003: Make It Rain
Dec 6, 2016 19:45:10 GMT -5
Post by Admin on Dec 6, 2016 19:45:10 GMT -5
LOCATION: Baltimore, Maryland
DATE/TIME: April 14, 2016 || 7:45PM EST
CAMERA STATUS: ON/OFF
Exhaling softly, Lukas Fancher lifted his fist to knock on the door, only to have it swing inwards before it made contact.
"LUKEY!" Shirlea crowed his name loud enough to wake the dead, making her brother wince and lift a hand to his temple.
"Easy, Sissy," he murmured, flashing her a tired smile, "it was a rough flight... got a bit of a headache. Think maybe you could get me an aspirin if it's not too much trouble?"
Shirlea looked past her brother into the hall, saw no baggage and frowned. "Thought you said you were stayin' for the week?"
"I am–"
She took his hand, pulling him inside, shaking her head. "Well, you'll have to go down to the car and get your suitcase later. Or I can go get it, if you wanna..." she looked at him, really looked. "Lukas?" Her voice trembled as she let go of his hand only so that she could wring hers, a look of distress on her face. "What's the matter?"
"I just need to sit a spell," he lied, "burnin' the candle at both ends all week... just kinda peaked, you know?"
Shirlea nodded, accepting his words at face value before scampering off to get him something to relieve the pain. Luke turned and locked the door, shaking his head at his sister's forgetfulness before shuffling in the direction he remembered the living room as being in. Shrugging out of his rumpled trench coat, he tossed it over a chair and sank down on the couch with a sigh, leaning back and closing his eyes. He must have drifted off, because the next thing he remembered was a cool cloth pressing against his forehead.
"Open," Shirlea's fingers touched his lips and he dutifully parted them, letting her slide a pill between them before the cool rim of a glass touched there. He swallowed, surprised when his sister didn't spill half of it all over him. As if in answer to that thought, she started talking to him, her voice low. "I looked after Vivi... after her match. She was in so much pain... it was so dumb, so very fucking dumb. Hairspray on a pole? And that crazy bitch had a lighter–"
"I know," Luke's voice came out as soft as hers, sadness there in the rasp of exhaustion, "I was there."
"And it's like after we ran off those two, well tag teams don't matter no more." Shirlea sounded so sad, so forlorn as she cuddled up against her brother's side, resting her head on his shoulder. "It's all ultraviolent this and carnage that and..." she let out a frustrated sigh.
Luke adjusted the cloth, enjoying the coolness against his face, against his burning eyes as he kept them closed. "So why don't you let them book you solo–"
"NO!" She hissed it vehemently, "Vivi is better. If anyone from our team deserves to be in the spotlight more, it's her. Not..."
"Have you told her this?" Luke's voice came out soft, gentle. "Have you told her how you feel?"
"Tell her what, Luke? How much I hate that place? How much I wish we'd never signed on the dotted line because it's been just awful ever since? That last tag match... they broke my ribs on purpose. They...they prob'ly woulda killed me an' nobody woulda even cared too much. So what can I do? I really like teaming with her and they really want to make Vivi a star. So I do what I can – you do that for people you love."
"I know," the words came out even softer than the first time.
"You do, don't you?" Shirlea tilted her head back, looking up at him.
"Hmm?" He lifted the edge of the cloth, looking at her.
"You do. I can tell. Is that why you didn't bring your suitcase in?"
"I booked a hotel room," he replied, not answering the question, feigning ignorance in the hopes that she'd let it drop. "Didn't want to impose."
"Lukey," Shirlea's voice trembled, her big blue eyes brimming with tears as she looked up at her brother, "no. Don't you ever say that! Don't you ever. You ain't no sort of imposition in our home – I know Vivi would say the same thing." She turned, wrapping an arm around him, hugging him tighter than those slender arms of hers made it seem like she could. "We want you here!"
He was quiet for a few moments, simply breathing in and out slowly while his sister continued to hug him as though her life depended on it. Finally, he let his hand drop from the back of the couch to the top of her head, smoothing her hair like he had when she crawled into his bed after having a nightmare. "I went home for Easter," he said softly, trying to keep his voice level, "don't think Mama's gonna last too much longer..."
LOCATION: Rosewood Assisted Living & Memory Care, Flower Mound, Texas
DATE/TIME: March 26, 2016 || 1:05PM CST
CAMERA STATUS: ON/OFF
"Mary Beth had the mumps, her face was swelled right up and with those beady eyes and buck teeth of hers she looked just like a beaver – Daddy, I had my inmoculations, right?"
