chiaravitale

[chiaravitale]

She felt her heart racing, fully expecting him to lay into her even after she explained, only to widen her eyes when he said it was okay. "Oh." she breathed, feeling herself relax a little, offering him a small nod when he said it was his own fault for leaving it unlocked. "I tell myself the same thing and still left it unlocked. Or so I thought, now I'm not so sure that I actually did since it's not even my car I was in." she added, though felt herself exhale at his question. "I'm just -" a pause. "I'm helping my dad keep his restaurant up and running and it's taking a lot out of me." she admitted. "More than I realized; I'm getting careless." she sighed. "Thank you. For understanding. And for not having me arrested. That may have just been the cherry on top of everything and I'd throw in the towel." @jeremyxlieberman

He was quiet as he listened to the woman speak, or rambled, her explanation. He stayed stoic as he listened to the whole thing and knew instantly that she wasn't at fault there. He had seen the other Bronco like his around before so he could understand her confusion if this was the one in question. His gaze did go to where she pointed and saw the Bronco before he looked back at the clearly frantic woman. "It's okay." He finally said and gave her a smile to let her know that he wasn't bent out of shape about it. "It's really my fault for leaving the thing unlocked." Jeremy said with a shrug. "You okay? You seem frazzled." @chiaravitale

[chiaravitale]

"I don't know any event planners but that's also not a bad idea." she admitted. "Do you know any?" she questioned, wanting the other's opinion, truly. "Game nights are doable. Even a bring your own game night or something." she shrugged. "If we're talking board games. I'm sure that I could make some sort of trivia game or something." a shrug. It was starting to feel like a whole lot of trouble; and what if it was for no reason at all? "I don't hate the idea, that's for sure. I'll keep it in mind and mention it; whatever I can do to keep the place I'm not opposed to." she stated. It was Franny's statement about Chiara always being what she needed. "You've always been mine too." she admitted, letting her eyes meet Franny's. The mention of Veni helping made Chiara nod. "How'd you manage that?" she questioned. "I mean, I can't get him to help out much here without complaining." @frannyxreyes

Franny felt good that she was able to help her. All she wanted was to help Chiara out and take some of the stress from her. "Yes, talk with them." She urged. "I'm not sure. Maybe we... you could hire an event planner to help plan something." She suggested, not really great at coming up with a theme either. "Or, maybe a game night or something. Something fun to get people in to help. But you know this town. They hear the word 'fundraiser' and they'll come running to help." That was the best thing about Kismet Harbor. They always looked out for each other. Franny let out a sigh. "You were always what I needed just by being with me." She admitted and her heart just ached. Shaking her head, she swallowed and took a breath. "No. It's... fine. Veni helped a little. I just got to decide what to do." She told her with a shrug. "She's a teenager. I don't think she's going to realize that for another few years." @chiaravitale

[chiaravitale]

Okay, so that was exactly what it had been, but it wasn't on purpose. She exhaled as she nodded, agreeing to his statement. "I was." she admitted. "But I didn't mean to." she added. She took a step towards him and further away from the car. "My father has this exact same car - color, model, everything - and I drove it today instead of my usual car. I had to come to town to get lumber, which will only fit in the back of my dad's Bronco." she exhaled. "I wasn't paying attention and saw your car, got in and it was only once I saw the stuff in the passengers seat that I realized I was in someone else's car." she explained, though she was sure she sounded crazy. "My dad's car is right over there." she pointed, same parking spot, a row over. "I'm so sorry. I wasn't trying to cause trouble." @jeremyxlieberman

Jeremy had gone into the shop for a few things and was heading out when he noticed someone in his Bronco. It was definitely curious and he started walking faster when the woman hopped out in a hurry. He crossed his arms and looked at her curiously. "It looks like you were in my car." He said and approached a little more. "What's going on here?" @chiaravitale

[chiaravitale]

