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@xespietamayo

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814 posts

ESPERANZA CARMELINA TAMAYO

ESPIE

she/her • straight • born August 25, 1979

born and raised in Merrock, Maine. mother to Efren Daniel, Aimee Jimena, Lilia Ines, and Manuel Antonio. daughter of Wilfredo Tamayo and Roberta Dawson. oldest sister to Ernesto, Estefania, and Edmundo. attended the University of Maine from 1997-2001. previously married from 2003-2012. currently in a relationship with high school sweetheart Joshua Lane. pet mom to dogs; Oliver, Franklin, Graham Cracker, Tater Tot. cat; Tobias. rabbit; Bun-Bun. and a number of chickens. construction scheduler.

BIO • STATS • CONNECTIONS • TIMELINE

Amber's nose wrinkled for a moment and she lowered the menu. "Truthfully, I think I'm already going crazy," she admitted with a laugh. "I just hide it well... Have to, you know?" She wasn't entirely serious in that statement, but there were days where it felt that way. "But enough about that, how're you doing?" she asked, flashing a smile. Attention did turn to the food a moment and her expression became thoughtful. "I'm feeling like something really fresh, so maybe one of the salads..."

"Even more of an excuse to enjoy a few drinks while we're here!" Espie glanced over the beer menu, as Amber spoke. She then responded to Amber's question while still debating lager options, "I'm doing pretty well! I've been keeping busy with committee work with this whole.. land sale.." she rolled her eyes, shrugging a shoulder. "Otherwise, it's been business as usual. Keeping busy with the kids, more than anything. It has been pretty busy, I can't lie. But things are going well!" When Amber started she was considering a salad, Espie paused for a moment. "Oh, a caesar sounds good.." Espie flipped over to the salad section to see what other options were available. "Would you be opposed to splitting a soft pretzel? Something tells me I'm going to need more than lettuce in my stomach if I want to enjoy more than half a pint."

#(conversation; amber)#para tag

WHO: Pan & your muse!

WHERE: carnival!

WHEN: fireworks hour

ఇ "Check that out." A small stand (or maybe it's set up out of the trunk of someone's car) sells sparklers and small fireworks. Pan's intention? Clear. They flick their tongue against their lower lip, already planning on joining in with the fireworks about to be set off. "Best idea I've had tonight, right? They sell 'em in Fourth and leftover Pride colors too. I'd just be doing my part." Part of what? Now they have no plans to actually let it go bad but ... fireworks can be unpredictable. It's why they like them so much. (There are duds and small non-fire hazards being sold too, but those don't interest them.) And super cheap!

"Do what you would like. However, I have to stress how.. ill advised.. this is," she glanced between the fireworks and Pan. Espie was all for people having fun, however she was also big on safety. Sometimes, she could not help but to parent those around her around her as a result. "Though, I suppose, worst case scenario, we are currently surrounded by emergency personnel.."

#(conversation; pan)#para tag

"Well, I am very glad to hear it," Amber said, reaching out for one of the menus and flashing the other woman a smile. "That's what I thought. I've been struggling to differentiate between the two lately, which is awful, I know." She huffed slightly, turning the menu over in her hands. "But I'm determined to get better at it."

Espie too took the other menu, looking it over as the pair spoke. "I'm sure your schedule makes it a little difficult," she admitted. "But you know you'll go crazy if it's all work, no play. So I'm glad you even took the time today," Espie smiled. She paused for a second, debating options on the menu. "What are you thinking of getting?" she asked.

#(conversation; amber)#para tag

"Oh… so…" he heaved a small sigh, "I guess the matching jumpsuits I was having made for us out of all denim are out of the question, then?" As though he would ever dream of slipping into something like that -- leather, maybe, and only then when they were on the back of his bike, otherwise they were probably going to leave the leather at home. "Sounds like a good plan to me. There's definitely a lot to see, I was surprised by how many tents popped up, ready to go," but he shouldn't have been; people in Merrock really didn't hesitate to get involved when it came to something that meant a lot to their town, could make a big difference in something important. And when it came to the Benefactor doing something messed up… well, that was important. He shook open one of the bags and began taking items from each of the piles and began to place them inside as he spoke. "Definitely. I was saying to Nathan, it's obviously going to take a little more than just the Spring Fling, but it's a start. And if nothing else, it shows the Benefactor how serious we are about this."

