Jason Herbert

Making a mental note to perhaps come back to that later he merely surveyed the club whilst he spoke, “ambition is a great force to be reckoned with - that and I don’t like rules all that much, probably why I do things most people don’t have the guts to.” Most in quite a short time came to understand Evan was no conventional individual - never allowing normal limitations to stop him from getting what he wanted when he wanted it. “Parents and a lot of people these days are… A little stuck in their rut I find, education is everything to them and whilst I am finishing off a degree myself I’ve found setting this up has opened more doors than anything else… Really, the only way to get anywhere in life is to work your ass off until people know your name and you prove to those who doubted you they were wrong to ever do so.” Evan certainly liked to do that, it was one of his many driving forces, proving other people wrong was a heady and addictive feeling he’d come to greatly enjoy.

“How come when you say this, it sounds amazing and wise, but when I try to say it people just tell me I’m a kid and don’t know better?” Jules complained. She hated that about being only seventeen. Her brother always treated her like a kid, Liz somewhat treated her like an adult but not to the full extent Jules wished. “I’ll have to find a way to prove to everyone that I can do this...just as soon as I figure out what this is.” she sighed to herself. Looking down at her phone for a second, she had to smile. “Y’know- I’m glad that my phone decided to die in front of here.” and then a thought came to here. “Is there more to this club than a lounge and a bar? Can I get a tour? Probably be the only place I’ll ever get into one of these places without a fake ID.” she joked, though of course she was in possession of an ID.

“Well your brother is incredibly bore inducing so I can’t say I’m surprised about that, yes - well here’s to you being both better looking and more entertaining than he is.” As his business was mentioned Evan seemed to naturally stand taller and smile a little brighter but his French filler wasn’t out of place before he began his explanation. “’Eh bien, a good question. Some might say I had a point to prove but really, when you’re going to inherit a business like my family’s before you can take the mantle you have to prove you can be a shrewd businessman and whilst I am doing that… Well, I say why not do that and have some fun whilst you’re at it non?”

“I know he’s boring- but gotta love him, he’s family. Hell, practically raised me,” she added in just loud enough for Evan to hear. Jules was truly fascinated by the business that Evan was running in New York. It was impressive to say the least, and she had to admire his ambition. She had her own dreams for life, but she sometimes never knew how to reach them; after all she was still only seventeen. “You sound like the way I think. I want fun while I work- I think everyone does. The whole problems comes when your folks think you need college before you can have fun working. why can’t we just work? Most places say you need a degree and experience. I just want to experience. Y’know?” Jules’ ideals were not shared by many. A lot of her family and peers disagreed with her way of thinking. Now was the test to see if Evan could surpass in areas others had failed.

A mirthful look crossed his features at her assumtion, “work at? Not quite, I run this particular establishment - whilst it’s still in it’s infancy it’s already growing rather well.” Her introduction though certainly surprised him as the pieces fell into place so he did know her somewhat. “Oh- a tiny Herbert, I didn’t even know you existed… Well, that is fascinating” a little disappointing too, but still there was potential here or so he hoped. “Well, you’re certainly better looking than your brother that’s for sure.”

“Not a lot of people know I exist- they stop paying attention once they meet Jase.” Jules had to roll her eyes at that thought. It was true though- most people she was meeting knew her brother...it was so weird that even in New York she could be in a small world. At the comment about her looks, she scoffed. “I would hope I look better than him. He’s a giant dweeb, plus I got our mom’s cheekbones and slender body.” Jules let out her semi-flirtatious nature before looking at Evan. “My main question here though- is where in the world did you get the idea to start your own club? Talk about ambition.” as she spoke, the slight southern twang in her voice came out, proving once and for all that she was indeed sadly related to her brother.

Along the way they bypassed a central piece of furniture that being a piano which Evan’s fingers skimmed the top of as they went. Whilst the girl plugged in her phone he leaned back against a wall watching her reaction thoughtfully trying to place a name to her. “Potentially, but of course introductions would be helpful - Evan Rosier, at your service” he stated with a small bow a daring smile lighting his features though some might call it a smirk.

