The road less traveled.

Dante Aarons. 38. Owner of Aarons Sporting Goods. (The Mountaineer)

[danteaarons]

ceo-miguel​:

It is, he quickly just became my son and I don’t know how to really explain it - especially since I don’t think Amber and I had ever really thought about adopting before we had to foster, and then we just couldn’t imagine our lives without him. 

It’s alright, I think I understand that. It’s relatable for how Hendrix came to be mine and Emerald’s. Time’s flying by already too. We’d been in the NICU the day he was born and now we’re about 3 months away from his first birthday.

[danteaarons]

aidan-the-baker​:

Yeah, I’ve only been around a few years and I have a nice downtown location so like there’d definitely be people interested. I just have to figure out some sort of sale or promotion or something. Do people still like loyalty cards? 

A promotion would be good. A BOGO or something like that, or some kind of sale on a particular item or flavor of something could do it. As far as the loyalty cards go, a lot of business owners I know have been moving to apps. Everything is through an app now, including coupons, promotions and loyalty programs.

[danteaarons]

Call | Emerald ⇄ Dante

Emerald: Yeah, for reals. I'm half tempted to track him down and chew him out - even though I won't because I know you won't want me to. But small businesses are better for the economy than his national chain bullshit, so maybe just try to ignore him and he'll go away?

Dante: Thanks. You're right though, I don't want you to do that. I'm just pissed from the moment. It'll be easier to ignore him if he doesn't come back but I don't take him as someone who gives up easily.

[danteaarons]

jamesmanning-matched​:

I literally have no idea. It doesn’t make sense whatsoever. People of all attractive levels can identify with any sexual orientation. I’m glad she left me alone, too. I’ve had people try to hit on me when I’m on the job, too. There’s something about wearing a uniform that apparently means I’m free to flirt with.

People are strange sometimes. I think that’s the most I can chalk it up to. But I can’t say I’m surprised about the whole uniform thing, haha. That seems like that’s been the case for a long time--people being attracted to other people in uniforms. You’re probably gonna be dealing with that until you retire.

[danteaarons]

Text | Benjy ⇄ Dante

Benjy: That's what allergy meds are for. But fortunately I'm not allergic to any foods.

Dante: Yeah, I've got Celiac disease and there's not a whole lot that you can take for it, but I'm glad that there's gluten free pizza out there and that it's more common now, even if it's probably because a lot of people went nuts with gluten-free diets.

[danteaarons]

Text | Benjy ⇄ Dante

Benjy: Hahaha even if I was allergic to all the ingredients I would still eat it.

Dante: Haha okay you're on another level than me there.

[danteaarons]

jamesmanning-matched​:

Oh very awkward and very funny. Her face kind of fell and she told me I was “too hot to be gay” which doesn’t make sense. But then she walked away and I finished my work out. 

What does that even mean? “Too hot to be gay”? I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve heard something that moronic. I’m glad she eventually left you alone. At least you weren’t on the job and had to deal with this person.

[danteaarons]

jamesmanning-matched​:

I was at the gym today, and this lady was making heart eyes at me for like ten minutes. I was just trying to get some cardio in, and I showed her my left hand with the ring on it. Then she walked over to me and said “Your wife is a lucky woman.” I had to let her know she was barking up the wrong tree. Not even in the same forest.

That sounds awkward. Really, really awkward. A little funny but awkward. I guess she was pretty hopeful though. I’m guessing she was pretty disappointed when you told her that you’re not only married but very married to a man?

[danteaarons]

Call | Emerald ⇄ Dante

Emerald: For fucks sake! *away from the phone* Hendrix don't you dare let that be your first word *back to the phone* I don't blame you for leaving. It's not like you need the money anyway.

Dante: [sighs] I know you'd help out if the shop was hurting. Like you did during the lockdown last year, but it wasn't even about that for me. Even with the couple of weeks being closed from the storm, we're... [grins his teeth] we're doing okay. But I hate the this guy was acting like he could bully me into selling the shop and taking cheap shots at small businesses.

