Dancing With Myself

Lorna Davidson | 63 | ---

[shepdecker]

"I'm positive. Since I'm not able to treat my wife today, I think she'd want me to make sure your day is one to remember," he assured her with a smile. And what he wouldn't say since he rarely spoke about money was that he was privileged in the fact that it had never been an issue for him. He frowned some at the mention of her child, wondering what could have happened that made them become distant. Though he hadn't known Lorna for long, she had a calming presence, and he had a hard time imagining her as a bad mother. He wanted to ask questions, but he didn't know how difficult of a subject it would be for her to discuss. "Any time. I can always go for company a little closer to my age than this one over here," he said with a chuckle as he nudged Jillian's hand with his pinky. "Did you move here from California then or were you living somewhere else before making your way here? And why Tonopah of all places?"

[lorna-davidson]

"I'm sure she'd be very happy with how you two have spent the day. I know I didn't know her but from what I know if you two so far, she must have been amazing." She spoke more to him, not sure how Jillian felt about all of it. She couldn't have imagined what it was like to lose her mother so young. Even with the way she fought for some time with her own mother, there was no doubt that their relationship was strong and she admired her deeply. Love her even more. "I moved from California, it's home to me. I mean I've traveled, I love to travel but my heart is definitely back home. I'm really close with my siblings and they're all there so it's hard to be away. I have two brothers and an older sister and two of them have kids so as you can imagine it's just nice to be around them all. They're coming to visit here soon though, so I'm excited for that. I'm pretty sure my brothers just want an excuse to get me to babysit my nieces and nephews though. But I don't mind."

And maybe Shep would get to meet them all if she had the courage to be honest with him. "Great question," she told him and reached for her wine, taking a few sips before she continued. "My son is here," she finally told him, meeting his eyes for a moment. "He doesn't know I'm here yet but I'm hoping that some time soon he will and we can talk and figure things out. I just don't know how happy he's going to be to see me considering he doesn't actually know I exist." She left it there for a moment, wondering if she'd have the courage to tell him that the son in question was him but it hardly seemed appropriate in front of Jillian. But she didn't want to lie.

[giovanniiricci]

WHO: @lorna-davidson LOCATION: PottHeads

Giovanni had been made aware of her presence in town many weeks ago, but with the primary for the mayoral race fast approaching, he hadn't had a time to make her aware he knew. He'd found himself downtown after meeting with a few of the business owners in the area and her storefront drew his attention. He excused himself from his entourage and made his way inside, a bell tinkling above the door. The shop was quaint enough, though wasn't exactly what he would've envisioned for Lorna's business venture, especially given the name. "Lorna," he greeted with a smile only she would be able to recognize as anything but friendly. "Consider my surprise when I heard you'd opened a store downtown. I assume this means you intend to stick around for a while, hm?"

[lorna-davidson]

Lorna knew that she couldn't avoid him forever but she also knew that he was likely to come to her. She knew him well enough still to know he couldn't help himself. But, finally seeing him standing there in the flesh he just looked...old. Older. Just like her but somehow in a way that felt distant. That felt like it was done in spite instead of hope. "Giovanni," she replied with a soft laugh, finishing up the paperwork on the counter before actually giving him her attention. "Consider my surprise when I heard you were trying to convince these people you should be their Mayor." There had been a time when he had been her greatest confidant. A true best friend. They would laugh over beers and share late night cigarettes when Beatrice had already passed out from their studying. Dreams they had. Dreams shared and spoken and hoped for. But she had seen too much, watched his kids grow, watched Beatrice struggle. There was too much distance now.

"I intend to stick around as long as it takes me to know my son," she told him, not trying to hide anything. She knew he'd just dig if she lied. She moved from behind the counter and stepped toward him to get closer. "You look old and tired, G." She paused, second guessed herself for a moment before speaking again. "You still like to listen to Phil Collins and drink red wine or have you moved onto scotch or whiskey like a sellout?" She glanced back at the studio. "It's got a record player and I just got a new bottle unless your little entourage really needs you. I know you were probably stopping by for a quick chat but..humor and old lady, would you?"

[shepdecker]

"Well, looks like we showed up just in time then. I think anything you get here would be better than fast food." He chuckled, taking his seat once he was sure the both of them were settled. He wondered if perhaps Lorna had a child somewhere, one she would normally be celebrating today with but for some reason they couldn't be together. He was grateful that he could step into that role, at least for tonight.

