Almost There

Lillian Eom. 26. Assistant to one Theodore Calloway.

[delgadoryan]

Truth was, Ryan just ordered that because most girls he’d met liked sweet things — and pumpkin, for whatever reason, so he figured she would too. Hoped, anyways. “White chocolate mocha, really? I look like a white chocolate mocha kinda guy?” He chuckled, shooting her a grin. It definitely wasn’t something he ordered but hell, maybe there was something to the frou-frou drinks everyone was always touting. “Well it’s lovely to meet you Lillian. Can I ask where the office that you’re not looking forward to getting back to is?”

[lillian-eom]

Lillian chuckled a little, "Trust me. It sounds girly but everyone is a white mocha person." she assured him. "Pleasure to meet you as well, Ryan." she said shooting him a grin. "I work for Theodore Calloway on his campaign." she informed with a shrug. 

[lillian-eom]

Bottoms Up

[graysonsantos-journalist-blog]

Oh come on. This was exactly why he wasn’t at home but rather clubbing, this was what he was trying to avoid, the friggin’ pressure of his professional life. Still, sobriety helped him rationalize and understand and it made perfect sense that if Lillian respected her boss as half as Grayson respects Jeremiah, she’d feel this way. Sure, Grayson’s printed word didn’t directly affect her, but it’s like with your best friend’s ex’s - they can redeem themselves after hurting your bestie, but you’ll never forgive them. Because you care about your friends and seeing them get hurt hurts you. 

"Oh come on, we’re both in this business, you have to know it’s nothing personal, that I can’t let subjectivity affect my professional success." Then again, maybe this wording of I didn’t tell on your boss because I hate him but because someone’s blackmailing me wasn’t really drunkard appropriate. “I have nothing against your boss man, it’s just duty. Tell me you wouldn’t poke a bear if it saves your life - and we know poking does no harm to the bear.” 

[lillian-eom]

This was one of the reasons she was drinking. She understood how it was probably in everyone's best interest to not let that information known. But she still felt like he used her to get information on her boss. But the more she thought of it, she realized he hadn't asked about Theo much at all. But she was stubborn and kept a tight lipped glance at him. 

"I'm not asking you to not do your job." she reasoned as well as any buzzed person could. "But you could have told me." she added. She didn't know if she would have grown to be his friend if he had told her, but maybe. He was a good guy in her eyes, so this was a kind of betrayal that stung. "I'd poke the bear too. I'll give you that."

[stephaniexstclair]

Well, well, well… That certainly piqued her interest. Perhaps it was juvenile, but in all honesty, Stephanie hadn’t had a pure girl-esque conversation in a while. Even if it was just about boys. “A boy you like?” Stephanie all but squealed, eyes widened as she leaned in closer for the secret. “Oh, Lily, you must tell. Come on! If not, that’s like dangling the chicken in front of the alligator and expecting it to just float around the swamp the entire time!”

[lillian-eom]

Lillian immediately turned crimson, regretting letting that little nugget of information out. "Uh.." she stuttered out, retreating back into herself. She didn't have many friends, especially girl ones where you talk about stuff like this. But Stephanie seemed like a friend and she'd at least give her a bit of info. "Okay, I don't want to name names, because I'm already acting a fool around him. Let's just say, we're not on the same level. My last name is not as well known as his if you catch my drift. So it's merely a stupid little crush that will probably go nowhere." she shrugged.

[valorborn-blog]

That’s what everyone’s been recommending me, so I guess that’s the best route to go.

[lillian-eom]

I think so. I mean who can resist truffles? That's the kind of discipline that's torture.

[lillian-eom]

Bottoms Up

[donovanmendoza]

More and more, Donovan found himself turning to alcohol to drown out his problems. It was a dangerous habit, however — something he learned the hard way when he was younger. His drunken fist was just as lethal as his sober one, and coupled with the fact that he had a much better pain tolerance when drunk (and a shorter fuse, if possible), Donovan stayed off of alcohol when he could. It was a bad sign he had been going back to them. 

