Christopher Stone

Owner of Riverside Motel

[christopher-stone]

evenstarsarwen‌:

  It would seem her hopeful selection of someone to help pass the time, and make her feel more at ease, had been a poor choice. At his abrupt response, Arwen felt her shoulders deflate, realizing for all of her pretending, she was still the same girl stuck in a gala she really had no business attending. His acute observation only felt even more biting as it nipped close to the truth. “Yes, well, neither would I, I suppose,” She answered quietly in solidarity, now once more critical as she gazed out at the crowd. “It seems like a waste of money for such extravagance, just to attempt to raise some,” Arwen added with a light sigh. “Running? No, no. Just wondering why I bother sometimes. Parties and galas - you’re dead on. Not nearly my cup of tea.” 

It was kind of nice to talk to someone who felt as out of place as he did. At this point in the night, he wished he never came. Even to please Avery, they could’ve of done something else together, somewhere less uptight. He could feel his demeanor softening a little, knowing they had the same mindset on things. “It’s very refreshing to hear that actually. Everyone here is so happy to be surrounded by all this fortune and politics. And I totally agree, a waste of money.” People here spent $150 on a ticket and then were going to spend more money for charity. He’s all for helping people, but this party wasn’t for his demographic. “There’s too much...muchness here.” In his college days and early adulthood, he loved a good party. Surrounded by people he knew and loved. Even strangers, striking up conversations and joking about life. After coming back to Redwood, he doesn’t recognize that person anymore. “What brought you here then? If you don’t really want to be here. I mean, if that’s the case.”

[leslie-bowman]

Who: OPEN

Leslie was able to catch another server with a tray of champagne as she walked briskly through the ballroom. She didn’t stop when she grabbed it, but she shot the waiter a thankful smile as she glided past. She didn’t have a destination in mind – she could just feel her father’s eyes follow her through the room, ready to be disappointed at whatever mess she created. Soon, the older man would get tired and beg her mother to leave and Leslie would be free to do as she pleased,  but until then she was determined to keep moving.

Still, she wasn’t looking forward to wasting half the party dodging between the crowds. She spotted someone standing alone and made a beeline towards them. “Hi,” she greeted with a bright smile before she downed her flute of champagne. “Wanna dance? Drinks on me for the rest of the night!” She paused. “Or not, because I really shouldn’t have to bribe. Look at me.”

[christopher-stone]

Christopher was shocked by the warms energy and abrupt questions. He starred at her wide eyed for a moment. He thought no one would even notice him pressed against the wall. There was a see of people, but this lady spotted him. He held up the free champagne that was already in his hand. “I don’t know if you knew, but there’s free drink everywhere. It’s an open bar. So thanks, but no thanks.” He couldn’t help but smile because this whole moment came out of nowhere. She just popped up out of thin air. “Also, I don’t dance. Even though you’re wearing a pretty dress, it doesn’t change my mind.” He said, raising his eyebrows. “But cheers to finding your dance partner, wherever they may be.” He noticed the glass in her hand and tilting his own towards hers. He raised it and chugged the rest of his drink.

[evenstarsarwen]

   Despite being a very passionate fan of wine, she much less fond of crowds or parties, and even lesser of having to get dressed up. Ewan and his silly eyes had managed to coax Arwen from their apartment, and though she was damn determined to be miserable, it was actually… a bit fun. Though in this fuss of the party, Ewan had abandoned her for someone likely much more enjoyable of an evening companion, Arwen was finding some satisfaction in her own way as she floated around the outskirts of the room. 

    As a child, she was left to imagine a lot. With few friends, her mind was all she had by way of entertainment, and so she’d gotten quite a good sense of fantasy from her childhood. Now, dressed like a princess, and feeling a bit like one too, she simply wandered around, allowing herself the childish joy of pretending to transported to France, back in days long past. Upon finding another individual hiding on the outskirts, maybe even with a matching glint of intrigue in their eye, Arwen decided to be bolder, and said hello. “Not too terrible of a get-up, isn’t it?” 

[christopher-stone]

Being around all these people began to feel way too overwhelming for Topher. He needed some space away from all the noise and bustle. He found a corner that didn’t seem to really have many people, a chance to catch his breath. He really thought tonight might be fun, but it was the opposite. The whole night he had been feeling invisible, but also standing out like a sore thumb. 

