S H I N E

EXCLUSIVE RP BLOG

[flawlessgentlemen]

If I wasn’t me, I’d look at my stuff and go, ‘He’s been in everything. Turn on the cable, and he’s on there. Good movie, bad movie, good movie, bad movie.’ We all want to be great. Of course. Everybody wants that. I’d be lying out of my ass if I told you that I didn’t want to be. When I was younger, I used to feel like, ‘Yeah, there are certain roles out there that may go to other actors who are bigger than me and have more pull.’ And that can be frustrating.

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Love Fortune Wheel | Lucy x Grace

“No need to flex how perfect you are, Gracey. I know that very well already,” Lucy commented with a playful roll of her eyes. When Grace rode along with the Netflix and Chill comment, Lucy felt her cheeks heat up a bit. “I wouldn’t want to go straight to sex. Especially with the kids still awake,” she smirked.

At home, after about 30 minutes, Iana went down wearing something that made Lucy smile wide. “We’re playing dress up?” Lucy asked, her voice teasing and an eyebrow raised.

“Mom, you can’t expect me to dress raggedly when we have someone coming over, can you?” Iana answered, flipping her hair a bit jokingly, though she had her hair tied to a fishtail braid.

“Well you have a point. I can’t let you help, though. We wouldn’t want you to ruin your outfit. This’ll be quick, though. Why don’t you just set the table and perhaps do a romantic setting?”

“A romantic setting? I think I already know who’s coming over!”

Seeing Iana’s reaction made Lucy laugh.

After more than an hour but less than two, Lucy was able to prepare everything – pasta, steak, and some nachos. She checked the wall clock and found out that it’s 6:30 so she decided to prepare herself; but as she was on her way upstairs, the doorbell rang.

“Uh, mom?” Iana called after she opened the door. The confusion in Iana’s voice made Lucy rush to the door where she found 50 pink roses. “There must be some mistake,” Lucy said, but the person who delivered confirmed that it’s for her. “I–thank you,” was all she could say.

“I’ll take care of that later, I really need to get ready,” then rushed to her room.

Originally, she planned to just put on some sweatshirt and sweatpants for movie night with Iana, but plans changed. She rummaged her entire closet for a proper outfit, tried on a few, then came to the decision to wear a red suit-ish. After all, it’s a Valentine’s date, she thought to herself.

A few years ago, before they broke up, Lucy bought Grace a necklace with their picture on both sides of the heart, but she never had the chance to give it to her, because things just… went downhill. “Maybe it’s time,” she whispered as she held the heart locket’s box on her hand. She hid the small box in her pocket then proceeded to go downstairs.

Iana was watching some documentaries Lucy left on the TV the night before when she heard a knock on the door. “Coming,” she half-yelled. Once she opened the door, her eyes glimmered at the sight of her mom’s… friend? And the sight of Nancy. “H-hi,” she greeted shyly then opened the door for them. “Mom’s just getting dr-”

The moment Lucy got down was also the moment Grace and Nancy entered. “You look gorgeous,” Lucy said, her eyes focused on Grace; but she caught herself blushing so she shifted her eyes to Nancy then said the same to her. “Iana’s been looking for you for the past days, Nancy,” she said to which Iana frowned (perhaps a sign of shyness?).

“You know, someone sent me 50 pink roses. What a grand gesture. I definitely would kiss whoever that person is,” she commented. “Anyway, the food’s ready. You guys must be hungry already. Happy Valentine’s, ladies.”

“Why, hello, little one” Grace greeted at Iana with a wide smile, followed by a strangely shy Nancy greeting with the same amount of shyness “Hi” trying to hide slowly behind her aunt. 

Soon they saw Lucy “Wow, I can say the same about you” then looked at Iana “you are also gorgeous, Iana. I’ve always loved that pattern on shirts”. Nancy blushed at Lucy’s comment and when noticing the girl’s reaction, she couldn’t help to add “How come are you so shy today? I clearly remember both of you being quite lively around each other” making Nancy groan softly at her. Grace giggled “Why don’t you give Iana your gift, little werewolf?”

Nancy looked inside the bag and got the brown bear that she’s been keeping safe, and gave it to Iana “Here, I hope you can sleep good with him. You should name him.”

