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@romijuarez
&. — introduction.
that was the year, my twenty-eighth, when i was discovering that not all of the promises would be kept, that some things are in fact irrevocable and that it had counted after all, every evasion and every procrastination, every mistake, every word, all of it.
romina juarez, 33, coral coast, portland thorns midfielder
windsor bay born and raised, secret poet
cis woman, she/her, bisexual, single, leo
she avoided looking at the emerald hues that she feared would look right back at her and see past all the bullshit she guarded herself with. instead, she looked everywhere else — at romi's forehead, at her hands, at her mouth. "i accept." she forced a smile that didn't carry the weight of worry that she felt in her chest. she avoided people that wanted to get close, but those who'd already been close to her? well, they were a bit more difficult to brush off, to lead astray.
the nickname, one that she was used to hearing from people who barely knew her, and usually while under the influence, landed differently when sober and when it came from her. someone that had used it kindly and without asking for something in return. "i thought everyone was all about looking to the future and leaving the past where it's at?" it was only as the question rolled off her tongue that she allowed herself to catch romi's gaze, and just like she'd feared, all she saw was recognition looking back at her.
"someone did that recently. well, kind of? this jerk of a bartender called my neighbor. jj, the cute doctor guy," she explained, certain that romi would know who she was talking about, "called him to pick me up. i got a whole speech and everything." she wore a smile, but truth was, his words had cut deeper than she'd let him know.
bellamy pulled in a steadying breath and nodded slowly. they'd been friends, and then like every other meaningful relationship in her life, she'd pruned their ties and for what? punishment to herself? "could've been better," she countered, giving herself away, this time without the same bullshit tone she'd taken when talking about jj and his speech. "i miss that," she added, bottom lip catching between her teeth. "us being friends."
she was thankful for a spot across from the other, because it meant that whatever friendship they'd had years ago hadn't been entirely spoiled by her selfish decision to leave the person they had in common. the person that bellamy wanted to bring up and ask about, but wouldn't. the redhead blew out a dramatic breath when her shit was called again, the sound as teasing as the quip had been. "me too." at least that was genuine, right? "i don't do much these days. i hang out, i have a little fun." little wasn't the right word to use, but how did she sit across from the person who'd always encouraged her success and admit that she was too afraid to try again? to put her degree to use, to help people rather than hurt herself. "i've looked at jobs, but nothing seems like the right fit." it was the luxury of being a ford and knowing that her family's deep pockets would keep her afloat. "i don't even know what i'd want to do anyway."
what she saw across from her was familiar because at one point in time she'd really known bellamy. well, at least as much as anyone let anyone know them, especially the redhead across from her. mostly she recognized the avoidance, the work it took to not connect, and she wondered if that was how she looked to her sisters and mother whenever they brought up anything personal in her life. given that both her older sister and mother were narcissists romi was careful with them. they liked the attention if media or fans asked for information. truth was, however, the moment any of them ventured the territory of a love life or how she was personally doing her eyes seemed to be anywhere but on them. it was harder to read the bullshit if you couldn't look someone in the eyes.
"sure," she shrugged, her fingers toyed with the glassware between them, "if you're actually ready to leave the past in the past." some people had the ability to cut off from it and just move on, because they'd decided and committed to it. others worked to let go of the baggage, to free themselves of what had bruised and scraped them up mentally and emotionally. then there was the redhead and brunette — a pair of similar women sat at a diner table with a ghost town of a friendship that'd been avoiding the confrontation of history and had been running from it ever since the bad thing had happened.
not only did she listen to what bellamy had shared, romi had a physical reaction. first her brow lifted, surprised or maybe concerned, then she made a face and slightly shook her head before she breathed out a soft laugh. "the fact that the bartender not only knows who your neighbor is but also had his number to call to come get you, then said neighbor lectures you... i'm guessing on the frequency of this?" the brunette's finger waggled between them though she was really referring to the painted picture of regular benders. "does that actually sound good to you? are you actually having fun on those nights out?" it was shocking in way to hear about her childhood friend's life in this way because she remembered who the woman was and what she'd set off to do and the things she'd accomplished.
it pained her to hear herself, especially when her inner thoughts sounded just the same as what she'd voiced. romi didn't want to be judgmental. if anyone knew tragedy and hardship it was she, and for some members of her family she'd always been picking up the pieces so maybe she knew what it was like. or, maybe, in some regard, there was a bit of a looking in the mirror. her friend across the table had fallen apart, and so had she. the brunette softened at her old friend's words and a rueful smile shaped her expression. "i miss us, too. i don't know why you felt the need to pull away," she admitted, "i never would've chosen a side between you and chris." but in the absence of bellamy she'd grown far closer to the redhead's ex.
