the rancher.

[georgiaxwhitaker]

meet GEORGIA "GEORGE" WHITAKER

GEORGIA "GEORGE" WHITAKER, the 37 year old OPERATIONS MANAGER OF THE WHITAKER FAMILY RANCH, who is best known around town for HAVING A CAMERA CLOSE BY AT EVERY EVENT. apparently they’ve been living in CANYON CREEK for THEIR ENTIRE LIFE, and according to word on the street they are PRO-PRESERVATION. i’ve heard that they are quite DEPENDABLE & SELF-SACRIFICING, and if their life had a theme song it would be THE HOUSE THAT BUILT ME by MIRANDA LAMBERT.

THE DETAILS

BIRTHDAY: april 25, 1989 LOCATION: sedona, arizona in canyon creek on the whitaker family ranch LOCAL STATUS: born and raised OCCUPATION: operations manager at whitaker family ranch VEHICLE: 2021 ford f-250 lariat super duty (oxford white) & 1968 ford f-100 classic (pink) EDUCATION: sedona red rock jr sr high school (2007), nothern arizona, bachelor's of science in agricultural business (2011)

IMPORTANT RELATIONS

PARTNER/SPOUSE: none CHILDREN: none NOTABLE RELATIONS: son of tbd & tbd, older sisterof rhett whitaker & tbd whitaker, former fiance of tbd

PET(S)

juniper (quater horse, mare, born july 1, 2002)

COMMUNITY

FREQUENTED LOCATIONS: aroma cafe, buddha beach, whitaker ranch, henderson's hardware, golden acres park, juniper and sage, red rock state park LIKES: photography, golden hour, national parks, horseback riding, homemade pie, bottle calves, wildflowers, handwritten letters, farmers markets, terrible dad jokes DISLIKES: throwing sentimental things away, dishonesty, food waste, developers buying farmland, asking for help, unfinished conversations

TLDR:

born and raised in sedona, arizona. oldest whitaker child, older sister to rhett whitaker. never complained about hard work growing up. dreamed quieter than her brother rhett did.

practicality won out over wanderlust and she stayed home while rhett went on his adventures. she stayed close to home, commuted to college and earned a degree that would give her more skills to take over the family ranch one day.

has been rhett's biggest supporter since day one. she never felt like he abanded her to chase his dreams. and she believed that he would come home eventually. so, years went by and george built a life with the man she thought she was going to marry. however, she always put the ranch before herself and others. eventually, the relationship came to an end because george kept waiting for the "right time" to begin the life they were talking about.

today, she remains a steady heart of whitaker ranch. rhett's return to sedona wasn't the homecoming she had imagined. quietly, she mourns the future, but she never would hold it against him. instead, she continues to do what she has always done.

outside of life on the ranch, she has unknowingly become sedona's official photographer. she is rarely seen without a camera and has spent years documenting events and the community around sedona. georgia insists on naming every bottle calf, even knowing they'll one day leave the ranch.

the biggest thing standing in georgia's way is her thinking that there will be time later. when rhett's return home should have been an awakening that there isn't always time later.

google doc

[sunbleachcd]

It was times like this that their hometown felt impossibly small. It was almost difficult for anyone to be a stranger once they lived there, and that was something Summer both loved and hated about Sedona. Everyone seemed to know each other's business, even if it was something as small as being a Love Island fan. With a small chuckle, the blonde nodded her head, agreeing with every comment Georgia had made about her new friend. "That's exactly the impression I got from him too."

As her sister in-law continued, Summer paused to study the woman's features. She had never met someone more worthy of love, and yet she could understand why Georgia was hesitant after all she'd been through. Disappointment and heartbreak were often enough to scare anyone off of love for good, and Summer was beginning to feel much of the same. "I understand. It's tough... and your life is busy, so you need someone who's going to understand that. It can be difficult to date when your heart isn't completely open to the concept, but I really do think you should try, George. If not now, in the future. You deserve a good, strong, healthy love."

