─ running

"nobody knows what the soul is; it comes and goes like the wind over the water; sometimes for days, you don’t think of it." WILLIAM  'WILL'  BECKER xxxv  &  downtown

[mckinleykispiox]

"Yeah most definitely not. I guess there's comfort in numbers then?" He mused, though amused the man certainly hoped all this bad luck would turn around. He didn't want it following him like some sort of shadow. "I better play it safe in all situations. I think I just will become some sort of recluse." A half joke but the male offered a smile in turn afterwards. "Exactly. Most people definitely run on caffeine these days."

[willbeckvr-a1]

“I think so since we’re not on a strike three yet with these situations.” Will considered, though hopefully the next time they would run into one another, there wouldn’t be something unusual going on around them. “I’ll be honest with you, I think I’m pretty much there. I’ve basically only been between my place and work with everything going on lately." He shook his head. "But yeah, these coffee shops? They have that advantage going.”

[rhettcastillo]

starter for @willbeckvr at outside liv's house —

As he always did, his fingers snaked into the tread of Liv's tires. He always checked the tread, because she wasn't as aware of that as he was so he would make a mental note if she needed to get new tires and just go get it done one day if he was able to. As he was doing what he normally did, which was looking at things and making a note on what to get fixed for her, he nodded over to Will, who was her neighbor. "Hey, man." Rhett was seen enough around that he was familiar with the neighbors, even if the neighborhood and house that Liv lived in made him on edge. "How's it going?"

[willbeckvr-a1]

Truthfully, Will had been rather relieved as he arrived back at his downtown residence. Could never know when some new urgent matter would come up at the hotel. Heading up the pavement, his head shifted once hearing a familiar voice over at his neighbor’s, recognizing Liv’s boyfriend examining her car. They were many times where they had all hung out, which unfortunately had seemed few and far between recently. “Hey.” Will nodded back to Rhett. “You know, trying not to drown in extra work hours and insane grocery prices.” He mused. “On auto repair duty right now?” 

[rainawells]

"Hi, Will," Raina greeted back. She stepped back to move out of the way, suddenly embarrassed by just standing around and moping. Especially, in broad daylight when some were much worse off. Raina ran a hand through her hair, forcing all the sadness to leave with a sigh. She made a lot of mistakes with her children, but she would sacrifice anything for them now even if it was difficult. "Yeah, it was, wasn't it?" she asked with a faint smile towards one of the only things she ever owned. "On the brightside, it's less bills. More money towards honest groceries. How have you been, hon? The Wang family treatin' you and your coworkers good?"

[willbeckvr-a1]

Here he’d been aggravated about increased work hours since the new management had been significantly cracking down amongst the various new economic pressures, and in reality, others had lost their business entirely. It wasn’t fair, especially to Raina and her salon, both having been nothing but welcoming since he first moved to town. “Good to see you.” Will nodded as it had seemed like a while since they crossed paths. “No doubt. And you haven’t lost me as a client. Have any haircut openings coming up?” He mused. “I’m hanging in. Things have been more on edge lately on that front since everything going on. Surprise, Surprise.”

[jordcnwiggins]

Her lips quirked upwards in a relieved smile that he wasn't too disappointed by this whole situation. Maybe their evening could be saved after all. "Oh yeah, are there a lot of reasons to avoid you?" she asked, tilting her head to the side a bit with a teasing glint in her eyes. As he reached forward and accepted her pinky promise, her smile only grew. "I guess not. Too bad though, I was really looking forward to starting fresh in the friend category. These ones were getting boring." Again, she was teasing of course. Jordan had a hard time taking herself seriously most of the time, but in a situation like this, it seemed like making light of everything was a good plan of action. "So, how'd your friends coerce you into this?" she asked, taking another sip of her water.

[willbeckvr-a1]

“I’d say it depends who you ask.” Will teasingly countered her posed question with a shrug of his shoulders, unsure if him not actually being originally from the town would give him any further advantage in that case or not. Though the fact that she provided him answers as to why she decidedly avoided him herself had his pinky intertwining with Jordan’s, acknowledging the gesture presented. Not many would even do that. “Well, good thing I haven’t bored you here yet.” He grinned, catching the glisten in her gaze. “My friends wouldn’t shut up about dating to me.” They weren’t wrong about him being overly engrossed with work, especially with the new management blowing up about the recent security news. “You?” Will curiously asked, aimlessly flipping open the menu again in front of him.