naming their mutual connection aloud was actually a relief. romi felt the tension brewing and growing the more they'd left her name unsaid and wanted to avoid someone she felt near and dear to becoming the elephant in the room whenever she was with bellamy. as she sat there she felt her shoulder's ease the more they talked and the more her troubled friend seemed to settle into that spot across from her. romi hadn't even felt it build up in her body, the unease, the anxiety, but she smiled a bit now. "does it feel aimless?" there was a genuine curiosity to the question, not her trying to fall into a lecture her friend had likely had from more than just cute jj. "i think people need purpose, right? i mean, i remember how you went forward when you had direction, so..." for a moment she chewed on the inside of the corner of her mouth. "what's so wrong with getting back into what you used to do?"
morning harvest. @romijuarez !
one hour and fifteen minutes. that was how long he'd waited in line to purchase the infamous sourdough bread that the whole market buzzed about every single time he stepped foot within it. he was a punctual person, overly so, but clearly he'd made the wrong calculation this time around. it made for a good future note — sourdough lovers do not mess around.
"don't bother joining the line," he warned as he turned, defeat etched into his features. it seemed silly, but one hour and fifteen minutes was a lot to spare for a man who barely took time for himself. "they're sold out for the day already. it takes an act of congress to get a loaf, i guess." he forced our another hum of air, more frustrated with himself than the vendor who'd apologized with a kind smile and encouraged him to come back another time. "sorry, i just really wanted that bread," he trailed off, tone lighter and the hint of a smile finally pulling on his mouth. "how are you?"
in doing her best to escape her mother's company romi hadn't wandered too far off before another, much more welcomed, familiar voice pulled her from her stealth getaway. a pair of emerald eyes followed the length of the line and then came back up to zaid, "oh, i wasn't." an easy smile had settled onto her lips as she continued to listen. something about the disappointment in his tone pulled a bit of a frown out of her, then her eyes rolled in seeing her mother not too far off in the distance behind him. "that's because my mother took about five loafs," she'd told him, groan evident in her voice, "hold on."
"maria!" the scolding was just as strong as the mexican accent that seemingly came out of nowhere with the oregon born and raised romi. she'd made ground swiftly and snatched a loaf of sourdough from her mother's bag and said something to her in spanish before she turned and walked back over to zaid with playful annoyance on her face. "i'm sorry," romi told him while offering the loaf, "greed is only one of her finest qualities." gesturing loosely in the direction she'd left her mother, "she gets here extra early and then hoards everything." it was actually a bit amusing and the brunette couldn't help the little smile that edged onto her lips. "and please, take it," her hand put a stop to any objections he could have, "she'll be fine with one less and honestly... it's the least i could do for you."
Closed starter for @romijuarez
Where: Coral Coast
All bundled up in her winter coat and gloves, Phoebe braved the outdoors for a quick stroll around the block. Walking around her neighborhood and just venturing out more was something she urged herself to do more now that it was the new year. As she was on her stroll, she spotted a familiar face. "Hey there, neighbor," she said with a smile and a wave as she approached the other woman.
the difficult thing about living in coastal oregon was the cold and the rain. given that romi had been born and raised here did little for her to be used to it by now, warmer climates were coded into her dna. still, even if it were off season, she tried to do a bit of movement each day so she didn't fall completely out of shape.
on a walk to cool down from her run romi turned to the familiar voice with a smile. "hey cutie," she'd returned to her neighbor and slowed down for the younger woman to catch up. "are you all sorted after the holidays or still reeling from it all?"
Cassandra chuckled softly and understood, “As you should, it’s best to take it than miss the opportunity.” she mused. “Ah, I get that, whether it be things, experiences, hobbies or interests, if you shared it with someone that impacted your life, it’s a given that you’d correlate those to them somehow.” She thought of her late fiance and how Windsor Bay as a whole was a clear reminder of him. “I’m a firm believer you will and trust me, I’m not saying it just cause I’m a therapist. There will be a time where you’ll get to that point, it may not be instant, but it’ll happen.” Time made others hold back and assume they couldn’t ‘get over’ things, but in truth, the little progress in between was proof of them already putting in the effort.
Taking another sip of her drink, she then replied to her question about her shifts at EWC, “Depending on who’s scheduled and how many patients or clients we do intake for or have booked. Overall I work full time, but I’m a single mother, so I try to do the day shifts and weekdays. Although I do work the occasional weekend here and there if they need my expertise at hand.” She then took a glance over at the table that consisted of her coworkers and chuckled softly as she noticed how animated and into the conversation they were. They were each other’s outlets after all. “I’d like to think so. We’re away from heavy topics and decisions.”