It took everything in Espie not to start loudly cackling at the suggestion of matching denim jumpsuits. Not offence to other couples who enjoyed that sort of thing but that was not for them. The closest to matching anything for them was Espie stealing items from Josh's closet. And that was how she liked it. Swallowing her laughter, it was silent as Espie shook her head. "I can't wait to go see how everyone's tents have turned out. I was excited seeing all of the proposals with ideas come in. I know there's a ton to do," she agreed as she worked on putting together the first few gift bags. "I hope it's also motivational for folks who have been more or less fence sitting or slow to get involved. I hope this is sort of a moment of realizing they don't have to be on the committee or leading anything themselves. How they can help and show support, get involved by supporting those of us getting our hands dirty. And who knows, maybe it will motivate others to get involved more."

#(conversation; josh)#para tag

"Yeah, I don't like saying it out loud either. But I don't think I can ignore the fact that we are getting older. There are signs. For what it's worth, I'd say we're all aging very gracefully," JJ stated with a shrug. There was a time when he might have felt young. Some might even say that it had taken him much longer to grow up than most people. There was a little truth to that. However, the events of the past few years had shown him that he was older now. Being responsible for a child's well-being had certainly put things into perspective for JJ. "Well, I sure hope it all goes well. I cannot stand the Benefactor these days, and I'm more than happy to support the cause in whatever way I can." When Espie asked about Mia, his face lit up instantly. "Mia's doing well. She's getting big. She's walking now and talking in full sentences, mostly. That's been exciting. I started sending her to New Haven, and she's settling in quite well. The teachers have only the nicest things to say." His lips curled into a pout as she pointed out how fast they tend to grow up. "Good to know. You know, if you're really missing those toddler years, just let me know whenever you're free, and I'll leave her with you for a few hours. I'm always looking for people who are willing to take her off my hands," he offered, grinning. But at the words that followed, JJ's expression turned serious, and he listened. He listened intently to every word she said and knew that she was right. Perhaps he needed to hear it. "You know what? You're right. I guess having a work-life doesn't just mean working less, but also for life to be more than just being a dad. I mean, I think I always knew that. But I wasn't willing to accept it. I didn't think I was ready, but... I think I really needed to hear someone say that to me, Espie. I needed to hear it from someone else, because that kind of makes it more real. I mean... Thank you, I guess?"

"I'm not delusional enough to still think I'm twenty one. I have a twenty one year old. But I'm not sure how I feel about the 'pushing fifty' of it all," she laughed. Granted, she had just over three years to go on that but still. It was uncomfortably close for someone who still felt a decade younger than she was. While Espie wasn't one to stress about aging and what came with it, she didn't necessarily like to be reminded of the fact. "I'm sure it will be a success! We've been working hard and we have heard quite a bit from locals primarily. I'm hopeful and excited!" That was the genuine truth. While this pushback against the sale of the plot of land was a huge undertaking, Espie was more than happy to volunteer her time. "How old is she now? Almost two?" she asked wanting to make sure she wasn't too far off base. "I did not volunteer to babysit! As adorable as Mia is, she's probably in better care at daycare. I do have a full time job these days. That wasn't the case when I was raising my own," she explained. At least not her older two. "I know I'm right! You're welcome! Everyone could use the reminder from time to time. Even me. But if you don't take my advice, I am always here to call you a loser to your face if you keep digging yourself in a hole. This is your warning."

#(conversation; jefferson)#para tag

"Some people do his and hers jewelry, matching t-shirts, and we… well, we can have matching face painting, and I don't really see how anyone could not be jealous of that," unless they were sane people, that… was always an option. But that was okay, Josh would be happy with it, and knew Espie would, too. "I'm sure that we'll have some time, though. I'll end up needing another food and hydration break before too long, so we can explore, make the rounds," and that was his favorite part of attending events like this, after all, was just getting to spend time seeing everyone, not missing out on anything that there was to offer. "Poor Efren," he said with a laugh as he turned back to Espie. But he really did pull his weight and work hard, and Josh was grateful for it. Though the team had grown over the years, he never turned down help, especially when it came in the form of family, and people that he knew he could trust and rely on. Dropping down into one of the chairs, he instantly stretched out his legs and let out a long, content groan, happy to get off of his feet for a bit, to just kick back and relax. Spring Fling? Fun. Spring Fling? Also exhausting. "Me too," he replied with a warm smile, "not just of this stand, but everyone. And the people spending money, too -- I knew that the businesses and people selling things would come together, but I'm surprised in a really good way at how much people are putting out into games and goods, it's really nice to see."

