So, there should probably also be a college roommate au, right?
Um, YES. Absolutely.
I mean, the whole stereotype about college roommates sharing an apartment/dorm and having totally opposite aesthetics is practically made for these ladies. One side pink with velvet curtains and framed oil paintings, and the other side with black lace, grunge accents, and music equipment.
Especially if they're both going to college in London. Both fish out of water.
Thanks to FeFe and TeTe's stations, I imagine the girls both end up in similar social circles pretty quickly, especially with them both being Yanks (though Connie is a bit older). Neither of them probably has to have a roommate, but but both like the idea. Connie definitely does. The girl would probably go crazy if she lived along, haha. A friend, roommate or SOMEONE to live with is essential. And her long-distance boyfriend isn't an option either, so she's wide open in looking for much better company.
It would be so, so poetic if their building was still 1843. Maybe it's still a cottage, or maybe it's a townhome?
I like to imagine that somehow, some way, all four girls still find their way back to each other. ;;
What about the others? Does Bess still sing? What about her siblings, or Helena? What is she going to school for? I imagine Addie might be on the school paper, but what about Gal? Perhaps the rowing/boating club?
(Also, even in a college AU, Connie would still 100% be a cheerleader, and would definitely still have a drug abuse problem ... but with having the girls in her life sooner, I don't think it's nearly as dire as it was before.)
Also, of course ... now we need to discuss their majors. Connie is business and economics, with a dual-minor in French and cybersecurity.
And thanks to the Sims, she also apparently makes for a pretty impressive hacker that steals from jerks and donates the money to charitable causes, which fits pretty perfectly, ngl.
Orin would be a Yale boy overseas, for sure. Still in the golf club (the joke writes itself) and still having Connie do his homework as often as possible. He's Warner, but WAY worse.
Me, fully in Halloween mode: Realizing the Pack girlies have such perfect group vibes because they all have elements of the Big Four classic MGM monster movies.
Bess: The Wolfman (an honorary nod to ‘American Werewolf in London’ decades later) Themes of changing, loss and acceptance, feeling self-conscious in your body/form, breaking generational curses, love as a cure.
Connie: Dracula (traveling to a new land, escapism away from codependent relationships, being drained of life by someone who says they love you, sacrificing everything for protection only to realize it’s a prison of her own creation)
Addie: Frankenstein (having brilliance few respect, proving yourself in a ruthless world, the power of empathy, people judging you based on your looks, the similarities humans and toys, creation as the ultimate art)
Gal: Creature from the Black Lagoon (hunted by something dark beneath the surface, fear of the unknown, respect the waters/sea/nature, risk yourself to the greater good and safety of others, ‘are the monsters in the sea really the real monsters?’)
While she's evaluating Adonis and his relationship with Connie, TeTe taking out each of the girls one at a time, one-on-one with her so she can see what each has to say about the topic. She quietly compares notes between each conversation with the girls to see if anything doesn't add up like it should. But things ultimately do.
Okay, I know I need to respond to so many asks and usually try to do so in order, but I saw the notification for this one and couldn’t resist jumping in.
TeTe would ABSOLUTELY play detective in investigating Adonis. It’s just like her to call each lady in for interview-style conversations, especially as she gets to know them and trust them more and more. They are her daughter’s roommates, after all.
More than that, they are the women who have helped make her daughter feel SAFE again, and helped her find shelter in a new city. Plus, she’s pretty sure Bess is her soul-sister from another mister, and TeTe knows how rarely connections like that come along.
Their feedback is not only prized, but it is trusted.
Their testimonials would soothe her soul more than any business endorsement or gestures from him.
Why? Because Orin didn’t have those testimonials. None. Not even from his own family.
I am curious what each lady’s thoughts are, I’ll admit. 😂 I feel like they’d have very … sisterly things to say about him.
Tete asks about his flaws, and she’ll hear mostly about how he hates spiders and is a clean freak at times.
The most real one would be Bess, in my mind, as she knows his true biggest flaw.
“He’s a good man, but he’s unsure. Insecure. He nearly ghosted her out of a relationship because he was too nervous to make a commitment. He gets hung up on the past. You know how, when confronted, most people have a fight or flight response? Well, he freezes.”
And would TeTe see that as a con? Honestly, probably not (at least not a terrible one), especially when comparing him to Orin.
But the speed of their relationship combined with that flightless might give her slight pause. Him being her superior at work would also set off a warning bell, ngl.
“I’ve heard that he’s her supervisor at work. Is that true? … Ah. That’s not reassuring. He’s not using that superiority as leverage for her to maintain her employment, is he?”
It doesn’t look amazing on paper, but the girls can dispel her worries pretty quick. Most of them. 😅
“He’s not her direct supervisor. He made sure of that, to his credit.”
Again, she trusts their judgement and opinions, after all. Even after all that, she’d stay wary of him. Just to make sure he knows he’s being watched very carefully.
When TeTe finds out that Adonis sent flowers to Arthur’s grave on the anniversary of his passing and didn’t brag about it to TeTe, that’s when things start to shift.
She realizes, stars be praised, that he really might be different.
Sooooooo, do we think the girls have probably all walked in on each other with their respective gentlemen during... various stages of spicy time?😅
Oh, absolutely. For better or worse for them. ^^;
We've established that the Wolves & Sunflares will often bump into each other when trying to find a private place to canoodle at soirees (AKA Adonis & Connie finding a little closet at the ritzy hotel only to open the door and find Wolf & Bess mid-make-out already, lol).
