I NEED A FOREST FIRE.

⸻ india. owner of the vine. ❝ Its eerily terrifying that there's no sound when a heart breaks. Car accidents end with a bang, falling ends with a thud, even writing makes that scratching sound on paper. But the sound of a heart breaking is completely silent. Almost as though the universe itself couldn't create a sound for such devastation. Almost as though silence is the only way the universe could pay respects to the sound of a heart falling apart. ❞

[indiasolano]

⸻ emeraude toubia, 31, cis female, she/her // in the SOUTH COAST neighborhood of Half Moon Bay, you’ll find INDIA SOLANO who’s lived there for FIVE YEARS and they spend their days working as the OWNER OF THE VINE. They’ve been described as INTUITIVE, FREETHINKING, REACTIVE, and GUARDED by the people that know them. This is her story.

triggers: cancer, death, miscarriage/stillbirth

born and raised in a small coastal village in maine into a very loving and happy family, india had a lovely childhood where she enjoyed being spoiled as the only child.

when she was twelve years old her mother was diagnosed with cancer and even though she fought the disease it eventually won the war a year later, leaving just india and her father behind.

they did the best they could but they were heartbroken and things were never truly the same.

just barely a teenager, cat got a job to help with the household expenses and was ready to give up her dreams of going to california for university when her father came home one day with a bag of a large sum of money.

wanting to believe the best in her father india didn’t question where the influx of cash came from, and maybe she didn’t really want to know. she headed off to cali for uni and loved it and one of the times when she came home to visit for the winter break, she learned she was pregnant.

no longer in a relationship with the father of the child, she decided to keep the baby anyway and fought with her father about it. he thought she was throwing her life away and india felt it was a way to connect with her mother. he threw her out and they never really spoke again.

sadly, india ended up miscarrying and having a stillbirth. it absolutely devastated her and she fell into a deep depression.

the way she chose to try and keep herself alive after that was to travel. she bounced around for a while and eventually ended up on são miguel island in the azores where she met a father-like figure that helped her rise from the ashes of what had been her life.

he also taught her how to make wine.

when she learned of her father’s passing she went home to maine and packed up his things, made peace, and sold the family home.

with that money and a move to california, india opened her restaurant, the vine, a wine and tapas bar, and felt like she was starting her life for real.

she also makes her own wine, owning a vineyard on the island and importing small batches in for her restaurant. india has dreams to maybe expand on her winemaking but for now is enjoying the smaller operation.

[dr-eliaaran]

Emilia wanted to bid on something, she wanted the thrill of winning something but she wasn't entirely sure what she was going to bid on yet. Perhaps she could get her hair done, she'd seen a voucher for a salon on her way in, so she made a mental note to check if it was the hair-type of salon or beauty. Either way, she was sure she'd find something she'd enjoy winning. When the other woman spoke, Emi chuckled softly, "If you don't win and you want to stay at the hotel, I'm sure using my name would still get you something good... I'm just not sure what yet."

[indiasolano]

"So what's your pull at the Ritz where you're able to make these promises?" Curiosity always got the best of her and this woman gave off the impression that she had some sway. That was intriguing. Although the Ritz sounded like a fun win the winemaker wasn't entirely sure what would bring her to stay there without the win. Living within Half Moon Bay it didn't necessarily make sense, so India hoped she'd get a win. Or maybe that spa day that was up for auction. "Are you here to adopt or just donate to charity?"

[sevketbuyukakcay]

vincent couldn't remember the last time he had a date around valentines day. he had always thought of it as a fake holiday to say the least. a way for corporations to make money. however he had been enjoying his time spent with india and thought the event would be a nice way to spend it with someone even if he didn't believe in it. "ouch and here i was thinking you were here because maybe you kind of were into me. way to wound a man's ego." his words were playful as he had pushed the beer to his lips as he took in the scene in front of him. there was so much to do and so much to see he really didn't even know where to start but a drink sounded best. "that is fair enough, it is nice that you actually know you are too busy. so many people jump into getting one and regret it later." he told her. "i don't really know. i mean i already have my cat and she might get a little pissy if i bring a friend home to her." the male admitted. "but we can certainly check out what they have."