Luke Fancher's voice came out raspy on the reply, "you did." He smoothed that unkempt white hair back from her brow, pressing a kiss to parchment paper skin. "Right here," he gently tapped her upper arm where he knew the indentation had been from the booster she'd been given as a child, at least before she'd lost so much weight that she looked like a bundle of sticks wrapped in skin. "Don't you remember? You were so brave that the doctor gave you two whole pieces of that salt water taffy you love so much."
"I'm so tired." Her voice trembled, a note of fear there.
"It's okay," Luke reassured her, "you're just a little under the weather. It's been a strange spring – the weather see-sawin' every which way, it's no wonder you're feelin' a little poorly."
Those cloudy blue eyes fixed on him, a touch of lucidity there for an instant before they skittered away, a scowl of distaste on her face. "Colton," she snapped, sounding more like the matriarch and less like the scared eight-year-old now, "my goodness. What will Papa think if he sees you looking so unkempt? He'll be here any moment," she looked wildly towards the door, sitting up straighter, drawing her housecoat closed against her throat, "and you're not even dressed properly. If you're going to ask for my hand, you need to look presentable–"
Luke closed his eyes, wishing he'd thought to put on a shirt and tie instead of keeping the faded AC/DC shirt he'd been wearing while clearing out the attic earlier. He withdrew his hand, settling back in the chair beside the bed, wishing he'd strong-armed his sister into coming with him, knowing full well that he never would. She was far too delicate to deal with this and the woman lying in the bed was all but a stranger now. "Mama," his voice came out softer, gentle, "Mama... it's Lukas... it's... tomorrow's Easter and they told me you haven't been eatin' much of anythin' so I thought maybe you'd wanna have a nice dinner with me? Like we usedta when," he had to pause, his voice almost breaking and he swallowed back his emotion, "remember after Sissy went away to New York and it was just us?"
"They're trying to kill me. It's all poisoned and they think I don't know but I hear them whispering. They steal from me when I'm sleeping." Those rheumy eyes were watery as they fixed on him again, "they hate me."
"Nobody hates you, Mama."
LOCATION: Baltimore, Maryland
DATE/TIME: April 14, 2016 || 8:03PM EST
CAMERA STATUS: ON/OFF
"Finished cleanin' out the house," Luke murmured, "new owners're gonna take possession on the first of May but they said we can still come visit any time we want."
"Don't wanna," Shirlea's voice came out small, her face buried against her brother's chest, fingers twisting the necktie he still had on. "Daddy's not there. Mamas not there. I don't wanna..."
"You don't have to." He plucked the cloth away from his face, "it's all taken care of. Your things're in storage for now. When you're ready, we'll go and sort through it all. See what you want to keep. Won't push you, Sissy. I know it's hard."
"You sound so tired, so sad." Shirlea lifted her head, meeting her brother's eyes.
"Just need some rest. Maybe a little nap."
"You nap." She moved away, turning off the lamp on the table. "And I'll wake you up so you can get there in time to see Vivi dance-"
"So I can what?"
"Shhh," Shirlea pressed her finger to his lips, "you need to see it. Sleep, Lukey. I'll make sure you're up in time. Promise."
LOCATION: Baltimore, Maryland
DATE/TIME: April 14, 2016 || 11:45PM EST
CAMERA STATUS: ON/OFF
At his sister's urging, Luke Fancher found himself at the club Vivian worked at a few nights a week, feeling as though he stuck out like a sore thumb in the rumpled suit he'd worn on the flight in from Chicago. The crowd was definitely at least half his age, a little more rowdy than he'd have liked but the moment the spotlight hit the stage, they'd hushed out of respect, a sort of awed silence falling before the first notes of music hit. Vivian Lee strutted out on stage, confidence radiating from her and Luke sat there enthralled, his drink completely forgotten as she held every patron in the place in the palm of her hand for that four and a half minute set.
When the music ended she turned smoothly on the ball of her foot and stalked to the backstage area, one of the barmaids gathered up her tips for her and since she allowed it, she must have been at least a little trustworthy, or Vivian was that tired. At that point after splitting up her money from the club's money she just wanted to go home, but she made herself shower and clean up. No makeup, no body glitter, just pure clean skin and she felt just a little bit lighter afterward. She changed into her usual street clothes and after jamming her feet into her sneakers she grabbed her backpack and headed out. Once outside she took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she let it out slow and shook herself before she checked her watch and sighed.
She didn't even notice she had company, that Luke had fallen into step beside her until he broke the silence, his slightly raspy voice holding the hint of a smile, "sooo, you come here often?"
Vivian took a breath and let it out with a soft laugh, a laugh that grew a bit as she looked side eye at Luke. "Mmm...maybe not often enough if handsome strangers like you hang around?"