AND we've had both gentlemen walk in on the poor ladies making spicy video content or prepping for some woohoo later on (Poor Bess and the not-a-crankshaft vibrator and Connie with the ... harnesses) AND seeing them nude/naked.
So, there's already been some exposure (pun intended) ...
BUT that was only with the Wolves/Sunflares, not Jake/Gal and Tom/Addie, who because of close proximity and share diving quarters, are also thrown into the mix.
(NSFW content ahead - minors DNI)
Seeing another's partner naked or in other delicate states is one thing, but it's not the same thing as catching two people in the act, so to speak. Caught red-faced with with their pants down (literally and again, literally).
The early stages of spicy time are no big deal, I think. They're all adults, after all. The flash of a boob here or a tented bulge there is awkward, but not truly detrimental. Again, they're adults, and they can laugh things off reasonably thanks to being close friends.
But those more intimate moments? THOSE are definitely a little more embarrassing to encounter.
I can see it happening to each lady multiple ways, but a few scenarios come to mind immediately:
Addie goes to return one of Maisie's books to Gal and Jake one night. She enters the diner's back room after hours with her key, only to find Gal nude and a shirtless against the wall with Jake's face buried between her legs. Needless to say, the door is SHUT and the book is pushed under the door crack. "H-Here."
Gal's passing by the toy store late at night and sees that the lights are still on despite the 'Closed' sign being flipped. She investigates, knowing first-hand how rowdy teenagers can sometimes make themselves right at home to prank business owners if they leave an unlocked door unguarded for one second. She pokes her head in the back room and finds Addie with her legs around Tom's waist, pressed against the nearest wall. Gal blinks once, twice, then just shuts the door with incredibly restrained slowness. Honestly, it's VERY admirable. There is a very lightly mumbled, "S'rry" before turned on her heel. She then leaves, locks the door, and makes it about a block away before she bursts out laughing. Not in a cruel way, but in a disbelieving way. She can barely contain the chuckles when she gets a call from Addie minutes later, but can't help but cheekily said, "Ya f'nish all up in thar, lass? Or, p'haps he did?"
Bess and Wolf get caught after a party in his flat. All the guests leave, and they have been salivating for each other all evening (with him looking so dashing in his suit and Bess looking lovely in a shimmering gown that hugs every curve.). As soon as the last guest leaves, he picks her up and carries her to the sofa. The second he has the top unlaced and breasts in his hands, her stocking-clad legs already hooked over his broad shoulders, Con opens the front door. "Hey, sorry! You guys had a parcel at the wrong door. I think it's a Christmas present. Here, it's -- OH! Um. I-I'll just leave it here. H-Have a good night! Together. Haha. Be safe. B-bye. I'll, um, lock the door."
And of course, there is canonically at least ONE TIME where Bess enters Adonis's office after hours (I imagine it's to decorate someone's desk for their birthday, maybe to leave a few gifts and decorations) only to try the door and find Connie with her skirt shoved up and riding Adonis in his office chair. (They both have TOO MUCH of a kink for sex at work/boss & secretary shenanigans for them to get away with never being caught.)
The sweet silver lining to all this? I think all the men, regardless of who walks in on them, always have the FIRST priority of covering their lady to preserve her modesty before they even think about themselves.
Theresea going out on her first shopping adventure with the girls. Bess spying a dress she clearly fancies but doesn't pick up because something's screwy in accounting at the hospital so she hasn't been paid yet and the check she got from the lounge went towards rent and such, so she doesn't exactly have much splurging money at the moment, so Theresea offers to buy it for her.
"Oh, no, that's okay, Mrs. DoGoode. Thank you for offering--that's so nice of you. But I don't need it anyway. I'm not even sure where I'd wear it--it'd probably just sit in my closet."
@quill-pen This is so wholesome.❤️I am ALWAYS down for TeTe having wholesome moments with the girls, and this is no exception.
Especially Bess. TeTe isn't one to pry, but by the time this situation arises, I like to imagine that she's close enough with the girls that they have each afforded some personal information about themselves and their lives before London. For Bess, that means sharing experiences she had with Bea. This essentially ticks a little box in TeTe's brain that says, 'this girl could use some extra doting, when the occasion arises.'
Naturally, when Bess spots this dress and is a little short, TeTe steps in:
"No need to worry, my dear! I'll buy it for you. You're worth it."
"Oh, no, that's okay, Mrs. DoGoode. Thank you for offering--that's so nice of you. But I don't need it anyway. I'm not even sure where I'd wear it--it'd probably just sit in my closet."
Theresea eyed the raven-haired woman doubtfully. "My dear, do you think I need 90 percent of what's in my closet, including my hat collection? No. But neither do most people."
"Alright, point taken," Bess conceded, not liking the glint in the older woman's eye. "But my point still stands that it would be a wildly impractical purchase. Or gift, for that matter."
"Your wardrobe can't comprise entirely of scrubs and pajamas, Elizabeth."
"I-I don't know when I'd wear it!"
"Not now, perhaps, but I'm sure a lovely lady like you will find an occasion in no time."
Before Bess could argue, TeTe lofted a hand. "Besides, how often do you expect to find a gorgeous vintage dress that's in your size, fits your style, and is readily available? We simply cannot waste such an opportunity."
"It's expensive!"
Not for me, Theresea thought secretly. This sentiment did not arise in her as a reason to brag, but rather as a neutral statement of fact.