Grace smiled warmly at both of them before turning to Lucy “As for the 50 pink roses, I shall call the florist and tell her you’d like to kiss her, after all, she sent the delivery guy with the flowers to you” then giggled. “I thought I was going to help you with the food? But you’re right, we’re hungry. Happy Valentine’s to you two as well” her eyes going from Iana to Lucy, where they gazed at her for a few seconds. 

Then felt Nancy pulling her blazer “Aunt Grace, the bags.”

“Oh, yes! Here are a couple of things, chips, chocolates, gummy bears, a wine bottle. Where should I leave them?”

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Love Fortune Wheel | Lucy x Grace

“You guys are never a bother,” Lucy replied, her voice soft. At the pause, Lucy frowned. “Or?”

Lucy thought on what Grace said about the kids eating and falling asleep right away. “Well, that’s true. So, okay, 7pm or earlier. I definitely could use an extra hand in cooking and preparing. I don’t make delicious meatballs. I think that’s a pretty complicated dish for me. My brain can’t handle,” she chuckled, “but if we were a teen couple, we could just go for Netflix and Chill. I can’t believe I just  winked at you through the phone!”

“Go with your instincts, Gracey. I’m sure Iana will appreciate whatever it is that you’re going to bring her. Hang on,” Lucy talked to someone else, mentioning about some document that she needs edited, “I’m sorry, Gracey, I have to hang up. I’m going to help Laurie so she can go home early, too. But, I’ll see you and Nancy later, okay? I can’t wait for our date,” she teased.

An hour passed quickly and once Lucy and Laurie were done, the former drove Laurie home before driving to her own place. “I’m home, my love,” Lucy called out and Iana went running to her, hugging her afterwards. “We’re going to have visitors later, baby and I’m sure you’d like to spend time with them, too.”

“Who are they, Mom?” Iana asked, her voice excited.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise anymore if I tell you, would it?” She replied then ruffled her hair. “For now, why don’t you prepare yourself then lend me a hand on the kitchen?”

Iana pouted but then nodded, skipping all the way to her room.

“I’m good with meat thanks to William, so I can take care of that. It’s not that complicated”. Grace blinked a few times at the Netflix and Chill offer, then pursed her lips and preferred to play along “If you want to go straight to sex, you just have to say it, you know?” she covered her mouth holding her laugh until she gave in and let it go.

“Okay, I’ll do my best.” Grace waited for Lucy who seemed to be talking to a familiar person “See you soon”.

As soon as she hung up, her assistant called her “What is it?”

“Ma’am, it’s Claudette, she says she’s with a florist friend and asked if you want to have some flowers for your date”

Grace’s smile went big “Yes, tell her I want 50 pink roses to be sent to this address around 6:30pm” she started to write on a paper and handed it to her assistant.

Once she was done with work, she went straight home where she found Nancy already showered, and her cousin squinting his eyes at her to whom she said “I still have a date, as a matter of fact, I’m in a rush, be a good lad and help me” she said imitating his voice then laughed and ran upstairs.

Carolyn dressed Nancy in a floral dress, while William started to pick his favorite outfits of his cousin for her to wear, he laid 3 choices on the bed and waited for her.

When he saw her entering the room wearing common underwear, he frowned and shook his head slowly “Wow, wow, you’re not going to get any lass on bed with that nun-like lingerie.” He stood up and looked for a piece Grace never saw before “I thought you could use this”. 

The ginger blushed madly “William... why...? how?”

“I bought it for you, because you’re not willing to go for it by yourself unless someone pushes you for it, I know you, I’ve traditionally arranged your dates with girls.” He raised an eyebrow. Grace raised an eyebrow as well to him “We’re not going to have sex”, he giggled “how about we talk about that in the morning? However, let’s make this bet, if I lose, I’ll be your servant for a week, if you lose, you’ll cook for me for the rest of the week. Deal?” Grace distrusted him a little but still shook hands with him “Deal”. As he started to walk out he recommended “wear what I said, you might thank me later.”