"Honestly? I think the last time I was in a place like this was probably at least ten years ago for some awful bachelor party, I'm sure." Luke's voice lowered as though confessing a secret, "although I have to say that I really enjoyed it tonight… although I forgot to Shazam that song and now it's going to be running through my head forever with just that catchy beat."
"And a good visual I hope? Don't worry, I'll get the DJ to make you a CD with it, and a few others I dance to. If you wanted." There was something about his voice that was soothing to her after all the loud brightness of the club. "So you came to walk me home? I know it's late, but ...want some coffee, or something?" There was a soft note of something in her tone as she spoke, and he could likely see the faint curve at the corners of her mouth that was a smile.
"That would be fantastic," he replied, nodding and grinning, "on both counts. I've been on the go since four in the morning and I'm starting to feel a little ragged - Sissy insisted on me coming down here. She said I needed to see…" he let that trail off, clearing his throat, "so I suppose in a manner of speaking, she's appointed me as your escort. Didn't see much point in sticking around when the main attraction is gone."
"Then coffee, there's this little place that… it's like a bodega, but they have bakery things, open all night so they're fresh all the time. Shirlea loves the croissants, and they have these amazing cinnamon rolls." Vivian stopped, looked more directly at him as she started in that direction. "I'm glad you did. And that's kind of… no, that's sweet." She winked at him, that little motion and gone in a flash.
He chuckled at that wink, following her, off step with her stride now. "Between you and I, you were downright mesmerizing."
Vivian's smile got just a bit brighter, her pretty exotic eyes warming as she paused enough to look directly at him, lifting her hand to touch his shoulder for a brief instant. "Well if you say so, I know it's true." Then she laughed again, warmer still and her next words were light, stripped of the smartass that might have been there if she was talking to anyone but Luke. "I still enjoy doing it, you know? The money was always the big attraction, well… look at me, you get why. They tip me bigger hoping they can get a little taste of some fine 'exotic' but there's not enough money for that, you know? If I want to be with a guy, it's never been about… a transaction." She wound down a moment, thoughtful. "Guess that's why I get so damn annoyed when I get called a whore. If someone wants to do that, or they don't have a choice… whatever, I'm not judging. It's just not me."
Luke nodded, "and if someone called you a whore in my presence, I might be inclined to engage in fisticuffs." The way he said it made it clear he was joking about taking the action but not about the reaction to that word, "there's a certain sort of freedom in doing what you love, Vivian, even if at the end of the day it's only about the numbers in your bank account. Why do you think I still fill in and tend bar when I can?"
"Well you are good with your hands." She didn't make a joke of it, and there was a bit of wistfulness in her tone until she shook her head and laughed again. "I don't know why I'm like how I am, Luke. Why the money was always so important, before. I've got ...well, I've got it now, I could probably cut way back except for when I end up losing a chunk like I did. Tied up a lot of it in long term investments, you know? So when I have to quit working I could still take care of us, and not worry. Sometimes that bites me in the ass a little." A rueful little laugh, and she didn't seem to think it was odd that she talked about taking care of Shirlea even after she retired.
"I understand that motivation," Luke shrugged, "you're talking to a rancher's boy. I'm no stranger to working long hours - that's how I was taught responsibility, getting up hours before school to do my chores. I'm used to rarely sleeping. Feel strange when I slow down, even for a few minutes to put my feet up." He held out his hand to her, "how about you let me carry that bag. My gentlemanly guilt complex is starting to kick in."
Vivian didn't hesitate before she handed it over with a sigh, it was a little heavier than it looked but that she let him take it spoke volumes. "Thanks Luke." She paused, musing a little. "Well, you seem to do okay about being able to sit still a little when we talk or…" she gave an expressive shrug. "Maybe...I'm a little relaxing?"
"Maybe you are." His tone held that teasing note again, that smile hovering at the corners of his lips as he slung the bag easily over his shoulder, "or perhaps you catch me in a spell and I can't help it? Either way, I suppose that's not a bad thing since I do enjoy your company."
"That's not a bad thing at all, enjoying my company." Vivian shook her head and pointed out the little place they were walking to, still a couple blocks down. She thought of something, bit her lip for a moment and then sort of shrugged again. "Hey you know what Luke? I don't think I've ever really danced for you? I don't mean the stripping, but like… a real dance, like from back home. Don't know even why I thought about that. Probably wouldn't be all that interesting."
Luke reached out, touching her arm for a moment, "hey, what was that, hm? 'Wouldn't be all that interesting'? You could read from the phone book and I'd be happy to sit and listen… let alone watch you..." he shook his head, "I'm not saying that right, I know. But anything you want to share with me, I'd love."