Theresea was a wealthy woman, and Bess knew this acutely. She'd seen her wardrobe, helped clasp her jewelry (including her Bird on a Rock by Tiffany necklace, valued casually at $20,000 on a bad day), and had helped advise her on the best paint color for the second-floor boudoir of her penthouse (plum had been her choice, and a divine one.) And yet, even with the wealth of evidence that TeTe had secured herself a very cozy spot as part of society's upper crust, she had still tried to dissuade her from the purchase.
That was simply the type of good-natured person that Bess was.
All the more reason to spoil her a bit, TeTe thought.
Now, she knew there was always the possibility that she had misread Bess's signs and social cues. Perhaps the woman merely had a consistent wandering eye, but didn't actually want the gown. It was a possibility, she supposed. It would be prudent to entice the truth out of her first, she thought. Of course, she knew Bess would downplay her own interest as much as possible, despite already admitting a passing fancy in the garment.
After a second of mulling, a clever idea sprang forth.
"It suppose does cost a little more than some other options," she said airily.
The dress was a hefty 275£. Pricey, for certain, but not a terrible deal on a vintage, fine-quality gown. If the shop had opted to sell the silk drape Vionnet gown for its actual value, TeTe would have placed it at about 4,000£. With its flowing skirt, burgundy color and stately cape designed to ghost along the floor with each regal step, she knew Bess would look nothing short of queenly wearing the masterpiece. The gown even had long sleeves and covered shoulders, which she knew the black-haired beauty preferred.
It was simply too perfect to pass up.
"Mmm. But it would be a pity to leave such a frock behind ... Well, how about this? I buy you the gown today to make sure it goes to a good home instead of some vulturous reseller, and you could always pay me back at a later date."
Bess stilled. Almost instantly, her worry was eased. "Wait, really? You'd let me do that?"
Oh, she does want the dress. Years of public speaking meant she was able to mask her grin, albeit barely.
"Of course! I wouldn't have suggested it otherwise."
As she stared confidently into this inquisitive midnight blue eyes, could practically watch her doubt crumble.
Yet, even on the precipice of accepting, Bess still held herself back with the poise of an expert gambler "...Are you sure?"
TeTe nodded patiently, kind smile never faltering. "It would honestly be my honor. You've done so much for both me an my daughter. This would be but a small token of my appreciation, and ..."
"And?"
"It would make me very happy to be able to so something for you."
For all the clever tricks TeTe had up her sleeve, there was nothing disingenuous about that statement.
"O-Oh."
Theresea watched with unspoken tenderness as Bess's eyes went glassy, suddenly becoming as reflective as the ocean under moonlight. The young woman looked down, trying to blink back tears subtly. "W-Well, that's very kind of you, TeTe. Um, thank you. Thank you so much."
So, the two women linked arms and went inside the store. After double-checking the measurements and trying it on for good measure, the matter was firmly decided. It didn't need a single stitch of alternation. Another sign of destiny, TeTe had said with a delighted clap.
To her joy, Bess had actually grinned. For the first time, she looked like she believed she was worthy of the dress. Of a little luxury. That reward alone was already repayment enough for the woman.
As the dress was into a giftbox and tied with ribbon, Bess continued to express her gratitude.
"I'll pay you back, I promise," she insisted as they walked out into the crisp evening air. "I get my paycheck soon! I can have a check or cash ready for next time."
"I'm quite certain of that," TeTe said. "No rush, dear. You're a trustworthy woman, and I know you're good for it. No need to pay it back all at once, either. And I don't make a hobby of collecting interest."
TeTe wasn't just a wealthy woman. She was a businesswoman and philanthropist, her senses sharpened by decades of tête-à-tête combat in CEO suites across the globe.
The only thing she was better at than negotiating what she wanted was negotiating what she knew others deserved, and then making sure they received every glittering penny of it.
In the days that followed, Theresea made frequent trips out to Pip's Park to see her gaggle of girls; Constance, Addie, Gal, and Bess.
When Theresea came out to London, the ladies all cleared their schedules as much as possible so they could get-together for some quality time. Theresea never asked for such attention, but the girls all swore that it was no trouble. In fact, it was their pleasure.
Over the course of the next three days, the group made their way across London visiting various hotspots and destination. This included many delightful shops, bars, and restaurants (including a delightful barbecue destination called 'Smoke on the Water' near the Thames).
The ladies also treated Theresea for outings in museums, yacht clubs, and even select night clubs. They were careful to hand-pick only the most posh options for their esteemed company to enjoy.
After long days of touring the city, they would end the evening enjoying martinis around a lacquered dining table, laughing merrily as they recounted the day's events.
On the fourth day, Theresea surprised the ladies with a gift before her return to Manhattan: five tickets to an evening of drinks and music at the Royal Ballet and Opera on Bow Street, just for them. The evening's show was a production of "Das Rheingold", the first chapter of Wagner's acclaimed Ring cycle. They were to share an opera box with a direct overhead view of the stage.
The tickets had been a gift from a donor, a friend of the house's set designers, on Theresea's last birthday. She hadn't accounted on actually being able to use them, let alone with the pleasure of such lovely company.
"Did you know that the traditional opera by Wagner totals 15 hours in length?" Constance enthused with the girls as they waited entry in the antechamber. "It was traditionally performed over the course of four nights."
"I'm assuming that was so the audience could actually survive it," Bess quipped with an arched brow and smirk. "Let alone the performers."