"are you taking new clients?" romi joked with the therapist. "what you're saying not only comforts me but also gives me hope," she admitted, the drink she'd been so hastily after somewhat forgotten at this point. "but i think maybe i have a habit or it's a characteristic at this point, part of who i am... i hang onto things." it'd been five years since the absolute mess of a breakup, but beyond that romi still mourned the loss of her father from when she was twelve. life had moved on of course but she still carried that loss around. "letting go doesn't seem to be my thing," the brunette smiled a bit, "but you're right with time it all fades."
not only did romi listen with interest she became a bit more intrigued as the blonde spoke. she also finally remembered her drink and had a couple of sips while she occasionally nodded along. "wow, you're impressive. managing long hours at a hospital and the work is heavy, plus you're a mom on your own," she spoke with admiration. "so you work the psych level at the hospital?" not only had she completely forgotten about that she just always assumed private practice. her green eyes followed the direction the blonde looked and smiled at the group letting off steam after a heavy day. "good, i'm happy to see that. but then you come to a bar and have to listen to the likes of me," she laughed a little to lighten up the somewhat somber or serious direction she'd taken things.
there was an unexpected comfort in the way romi looked at her, because it felt more like being seen than being viewed. it was reassuring, made all the darkness within her feel a little less heavy, a little less burdensome. pru nodded slowly, her own gaze filled with the kind of gratitude that didn't come often. she knew that despite the betrayal that haunted her like a ghost, she could trust the raven haired beauty. "i do," she assured, brows shooting upwards playfully as one corner of her mouth pulled higher than the other.
she liked that she could give just a little and romi was always there to meet her halfway. it would've been dangerous with anyone else, but they'd settled on a mutual agreement of no commitment, just fun and all the stuff that settled into the spaces of the in between. somehow, that made it all the more easier to lean into the other, and beneath it all, pru hoped it made it easier for romi to lean on her too.
truth be told, the blonde didn't want any part of her out there for the world to see. if she didn't like parts of herself, what would the world think? and then there was a part of her that wanted to be like her younger brother, that wanted to own her flaws, the opinions of others be damned. "i want the real version." it landed heavier than she'd meant for it to, all the years of pretending having left her feeling bitter. she'd hid behind the fleury charm for too many years, smiling for the cameras and for all those people who believed the family of six were simply perfect. she wanted to show them all that they weren't. "you should meet my brother. he makes me look boring," she teased, though she'd meant it more as a compliment than not.
pru attempted to busy herself with the rag and the fresh rings of condensation left by drinks that never made it onto the coaster they were given. she looked back toward the other and snickered, her light orbs rolling. "sorry, my imagination isn't that great," she countered with another hum of laughter. she could picture just about anything, but that? an impossible feat. "exactly." she wouldn't stop cashing in on their ignorance either. not when she had bills to pay, all of which came out of her pocket and not the dirty fleury fortune. "a little hope never hurt." it did and it had, but for the sake of playful conversation, she wore a smile, one that wasn't weighted by anything other than amusement. "mmm," she drew out, her bottom lip catching between her teeth. "i kind of like the sound of that, and no. no one actually likes ohio." the blonde tipped her head towards the clock, it's big hand ticking closer to quitting time. "maybe i can cut out early," she offered, taking a break from her counter wipe down to catch the other's gaze. "unless you want to finish the game?"
a slow blinking smile along with a nod of her head romi quietly accepted that they'd be going home together. it never mattered if they'd ventured back to her own home or if prudence preferred her apartment, it was always all about the company. the blonde had been the perfect person to test the waters with. it may have been five years since the horrific mess that was her breakup, but the betrayal and shocking aftermath, the way she'd gotten drug through the press and judged as some hysterical woman when she'd actually done nothing wrong, well, it'd all been traumatic. she didn't get close to people anymore, couldn't seem to find any real interest in dating, and the idea of trusting someone again? unthinkable.
they way things had moved so naturally and without pressure with pru had been just what she'd needed, and somewhere unspoken she sensed that it'd something similar for the blonde. now she was noticing if she flirted she didn't internally panic about the possibility of having to follow through with anything. maybe she wanted to follow through with something now.
there was something bold and fiery brewing behind those eyes romi had come to adore, that she stared into in the afterglow and during easy chatter. it put a smile on her lips and her eyes danced with wonder. "ah, so you want the world to see the true masterpiece," she lightly teased, but she genuinely couldn't imagine anyone wanting to be completely exposed. everyone had a secret life. she knew fame and had experienced the dark sides of it and something in pru's expression seemed to share a similar sentiment. "at least i'll get to gloat that we're friends," she stated, resting her chin on the fingers that threaded together under it. "your brother is younger, right?" they'd talked about things, nothing consequential during pillow talk and just when hanging out. "i'll bet that's not true," she laughed a bit, head shaking, "you're more fun than you're giving yourself credit for."
for a few moments she idly watched pru work then snapped her attention back to the tv screen when she heard some excitement from the announcer. romi laughed at the blonde's quip and then her green eyes found the light hues of the bartender. "at least you get to get rich off their idiocy. and hey, if you get too big for this small town, vegas might be your next destination, gambler," she winked, then remembered her drink and took a good swallow from it. playfully, when pru agreed that no one liked ohio, she blew a kiss at the woman. "i knew there was good reason we made friends," she claimed, cheeks dimpled with a grin. when the other drew near her eyes followed pru's to the clock and she shook her head. "nah, let's get out of here. go collect your winnings and tell your boss goodnight," she said playfully and ticked her head toward the exit.
