talikinz

Natalia Esme Cardoza. 23.Card Shark. Money Launderer.

[nataliacardoza]

“Let me have my fucking moment,” he teased, watching as Nat greeted Tallulah with plenty of affection. Lulah happily wagged her tail, tongue sticking out of her mouth as she reveled in all of the attention. She was pretty spoiled. 

“I busted my face and don’t want people asking questions,” he explained. “Also didn’t feel like running into someone I know. You don’t count,” he said, which was true. He’d known Natalia for most of his life. Luca felt somewhat anxious, wondering how Nat would react to the news that he’d be a father. He didn’t have any romantic feelings for her anymore, but he wondered if she’d be disappointed that Luca’s partying days were pretty much behind him until his kid was eighteen.

Shit. That was a long time.

“Tallulah’s a great running partner. You should take her sometime. She likes you.”

Nat raised an eyebrow when Luca told her he busted his face but if he didn’t want to answer questions, Natalia knew better than to ask. For now, at least. Nat figured he’d tell her when he was ready to admit whatever the hell it was that happened.

She perked up at the mention of taking Tallulah for runs. “Oh, I’d love that,” she said. “ Picking up men on a run is so damn easy. Lu spots assholes from a mile away; it’ll totally streamline my love life. ” Much needed, especially now that Natalia’s plate was full with casino business. Dating seemed impossible, especially when one needed to weed out the creeps and the losers. 

“How’s work going?” she asked, knowing Luca was getting more and more responsibility with Leon in charge. Nat was happy for him; she just hoped he could balance work and life.

[lucacostello]

The last few weeks had been… interesting, to say the least. Luca was doing his best to process the news of his wife’s pregnancy, all while trying to ease into his job full time. It all felt extremely overwhelming initially – and sometimes it still did – but worrying only made things worse. So he was trying to take things one day at a time, no matter how impossible that felt.

He climbed out of his vehicle with Tallulah. He’d brought her to the park to hang out for a while. Luca wore a light jacket, a hat, and some sunglasses. He wanted to remain somewhat anonymous – he was still sporting a nasty bruised eye from his run-in with Johnny Sinclair. He didn’t really feel like answering any questions. 

He walked by a small group of people, and immediately, Tallulah wagged her tail, pulling the leash and Luca along with her. She wanted to say hi to whoever was passing by.

“Sorry. She gets excited. She hasn’t been to the park in a few weeks.”

[nataliacardoza]

Natalia was on a jog; the park was beautiful and served as perfect scenery for her run. She wore the matching spandex shorts and sports bra set Nike sent her to promote, planning on a sweaty photo shoot later for her Instagram. 

When she spotted Luca walking with Tallulah, she ran up to him and took out one of her earbuds. With the glasses and hat, he looked like he was in hiding. “Dude, you’re not Leo DiCaprio. You don’t need to hide from the paps,” Nat joked, bending down to give Tallulah all the love and attention she deserved.

“Hello, pretty girl. I missed you so much,” she cooed, planting a kiss on the top of her head. Nat stood and wiped her forehead with the back of her hand as she slowly caught her breath.

[nataliacardoza]

A new business venture with a high return value. Color her impressed. “That must have been one hell of a pitch, Nat.” Knowing her brother, Natalia’s pitch would have had to been iron glad for his name, let alone the family’s, to be attached to it. Should she have wished to be over the top she would have clapped at the feat of getting in front of Leon. It would be no mock clap either though the gesture was most often associated with her undermining another’s idea, notion or action. 

“You deserve a drink. Many, actually.” Mia flagged down a server and motioned for a drink. “I have enlisted my dear little sister’s help on a music video I am directing.” It was a good deal amount of work to be piled onto her already full plate but had always been good at multitasking. It is not as if her nights could be spent here at Sapphire with drinks and other substances flowing freely. All that time she once reserved for nights like these but not sober had been added to the time that she spent working on branching outside of the business that allowed her to prosper. “I am glad to hear that she is excited.” A broad smile on her lips just as the server returned with a glass of the finest champagne. 