[indiasolano]

"Don't be so dramatic," the restauranteur teased, "maybe I'm kind of sort of into you..." Though, India had thought that much was obvious. If this was counted as a date then it was their third, and if she wasn't into and interested in Vince they wouldn't have gotten this far. There was some wondering if this invite was purposefully unclassified because of the weight Valentine's could put on a date. India loved romance, she enjoyed sunsets and made wine, it was a given. Whatever she had going with Vince the brunette didn't want it to be complicated. After having been burned a couple of times by love she was afraid to really move into it again. "I won't be busy forever, you know? When I slow down some and am not traveling back and forth to the island as often, I suppose I'll get one then." Sipping her drink, India liked learning Vince had a cat. "She likes to keep you all to herself then. She and I might have an issue." With the joking, the brunette grinned. "She might have to learn to share."

[acharyajayesh]

closed starter for @indiasolano.

After Martian Haze played their set, Jay made a bee-line for the bar. His first drink was free and the others were courtesy of his mom's bridge club friend, Sharon. Before Sharon got too friendly, Jay excused himself for 'some air'. As the sun set over Half Moon Bay, the late winter air was crisp and sobering. He didn't like it. When things went quiet he could hear, too loudly, all the thoughts in his own head. Thoughts of shame, guilt, and insecurity that he didn't have the gumption to work through or shake.

Jay sought a distraction and impulsively hopped onto the hayride set to drive through the tunnel of love. Of course, he couldn't walk around to the steps but hopped into the wagon; dispelling a little hay as he did. The ride took off before he realized where, rather whom, he'd wedged himself next to.

"Hey."

[indiasolano]

Since she had been dumped by Jay, the Maine native had done her best to avoid the man at all costs. Mostly because it all still hurt. To have given a year of your life to someone else and for them to treat it so fleetingly, that had really pained India. They had been good and happy, so she had thought, and after she'd brought up the idea of moving in together suddenly their relationship didn't work anymore. It left her feeling unsure of herself, of all the time and pieces of herself she'd given to someone else.

So far the event had been fun. It had been relatively easy to stay away from where Martian Haze were playing, and she mingled with many people that she'd either seen at The Vine or around town. The main reason she had come to We Woof You was for the charity aspect, it had always been important for India to give back when she could. If others hadn't looked out for her then she'd be nowhere. In wanting a break from it all, though, the hayride sounded nice and she was interested in the final result of the student's project. What she hadn't expected was Jay smooshing himself in beside her.

Slightly horrified, the winemaker swallowed hard, and turned her chin toward him. "Oh, no... what are you doing?"

[sevketbuyukakcay]

@indiasolano event starter

vincent had took a deep breath as he ordered himself and india a drink from the bar. pulling out his card he had suggested the bartender just start a small tab for him. he wasnt one to attend things so big. they were never really his thing as he wasnt one for being around a large crowd of drunks but with it being a animal event he had hoped he wouldnt encounter any of them. handing over the drink of her choice he pushed his beer to his lips and looked around.

"thanks for coming tonight. i wanted to check it out and look at the protentional pets to adopt but i didnt want to really come alone." he admitted. "are you looking into adopting something as well or just here for the moral support?" he asked her jokingly with a small smirk. "i really dont need another animal but damn those little fluffy dogs look so damn adorable."

[indiasolano]

Given the proximity to Valentine's Day, India did her best not to read too deep into Vince's invite, and so far she was thinking she had been right. This seemed much more of a casual affair for him and in return the winemaker would treat it the same. "I'm just here for the moral support," the brunette smiled up at him. "I wish I could have a pet but right now I think I'm too busy to give it the attention it deserves." Owning and running your own business was tough, especially when you were thinking of expanding. However, India was also reminding herself to make time for life in the midst of all that as well. "Which one's have your eye so far? Let's scope them out," the restauranteur said after thanking Vince for the drink and having a sip of it. She sure did love a good Cadillac margarita. "If you do pick up a pet today you have to promise that I get visitation rights as your moral support for today," India teased.