"You said it just fine." Vivian took a breath and then whistled a little tune, shaking her hips just a touch. "Nah I'll do it with the music. I'm sure I have something at home. At least pretty sure. I was really good. Or used to be. Have to see if I still have that other rhythm you know?" She wound down a second, and there was that rueful laugh. "Maybe I need that coffee more than I thought."
"Maybe so." His smile was gentle, "I suppose I should tell you that I'm going to be in town for the next few days - don't worry. I've booked myself a hotel room this time. I'd hate to impose and I know you two will need to travel to Virginia before I'll be leaving. Last thing I want to do is interrupt any preparation you might need to do on that front."
"You didn't have to book a hotel, Luke." She glanced at him before taking quicker steps to get ahead of him. "You don't impose, that sounds just...awful. You know I don't think about you like...we don't, that is and I know Shirlea has to be so excited you're here." One of her brows rose and her voice got soft. "Did you really think that?"
"I've never been the type to overstay a welcome, Vivian." He didn't even come close to answering her question, looking past her towards their destination.
Vivian took a quick step so she could turn and walk backwards, looking right at him. "I guess that's a good thing, except for the part that you're not doing that. We don't get to see you much. I don't, at least as ...well anyway." She glanced over her shoulder to make sure she wasn't going to trip before looking back. "And here I bought a new set of ribbons and everything."
"Ah, the ribbons... " he put a hand to his heart as though staunching the flow of some mortal wound, "my only weakness, you heartless, evil wench!"
Vivian laughed, really laughed and pointed at him. "Oh no see, I'm not heartless. That's a myth! I might have to swat your ass for that one, Lukas Fancher. Or you could swat mine. If you can catch me." She sighed, and paused in her steps. "But not until I have coffee, I'd be too easy to catch."
"Quite frankly," he was laughing, lengthening his strides until he caught up to her, "I wouldn't know what to do with you if I managed to capture you."
"Oh I don't know about that. I think you might have a very good idea and you're just wanting to surprise me." Vivian smile went soft. "You and those blue eyes. Maybe I know your weakness, but you're not the only one with those."
"I see how it is. You just want me for my pretty peepers, hm?" He batted his eyes, hands clasped beneath his chin, her backpack bumping against his back as he moved, "so really what you're saying is in a dark room, I'm not very interesting at all."
"Oh now you're just trying to get me from laughing to giggles so my face hurts and I get weird laugh lines." She winked, almost a reflex then Vivian reached for his wrist. "Or more, or any. But honestly you're quite interesting with or without lights on." A gentle tug. "I feel like a toddler. I want a cinnamon roll, and coffee, and you and then we can see if Shirlea is still awake. She loves those croissants so much, her whole face lights up. I love making her smile too."
"I'm sure she'll still be up." Luke let her tug, allowing himself to be urged along, "a cinnamon roll sounds divine, actually. With gooey frosting on it? Do they do that here? I can't recall the last time I had one but I can remember that white icing quite clearly - cream cheese, I think it was."
"Yes they do. You can get them with butter if you want because they come out hot. It's so good." She almost bounced in her shoes. "I always end up with one, make the excuse and then make it up later. But I figure I work out more than most pro athletes, right? Ooops. Another excuse. But I guess sometimes, it's nice to get what I actually want."
"Oh, heavens, Vivian… haven't you ever heard that godawful song? You can't always get what you want." And now he was the one tugging, urging her on since she was still holding his wrist, "you probably burned enough to eat ten of them - I think you should consider a revision. Need. Not want." He turned back towards her, grinning, his blue eyes shining.
"Maybe I should." She gave Luke a sly little smile, a gentle tease in her tone. "Though if I'd have known you were watching? I could have eaten twenty." A bright laugh as the lights of the over-the-door awning highlighted her, giving a shimmer of something off her still damp hair. "If you don't like it, you can always give it to me, but I have a feeling you're going to end up trying to get part of mine."
"I'd never be foolish enough to try and come between a gorgeous woman and her midnight snack," he rushed ahead of her, pulling the door open before executing a mock bow, "after you, Highness."
"Charmer. Just for that, I should…" Vivian drew up close to him, before she stepped through the door and whispered just for him. "So if the Princess kisses a frog and he turns into a Prince, what happens if she kisses a Prince?" She winked at him before stepping into the shop, taking a deep inhale of all the delicious scents.
"Maybe," Luke came up behind her, resting his hand on her shoulder, leaning in close so he could whisper back, "they get to skip all the meaningless junk, all that silly song and dance... maybe they get to have cinnamon rolls and coffee and live happily-ever-after on their own terms? That'd be a really good ending, I think."