[georgiaxwhitaker]

Georgia's smile was soft with Summer's words, eyes lingering on the label of her beer bottle as to take a moment to herself. "I know you're right." She spoke quietly, not that she minded that sort of admittance to summer. "After everything that happened, I have just gotten really good at pouring everything into the ranch. I kind of hoped I'd might stop noticing the rest." Her smile was faint now, the kind that was self-aware. She was no stranger to knowing the ranch was taking every spare piece of her, because she was letting it.

"I think," she paused for another moment, "I think I'm less afraid of falling in love than I am of building another future that doesn't happen." The ranch was a sure thing. It was her sure thing.

[nevermindcrs]

"thanks, george. for lettin' me." the curve on his mouth was small and warm. he didn't let it show often, but sometimes he couldn't what slipped through the cracks. "i promise i won't go out there and overdo it." only time would tell if that were the case, but it wasn't anything that couldn't be fixed by the little orange bottle he always kept close by.

rhett nipped at his bottom lip and looked up toward the sun, it's ray beaming down on him like a blessing and a curse. "why don't you tag along? i might need a hand and it'd be nice." it wasn't like they'd seen much of one another outside of the ranch anyway. he'd made a bad habit of secluding himself to southpoint after months of fighting to regain parts of himself. "besides, i could teach you a thing or two about being handy," he teased, shooting a taunting grin her way.

[georgiaxwhitaker]

The teasing lingered between them, familiar. Life had changed around them, but at least they always had this part. "For the record, I've been keeping this place standing, so I think I know my way around a toolbox." She nudged him back, a teasing smile sitting against her lips. She didn't mind it, giving up her life for the ranch. Her parents gave her everything she could have dreamed of in life and it only felt right that she paid them back by taking over the generational business. "But," she let out an exaggerated sigh, "I suppose that I can humor you and let you pretend you're teaching me something." Georgia's lips grew with her smile. "C'mon, tool box is over by the office right now and I can drop off these clipboards." She gestured with them, knowing they'd only be a nuisance if she carried them with her.

[respairs]

⸺JASIRI WATKINS.

Jasiri chuckles. “That’s okay, you know that thing where your mind just goes blank whenever you’re asked about your fave things for example,” finding humour in this moment is a positive, because knowing herself she’s going to overanalyse this exchange once she’s alone. “Truly embarrassing, because hours later I would be able to ramble on about my interests.” 

Jasiri is relieved that she has her phone. Taking the guess work out of their choices would be great. “Guilty of that goodreads list for sure.” she grins. “I was thinking that we can give Google the challenge, and if it disappoints us, then, goodreads shall save us.” Now, it’s just to decide which genre they should delve into. “Maybe look into must read lists?”

[georgiaxwhitaker]

"I've definitely never experienced a moment of joy the moment someone asks me about my favorite anything." Georiga stated, clearly exaggerating. She was relieved, however, to know that she wasn't the only one whose brain seemed to turn off at the worst possible moment.

A quiet laugh escaped her as she opened up the search bar on her phone. "I like that plan," she nodded, "give Google a chance to impress us and if it fails," she paused, "well, we've got our backup."

With her search having gone through, she tilted the screen so that the other could read as well. "Books everyone should read before they die," she read aloud one of the search responses, "well if that isn't a lot of pressure to put on any given afternoon." She said with a hint of amusement laced in her words. "What is your biggest book weakness? I'll admit, mine is a pretty cover."