"Thank you!" Jillian beamed at the compliment and stood up from her chair to twirl her skirt before scrambling back up into it. "We went to visit mommy and saw grandma for lunch and then we got dressed up for dinner to come here. I really like the mac and cheese. It's sooo ooey gooey delicious, and you can ask them to put some shrimp into it, too. That makes it even tastier."

"She means the chicken and sausage orecchiette. When she was younger, she wasn't a big fan of anything being in the pasta, but I told her the meat helped to make it a little more well-rounded," he informed her in a quiet whisper with another chuckle. "I'm partial to the dried fig salad and red pepper and crab soup for starters and Meyer lemon ravioli, but you really can't go wrong. Everything I've had here is amazing. Get whatever you'd like. It's on me tonight."

[lorna-davidson]

Lorna was looking at Jillian, listening to her and wondering how hard this day must have been on both of them. Her without her mother and him without his wife. But she figured they were here and they had made a tradition and she was going to enjoy this weird blessing the universe had suddenly decided she deserved. "Sounds like you two have been here plenty of times so I'll take your word for it. The salad sounds great. Are you sure? I mean I'm not one to pass off being treated but that's very generous of you."

His generosity also made her feel proud. Despite all of the venom that ran through his father's bloodline and Andrea's mind, Shepherd had somehow still turned out to be a kind and giving person. "My family's back in California and I didn't feel like making the trip home. Plus, my mom went on vacation with my Dad without telling anyone so she's not even there. She's living her best life." As Lorna's mother got older, she had only gotten more adventurous, determined to live as much of her life while she had it. "And uh my child and I are a bit..distant at the moment," she admitted, surprised at herself that she said it out loud. "But anyway, I am very grateful for the company," she told them and thanked the waiter for her glass of wine that came just in time to help her keep her emotions at bay.

[haydencassidyy]

@lorna-davidson

Location: PottHeads

"Nope," she said straight, shaking her head firmly. "Ain't no way I'm makin' a damn ashtray outta clay. Not happenin'. Over my dead body." Hayden had her limits, and wet clay and a headache from trying to mold it into something that resembled an ashtray was well past it. Besides, Lorna and her both knew it would just end up looking like an ugly lump that sat on her coffee table. "I'll buy one, but I sure as shit ain't makin' one."

[lorna-davidson]

"Are you done?" Lorna laughed as she poured them both a drink, handing Hayden hers before she took a seat. "I find it hard to believe that a woman of your bravery and rank would be afraid of some clay." It wasn't a challenge really but Lorna believed that most people counted themselves out before even really giving themselves a chance. There was no actual law or rule that said you had to get it all right on the first try. "Plus, it doesn't have to be an ashtray. Don't be such a baby."

[emiri-tezel-deactivated20250915]

"Really?" she laughed at the woman's joke; knowing that actually that was quite a relatable thing she had in common with other people. With her eyes dancing around the different pottery vases she soon nodded her head, "Yeah... actually I love this one," she gestured to the vase just above, "The flowers around it are gorgeous... I don't dare touch it though." she chuckled, not wanting to knock anything over.

[lorna-davidson]

"Yeah, I mean I've always admired people with tattoos. Especially ones covered in them. I think it's a beautiful art form. I think I'll try to get one for my next birthday maybe." Lorna followed her line of sight and smiled. "Very good taste. I was hoping that would catch your eye." She grabbed the step ladder and set it up in front of the shelf, taking easy steps up to grab the vase and handed it to Emiri as she got down. "How does it feel to you? Good weight? Good energy? I believe this one was made by one of the students at the high school. A teacher brought a group of them down here a couple of weeks ago."

[kathrynharinger]

"Pottery was... an adventure, to say the least," a reminiscent smile tugging at painted lips. "I thought it'd be therapeutic, y'know? Just me and the clay." it hadn't been calming, the room had been loud and then the wheel had span out of control...her skills? Zero. "Turns out, I have about as much talent for pottery as a fish does for riding a bicycle. Let's just say my attempt at making a vase ended up looking more like a misshapen cock — I think I might need to try again."

The second the words left her mouth, her cheeks reddened.

"But hey, at least I gave it a shot, right?" Glancing back at the brunette, her shoulders lifted into a make shift shrug. "Honestly, this place is impressive. Especially because it's fledgling. I mean, my business opened just around a year ago -- so if you ever need tips, or someone to vent too?" reaching into her purse to pull out a business card. "Feel free to call, stop by or email.