Thankfully for him and the rest of the UES, however, it seemed Donovan wouldn’t be drinking much here. He stifled a laugh as he spotted Lillian at the bar ordering a drink, swaying on her stool, before he approached and leaned in to look at her face, assess the damage, and get her attention. 

"What’s up?" he couldn’t help the slight laughter in his tone. "Tod, get me one too." 

[lillian-eom]

The music was causing her to sway more and more, but she remained on her stool, holding onto the bar in case she swayed too much. Her foot tapped, but standing wouldn't be in her best interest at the moment, she thought. But a smile lit up her face when a familiar face popped into view. "Donovan." she said happily as the bartender fixed the drinks. Though she thought she stopped swaying, she was still doing it slightly. "Where did you come from?" she asked, amusement in her voice. Did she not see him when she came in? Or did he just arrive? She didn't want to be rude, she would have said hello if she had seen him sooner.

[lillian-eom]

Bottoms Up

[graysonsantos-journalist-blog]

Now there’s some history writing going on here, because Grayson Santos was clubbing, actually has spent hours only dancing without a single drop of liquor in his system. It’s not that he’s learned his lesson but it’s just that he remembered there were days when he didn’t need alcohol to have fun. There were times when he even had anti-alcohol stance, claiming it was bullshit someone couldn’t entertain themselves without it, which was true, but getting tipsy did make everything so much easier, made him feel floaty and free. And that Grayson ached for freedom he didn’t have when living with two officer women. 

In five minutes of having abandoned his company, he aimed for the bar to get some mineral water and hydrate himself only to notice a familiar face there. A face that dealt soberly with his drunk self acting like a drunkard in need of sober handling herself. With a chuckle, he slipped next to her side, hands resting on the bar as he leaned over to loudly order the water and then redirected his gaze towards Lillian “Looks like someone’s having fun. How about a dance to actually feel the buzz?” 

[lillian-eom]

Her order was placed in front of her and she eagerly began drinking again. She should have stopped, but her phone had remained silent all night and that was a good sign. If Theo didn't need her then she was going to let loose for once. But that wasn't even the plan. She just came in for one drink and now, here she was, eagerly on her fourth? Fifth? She didn't even know. However, she took a break from her drink when someone slid in beside her. Looking over, she recognized the face immediately and her buzzed smile faded to a frown. To be honest, though, the frown mostly looked like a pout.

She was still mad at Grayson. Not as mad as she would have been sober, but still upset with him. And her filter was down, thanks to the alcohol, "No. I'm still mad at you." she confessed. She had had time to think about it though, and logically she understood where he was coming from. But she still felt betrayed and used, so she wasn't going to let it slide so easily.

[stephaniexstclair]

Mustering a small smile, Stephanie attempted to put herself in a better mood. The past week had beaten her down and though she was adamant on returning to her feet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something may be broken. Oh, the metaphors. "No, nothing to be worried about," Stephanie chuckled, twirling her pen like a mini baton between her fingers. "It’s just news… Anyway, how was the ball, Lillian? After we got separated I couldn’t seem to find you again."

[lillian-eom]

She gave a nod in understanding about the news. Whatever it was, she was sure it would be great. Though she didn't know Stephanie that well, she liked the girl and had immense support for her already. Lillian shrugged slightly at the girls question, "It was pretty dull really. Made a fool of myself in front of a guy I like. Got put in my place by an asshole, and spent the night trying to explain technology to my boss. All in all, a dull night." she said. "What about you? Get any old governors numbers?" she teased.

[brandon-calloway-deactivated201]

"If you do that, you should make the buttons in shapes of asses. Think that can land us the gay community the vote too?"

[lillian-eom]

Lillian laughed, shaking her head. "I'm sure Theo himself can land the gay community vote, hopefully. But I'll add it to the list." she joked.