“We should toast to the ventures we both have in store.” The glass was handed to Natalia for her to drink or not to drink. “You’ll have to excuse me toasting with water. Though it is poor form to do so water is all that I can have but I make do.”

“Oh, I’ve toasted myself plenty already,” Natalia said, “but that doesn’t mean I can’t celebrate more.” She gladly accepted the flute of champagne from the server, lifting her glass to clink it against Mia’s. “You could always order one of those fruity little virgin cocktails,” she said, shrugging as she sipped the champagne. “Sugary sweet instead of ice water.”

“Anyway, I’m sure the video will be fantastic; with your vision and Sofia’s designs I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets a Grammy nom,” Natalia complimented the woman with ease. When one had the talent and skill as Mia, accolades were inevitable. 

[nataliacardoza]

Tristan had endured a few interesting interactions with Nat. They all made him laugh to think about. And whenever he was this drunk, he didn’t really mind. She offered him a free drink, but he hesitated. 

“I’m kind of afraid of you,” he admitted, his filter regressing the more and more that he drank. “I guess that’s a good thing though. You’re powerful and shit. Yes. I’ll take a margarita, too. Those are a fucking blast. As long as you don’t try to kill me.”

Nat smiled when Tristan told her that he was afraid of her; Powerful and shit. Natalia was glad to know her persona worked. “I promise I won’t try to kill you...tonight,” she joked, taking sip of the margarita that the bartender finished making. She handed the second one to Tristan and held up her glass. “Cheers.”

[stydixa]

Juno (2007) Dir. Jason Reitman

[nataliacardoza]

A night out in a red, latex getup mimicking the woman she once idolized as a child had its perks. One being the opportunity to show Leo what he would missing tonight due to a last minute business trip. That is all that her husband had been doing as of late; working. He spent little time at home now that any chance she had to make his trip just a little bit uncomfortable brought a smirk to her lips and made things almost as fun as having him near.

Margot had just gotten to the bar when someone informed her that the bartender would be buying her drink as well. “How very generous of him.” A knowing twinkle in her eye at how the bartender was the one paying for their tab. “I’ll have what she’s having but with a bit of a kick.” Though she was happily married it didn’t mean she couldn’t join the other woman in flirting with the bartender. Might as well have some harmless entertainment at this event. Margot smiled at him as she brushed the blonde extensions she wore off her chest. She made sure her hand lingered on the tight latex she wore before she turned to the woman beside her. 

“I do believe he is smitten with you.” She tapped her fingers against the bar as she spoke, “A minx after my own heart.” 

Natalia smirked at the woman next to her, recognizing her as Margot Sinclair; even dressed as Britney, the blonde came from a prolific family and attended Luca’s wedding. Nat was curious if she made the same impression. 

She winked at the woman in her company before downing the last of her shots. “Well, they’re going to ogle anyway, might as well benefit,” Natalia shrugged, picking up her margarita glass with delicate fingers. She leaned in closer and said in a whisper, “it’s not as if I have any intention of going home with the man.”

Natalia took a sip of her drink, licking the salt off her lips suggestively as he returned with Margot’s drink. “So,” Nat started, turning her attention away from the bartender now that she had what she wanted, “how do you know the birthday girl?” she inquired, not wanting to give too much away.

[nataliacardoza]

Mia could not help but laugh at the way Nat’s mind worked. It reminded her so much of herself when she was Nat’s age and how she still acted now. “If you wanted to have fun with them-” Mia leaned in close to Natalia. “-you should have had another female with you. Nothing says harmless trouble like two females playing into the fantasy world they wish they were a part of.” 