[noahkoval]

"I mean... how else are we supposed to get on our merry way to two and a half kids, a golden retriever, and a little house with a white picket fence?" Noah laughed at his own joke, following Georgia over to a table before setting the cinnamon roll between them. Without really thinking about it, he slid the plate a little closer to her, "Ladies first." As Georgia answered each question, Noah found himself smiling. He wasn't just making conversation anymore—he genuinely liked learning the little things about her. "Sunflowers, pink, eldest daughter..." He nodded thoughtfully. "Honestly, that tracks." He pointed toward her with a grin. When it was his turn, Noah rested his elbows on the table along with his coffee, "Let's see..." He pretended to think about it, "Favorite flower's probably daisies. I actually have a tattoo of a few." Unfortunately, they were not visible. "My favorite color's blue. I've got one older brother..." His smile softened for just a second before it returned, "...and my birthday's March fifteenth. Apparently, that makes me a Pisces, though I have absolutely no idea what that's supposed to mean."

[georgiaxwhitaker]

"I appreciate that you aren't wasting any time here." Georgia couldn't help but laugh, reaching for the cinnamon roll placed between them to take a piece off for herself. "Golden Retriever is a good choice. I will give you extra points for that one." She pointed the piece of cinnamon roll at him before plopping it into her mouth. As Noah listed his answers, she felt her brows raising in surprise. "You've got a flower tattoo?" There was genuine curiosity in her voice, "I was not expecting that and now I'm even more curious to where they are hiding." There was a playful grin pulling the corners of her mouth upward.

"So we've got the eldest daughter and a younger brother sitting across from one another." She rested her chin into the palm of her hand, "I think that explains quite a lot." His comment about being a Pisces earned another laugh. "I can't say I know anymore about astrology. Once someone told me that because I'm a Taurus, it meant that I'm stubborn and they were not wrong." Georgia took another sip of her coffee, "Alright, favorite season, comfort food and the topic you can go on for hours about without even realizing it?"

[sunbleachcd]

Summer had never quite been a fan of talking about herself, and much like her, Georgia was the same. Whether it was the daunting presence of those lower moments they often chose not to share, or the lack of excitement in their day-to-day lives, 'what's new with you?' always felt like such a loaded question.

As a chuckle floated out from between the woman's lips, Summer couldn't help her immediate surprise at the sound of Noah's name. Not because it was a shock to hear a familiar name in their small town, but because it was incredibly odd to imagine she'd met the man only a couple of weeks prior. "No fucking way! He came to my rescue the other night when I got a flat tire. We got talking about family and oddly enough, Love Island. He seemed like a total sweetheart! I'm surprised there were no sparks, but honestly? Making a new friend is just as rewarding."

[georgiaxwhitaker]

Georgia's brows lifted with Summer's words. "You're kidding," she shook her head as a laugh escaped her. "Sedona is really too small, huh?" Though that was something that she knew and loved about her hometown all the same. "That does sound like something he'd do." At least, from the brief time in which she had known him. "I will have to grill him about this Love Island talk," she teased, letting out another laugh. Her smile lingered for a beat. "He's easy to be around. No games. Not trying to be someone he's not. We can just talk." She lifted the bottle to her lips and took a slow sip. She didn't know if she was supposed to be looking for the instant spark that everyone spoke about, but after having been left once, Georgia wasn't exactly in the market for it to happen again. Especially now with her focus really being the family farm, now, more than it had been at the time. "Really, I just don't know that I'm looking for anything."

[nevermindcrs]

she hadn't mean to strike a nerve, but she had. they were tired and picking up his slack and everyone of them knew it, but refused to say it aloud. "makes sense why we all turned out so hard headed," he joked, choosing not to let the weight of his own guilt ruin the moment. he'd caused enough issues already. "i wanna help out around here however i can. you just have to tell me what this place needs." he heard the desperation thinly veiled in his voice and he wondered if she'd catch it too. maybe he couldn't do everything he'd once vowed to, but he could make a difference. at least, he had to believe that he could.

he filed away the items in his head, neither seeming like much, but his spine thought otherwise. "well, i'd say the water trough is a good start." it was important, after all. he nodded, like he was silently reassuring himself that it was a task he could handle. "i'll work on the gate and then go out and fix the trough. think you'll be around for a little while?" he dared to meet her gaze, the brim of his hat sharing his deep blues from the sun's cruel rays.