“Nice to meet you Evan Rosier. This is quite the place that I am...assuming you work at...?” Jules wasn’t sure though- he might just be a patron who knew his way around. The way he acted though made her think otherwise. Setting her phone down on the nearby side table, she had to flip her long blonde locks off her face again as she gave Evan her signature Herbert smile. “I’m Julianna Herbert, but you can just call me Jules. Everyone else does.”

With the answer to which kind of charger she was after he nodded, “it would appear you’re in luck then, because I can provide both.” With a small wave of his hand for her to follow he headed round the bar a little way down from where he’d been lingering when she entered to where a socket and a phone was already on charge. “This place? This is one of the premiere clubs in town, but usually the crowds come with the dark dark not the light - we’re in the down hours now” he said by way of explanation whilst unhooking the device and sliding it into his jacket “this should work for your phone.” Stepping back he took a moment to study her, “are you sure we haven’t met? You somehow seem remarkably familiar and I’m great at faces.”

Jules walked back behind the bar into a more lounge-ish area. She had to admit the place was stylish and decently decorated. It seemed like a place she would hang out in- or maybe even Liz would prefer it here. Jules knew Jason wasn’t much for clubs, he was just for the drink. A look of relief washed over her as she plugged in her phone quickly and waited for it to have enough juice to get her back to where she needed to be. At the guy’s remark about knowing her face, she rolled her eyes in the same fashion as her brother. “Nope, I’m new to this part of town...but you look like my brothers age, maybe you know him?” she figured. “I’ve been told we look kinda similar, but I don’t really think so.”

quentinrivenburgh

“Yeah, I thought so too. I think I just rushed through that part–I might go back and make it a little more technical, maybe add a solo in there or something.” His brow furrowed thoughtfully as possibilities began flowing through his mind. “Thanks, man. I appreciate the input.”

#chat: quentin #holy shit did not see this #so sorry

“I think a solo might be best- maybe make it counter what you’ve already got goin’ on, or maybe make it so it helps transition to the end of the song? It’s got good bones, Quentin. You’re doin’ awesome, just keep pluggin’ along.”

ashivers-blog

“Just give ‘er some time. Hell, I was totally irresponsible when I first arrived in the city. Let her adjust to the pace and then maybe she’ll start to cut you some slack.” Of course Jason would know all about Ash’s former irresponsibility. He’d been a part of it– one of the better parts, in fact. His hand succeeded in stopping her thought and she listened to his explanation. It wasn’t the full answer she would have preferred, but she wasn’t going to push Jason for the full details considering neither of them likely had the energy to sit through it. “Well, wedding or no wedding, I’m glad to hear you two are still at it. –Speaking of cake and anniversaries,” there it was, that excitable, mischievous little glimmer returning to her eyes, “you know what else got skipped while I was gone? My birthday. So, as soon as I’m rested up, you and Jules and Liz and everybody else we know are gonna have to come and celebrate with me. I have a whole mountain of ‘Happy Birthday’ fanmail letters to open back at the loft and I need all the help I can get.”

“I know how irresponsible you were. What was it- your first week in New York and I became reckless mistake numero uno?” He had to laugh at it though. Honestly they’d both been super drunk, and he’d gained a friend out of the deal. “Yeah- I mean...one day there might be a weddin’, but not right now.” He wanted to make that clear. Of course the conversation quickly switched gears as he saw Ash get excited for her own birthday. “Happy belated birthday then. how old are you now, again? You legal yet?” he had to ask, though it didn’t really matter. “So ya’ll want us to open your fanmail for you? What do you even do with it when it’s read? Throw it out? Shred it?”