"I'll take matching face paint over matching outfits," Espie chuckled. She was open to a certain degree of cheesy couples wear but would draw the line at matching outfits. At least face paint was whimsical. "Let's see if we can refill this thing," she gestured toward the half empty box of gift bags, "then we can head back out of here for a bit." Espie did really need to get out from helping out at the tent and take the opportunity to explore the rest of the event. She laughed breathily through her teeth at the teasing of her son. Her kids knew it was all in good fun. She appreciated that. Once comfortable in her chair, Espie distributed items between Josh and herself for an assembly line of sorts as she spoke. "I'm happy seeing everyone come out, supporting. Not that I doubted it. But you never know! It's not until it's happening that you understand it may actually be successful.. It's a promising turn out. Huge step in the right direction in all of this."

#(conversation; josh)#para tag

"But you're so much better at it than she is," he whined playfully, going along with the jesting. Espie was more than enough woman for him, he didn't need to slip back into his days of playing the field, dating multiple women at once… sometimes, there was a lot of truth to the saying: when you know, you know. And he certainly knew. "I'll think about it, if you let your face be a canvas, too," he teased, leaning in to the touch at his jaw and unable to hide his smile. Maybe they could match? Get something ridiculous and over the top. But pretty, too, of course! "That's the way to put him to work," he shot a grin towards Espie's son, shooing him away after he got his orders -- teasing, of course, before turning his attention back to Espie. "Good, good. I'll help you, if you want, we can sit together, I can get off my feet. I'm sure you'd like to, too, everyone else can man the front for a little while, I'm sure Nathan and Chess won't mind helping out."

Espie simply shook her head, dismissively, rolling her eyes, playfully. While there had been a time where the pair had been seeing one another more casually, dating others, when they first reconnected, the pair were in a happily committed place where they could securely joke about fictional other partners. "Maybe.. we'll have to make some time to stop over there at some point," her head met a raised shoulder as she debated the idea of face paintings at some point. She wasn't completely opposed to the idea. "Everyone's pulling their weight! Some of us don't even work here!" Espie called out after her son, laughing when Josh teased as she ordered Efren around. Of course, Espie was always more than happy to help out with anything for the garage. But she would be lying if she denied finding it to her advantage a bit that her oldest son worked for her boyfriend. "I like that plan," she agreed. With that said, Espie let some of the garage's employees take over crowd interactions, leading Josh aways back where the pair could take a seat in lawn chairs and work on putting more gift bags together. She quickly rearranged the set up to be more comfortable for them both to work, before taking a seat. Espie paused for a drink of water from her bottle, before getting comfortable. "I have to say, this is all turning out to look like quite a success. I'm quite proud, I have to admit."

#(conversation; josh)#para tag

"Don't get me wrong. I love the real thing as much as the next person. But I like having the option, you know. These days, I haven't been able to hold down my alcohol as I once did. My liver's not as it used to be when we were in our twenties. God, time really does catch up with you sometimes, doesn't it?" He laughed softly at the thought of how much time had gone by since they were all kids. They weren't kids anymore. They were all parents now. "Oh, yeah? How is that going? I saw Kennedy the other day, and she said that you were all working hard on getting everything ready for the Spring Fling. I must say I'm very excited to attend. I'll be bringing Mia, of course." He grinned, taking another sip of his drink. "They all grow up so fast, don't they? Thankfully, I've got a long while before I'll have a kid in high school. I'm trying to enjoy having a toddler... Getting to know her little personality, watching her as she sees more and more of this world. Other than that, there's nothing much going on. Between Mia and work... It's not like I have the time to do anything else." Except for his arrangement with Kennedy, of course. But that had no place in this conversation. "In case you were wondering... Yes, I am on all of the dating apps. But I haven't had much luck. No one wants to go out with a single dad, you know?"

"As much as I hate to admit it, you are not entirely wrong.." Espie grimaced at the thought of aging. No matter how young she, or her liver, felt. She did have to admit that sometimes alcohol just wasn't the move these days. "I'm sure that everyone running booths and pulling committee hours, both, are running like headless chickens right now. I'll be helping Josh out with the garage's tent, personally," she explained. "How is little miss Mia?" she asked in return. "Enjoy it. Before you know it, they're adults in college," she feigned a frown. She was incredibly proud of her children. All four. But even she had to admit that having two adults and two teens now made her miss the toddler days just a bit at times. "Don't do that to yourself! You still need to find time for you outside of being a dad. And that includes not counting yourself out on the dating game. Keeping hobbies and keeping some sort of love life are both important in keeping your sanity. And don't sell yourself short. There are plenty who don't mind single parents. Look at me. I had four 8 and under, including two toddlers, when I got divorced. And look at me now. Don't dig yourself a pit of stress and loneliness."

