Olivia Mackay

Olivia Brigid Mackay | Thirty-Five | For Goodness Bakes | A good sleep and quick laugh are quick to make the day just fine, isn't it? | Bi-Polar & PTSD

[oliviamackay]

pim:

Valentine’s day wasn’t a usual celebration for Pim, she had given up on giving cards or sweets out to anyone outside of her circle of friends as a kid after all the boys simply laughed at her. But the castle wasn’t Thailand and so she was embracing the events arranged by the castle. Sitting down at a table dead on 12:30 she quickly raised her hands above her head in the shape of a heart and someone approached. “This is the proper way to start this off, right?” 

Liv wasn’t keen on a bit of romance, though she wouldn’t mind. She enjoyed friendships, gathered as many as she could because, well, she was a sociable sort. She had, of course, also toted a box of cookies because it was her nature and laughed as the woman she approached offered a heart with her arms. “Took a bit of my idea,” she chuckled as she sat, bringing out a clear-wrapped cookie. “I was going to do this.” Her grin stayed as she pressed the wrapped treat to her chest.

[oliviamackay]

valentin​:

“You’re oh so very welcome.” Valentin told her with a smile and a chuckle. “Thank you-and I like that name-For Goodness Bakes. Means that you put a lot of love in the things you bakes-and they smell so good that it can’t help to fly off the shelves.” he guessed, though he was already mentally making a note in his head to go to the bakery and get as many cookies as he wanted. “I can’t help but ask, but what’s your favorite cookie to make?”

Liv gave a laugh and smacked her knee with her typical enthusiasm. “Yes, exactly! I love what I do and the name gives me a good chuckle at that. Toss the lot who think otherwise, yeah?” She couldn’t confirm or deny the flying state of her products but she was never bored and rarely had spares to donate to those who wanted or needed them. Proud though she was, she wasn’t a braggart. “Hm.. depends on the mood, love. I’d say for the now, I’ve a love of gingerbread, though I’ll likely get sick of it sooner or later and miss it by the time winter lets up. If it ever does, that is.”

[oliviamackay]

alexi:

“I understand that love for a big a family. It was always nice growing up with two siblings of my own. I am just sorry I never met any of my cousins. My father lost contact with his three brothers when he and my mother moved here, and my mother lost contact with two of her siblings when she married my father. Puerto Rican pride, my grandmother wanted her to marry into Puerto Rican blood. And that was a lot of information to just offer up, sorry.” He ran a hand through his now damp hair, nodding at her request. “I will make sure you get nice and buzzed next time I see you there.”

Catching the bottle, he tipped it towards her as indication that he would heed her advice and slipped it into his backpack that he carried. “You tell me how to get rid of dye in my skin, let me shower at your place, and then feed me. I am being spoiled, no? By an angel, no less.”

“It was, but I’m glad to have it. You’re more than welcome to take a few or all of my cousins; they’re a mess, the lot of them.” A quick, laughter tinged grin appeared again. “You’re welcome to tell them I said so.” She’d pay good money to witness that firestorm, actually, though it’d be a pity to throw him into it. “Then you’re a saint and I’m keen to marry you just for the drinks.”

“Well, maybe you are. Maybe I’ve just a soft heart for tricked men who need a bit of support. Who’s to say, really?”

[sophiabushfan]

[oliviamackay]

ollie:

Ollie was all smiles the moment he heard Liv’s voice. He looked up, motioning at the hellscape of puzzle pieces on his counter. “Hey, perfect timing,” he responded just as she took his pieces from him and started to work the puzzle herself. “You are an angel sent to save me from this seventh circle of hell,” he spoke as he watched her. He blinked, dumbfounded, when he felt her kiss to his forehead before he looked at the offering pouch of food. “What do I get this time?” he asked curiously. “Because I don’t think I ate since… Tuesday…” he thought before nodding. “Yeah, Tuesday… wait, what day is it now?” he asked suddenly concerned.

There was no telling where her fondness for numbers and patterns and puzzles had come from. She wasn’t keen to imagine that part of her came from biological parents, but simply a fun little quirk of her brain. Still, she ignored the wondering in favor of puzzling and grinned at him, charmed by the sweetness of such a man. “Right back to you, handsome boy,” Liv returned, giving the only mention of the periods of time he had pulled her through. Nudging the pouch to him, she undid the strings. “Sandwiches, brownies, garlic bread for later with spaghetti and meatballs you’ve just to warm up for the time I’ve written on the container.” Though used to his lack of sleeping and remembering to eat properly, she sighed nonetheless. “It’s Wednesday so you’re lucky. If she wasn’t a terrifying sort, I’d scold your sister for it and risk the tongue lashing.”