avi chewed at his bottom lip as he studied the woman he knew only through the words she shared while behind the open mic. he exhaled smoothly, but the sound barely registered as a laugh. it was quiet, but laced with amusement nonetheless. "a case by case thing," he echoed, his own words being used against him, but they sounded better coming from her. "well, in this case..." he trailed off, his voice dipping low, like he was sharing a secret meant only for her, "i would. you know, flirt back, if you were flirting with me." when he leaned back, he smiled down at her, the curve on his mouth etched with warmth and invitation.
his smile faded slightly, the retort plucking a chord of empathy somewhere deep in his chest. he understood what it was like to be at the center of someone else's cruel words, but he didn't push. if she wanted to share, he'd give her the room to do so, but he wouldn't try and pull it out of her. "people can be shallow." he swallowed down a lump of something he couldn't quite name and nodded slowly. how many articles of his had been picked apart? how many people had shared their opinions on topics they knew nothing about? "you know what i say? screw them. they don't deserve to know your story." he held her eyes, his own dark gaze heavy with understanding.
"trust me, i know," he chuckled, bottom lip catching between his teeth again as he ran another lazy hand through his hair. his brows lifted when she mentioned that she liked that about him, and the heat that had settled on his neck spread, blooming on his cheeks and threatening to betray the cool demeanor he was trying hard to maintain. "so far? that's a start." he matched her smile, a little too hopeful that it was something that didn't change. "crossed my mind, but i thought i'd try something you might actually say yes to." for all the confidence he carried so well, it was a look beneath the surface, a hint of vulnerability that he typically didn't offer up to anyone, let alone someone he barely knew.
at first this was all deflection, to put this man who'd been in audience twice to hear the lines of her inner truths rhythmically laid bare off topic. when she'd appeared under that spotlight and in front of that mic romi wasn't the public figure that the world had come to know her as. she was something closer to the truest version of herself. not only had she worn a hat to shadow her face, the brunette also never said her name. but this man and her had made eye contact. especially the second time and place they'd randomly shared a similar experience it was definitely recognition. thankfully he didn't seem to know romi juarez the national treasure of a soccer player, just the woman who'd shared a piece of her soul thinking no one was genuinely paying attention.
it'd actually been his quips that she'd played off of and then took off running down that path with them. her smirk grew when he seemed amused that she'd used his own tactics against him. "so you'd only flirt with me if i flirted with you first?" her head nodded in a 'good to know' fashion, as though she were storing the information away. "and here i thought we had something special, that we shared a moment. but i'm just a woman with words to you..." she appreciated the fight that stirred up in him and the way he had a dismissal ready to fire off. perhaps he related or maybe he'd just been down that road once or twice before, but it put a smile on romi's lips as she peered up at avi. "i think the problem with me is too many people think they know my story. then it's a problem of not being able to change peoples opinions once they've settled on them. right or wrong." because the media storm had painted her as the hysterical woman that'd burned a cheating partner's house down. "if people tried to pair what they know and think of me with what you've heard?" brow lifted, romi tried to imagine it. "they'd just claim i'm trying for sympathy."
how refreshing had this exchange had turned out to be? it'd panicked her at first but then it became something else. not only had avi gained some ground with trust in agreeing to be quiet about her poetry, he also had such an easy way about him that she simply enjoyed. playful comments and teasing to admitting something vulnerable that she wasn't sure if he'd meant to or not. "so far, yeah... i'm just weary of people. been burned too many times, yknow?" anyone could understand that but she'd meant the so far to be hopeful. something she rarely felt with someone anymore. "ok ok we can work up to dinner then," she teased, soft laughter spilling, "how about coffee and a punny bookmark until you're struck with courage?" if nothing else she thought the time spent with someone who appreciated that form of expression would be well used.
PRISCILLA QUINTANA via ig stories
ꫂ ၴႅၴ closed, with love / romi juarez @romijuarez ꫂ ၴႅၴ the location ⦂ downtown windsor bay
"yo, juarez — cider or hot chocolate?" christen called out across the way, the age old assignment of divide and conquer still fully in swing all these years later as one stood vigil for drinks and the other held their place in line for food. two halves of one whole, the same way they'd operated for over a decade with its familiarity an old pair of shoes to slip comfortably into. "they're telling me they're outta coffee."
hunger gnawed at her and was pushing her patience as she stood in line for their opportunity to grab some food, something wildly decadent and a far detour from her usual diet — it was offseason, it was the holidays, romi would hear of nor take any criticisms. "uhh," she slightly gasped, the displeasure and disappointment coloring every inflection, "cider, babe, always cider." if there was no coffee of course.