[danteaarons]

Call | Emerald ⇄ Dante

Emerald: Really? We just wrapped so me and Hendrix are hanging out with the dogs, so we'll all be happy to see you. Is everything okay?

Dante: No. Not really. Some big shot came into the shop wanting to buy me out. I told him I wasn't looking to sell and he kept pressing the matter and pushing my buttons, trying to throw money at me at every angle. I tried to let it go but I've been too pissed and I'm not getting anything done, so I'm leaving.

[danteaarons]

Call | Emerald ⇄ Dante

Dante: [slams passenger door while holding his phone] Hey. I'm taking an early day and heading home in a little bit.

[danteaarons]

lead-singer-emerald​:

Laying Low | Emerald & Dante

“Not every day, we’re doing a snowed in plotline so we’re trying to get an episode’s worth of stuff in there, and then some of the things that we have to do but none of us like doing, but I think we’re going to take tomorrow off to just have a snow day,” Emerald admitted, “Though if we have a snowball fight that’ll probably get filmed, but you’re welcome to join us if we’re being ridiculous like that.” 

Emerald watched her son sleep, glad that the boy was able to settle down as he was transfered to the crib, “That sounds amazing. And you’re definitely right about the leftovers. I’ll probably be eating it for as long as we have it.” 

“A day off from filming should be good. For all of you guys.” At the mention of a snowball fight, Dante arched a brow and then furrowed both while looking in Hendrix’s direction. “Uh... I’ll let you guys have at that one. I’m sure Misty would love to join you though. She’s shown me how much she loves the snow. Every chance she gets,” Dante noted with a few shakes of his head at the recollection.

While lying in the bed and talking about dinner, Dante rested his head over his pillow, facing his wife. “Yeah, I didn’t cook enough for everybody, but even if Di comes up to join us, there should still be leftovers for us.” Shutting his eyes for a moment, he added, “It should be done in about an hour or so. I’ve got a timer set on the counter.”

[danteaarons]

lead-singer-emerald​:

Thanks. It’s just an adjustment, but I’m sure that I’ll get there too. Eventually. 

Yeah, like I said, I know you will. However I can support you, just tell me.

[danteaarons]

aidan-the-baker​:

Yeah, I did. I’m still working on trying to figure out how to pay rent for the month, but my landlord isn’t pressing too hard. Yet. 

Sounds like the same boat I’m in. I think the only reason property management’s not bothering me yet is because of how long the shop’s been there. But I’ve got some friends who own a couple businesses in other parts of town and the owners of the buildings they’re in aren’t being as understanding.

[danteaarons]

ceo-miguel​:

Yeah, I realized that pretty quickly when he first started staying with us. And then I just couldn’t imagine giving him up.  Amber was the same way. So it really wasn’t a surprise that we ended up adopting him. I’m just glad that it’s official, he never actually had much of a family before and so it’s good he has it now. 

It’s pretty special forming that connection, huh? That’s sad to hear he didn’t have much of a family before and that’s probably something he’s dealing with in his own way, but no doubt you guys have filled a pretty big void of family love and I’d guess he’s happy more than anything else, having you guys and stability--not having to stress about what’s next for where he’ll be or for how long.

[danteaarons]

Text | Benjy ⇄ Dante

Benjy: I would expect that reaction. I would not be human if I couldn't be bribed with pizza.

Dante: Lol. I don't think I know anyone who doesn't at least like pizza. But good to know you're not an alien, haha.

[danteaarons]

ceo-miguel​:

“He loves Star Wars and those sorts of things, so a lot of sci-fi, and he loves playing with our dog,” MIguel smiled, “And he’s getting there with school, though I think he’s more there for the friends than for the learning at the moment.” 

From what I saw at the party you guys threw, he was really meant to become a part of yours and Amber’s family. That makes a lot of sense though, for elementary school age haha.