[itscameronlust-deactivated20150]

Of all the people he expected to see, Lillian was not one of them. His first reaction upon hearing her voice was joy. Pure selfish joy. She was one of his closest friends and it was always a pleasure to see her… However that joy quickly faded into shame. It had been a very long time since she’d seen him this way and this was probably the worst she ever would. For all his rough, reckless nights, Cameron couldn’t recall one where he’d been stabbed. Typically, he could duke it out with a guy and either win or lose depending on how drunk he was. But at least the fight was always fair— only fists, like men. This time… There’d been more than one and a weapon. Shit how rude of them, he thought, more than a little indignant. The least they could’ve done was jumped him without a knife. This shame melted into anger and fear. 

"Lillian, it’s late and you’re… alone. Does your boss.. let you walk home alone? Through these streets?” He chided her through ragged breaths. No matter her answer, Cameron planned to pay a little visit to Mr. Calloway. The man had a couple things to learn if he thought Lillian was disposable enough to allow her to walk alone at night. If his current state was any example at all, that was a bad idea. Grimacing, Cameron focused on his annoyance to stay awake. “To answer… your question.. I may have picked the wrong girl to kiss tonight.”

[lillian-eom]

Her fingers fumbles with her phone as she dialed, calling to report an incident. Naming where they were and what the situation was before hanging up and focusing on him entirely. She had never seen him like this. Drunk, yes, but not like this. And as calm and collected as she usually was, she was still worried and a bit panicked at the situation. She didn't have many people close to her, and Cameron may have been the closest person in her life. Like a brother she never had, so the idea of him in pain was not a fun one. 

"Oh, hush. It was a late night." she said shaking her head. "Don't you worry about me. I'm not the one hurt here." she argued. She walked home most nights and never had a run in. Yet, at least. But tonight was a late night and she was the last at the office. No one even knew where she was besides her mother and now Cameron. Listening to his explanation she almost smacked him, but he was in pain enough already. "Cameron." she scolded. "When are you going to learn." she added, but her malice was short lived. "Did you at least get a good look at the asshole who did this?"

[lillian-eom]

Bottoms Up

[legcndaryoutlaw]

" That’s me." He grinned back as the girl erupted with enthusiasm.

 ” I think you’re giving him too much credit.” he joked before shrugging his shoulders. ” You here by yourself?”

[lillian-eom]

Lillian chuckled a bit but shook her head, "Well he does have Meredith. I'm sure she can at least handle him." she noted. Shrugging a bit she answered his question, "I am. Just stopped in briefly, but you know how time flies."

[delgadoryan]

"Game on." Ryan rekindled the laughter and turned towards the barista, still listening to the girl speak whilst ordering. "Okay how about a pumpkin bagel with cinnamon sugar butter, and a regular coffee.” Handing over his credit card with a lazy toss, he canted his head in her direction. “Yeah I skipped out, can’t say I’m regretting that decision. Name’s Ryan Delgado by the way, if you didn’t already know.”

[lillian-eom]

Lillian nodded at the order, she never would have ordered that but it did sound pretty good She listened as she ordered up next, "An everything bagel with cream cheese and a white chocolate mocha, medium." she ordered, handing over her card next before turning to him. "I knew you looked familiar." she noted shooting a smile, "I'm Lillian Eom." she introduced.

[lillian-eom]

Bottoms Up

[legcndaryoutlaw]

" Actually I think she’s good, man." Beckett responded before the bartender even had a chance. Turing to face the clearly buzzed brunette he couldn’t hep but laugh. " Off Theo duty?"

[lillian-eom]

"Wha.." she began to question, pouting as the bartender walked away. Then turning to see the culprit. But her pout changed immediately to a smile, "Beckett!" she called out happily, forgetting all about the drink she was deprived of. "Theo is a big boy he can handle himself for one night." she said cheerfully.