He closed his eyes for a moment, leaned against the wall behind him and tried to center himself. When he opened his eyes, a woman was starring at him and held her gaze for a moment. Once she walked over to him, he decided he should probably respond. “I mean, I wouldn’t really call this my ‘cup of tea.’” He said, giving a straight forward nod and a tight smile. He really didn’t want to be a dick, this girl seemed nice and was just trying to have a conversation. But everything was feeling a bit too much right now. “You seem to be running away from something.”

[christopher-stone]

closed starter

who: christopher and @emiliakwan

where: valentine’s day charity gala

Christopher was standing beside Avery. She was saying hellos and introducing him to people. Some people even recognized him, pretending like they were old buddies. Most of these people were horrible to him in school or he barely knew them, but he just smiled and shook hands. He was scanning the room when he noticed someone. “Fuck.” He said quietly. It was her, the girl from the bar that night. What was her name? Did he even ask for her name? Vodka Soda? Was that what he called her? I thought he really must be an asshole most of the time.

He was starring for too long because they locked eyes and she waved at him. Fuck, now she saw him. “Avery, I’m going to go use the restroom.” He excused himself and tried to find a spot where she couldn’t see him. He weaved back and forth through people, making his way to where he thought the bathroom must be. He looked behind him, but couldn’t see anyone. He thought he might have lost her, but after a few moments her head popped around the corner. 

She began to speak, but he tried his best to look confused. He wished that night never happened. He got too drunk and too honest and said more than he would’ve liked. He spilled secrets about his life that he just wasn’t comfortable sharing while he was sober. “I’m sorry, do I know you?”

[cesar-flores]

“Mr. Stone, don’t you clean up nicely?” Avery’s smile widened easily as she stood in front of the town car she had taken to the motel to pick up Topher. She was eternally grateful that she had convinced him to go with her, especially after insisting on buying his ticket. It was like despite all the time that had passed, they had fallen so easily back into the tender friendship they had built all of those years ago. It wasn’t every day she reconnected with the one man who could claim he had been Avery Whittaker’s boyfriend. She reached out to smooth the collar of his jacket before leaning in to kiss his cheek. “Thank you,” she told him softly. “I mean the days of you being my beard are over considering everyone knows I’m gayer than RuPaul at a Fire Island drag show but, I have to say we’re going to look pretty damn good walking in there. Come on, I got us a car so that we can actually drink and have fun. That’s my goal for tonight. Though, full transparency, my ex fiancee is there with her new…well I don’t know what’d you call her but she’s there,” she added and waved off the thought before the driver opened the door for both of them to slide in and Avery sat back with nervous excitement building in the pit of her stomach. “How was the rest of your day? You know after this you just have to come over so you can meet my daughter.” @christopher-stone​

[christopher-stone]

Once he got the text from Avery that she was outside, he stepped out from his office into the parking lot. She was standing along side a car that was probably worth more than the entire motel. She looked amazing in her dress and still have the kindest smile in the world. “This was literally something I just threw on. But you, Ms. Whittakerr, look stunning as ever.” He said, smiling at her. “Not gonna lie, this feels like prom all over again.” It was such simpler times back them, the real world hadn’t hit their bubble of youth and naivety. 

He listened to her speech, and she was right. Maybe this could be fun. Some drinking, some laughs, some time with Avery. The little voice in his head told him that wouldn’t be the case, but Avery made it sound so convincing. “I mean, seeing your ex there is going to be the best part of the night obviously.” He said sarcastically.

He was about to open the door for her, but a man was already reaching the handle and had it open for them. He climbed in after her, a little shocked. “Uh, thanks.” He said before the man closed the door. He could feel his nerves building and how this was probably the worst idea in the world. Now realizing it was actually happening and they were on their way. “My day has been the same as every other day and very uneventful, just the way I like it. How about yours? And I would absolutely love to meet your daughter. I still can’t believe you have a child. There is a small child out there who just calls you mom, that’s crazy to me. What’s her name again?” So much time really have pasted for them. They seemed to have slipped right back into their old banter, but things were still really different now. 