A smirk on her crimson lips as she stayed close to return Natalia’s hug before pulling away and taking Natalia in. The Dirty era of Ms. Xtina was pure perfection. The transition from corporate bubblegum to embracing her sexuality and herself was something Mia always admired. It was a fitting choice for Natalia as she too was a woman who owned everything about her. 

“Grazie. I had to do something special for her after all that she has done for the family. She is family at this point, much like you are, though you have the upper hand on her. You’ve been basically adopted into this family; the pseudo younger sister of the bunch.”

“Now tell me, how are things for you? I feel as if I have not seen much of you as of late and something that should be rectified.” 

“Chanel deserves the world,” Natalia said, speaking highly of the woman of the hour. Nat was flattered, considered family by Mia was the sort of approval that drove the young woman. 

“Leon’s agreed to let me orchestrate a new venture for the family,” Nat stated, matter of fact. She was proud of her pitch and was confident in her ability to execute her plan. “I was able to get your brother’s name on a casino license. I’m busy as hell but in the best way possible.”

“How about you?” Nat asked. “Sof tells me you’ve recruited her for some design work. Something about a music video? She seems excited for it.”

[ugold]

[nataliacardoza]

Natalia was starting to get back to normal; she opened up to Sofia about what happened with the dude in the bed when they were drunk and celebrating her job. With that weight off her shoulders, Nat felt like she could move on.

Scantily clad, Natalia was having fun teasing the party-goers, knowing full well none of them were in her league. She took a break from dancing and flirting to head to the bar for her next drink of the night.

“Two tequila shots, por favor,” she ordered, already tipsy. Nat stuck out her chest when the bartender returned and he blushed, offering her the drinks on the house. She winked as a thank you before downing both shots with ease, slipping a lime in her mouth as a chaser.

“I’ll take a margarita next,” she said. Feeling generous, she turned to the patron next to her. “Want anything? It’s on the bartender.”

[nataliacardoza]

Wild, carefree and and boisterous. That’s how the attendants at her event would be described in the tomorrow morning’s headlines. Neon, vibrant hues casting shadows on all of those who were lucky enough to be invited to what Mia would hope to be the most envied event of the year. She smiled at those that garnered for her attention as she whispered into the ear of the only individual in attendance allowed to have a digital camera, or any technology that could leave a digital footprint, at Chanel’s birthday extravaganza. The two had been finalizing what images were to be captured, who should be photographed and whom not to photograph should things get out of hand. Which they more than likely would considering the copious amounts of liquor consumed by many. 

“Remember, plenty of the woman of the hour and not too many posed. If I wanted a plethora of posed photos I’d have rented a photo booth for the evening.” She shooed away the photographer, a close friend and one she trusted to be discreet, back into the crowd of bodies that littered the main floor of Sapphire. 

A drunk scuffle was already unfolding between the men of 90210 -the ones dressed as them- outside the roped area of the private section. Apparently the blonde one thought the brunette was sleeping with someone else and it was turning into a thing that was soon to involve the bystander who looked a little too much like the person they were fighting over - a trick of the light and large consumption of alcohol being the culprits- Mia grasped the individual by the hand and pulled them towards her before the security hired for the evening stepped in. 

She gestured with her hand towards the two men being escorted quietly from the party as she jokingly said, “Don’t tell me actually are the one those two have been fighting over all night. Could have saved those two from a lover’s spat if you snuck off with one of them already.” 

Natalia loved parties. Given her recent promotion, she’s been entirely too busy to indulge but a party hosted bu Mia in honour of Chanel was the perfect excuse Natalia needed to let loose. Her costume was suggestive, Christina Aguilera circa the Dirty Era. How iconic? Nat couldn’t waste looking so hot by not flirting. 

When the fight started, however, Nat couldn’t help but laugh as she was pulled away by the hostess herself. “Oh, Mia. I had no intention of going home with either of them,” she said, chuckling as the pair were escorted out of the party by security.

“I just wanted to have a bit of fun,” she smirked. “Cause a bit of harmless trouble between testosterone filled bros.”