the quip died on her tongue that chris should've known. just one of many things time had imprinted upon them when it'd come to the details the course of their lives had fused into natural memory. the step forward her line had taken had been a big enough distraction not to give the woman she'd had a special rhythm and dance with long before adulthood challenged and carved away at their lives. "you think anyone's selling red bull around here?" peering over her shoulder at her fellow brunette and highly missed partner on the pitch, hope shone in her gaze. "late nights and all this heavy food we're about to conquer sans caffeine is a recipe for you having to carry me..."
avi registered the surprise on her features before he clocked it in her voice. it was endearing beyond measure and the curve of his smile was proof of such. "so, you weren't flirting with me?" gotcha." he was teasing, giving her an out from the question he'd initially dropped without much thought. he huffed a quiet laugh at the comment about journalism and a mock look of surprise washed over his features like it was the first time he'd ever heard something of the sort. "really?" a smile hung crookedly on his mouth until she was the one catching him off guard. he met her eyes and shrugged. "depends on the person, i guess. it's uh, case by case thing," he rambled on, well aware of the heat that licked up the back of his neck and settled at the tips of his ears.
what most people didn't understand about him was that his curiosity wasn't always transcribed onto paper or screen. sometimes, it was nothing more than itch that he felt the overwhelming need to scratch. nothing more, nothing less. "i can keep a secret," he assured, confident in such. in fact, he'd kept many secrets over the years of his travels, some of them weightless, some of them heavy with things he refused to name. "and i can let things hang in the ether of anonymity if that's what you're asking from me." it was a promise, that whatever she shared, that whatever he heard roll off her tongue in any capacity, wasn't his story to share.
when her hand dropped, he mouthed a silent 'thanks' and ran a grounding hand over his mouth before it settled back at his side. "right. i can do that. look, i didn't realize..." he trailed off, the nerves from earlier creeping back in, "i'm sorry. i do this thing where i speak before i think and it doesn't always work out for me." he'd been teasing, joking, but then he saw the panic in her eyes and knew better than to be so careless with his thoughts. "can i get you a coffee or something? a book," he paused, reaching over to grab a bookmark that had a funny pun etched into it, "bookmark with a joke?"
in her surprise and panic romi had missed the playful tone that had edged his words, the slightly off-beat way avi used humor to turn the temperature of the moment one way or another. but, his rhetorical question and self-answer settled some amusement onto the brunette's lips. "depends," she commented, dipping into his own evasive playbook, smirk shifting into place, "it's a case by case thing." if nothing else then perhaps this would veer the conversation in a different direction. there was a part of her that truly longed to share her writing with someone, to open up and talk about it, but the fear of vulnerability was stronger. no matter how good a blush looked on him.
the press, especially at the height of all the drama, had been crafty when it'd come to getting information and dirt out of the troubling, traumatic situation she'd been thrust into. it produced a more than vigilant romi when it came to anyone that worked in that field, because even at times when she'd least expected it, she'd felt the sting of betrayal. "i've heard that before," she retorted softly, not a snap. in fact the look in her eyes could've informed him that she'd been burned by his type before. "i've been... ridiculed and roasted by the public before and i just... don't wanna give 'em more ammo," the soccer star confessed with a shrug of nonchalance that was anything but. "people would probably pick apart and laugh at anything i've written. dissect and examine it for the plot." but romi gave a nod of acceptance to his statement because she did know that some journalists protected their sources. even if she wasn't in that ballpark it was hopeful that he wouldn't go around sharing.
as avi began apologizing her head started to shake. her way of telling him it wasn't necessary but she let him speak regardless. "speaking before thinking rarely works out for anyone," she teased, though romi truly figured most people spoke instinctually. someone that took their time and weighed their words before uttering them would likely be suspicious since it seemed unnatural and calculated. "i actually..." her lips quirked with the makings of a small but playful grin, "think i like that about you. so far at least." there was a brief look in her eyes that held the gratitude she wished to convey over avi agreeing to keep her secret. "you don't have to buy me anything," she chuckled quietly, "but i'm surprised none of those offers were dinner..."
“Recession indicators are the worst.” mused Cassandra while shaking her head in disappointment as she went in for another sip of her drink. “That’s a true silver lining when you put it that way, especially when these drinks are all one and done.” Her lips curled into a knowing smile, understanding where the other was coming from as she’d heard it plenty of times with people she knew and her clients alike. “If that’s what makes you feel better, then that’s fair. Although at some point, I hope that you’ll eventually let go and not waste your energy on them.” She then shrugged innocently and emitted a light hearted laugh, “People watching does have its perks. Truthfully, I’m here because my coworkers wanted to have an outing, celebrate small wins and a pick me up after a long shift. So maybe it is a bit of ambiance and unwinding.”
a small action of half-hearted few pumps of her fist accompanied the nod of romi's head as she agreed. the price of everything was up. "life instilled chasing silver linings at a young age... i can't help myself when the opportunity presents," the brunette grinned a little and then sipped her own drink. as a girl she'd learned to look for them through the darkness of her father's illness. her attitude shifted more to that of indifference as she offered a single shouldered shrug, "it really only comes up when i get a reminder of him." romi pointed up at the screen, "like seeing his alma mater. but it'd be nice to not feel anything in regards to him anymore... maybe i'll get there someday." what'd happened and the aftermath had been traumatic and there'd been the ripple effect but it'd also been five years and she sometimes wondered why the anger and hurt lingered.