[christopher-stone]

closed starter

who: christopher and @jordcngrangcr​

where: valentine’s day charity gala

Christopher found his way to the open bar. Maybe tonight wasn’t going to be as horrible as he thought. He only came because of Avery. She insisted that he come, and how could he say no to her? I mean, she bought his ticket and everything. At some point while Avery was making her rounds, he decided to take a moment for himself. He waved over the bartender and asked for straight whiskey. At least the alcohol was free. 

He grabbed his drink and turned around to look at everyone there. All these fancy people in fancy clothes with their fancy talk. This was a huge part of why he left Redwood. This is what a huge part of his life was surrounded by and he never fit in. He was never accepted into this part of society that thrived in this town. Moments like this made him realize the wounds from his past never really stopped existing. 

A woman came up to the bar to order something and seemed to be in a pretty good mood. The exact opposite of how he was feeling being here. He decided he might as well work on his people skills and trying down the whole “small talk” thing. Make tonight more interesting for himself. “So, having fun tonight?” He said, trying to sound enthused. 

[christopher-stone]

                                                  GALA OUTFIT

[christopher-stone]

emiliakwan‌:

Somehow Emilia got stuck with the nickname vodka soda, but it was her fault for being flustered after the initial awkwardness and not bothering to introduce herself. She was fine with the nickname, to be honest. It was rare that people called her Emilia, close friends calling her a range of nicknames from Dumpling to Millie. “Yeah, well exactly, I’ll have my moment of glory before this game ends and we will see who’s the one with the hangover, Whiskey,” giving him a nickname since she wasn’t gonna bother asking for his name at this point.

Emilia let out a laugh as she watched the ball fly across the room. “You are really good at pool,” she was clearly being sarcastic. “I think this whole cocky attitude isn’t going to work in your favor, Whiskey,” she let out an audible laugh. It was her turn and though she was sure she’d make at least one shot, she was still anxious. She placed more chalk at the tip of her stick, finding the best position to be in. She settled, setting her eyes on the ball, praying that the ball gods were with her once again.

Emilia hit the striped ball, managing to get it in nearly getting the cue ball in while she was at it. “Booyah!” she exclaimed. “In your face,” the alcohol was clearly letting her be a little more loose than usual. She tried her best to hit the second ball in, but failed miserably. “Welp, I guess we’re tied then,” she said, grabbing another shot, ready to see where the night would take the two.

Christopher was genuinely enjoying himself at this point. Vodka Soda was honestly good company to be around and he was having fun for once in a long time. He stepped back and sipped his drink while watching the woman sink a ball in. He could definitely say he was drunk at this point. On a normal night, he would probably just go home and sleep off the alcohol. Tonight was turning out to be a different story. He wanted to stay out for once, totally different how he was feeling at the beginning of the night.

All of her outbursts seemed to make him laugh more than usual. The world was a little foggy and a little loopy. “Now it’s my turn to show you how you really play pool. Before, you know when the cue ball flew across the room? I was only showing you what not to do.” He said, picking up his stick. He easily sunk one of his balls in, because it was only an inch away from the pocket. But the second one was no luck. “You probably rigged this game. I’ve always been a master at pool. Even one a championship for it.” He said jokingly, obviously being sarcastic about it all. He stepped aside and took his shot of alcohol, letting her take her turn.

[christopher-stone]

emiliakwan‌:

Emilia began to question what she had gotten herself into. A night meant for a couple drinks to take the edge off had now turned into a friendly competition between her and the other. She didn’t even know his name yet here she was ready to take all the shots that the bartender had brought over. Was she ready for this? No. Was she ready to be hungover? No. Was she ready to fight a good fight? Hell yes.

Emilia laughed. “You better not get so cocky now. Maybe the underdog will win. People do love the underdog story,” she was getting nervous as he hit the first ball in, grateful that he missed the second one. It was her turn. She rarely played pool but maybe somehow the ball gods would be on her side for just this night.

She grabbed the stick, making sure to chalk it up real nice. Emilia tried to remember what her father taught her as a child. She managed to get the first one in with no trouble. The second one seemed trickier. Emilia was not trick shot expert here, so she figured she’d just go for it. Somehow, the second striped ball managed to go in. Her luck didn’t get very far because she missed her third one, barely missing the hole by a couple inches. “Well shit,” she said, grabbing a shot and throwing it back with ease.