[dr-eliaaran]

O P E N (capped at 3): 'we woof you' auction

Now that she was settled and unpacked in town, Emi was seriously considering adopting a pet to keep her company. A particularly cute boxer cross had caught her eye, but she was trying to let her emotional response to the puppy not cloud her judgement, so she'd gone for a walk through the auction space just to make sure she wasn't about to bite the bullet on an impulse decision. The last thing she wanted was to overpromise to a tiny little dependant when she wasn't sure she was ready for such a commitment.

Emi had been proud to say that the Ritz had donated a three-day weekend stay in their premier Honeymoon suites to the charity Auction. She was all about giving back and making sure those less fortunate than her had as many chances at a good life as possible. Included in 'those less fortunate' were (of course) the animal under the care of the SPCA. Without peoples donations and fundraising, she was sure that her and her mother wouldn't have had as many opportunities as they'd had when she was growing up. She saw someone's hand reach for the brochure about the stay at her employer, so she spoke, her bright eyes glancing up at the person the hand belonged to, "I'd say bidding on that one is a great idea. If you win, tell them Emilia recommended you and I'll make sure you get a bottle of bubbles on arrival."

[indiasolano]

The auction had garnered the restauranteur's attention the most, and that wasn't due to India not liking animals — the brunette simply didn't have the time for a pet so she strayed away from temptation. With her full heart the Maine native believed in philanthropy and charity, she was always trying to pay it forward where she could especially now that she had some money to her. Without a stranger once looking out for her, India was certain that she wouldn't be here today. Whether it was helping humans or their furry friends, it was saving lives and the winemaker was there with a smile to do as much as she could. "Oh, yeah?" A smirk on her lips as she glanced at the woman presumably Emilia, "and what if I don't win? I could afford a decent bid but there's some really wealthy people around here."

[indiasolano]

     "Thanks for meeting me and I'm sorry it's late." The brunette smiled up at Vince, a bit excited they had decided on a second date. "My manager has been out sick so I have to cover every close of the restaurant until they're better." Mostly because the Maine native was rather particular for the way things were done, but also because the wait staff and kitchen staff shouldn't have to worry about the office end of things when they'd already put so much into their shift. "Well make this worthwhile though, if you're still game..." India teased just a little, she was feeling good, maybe a little playful and definitely more confident as this was the second time around they were doing this. "I figure we could surprise each other," with a smile, the restauranteur shrugged a little, "you're game, right?" // ( @vincentxxthomas )

[esterexpositio]

Emeraude Toubia via Instagram stories

[domestrada]

...

His smile didn't falter as he extended outward the flowers, "Is it the gesture then or the flowers that count?" He asked thoughtfully as he pointed with he colorful end of the bouquet. He was all to happy to oblige if it meant a moment longer away from he date he knew was sinking fast. Scratching the back of his neck Dom was liking using his flowers as a prop waving them to and from as he thought over her question, "Far more than I could ever repay." She added truly thankful for India and hoping she knew it despite the hopeful grin he shot her way. He gave an affronted gasp and shook his head dark eyes landing on her face as he walked fully into the room. "I'd rather her not hate me when this is done." He admitted honestly, "How would you feel, India If your date just ended the evening with - "It's not me it's you."

[indiasolano]

     "You're ridiculous," the restauranteur said in humor with a breathy laugh escaping her as her gaze returned to the papers on her desk. The romantic in her was wistful, thinking it had been a long time since she'd ever been given flowers by someone. Elmiro used to bring her some that she'd put in her window to brighten up the little cottage she had called home while on São Miguel. Now she got them herself, and frowned a little at the thought of this date of Dom's rejecting the arrangement. "What does it matter what she feels for you when this is done? Do you plan to ask her out again or see her again?" The winemaker nearly snatched the flowers just to get him to stop gesturing with them. They were distracting and somehow causing her to linger on this far longer than she should. "I know it may suck and hurt a bit but how invested could she be? Honesty is so much better than being led on..."