with another taste of her drink, a glance at the score, she nodded again as she took in the blonde's response. "that's actually a much better reason than most. how long are your shifts usually? are they worse around the holidays?" then, with her body leaning into her arms folded on the bar in front of them, her shoulder shifted slightly in cassandra's direction. "better yet, is the unwinding working?"
it was easy to see the woman she'd known years ago, the one who'd seen the sparkle of excitement still glistening behind her own gaze. things had been different back then, she had been different back then. "careful. that almost sounds like a challenge to me. i like challenges." she flashed a wolfish smile, all teeth and danger, but it was just another wall, another facade, and she was waiting for the day that someone saw right through it. "it's off season, right? guess you'll have to stick around and see what happens."
regret flooded her system the moment romi agreed and tipped her head towards the empty seat. she considered making an excuse, tossing out a lie on why she couldn't stay after all, but she didn't. instead, she reached for the back of the chair, tugged it towards her gently, and slid atop it's worn out cushion. "not much on my end to catch up on. what about you? how was the season?" she knew the answer, knew the happenings within the league. it meant that she knew of a certain player's injury — a certain player they had in common.
bellamy huffed a barely formed laugh, her grin stretched wide. "see? change." she held the raven haired woman's gaze for a few passing beats before she decided to give a little. after all, romi wasn't a stranger. "no late bender for me. i was in bed by ten, woke up early, wanted something to eat. fridge was bare and decided to go out." part-truth, but the detail about the sleeping pills was left somewhere within her mind, unspoken and locked away. "i've been okay. i get by. nothing exciting." another lie, but that one she figured the athlete would see right through.
people that like challenges don't run when things get tough. it was what romi nearly said and bit her tongue so hard that she thought she tasted blood. instead she smiled through the wave of bravado and wet her lips, suddenly her appetite was bigger than her hunger and directed in the wrong place. "i'd call it an invitation," she clarified, something very playful in her tone as she smiled up at the vivacious redhead. "i'm not asking you to tell me the future, bell," there was a steady pause, an emerald gaze peering and searching, "regale me with the past."
amusement absolutely colored her cheeks and brightened her eyes as romi witnessed bellamy battle herself and then take the seat. "bell," the brunette laughed lightly as her head shook, "relax. i'm not going to speed dial someone the moment you leave." maybe the other woman had forgotten with time and separation, their only resurgence in each other's lives had come from a person they shared. "we used to be friends," romi leveled with her, "stop bullshitting me." there was a lot to catch up on. "you know how the season went. you still watch."
maybe it was wrong of romi to be reading the redhead so intently. the funny thing was she wasn't doing so as some personal mission for her beloved former teammate. as someone who felt disconnected from her life in some ways, there was a part of her that longed to connect with her past. she just wasn't sure if bellamy would ever want to connect with her outside of her ex. "my bullshit detector is going off," she said in a tease and leaned back in her chair, pulling her hair from her face. "over the latter not the former. since you do look like you've had a solid night's sleep. i'm glad you decided to go out, though..." her hand made a small sweeping gesture toward the menu that laid in lamination on the table. "get by? nothing exciting?" none of the behavior she'd seen or heard about seemed like bellamy was ok. "what are you doing with yourself these days then? going back into work?"
"Really? There's a spot over here that used to be the go-to spot when I was in high school to meet up and smoke." Of course, he graduated close to a decade ago so that spot may no longer be the go-to for all he knew. After trying the lighter a couple more times, he threw it towards the brunette. "Think you can get it to work?"
"we might've run in different crowds," romi mused with no judgement in her tone, more so stating a fact. most of her time was consumed with training and a need to escape.
the toss was unexpected yet romi managed to catch the lighter. "maybe, yeah," the brunette answered, "unless it's bone dry of any juice." finger began toiling away at the small thing. "if i manage to get this going for you, you promise not to burn the forest down?" a smirk rest on her lips.
"None of the above. Just a casual watcher. My dad is a big Seahawks fan, but I never got into it," he said with a shrug. He appreciated the athleticism of sports, but just couldn't find the passion within him to care if one team wins or loses. "You have a lot of family in town for the holidays?" he asked with a curious tone. It was just him and his dad, which he loved but it could be lonely at times while other families were getting together in droves.
"I don't know if that version of me needs to be unleashed again," Sebastian joked with a small chuckle. "I do love wine, but the wine drunk feeling does hit different. Especially the hangover the next morning." Sebastian's face scrunched up in disgust at the mention of eggnog. "I think any kind of dairy and alcohol mixture is just a disaster waiting to happen." All he could imagine was the two not mixing well together and resulting in an experience of spending the night on the tiled bathroom floor. "Oh no, I love a good margarita. I can handle tequila in small doses. Just my days of tequila shots are behind me at this point."