[oliviamackay]

lucia:

Lucia resisted the urge to bite her lip the second she saw the dimples appear on Liv’s cheeks. Her eyes followed Liv’s form as the baker got her a table set up really quick. She gave her an appreciative nod and makes her way over slowly, a slight limp in her movements but she makes it to the chair. Promptly sitting down, she looks back over at Liv, “I’ll take some water, thank you,” she replies with a touch of a smile. She didn’t like showing off her vulnerabilities, so genuine smiles, letting people see her limp while having her knee pains flare…she was already starting to reveal it to the baker that she had only seen in passing most of the time.  “Wait…did you just say you were inclined to marry me over buying a dozen of your best baked good?” she replies, raising a brow at the woman. “Because as long as you feed me sweets then I’ll take you up on the offer,” she replies with a small smirk, tossing the banter back to Liv. 

“Water it’ll be then,” Liv returned and gave the woman a quick once over before retrieving the bottle, appreciating the look of her. A laugh, raspy as her voice and delighted as the rest of her, sounded as she plated a few simple things to munch on, retrieved a cup of tea for herself since she’d had too much coffee already. “I did, aye, and the offer’s a genuine one if you’ve a kind heart and a smile or two to spare now and then.”

Settled on the chair opposite her guest, she offered the plate of food and bottle of water, set to doctoring her tea with a hint of lemon and honey. “Have you a mind to talk about the aches or am I to just pretend we’ve not seen them for the sake of pride and secrecy?” Her smile flashed again. “I’ve no mind for subtlety, love.”

[oliviamackay]

celina​:

The princess looked around wondering if the baker had been waving at her. Of course she must have. Celina was the only one who was pressed up against the window looking in. She chuckled at herself before finally entering the shop. Inside was much better and she looked in awe at all of the baked creations. There were cakes and pastries and breads and all of it looked extremely appetizing. “Sorry about the window. I can clean that on my way out,” she replied abashedly. “Everything smells heavenly.”

Keeping a mind to take the music down to a pleasant hum in the background, Liv had just turned it down as the bell chimed in its cheerful way and the window watcher had entered. “Tsk, don’t even be worried on it. If it tempted you to come in, the cleaning’s my pleasure to have.” Chuckling at the idea of someone being sorry for gawking at her wares, Liv leaned against the counter, her grin still in place and as genuine as ever. “Tastes better, love. Can I tempt you into a sample of something you’re curious on?”

[oliviamackay]

oleander:

“This is fucking bullshit,“ Ollie muttered, moving puzzle pieces around on the counter. It was a slow day, and after the fourth drop to the floor from stumbling out of exhaustion, his sister dropped a puzzle box in front of him and told him to work it out. So he drank two redbulls and ignored all phone calls to do exactly that. Figure out the puzzle. Because why not torture yourself with a puzzle when you haven’t slept in two days?

“Why are the pieces all one color? What sick freak designed this?“ he shot a glare to the back hall where his sister was cackling. “Probably you,“ he muttered to himself, hearing Violet leave out the back door just as the bell dinged at the front to alert a customers arrival. The first of the day despite being after two. “Look around… Flowers around here… yeah…“ he half assed a greeting, while trying to fit two pieces of the impossible puzzle together.

Had she just clawed herself out of a low period with the help of the man she was going to see? Yes. Did she want to talk about it? Definitely not. But she had slept for about a day and woke up feeling right as rain, reopening the bakery and making a few things of this and that. Done with it and the day, she was quick to leave and head to another shop.

“Well, that’s a fine way to greet a friend, isn’t it?” Full of cheer and with a basket of baked goods, she tilted her head at the sight before her and grinned. A new challenge, was it? Well, wasn’t that fun? “That one is to go more towards the center, love. This one here, here, and here.” Taking the pieces, she started to place them and reached across, kissed his forehead. “Here, I’ve brought you some food.”

[oliviamackay]

alexi:

“Twenty cousins? How many kids did your grandparents have?” The question was lost as she took his hand and started to pull him to the back, Alexi looking back at the door that was now blocking anyone from coming into the place. By some miracle the woman knew exactly what he needed to do, his head swiveling back to her as she explained. “Wait, really? Because if this works, I am buying you a huge dinner or gift basket from the sweet shop. Whatever you want.”