In honor of the evening, Bess had opted to don the dress TeTe had convinced her of at the vintage store. All the girls had commented that the fit was astounding, highlighting her curves like a second-skin, and that the moody color favored her creamy complexion beautifully. She hair paired the frock with gothic accessories, like tall lace gloves and a jeweled choker, that both accentuated her glorious curls and paired with the dramatic mood of the night opera nicely.
The effect was mesmerizing, and earned her many lingering stares and shy smiles from a few passing bachelors.
"I'm more partial to Tristan und Isolde myself," Constance confessed, bringing her butterfly-styled fan to her lips for a gentle chuckle. She was donned in a gown of peacock-blue velvet, decorated with hand-strung beadwork depicting pink and white flowers along the hem.
"Aye, only ye prefer King Marke ov'r Tristan, yeah?" Gal asked, swirling the last swig of her drink before tipping the highball glass back and polishing it off. Her navy pantsuit was embroidered with silver starts that created a flowing galaxy across her muscular silhouette. The silver, pointed heel boots added extra drama and height to the ensemble.
Connie turned, stunned. "How did you know?"
The blonde stared at her, gaze and tone deadpan. " ... How'd I venture that ye fancied Marke, the kind ole cap'n o' Cornwall an' Tristan's elder-uncle wit' a mighty loud tenor, over a Breton nobleman? Jus' a wee wager, Con."
"Okay, okay, never mind," Connie said, blushing. "Heavens, I'm unsettled by how predictable I am."
Addie laughed. Dressed in a strapless pink ballgown with a heart-shaped diamond brooch that gathered the wetted silk nicely around her bustline, she looked every bit like a princess from a fairytale. All that was missing was a tiara, but her sparkly headbang did the job nicely. She sipped champagne neatly from a coupe glass, the drink choice pairing perfectly with her spritely attire.
"I'm so excited!" she gushed, bouncing on her heels. "I've never seen an opera like this before. I read all the basic Norse myths beforehand, just to make sure I could keep up."
"Then you're already leaps and bounds ahead of others, then."
The group turned to see Theresea DoGoode descending the grand staircase of the venue to the lower antechamber, where the crowds were gathered to await entry. The woman was dressed in a floor-length halter dress of deep purple, complete with a matching clutch and flowing scarf. "Evening, ladies."
"Aye, thar she be!" Gal said, raising her now empty glass. "Te guest o' honor!"
"Me?" The woman's silver-straked hair was fastened into a chignon at the nape of her neck, and despite the size and weight, her posture was pin-straight. As was to be expected.
Bess was quick to grab a glass from their small table and extend it to Theresea in greeting. "Saved you a drink."
"Well, thank you," she said, accepting the glass of white wine with a grateful nod. Then, she stepped back and surveyed the ladies in full. "Well, don't you all look absolutely beautiful this evening! I dare say all the gentlemen will be jealous of me for being surrounded by the four loveliest ladies in the city tonight."
She took a dramatic sip, savored the buttery smoothness on her tongue, then smirked in triumph. "Let them eat their hearts out."
Moments later, a polite announcement prompted that it was time for audiences to begin making their way to the seats for the start of the evening's show. It was also a sign for everyone to make sure they had their programs in-hand (a borderline necessity for the Ring cycle), and a last call for all pre-performance drinks.
As three of the ladies led the way toward finding their box for the evening, Bess put a hand on TeTe's shoulder to keep her back for a moment.
"Before we go into the show tonight, I wanted to give you this."
Bess reached into her clutch to extend a penned and signed check for 275£, the exact amount owed for the dress.
"I'm sure I owe you more after everything else we did this past week," Bess started to say, her tone almost bashful, "But I know I at least owe you this. Thank you again for the dress, and for giving me the time to pay you back."
TeTe glanced from the note and back up to Bess. She then repeated the motion, her eyes moving slowly; unhurriedly. After a moment, she took another elegant sip. "Well, I was correct, wasn't I? The dress is perfect on you."
Bess blushed a shade of deep, ripe strawberry. It made her smile all the more beautiful, in her opinion. "Y-Yes, it seems so. I've received many compliments this evening."
"Ah. From just the ladies?"
"N-No. Others, too. Gentlemen." She glanced around before adding in a thrilled whisper, "Plural."
"Well, that is hardly surprising, considering how beautiful you look."
"Which is all thanks to you."
"That is sweet of you to say, but the beauty is all you, my dear," TeTe said. "I'll accept the compliment, but I'm afraid I can't accept the check. After all, my dear Bess, you already paid me back."
The raven-haired beauty leveled her gaze at Theresea in confusion. "What? Um, no, I haven't. I have your check right here, TeTe."
"That's quite unnecessary, dear. Your other payment suffices perfectly."
"I don't understand."
Clearing her throat, TeTe reached into her clutch and brandished a small pocketbook. She flipped it open with a snap of her wrist and procured a chic pair of reading glasses hanging from a delicate gold chair about her neck.
"Let us see ..." she began, "Paying for my rental parking fee at the hospital, since you receive a guest discount, 15£. The black coffee can from the vending machine, 5£. Twenty-seven pounds from when we split the dinner check at that lovely barbeque place, and another 13£ for the extra takeaway order of wings you surprised me with and insisted I take back to my hotel room. Which were positively delicious, by the way, but I don't want to get off topic. Let's see ..."
She continued to tally the purchases, one by one. Each meal Bess has chipped in for, every little item Bess and used cash to buy at the corner store or vending machines, every parking fee she'd helped pay, and every drink she'd put on her tab. She had noted each one in her notebook, treating it like a ledger just for her.