[liv-li-deactivated20230327]

"Well, I'm glad to be a positive influence every once in awhile," Liv said. She shifted on her feet as the line remained frozen in place. The brief pause in what felt like a constant scramble recently was a welcome reprieve.

"I am relieved, though. It's almost a little strange to watch the train go off the track rather than to be standing on the tracks for once," Liv said. Realizing, how that might sound given who Will worked for, she faltered. "Sorry," she smiled weakly. "The hotel -- they're not breathing down your neck are they? Asking you to work more? If I can help you -- water some indoor plants while you're working and all that -- don't be a stranger. You and Jordan kept my one tomato plant alive a few years ago, remember?"

[willbeckvr-a1]

“No clue what I would do without your many brilliant ideas, Liv.” Will shook his head. “Too bad I’m not the only one that decided to steal it.” He motioned to the line. Though, it was more time for he and his neighbor to converse, which could be few and far between with all the comings and goings throughout the day. Especially with how exceptionally chaotic everything had been. “I can’t deny the train going off the tracks.” HIs shoulders shrugged. “Let’s just say the security issue has put things a lot more on edge.” He huffed. “But thanks, you know I appreciate that. I’ll let you know. Might not be as cool as taking care of plants though. — I do remember. You still have it? If so, you bringing us over some tomatoes anytime soon? I'd accept that.” Will jested. 

[mckinleykispiox]

"I don't know - seems like we both are getting into some sticky situations. But it always could be worse." Though the man wasn't about to say when it rains it pours. That sounded a bit too cliche even for him. "They say bad luck comes in three's. I am hoping to not fall under that category." Mckinley shook his head from side to side. "Yeah. I won't count my lucky stars on that. I am surprised anybody showed up after that news. Surely there are going to be some feral customers in no time."

[willbeckvr-a1]

“Good point. And at least I know it’s not just me.” Will mused with a small grin. And it was rather amusing that every time they ran into each other, there seemed to be some unusual situation that unfolded. “Same here. Better try and avoid a strike three at this point.” It was probably the last thing anyone would need at this point with all the unfavorable news that had been occurring lately. “I bet. Yeah, mostly everyone will still want their coffee regardless, lucky enough for this place at least.” 

[rainawells]

Open Starter @saltflatsstarters

Where: Downtown (Outside of the Former Painted Lady Salon)

While the price hikes was a surprise for many, Raina started to feel the ache in her bank account months before. Her former salon, still an empty shell months after the fact, was a stark reminder of the current fact of life. She was squinting, getting a look through the glass when another reflection came into view. Jumping in surprise, Raina let out a light laugh despite herself, stepping closer to the doorway. "Sorry. Didn't realize I was in the middle of the sidewalk. You need help with somethin'?" she asked, trying to get a look to see if they had groceries or boxes or a car to unpack. "Or are you free to keep an old woman company?"

[willbeckvr-a1]

Unfortunately with no choice at this point but to go and stock up on pricey groceries, Will had left his downtown residence building and was heading to one of the close main streets of town. Of course he shouldn’t have glanced down at his phone for a few moments, realizing he’d nearly ran right into another. “Oh, hey Raina.” Will greeted upon having seen his usual hairdresser for a long while. He’d missed coming into her shop, but she had graciously kept doing his hair even upon the establishment sadly closing. “Nah, good to see you though. — Yeah this place was a good one.” He nodded, realizing they were actually standing in front of the former salon’s shop entrance. 

[mcrshmellows]

Jay sat on the nearest stool and glanced around at the place, then laughed. "I wouldn't call it an empire anymore, bro." The last thing they really had was the name and reputation, and his father was doing his damnedest to fuck that up too. "I thought I'd come by and see what you were up to. Some might say they missed you, but I'm just curious," he teased with a playful grin. It was hard to come by friends like Will, so Jay was grateful he had the other man in his life. "Will you have a drink with me? Toast the crumbling Wiggins name?" The words were said in a jovial tone, but the sadness was there.