DATE/TIME: April 14, 2016 || 7:45PM EST
CAMERA STATUS: ON/OFF
Exhaling softly, Lukas Fancher lifted his fist to knock on the door, only to have it swing inwards before it made contact.
"LUKEY!" Shirlea crowed his name loud enough to wake the dead, making her brother wince and lift a hand to his temple.
"Easy, Sissy," he murmured, flashing her a tired smile, "it was a rough flight... got a bit of a headache. Think maybe you could get me an aspirin if it's not too much trouble?"
Shirlea looked past her brother into the hall, saw no baggage and frowned. "Thought you said you were stayin' for the week?"
"I am–"
She took his hand, pulling him inside, shaking her head. "Well, you'll have to go down to the car and get your suitcase later. Or I can go get it, if you wanna..." she looked at him, really looked. "Lukas?" Her voice trembled as she let go of his hand only so that she could wring hers, a look of distress on her face. "What's the matter?"
"I just need to sit a spell," he lied, "burnin' the candle at both ends all week... just kinda peaked, you know?"
Shirlea nodded, accepting his words at face value before scampering off to get him something to relieve the pain. Luke turned and locked the door, shaking his head at his sister's forgetfulness before shuffling in the direction he remembered the living room as being in. Shrugging out of his rumpled trench coat, he tossed it over a chair and sank down on the couch with a sigh, leaning back and closing his eyes. He must have drifted off, because the next thing he remembered was a cool cloth pressing against his forehead.
"Open," Shirlea's fingers touched his lips and he dutifully parted them, letting her slide a pill between them before the cool rim of a glass touched there. He swallowed, surprised when his sister didn't spill half of it all over him. As if in answer to that thought, she started talking to him, her voice low. "I looked after Vivi... after her match. She was in so much pain... it was so dumb, so very fucking dumb. Hairspray on a pole? And that crazy bitch had a lighter–"
"I know," Luke's voice came out as soft as hers, sadness there in the rasp of exhaustion, "I was there."
"And it's like after we ran off those two, well tag teams don't matter no more." Shirlea sounded so sad, so forlorn as she cuddled up against her brother's side, resting her head on his shoulder. "It's all ultraviolent this and carnage that and..." she let out a frustrated sigh.
Luke adjusted the cloth, enjoying the coolness against his face, against his burning eyes as he kept them closed. "So why don't you let them book you solo–"
"NO!" She hissed it vehemently, "Vivi is better. If anyone from our team deserves to be in the spotlight more, it's her. Not..."
"Have you told her this?" Luke's voice came out soft, gentle. "Have you told her how you feel?"
"Tell her what, Luke? How much I hate that place? How much I wish we'd never signed on the dotted line because it's been just awful ever since? That last tag match... they broke my ribs on purpose. They...they prob'ly woulda killed me an' nobody woulda even cared too much. So what can I do? I really like teaming with her and they really want to make Vivi a star. So I do what I can – you do that for people you love."
"I know," the words came out even softer than the first time.
"You do, don't you?" Shirlea tilted her head back, looking up at him.
"Hmm?" He lifted the edge of the cloth, looking at her.
"You do. I can tell. Is that why you didn't bring your suitcase in?"
"I booked a hotel room," he replied, not answering the question, feigning ignorance in the hopes that she'd let it drop. "Didn't want to impose."
"Lukey," Shirlea's voice trembled, her big blue eyes brimming with tears as she looked up at her brother, "no. Don't you ever say that! Don't you ever. You ain't no sort of imposition in our home – I know Vivi would say the same thing." She turned, wrapping an arm around him, hugging him tighter than those slender arms of hers made it seem like she could. "We want you here!"
He was quiet for a few moments, simply breathing in and out slowly while his sister continued to hug him as though her life depended on it. Finally, he let his hand drop from the back of the couch to the top of her head, smoothing her hair like he had when she crawled into his bed after having a nightmare. "I went home for Easter," he said softly, trying to keep his voice level, "don't think Mama's gonna last too much longer..."
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LOCATION: Rosewood Assisted Living & Memory Care, Flower Mound, Texas
DATE/TIME: March 26, 2016 || 1:05PM CST
CAMERA STATUS: ON/OFF
"Mary Beth had the mumps, her face was swelled right up and with those beady eyes and buck teeth of hers she looked just like a beaver – Daddy, I had my inmoculations, right?"