After a few minutes, she got dressed on one of his picks, mostly because it combined with Nancy’s outfit colors, it definitely didn’t have to do with the fact that she could show her abs. Grace went downstairs and met with Nancy who exclaimed a ‘wow’, while Claudette clapped “I’m already feeling bad for Ms. Ivanova” then giggled. When Nancy asked why, her aunt only replied with “I’ll tell you when you grow up.”

When Grace was about to leave, Carolyn ran towards her with a perfume “it’s roses, Clo told me you sent her a massive rose order. Hope it goes great!”. The Welsh gave them all a last look and smiled “thank you for everything” before leaving.

Grace and Nancy stopped on two different shops to get what they needed, in one of them, Nancy asked for a bear to give to Iana as gift “She might need a bear to sleep”. They bought chips, candies, gummy bears, and some chocolates boxes. “I want them with peanut, Aunt Grace”

“Don’t worry, I got them here” and so they left towards Lucy’s place with a few bags.

Once there, Grace took a deep breath and knocked the door.

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Love Fortune Wheel | Lucy x Grace

“You could have told me,” Lucy shook her head in slight disbelief. “Nancy’s a nice kid and I like her, so I wouldn’t mind picking her up if she wants to hang out with Iana.” Keep lying, Luce. Keep lying that Nancy would be enough – of course seeing Grace even for a brief moment is the main point of wanting to pick Nancy up.

At the question of what time, Lucy thought for a while. “What about 8pm? Maybe that’ll give you enough time to rest after work? Oh, wait, isn’t 8pm late for a child? Hmm, I’ll be off from work in a while. You’ve got a nice timing. I’ll have enough time to prepare the meal.”

“Well, I’ll go for pasta and steak? That’s the usual date night meal, right?” She laughed. “I’ll buy some chips, too, for the movie night. Does Nancy like any specific chips? Chocolates?”

“Well, now you know, and I’ll keep that in mind though I wouldn’t like to bother you” then sighed, “It’d be easier if they went to the same school, or...” she stopped before saying  something that might stir up bad feels on Lucy “never mind. We’ll figure it out” Or, we were married.

“8pm is an adult time, Nancy goes to sleep at 9, I think 7 it’s better, I don’t think we would like them just eating and falling sleep right away without actually spending time with each other” Grace giggled. “I could go over earlier though, and help you with the meal. Pasta and steak sounds fine, though I’m sure it’s pasta with meatballs the cheesy meal for Valentine’s” she laughed. “Oh no, if we’re having movie night, leave the chips and chocolates to me. Anything Iana likes on the sweets department or should I go with my instincts?”

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Love Fortune Wheel | Lucy x Grace

“Iana’s been looking for Nancy, to be honest,” Lucy admitted, laughing a bit. And well, I have been missing you. “I told her that I’m going to ask you some other time if you’d want to come over, but I kept forgetting it because I’ve just had too much work to do. Besides, I figured you’re probably… busy,” the Irish pouted.

“You’re flattering me too much, Gracey. There’s no doubt I can’t get over you at all,” Lucy teased once more — well, half teased. However, the more she thought of Grace going out with the instructor, the more she frowned. “Don’t go with the instructor, just come over tonight and bring Nancy over.” Ah, fuck, did I sound jealous?

“Oh, is there anything you’d like me to cook? So it would seem like this is well-planned,” she asked. And so I could cook for you again. God, I missed cooking for you. I missed you.

Grace smiled at Lucy’s words on Iana, “Nancy actually has been asking me if I could take her to meet her, I’ve been just as busy as you, and since Carolyn is at college, and William and Claudette don’t feel comfortable when going out, I avoid bothering them with that. Besides, when it comes to Nancy, I prefer to do it myself. But you’re always free to call me and we could figure out something.”

The ginger blushed with the next words and then harder at the sudden request... or was it an order? “Well, yes, ma’am, as you command. What time?”

Grace giggled “Well-planned, huh? Hmm, I can’t really think on anything that’s not pasta. I’ll take the wine, and the wee lass— sorry, the girl, and a few other things since it should be well-planned. Anything else? For you? For the girls?”

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Love Fortune Wheel | Lucy x Grace

It was weird that someone outside of work – on Valentine’s day – has called her. Usually, Valentine’s day is a day spent with Iana, but today was a bit different because of how much work she had to do.