#(conversation; jefferson)#para tag

"Shit," he groaned playfully when she asked if they were for her, glancing around as though looking for something -- or someone -- in particular, before shrugging both shoulders. "They were for my other girlfriend, but I've got a thing for girls like you, so I got you confused," he leaned forward to place a kiss to her lips before stepping around to join her with a smile. "You're welcome. It was either do a bouquet for you, or have Sam paint my face like a bouquet, I decided this was just a little bit better."

"Uh huh, then you better tell your other girlfriend it's her shift to man the tent over here," she retorted, brows raised, smile wide. "What, and you didn't want to let Sam use that sexy face to model some painting of flowers or something?" she teased, momentarily reaching up to brush Josh's chin with her hand. Really, she hadn't stopped by Sam's set up yet to see just what kind of face paintings were being done. It could be great work. No judgment to him. But she appreciated the flowers much more. "I am going to take these, and find somewhere to set them for safe keeping.. Or actually.." Espie turned to her son who was nearby, as an employee at the garage, asking him to find water for the bouquet and tuck them safely away from the hustle and bustle of the event. "While you were away, we did get a bit of traffic. Looks like people are interested! Or maybe just in need of some work.. But quite a few gift bags have gone," she gestured down to the stash beside her. "I might take a seat and start getting more together, if we need."

#(conversation; josh)#para tag

WHO: josh & @xespietamayo

WHERE: spring fling, downtown

WHEN: may, 2026

So far, so good. Spring Fling seemed to be keeping everyone busy, and no one had any complaints that he had heard. He saw people walking around with supportive buttons and t-shirts, people eating goodies, with bags slung on their arms from shopping at different booths... it seemed to him that they were heading in the right direction. And Josh had finally had a chance for a little bit of free time before he was set to meet up with Espie, seeing her waiting for him at the stand for Takato's and grinning as he stepped up behind her, a DIY-bouquet in hand that he flourished in front of her. "For you, my lady."

"For me? Look at you being all sweet and romantic," Espie teased with a grin. "Did you find the time to go make this?" she asked with a giggle, knowing that her friends were running a DIY bouquet bar. She truly appreciated the way that Josh always managed to make these moments for them, no matter what was happening around them. Mental note to return the gesture. Espie leaned up to give Josh a quick peck. "Thank you!"

#(conversation; josh)#para tag

For: @xespietamayo Location: The Garden

"Thanks for meeting me," Amber started as both she and her friend took a seat. "It was starting to feel a little like I'm married to my job. I haven't done anything in weeks." Which was embarrassing really, but too late to do anything about it now. All she could do was attempt to get out a little more now, especially with the weather improving by the day and the Spring Fling approaching.

"Of course! I can't pass up a good excuse to get together, here of all places," Espie smiled as she sat down. "It happens to the best of us! The important thing is you making time to do not work," she laughed softly.

#(conversation; amber)#para tag

STATUS: CLOSED (@xespietamayo)

LOCATION: Mawk Tales, Coast & Pier.

"I can't believe there's no booze in this," JJ remarked as he took a sip from the copper tumbler that held the non-alcoholic Moscow mule. "Not because it tastes like there is. I just can't believe I'm drinking it." He shrugged, taking another sip of the drink before setting down his tumbler. "But enough about me. Tell me... What's going on with you? I feel like I haven't seen you in forever." That was probably his own fault. Between adopting Mia and switching jobs, JJ had not been keeping up with all of his friends. This was just his way of changing that. "And how are the kids?"

"You know me, I love the real thing but sometimes these aren't half bad," she took a sip of her own, having ordered the same. "It's refreshing," she added. "Well.. we've been busy with this whole let's save the town from this resort BS business. The spring fling is coming up. Other than that, not much. The kids are all doing well! Efren is still in school part-time and working at the shop with Josh. Mimi will be back for summer break in a few weeks, which means we go pick her up. And the twins are well. Dance, baseball. Sophomore year, high school is getting serious," she let out a soft giggle. She was proud of her children and the adults they were all becoming. And she had a lot to be proud of for how much she had done on her own in raising them. "How about you? How is life treating you these days?" she returned the question before taking a couple more sips of her drink.

#(conversation; jefferson)#para tag #thank you! <3

"You know, Sadie is quite fond of Lily." Navy smiled, a fresh glass of fruit juice in each hand, one of which she extended towards the other. "I think watching her grow up has meant a lot to her; she's basically into all the things Lily is now and I think it's adorable." Navy nodded, sipping the glass in her own hand. She'd really grown to admire the families that lived in Merrock and while her and Espie didn't live in the same part of town, Navy really considered her to be someone she admired more; she just always seemed to have everything together in Navy's eyes. "I hope you guys are all doing well, by the way. That should've been my first question." she asked, the glass long forgotten as she grabbed a snack from the tent at the community garden. "It's good to see you out here."