[willbeckvr-a1]

“Don’t sell yourself too short, man.” What mattered was that they had each other’s backs, regardless if any establishment was owned by the Wiggins family or not. The drastic new ownership changes hadn’t exactly been all smooth sailing. “You’re always welcome. Sorry I've been shit with hanging out, that’s got to change I know. New ownership has been freaking out about security since what happened at the hospital.” He scoffed, sliding Jay his glass of scotch across the bar counter before moving to pour himself one. “You bet. Sure you guys don’t want to buy back yet?” He jested. 

[jordcnwiggins]

She matched his grin as she got comfortable in her seat. "Well, I hope this is at least a step up from being stood up." she teased, accepting the water the hostess poured for her with a smile before turning her attention back to the man across from her. "That's me. And I'm just going to come right out and say it, my father owns-" she paused, realizing present tense wasn't exactly correct any longer for what she was about to say. "-owned Settlers and there's just a lot of family history and drama there, so that's why I've been kind of avoiding you." she admitted with a sheepish grin. Jordan had never really been one to beat around the bush and blatant honestly seemed like the only way to handle this whole situation. "It wasn't personal, pinky promise." her addition was made as she extended her hand across the table, offering her pinky to him as if that were the most serious method of proving her honesty.

[willbeckvr-a1]

“It is.” Will didn’t hesitate confirming with a nod as she did just graciously save him from further humiliation in itself. Besides, the fact that he was aware of who Jordan was might have already started turning the whole situation around. Blinking, Will listened as she further explained, as all that she was saying right now clicked with the past familiarity they had with each other. They were practically neighbors in the same town area, and he had been aware that when she was around the hotel, it made sense as to why she’d always decide to keep her distance from him. “Well, you know, there could have been a lot worse reasons.” He teased with a shrug. “It’s good that I finally know why though.” Will admitted as he shifted forward a bit, grinning slightly at the peace offering of sorts, linking his own pinky with hers that she extended across the table. “So, we might actually not need to find all new friends after this? Hope you're hungry.” He mused. 

[liv-li-deactivated20230327]

Liv smiled as Will stood next to her in line. She was grateful for the company given the length of the line. Chances were they would be there for a decent chunk of time, but procrastinating the donation meant Liv might wind up driving around with Tupperware bins for weeks and months. So, the wait was worth it. In a way, seeing the long line cheered her up. Liv never really subscribed to the whole 'small towns foster community' stereotype; she knew better than most that it was a lie, but the line showed something else. People, for all of their awfulness, would step up where they could. "You should steal my idea -- less spring cleaning for you and I'm sure some lucky person would love to co-opt your style."

Her grin wavered at the mention of the school. She ran a hand through the ends of her hair. "The school's alright for now. I think the issue with food costs might wind up extending into the the lunchroom, which is worrisome," Liv sighed, "But the medical records at the school run on a different OS than the hospital. Administration is worried, understandably, and looking into increased measures. What about you? The hotel is under JA Corp. just like the hospital, so are your higher ups freaking out."

[willbeckvr-a1]

“Had to check out what this turn out all was for.” Will mused as he took a spot in line beside his neighbor. He was certain he hardly had or would see anything of this sort having hailed from Boston. The willingness to help from the local residents seemed to be evident. “Guess I can’t not now with you saying that.” He jested. “Besides, I wouldn’t have wanted to think about spring cleaning before seeing you do this.” 

Though he caught the way Liv’s expression shifted, expecting how much extra work she may have been under from the Salt Flats Medical catastrophe. He nodded in acknowledgement as she brought up that the food cost issue could easily also affect the school’s cafeteria. “Right, that too. Can only imagine what the parents would all have to say about that.” He grimaced. “Bet you’re relieved about the school medical records being on a different system. But it’s good it’s still being checked out.” Nobody really knew what could happen lately. “They are. There’s been a lot of dotted lines being worked out and all that, so it’s a mad dash to make sure those official papers stay under wraps while everything’s still being figured out. Real fun stuff.”

[mckinleykispiox]

"I am beginning to think I am bad luck or something. Maybe you should keep your distance?" The man mused, his tone light. Humor seemed to be the only acceptable choice. Laugh off the misfortune. It certainly beat being a dick to somebody. These cashiers surely didn't make enough money to be yelled at. He wasn't going to follow that trend. Accidents happened. Instead he took the high road and placed the coffee down on the counter and tried to flag down one of the workers. "Fingers crossed. Here's to hoping."