"Two pounds for the bathroom toiletry machine, 18£ for entry into the Renoir exhibit we saw last night, 7£ for the espresso martini at the Catscratch Club, and finally ..."
TeTe took another sip of wine, more drawn-out than before. Glass raised like a torch, she closed her eyes and swished the elixir briefly before swallowing elegantly. her dark-purple lips puckered for a moment, exhaling slowly to pick-up on any softer notes in the after-taste. "...If I'm not mistaken, that's a glass of Chateau de Gaure chardonnay, which I believe runs 12£ or 13£ a glass here. I'm estimating after adjusting from US dollars on that last one, I'm afraid."
Bess reached behind her for a leftover wine list that another guest had left behind. With a quick scan, she fell silent, then flicked her gaze up. "...Thirteen pounds."
"Ha! Well, it seems my sommelier skills aren't as rusty as I thought. I should put that in the vineyard investor who--"
She was mid-sip when a realization startled her out of her enjoyment. "Oh, my word! Then it appears my math was off. If the glass was 13£, then you've paid me 276£! So, I'm the one that owes you. My apologies, my dear."
As Bess continued to stare ahead in disbelief, TeTe brandished her wallet and pulled out a single bill. She elegantly slipped it into her gloved hand.
For a moment, Bess let the note linger in her open hand, staring down at it as if she was waiting for it to sprout legs.
Finally, she murmured, "I-I don't know what to say."
"Well, fortunately or unfortunately depending on the day and topic of conversation, I always do," Theresea practically sang. "It seems you are more giving than you give yourself credit for, Bess. But I knew that. After all, I said I knew you were good for it.
"You're so good at taking care of others, my dear. I'd like to challenge you to let us return the favor sometimes."
Slowly, Bess closed her fingers around the bill and laughed. It was a soft sound at first, but after a moment, it evolved into a more musical, resonant sound. It even earned a shush from two passerby, who were still en route to their seats. A sharp glare, delivered with the quickness and accuracy of a trained arrow from TeTe, silenced any further prompting.
As her mirth naturally fizzled out, TeTe was delighted to see Bess then accept the bill and slowly slip it into her own wristlet.
For the second time that trip, she'd gotten the woman to accept something.
"I believe that's a sign we probably need to get to our seats," Bess observed, casting a glance through the entry doors, "The others will be looking for us."
"Of course," TeTe said, offering the younger woman her arm. "Lets us go, my dear! It's my last night here, and I intend to celebrate it with the loveliest ladies in the city. Presently company most definitely included."
"I-I think I agree. ... And Theresea?"
"Yes, sweetie?"
Bess reached up and placed a hand on TeTe's arm, giving it a firm squeeze that said more than words ever could. "...Thank you again."
With a tender kiss on Bess's cheek, she placed a sturdy hand over hers and returned the touch fondly.
"Of course," she said, "After all, you are more than worth it."
Tom Nook? More like TeTe Nook.
Helping you repay debts with no deadlines, no interest, and you can pay it off with mostly acts of service.
Bess having a brief dating experience with a guy that was incredibly weirded out (i.e. threatened) by how close she is with girl friends.
Like, she shows up to their first date and sends a quick check in to the girls just to let them know she found the place okay. Already he's annoyed.
"Why do women have to share everything?"
"I mean, we don't? But when you're single girls in a big city, you tend to watch each other's backs. Besides none of us ever heard of this cafe before, and directions were a little weird."
"Whatever. Just don't go giving them a play-by-play of our entire date, okay? I hate when girls do that and I really hate people up in my business."
"Okay. I wasn't planning on doing that anyway."
Apart from that the date isn't... terrible? He mostly seems super nervous and like he doesn't do this a lot. So Bess decides to give him another shot.
They try an afternoon date this time. Less pressure. A walk and maybe some tea, just some time to get to know each other a little more. They pass by a youth selling single, long-stemmed flowers to raise money for some school thing. Bess buys three, one for each of her girls because why not? And she's helping out the boy.
Dude, again, is not happy.
"You know the kid is probably just scamming."
"Those fliers looked pretty real to me."
"And what are you doing buying flowers for your friends for?"
"What's wrong with it? They like flowers and I thought it'd be nice."
"It's weird. Girls only buy other girls flowers if they're lesbian lovers, unless they're, like, family or something."
"... Where did you get that from?"
"It's common knowledge."
"In weirdo world? Look, anybody can buy flowers for anybody for any reason if they want to. It doesn't have anything to do with being lovers or not."
"Whatever. I just think it's weird, you buying stuff for your friends. Who does that?"
"... Friends. Friends do that stuff for each other."
"Not me and mine."
"I'm not convinced you actually have any."
That should kill any further progression right there. And it almost does. But he shows up to the cottage to apologize, even brings a big chocolate sampler for the girls. And flowers. He and Bess have a talk and he does his best to explain himself. He had a rough childhood, moved around a lot, didn't ever make any friends except some online. He's been living almost like a shut-in ever since he got out on his own, only ever had a couple other dates before Bess. The thing that really seals the deal for Bess to give him another chance? Abusive, overbearing mom. Of course, compassionate sweetheart Bess connects to that. They try once more.
He shows up for the third date, squeaky clean and dressed to what his definition of the nines is. He tries his best to connect with the girls as Bess puts in her finishing touches for the night, and he's actually doing a decent job. Everything seems really good. He teases the girls that he promises to have Bess back my curfew as they leave. He takes her to a nice dinner, then to a movie, then ice cream. This is the itinerary he gave the girls.