"Thank you," Espie took the glass of juice from Navy with a smile. "Aw, that's sweet!" Espie adored Sadie and she loved hearing how she looked up to Lily. "Yes! Everything is good! We are all doing well, thanks for asking," she nodded. "I hope everything is going well with you guys, too."

#(conversation; navy)#para tag

Even though he had been at a perfectly acceptable age to have kids when Colton was born, he had also been straight off of a life on the road, sleeping with anything that moved, drinking and smoking and partying; he had felt like a child. Now, he felt steady, sure on his feet, like he knew what he was doing. The irony of being more tired, more sore, less energetic to do it right the second time around wasn't lost on him. "Oh, definitely. And the kids really help with him, the girls absolutely adore him and dote on him every second they can, and the boys are good about sitting with him while we catch up on house work or a nap -- or they do the house work, which is nice," less dishes for Cage to wash, and it would allow him to get back to work, too, which was needed. Apparently, the kids still wanted to eat. Who knew? "So fast, too," he said with a soft laugh, "I think we're good now, though. Shawn's off to college this summer, the girls are really enjoying school, it's kind of nice to just have Ronan at home during the day, you know?" he wasn't sure he wanted to rock that ship too much; he wanted to make sure each kid got what they needed. "How's your brood doing? Aimee's doing the college thing, right? Did Efren graduate yet, or is he in his last year now?"

"Is he their personal little doll?" she asked with a giggle. The girls had a similar age gap with the baby that her older kids had with her twins. She remembered those days and had found it quite amusing, so she was curious. "I'm sure! Nothing like quality baby time," she smiled. With kids so stretched out in age, she was sure that it helped the ability to focus on Ronan this time around. "So, is it official where Shawn is off to?" Espie asked, followed up by another pause for a sip of her drink before responding with updates on her own children. "They're doing well! The twins are.. well you see them around," she chuckled. "Yeah, she's doing her thing in New York. Veterinary program, soccer. It keeps her busy. It gives us an excuse to make the trip out whenever she comes home. Ethan, I think at this point is taking the extended route on school. My school, job, or move out rule has more or less become part time school, part time work, to stay under my roof." Not that Espie minded it. As long as her kids weren't up to any trouble, she would have them home with her.

#(conversation; cage)#para tag

"In all of the years I've lived in Merrock, I can't say I've seen anything as ridiculous as this," Mateo noted with a sigh. In a better world, Merrock wouldn't have to go through something like this. In a better world, there would be no threat for Merrock to be a tourist trap for outsiders. "I agree, whoever is up to the idea is rather wasting their time. I've also got the feeling it is something that would end up being rather detrimental in the long run, so I just hope we can put a stop to whatever this is. I mean, I don't want to be a "year-rounder" when I've been a local to this town almost my entire life."

"If I wanted to live in the middle of a tourist city, I would go back to Miami," Espie sighed. Having spent her married years in the city, the last thing she wanted was to see her tiny hometown disrupted by a resort. It all felt absurd to her. Espie paused to take a few sips of her drink before continuing. "Luckily, we've got some plans in the works. No need to act defeated already. We are going to fight this, no matter what it takes."

#(conversation; mateo)#para tag

Mwah. At first I thought that you meant a to-do list for Easter, and I was a little worried, but the more I thought about it, I'm… sure that you have one of those, too, actually. I just figured I go where you and my mom tell me to go, I eat the food, I eat the jelly beans, and I call it a day. Oh, you're not going to go gray and wrinkly with me…? But that's what it means to be in love, is to age naturally and with grace and accept that we're not teenagers anymore. No, I agree. A nice little quiet bungalow somewhere with ocean views and good surf sounds… really, really good, I can't lie.

I mean, you aren't entirely off. We made it through the Easter to-do list, effortlessly! As long as we made it to mass at some point before food, that's all that I asked for. And I didn't even force it to be sunrise service! That was more so for the kids though, I can't lie. I was already awake at 6. I promise to go gray and wrinkly with you.. in maybe another ten, fifteen years. Specifically, the graying part. If I were you, I would be more worried if I started doing the Botox thing. That would be a red flag of wanting to turn back the clock. I'm perfect okay with being in my 40s. Not quite 50 yet, don't push it. There's no reason to rush into old age, either. Who knows, maybe in ten, fifteen years there'll be grandbabies running around. I have a feeling that I'll be much more open to looking like a grandma then. For now, the red hair stays. Depends on when we go. It could give us something to look forward to come winter!

#(conversation; josh)#convo tag

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