Luke Fancher's voice came out raspy on the reply, "you did." He smoothed that unkempt white hair back from her brow, pressing a kiss to parchment paper skin. "Right here," he gently tapped her upper arm where he knew the indentation had been from the booster she'd been given as a child, at least before she'd lost so much weight that she looked like a bundle of sticks wrapped in skin. "Don't you remember? You were so brave that the doctor gave you two whole pieces of that salt water taffy you love so much."
"I'm so tired." Her voice trembled, a note of fear there.
"It's okay," Luke reassured her, "you're just a little under the weather. It's been a strange spring – the weather see-sawin' every which way, it's no wonder you're feelin' a little poorly."
Those cloudy blue eyes fixed on him, a touch of lucidity there for an instant before they skittered away, a scowl of distaste on her face. "Colton," she snapped, sounding more like the matriarch and less like the scared eight-year-old now, "my goodness. What will Papa think if he sees you looking so unkempt? He'll be here any moment," she looked wildly towards the door, sitting up straighter, drawing her housecoat closed against her throat, "and you're not even dressed properly. If you're going to ask for my hand, you need to look presentable–"
Luke closed his eyes, wishing he'd thought to put on a shirt and tie instead of keeping the faded AC/DC shirt he'd been wearing while clearing out the attic earlier. He withdrew his hand, settling back in the chair beside the bed, wishing he'd strong-armed his sister into coming with him, knowing full well that he never would. She was far too delicate to deal with this and the woman lying in the bed was all but a stranger now. "Mama," his voice came out softer, gentle, "Mama... it's Lukas... it's... tomorrow's Easter and they told me you haven't been eatin' much of anythin' so I thought maybe you'd wanna have a nice dinner with me? Like we usedta when," he had to pause, his voice almost breaking and he swallowed back his emotion, "remember after Sissy went away to New York and it was just us?"
"They're trying to kill me. It's all poisoned and they think I don't know but I hear them whispering. They steal from me when I'm sleeping." Those rheumy eyes were watery as they fixed on him again, "they hate me."
"Nobody hates you, Mama."
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LOCATION: Baltimore, Maryland
DATE/TIME: April 14, 2016 || 8:03PM EST
CAMERA STATUS: ON/OFF
"Finished cleanin' out the house," Luke murmured, "new owners're gonna take possession on the first of May but they said we can still come visit any time we want."
"Don't wanna," Shirlea's voice came out small, her face buried against her brother's chest, fingers twisting the necktie he still had on. "Daddy's not there. Mamas not there. I don't wanna..."
"You don't have to." He plucked the cloth away from his face, "it's all taken care of. Your things're in storage for now. When you're ready, we'll go and sort through it all. See what you want to keep. Won't push you, Sissy. I know it's hard."
"You sound so tired, so sad." Shirlea lifted her head, meeting her brother's eyes.
"Just need some rest. Maybe a little nap."
"You nap." She moved away, turning off the lamp on the table. "And I'll wake you up so you can get there in time to see Vivi dance-"
"So I can what?"
"Shhh," Shirlea pressed her finger to his lips, "you need to see it. Sleep, Lukey. I'll make sure you're up in time. Promise."
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LOCATION: Baltimore, Maryland
DATE/TIME: April 14, 2016 || 11:45PM EST
CAMERA STATUS: ON/OFF
At his sister's urging, Luke Fancher found himself at the club Vivian worked at a few nights a week, feeling as though he stuck out like a sore thumb in the rumpled suit he'd worn on the flight in from Chicago. The crowd was definitely at least half his age, a little more rowdy than he'd have liked but the moment the spotlight hit the stage, they'd hushed out of respect, a sort of awed silence falling before the first notes of music hit. Vivian Lee strutted out on stage, confidence radiating from her and Luke sat there enthralled, his drink completely forgotten as she held every patron in the place in the palm of her hand for that four and a half minute set.
When the music ended she turned smoothly on the ball of her foot and stalked to the backstage area, one of the barmaids gathered up her tips for her and since she allowed it, she must have been at least a little trustworthy, or Vivian was that tired. At that point after splitting up her money from the club's money she just wanted to go home, but she made herself shower and clean up. No makeup, no body glitter, just pure clean skin and she felt just a little bit lighter afterward. She changed into her usual street clothes and after jamming her feet into her sneakers she grabbed her backpack and headed out. Once outside she took a deep breath, closing her eyes as she let it out slow and shook herself before she checked her watch and sighed.
She didn't even notice she had company, that Luke had fallen into step beside her until he broke the silence, his slightly raspy voice holding the hint of a smile, "sooo, you come here often?"
Vivian took a breath and let it out with a soft laugh, a laugh that grew a bit as she looked side eye at Luke. "Mmm...maybe not often enough if handsome strangers like you hang around?"