"fair enough," romi replied with a nod of friendly acceptance, she never judged anyone that wasn't into sports. "i actually don't watch or follow pro football, just college but the seahawks are looking good this year. so your dad is probably happy," she smiled. at the mention of family there was a playful sigh that expelled from the brunette. then she looked at sebastian with a note of pre-exhaustion. "my mother and sisters still live in town so it'll be the four of us. nothing big." which was some kind of feat in itself considering half of the juarez clan wanted everything to be all about themselves. "what about you?"
the jovial denial only brought romi in more rather than push her off the scent of a good story. "life is meant to be lived, my friend," she lifted her glass as though she were going to make a toast, "if you don't unleash then it gets bottled up." then the brunette offered him a look that suggested 'you know what that means'. "ugh the wine hangovers," she moaned with exasperation and shook her head. "now that is something to never experience again. the absolute worst." her hand waved it off as though it were something that could be swept aside. the reaction to eggnog pleased her and she gently reached out and gripped his arm in a friendly fashion and nodded, "i've found my people. just the idea of it makes me want to gag." after a laugh and shake of her head, her hand falling away, romi grasped her drink again. before she asked, she took a swallow then turned more toward him. "so, tell me, what did tequila do to you. i feel like there's quite a story here."
she hadn't looked at romi and found a safe place to land, but she'd landed there at the end of a long night anyway. what she'd found was a woman who offered her both an escape and a shoulder to lean on. pru drew in a long breath and exhaled slowly, her eyes never leaving the emerald gaze of the raven haired beauty. "i'm thinking that if you're still here in an hour," she trailed off, letting the pause settle in the space between them, "maybe i can help."
the blonde leaned closer, her elbows digging into the wooden bar top as she studied the woman across from her. she was gorgeous, kind, and had a humor that would leave a person's side aching because of how much laughter they spilled. she brought comfort too, in a way that didn't feel like an open tab.
pru's brows lifted and she nodded in agreement. she didn't bother pulling back from the dimly lit overhang of the light above the bar. she wanted the other to see the rush of color on her cheeks, proof that the indirect compliment had landed. "oh, it'd be a little bit of a drama, little bit of a comedy." she failed to mention a crime aspect, seeing as her crook of a father had secrets of his own that would add quite the dramatic flare to the whole bit. "maybe even a little bit action. depends on what it covers and what it's rated, i guess."
she watched the curve of the woman's mouth as she laughed and smiled. it wasn't supposed to be so comforting, but it was. "at least you know that. most of the guys here that bet against me aren't good at it either. they're just too stubborn to acknowledge that." she pulled her eyes upwards as romi continued on and nodded, amused but not surprised. "fair. i respect your dedication," she countered, her eyes leaving the woman long enough to do a quick sweep over the screen. "if it counts, miracles happen. plus, everyone likes to hate ohio state. they make it easy." and apparently her ex had too. fitting, she thought.
the full weight of what pru was alluding to hadn't been missed, and the alcohol didn't just burn down her throat. it was in her eyes, an emerald smolder that held the sure gaze of the blonde. their budding friendship meant more to romi than anything, she'd just be a liar if she couldn't admit that the lost hours between sheets didn't offer a level of healing she hadn't allowed herself to be open enough to feel before. "i'll still be here," the brunette promised, eyes like the desert soaking up any thirst she saw in prudence. "i was going to ask if you wanted a ride home anyway," romi added with a wink.
what romi enjoyed most was that when pru leaned in a bit closer and rested her eyes on her there was no pressure. no weight of promises and needs. just connection without contract. prudence didn't want anything from her that she was too afraid to give again, and there was some healing power in that. maybe, in part, because romi sensed something similar coming off of the blonde. it was a gift to just be able to enjoy someone.
a smile effortlessly decorated her expression when she saw the color dusting the fair complexion of the bartender, she was happy that prudence received the compliment. what impressed and intrigued her more was the listing of genres that her life story would be categorized under. "wow," was all she'd commented at first, then, "well, it'd be rated whatever you deem. would you want the pg version of you out there, or the rawness of you?" her fingers were toying with her drink glass as she peered at the woman thoughtfully. prudence was reserved, clearly had her secrets, but romi felt so comfortable in that. she didn't want to split her open and traverse her soul. "either way... i think everyone enjoys an adventure and i'm getting that there's not a damn thing dull about you."
in this woman's company everything felt natural. whatever did come up, shared verbally or sans words hadn't ever felt like work. one minute it was heated looks and carnal invitations, then it was the allure of the mystique, and now it was romi smiling at this attractive blonde talking about gambling and swiping men's money through piss poor betting. "imagine a man admitting he's lesser at something in competition with a woman," she'd commented with a near snort. there were countless times men would try to challenge her in some way or another over soccer. as though they stood any chance against an olympian and world cup winner. "their foolishness is your reward," romi added with a shrug and sipped her drink again. "careful, you're gonna give me hope," she teased pru, "if a miracle does come through i might have to start calling you priestess." she let the flirtation settle before going on, "does anyone actually like the state of ohio?"