What surprised her more was hearing whose voice it was on the other line. “Gracey?” She asked; and almost choked when she heard the reason Grace was calling.

By the time Grace finished, Lucy was stuck on the part where Grace told her  that she’s the only other woman Nancy would love for Grace to date. “What?” She asked once more, though it was more of a making sure she heard her right. “Gracey, you can just ask me out on a date, you know,” Lucy teased, a smile forming her lips. “I’d love to go out on a date with you. However, I have plans with Iana tonight,” she paused, “how about I invite you and Nancy over for dinner and movie tonight? In that way, Nancy wouldn’t have to bug you that you’re lying to just get out of that date with her dance instructor.”

Grace froze, while it was true that she preferred to skip Valentine’s with Marina Ivanova, not only to not admit the woman somehow had a way with her, especially with the random dance sessions whenever she picked up Nancy, but because she couldn’t seem to stop thinking on her relationship with Lucy, on what could have been and the many ‘what ifs’. So, yes, she wanted to go on a date with her ex. Then again, how could have she even expected Lucy was going to be that willing to go with it?

“Uhm... well, that’s nice to know, but I’m telling you the truth”. Grace smiled while listening to Lucy’s voice “Are you sure you can afford that? I wouldn’t dare to interrupt your plans with Iana” then she sighed “if you said no, I would have to go out with that instructor, so no way of escaping that unless I actually go on a date with you, which I would prefer.”

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Love Fortune Wheel | Lucy x Grace

Ed, I’m not accepting my cousin alone for Valentine’s, I’m pretty sure she’s lying about going out with that lady, so I’m planning to set her up with Ms. Ivanova, Nancy’s dance instructor, so be a good laddie, and help me. After listening to her cousin's plans for her on Valentine's, Grace ran back to her office and picked up her phone, she waited until an assistant picked up "May I speak with Ms. Brennan? Thank you"

She didn't have to wait long, and a sigh of relief went out of her lips as she heard he ex's voice "Lucille, please, save me. My cousin wants to set me up with someone for Valentine's and I lied and said I was going out with you."

After a short silence, she kept going “I overheard he wants to set me up with my niece's dance instructor, and I hate the woman, but neither him nor Nancy accepts that answer, because they think I like her and I don't want to admit it. So, I said I was going out with you because... well... you're the only other woman Nancy would love me to date."

[bruelarson]

#very powerful women

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willow | Lucy & Grace

Iana was sitting beside Lucy, but the child seemed to be even more distracted than she is; that when she heard Grace’s reaction, she immediately got serious. “Ma, look,” Iana pointed to the two people interacting by the door.

Lucy looked at where Iana was pointing and got confused for a while, at least until they were introduced. “Oh, it’s nice to meet you, Alexandra,” Lucy smiled, “I thought you’re Aunt Rachel. The resemblance is just… great, to say the least,” she giggled.

When everyone started to eat, Iana pointed at the wine. “Can I have the strawberry juice, too?” She asked, failing badly at keeping her voice low. Lucy laughed then shook her head. “Sorry, darling, no. You can have water, though. Imagine strawberry juice, but without strawberry and juice,” then grinned teasingly at her daughter.

“Who cooked? Everything tastes damn good,” she almost moaned at how good the food items are. Gracey, you should invite me in every dinner you guys have, please.”

Alexandra admitted “Yes, I get that a lot, even at home, that’s why our grandma always wants me around.”

“And our father is overprotective about her” William added. “I would say I’m surprised you’re here, but since our father has a high preference for Grace, I’m not.”

Grace laughed “Wait, here. I’ll get you some strawberry juice”. She went to the kitchen and made strawberry juice for both Iana and Nancy, then went back to serve it to them “Here you go, girls”. Then turned to Lucy, “as for the cooking, Claudette, Carolyn and I are responsible, well, mostly Claudette and I, Carolyn is responsible for the dessert that will come afterwards, so girls you better eat everything, or you won’t get dessert.”

“Well, like Edward says, you can’t go wrong dining with the Morgan-Browns” William giggled.