#chat: ash

During the daylight hours XS was a far cry from the den of iniquity it could turn into in the later hours of the night - a place where freedom and enjoyment were of paramount importance. In fact, in the down hours it was mostly only Tessa, Will and himself along with the odd passer-by or their friends stepping in. There were no flashing lights and heavy background base simply a relaxed atmosphere with quieter music for them to enjoy ahead of long nights. What was uncommon though was for wayward strangers to find their way in here from the streets.

Hearing an unfamiliar voice his head turned mid-sentence to the bartenders to regard the new girl apparently in quite the sitch. A girl who was by appearances also younger than his usual clientèle which might be why instead of coming straight out with some kind of line he offered her a smile. Pushing away from the bar his hands slipped into his pockets as he faced her. “Isn’t there a saying? ‘Ask and it shall be given?’ Now, how I can be of service to you depends on what you need and likely the model of phone you have.”

Jules was a little taken aback by the guy that approached her. She shook her head for a moment before wondering who he was. “I need either directions or a phone charger. Preferably both but I’m not too picky.” She held out her phone for the guy to see. “I’ve got one of those samsung galaxy phones. I just need a mini USB phone charger.” Jules brushed her long blonde hair off her shoulder as she took another look around the place. “What the heck is this place anyway? Some kind of chill spot?” She noticed there was a bar, and there were only like five people in the entire place. “Because if it is- then it kinda seems to me like things are pretty slow.” she let out a small chuckle before bringing her attention back to the guy. He was taller than her, he looked to be maybe her brother’s age- possibly a year or two older she couldn’t tell. All the seventeen year old knew was that she most definitely was not in Georgia anymore.

#mmstarter #closed #chat: evan

Jules was lost, she knew it, the universe knew it, the only one who didn’t know it was her phone. Her stupid phone was low on power and her maps app was failing her for the first time since she’d come to New York. Sighing to herself, she walked into the nearest building. Her eyes popped at the sight of the building...approaching the first person she saw, she figured she’d make her case. “Hey- so totally don’t know where I am anymore, and google maps just failed me. Can you help me, or do you have a phone charger or something?”

“And god knows you need an alarm clock.” Liz hated alarms even though she knew she needed to use them and she did use them, they were just awful sounding and got in the way of sleep. At his apology she just shook her head, twitching her lips. “It’s fine, I just… thought it wouldn’t hurt this much after six months.” But soon she was laughing a little; she couldn’t imagine some guys were really this stupid. “ I mean I guess. That or we could get like a vacation home… somewhere. Renovate that.”

“I think I function just fine without one- but all my professors think differently.” Jason joked. He’d been late to so many classes his freshmen and senior year it wasn’t even funny. Now he knew better. “It’ll get better, Liz.” He patted her shoulder before looking back at the TV. “Y’know- that’s a pretty sweet deal. All we gotta do is contact flip or flop and get them to help us renovate wherever this vacation home will be.” a thought occurred to him quickly, “Dibs on it bein’ somewhere in Europe.”

“I am. Even though I still believe that Emma somehow convinced you into getting one and it really wasn’t of your own accord.” As he spoke about the rings she kind of looked down into the cake box, a frown chewing at her lips. “That should be perfect. Something familial would make her know that you’re special to her. Emma shouldn’t be able to find anything to criticize with that, far too nice. Plus she can’t complain about you not spending oodles of money on her.” Her eyes flickered to the screen as she moved to set her cak box on the coffee table and settled back for some TV. “They should pick us. We’re intelligent but entertaining. Plus I’d love to see you try to do home renovation shit.”

“Em had nothin’ to do with me gettin’ a phone. Though- she did mention it’d be easier use that facetime thing. I don’t know- I don’t use it much. It’s a good enough alarm clock.” He looked over at Liz, knowing that the topic of rings wasn’t one she probably waned to hear. “I’m sorry Liz, I know it’s hard.” he rubbed her arm gently as they sat on the couch and watched the world’s stupidest couple try to renovate their home. “I would kick ass on that show- but what would we renovate? This place?” Jason looked around at their apartment.

