towards Aaron, tilting her head. "Causes, or performance? Causes? Food Not Bombs, maybe EFF. Performance, well. A lady has to have some secrets."
The weatherman was wrong, on today's forecast. Not just overcast, but a raging storm that brings thunderclaps and flashes of lightning that make the lights in the old Victorian-turned-cafe flicker a little, from time to time. Mina? She's loving it. The succuflower is wearing a pair of skinny jeans, paired with a closely fitting t-shirt of grey, 'Be The Trouble You Want To See In The World' written across the chest.
Angelica shrugs and says to Mina "I guess? Not sure if they would like my typical work though... I mean more commissioned would be good and all but I need to be realistic. And I still need to better myself. And besides Brick, no one has ever like... really asked to look at it besides Gina. And she hasn't come by yet so... I dunno." She pauses before she shily offers "Or I could be brave and perform... I play the piano and sing too. Just a bit more shy about that is all." And back to her tea she looks.
Well, now, you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. Said some guy or another with crazy hair. Out of the rain comes the very wet figure of C.B., his Red Sox cap soaked, the bomber jacket he's wearing over his current witty t-shirt -- also soaked. Construction boots, soaked. Old school messenger bag, mostly soaked...he's a sopping mess. He mutters to himself as he shakes out his hat and his boots near the entrance. The others are not ignored, but perhaps he is slightly distracted for a moment while he deals with his wet self.
Aaron nods. "Well, I look forward to more information down the pipeline when things get closer to event and charity time." He looks to see CB come in from the weatherman's -20 to predict today's forecast. "Lovely weather we're having, yes?" He takes another sip of tea and eats some of his pumpkin bread slice.
A lift of shoulder from Mina, as she offers to Angelica, "No one is going to know your work, unless its out there. Same with performing, though I know that Ceebee is planning an open mic night in the near future, as well." She's behind the counter, and doesn't look like she's set anything on fire that shouldn't have been. "I'll make sure you hear about it, Mister Fletcher, should you give me a way to." Her eyes move to C.B., and there's a bit of warmth in them, but she lets him deal with the whole 'soaking wet' bit for a moment. Patient!
Angelica sighs softly and says "I know Mina. I have stuff out there one my Etsy and such. And minor personal advertising I did here and there. And maybe on the open mic night? It all depends on when and stuff. I have to worry about my studies first if I want to keep my GPA up and keep my scholarship." She looks to Aaron as she asks "Are you working on a new book?" Then she looks to C.B. and says "Hey. I was wondering if I could bounce ideas off of you in a bit for a painting I am having to do for class. Cause like... color scheme and whatnot is important for it and I can't settle on one thought for it."
C.B. is like a cat when he gets wet -- speaking of cats, there isn't one here today. And there usually is! But he's at home, where he could be dry. Unlike C.B. Having dealt with himself as best he can, he stalks towards the others, raising his hand. "Angie, good to see you. Glad you finally stopped by. Uh, hi." That's said to Aaron, who he hasn't seen before. Aaron gets a skeptical look, because that's what C.B. does when he first meets people. "Yeah, how about those New England summers," he finally deadpans to him, and then gives Mina a smile and a brief kiss before heading towards the back. "Be right back -- I really need some fucking towels. Jesus." He is dribbling water all over the place!
Aaron introduces himself to C.B. "Hello there. Aaron. Aaron Fletcher," he says politely. He addresses Angelica's question about current projects, "I'm always working on something new. For the time being I've stepped away from a writing project to finish a few...," he pauses looking for the right (code) wording, "art projects of my own." Then to Mina, he finds a pen to write his cell phone on a napkin, "I usually have my cell with me most days. The easiest way to contact me. Or you can send a raven," he jokes. Maybe.
Does Mina look just a little disappointed that C.B. is not smuggling Yossarian under his bomber jacket? The tiniest bit. But when C.B. himself comes over, and gives her that smile and kiss combination? All seems right in the succuflower's world once again. "Oh, good, I don't have to keep repeating 'impressionist period' in my mind over and over so I don't get the message wrong," she says with a soft laugh to Angelica. While C.B. is in the back, she pours a coffee, black. And then saunters over to the bar to add a healthy bit of bourbon to it. Ta-da. Left waiting, on the counter for his return. She takes the napkin that Aaron writes on, using the other half to jot down her own number. "Oh? Fascinating. I love a good read, and a good project. Though admittedly, a lot of my reading time lately has been taken up by a new favorite." A glance, over her shoulder, to where C.B. went off to. "But I'll give you a call, or a text. Or a raven. Since we're in New England and winter's always coming, I assume white." She grins. "But we can chat about Boston, and La Sylphide."
Angelica tilts her head slightly as she asks C.B. "So... is that a yes to helping me out later?" Though she waits for him to return with towels in hopes of an answer. Her gaze then looks back to Aaron, perking up as she asks "Oh? What sort of art projects?" She then watches as the number is given to Mina, her eyes looking back to where C.B. went. A smile is given to Mina as she says "I could have written it down for you before I left if I had needed." And again she falls silent once more, rubbing on the back of her neck.
C.B. comes back with a towel, which he's drying his hair with -- it sticks up in all directions and, currently, is cracking with electricity! Talk about static... "Huh, Angie? Helping you out with what?" His eyes then move between Aaron and Mina with a wee bit of suspicion. Frowning, he says to Aaron, "Did I hear something about writing projects? Are you a writer, too? Your name sounds familiar. I'm C.B., by the way. C.B. Alexander." He even offers Aaron a hand, despite the fact that he's frowning. Whether or not he shakes, C.B. finds the bourbon-laden coffee later and takes a sip from the cup, smiling a little at Mina. "Thanks, babe. You heading out?" It's his shift now.
Aaron takes the offered hand, shaking it. "You heard correctly, Mister Alexander." At the mention of heading out, he looks at his own watch. "My! I've spent more time on my break from projects than needed. For now at least." To each individual, "I'm sorry to be rude and run. But I definitely will add this to my list of places to wander to."
Mina looks to C.B.'s hair, crackling as it is, and gives one of those adoring sort of grins that only the truly twitterpated ever truly manage. "You're welcome, luv. And I was gonna head upstairs, crash out on one of the couches maybe for a bit." She leans in, pressing a kiss to his lips, brief. Mostly. Slipping away, to head towards the back. "Good to meet you, Aaron. And see you again, Angie." With that? She's going up the stairs.
Angelica hmms softly and says "Oh! Um... a project for my art history class. It is on the impressionism period and they want us to do one of our own to show we understand like... how it all works and what not. I can't think of a solid idea without going left field right now basically... So artistic block. Cause coloring matters for the whole piece and such." A nod is given to Aaron before she looks back to C.B. with worry in her eyes. And then she watches Mina go up the stairs, with hints of jealousy in her eyes before she looks back to her tea.
"Huh. Okay, then. Be seeing you." C.B. puts his thumb and forefinger together, sticks it around his eye, and moves them off his face in Aaron's direction, presuming he, too, is heading for the hills. Returning Mina's kiss, he watches her ascend the stairs, a fond look on his face. "Okay. I'll try to keep the music down." He watches her go for a longer moment before finally starting to settle himself -- sliding the portable Underwood typewriter that usually sits on the counter over, putting in fresh paper, then jumping up so he might change the music. In the meantime, he keeps talking to Angelica. "Okay. So what do you need my help with?" It's not a rude question, but an honest one. "You looking for ideas?" A record is slid onto the record player, 'Elephant Mountain' by the Youngbloods. ~ Darkness darkness, be my pillow/Take my head and let me sleep/In the coolness of your shadow/In the silence of your dream... ~
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