[georgiaxwhitaker]

The joke did it for her, tugging at something in her chest. She wanted to reach over and rest her hand against his forearm and tell him that it was okay. That he still had a place here and didn't have to earn it. "I know you want to help, and for today, I'm not going to stop you." Lord knew that she needed all the help that she could get, but she didn't need to burden her brother with that thought. The corner of her mouth lifted as she looked at Rhett.

She nodded to his question. "I've got some invoices I can finish." She told her brother, "But I'm happy to tag along with you, honestly." Georgia offered to him, unsure if he wanted to work on his own or if he wanted her to lend a hand.

[sylmere]

"please, leave it, i'll have someone carry everything in. just take a breath, okay? i'd hate to send you back looking like a proper question mark." delilah half joked, shaking her head a little and making her way into the kitchen to tell one of the staff about the delivery. james, like always was more than happy to help, and as soon as she walked back, he was already on top of everything. "come, take a seat. do you want a slice of lemon with that?" she asked, because ice, with this weather was hard to pass. " i've got you saved under my favourites; if something's missing you can bet i'll text you right away." she exclaimed, already pouring the cold beverage in a clean glass, smiling over at georgia. "everyone's okay. busy. we need some extra hands over here, but you know how it is, it's hard to find someone you can trust. i thought my mom was picky, but my grandmother? god, i love her, but she can be hard to please." delilah made a face, shaking her head. they had to find at least one more waitress, before she was overworked. "i'm the first one to come, and the last to leave. which is fine, but i'd appreciate a break in the middle of the day."

[georgiaxwhitaker]

Georgia laughed softly, knowing when she was outnumbered. She accepted the handoff of someone else carrying the delivery in. Letting herself be ushered to a chair, she eased herself into it with a grateful sigh. Only then did she realize just how much her body was protesting the work. Maybe Delilah had been right to interject her own stubborn behavior. "If you've got lemon, I won't turn it down." She accepted the glass when Delilah returned with it, the coolness of it welcomed against the palm of her hands. She took a long sip, followed by a sigh of content. "You might have just saved my afternoon with this." Georgia gestured with the glass.

As Delilah spoke, she nodded her head. "I do know." She had seen it on the ranch. Sure, it was one thing to find people willing to do the job but finding someone that cared enough to do the job well? That was something else entirely. She smiled softly at the younger woman. "When was the last time you actually sat down and ate lunch without someone needing you?"

[noahkoval]

"Might need a few practice runs before I get it right," Noah admitted with an easy laugh, "I'm a mechanic, remember? I usually get a second shot at fixing things." There was enough self-awareness in his smile to acknowledge their first date hadn't exactly gone according to plan. Eight years without dating had left him a little rusty, but at least they were both able to laugh about it now. At the mention of cinnamon rolls, his grin only grew. "See? I knew there was something between us..." He pointed toward the pastry case, "The cinnamon roll test never lies. And you're right—we can't break Saturday traditions. Feels reckless." With that, Noah flagged down the cashier and added a cinnamon roll to the order, tapping his card before accepting the little white bakery box with far more excitement than anyone probably should. Once they both had their coffees in hand, he glanced over at Georgia. "Alright," he said, pretending to think very hard, "I've got the coffee order down— how about favorite flower, favorite color, how many siblings, birthday..." He ticked them off on his fingers, "Just trying to give myself a fighting chance for next time."

[georgiaxwhitaker]

"Oh, here we go with the speed getting to know each other," his impromptu questions earning another laugh from her. She pretended to think it over as they wandered toward a table. "Alright," Georgia held up a finger as she began to answer, ready to tick off the answers as he asked them, "flower would have to be sunflower." Another finger lifted, "My favorite color, maybe, shocking, but pink." And then another, "I've got a younger brother and a younger sister. If that doesn't explain most of my personality, then I don't know what does." She teased, a grin pulling the corners of her lips upward. "April twenty-fifth is my birthday." She turned to him, giving him an expectant look. "Now your turn." A playful smile appearing.