"Hey, I just heard about this new club that just opened up. It's supposed to be pretty cool. Why don't we go check it out."
"Sounds fun--I'm game." Bess pulls out her phone to start updating the girls about the change in plans.
"What are you doing?"
"Just letting the girls know I'll be later than planned. What's the name of the club?"
"Seriously?"
"What?"
"You're doing it again."
"Doing what?"
"Letting your nosy friends all up in our business where they don't belong."
"Why is letting my friends know where I'm going to be, especially if where I'm going to be isn't some place they expect, a bad thing?"
"Because it's weird! Why does everyone have to know?! Why is it so important they know the plan?! What, like I'm gonna make off with you into the night and make you disappear?! Don't you trust me?!"
"I've been only been one three dates with you, all of which have turned out weird now--no, I don't trust you enough to not let my friends know where you plan on taking me! I trust you even less now!"
"Woman! Bloody hell you women! You're all so enmeshed and up each other's asses! What does a guy have to do to get one of you alone?! The guys online are right--no e of you are worth it the goddamn headache!"
"Well, if that's how you feel, let me get rid of your headache for you." She starts to collect her things to leave.
"Oh, don't get all huffy."
"I'm not huffy. I'm just done. Here." She tosses a wad of cash on his dash. "That should cover my half of everything tonight. If there's anything extra, keep it."
"I don't want your money."
Bess gets out of his car.
"Hey! At least let me drive you home!"
"As if. For all I know, you really will make me disappear."
"Oh, come on, don't be like that. It was a joke! I was just venting!"
"Sure. Thanks for dinner. And lose my number. Psycho."
Ughhh, men like this. Poor Bess.
Listen, the dating scene out there? Dire, especially for young people. So in a sea of fish, you're bound to encounter your fair share of rotten ones ... like THIS guy.
Any guy who sees a girl communicating basic plans with her friends as an attack on his character is ... well, a red flag. Why does he take a single message so personally? Hmmm, makes you wonder.
The worst part is that the dates that follow these little incidents are JUST normal enough to make one feasibly think, "okay, well, maybe that was a fluke. We all have off days. Maybe it won't happen next time we go out."
Annnnd we have the flowers tiff. Again, VERY weird and telling thing for him to take personally. Of course, only 'lesbians' give flowers to each other in his mind, because otherwise it would mean HE should have thought to get her flowers first. She thought of her friends before he thought of her, a potential girlfriend. I imagine it mauls his baby-soft pride.
And the third date. Woof.
At this point, it can't be denied any longer. The guy has some SERIOUS trust issues at best, and is a total creep at worst. If he's that worried about Bess being close with her girls when she's just communication the bare bones of her location details ... yeah, that's not good.
"What does a guy have to do to get one of you alone?!"
Oh. Hell. No.
You KNOW the girls come get her ASAP after Bess texts them that she ditched him.
"He actually said that?" Addie asked, brow pinched in disgust. She was still wearing the matching pink set she'd changed into after work, but had thrown a coat over top to look slightly more presentable for the walk.
Bess nodded morosely.
"Bastard," Gal grumbled, arm slung protectively around Bess's shoulders. "N'thing worse than a piss'r on a high 'orse. Chocolate was shite, too."
Connie walked on the other side of Bess, between her and Addie. Her arms were linked with both women, and she kept flicking her gaze behind them cautiously.
"If he skulks a'ter us, I give 'im a five-fingered kiss o' my own," Gal hissed. All three ladies knew it wasn't a bluff.
As they neared the corner, Connie stopped and gestured to the sign. "Ah, here's the spot."
A sign bearing the golden words "The Flying Horse" in an all-caps serif font lingered over their heads. The words shimmered in the lights from the nearby traffic signals and merciless London traffic. The sign was huge, making it a great landmark. It helped that it also fronted a gorgeous brick building on Oxford street that looked straight out of a romantic film (with the exception of the first-floor McDonald's located immediately next-door).
Just as the girls settled outside the pub's massive front window, the beep of a car horn grabbed their attention. At first, they all bristled in apprehension, thinking it was perhaps the same man Bess had left in the dust.
To their collective relief, no man emerged from the vehicle as it stopped in front of the club. Just a dark hair woman in a chocolate brown pantsuit, mink coat, and fabulously large pair of Telfar sunglasses.
"Darlings, there you are," Theresea DoGoode said, gesturing the ladies into the rideshare quickly. "Here, get in."
Bess blinked, but didn't argue as Connie urged her onward inside the large sedan. Once seated, she looked up quizzically to the mother and daughter duo. "TeTe? W-What are you doing here? What's going on?"
"I was on the phone with Mama when we got your message," Connie supplied, buckling Bess in before tending to herself. "I said we'd just gotten a text from you about your date, and were rushing to get you to make sure you got home safe. When she asked where we were meeting you and I told her, that's when she told me to head toward the pub."
Constance then leveled a playful smile at her mother. "I had no idea you were going to call a car, Mama! You sneak."
TeTe smiled, tossing her hair of her shoulder, the locks moving like a curtain of liquid obsidian. "I was not about to have you ladies walk home. So, I called a car. I would have had marguerite or Ritz drive, but in this traffic, I opted for a true professional."
The woman behind the wheel turned and waved to the girls in the backseat with actress-perfect timing. "That you kindly, Mrs. DoGoode."
