Lennon didnât often go out with other employees at the museum, but then they also didnât often invite him out with them. There werenât many that even approached him, though being as accomplished as he was and as young as he was sort of meant that a lot of people avoided him. They had invited him to dinner at Norwoodâs, but so far he seemed to be the only one who had shown up. So he sat at the bar, doing his best to seem calm and confident, though that wasnât a look he wore often. When the woman asked what he wanted to drink, he froze for a moment. âOh, um-â he trailed off, and then shrugged. âCan I just get a Coke?â
"Sure" she said. She was slightly surprised he didn't order anything with alcohol in it, as she knew it was the time of day where people were trying to relax from work. Which alcohol usually helped with. Grabbing a glass, she said "Do you want ice in it?" Harper was of the personal belief that anybody who drank soda without ice in it was a monster, but she wasn't about to let that bias prevent her from making a customer happy. Norwood's could not afford the bad Internet reviews. Besides, Harper was the sort of businessperson who always enjoyed making her customers happy, within reason.
Jackie was relieved to be getting out more, she felt her confidence building again. What better way though to take your mind of things than a few nights out? She made her way up to the bar, a friendly smile quickly going on her face. âOh thank you! Iâd love an old fashioned please.â
"Good choice" she said as she began preparing the drink. While Harper was more likely to drink wine or sweet cocktails, she knew the old fashioned was considered a classic for a reason. Grabbing the whiskey and pouring it into the glass, she said "Have you been to Norwood's before? If not, I can make some food recommendations as well."
Trix shook her head and folded her hands in front of her. âIâll just take the Rossini, thank you. What about food? I told my housemates that I would bring food home as a treat, do you have any specials for that?â She only hoped. Even though Trix made a lot on tips, that didnât mean she suddenly had wealth to her name.
"A Rossini it is" she said warmly, busying herself with pouring the strawberry puree (blended earlier that day) into a cocktail glass. As she worked, she answered the other woman's question. "We've got a chicken parmesan that I think it a crowd pleaser" she said. "Or if your housemates prefer to keep it vegetarian, we do an eggplant parmesan as well." Harper was a bit biased in her recommendations, as those were two of her favorite dishes on the menu.
Looking up from the script heâd been staring at for the last two hours, Spencer allowed his eyes a moment to focus before raising his hand to give a slight wave. âCan I just get a coke?â He asked, thankful for someone to talk to, even if it was only for a moment as the words on the white page started blurring together twenty minutes ago.
Harper thought the man seemed distracted. Still, she was happy that he was ordering something, as she'd noticed him sitting in the restaurant for quite some time now. Nodding, she said "One coke coming right up." She set about grabbing the drink and pouring it into a glass with some ice. Then, out of pure curiosity, she said "Are you reading anything interesting?" She'd noticed his eyes seemed glued to the white pages before him.
"No no thatâs completely valid.â Mari wanted to brag. She wanted to inflate her ego and make herself sound like the queen of the world. But she couldnât. The thought made her stomach churn⊠because sheâd be lying. And that was not her scene anymore. âIf weâre talking Instagram numbers yes Iâm famous. But walking down the street and be recognized, no Iâm not all that famous. I model, been doing it for a long time now and I was something of a socialite back in Italy. That whole exchange was an anomaly. Greatly appreciated though. I donât have words for the wonders that just did for my self esteem."Â
Harper nodded, comprehension coming to her at the other woman's words. "Oh, so you're like Internet famous" she said with a grin. Which she supposed counted as much as any other kind of famous these days, right? Then she added "Italy is such a beautiful country. Did you live there for a long time?" Harper had always wished her father had been stationed in Italy, but the Norwoods had only visited the country, rather than lived there. Still, Harper made a point of visiting Italy as much as possible, usually telling herself it counted as a work trip because she was the manager of a restaurant that served Italian food.
His heart swelled knowing that more than one person planned this. Of course he knew this was a multi-person project. âEveryone did a good job on keeping it as such. I had no idea. Until I had about five people insist I go to Rooftop after work. But I didnât expect all this.â He knew about the âsurpriseâ at work that was coming soon. His night crew demanded they sing happy birthday to him. They were preparing Kingfish for that at some point. Revenge for earlier hijinx heâd pulled for other crew members birthdays probably. âHave you seen the cake? I really want to know what it looks like. I was told I had to wait until cake time though.â
Harper smiled at that. "I suppose they could have been more subtle about that" she said with a shrug. "But hey, at least they managed to keep it a secret up until then, right?" Besides, they had to get Robbie here somehow. Then she nodded. "It looks pretty impressive" she said. But then she added "I've done my best to avoid ruining any of the surprise until now. Don't go making me trip up at this point." She did her best to look stern, but failed and dissolved into laughter.
Paigeâs âdateâ was going⊠relatively okay. It could be better. The guy had done a lot of talking on their ride to the restaurant. He talked about himself, his fancy watch, his fancy car, his fancy job⊠Didnât leave a lot of room for her to discuss anything she wanted to talk about in the process.  "Sangria please.â Paige kept a friendly tone and a smile on her face too but inside sheâd be more than happy to be sipping this sangria at home.