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willow | Lucy & Grace

“If not suitors, then maybe someone who loves you, romantically, from afar,” Lucy said all dramatically, and as if she was day dreaming.

“It is a good thing, Gracey,” Lucy assured her with a slight nod, “I mean, not everyone gets a feature. Hmm, imagine Time’s Person of the Year, but well, local.”

“Aww. Look at you doing really well at adulthood,” she teased then patted the top of Grace’s head. “Well, if you fall asleep, maybe Nancy will just wake you up and you won’t be able to say no to her. She’s such a ball of sunshine.”

At the instruction, Lucy immediately took the glasses, two at a time, to the table then set them on the top right of every plate.

When the kids are already downstairs, Lucy checked on Iana who told her about the videogames and about Nancy. She then told Lucy to scoot down so she can whisper something. “You should marry Grace so I can spend time with Nancy,” then giggled. Lucy only limited to laugh then shuffled Nancy’s hair.

“The place smells of good food,” Lucy commented, excited to eat.

“That’s it, I’ll tell William he should welcome a new member” Grace nodded. “And I trust you on the magazine.”

Grace arched an eyebrow at her “I don’t like you, you shouldn’t mess with your juniors at adulthood” then giggled “That’s very true, I can’t say no to her, so let’s hope she doesn’t ask me to buy her the European Space Agency or something, that’d be the acquisition of a lifetime. Also, I’m still not taking that bath.”

Grace was about to go to the table when the doorbell rang once more, she opened the door “Oh my...!” she covered her mouth, seeing this particular person would always make her tear up for obvious reasons only understandable for whoever who knew her aunt, Rachel Morgan. The ginger hugged the young lady and let her in.

“I trust you’re happy to see me”

“When am I not? C’mon, straight to the table, you’re on time for dinner.”

She took the no longer mysterious guest with her to the table, after leaving her stuff on the living room and the bottle of wine she brought in the kitchen, and both Nancy and William were the first to express how happy they were for ther presence.

“Well, if it isn’t my little sister” he hugged the young ginger lady.

“Aunt Alex!” Nancy shouted and clung onto her aunt’s back.

The young ginger was almost the very image of the late Rachel Morgan, Grace pulled her towards Lucy “Lucy, this is Alexandra Morgan, my cousin and William’s sister.”

“I told you, you’ll be happy about it” Claudette said smiling at them. “Anyway, shall we eat now?”

“Yes, please, that chicken is making me hungrier than before entering through that door” Alexandra said causing everyone to laugh.

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willow | Lucy & Grace

Seeing a shy Nancy made Lucy giggle. “Hi,” Iana greeted the other child back with an excited wave of her hand. Then turned to look at the redhead who introduced herself. “Yes, I am Iana,” she said sweetly then nodded almost aggressively when she was told about playing. Iana looked up at Lucy, as if asking for permission, to which Lucy nodded. “Just be careful, my love,” she added, then stepped inside.

Lucy sat beside Grace then giggled. “Maybe one of your suitors,” Lucy winked. “Well, the rest of my day was good. My brain’s a bit fried, but it’s good. You’re getting a two-page feature on our magazine, Gracey. The write-up was by yours truly,” she bragged.

“What about yours? Oh, and shouldn’t the host be preparing? You’re still wearing the clothes you wore to the interview. Go and have some relaxing bath for now. You will probably be too tired after the dinner to even get a bath, so might as well do it now. I’ll see what I can help your mates with. Go, shoo,” then pushed Grace jokingly out of the couch.

Lucy made her way to the kitchen and greeted the people she met earlier. “Is there anything I can help you guys with?”

Grace squinted her eyes at her “Are you part of William’s ‘let’s get Grace married’ club now?” then added “I don’t have suitors”

She then listened to the rest of her day “I don’t know whether two-pages are a good thing or not, but the fact you’ve written them it’s enough for me to want to read them, even if you brag” she giggled.

“Mine was busy, as usual.  Signing papers here and there, looking at our finances, directing people. I came here earlier only because Edward told me to leave, otherwise I might still be there.” Then sighed “as for preparing, I apologize for the same appearance, it’s not the same cooking for one or two, than cooking for eight people, Claudette helped which was great, but still. I’ll have a bath later, if I have it now I might sleep and forget about dinner. So, don’t shoo me, Lucille” she arched an eyebrow at her and giggled.