JJ chuckled softly at her response, taking back his drink and shaking his head. "You know, I've always found that the hint of sweetness in the ginger beer often balances out the sourness of the lime. But that's just me. It's not my typical go-to drink, but I definitely felt a little adventurous today." He admitted, picking up his drink and taking a sip, knowing that she did not, in fact, backwash in that drink or slobber all over the rim. "So, what? Do you just like tequila mules or something?"
With a shrug of his shoulders, he shook his head. "Hey, I like to think that living with an almost sixteen-month-old who slobbers over just about anything prepares you quite well for something like this," he admitted, laughing. "I think I'm good with just one drink for now. But if you insist on buying me a drink, why don't you just pay it forward for the next person who orders?" JJ glanced up at the screen, taking in the collegiate championship football game that was playing. Truth be told, JJ had never really cared for sports. But he did not mind the other's enthusiasm for the game. "I'm not much of a football fan, but I have treated plenty of sports-related injuries to know that it's not the easiest sport to play."
"you're lucky that works for you," she said, thinking of the way the flavors of a mule were meant to compliment each other. "maybe your palette is more sophisticated than mine, but... i'm also not the biggest fan of ginger." a shrug of indifference moved her shoulders before her fingers trapped her freshly delivered margarita glass. "nah, i just have to be in the mood for vodka, i suppose." romi grinned over at jj, "there's a time and place for it, you know." the man's bravery in taking the drink despite her teasing raised her brow and an impressed look pushed at the corners of her mouth while she nodded slowly. without words he'd made a statement.
while jj shared the reasons behind his courage romi tasted her margarita and for a moment her eyes closed and a brief look of pleasure rushed forth like a wave and then retreated. "that'll definitely do it," she then chuckled and glanced back to him, drink set down but her fingers remained against the glass as she listened. "i've heard parenthood truly humbles you and practically burns out the capacity of being grossed out by anything." her gaze on him lingered, wanting to see if he'd confirm. some commotion turned her attention back to the screens to check the scores and for a momentary update on the game she'd been invested in. "ehh, you might wanna hold out for a bit before you turn me down," romi mused, "all the noise in here is bound to give you a headache and you'll be wanting something to dull it." without being any bit bothered by his dismissal of football jj created a spin-off curiosity. "ok. true and fair enough. but... what is your sport then? if any? are you a soccer fan at all?" her smirk was slow and seemed to come alive with the spark in her eyes.
Asia listened intently to Romi as she spoke, nodding a bit. Her own brother could be like that, less so the last few years but she understood the frustration. "That makes sense, even most parents learn to let go when we become adults"
She smiled at Romi's opinion, completely agreeing. "I advocate for older dogs when anyone tells me they want to adopt" she said with a nod. "Most times people think they want a puppy because they are cute but then they realize they are a handful so." she sighed and shrugged. "Older dogs are the way to go" she laughed. "I even thought about going to look at adding a little dog to the family but I'm not sure how Marlon would feel about it" she chuckled, referencing the tuxedo cat that she rescued ten or so years ago.
Thinking for a second the woman nodded, "I don't think avoidant really. Just- busy off doing his own thing" she shrugged, taking another sip of her drink. She smiled slowly as Romi spoke of her own plans, nodding in understatement. "Thats how we used to be too. My parents loved christmas and always went all out" she laughed "Oh thats my favorite part too." she agreed. "I love when the houses put on a show"
"you think so?" as much as she knew asia was right, romi had that niggling feeling that her mother was the opposite. it truly felt as though her mother seemed to try to hold on tighter and then guilt-trip what her grasp couldn't hold or control. "my mother was built different," she said somewhat playfully with a light laugh.
"i love that," romi commented of asia's advocation for adopting older dogs. especially for busy people, those that lacked the motivation to properly train, and or the ones that had too small of a place for a youngin' with too much energy to burn out, an older more mature pet was best. they were seasoned and would likely be even more grateful for a good home. she sipped her drink and glanced back at asia with a half grin. "marlon might love a friend. someone to play with or cuddle with when you're not home." if only romi wasn't so busy and traveling so much, she'd definitely adopt some furry companions.
genuinely happy to learn it wasn't likely avoidance romi blinked and tipped her head in acknowledgment. "i remember when i first left home i was super independent and it took a while before i craved that family closeness again." maybe it was a right of passage type thing that people went through as young adults, because we have to find out who we are outside of that and them. another sip and the brunette pushed her margarita away a bit, contemplating if she should settle up or order another. "same, me too, i love when they go all out. but i also am so amused by the ones that make an arrow pointing to their neighbor's yard with a sign that says 'ditto'."