"Y-You didn't have to do that," Bess muttered, blushing at the act of kindness. It seemed that for every morally bankrupt person she met in this new metropolis, her friends and found family found ways to make up the deficit in spades. "I mean, thank you so much. that was unbelievably generous of you, but I hope I didn't cause you any trouble."
"You are never trouble, Bess," Constance said seriously. Gal and Addie nodded in mutual agreement.
"Quite right," TeTe corrected. "That horrid man was the issue. I do hope you've blocked his number."
Bess laughed and pulled out her phone. "You just reminded me. I was going to wait until I was home, but since I have this slick ride, I can check that item off my to-do list early."
"Very good," Theresea said. Then, she leaned over and politely signaled the driver. "Excuse me, madam. Could you please drive us to The Connaught?"
There was no need to provide an address; the hotel was infamous to everyone in the city, especially professional drivers employed by members of the upper crust like Theresea.
Meanwhile, Addie went pink in the face. "I-Is that where you're staying, Mrs. DoGoode?"
"It is not, on this occasion, but their bar is lovely," she said. "What do you say, ladies? Let's celebrate with real drinks for real women."
As the driver pulled up to the glamorous hotel, the staff opened the door and helped easy lady out one by one. Bess waited to go last, staring down at her phone. Her message app was open to her contacts, and her dates' messages cast a bright blue light across her face.
For a moment, she stared at the sweet words. All the compliments. All the promises, typed in tiny and non-threatening font. All the little heart emojis.
... For a moment, she paused. Her finger lingered over the 'Block' button for a beat, her pesky inner voice suddenly making her second-guess her previously iron-clad certainty.
"Ahem."
Bess looked up to see Constance leaning into the car, hand extended outwardly to her. As their eyes met, her soul-sister gave her an encouraging wink.
"If he was mad about gifting flowers, something like this would probably make his head explode," Constance said, an impish gleam in her eye, "Wouldn't it?"
Bess immediately read her soul-sister's mind and flashed a matching grin back at her. She quickly grabbed her hand and climbed out of the car. Before they went inside, she quickly called the girls and TeTe over to the front of the building. There, they all gathered around as Bess lofted her phone high over their heads.
She made sure that the sign was in full view as she snapped the selfie, complete with all the girls gathered around her, with Constance smooching her cheek for added emphasis.
She sent the picture, and before he had a chance to reply, blocked his number.
With that last reminder about how unneeded he was, she turned back to her friends and joined them. There was a spring in her step that had been missing before, but was now back in full vigor. Even the doorman noticed, and tried to hide an appreciative smirk.
"Now that that's over," Bess smirked, strutting forward proudly with renewed confidence, "Let's enjoy our evening, ladies."
Sorry gents, this is for the ladies (especially ones who stick together).
@rom-e-o So, the more I think about it, the more I believe Gal was a triplet. She had a brother who died in utero that, needless to say, caused some complications for her and her other brother. She survived their traumatic birth, her brother did not. That's a big reason why her relationship with her father is so strained. Likely also why her parents split.
You know what? I've given Bess enough relationship baggage, why not give Addie a little?
Maybe a year(?) before Addie meets Tom, she brings home a "friend": a young man named Chester. He kind of looks like a twiggier version of a young 20s Clark Kent and he's in Addie's journalism class. They're partnered up for a project.
The girls have had a hunch since not long after moving in that Addie has a crush on someone, but she won't ever talk about him. Well, it doesn't take long to clock that this is the guy. And the girls can definitely see why Addie would be into him: cute, tall, pretty hair and eyes, funny, good manners, bookworm, kind of nerdy in a niche way, personable, shares her enthusiasm for writing and research. Seems like a no-brainer.
Well, that first meeting goes swimmingly with the girls. And it's pretty easy to tell Addie is head over heels and falling harder by the moment; she's never had any sort of relationship before, or even any romantic interest from anyone. And Chester does, in fact, ask Addie out when she walks him to the gate of Pip's Park that night as he leaves. The girls all celebrate when she returns.
The first date comes and is splendid. Then the next. On the third, Chester asks if Addie would like to be his girlfriend. Of course, she says yes. Everything seems to be going fine for the first couple months; the girls are extremely happy for Addie and they like Chester, he genuinely seems like a stand-up guy.
Then... they all start getting odd messages from him. Messages that seem... a little too flirty? Messages that seem to be searching for some sort of improper interaction? It's all very carefully veiled to not be so incriminating--Chester is quite clever--but the vibes are there. And none of the girls like them. They all sort of keep it a secret from each other for a little while, not really sure what to make of it, but they all eventually sort of sniff out that the others are getting weird vibes about him too. Probably from how each of their interactions change with him as time continues and these messages keep popping up. Addie, of course, notices nothing, being too wrapped up with Chester.
The girls quietly discuss the situation and try to decide what to do. They're all sure Chester isn't who they originally thought now, and they want to protect Addie, but, again, the evidence they have at the moment is quite shaky. Chester could easily dismiss it. So they decide to stay quiet for a while as they gather it all and wait for him to make a big slip-up and give them something solid. Because scum can't hide its true nature forever.
And then it comes for all of them--the pic. You know what I mean. And, to be perfectly honest, he is not so impressive as to warrant his brazenness. And, also, for someone who seems so intelligent, he's sure enough of a dingus to also have HIS SMUG-ASS MUG IN THE PICTURE.
"Apparen'ly 'is brain can' be in two places a' once," Gal remarks.