[lorna-davidson]

Lorna let out a soft laugh and shrugged. "It's not so much a talent as a perseverance. Patience even," she offered. She certainly hadn't gotten it the first time she tried. "The first thing I made absolutely looked like a vulva so I can totally understand that. But all shapes have its' purpose I suppose. Trying is better than not." At least that's what she usually managed to convince herself.

"Well that's very nice of you." Lorna took the card and turned it over in her hands with a smile. She didn't know how long she'd be in town but it couldn't hurt to have some friends while she was there. Especially other people who knew what it was like to own a business in this town. "What business do you own? I'd love to stop by some time."

[shepdecker]

WHO: @lorna-davidson LOCATION: La Macina

Mother's Day had been difficult to celebrate ever since Michelle died. He and Jillian would spend time with Andrea around lunch time, but the evenings he wanted to dedicate to the woman who had made him a father, even if she was no longer with them. The two of them would dress up and eat an expensive meal in honor of Michelle, an extra seat at the table save for her, and this year was no different.

The two had just entered the restaurant when he spotted Lorna speaking with the maître de, overhearing something about her reservation not being on the books. He cleared his throat, stepping forward. "She's with us, actually. Decker, party of three?" After checking their reservation, the man grabbed three menus and took them to their table where Shep pulled out a chair for Lorna and then for Jillian. "I hope you don't mind me interjecting there. This place gets packed on days like today."

[lorna-davidson]

Lorna had planned to spend the day at home, wallowing in her sorrows on the couch for Mother's Day but after several texts from her brothers encouraging her to leave the house she decided she could at least treat herself to a meal. But of course she had chosen one of the busiest places and found herself regretting coming out here until she heard Shepherds voice. Her son's voice.

She felt herself go speechless, feeling the tears sting at the corner of her eyes but she blinked them away. Could this actually be real life? Was she actually about to have dinner with her son and her granddaughter on Mother's Day? "Oh no, not at all. I'm glad you did, I wasn't sure I'd actually get a seat. I was about to go to a drive thru instead," she joked, taking a breath to settle herself as she took as eat and smiled at Jillian. "You look so beautiful in that dress. And you, you look very handsome," she looked at Shep with a proud smile, hopeful she could get through this dinner without becoming an emotional mess. "What do you two usually like to order here, hm? Everything looks good. I am definitely getting a glass of wine. It has been that kind of day," she admitted with a soft laugh. "What did you two do today?

[logandonovan]

Logan glanced up at the sign before following the woman into the shop. She felt a warm glow of happiness seeing the town's downtown area beginning to flourish again. The recent surge in new businesses brought a glimmer of hope after two years of darkness. "How long have you been here? My store’s just over there." Pointing in the direction of Sammy + Lo, her own store a few shops over. "God, is it that obvious?" She asked with a small chuckle, "And you? Not from here?"

[lorna-davidson]

"Just a couple of weeks now, almost a month. You're a store owner too? Well then it's my lucky day, neighbor. I love your storefront," she admitted and glanced over at her shop. "A little bit but that's not a bad thing. I figure most people here are locals, right? That's what keeps a small town small. I love that. I'm not. I'm from Los Angeles originally. I spent some time in Tonopah when I was in college which was how I knew about it. Needed a change of pace so here I am," she told her as they walked into the shop. "Feel free to look around, those are all the things we have for sale and our studio is in the back."

[nathaniel-donovan]

Nate laughed lightly at her tease, soon making his way towards the seat she had pulled up close to her own. As she spoke and after he sat he made himself comfortable, giving a small spin of the wheel in front of him just to get a little feel for its movement - considering he had never touched one before. "Oh I'm never getting this right," he chuckled, unfortunately for Nate he wasn't exactly blessed with an artistic streak when it came to this, "So it's gonna be amazing either way." He wouldn't ever mind trying, however, he'd give it his best shot and no doubt laugh about it afterwards. He looked towards Lorna as she sat back down, "I'll watch you, that'll be easier." it wasn't that he couldn't follow instructions, he just thought mimicking her actions would be simpler for this.

[lorna-davidson]

"Never is a pretty strong projection. But I have to say, you never know what might happen," she added with a soft laugh. "But I suppose your version of optimism fits well. That sounds good though. I'll take it slow," she told him as she started the wheel and set her hands on the clay. "You have to move with it, stay steady and not put too much pressure," she started as she guided her hand along, slowly forming the clay into a large circle and building it's height slowly. She was going to make a simple pot, maybe something he could take with him if he wanted to. After a moment she was focused in, humming as she moved her hands along with ease until she got what she wanted. "Ta-da!" She told him with a grin as she slowed the wheel and eventually brought it to a stop. "Now we gotta cut it and make sure it doesn't collapse so it'll dry properly. I think you can help me do that part," she offered and pointed at the string she'd use to cut it. "Grab those gloves and grab that string for me, yeah?"