[sunbleachcd]

Despite her busy schedule, there were some people Summer would always have time for. And Georgia Whitaker happened to be one of them. Even at times when she didn't know the current status of her marriage with Rhett, her sister in-law had been a constant. Having been the older sister all her life, it was nice to feel as though she had someone to look up to. Somebody who had not only set her goals into motion, but who had taken all that life had thrown at her and turned it into something beautiful.

After spending a day helping out on the ranch, Summer was sure she had never looked or smelled better, but none of that mattered in the grand scheme of things. Not when she could end her day sprawled out on a picnic blanket with a cold beer in hand. "Hell yeah we did," the blonde laughed, leaning back on her elbows as she gazed up at the purple-pink sky. Golden hour was truly her favorite time of day, and moments like this were simply a reminder of why it filled her with so much joy. "But seriously, we've spent way too much time talking about the cows today. I wanna know what's new with you! Got any good gossip? Been on any hot dates?"

[georgiaxwhitaker]

She let out a laugh at Summer's question. "You couldn't even wait five whole minutes before interrogating me?" She pointed the bottle toward her sister in law, though the accusation held no weight. "We could have had at least one more conversation about the weather." The corners of her lips lifted with the playfulness before she took another sip of her beer. She bought herself a few moments by doing so. "I did go on a date. Noah Koval, do you know him? We got set up on a blind date and have had two first dates. It's friendly, though, more than anything." Georgia admitted with a shake of her head. "There wasn't exactly fireworks or anything, but we've kind of ended up becoming friends."

[sylmere]

she had grown used to the little mishaps here and there; in fact, delilah had come to appreciate the occasional nudge away from the routine of her day. running a business wasn't easy, her grandmother was the real hero, and the best teacher she could ever ask for. without her, there was going to be no diner, no partnerships that went back to generations, feeding families and making sure everyone had food on their table. no matter the time of the day, or night, no matter the weather, delilah knew she wanted to be present for everything, as she wanted to be prepared for the day she'd be the one to take over.

deliveries were one of her favorite parts of the job. there was something fun, and oddly satisfying about neatly placing things exactly where they belonged. as soon as the door open, a smile formed on her face, "jesus, let me get the next one for you." she murmured, walking quick to hold the door, "i don't know. must be the fact you're a strong independent woman. i already tripped twice going down the stairs this morning." the blonde commented, light as a joke, but with a hint of truth. "no, no shortages. i would have texted you. please, take a second, i'll call james to deal with the boxes. can i get you something? a cold coke? a beer? no, wait you drove here, didn't you?"

[georgiaxwhitaker]

Georgia let out a laugh, rubbing her hands against the side of her jeans as if it would erase the growing ache. "I appreciate the vote of confidence." The blonde teased, "but I think I might have oversold my upper body strength today." She glanced back toward the door where she knew the delivery truck was on the other side. Georgia turned her attention back to Delilah, her smile softening. "I'm glad everything came in alright." There was genuine relief in her voice, even if she knew that the woman would have texted or called if something wasn't right. Part of Georgia wanted to wave off the offer to call James, but she knew to take a beat. "I wouldn't say no to a cold Coke." Her smile continued to linger on her lips, "How's your family?" Georgia asked with genuine interest.

[nevermindcrs]

it wasn't that he was avoiding their parents. neither of them blamed him for his physical state, but that was part of what bothered him the most. "yeah, we both know that between the two of them, it's a full day's work." they didn't take trips into town for fun. they'd go in, get what they needed for the next couple of weeks, and then they'd do it all over again when the time came. he'd gotten that simple way of living from them, even after he'd fallen into money and his earnings meant that he could have finer things in life. "how are they doin' with everything?" both of their parents were nearing their seventies and yet, neither had an ounce of quit in them.

coming from anyone else, the question would've stung. from george, he knew what she meant and the way she'd meant it. "i can handle it," he assured, confident that the task wouldn't haunt him in the days to come. truth was, replacing the damn thing would have been easiest, but the money he'd earned rodeoing wouldn't last forever. that, and it was just how they'd raised. "anything else around here need fixin' up? i've got the time."