Topher couldn’t help but laugh at the woman cursing. It was so innocent and in the moment. “Vodka soda, here’s the thing about underdogs.” He said, grabbing his stick and analyzing the table. “An underdog is an underdog for a reason. They aren’t that good.” He grabbed the chalk and coated the tip, thinking that must be the reason he messed up the first time. “They might have there moment of glory, but that isn’t until the movie is almost over.” He gave her a cheeky smile a bent over the table.

With some of the stripped balls out of the way, he was able to make his first two shots quite easily. “And like that, I’m killing the game once again.” His brain wasn’t comprehending his new found friendly attitude was from the alcohol, but he wasn’t going to question it. It was so nice to feel free from his thoughts for once. 

Again, he was in a tough pickle, no moves to make. “Alright, I’ve got a proposition. I’m going to make a trick shot right now. If I make it, you take two shots. If I miss, I’ll take two shots.” He starred at her, raising his eyebrows. “Unless you’re scared?” When she seemed down, he went for the shot. He really thought he was going to make it, but the ball flew across the room. He stood there for a moment in shock, but couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled over. “Ok, ok maybe that wasn’t a good idea.” He said, as he ran over to grab the ball. Apologizing to the people he walked past for almost hitting them. “Alright Vodka Soda, my word is good.” He said, downing two shots, making a face as he felt it hit his stomach. 

[christopher-stone]

emiliakwan‌:

Emilia’s ears perked up at the thought of playing a drinking game. She wasn’t sure about drunk pool, but thankfully medical school had taught her to have somewhat of a hand eye coordination. “You’re going down,” she said, not sure that she would be able to beat the other, but confidence was key in this situation. “Are you trying to get me to have a hangover?” she joked, wondering how many rounds of pool they were going to play.

She made her way over to the pool area, hanging her bag at the pool table where the bar had provided hooks. She pulled out her wallet and grabbed the quarters and placed them into the slot, pushing it in and gathering all of the pool balls to put them into a triangle. “Gentleman first?” she asked, hoping that he would agree to it so she could see how good or terrible he was.

“Oh definitely the hangover.” He said jokingly, getting into the mood for this game. Before waking away from the bar, he ordered six shots for them and asked the bartender to bring them over. He was pretty confident in his pool game. He hadn’t played in awhile, but you just smack a couple of balls around and get them into the pockets. 

Once he had ordered, he followed behind and watched as she slid a quarter into the table. He smiled and bowed, going to grab one of the sticks. “You’ll regret that later because now you’ll never get the chance to play.” He said with a cocky smile. He racked up the balls and made his shot. One of the solid color balls made it into a pocket. “See, I told you, never going to get a chance.” 

He moved around the table, trying to find the next best angle for his next shot. He really didn’t set this up well for himself because all of his moves would hit one of the stripped balls. He looked back at her, watching her watch him and just went for it. He barely tapped one of the solid color spheres and he watched as the white ball bounced back and forth across the table. “You know what, I just need to warm up.” He said, grabbing one of the shots the bartender had brought over. 

[christopher-stone]

averywhittakerr‌:

“Jesus christ,” she mumbled as someone bumped into her but it wasn’t as if she hadn’t been looking at her phone and responding to an e-mail. On nights like these she craved being closer to the water where it felt like she could breath easier. Grace was still with Ela and because of that Avery was working late nights and only going home when she was tired enough to fall into bed and fall asleep instantly. So the sound of the familiar voice was comforting to say the least. And though it took her a moment, the minute he said her name it was like she was fifteen all over again. “Topher? I…you grew facial hair,” she told him with a soft laugh, finding herself holding him tighter as he offered the hug and she closed her eyes for a moment as she realized how much she had needed that in the moment. Despite never being a particularly affectionate person, sometimes a hug could make all the difference. “I live here. Again. I’ve been back for a few years now actually.” She pulled away only slightly, hesitating before she reached her hand up to press it lightly against his cheek, as if she had to touch his face to know he was real. Sweet and always kind, Topher Stone, the boy she had once thought she was in love with but who had ultimately helped her love herself. 

“You’re so..grown, I mean, how long have you been back? I..heard about your parents,” she said before she could stop herself and she gave his arm a squeeze before pulling away completely. “I’m sorry, I know how much you loved them. They were wonderful, wonderful people.” She took a deep breath and looked around before smiling softly at him. “Were you heading somewhere? Maybe I could join you? I mean we obviously have a lot to catch up on.”