“You already suck at shit,” Liz pointed out, sucking some frosting off of the fork before glancing over his shoulder to look at her phone. “There has to be something there you can afford. or if anything, go on Etsy or something. Emma can’t possibly find too much fault if you find her something really unique. Plus the one that should cost a lot should be the wedding ring.. or engagement if that’s your kind of thing.” When she hesitated she seemed to shrink, grow smaller on the couch but closer to Jase. It just wasn’t something she liked thinking of though she’d be lying if she said that she didn’t think about it once every other day at least. When he moved his arm she rested against him, eyes on the tv screen, still eating her chocolate cake. “Cool. I was feeling Property Bros earlier but I don’t think I could sit through the couple doing their stupid unsure thing all episode when they know it’s going to be fab.”

“Hey- I willingly got an iphone last year, be proud of me.” Jason hated technology if it wasn’t music related. He still had a shitty old laptop that he loved to bits and pieces. He was very much a non-technology kind of guy. “Maybe I’ll ask my mother if she’s got somethin’ old at home. Great Uncle Ben left a lot of shit behind. Maybe there’s somethin’ there, and I won’t have to pay for anythin’.” He didn’t care to comment on engagement rings of wedding rings. He was not ready for that yet. He’d told Emma he’d wait until after graduation to bring the topic back up, which game him a year at least. “Those couples on property brothers don’t know what to do half the time. I think HGTV just picks the stupidest people and invites them on the show.”

“Uh duh. Most girls like us do.” She handed Jason over her phone that already had Emma’s page pulled up.”I deleted mine when-” she stopped that sentence though and coughed a little, giving a little shrug. “You can at least get inspiration from something on there.” After his bite she took back the fork and started eating again. “It is, but if you want anymore you’re going to have to go to the fridge and get yourself one… And Flip or Flop, that one’s always fun.”

“I’m so glad I”m not a girl. I would suck at shit like this.” Jason looked through Emma’s pinterest though and frowned. “It’s all...emeralds and diamonds...Liz I can’t afford shit like that unless I cut off my leg or beg my father for money.” he ran a hand through his hair again. Of course he’d noticed Liz’s hesitation, and he knew it had to be from her break up with Evan. He hated seeing her like that- afraid to talk about relationship things because it hurt her. He didn’t like to see his best friend hurt at all. Putting an arm around his best friend’s shoulder, he shook his head. “Nah- I don’t want anymore. But I do want flip or flop.” Jason used his free hand to reach for the remote and turned on the DVR to their prerecorded episodes list.

“Oh. Well do you want her pinterest board to see what kind of promise rings she would probably want? Just one less thing for you guys to fight over,” she mentioned with a shrug, pulling out her phone and setting down her fork. At his comment she looked at him. “You want some? I mean technically it is your cake, isn’t it?” Plus it’s not like she needed all of it. “After this can we watch the like.. one house flipping show. I can’t remember what it’s called.”

“What the- she has pinterest boards for that?” Jason scratched his head. He wasn’t sure about that...Emma had expensive tastes, and while he wasn’t poor like others- he certainly wasn’t the richest guy in the world. “Sure..let’s look. Can’t hurt right?” he set down the bottle of jack before looking down at the cake and taking a bite of it. “Yeah- guess it is my cake..” he sat there chewing. “Oh- wait do you mean the fixer upper show? or flip or flop?”

“Well I mean it is fun.” There was a shrug. She had done it when she and Evan were dating, in secret of course but it was easier for Liz to do things secretively than Emma. Liz rarely had people pressing into her life. “Though it is ridiculous you got blamed. She should have thought about the fact that people were gonna notice.” Giving a hum through her bite of chocolate cake her eyes flickered back to the TV. “That’s good. It’s be a shame to see you guys fighting…again.”

“We almost did star fightin’ again- but then we started talkin’ about the future...I”m pretty sure I”m gonna have to get her a promise ring or somethin’ to keep her from bringin’ it up again.” He ran a hand through his hair as he took another drink, then looked over at the cake in Liz’s hands. “Is that any good? I looks good.”