He quickly followed her instructions after receiving some baking powder and the dish soap, his skin red from all the scrubbing when he stepped out of the shower. But at least it wasn’t completely blue anymore. He was definitely buying Liv something after this. Not long after when he was dry enough, Lexi started to walk out to her as he threw his shirt back on, a grateful smile pulling at his lips. “You are a saver of lives, I hope you realize this. It is not perfect but it is much better than going home and looking like a member of that blue group.”

“Ach, now you’re making me do the math.” Closing her eyes and doing a quick count, she winced. “Six on one side, seven on the other. The MacKay’s, we’ve a love for big families. I’m the only one to my mum’s but still.” She grinned, walking with him to the back as promised. “Well, I’ll take a high five and a pint if we meet at a pub, darlin’. I’m just keen to stop seeing so much blue.”

Laughing over the whole predicament of it, Liv glanced over when he emerged, tossing him a bottle of lotion. “You’ll need it. Put some on before bed.” Delighted to have been a help, she motioned for him to sit at one of the tables and brought out a tray of food and a hot cup of coffee. “Sit, sit, sit. You’d better eat, that always sets the mood just right and I’m keen to take a break.”

[oliviamackay]

valentin​:

Valentin laughed along with her as he nodded. “Well either way, these are really good,” he told her. He took her hand and shook it. “Valentin,” he introduced. He didn’t even want to say his title-tonight he wanted to be a simple person who cannot go to sleep because of a nightmare, not a Crown Prince of Austria. “You have a bakery? I might have to drop by and get some more cookies when I can.” he promised, finishing up the cookie.

“Ah, you’re a kind one for saying so, thank you.” Pleased and giddy at the praise, she plopped down with her usual lack of grace and crossed a knee at her thigh. grinning even against the cold. “Well, that’s a lovely name if you don’t mind me saying so. Valentin. I like it.” Pocketing the puzzle book because she had a habit of losing them, Liv gave a quiet chuckle. “That I do. For Goodness Bakes and no, I’m not about to change it from a fun joke to something not. You’re welcome to visit anytime.”

[oliviamackay]

[oliviamackay]

celina​:

While the castle had plenty of charm, she found excitement in being able to visit the village. Sure, she had to have her guard as an escort, but it was a welcome change to how pent up she was kept back in France. There was so much to explore and given that it was the holiday season, all the shops were decorated. She peeked into the shop windows, getting a whiff of cookies and bread baking from For Goodness Bakes. Her stomach growled and she couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. “I could probably eat my weight in bread right now…”

There was a great deal of joy with the work she put into her shop. A fun little bit of this and that, some pieces having just enough of fire to give the customer a zip of heat, that sort. It was just as fun to have a crowded shop as it was silent and dead as the grave. It was the latter in the moment, save for the riotous clash of string and pipe and drum playing from a speaker under the counter and the occasional smack of dough to counter and off-key humming from Liv herself. Flour dusted her cheeks in a rebellious streak and she looked set the dough to rise, glancing around. Spotting the pretty brunette outside her shop, she gave a dimple-clad smile and friendly wave. She’d enjoy the company, sure, but wasn’t the one to force a choice.

[oliviamackay]

alexi:

“Any chance you know how to get dye out of skin?” Alexi gave Liv a miserable look as he moved towards the counter, his blue skin not having faded one bit even with the three showers he had already take that day. Katina had actually felt so bad for him that she’d given him the rest of the day off with pay claiming he’d been subjected to hazardous conditions, so he’d decided to stop in the bakery for his mom’s favorite black bread for dinner that night as well as a short visit with a new friend. “If not, I guess I will just have your best black bread. I would take your heart but somehow, I do not think you want a smurf owning such a thing. And I am not that kind.”

Despite his situation Alexi still gave Liv a small smile. She hadn’t been in the village long, but she’d quickly become someone he very much enjoyed being around. “Have I told you I hate my job lately? This-“ He held out his hand as if she couldn’t see that his whole body was blue. “Would be why.”

Were there awards for managing to not laugh? Probably not and she would have failed anyway. The sight of a very blue Alexi was certainly not something she had expected, but the humor of it was at least appreciated. “Oh you poor, sweet boy,” Liv managed around a somewhat stifled laugh and motioned him closer, giving his blue skin a closer look. “Did you know I have over twenty cousins? Pranks like these are a constant, even to the day.”