"You got it" said Harper, grabbing a glass to pour the other woman a drink. "Do you prefer red or white?" Harper did her best to ensure the restaurant kept plenty of both prepared, especially during the busy evening hours. Even if she had a strong personal preference for white.
Hiatuses meant Emerson could actually breathe. She was able to take longer than a few hours at a time and relax. It also meant she could eat whatever she wanted every once in a while and not feel like she couldnât fit into whatever wardrobe had in mind for her character.Â
Norwoodâs was a place she had never been before and so far, everything looked impeccable.Â
âCan I get a soda water with lime, please?â she requested.
"One soda water with lime, coming right up" said Harper. She didn't recognize the brunette before her, but that didn't meant much. Norwood's could be busy most nights, so Harper didn't have the face of every customer memorized. As she began to make the other woman's drink, she said "I like your hair." Harper had an appreciation for people who weren't afraid to do something wild with their hair, as she often did herself. Besides, complimenting a customer was usually an easy way to make them happy, in her experience.
Trix was not one to go out to eat or to drink, but she had made a lot on tips the night before and didnât feel like cooking herself. The other two in the apartment would also appreciate the free feeding, thus it was worth it. She sat patiently to be served, watching her phone every so often as the digital numbers changed. When somebody finally reached her, Trix pulled her signature smile and leaned forward. âHi, you guys have a special tonight, right?â
Harper nodded at the blonde's words. "Our specialty cocktail tonight is the Rossini, made with prosecco and strawberries." It was the perfect way to kick off spring, thanks to the strong fruity flavor of the strawberries. While strawberries weren't actually in season until around June, it got people in the mood for the warmer months. "I can also get you a drink menu if you need help deciding." The board above the bar had several of the seasonal drinks listed, but most of the classics were only in the menu.
âOh thank you so much! It is so great to walk in this weather but even better to sit and take it all in.â A break was very much needed but she wasnât ready to admit that quite yet. She was over the moon though that she was open to her conversation. It instantly made her smile grow as she moved to sit down next to her. She sighed contently before glancing over at her again, âSummer has always been my favorite but I think this is starting to take the prize. All the nature here just gets even more beautiful when everything is growing again.â
"I'm planning to enjoy it for as long as it lasts" she said. "I'm sure in a few weeks everyone will be complaining about the pollen count being out of control." One downside to living in a place so green was that there was always a lot of pollen. Thankfully the high number of rainy days helped keep it under control. "Summer is nice too. I love being able to go to the beach and enjoy a dip in the water." Which was always a little chilly for Harper's taste, but she usually adapted to it after a few minutes.
Maeve knew that she needed to try to stay out of trouble. The only problem was there was a part of her that didnât want to. She had gone through a rough time and while she was always trying to go back to the life she once had before, deep down she knew it would be impossible. Still, she knew she couldnât hide forever and hope nothing bad ever happened again which brought her to Norwoods. It wasnât a bad place to be and a drink or two wouldnât hurt. â What is your strongest drink right now? â Maeve asked, trying to limit the amount of glasses coming her way, but she didnât mind it being strong.
Harper had to resist the urge to groan at the woman's question. Usually the people who came in looking for the strongest drink on the menu got wasted and then Harper had to worry about calling them a ride home. But right now this woman seemed sober enough, so she hoped they wouldn't come to that point tonight. Instead she said "We have a sazerac that is pretty strong. And of course there's always the tried and true classic of a Long Island iced tea." Harper personally preferred the sazerac when she wanted something strong, but the Long Island iced tea was a crowd favorite. Even if it could be a pain in the ass to make, thanks to all the liquors used in it.
It was early evening at Norwood's, shortly before the dinner rush was about to start. One of her bartenders had called out sick, so Harper decided to get behind the bar and send the other one on a break before the crowds started showing up. Turning to the nearest person who appeared to be waiting, she gave them a warm smile. "What can I get you to drink?" she asked.
Mari didnât get recognized often. It was rather rare and usually it was other models sheâd worked with who spoke to her. Today was oddly different. A teenager approached her nervously admitting they followed her Instagram and thought she was really pretty. She got a picture with her fan and followed them back on Instagram. A heartwarming yet a little strange encounter at the aquarium. âOf all the places someone recognizes me. The Aquarium was very low on my list."Â
@seattlehqs-startersâ
Harper had been unable to avoid noticing the exchange between the other woman and an apparent fan. Raising her eyebrow with interest at the woman's words, she said "Don't take this wrong way, but are you famous?" She wondered if the other woman was an actress or singer. She didn't recognize her from anything, but then again she found it impossible for anybody to recognize every celebrity in the world.
Harper was sitting at a table in the cafe when she spotted a familiar face. "Laela" she called out with a wave, before gesturing for the other woman to join her. "Come sit with me" she said, her voice insistent. "I want to hear all about how the second best restaurant in the city is doing" she teased. Of course it went without saying that Harper thought Norwood's was the best restaurant in the city.