“I’m here, we can start dinner now” William arrived and noticed Lucy, he smiled at her kindly. “Well, since I’ve heard you offering for help, you may help me by bringing the glasses to the table. They’re on the top cabinet in the kitchen.“

“Girls, come down! Dinner is ready.” Claudette shouted.

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willow | Lucy & Grace

Lucy’s day went easy; in fact, she was able to make a two full page feature on Grace and the interview. She could possibly do a three-pager but the editorial department limited her to two pages, to give way to the news articles. She was also involved in some of the video editing process, a request she made Laurie the moment she knew Laurie was handling the camera for the interview.

At the middle of work, Iana called Lucy and told her to bring her candies. “We’re going to a friend’s house for dinner, my love,” she responded, to which Iana asked if she could play there. “Yes. I think you’ll be able to make a new friend, too.” Iana was beyond excited. Not that she doesn’t make a lot of friends, but most of the people she knows are years older than she is.

Once she arrived home, she was surprised when Iana was already dressed. “Someone’s excited,” Lucy commented lightly before planting a soft kiss on top of Iana’s head. “Let me just get dressed, then we’ll leave, okay?”

Since Lucy doesn’t want to be extra, she decided to just put on some tights, a leather jacket, and a black shirt. Once they were both ready to go, Lucy started driving to Grace’s place.

“Now, if you want to go, you tell me, okay? Then we’ll go. Just like how we are when it comes to gatherings,” then kissed Iana’s forehead.

“Are we visiting your boyfriend? Or girlfriend?” Iana asked.

“Neither, darling.” And that’s all she has to know for now.

Lucy rang the doorbell once they were in front of Grace’s door.

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Grace’s busy work day ended up earlier than she thought, mostly because Edward told her a few hours later to leave and prepare that dinner, especially when she had a significant number of people to feed.

As soon as she made it home, she was surprised by Claudette already taking charge of the kitchen, something unusual on her. When she asked about Nancy, the blonde told her she was with Carolyn already preparing after being told she’d have visitors. The girl loved big family dinners, especially those where she loved each member of said family, if meeting a new person of her age was added, she was set for a day full of excitement.

“What are we cooking?” Grace asked to Claudette.

“I’m cooking chicken with rosemary, some sausages and potatoes.”

“Okay, I’ll work on the salad” Grace didn’t need to ask which one because with William at home, it means he only wanted her Caesar salad.

“Shouldn’t you take a shower first?”

“Nope, no shower, we’re cooking for 7 people”

“8. I won’t tell who’s joining but you’ll be happy about it” Claudette smiled mischievously at Grace.

The Welsh squinted her eyes at her cousin “Why your face tells me it’s Marina Ivanova?” Claudette only laughed. “Please, no, we’ll spend the night annoying each other and I don’t want that”

“Let’s talk about dessert”

“I’ll make it” Carolyn came in “I left Nancy with William. They’re playing videogames” she giggled.

After a few hours, and with the help of William and a cheerful Nancy, they set their big table with the chicken, sausages, potatoes, Caesar salad, and kept Carolyn’s cake in the kitchen.

As soon as the doorbell rang, Nancy ran in her jeans, jean jacket, and red t-shirt, her hair tied up in a ponytail towards the door and opened it. Her eyes went wide when she looked at Iana “Hi” she greeted shyly.

Grace went to the door in her white shirt and pencil black skirt, she saw Lucy and Iana an d smiled at them “Welcome. Come in” then got close to Iana “You must be Iana. Nice to meet you, Iana. I’m Grace. This is my niece Nancy, I’m pretty sure you’d love to play” Then looked at Nancy “Why don’t you show her around the house? See if you can beat your uncle’s record at videogames” she giggled.

The ginger sat on the nearby couch, patting the space next to her, and turned to Lucy “We’ve just served dinner, now we’re waiting for William to bring the wine and some mysterious guest I have no idea of. How was the rest of your day?"

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Well, the fact that this interview went a lot better than the last time we saw each other meant that it was…. good, she thought to herself.