“Great party,” Nat added, wrapping Mia up in a quick hug before letting her go. “Chanel’s having a blast. Well deserved given her work.”

[candyplastic]

2002

[nataliacardoza]

Bash had decided to do some of his own celebrating, though it was a little prematurely. He’d just taken his bar exams, the whole two days worth, and was finally going to become a licensed lawyer. In nine weeks when he got the results, anyway. But Bash knew he passed with flying colors, he could just feel it in his bones.

He’d only just settled in to his seat, mulling over what victory drink he should start his night off with when a girl sat down close to him and was ordering shots in celebration. Well if that wasn’t perfect timing.

Looking to the girl, he offered a smile and then made his way closer to be a part of her conversation. “Celebrating, huh? I’ve got some pretty exciting news myself. Any chance you’d like company?”

Natalia looked to the man questioning her, asking if he could join. He had a rugged attractiveness to him; a nice face and body, she could tell. Nat raised a brow at his proposal. “That depends,” she said, before taking one of the shots the bartender placed in front of her. “Who the hell are ya and do you know how to have a good time?”

[nataliacardoza]

You're Invited to Chanel Albright's 90s/00s Themed Birthday Extravaganza!

August 1, 2020. 7:00PM. Sapphire. Come dressed as the VIP pass says or you will not be admitted to the event nor permitted anywhere near Sapphire. 

xx

Mia 

[riverdaleladiesdaily]

Well, good thing I’m armed with my mother’s Lacy’s card.

[nataliacardoza]

Since the dead body in her bed, Natalia threw herself in her work more so than usual. With Leon’s approval of her business plan, she needed to focus. No room for error or distraction. Nat had been on the phone with her father, using his assets as her own. She was young, which meant old men didn’t take her seriously; she needed leverage to get what she needed.

Before anything could move forward, Natalia needed to get the Costello name on a license. Luckily, her father connected her with the right people. He couldn’t guarantee anything but a meeting. Natalia would have to handle the rest. 

It wasn’t easy, but after an hour of back and forth, she left the room with exactly what she wanted. Nat needed to provide a few favours down the line, but that’s just the cost of business. 

“I need a drink,” she said, perched on a bar stool. “Top shelf. Shots. We’re celebrating tonight.”

[riverdaleladiesdaily]

Camila Mendes for Urban Decay’s Naked Ultraviolet Palette.

[nataliacardoza]

There was no reason not to trust Natalia. She’d been a friend of the family’s for a while, and her father had been nothing but good to them. Still, a gambling endeavor was… risky. Operating another business was risky – but Paityn had returned home. The animosity between the Sinclairs and whatever third party had kidnapped Paityn still existed. 

There was still a lot to consider. Leon admired Natalia’s work ethic – her desire to make herself valuable.

“My father considered a casino. A few years back,” Leon explained, swirling the half empty glass of liquor in one hand. “It’s a tedious project. A lot of licenses, a lot of people to go through. Absolutely no room for fuck ups,” Leon explained. He wouldn’t have time to oversee a project like this. But he wouldn’t say no. 

“I like you, Natalia, and I like your father. Do you have the time for this?” Leon asked. He knocked back the last of his drink. “I’d hate it if things didn’t work out.”

Natalia smiled, but was sure to not look to eager at Leon’s approval. He had his concerns, as he rightfully should, but Natalia did know a thing or two about gambling and her father would always be on speed dial if she needed a hand. Nat was smart, desperate to prove herself. She wouldn’t fuck up the opportunity to make her mark. 

“This will be my only priority,” she said. “Ever since I was a kid I’ve wanted to work for your family. I’m not going to fuck it up.”

She took a gentle sip of her drink, finger tapping on her glass. “All you need to do is think of a name. I’ll make sure everything else is taken care of. Professionally and legitimately. Clean cash flow and an easy way to launder. It’s the right move to make, Leon.”