Holding his wrist, she pressed a button on the counter that locked the front door, guided him to the back. “Best way to get dye out? Baking powder and dish soap, scrub scrub scrub. My cousin Agnes had a fondness for it, turned me red as a lobster before I left for university first year.” Giving his cheek a light pat, Liv grinned as she was wont to do. “There’s a shower in the back if you want to try that, towels on the rack by it, and I’ll have some food at the ready when you’re out. Then you can tell me all about it, okay?”

[sophiabushfan]

Sophia Bush

[oliviamackay]

valentin​:

When she asked him if he wanted to have a cookie, Valentin just had to laugh. “That is true,” he admitted as he held out his hand so he can take the cookie. “Don’t want my reputation to mess up if I break a lady’s heart and send her to tears,” he teased back with a grin. “A bit of sugar does make the night pass by-that and a class of cold milk.” He took a bite and closed his eyes, losing himself in taste of the cookie. “This is a really good cookie,” he said after taking another bite.

“Heaven forbid the travesty,” she laughed and ignored the pleasant jangle of nerves over sharing her baked goods. She’d gotten used to it over time and figured the reward made it worthwhile. “I’ve tea but no milk, but always a welcome seat at the bakery if you’ve a want for it.” As he reacted to the treat, Liv felt her smile widen and chuckle, gave a small curtsey. “Why thank you.” Taking the seat next to him, she offered her hand, blinked when she saw the puzzle book she’d been gripping and switched hands. “Liv. A pleasure to meet you.”

[oliviamackay]

james:

The chefs in the castle provided plenty of food- mainly focused on the Royals, of course- but it didn’t stop James from venturing out every once in a while. It was nice just to go out, do a little shopping, and pretend like he wasn’t here to cause absolute havoc and work towards the goals of those who were still frowned upon.

“And a good day to you too.” James smiled at the woman as she turned around. The bakery seemed empty, but it was the wonderful smell that had lulled him in. “It’s quite the selection you have- and most likely not enough demands for it.” He added jokingly, tapping his cheek lightly, to indirectly indicate that she’s got something on her own cheek. “And all are equally tempting. Although, starting with cookies might be the smartest choice.”

Cheer stayed warm in her smile as she took his words in and decided that no, today was not the day to notice of what might be considered snide comments, though she took it for light teasing and a joke. She was in a good mood and not about to let a raincloud dampen it.

“Oh, we’ve done plenty fine and will keep to it. Besides, all the more reason to let you have all my attention for the now, aye?” Catching the gesture, she glanced at the reflective surface of the countertop and chuckled. “Never a day when there isn’t a bit of a mess.” The comment more to herself than him, she tilted her head and dimples deepened with her smile. “A fine start indeed. We’ve plenty of choices, which is the one you’re tempted towards the most?”

[oliviamackay]

ethan:

Ethan was unsure how anyone could be this energetic and joyous at this hour. It was far too early for the guard who stacked sleeping in as one his top three pleasures in life. But his boyfriend took priority over his beauty rest. Always had. Leading him to the bakery right as the sun was rising to buy a box of cookies. Enough that there were still enough for Thomas after Ethan rummaged through them on the walk back. He had made the mistake of showing up empty handed before. Learned his lesson to not do that again - with either Adley’s for that matter.

“Wow - You are - I don’t even know how you’re standing let alone lending out your heart this early.” He admitted with a slight laugh. The smell of all the baked goods slowly waking him up as it made him hungrier by the second. “Can I get I a dozen cookies. Any kind is good. The sugarier the better.”

Amused at the admittance, Liv let out a quick laugh and dusted her hands again, caught a glimpse at her reflection and swiped off the flour on her face. “You should see me when it’s time for a quick nap or t’collapse in bed. I’ve a sunny smile now but sooner the devil’d run than greet me when I’m tired.” As she wasn’t keen on ever letting someone witness such a thing, she often kept a cup of tea or coffee nearby and that made due until it was time to dig back into her hole of a home. “My heart, though, it’s a fickle one. Just yesterday I promised it to a man three times my age and lovely with it.”

Going to the display, she decided on the classic chocolate chip that had a light dusting of sugar on top for anyone with a serious sweet tooth, and set to boxing them in the cheerful light blue boxes. “If you’ve never been here before, you’re welcome to a free cup of coffee, love. Fresh as of about twenty-odd minutes ago.”