"Honestly? I think the last time I was in a place like this was probably at least ten years ago for some awful bachelor party, I'm sure." Luke's voice lowered as though confessing a secret, "although I have to say that I really enjoyed it tonight… although I forgot to Shazam that song and now it's going to be running through my head forever with just that catchy beat."
"And a good visual I hope? Don't worry, I'll get the DJ to make you a CD with it, and a few others I dance to. If you wanted." There was something about his voice that was soothing to her after all the loud brightness of the club. "So you came to walk me home? I know it's late, but ...want some coffee, or something?" There was a soft note of something in her tone as she spoke, and he could likely see the faint curve at the corners of her mouth that was a smile.
"That would be fantastic," he replied, nodding and grinning, "on both counts. I've been on the go since four in the morning and I'm starting to feel a little ragged - Sissy insisted on me coming down here. She said I needed to see…" he let that trail off, clearing his throat, "so I suppose in a manner of speaking, she's appointed me as your escort. Didn't see much point in sticking around when the main attraction is gone."
"Then coffee, there's this little place that… it's like a bodega, but they have bakery things, open all night so they're fresh all the time. Shirlea loves the croissants, and they have these amazing cinnamon rolls." Vivian stopped, looked more directly at him as she started in that direction. "I'm glad you did. And that's kind of… no, that's sweet." She winked at him, that little motion and gone in a flash.
He chuckled at that wink, following her, off step with her stride now. "Between you and I, you were downright mesmerizing."
Vivian's smile got just a bit brighter, her pretty exotic eyes warming as she paused enough to look directly at him, lifting her hand to touch his shoulder for a brief instant. "Well if you say so, I know it's true." Then she laughed again, warmer still and her next words were light, stripped of the smartass that might have been there if she was talking to anyone but Luke. "I still enjoy doing it, you know? The money was always the big attraction, well… look at me, you get why. They tip me bigger hoping they can get a little taste of some fine 'exotic' but there's not enough money for that, you know? If I want to be with a guy, it's never been about… a transaction." She wound down a moment, thoughtful. "Guess that's why I get so damn annoyed when I get called a whore. If someone wants to do that, or they don't have a choice… whatever, I'm not judging. It's just not me."
Luke nodded, "and if someone called you a whore in my presence, I might be inclined to engage in fisticuffs." The way he said it made it clear he was joking about taking the action but not about the reaction to that word, "there's a certain sort of freedom in doing what you love, Vivian, even if at the end of the day it's only about the numbers in your bank account. Why do you think I still fill in and tend bar when I can?"
"Well you are good with your hands." She didn't make a joke of it, and there was a bit of wistfulness in her tone until she shook her head and laughed again. "I don't know why I'm like how I am, Luke. Why the money was always so important, before. I've got ...well, I've got it now, I could probably cut way back except for when I end up losing a chunk like I did. Tied up a lot of it in long term investments, you know? So when I have to quit working I could still take care of us, and not worry. Sometimes that bites me in the ass a little." A rueful little laugh, and she didn't seem to think it was odd that she talked about taking care of Shirlea even after she retired.
"I understand that motivation," Luke shrugged, "you're talking to a rancher's boy. I'm no stranger to working long hours - that's how I was taught responsibility, getting up hours before school to do my chores. I'm used to rarely sleeping. Feel strange when I slow down, even for a few minutes to put my feet up." He held out his hand to her, "how about you let me carry that bag. My gentlemanly guilt complex is starting to kick in."
Vivian didn't hesitate before she handed it over with a sigh, it was a little heavier than it looked but that she let him take it spoke volumes. "Thanks Luke." She paused, musing a little. "Well, you seem to do okay about being able to sit still a little when we talk or…" she gave an expressive shrug. "Maybe...I'm a little relaxing?"
"Maybe you are." His tone held that teasing note again, that smile hovering at the corners of his lips as he slung the bag easily over his shoulder, "or perhaps you catch me in a spell and I can't help it? Either way, I suppose that's not a bad thing since I do enjoy your company."
"That's not a bad thing at all, enjoying my company." Vivian shook her head and pointed out the little place they were walking to, still a couple blocks down. She thought of something, bit her lip for a moment and then sort of shrugged again. "Hey you know what Luke? I don't think I've ever really danced for you? I don't mean the stripping, but like… a real dance, like from back home. Don't know even why I thought about that. Probably wouldn't be all that interesting."
Luke reached out, touching her arm for a moment, "hey, what was that, hm? 'Wouldn't be all that interesting'? You could read from the phone book and I'd be happy to sit and listen… let alone watch you..." he shook his head, "I'm not saying that right, I know. But anything you want to share with me, I'd love."