[willxmeyers]

OPEN

WHO : anyone! WHERE : Maverick’s beach, morning in his first couple weeks at half moon bay, aiden had settled into a nice little routine. wake up, swim, workout, work, come home, sleep. his dog sampson, however, had decided to boycott this new environment and had started whining whenever aiden so much as left the house without him — he was resistant to change even more so than his owner. and so, work outs at davie’s locker had been moved outside. aiden didn’t mind so much as he ran along the beach — throwing the ball to sampson in between dips in the ocean.  the morning sun in his eyes, aiden didn’t notice as sampson ran off towards another person further down the beach. “i’m so sorry—” aiden over quickly, worry across his face that his dog had disturbed this persons morning. “he never does this, i swear he’s better trained than he seems.” 

[indiasolano]

     It was cold. The winter morning wind chill had forced India to lift the collar of her windbreaker as some defense but the brunette still shook slightly. Could've been the cold, wet sand her feet had sunken into a little, or even the icy feeling of the water when it ran up and tickled her toes. Even after the restauranteur had backed up a little and it was at least ten minutes later, it was as though she couldn't recover from it. The coastal Maine native should've been hardwired for this, but all those years on the island had spoiled her.

     In the midst of enjoying, or trying to with frozen fingers, her breakfast wrap India had brought with her, a dog had run up and startled her. Without knowing the big guy's intentions, the winemaker took a step back and tried to be soothing with her words. "Whoa, easy big fella..." A moment later she glanced up at the tall man that had run up and immediately began apologizing. "It's okay, I mean... is he friendly? If so, it's okay." With India's gaze panning to the burrito in her hand, she soon turned her eyes back up to the male. "Is he big on breakfast burritos?"

[kayceekastings]

Benny was kind of frozen, or so that's how he felt in the moment, like he couldn't move or speak. So when India took off for the exit, Benjamin didn't immediately follow her. It took a few moments before his body and brain linked up, and he was able to put one foot in front of the other and walk out to chase after her. "India" he said kind of loudly chasing out her, "India" he said again, notice people staring, finally putting some speed to his step, he reached the exit walking towards her "India, I think we need to talk." India didn't owe Benjamin anything, he left her without so much as one word, just a little note that said I love you forever and that was supposed to be enough, no that's not enough. "I understand why you wouldn't want to be, but I think it's really important we do."

[indiasolano]

     When she didn't hear footsteps behind her, no voice of the past calling after her, nor that feeling of someone chasing after her — it was all a huge relief. There were things she needed to face yet didn't actually want to. Years ago, between the vines on an island, the winemaker had made peace with what she had lost. All that she had lost. As alone as she had felt in the world, there was a gift of a savior who taught her how to begin again. That she was connected to the world and needed in it. Seeing Benny, transported her back to memories she had made herself so distant with that they felt like a completely different life. "Why?" Confused, the brunette faced him with her brow crinkled. "Why do we need to talk? Why is it important?" The memory of him slipping away in the night, leaving her with just a note and nothing more than a comment that could've easily been written in someone's yearbook, hadn't faded. Why had he followed her outside?

[sevketbuyukakcay]

Vince looked up at the female when she had told him to be nice to himself scolding himself for saying that out loud. he knew that being nervous about this was ridiculous. maybe it was just the fact that he had just now recently started branching out and going out on dates.. so far all of them had been pretty terrible. nevertheless he was doing his best to try to be positive about all of it. worse case if they two had a bad time at least they had some good wine and decent food. when she had leaned in to kiss his cheek he had kissed her back as a proper greeting then watched her take the seat across from him. now that he was sitting face to face to her he had felt his nerves calm just a little. it wasn't like this was the first interaction he had with the woman before tinder and when she had came across his app it was easier for him to swipe on her due to having talked to her a few times.

"thanks, i just got off work and had to rush home to get a shower and toss something on. i never know how fancy to dress for these things so i tried to keep it semi- casual but still a little dressy." he pointed out. "but look at you, you look beautiful, per usual." he complimented her back as he gave her a once over and a warm smile. "please, i have been sitting here for the last five minutes trying to figure out which wine to start with first. i have a top three though if you want to hear them."