Jackie loved it whenever it started to warm up outside, the sun shining a little brighter, the flowers starting to bloom and more people out and about. It gave her a little more pep in her step, it even gave her more motivation to get out an walk around. She was finally getting a chance to really enjoy Seattle and all the sights so what better than a walk around the park? After awhile though she needed a break, she headed towards a bench that was already occupied by one person. âIs it okay if I take a seat?â She asked with a friendly smile, âIt really is beautiful out here isnât it?â
Harper always enjoyed Seattle in the spring. Sure, there were plenty of rainy days. But the rain just made all the plants and flowers in the city bloom that much bigger and faster. And since today was a sunny day, she'd decided to get outside and enjoy some of that greenery. She was sitting on a bench in the park, scrolling through her phone as she enjoyed the feeling of sunshine on her face. Glancing up when she heard someone approach her and ask her a question, she said "Be my guest." Harper was the sort of person who loved any opportunity to talk. "It is! This is my favorite time of year in Seattle."
Robbie hadnât celebrated his birthday like this in quite a while. it was a simple gathering at one of Seattleâs countless rooftop bars but it meant a little more. Some of his employees at Kingfish were throwing him this party. Rumor was there was a cake waiting for him as well. Theyâd gone all out, booked the room for parties, decorated it (within reason).  "This turned out way better than expected. I thought we were just meeting for drinks and itâs a whole party. This is great. I love surprise parties.âÂ
@seattlehqs-startersâ
The Seattle restaurant scene wasn't exactly small, but that didn't mean Harper didn't know a fair number of the other restaurant managers and chefs in the city. After all, Norwood's was a huge part of her life, and she wanted to see her business succeed. Which meant she needed to keep aware of her competition. Even when she was on decent terms with said competition.
Which is why she was currently at a party being throw for Robbie. She smiled at his words. "I'm glad you're enjoying it!" she said. "I love surprise parties too." She knew not everybody did, so she was happy Robbie wasn't one of those people who found surprise parties embarrassing or uncomfortable. "You have no idea how hard it was to keep it a secret."
Name: Harper Allegra Norwood
Age: 37
Birthday: October 3, 1984
Gender/Pronouns: cisfemale & she/her
Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa
Length of time in Seattle: 21 years
Occupation: Owner/manager of Norwoodâs restaurant
Faceclaim: Jessica Parker Kennedy
Trigger Warnings: Death (including death in combat), homophobia, miscarriage
Harper Norwood was born Harper Rivera in the city of Cape Town, South Africa. Her mother was a Cape Town native, while her father was an American man who served in the Army. Harperâs father died in action when Harper was barely two years old. Harperâs mother, who was five months pregnant at the time, went into premature labor when she learned of her husbandâs death. Harperâs mother died as a result of the miscarriage, leaving the little girl without any family. The Norwoods were the best friends of Harperâs parents, and were named her guardians in her fatherâs will. Childless, the couple took Harper in as their own, even going so far as to formally adopt her and change her last name. Wanting Harper to have a fresh start in life away from the place where sheâd lost her family, Harperâs adoptive father requested he be reassigned. Less than a year later, the Norwoods moved to Auckland. As a result, Harper speaks with a unique accent that is a blend of South African and Kiwi. People often ask her about it, or ask her where sheâs from. Her reply is usually planet Earth, because its easier than explaining her background and more fun to watch them turn red.
While they were living in New Zealand, the Norwoods discovered they were going to have a child. Despite now having a biological child of their own, they did their best to make sure Harper never felt any less loved than she would have if she was related to them by blood. The Norwoods remained in New Zealand until Harper was nine, after which the family relocated to South Korea. The move to South Korea was a huge cultural shift for everyone involved. Harper struggled to learn the language and customs of the country. Added to the fact that she was entering her teenage years, meant this was a difficult time for Harper. She often acted out, sneaking out past curfew and having her first taste of alcohol when she was only 12 years old. Harperâs family deemed her new friends a bad influence. As soon as he was able, Harperâs father requested another transfer, this time back to the Norwoodsâ home of the United States. The family settled in Tacoma, Washington. There, Harper met her first (but certainly not last) girlfriend. She eventually came out to her parents as pansexual when she was 14. Although her mother was very accepting, it is something her father is not very supportive of. He hasnât disowned her and they are still on speaking terms, but he prefers not knowing about her love life.
When Harperâs father officially retired from the Army two years later, the entire family moved to Seattle. There, her mother and father opened a restaurant (simply called Norwoodâs). Harper chose to major in hospitality at Washington State University. Not just because she wanted to help her parents with the family business, but because she wanted her father to be proud of her again. Upon graduating from university, Harper returned to Seattle. She quickly took over running the restaurant, working as the front-of-house manager and overseeing the day-to-day operations. Her job mostly involves making sure the customers are happy and that Norwoodâs is turning a profit. Her father retired from his civilian job roughly a year ago, leaving the restaurant in Harperâs capable hands.
Harper works hard, but she loves to party just as hard. Most nights when she isnât working, she can be found in one of Seattleâs bars. Sheâs had a string of short relationships, but never anything that has lasted very long. Commitment is something sheâs not particularly good at, both because her job takes up so much of her time and because she hates the idea of introducing anybody to her father. Although she identifies as pansexual, she is mostly attracted to women.