[emiri-tezel-deactivated20250915]

Emiri's eyes brightened just a little more at the mention of going inside - she couldn't help it, not just because she was nosy, but because she felt excited by the idea of all the art that awaited. Following the shopkeeper inside her attention soon looked over towards the far wall with all the vases, "Oh I'm not sure yet, but I'm sure once I see it I'll know." she chuckled lightly once her attention fell back on Lorna, "Emiri. I actually work a few doors down - Cosmic Ink?" she says as she makes way over to the vases that were previously pointed out.

[lorna-davidson]

"I like that method. A great thing to go with your gut. "Emiri. That's a gorgeous name. You're a tattoo artist? Oh I love that. I've always wanted a tattoo but have always been a bit too chicken shit," she joked. "But looks like we're block neighbors and I am always happy to have another artist around. So, anything hitting you yet? That's not me rushing you, just curious," Lorna told her as she moved behind the counter to sort a few papers she had gotten dropped off in the mail.

[filmtribv]

I won’t give you anything. No matter what you do to me. And I know you want me to suffer.

[shepdecker]

"You and me both. She's got the relaxing thing down to a science," Shep remarked with a chuckle, smiling fondly in the dog's direction. It wasn't every day that she had the chance to interact with other dogs, so to see Lorna's taking an interesting in her nearly gave him the same feeling as when Jillian talked about a new friend she'd made at school. "That's okay, she could use them. She's super sweet, but a lot of people avoid her because of her breed, assuming she's aggressive." It was one of the many things he wished he could change about the world.

"Really? What sort of studio? It's not every day we get a new business in town, so I'll have to swing by and check it out sometime." Her initial question gave him pause. How much was he willing to unload onto a complete stranger? Maybe she was being polite, but she had asked and seemed genuine enough... "These days not as much," he started, "but I was caught up in something and got injured a little over a year ago and was unconscious for a month. It's amazing how quickly our muscles lose the ability to function when they don't get used for a while." He scrunched his nose. "I haven't gotten my full range of motion back, but I'm lightyears away from where I was. She helps to keep me out of my head most days and when I need a little more assistance getting around."

[lorna-davidson]

"Well that must be annoying. But also maybe a good I don't know, human vibe reader. Helps weed out the unkind people," she suggested, feeling sympathy for the dog. "A pottery studio. You can buy, sell, make some of your own. You should definitely come by, both of you. We're very kid friendly." She tried not to seem too eager but she smiled at Jillian to show her excitement. "It's a sweet space. Very accessible and great for beginners. Are either of you particularly interested in art? Any forms of it?" She had a million questions she wanted to ask and she was already thinking of days where she'd get to have Jillian over her house. Spoil her and teach her all the things she knew. All in due time, she had to remind herself. Or at least she hoped.

Even though she knew what he had been through, it was still hard to hear him express it, even with the words he chose. She resisted the urge to reach out to him and comfort him, tightening her grip on the leashes in her hand. "I'm sorry to hear that. Recovery is an extremely tough process. Seems like you have good support though," she added as she glanced at Jillian and then Popcorn. "But I can imagine it's a lot to go through. Especially if you're used to living life a certain way. Well now I have to insist that you come by the studio. I think it would be very helpful for getting out of your head. And I swear that not me just trying to get business."

[emiri-tezel-deactivated20250915]

"Oh really?" her smile turned into a soft grin at the mention of a five year old selling their work here. "That's so cute actually, I bet they were so excited?" she chuckled, genuinely finding the thought entirely too adorable. "Can I go in and have a look? I broke my vase last week and I've been struggling to find something to replace it."

[lorna-davidson]

"Oh they were thrilled. Definitely worth it. I mean that's kind of what I do it for, you know? Bring people that joy no matter what age. Art has been gatekept for far too long. Yes! Yes of course,come on in. Vases we definitely have,"she told her and opened up the door, letting her in before following after. "That wall over there is your best bet. Any specific color theme you have in mind? Each piece has a placard next to it that tells you a bit about who made it and what their intentions were when making it. Feel free to look around and ask any questions you have. I'm Lorna, by the way. Welcome to my little piece of paradise."