He could feel himself getting emotional, but he wasn’t going to let that happen. All the memories of their time together came flooding back to him. It had been so long since he thought about Avery and his time here in Redwood. For the longest time, he shoved that part of his life into a box and dared to never open it again. But seeing her broke that box open and the memories were overflowing. 

He leaned his face into her touch. “I guess that’s what puberty does to you. You grow old, get some wrinkles, get some facial hair.” He hadn’t genuinely laughed like this into such a long time. It was so nice to see Avery again. “I can’t believe you moved back here. How dare you move back here? You were meant to run away and never set your eyes upon this town ever again.”

Her talking about his parents put things back into reality. They weren’t teenagers anymore, a lot of time had past. He really didn’t feel like the best son after he left high school. He refused to ever visit Redwood and the last few moments with his mom were her sick in a bed, dying a slow and sad death. And only a year with his dad, where he met the same fate at the end. He nodded along with her, not willing to bring up too much from the past. 

“Just heading back to Riverside, I’d love for you to join me.” The harbor was his home now with the motel being located there. He only lived a few blocks away. He held out his arm so she could wrap hers around it. “You don’t understand how good it is to see you.” 

[christopher-stone]

emiliakwan‌:

“Oh, I mean - it’s okay, sorry to have bothered you,” she said, not entirely sure how to even continue the conversation without feeling more awkward than she already had. Taking constant sips of her drink, Emilia still failed to make eye contact with the other. Maybe if she was a little more inebriated, things would be a lot different, she probably would’ve told him off for being a dick. But today, she was nice Emilia, someone who felt like making a new friend.

“I’m having vodka soda. Nothing too out of the ordinary. I considered getting a Moscow mule but I can chug those things in no time,” she laughed. “How was your day?” It seemed like a safe question, but to be fair, Emilia still wouldn’t know how the other would react. She was just hopeful his reply wouldn’t send more blood away from her face. She still played with her fingers, not sure why she was nervous to just talk to a stranger.

Christopher was already on his third drink and the alcohol was already catching up with him. This was the feeling the way that he liked, but this whole situation had already putting a damper on his mood. He nodded along with her answer, pretending like he really care what she did and didn’t to drink. Her mentioning chugging gave him and idea, and he really didn’t feeling answer that question. 

“How about we play a drinking game?” He suggested, looking around the bar for an idea. He realized those kind of games involved answers and honesty and that wasn’t his idea of fun. “How about drunk pool? Whoever misses their shot...takes a shot?” Something, anything to move on from this moment would be a good move right now.

[christopher-stone]

who: christopher and @averywhittakerr​

where: chinook point

when: february 12th (evening)

Christopher was strolling around Mahonia Harbor and he didn’t know how, but he ended up at Chinook Point. Maybe it was an accident, or muscle memory from his childhood. Growing up, he would always run away here and dream about a world outside of this town. Looking out into the sea and thinking about hopping onto one of those boats and leaving everything behind. Even now, that idea seemed like a good one. 

Once the cold air became too much, he decided to head back to the Riverside. In the dark, he didn’t notice the figure that was headed his away. He bumped shoulders with them, almost knocking them over. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t...” Then it hit him, he knew this person. She seemed so familiar, and then it hit him. 

“Avery?” He couldn’t stop starring at her. “Avery...” He laughed out her name, in disbelief that he was actually looking at her. “I can’t believe...” He couldn’t help himself, but wrapped her in a warm hug. In this moment, he’s realized how long it’s been since he’s even just touched someone like this. His heart felt so warm for the first time in a long time. After a long moment, he finally pulled back. “Can’t believe you’re here? What are you doing in Redwood?”

[christopher-stone]

Although Emilia frequented the bars in town, she hadn’t seen Christopher before. Most of the time, she would keep to herself and just drink until the night flew by. Somehow, she felt drawn to speak to him. She didn’t know what to say though when he seemed short with her. It wasn’t the reaction she was expecting. Maybe it was her naive belief that people would be friendly when they had alcohol in them.

“No, I just - I just wanted to chat, was all, sorry,” she said, playing with her fingers. Shit she thought in her head. Was it something that she said to have upset him? She wasn’t exactly ready for the hostility that she was feeling from the other. Maybe it was best that she resumed to texting her friends or something to make her feel less awkward. It was apparent how she was feeling though, her cheeks turning rosy, partially from the fact that her body couldn’t break down the alcohol.