Lucy was about to say something when William entered and she saw Grace’s reaction. This indeed is a good day for Grace. And for Lucy herself, as she was able to see Grace happy a lot of times today. God, just seeing Grace brings back so many memories. Good ones.

She listened to the two interact then smiled to herself when she heard the word traffic. Welcome to this place, she wanted so bad to say.

When Lucy was pulled and introduced, she extended a hand for the other. “Pleasure to meet you,” she smiled genuinely, “and yes, traffic here is the worst. Although, for the year 2019, India got the top place for the worst traffic in the world. So, ours is nothing compared to them, which is somehow sca- okay, I will shut up,” she laughed then introduced Laurie before turning to Edward, “we just finished the interview, Mr. Smith. One of these days, I’ll make sure to interview you, too.”

At the question of joining the big dinner, Lucy smiled then nodded. “Iana and I would love that,” she answered. “Well, we have to get going if I would have a dinner to attend tonight. I’m going to need to transcribe the interview and make a write-up for the magazine, too. That wouldn’t be difficult though; my subject is inspiring enough for me to finish strong,” she winked jokingly, dropping the formal demeanor at the last minute. “I’ll see you tonight, Gracey.”

Everyone laughed along at Lucy’s explanation on traffic, before greeting Laurie. Edward on his part turned to the Irish “I’ll make sure I’m here then”

“If he’s not, I’ll make sure to tie him to his chair until you arrive. I know this time it was because of this surprise, but Mr. Smith here tends to be somewhat anxious before interviews, no matter who they are” Grace added.

Edward gave his friend a cheesy smile “And this is why you’re my partner” to which Grace responded by squinting her eyes at him.

Grace was very happy when she heard that Lucy was joining them. Then blushed slightly when she winked at her.

After she left, William turned to her “Gracey?” he stayed silent for a few seconds before asking “You know each other from before?”

“Actually, Miss Brennan is Grace’s ex-girlfriend?” Edward revealed in a soft voice.

“What happened? Did she hurt you?” William asked with worry written in his face.

“No” Grace simply said.

“Then why...?”

Grace gave William a sad smile, refusing to give explanations that could provoke an emotional turmoil, limiting to tell the truth with a simple metaphor.

“Because you can’t stay in Wonderland.”

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“I’m sure there would be another time when I can talk to him.” She meant it. She wanted to get to know the person who helped Grace; although she herself might be feeling a little jealous, she knows that things could have turned differently (maybe in the worse direction, in fact) if they forced themselves to stay with each other. Or if she forced Grace to stay.

“Well then,” she looked at the camera, “wise words from a wise and inspirational woman, proving that not giving up will allow us to go places and be on top of our craft,” then turned to Grace, “it was such a pleasure talking to you, Miss Morgan.” Laurie passed a bouquet to Lucy, to which Lucy passed then to Grace, before the camera stopped rolling.

Once the camera stopped, Lucy let out a sigh of relief. “That went pretty well, don’t you think? Thank you so much for allowing us to interview you for today. Is there any way I can repay you? Lunch? If you’re free, I mean.”

Nice. Nice. Fuck.

Grace limited to look at Lucy as she did her job and closed the interview, thinking how much she has advanced in her career, and it wasn’t definitely for nothing, her ex really had what it takes for journalism. “Pleasure was mine, Miss Brennan” she smiled at her, then expressed her gratitude after a bouquet was delivered in her hands.

“I think so, then again, I don’t think I’d be the best judge of an interview towards myself” Grace giggled. “And you’re welcome. I’m sorry Edward wasn’t around, I hope that someone he went looking for was a good reason for this absence.”

“It was” Edward came into the office, followed by some steps that finally materialized into a well-known figure to Grace wearing a navy uniform.

“Oh my God, William!” The Welsh went running towards her cousin for a hug. “Why didn’t you tell me you were on leave?”

“That laddie wanted to surprise you” The redheaded man who was as tall as Grace pointed at Edward as he let go of his cousin.

“So this is why everyone’s here” Grace looked at Edward.

“Yes, that’s it. I thought it‘d be quick, but traffic was terrible” The short Englishman defended himself.