[lutherxrex-deactivated20241107]

"I don't think it's too bad, you know, if you happen to meet a pothead. They might appreciate the pun." Alternatively, it might just go over their head, but they would still respect the play on words. "No, I've never really explored that medium. I was more of a doodler and sketcher." Art, in the traditional sense, was never his strong suit, but he found his artistic outlet in cooking and making ordinary dishes look extraordinary. "My sisters might be interested though, so I'd be happy to accompany them and give it a try. How long have you been doing pottery?"

[lorna-davidson]

"A very fair point. I'll have to keep that in mind. Well doodling and sketching is a very fine art in my opinion. Some of the best art, actually. Really? Well then you should bring them buy. First class is free," she added, not that she'd ever charge a bunch of young kids an exorbitant amount for classes. "But in general they're pay as you see fit. Oh, well I've been using pottery as a medium since, well, let's see, probably since I was in my 20s. I took a class and kind of fell in love with it. And now I've been doing it for 40 years." A thought that made her head explode a bit but at least she had that constant in her life. "And what about you, hm? What are you passionate about?"

[nathaniel-donovan]

"Woman of wise words, huh?" he chuckled lightly, figuring for himself that Lorna was exactly that. It just told him that she had lived a little. Nate moved a little closer to her as she started answering his question; all so he was engaged in what she had to say. He nodded slightly, pulling a smile at the corner of his lips when she mentions this being her third life. "Yeah," he chuckled, "Will bring in all kinda crowds." the name of her shop, until of course the message was clear on what she sold. Or at least that was what he thought. "You want to show me how it's done then? Not sure I'm gonna be able to leave without trying it... see if it's worth the hassle and all." his brow quirked briefly in a slight tease.

[lorna-davidson]

"When I want to be. I mean age is useless if there's no wisdom attached to it." Well that and trauma gave birth to a lot of wisdom. Forged through pain and mistakes. Her smile widened when he said he'd be up for seeing how it's done. "A very good choice. I didn't even have to give you another pitch," she teased and pulled up a chair for him at the station next to hers. "Please, take a seat and take a breath. Breathing is very important. For your nerves and your focus. The thing with art is people want so badly to get it "right" on the first try that they ruin the experience for themselves." She got up to grab him a mound of clay and set it on the wheel she had put him in front of and then brought over a bucket of water for both of them. "There are actually different ways to go about this but we're using these wheels to help you form what you want to make and then we'll cut it from there, let it dry, etc, etc, but first," she sat back on her chair, "tell me what kind of learner are you? Do you need or want detailed instructions or would you rather watch me do it and try to mimic my movements?"

[logandonovan]

Her eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise dancing across her features as she echoed, "Like… the drug?" Logan's curiosity wasn't about the substance itself—she wasn't inherently opposed to marijuana. Rather, it was the novelty of the inquiry from a stranger that took her aback. The moment the woman clarified the topic was pottery and not cannabis, a laugh escaped her, rich with amusement. Indeed, it was a memorable tactic to capture someone's interest. She reminisced, "Oh, yes, actually! There was this time, back in middle school, one of my friends had hosted a pottery-themed birthday party type thing. It was actually so much fun." Her gaze then fell upon the ceramic creation the woman showcased, her smile broadening in recognition and delight. "No way! Where?"

[lorna-davidson]

Lorna's smile widened at the younger woman's reaction since it was exactly what she was going for. "That sounds like a lovely memory and a great pick on your friends part." Lorna moved to the side and pointed up at the sign over her door. "Right this way. We're on the smaller end but we're full of goodness," she promised before opening the door for her. "Am I safe in assuming you're a Tonopah local?"

[kathrynharinger]

"Once, in my early twenties." Kathryn admitted with a laugh, the memory of that random night on a rooftop, somewhere in Queens. She hadn't started making her own money yet. In fact, they'd hardly had two cents to rub together, but he'd brought pot over, and at the time, well, she'd wanted to try it. In the end, it hadn't been for her. "But it wasn't the best experience. I turned green." a pause. "Pottery, once too," as a laugh broke free once again. "I haven't, actually. How long have you been open?"

[lorna-davidson]

"Only once? Shame," Lorna teased. She didn't smoke as much as she used to but she was known to take a few edibles here and there and whenever her brothers visited, they always convinced her to go to a dispensary or take a few puffs in the backyard. Mostly because she always treated them to food. "Mm, yeah that doesn't sound lovely at all. But the pottery? How was that experience? And only a couple of weeks. So we're basically a newborn."