Chris sighed and rolled his eyes. He knew he was being a bit much right now and he didn’t mean to take it out on this poor lady. She was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. “Sorry...I mean - I didn’t mean to come off harsh like that. I’m just really not in the mood for small talk.” He said, raising an eyebrow. 

They were silent, and he could feel the awkward tension in the air. This is the opposite of how he wanted tonight to go. Since he got himself into this situation, he decided small talk was way better than this atmosphere he created between them. “So, what are you drinking?” He said somewhat sarcastically, but honestly asking.

[nadia-miller-deactivated2020082]

LOCATION: by the slice (mcloughlin park)

STATUS: open to all

@redwoodstarter

It was the same old song and dance: Nadia would tell herself every night that tomorrow would be the day she would finally cook and meal prep for the rest of the week. But it’d been a struggle to just keep her eyes open by 7. But tonight – tonight was the last time she’d eat out if she could help it (spoiler alert: it wouldn’t be the last time) and tomorrow would be a new day. 

She’d exited the pizza joint with her dinner safely tucked in her hands when a kid came whizzing by on a skateboard down the street, nearly colliding into her. Yet as of a result of her reflexes she’d been able to step back but in the process, at the initial shock, dropped the brown box from her hands, spilling its contents out on to the ground. Nadia felt she’d reached the cosmic realms of anger–particularly after a long fucking day of work–and cursed louder than was perhaps necessary, failing to take into account her surroundings.

Nadia almost laughed in disbelief. “Did this actually just fucking happen to me? I – you’ve got to be shitting me right now…” 

[christopher-stone]

Christopher had just grabbed a bite to eat at By the Slice. He needed some fresh air and a break from Riverside Motel. He decided today was the day he needed a slice of pizza to make things better. And to be honest, this was one of the best places to get pizza in town. 

While walking out the store, he noticed a woman with a pie of pizza in her hands one minute and flying out of her hands the next. He couldn’t help the small smirk that came across his face. Stuff like this didn’t happen in real life, just the movies. But here in this moment, this poor woman’s pizza was lying across the sidewalk. 

“Honestly, you should have let the pizza hit him. Taught him a lesson.” He said, trying to make a joke of the situation. He turned his head and looked inside the restaurant. “I think everyone inside just saw what happened, maybe you could convince them to give you a new one.” He said, trying to sympathize.

[emiliakwan]

WHO: Emilia & @christopher-stone​ WHERE: Fear Knot (Mahonia Harbor) WHEN: February 12th, evening

Emilia had been running around like a chicken the past couple days. Between Valentine’s Day, her friend’s birthday, the charity event, and her birthday, she was ready to sleep for a week straight. After going dress shopping at the outlets, Emilia had found the perfect outfit for the event, it was silky with a soft pink rather than a bright red, which didn’t fit her aesthetic. She enjoyed the days alone, shopping for herself, something she seemed to neglect.

Self care was something Emilia wanted to do more this year and here she was at Fear Knot, caring for herself through alcohol. As she entered the bar, she found it more crowded than usual. “Is this seat taken?” she asked the male to the left of her. She sat down and waved down one of the bartenders. “Vodka soda please,” she said, pulling out her credit card. “Keep the tab open,” she mentioned, before putting her credit card back into her wallet. “What ya having there?” she looked over at the man beside her.

[christopher-stone]

Christopher had already been sat at Fear Knot for awhile. He needed some space from the Riverside and everything that’s been clouding his head. Ever since moving back, life felt like a never ending dream. Just doing one task to the next. Luckily no one really knew him. No one in this town had any reason to stay at the motel and before he moved back, he hadn’t been here in years. 

When he noticed someone was speaking to him, all he did was shake his head. He really wasn’t in any mood to strike up a conversation, but this lady could’t read the big sign over his head that said, “Don’t fucking talk to me.” 

“Whiskey.” He said point blank. He didn’t ask her what she as having and he didn’t care. All he wanted to do was drink in peace and quiet. He didn’t know why, but it felt like she was starring at him. “Can I help you with something?” He said harshly. He didn’t mean to come off rude, but he honestly didn’t care.

[smoking-elegance]