[indiasolano]

     Regardless of the time she and Vince had spent speaking to each other and visiting each other in the lead up to this very moment, first dates were always a little nerve and sometimes anxiety inducing. What was friendly before had something extra on it now, at least in the winemaker's mind, given that there was intention. Never had she been one to fall into the trappings of hookup culture, not because she had judgements, her heart simply wasn't made for that. 

     "Well, you did a great job," India commented following his explanation, her dark gaze panning up and down what was visible of Vince. It had been a surprise to come across him on Tinder and perhaps the fact that they had previously met and spoken a few times was what prompted her to think this was a sign. As he turned the compliment around a brief shyness took over her, causing India to turn her chin to the side and her nose to scrunch along the bridge. "I actually had to go home and really scrub up," the restauranteur admitted, "I smelt like the kitchen." The assortment of tapas weren't the worst scent to have clinging to you but it also wasn't the impression to make. "Oh, I would love to hear your top three," the brunette grinned, leaning forward, "I really do enjoy learning people's wine tastes. Also, how was your day?" Even though she could see the waitress coming their way, she wasn't going to hault conversation or let the time waste away. "And I know it's early to say so now, especially because I don't know if you're a full course type, but we should definitely save room for dessert."

[domestrada]

India & Dom - the vine

@indiasolano

He'd excused himself from the table and made his way to the back, where he leaned in India's office doorway with his flowers up to his chin. "Save me." He prompted as a way of greeting, "She doesn't like flowers, India." He said, showing the denied bouquet as proof. "Something about the florists and perpetuating made-up holidays like Valentines." He pouted, "It isn't made up tho-" He sighed, "I'll owe you."

[indiasolano]

     At the voice and not having heard the lothario's approach India startled a little at the sound of Dom's voice at her doorway. A permanently bittersweet gaze locked in on his, and though her lips began to curve into a smile her head shook at the same time. This guy... the winemaker thought. "Flowers are beautiful and a gesture longstanding before Hallmark holidays like Valentine's," the brunette commented, clearly avoiding his request for the time being. There was a part of her that wanted to get a peek at this date of his, curious what someone so stuck-up and un-romantic could possibly look like. Especially since India never saw Dom wining and dining a troll. "Do you know how much you owe me by now?" Amusement colored the restauranteur's words and there was a glimmer of something in her dark gaze. "How am I supposed to save you? Why don't you just tell her you've changed your mind or that there's no chemistry?"

[specerhastings]

SOFIA CARSON feel the beat  (2020)

[kayceekastings]

Where: The Vine Who: @indiasolano After all the business meetings and intense cases that was consuming Benny’s life, he needed a good night out. One of his colleagues was kind enough to set him up on a blind date to ease the overwhelming pressure in his life. He made sure to pick a beautifully expensive restaurant where they could have a delicious meal and if all goes well, he’d take her out dancing. He waited for her at their specially reserved table and he looked every time someone walked in matching the description his coworker had told him. After about fifteen minutes passed from the time they planned to meet and no one showed up. Benjamin wasn't going to waste a perfectly good reservation because he was stood up. So he motioned for the hostess to send someone over to take his order. "Hey, what's yo- India?" Benjamin said standing up looking at his ex girlfriend, the mother of his child he's still never met, wondering what she was doing in his hometown.

[indiasolano]

     Truthfully, India was unaware that Benny was in Half Moon Bay. Unlike most, the winemaker had never been able to look back once he left her and chose the military instead of being with her. Life unraveled in horrific and tragic ways not too long after their parting; her visit home in Maine had turned into a nightmare that had left her homeless after a fight with her father and eventually grieving a loss she'd never even had the chance to share with her ex. It had come about in a letter, the only way India knew to hopefully reach him, and the restauranteur never trully knew if it had made to him. No response had ever come. Half Moon Bay hadn't necessarily been purposeful, yet had also seemed inevitable that she'd cross paths with Benny at some point. India hadn't imagined it'd be in her restaurant, though. "What's my what?" For some reason it was what had come out and was followed with a thick swallow. Her heart took flight in her chest and there was a ringing rising up in her ears. Everything started rushing to the surface, there was a flood of emotion that wet her eyes. "Sorry, uhh..." The brunette began backing up. "I—I... I... have to go." Feeling like she couldn't breathe, India turned on her heel quickly and headed for the exit, seeking fresh air.