Well, the time has come. The girls gather up their evidence and sit down with Addie to have a long talk. She is... silent. Stunned. All she can mutter after is that she needs to go for a walk alone and disappears for a few hours.
When she comes back and is questioned where she's been, she tells the she's been with Chester. Then she rounds on them in a way that's very unlike Addie: "You know, you all have a bunch of nerve to frame Chester like that just because you're jealous the fat, geeky girl has a boyfriend and none of you do."
It goes without saying that an argument breaks out amongst the girls, Addie doing a lot of attacking her friends and defending Chester and the girls trying to get her to see reason. All it does is end in Addie packing a bag and storming out of the house, probably to go stay with Chester because they'd find her at FeFe's.
The next few weeks are... rough. There's so much tension in the cottage when Addie stays (which isn't often) and a sucking depression when she's not. She hardly talks to her friends, even as they continue to try to engage in friendliness, everything is just Chester. Luckily the message from him have stopped. To them at least. They're positive he's still sending them out there right under Addie's nose. All they can do is hope and pray Addie sees reason.
Then, they get the call one night: "I messed up. I really miss you guys. I know I don't deserve it but... can you guys come help me get out?"
Of course, the girls come running. This is the moment they've been waiting for!
Addie sends them the address for Chester's flat and they arrive in record time. Physically, Addie is okay. But she's discovered more messages, she's discovered her the account where her allowance is deposited every month is completely drained, and she's discovered Chester in bed with the teacher's aide for their journalism class and another girl from their class. "And when I caught them all, you know what he did? He wasn't ashamed or sorry or upset I'd found out--he actually asked me if I wanted to join them!"
Of course Addie cries and apologizes over and over again for being to stupid and cruel and not believing her friends when she knows deep down they would never lie to her and only want the best for her. But to the girls, that's not important. What matters is their Addie is safe and back home. And that's all they care about.
Oh, sweet Addie.
Yeah, when your girlfriend has a crush on a guy but is reluctant to talk about him, that's not a good sign. Even if she doesn't know exactly why she doesn't want to talk about him, it's usually a red flag.
And it's even worse when you finally meet the guy, and things still don't seem right.
Right from the get-go, he's ...okay. Definitely seems like a textbook match for her. He seems good on paper, but that's it. It's almost formulaic. But the hesitation becomes muted when Chester keeps showing up and genuinely seems like a sweet guy. And Addie is so happy to be with him. Really, how could they not be thrilled for her? She deserves all the romance!
Annnnd then the shoe drops, and the messages roll in. It's very in-character for the girls to be skeeved out, but not immediately rush in pointer-fingers a blazin'. Instead, they wait, just in case it's a misunderstanding (a crazy one, but still, it could be) or to perhaps gather more evidence. Despite never replying, the messages keep rolling in, which does not help the case.
Their enthusiasm for him wanes, and despite the fact that Addie MUST notice this, she never asks why or questions it. Almost like she may know something is up, but is in quiet denial.
When you finally get your first car after years of riding the bus, you'll overlook a ding or two. Same with a boyfriend, right?
Though she doesn't know the 'ding' is actually a 'dong' in her friends' DMs. Which is bad. Really bad.
And ough, the outcome stings. Addie is clearly in denial, and she kind of admits her bias with the 'finally has a boyfriend' comment. Her friends get it - she likes him, and they're sorry to tell her this, but there's no way they can let this slide. She MUST know.
"We'd never do that, Addie!"
"His face is RIGHT there! I know people shop photos, but you know we wouldn't do that."
But it doesn't work.
They're mostly concerned with Addie's safety. This guy is obviously manipulative and a liar, after all. It's horrible in the cottage with her there and very tense, but it comes from a place of them wanting desperately to help her but being rebuked at every turn.
During those brief moments when she does return to the cottage, she is definitely NOT herself. She's terse and blunt. Withdrawn and combative.
"Addie, darling?"
"What?"
"I, um, folded your laundry."
"Oh. Was I too slow in getting to the clothesline? I've been busy, you know."
"Of course. You've just been out a lot, and I thought ... maybe I could drop this off, and you could come out for dinner?"
"...No. I have plans."
"Ah. I see. Well, that's too bad, but fair enough. We'll miss you. I'll make a plate for you and put it in the fridge, just in case."
"If you'd like."
"...Right."
"Goodnight, Constance."
"...You too, Addie."
When that frantic call comes in, it's both a relief and panic-inducing. The girls all go racing to the flat with suitcases to get their friend.
I imagine it's like a sting operation. Con gets them in the front door (a wink to the doorman does wonders), Gal keeps lookout at the flat's door (it's unlocked) and Bess goes in to scout for her. Chester isn't home, and as soon as Bess finds her, the all rush in for a group hug before immediately scattering to grab her things.
They stuff suitcases fast, knowing exactly what belong to her without needing to ask.
They get her out before Chester ever returns. If he tries to reach out or not, I imagine Addie either ignores him or blocks him. It doesn't matter - man is evicted from her life.
Her apology is accepted. They're just happy she's alright, after all. though they do ask her to please remember that they love her and have her best interest in mind.
"You'll find a lucky man one day, Addie. But until then, at least she have each other."
In the following days, the girls help Addie rebuild things. They put her belongings back in her room. They file charges on her account to reclaim the funds where they can (and lock down her account with her logins all around), and ask Pip to watch for the guy around the house.
Don't worry, Addie. You'll get your full upgrade in the near future. But in the meantime, she has her girls. <3