[lillian-eom]

Bottoms Up

The music was drowning out the crowd around her as Lillian swayed on her bar stool. Holding onto the bar in front of her to make sure she didn't topple over. She rarely drank, but after a rough day at work and an hour long conversation with her mother about her personal life, Lillian needed a drink. Just one drink was her plan, but one drink turned into two, then to three, and now she had lost count. But she was feeling a lot better now, to be honest she felt better than ever. Not that it would last long, but for now she was at ease.

"Scuse me, bartender. Tod was it? Can I get one more Jack and Coke,  please?" she asked, her voice a bit slurred. 

[1000kini-blog]

Jamie Chung.

[itscameronlust-deactivated20150]

Sunlight stabbed at his eyelids, causing him to scrunch his nose in pain. At least he wasn’t blind. (Could alcohol poisoning cause someone to go blind? He’d hate to find out the hard way.) Thus far, there was no pain in his body, but by his calculations he hadn’t moved in hours— so who knew what was broken and what wasn’t. Dried blood coated a gash on his cheek, of that much he was sure. Broken memories flashed through his mind… One girl.. Blond… Boyfriend… Friends.. Pain.. Attempting to roll over, Cameron gritted his teeth as lightening struck his lower back. That wasn’t normal. Glancing down he saw a dark spot and instantly felt nauseated. Fists don’t lacerate skin.. Shit, was I stabbed? Who the hell knew? Even the UES of New York was still New York, and men didn’t take kindly to having their woman stolen by a man so drunk he couldn’t tell his elbow from his penis. 

Where the hell was he? Had he at least gotten some good hits in before he passed out? Footsteps neared a space behind his head— at least he wasn’t deaf, also a good thing— and he called out with as much strength as he could manage. 

"Hey… ‘Scuse me…" He coughed, grimacing in pain from the effort. "Hey!" 

[lillian-eom]

Her heels echoed out mutely in the New York noise. A day when she wished she'd worn boots, but that really didn't work with her look. Her phone pressed to her ear as she listened to her mother ramble on about some reality show she was watching this week. She was just glad the conversation had moved on from Lillian's personal life to the lives of others. But she knew it wouldn't stay that way for long, her mother always seemed to come back to Lillian whether she liked it or not. The streets were clearing out from the crowds of drunks though Lillian still felt a bit unsafe, which is why she always had her phone present when she walked home alone. 

Turning the corner she noticed a body laying ahead of her, she would have just assumed it was a homeless man, but he seemed too well dressed. She was about to walk in an opposite direction when the man looked up and called out for help. 

"Oh my god!" she exclaimed as she rushed over. "Mom, I'll call you back, she said panicked as she knelt down by him. Hanging up her phone she kept it in one hand as the other gently rested on him, "Cameron? What happened?" she asked, her voice shaky and panicked, filled with worry as she looked him over. Grimacing at the injuries. "Hold on, I'll call an ambulance." she assured him, unlocking her phone to do so immediately.

[brandon-calloway-deactivated201]

"I think we found Theo’s new campaign slogan. ‘Making Grown Men Cry.’ It’ll be an instant hit and make people vote for him out of fear."

[lillian-eom]

"I'll start making the buttons immediately." she joked. "That and no ones ass will be spared." she attempted a joke and shook her head.

[stephaniexstclair]

"I believe it’s the best way to go. Although, you could catch me on another day and I’d say something entirely different. As long as I get my piece of mind out there, I don’t really care," Stephanie commented, murmuring the last bit to herself; a signature on her own personal declaration of independence. "I won’t spare you the gory details," Stephanie continued, smiling a little. "But I can agree with you on one thing: the tabloid’s have nothing on this."

[lillian-eom]

"True. Tomorrow it might be a heart attack, who knows?" she shrugged idly, taking a sip of her own coffee. "That's a good way to see it." she commended with a smile. She didn't want to pry into the girls work so she kept her attention away from the computer and focused on Stephanie. "Oh? Should I be worried then?"