[sevketbuyukakcay]

closed starter for @indiasolano

location pasta moon

vince had sworn off dating for years, he found all of it to be pretty pointless and exhausting. every date he had been on had been from a dating app that one of his employees had convinced him just to try out. of course the man had made it out to be more of a hook up app but vince had made it clear in his bio that wasn't what he was looking for. it was hard trying to find love in a hook up world. he had struck out a lot. trying to go out with women who were slightly younger than him which he felt like he couldn't keep up with if he tired.. she was younger than him. a lot younger than he would go for, 18 years to be exact and it worried him more but he would give it a try.

upon swiping on the female the two had talked for a week at most before he had went for it. inviting her out to dinner. being italian he had thought pasta moon would be a good place thought nothing beat the authentic shit his ma cooked back in Sicily. that was neither here nor there he was doing the best with they had. waiting nervously at the table he felt foolish. he had conversed with the female numerous times at her restaurant here and there. though this felt different, he knew he was going to say something or spill something and make a big fool of himself. when he caught the waitress escorting her his way he gave her a half smile and a dumb wave. "idiot." he muttered shaking his head. "hey.. " was all he said at first.

[indiasolano]

     "Hey, be nice to yourself," the winemaker gently scolded Vince with a soft smile upon arriving at the table he'd gotten for the two of them and having seen that muttering spill from his lips. "And hey..." The brunette nodded at the hostess and pulled out her chair, but before she took a seat India made her way to Vince and pressed a light kiss to the man's cheek in greeting. Once she settled across from him, the restauranteur took in a visible breath and then let it out. Smiling once again at him. It would've been and understatement to say she'd been nervous for this. Dating, relationships, love... it never went well for her and India could see this man had his reservations when it came to her. They were understandable, there was a decent age gap between them, and despite conversing for a while there was always the hang up of meeting someone off a dating app.

     "How are you? You look great." Hoping with all hope, India prayed she didn't come across as rusty as she felt. The start was always a bit awkward. "Should we start with a wine?" A little smirk cropped up on her lips and her brow lifted slightly. Never would the winemaker ever call herself an expert, but India had to have a little fun at herself for her go-to being the vino. All in all, they couldn't have pasta and an Italian dinner without it. 

[archivedforthememories]

THE VINE after lunch

"I really need to get away for a few days." And Ferah didn't want to go stay in the city, as there was a brand new Magnolia in San Francisco and it seemed her odds of running into her family were greater than they ever had been. If this was luck to play on the brunette would win the lottery. Well, if she played. One thing Ferah never really had to worry or stress over had been money. "I know we were musing about a cruise the last time we got together," her words were broken up by taking a sip of India's amazing table wine, "but what about a little weekend to LA or even Vegas?"

"Eren and Serkan keep coming by Nirvana, almost nightly, and it's just stressing me out." Because she hated the pressure their presence put on her. Always a watchful eye. The thought alone prompted Ferah to take another sip of the red, a nice generous gulp. Why was doing the right thing so hard?  { @indiasolano }

[indiasolano]

     If she were in Ferah's position then she'd likely want to get away as well. Fortunately, or maybe it wasn't quite a blessing, the restauranteur had no one answer to anymore. There was zero family element for the brunette any longer. It was a tragedy, really, yet it was situations like her friends that prompted India's feelings that maybe she dodged some bullets in life. The strangest ones since the winemaker was certain that she'd already made it through the worst pain imaginable. "So get away for a few days," India encouraged. "I wouldn't even make a plan or book a ticket. Just get in your car and go." It'd be difficult for her brothers or anyone else to follow her and track her down that way. For a moment her dark eyes locked on her friend, India's curiosity always lingered at the tip of her tongue, ready to ask what all was going on. Then, she reminded herself that it wasn't her business and Ferah would share if she wanted to confide in her, and also, that the nightclub owner was vague and guarded for a reason. "I can't go with you this time, but you better be sure to send me snaps as you go along."