Grace turned to Lucy “I’m sorry” then she pulled her towards her cousin “William, this is Lucy Brennan, we just finished an interview.”

William squinted his eyes at the Irish “A marriage interview?”

“Wha—? No! Why you and everyone insists on finding me someone to get married to?”

“Uhm, maybe because we just want you to find a good lassie or laddie to make you happy? Especially when the lives of Claudette, Carolyn, Nancy, and myself are way better and even happy ones thanks to you?” William arched a brow at Grace.

“It still wasn’t a marriage interview, just the work kind” Grace turned to Lucy “Since he’s here, we’ll be making a big dinner tonight at my place, would you join us? Iana is also welcome, I’m sure Nancy would love some company of her age.”

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“Now that’s good progress there,” Lucy chuckled when Grace mentioned about being able to edit crime stories when she has to. “Life or death situation,” Lucy repeated, smiling. “I can tell you’ve got good partnership with Mr. Smith. Which reminds me, why isn’t he here with us today?”

Lucy almost choked when she heard about the advice. Yes, it’s been 5 years. Five crazy years, at least for herself.

“That seemed like a nice advice,” she commented, smiling genuinely. “Whoever gave you that advice, I’m sure that she is extremely proud of you for taking it; for using it to the best version of yourself.” She flashed Grace another genuine smile and continued on with the interview. “Speaking of being the best version of yourself, do you think, if possible, you’d change some of the routes you had to take to get here?”’

The talk went on for some more minutes and before they know it, they’re nearing the allotted time for her. “It’s been really nice talking to you and knowing more about you and the company, Ms. Morgan, but I believe we’re down to our last question,” she sat up straight then intertwined her own fingers, “if you were to give your younger self an advice you know she’d hold on to for years, what would that be?”

“Mr. Smith had to take care of some personal matters” Grace nodded.

“I hope she is” Grace smiled wide. Then thought about what she could possibly change about her life “None. I believe everything happens and fixes on its own time, and usually it ends up being the right one.”

She sat up straight for the last question “Don’t ever give up, no matter how impossible it looks like. Don’t give up.” 

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Lucy listened attentively then nodded slightly. “It does take people believing in someone for a person to start believing in herself; in some cases, at least. How important is a person believing in herself or other people’s belief in someone’s capabilities in order to achieve success? Everyone has their own struggles in achieving something, so what would you consider is your greatest struggle, that made this success sweeter? It could be a story of struggle you had with Mr. Smith, too, of course. Or yours alone.”

Belief is important, after all, if you want to achieve something special, you have to believe it is for it happen. That’s why we carefully pair writers with editors. So, when our writers don’t believe in themselves, the editors serve as cheerleaders. As for my greatest struggle, for starters, I still can’t write a crime story to save my life” she laughed then continued “but I can certainly edit one when I have to, or when Mr. Smith insists I edit his crime novels labeling it as a life or death situation” she laughed nervously “I’ve learned a lot from him, and he always makes better progress when I offer my criticism.”

Grace looked up thinking carefully for a moment before looking back at Lucy “My greatest struggle was certainly real life 5 years ago. Emotions can cause real trouble in your writing and editing, as well as having old fights abandoned. I remember I once received the advice of taking responsibility without abandoning them. I took the advice, and here I am. Not only did I become successful and earned a family that really supports me, but my work became better” she finished smiling at Lucy. 

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Truth be told, being this formal around Grace was… making her lose her focus. If things were different, could it be that she’d be more confident being in front of her? If they were still together, would it be easier to conduct the interview? Or would it be the same anyway?

Focus, Lucy, focus.

“So, Miss Morgan, to start off, I would like to know if you were even prepared for your rise in your industry? Because, even though this is a progressive time, some people just don’t understand how women find their place in the world, let alone their industry. Would you have expected a slow rise, a steady one, or a quick one?”

“Oh, not at all. Not only I wasn’t prepared, but it wasn’t even in my plans, nor Mr. Smith’s. Our main concern was giving writers a new space where they could develop themselves. I think the lack of understandment comes from the general thought that women rising in the industry are condemned to be alone or start alone in order to be recognized. So, again, my expectations were none from my part.”