"You said it just fine." Vivian took a breath and then whistled a little tune, shaking her hips just a touch. "Nah I'll do it with the music. I'm sure I have something at home. At least pretty sure. I was really good. Or used to be. Have to see if I still have that other rhythm you know?" She wound down a second, and there was that rueful laugh. "Maybe I need that coffee more than I thought."
"Maybe so." His smile was gentle, "I suppose I should tell you that I'm going to be in town for the next few days - don't worry. I've booked myself a hotel room this time. I'd hate to impose and I know you two will need to travel to Virginia before I'll be leaving. Last thing I want to do is interrupt any preparation you might need to do on that front."
"You didn't have to book a hotel, Luke." She glanced at him before taking quicker steps to get ahead of him. "You don't impose, that sounds just...awful. You know I don't think about you like...we don't, that is and I know Shirlea has to be so excited you're here." One of her brows rose and her voice got soft. "Did you really think that?"
"I've never been the type to overstay a welcome, Vivian." He didn't even come close to answering her question, looking past her towards their destination.
Vivian took a quick step so she could turn and walk backwards, looking right at him. "I guess that's a good thing, except for the part that you're not doing that. We don't get to see you much. I don't, at least as ...well anyway." She glanced over her shoulder to make sure she wasn't going to trip before looking back. "And here I bought a new set of ribbons and everything."
"Ah, the ribbons... " he put a hand to his heart as though staunching the flow of some mortal wound, "my only weakness, you heartless, evil wench!"
Vivian laughed, really laughed and pointed at him. "Oh no see, I'm not heartless. That's a myth! I might have to swat your ass for that one, Lukas Fancher. Or you could swat mine. If you can catch me." She sighed, and paused in her steps. "But not until I have coffee, I'd be too easy to catch."
"Quite frankly," he was laughing, lengthening his strides until he caught up to her, "I wouldn't know what to do with you if I managed to capture you."
"Oh I don't know about that. I think you might have a very good idea and you're just wanting to surprise me." Vivian smile went soft. "You and those blue eyes. Maybe I know your weakness, but you're not the only one with those."
"I see how it is. You just want me for my pretty peepers, hm?" He batted his eyes, hands clasped beneath his chin, her backpack bumping against his back as he moved, "so really what you're saying is in a dark room, I'm not very interesting at all."
"Oh now you're just trying to get me from laughing to giggles so my face hurts and I get weird laugh lines." She winked, almost a reflex then Vivian reached for his wrist. "Or more, or any. But honestly you're quite interesting with or without lights on." A gentle tug. "I feel like a toddler. I want a cinnamon roll, and coffee, and you and then we can see if Shirlea is still awake. She loves those croissants so much, her whole face lights up. I love making her smile too."
"I'm sure she'll still be up." Luke let her tug, allowing himself to be urged along, "a cinnamon roll sounds divine, actually. With gooey frosting on it? Do they do that here? I can't recall the last time I had one but I can remember that white icing quite clearly - cream cheese, I think it was."
"Yes they do. You can get them with butter if you want because they come out hot. It's so good." She almost bounced in her shoes. "I always end up with one, make the excuse and then make it up later. But I figure I work out more than most pro athletes, right? Ooops. Another excuse. But I guess sometimes, it's nice to get what I actually want."
"Oh, heavens, Vivian… haven't you ever heard that godawful song? You can't always get what you want." And now he was the one tugging, urging her on since she was still holding his wrist, "you probably burned enough to eat ten of them - I think you should consider a revision. Need. Not want." He turned back towards her, grinning, his blue eyes shining.
"Maybe I should." She gave Luke a sly little smile, a gentle tease in her tone. "Though if I'd have known you were watching? I could have eaten twenty." A bright laugh as the lights of the over-the-door awning highlighted her, giving a shimmer of something off her still damp hair. "If you don't like it, you can always give it to me, but I have a feeling you're going to end up trying to get part of mine."
"I'd never be foolish enough to try and come between a gorgeous woman and her midnight snack," he rushed ahead of her, pulling the door open before executing a mock bow, "after you, Highness."
"Charmer. Just for that, I should…" Vivian drew up close to him, before she stepped through the door and whispered just for him. "So if the Princess kisses a frog and he turns into a Prince, what happens if she kisses a Prince?" She winked at him before stepping into the shop, taking a deep inhale of all the delicious scents.
"Maybe," Luke came up behind her, resting his hand on her shoulder, leaning in close so he could whisper back, "they get to skip all the meaningless junk, all that silly song and dance... maybe they get to have cinnamon rolls and coffee and live happily-ever-after on their own terms? That'd be a really good ending, I think."