[georgiaxwhitaker]

She smiled at Rhett's question, one that was all too familiar for the two of them to ask. "They're good." She paused for a beat, "Tired." Though her voice still held affection rather than concern. "You know it's business as usual when dad pretends he isn't slowing down and mom pretends she doesn't notice." Same old, same old for their parents. She shook her head fondly as she spoke of her parents.

At his assurance, there was a brief flicker of her gaze that landed on her brother. One that said she wasn't entirely convinced, but she said nothing about it. "Ah, let's see," she brought a finger to her lip, tapping it gently. "I think one of the water trough floats has been sticking out on the first pasture." She told Rhett, "A few boards need to be replaced before branding season," a beat paused before she spoke again. "But you know not all of it has to be done today."

[noahkoval]

"Darn," Noah let out an overdrawn sigh, sounding genuinely disappointed in himself before a small smile found its way back onto his features. "Well, now I know. Hot, black coffee." He repeated and nodded once, as if filing the information away somewhere important in his brain. "Guess I'll just have to remember it for next time, third time may be the charm for us," He joked. "And honestly? I respect it. Nothing beats a hot cup of coffee—even when it feels like we're living on the surface of the sun." He glanced toward the bright windows before looking back at her. "Seriously, does Arizona ever decide that's enough? Or is this just everyone's normal?" When she brought up not spilling coffee, he chuckled. "I like our odds. Besides, if this one goes sideways too, at least we'll be consistent." After paying, Noah stepped aside with her while they waited for their drinks, rocking back on his heels as he momentarily considered her question. "Hmm..." His eyes flickered toward the pastry case before returning to Georgia. "I think a second first date calls for cinnamon rolls." He smiled, just a little bashfully. "They're kind of my Saturday tradition." After a brief pause, he added, "Besides, I figured if I got your coffee order wrong, I should probably make up for it somehow. Unless you have any guilty pleasures you'd like to share?"

[georgiaxwhitaker]

Georgia couldn't help but laugh at his comment about a third time being the charm. "At this rate we might run out of first dates and have to have a regular one." She teased him with a shake of her head. Her brows lifted at the mention of cinnamon rolls, glancing toward the pastry case. "I was going to pretend I needed a moment to think about it, but you can't beat cinnamon rolls." Her smile softened as she shifted her gaze back to him. "I would hate to break a Saturday tradition as well," Georgia teased, "it would be downright irresponsible to do so." A laugh passed over her lips. Just then, her name was called from behind the counter and she moved forward to collect her coffee, waiting for Noah's to follow.

[georgiaxwhitaker]

starter for @sylmere

location: rosie's diner

Deliveries rarely went according to schedule and that was something that Georgia had learned quite a long time ago. It almost felt too strange for everything to go according to plan. One minute Georgia had been dropping off paperwork and checking inventory and the next, she was recruited to carry boxes through the back entrance of Rosie's Diner. The delivery driver's partner had gone home with the sudden case of the flu and Georgia happened to be nearby. But, it worked for her. Standing around had never been something she was good at.

Pushing the door open with her shoulder, she walked the box through the door and placed it down atop another. "Why do I always convince myself these are actually lighter than they actually are?" Georgia spoke aloud with a breathless laugh. "Have the orders been arriving alright," Georgia questioned with a smile to Delilah, "no shortages?"

[georgiaxwhitaker]

starter for @sunbleachcd (summer sheridan)

location: whitaker ranch

It was not unlike Georgia to still be out on the ranch working as the sun began to descent. Golden light spilled across the sprawling lands as she finished up for the evening. It was the time of the day, however, that Georgia did finally begin to slow down, because now that all the chores were done, the ranch looked more like home and less like work. She had been grateful for Summer's help, the two having an appreciation for one another that went deeper than anyone knew.