[willbeckvr-a1]

“If I’m not the one bringing the bad luck.” Will jested in return to his familiar company. It certainly seemed that a string of unfortunate events had just been on a roll lately in general. And he could appreciate the pretty amusing stories that came out of these particular encounters, considering all of the noticeably tense atmospheres that had more or less overtaken many of the town businesses. “Then again, you might not want to quote me on that discount with all of the price hikes everywhere.” He gave a fair warning with a grimace.

[yildizxselin]

Selin’s gaze moved down to the bag and she would nearly say that her mouth would start watering right away. Mexican food was always good to have. “God, I couldn't agree more.” The fact that you didn’t have to cook anymore after a working day was the bonus of it all. “Although I probably do have to start learning how to cook more myself if the prices are getting raised more and more on the take outs. I had a discussion with a client this morning over the note I had to put on the counter due to the prices that had raised more this month to cover our expenses.” They had not been happy… Well, newsflash; Selin was not happy with the raise in prices as well. “But I guess the fact that they are still able to afford the cup of coffee they are coming to get religiously, I can’t be bothered by it.” It was a luxury product after all.

[willbeckvr-a1]

Will instantly nodded in agreement, though Selin had a point that he himself had to start considering more than any other time in the past that he’d lived in town. The prices everywhere had been raised exceptionally high, and he was well aware from the many documents he’d had to go over at the hotel that the business changes were the reason. Will expected change, but the price hikes everywhere had seemed truly sudden. “I’m with you on that too, probably going to have to start keeping close tabs on take-outs, as much as I love the Mexican food there.” He remarked. “Wow. And it’s not like you had a choice.” His head shook with a scoff as she told him about the the frustrated customer she had. They could join the club like the rest of them. “Figured it hit the Coffee Co now too..but you know you’re right, I highly doubt people will go without buying coffee every day regardless.” 

[mancandykings]

Oliver Jackson-Cohen as James in Surface (2022) episode two “Muscle Memory”

[carter-wang]

As Will expressed his ambivalence towards the change in management, Carter resisted the urge to sigh in relief. He grown used to people resisting change, especially changes in management, so it was always a pleasant surprise when someone just went with the flow of things. "Of course. I figure management tends to get overlooked when it comes to compliments," Carter shrugged, then shook his head. "Not quite. Declan works closely with our father under JA Wang Corp. and I'm involved with ReThink. There's always a chance that Dec and I will create something together one day but that'll be a whole other thing," he explained with an easy smile. Truthfully, the thought of working closely with his brother again sounded a bit like a nightmare, but he didn't want to put all that baggage on Will. Instead, Carter turned back to Will. "Do you have any siblings? Can we expect to see them working with you one day?"

[willbeckvr-a1]

Will figured that he was probably one of the rare ones who understand that changes could happened without warning sometimes, and it was a major reason as to why he’d initially moved to the town. This new management system was likely the most prominent adjustment the hotel had gone through while he worked here, yet at the same time, the challenges in the business realm could be compelling to him. The Wangs clearly had great accomplishments after all. “Well, trust me, the review you gave is appreciated.” Will nodded. “Interesting. Must be nice to run your own your section with ReThink, plus still keep the option open to work with your brother maybe at some point.” Hearing the ins and outs of their business from both of the Wang brothers was intriguing to him. Unfortunately though, his case with siblings hadn’t been possible for years now. “Me? Uh no..it would be just me.” 

[mckinleykispiox]

where: the office coffee co

open: @willbeckvr

"Well, I'm glad I checked before drinking." He mused as the male stood by the counter. Hues held tight on the cup he had in his hand. What looked like a nose hoop seemed to be floating. "I'm not sure if I should ask who this belongs to or not?" Mckinley was going to ask for a refund. This wasn't sanitary by any means. "I wonder if with all these rising prices I could at least get a discount." Though he wasn't banking on that, the least the male would receive would be an earring free cup of coffee.

[willbeckvr-a1]

Will immediately put his coffee back down upon hearing what another patron ended up finding in his own cup. That was just plain gross and he couldn’t help but shake his head with a light laugh at the discovery. “Ok, why do we just continue to have bad luck in public places?” He mused as he also recognized the other male from the previous bar scenario they had witnessed. “You know, you might be onto something. I don’t know how you couldn’t get a discount regardless from finding that in your drink.” 