Georgia shut a cooler with the toe of her boot before hoisting it up and carrying it over to the old fence that overlooked the grazing fields. She had already sent Summer over with the old quilt to lay out for them. Setting the cooler down, she pulled out a beer for the both of them, twisting the caps off. "I think we earned this sit down today," Georgia stated with a breathless laugh before taking a sip of her hard earned beer.

[respairs]

⸺JASIRI WATKINS.

As the newest owner of a Sedona Public Library card Jasiri was itching to rent books. The only problem is that she walked into the library on a whim, and subsequently acquired the membership card burning a hole in her wallet. Initially she started off in the medical sciences section; it couldn’t hurt to see what was on offer, right? Jasiri always practiced keeping her knowledge base up-to-date. Now that she has a job at Canyon Vista Medical Centre, she’s exposed to coworkers who handle a lot of specialised treatment which she’s interested to learn more about. 

A creature of habit, she eventually ends up among the novels. Moving through the shelves she scanned the spines without much direction, hoping that a title would leap out at her. Jasiri hadn’t realised they were speaking to her at first; evident by her deer in the headlights expression. “Me? Right, yes!” Jasiri nods before she recognises the need for clarity. “I mean, the latter. I’m hoping something jumps out at me.” Technically, she could see if there’s something off her goodreads list that she could find, or even google a list of hopefuls. However, her phone isn’t on her person. “Do you have your phone?” 

[georgiaxwhitaker]

She recognized the deer in headlights look immediately, realizing what she had done. "Sorry," she let out quiet laugh, "I didn't mean to put you on the spot." Having grown up in Sedona, she was used to merely talking to anyone that crossed her path. "I have found some of my favorite books that way." Georgia lifted her shoulders into a small shrug. At the question, she instinctively patted the back pocket of her jeans. "I do." She pulled out her phone, though she didn't fully unlock it. "Are we hoping that the Internet is up to the task of choosing for us?" There was a teasing warmth in her voice. "Or do you have a never ending Goodreads list like myself?"

[softglws]

sanem's attention lingers on the spine of a well-loved field guide tucked between novels she'd already convinced herself she didn't need. libraries had always been dangerous for her in the same way feed stores were — she never seemed capable of leaving with only what she'd come for. by the time she'd wandered into this aisle, the small stack balanced against her hip had already grown from one book to four. the familiar voice draws her attention away from the shelf, and the sight of georgia earns an easy smile. " little bit of both, " she admits, glancing down at the collection in her arms before looking back at her friend. " i came in looking for a book on native grasses and somehow i've ended up in historical fiction. " a sheepish laugh escapes her as she tips one of the books forward with her thumb. " i've decided bookstores and libraries have the same effect on me. i walk in with a plan, and then a book looks at me funny and suddenly it's coming home. " her gaze drifts briefly to the titles tucked beneath georgia's arm, curiosity brightening her expression. " i guess you're having about the same amount of luck? " the question hangs between them as sanem reaches out to straighten a book someone had pushed back onto the shelf crookedly, the small habit almost absentminded. she smiles to herself before looking back at georgia. " although ... " her head tilts thoughtfully. " i've learned the books that find you are usually the ones you end up thinking about the longest once you've finish them. "

[georgiaxwhitaker]

A quiet laugh escaped Georgia's lips, nothing loud enough to disturb other library patrons, though. Her eyes followed the other's hand as she straightened out a crookedly placed book. "That is exactly how it happens." She said, a gratefulness threaded through her words that someone else understood her in the moment. "I will say that native grass to historical fiction is a respectable detour." Not one she could say she had taken herself, but she didn't think it was an impossible route. "But yes," she let out another softened laugh, "this one is a recommendation from a friend," she pointed to the bottom book, "and frankly, I just liked the cover on this one." That had been known to get Georgia time and time again. "Is there one book you've been recommending as of late when someone asks?"