[liv-li-deactivated20230327]

Open starter for @saltflatsstarters

Where: The Shed

The news reports left Liv feeling uneasy. After spending the better half of her young adulthood barely scraping the barrel -- the constant talk about inflating food prices made her antsy. Then, came the next hit: the HIPAA disaster at Salt Flats Medical. While Liv technically dodged the bullet, she knew the people who would ultimately take the hardest hit would be the nurses and doctors. Even if they weren't the reason why the shift from paper to digital led to a leak, they would pay for it in increased training and greater repercussions for not following new protocol. It was just another thing to add to the already never-ending list of responsibilities for people already spread too thin.

So, feeling a little uneasy and helpless. Sure, she was fine now, but months out? Would she be able to say the same? Would her place Downtown become a burden? She didn't know. So, Liv went into down-sizing mode. Naturally, that led to her waiting in line at the donation queue with a few boxes. She recognized a familiar face walking up to her. "I got it, thanks," Liv said, with a nod to the Tupperware bin sat at her feet. "You have the same idea as me with all the prices rising? I figured a good chunk of people won’t be able to waste money on clothes and stuff if it keeps going this way."

[willbeckvr-a1]

Even though Will was well aware now that changes were imminent when it came to business operations at the hotel, he couldn’t say he expected nearly the whole town to be affected this quickly. The severely increased prices at the grocery stores and various news stories surrounding the medical center’s mix-up had all practically happened overnight all at once it seemed. He couldn’t deny that the soaring costs had him aggravatingly doing double takes, as he’d more so expect to see those costs back from where he was from on the East Coast, and not in Salt Flats, where he’d resided for years now. Speaking of latest surprises, Will had noticed the exceptionally long line coming from The Shed, deciding to check it out. 

It wasn’t long before he instantly recognized one of the patrons realizing that the crowd was for the donation queue. With a nod upon approaching his neighbor, Will glanced down at Liv’s own large box sitting in front of her. “Actually, I was about to say I might steal your idea. Our whole apartment building probably will. — How are things at the school?” Will figured she might be further occupied herself considering the medical system mishaps. 

[jordcnwiggins]

Since buying Everything Goes, Jordan's dating life had been non-existent at best. Sure, she'd had her share of flings and flirtationships, but she'd be the first to admit that dating had been the last of her priorities as she focused on building up the cafe. So after months and months of being pestered by her friend about giving dating a try, when said friend finally came to Jordan with a guy she thought Jordan would think was 'great,' the brunette figured she might as well cave since her friend had done all the work for her.

As she walked into Salt Flats Station, already tired, not just from the busy day she'd had at the cafe, but also from the mind blowing audacity her father had shown when he'd called her out of the blue this afternoon, she was beginning to wonder whether this was such a good idea after all. Reluctantly, she gave the hostess the name and followed her into the dining room. It wasn't until she was already standing before the table, unable to turn back around and leave, that Jordan recognized just who she was being set up with. With a laugh, she began to remove her coat. "I should've known there was no way of being set up with someone I'd never met before in a town like this." She sat down across from him. "It's Will, right?"

[willbeckvr-a1]

Of course his friend who had set up this blind date for him and had provided him with all the necessary details wasn’t answering any of his texts messages at the moment. Will couldn’t tell if that was just coincidence or not. He would guess not. Still, he knew he should stay put in his seat unless he didn’t want to hear the end of it and continue to be pestered for not being able to accurately say how the outing went. And if the whole situation did turn out plain terrible, Will could turn it right around and blame it on them and insist not to put his romantic life in someone else’s hands. Seemed like more of a win that way. For his own sake, Will decidedly gave up on his phone for the time being and decidedly grabbed the menu that had been placed in front of him to start looking over the food selection while the lone menu on the opposite side of the table remained un-touched. 

Glancing upwards as soon as he figured it was the waitress who approached, Will found himself colored shocked, realizing who in fact had arrived. He should have known, especially in this small town, he’d actually recognize his apparent date. “Funny, I was just thinking the same. And that I was probably going to be stood up.” Will shook his head with a small grin. “Yes, it is. Jordan..right?”