"Neither did I." she shuttered, placing the carafe on a pile on the floor, shuttering as she gave one last look at the Barbie. "I want to know the story behind this place." she exhaled, taking a look around at the kitchen. She'd seen videos, heard stories of places that looked like this, but, something about experiencing it first hand made her really sad. "I'm happy we can help, even if this is more than I expected." she sighed. "But it's sad. Do you know who lived here?" @adinaxlevy

Adina almost couldn't tear her eyes away from the sight at hand. "You and me both," she grimaced, holding it further away from her body. "I couldn't tell you." She knew the question had been primarily rhetorical. Could anyone answer why the doll was naked? Probably not even the person who had done it. Adina took the doll, sticking it in the carafe, "For safe keeping, I suppose." She said with a wrinkle of her nose. "When I signed up to do this I did not know I was going to be traumatized after doing it." @chiaravitale

[chiaravitale]

𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 @jeremyxlieberman

"Hang on a second." she paused, looking around the interior of the older Bronco she'd just hoisted herself into. Something about this felt off. For starters, the stuff in the passengers seat was not at all what she'd left there, nor was it something she recognized as being her father's. She hated driving this thing anyways, but, it had been convenient that the vehicle still ran now that she were making multiple trips for wood or other things that she needed for repairs here and there. It served her much more purpose than her smaller car did. She looked down, stretching her foot out, toe barely touching the gas. Another indication something was off. She looked in the rearview, barely able to see anything due to the way that the mirror - along with the side mirrors - were adjusted, yet it was the steering wheel - fully in tact - that made her realize it. She were in the wrong car. "Oh no!" she spoke, grabbing her purse and exiting the vehicle frantically, eyes scanning for the one she was supposed to be in when she saw someone approaching and staring at her. "I promise this isn't what it looks like!"

[chiaravitale]

𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 @venixvitale

"I've done some thinking." she admitted. "And there were a few options presented to me." she spoke, shifting the notepad towards her brother after an exceptionally long morning shift. It was nice to have the silence of the park where she could talk to him. "Someone - well, Franny - suggested we close for a few weeks, remodel and reopen." she stated. "But wed don't have the funds for that; every dime we make is going towards the restaurant as is so if we do that we'll close down, for sure." she sighed. "So maybe we should try a fundraiser? I don't know who, or what but, it seems like a reasonable place to start, none the less."

[chiaravitale]

"A fundraiser could work." she nodded. "I'll definitely talk to Papa, Veni, see what everyone else feels." she stated. "What kind of fundraiser though?" she questioned. She was not the kind of person to plan things; not like that. Chiara was a much more cut and dry kind of person, not steering too far away from what was normal. A fundraiser was scary; something she didn't hate, but, scary territory none the less. When the other admitted she didn't care about any of that, Chiara shook her head. "I know. But guilt." she shrugged. "I don't like the thought of knowing I can't be what you need from me." she stated, though at this point she was sure she just sounded like she was making an excuse. It was only once Franny took a step back that Chiara felt herself longing for her to be closer again. "Do you need help getting settled?" a bold question considering she'd have basically given Franny every reason to think she was avoiding her. Which wasn't an entire lie; she just missed her too much. "Or talking some sense into Catalina so she realizes how great of a listener you are?" @frannyxreyes

Chiara's touch on her skin sent a fire throughout Franny. She had yearned for her touch every day for weeks and now she never wanted it to go away. She was quiet as the woman she loved thought over her idea and then nodded at the concern of them losing money. "What about a fundraiser? You know how this community is and everyone loves this place." She gave out another idea. She could literally do anything to help Chiara. At the admission, her heart ached and she reached out to take her hand. "You know me well enough to know I understand and don't care about that." Her voice was almost pleading with Chiara and she wished things could be different. "I'm..." She moved back and shook her head. "Surviving. I have a home that feels like a time capsule and a teen who would rather be anywhere but there." She shrugged. "She doesn't talk to me." @chiaravitale

[chiaravitale]

"Oh mio dio.." Chiara spoke, eyes averting towards the other as she turned. She too was sporting elbow length gloves, her hair pulled back - not as neatly now - as she began helping the rest of the group clean the apartment. She'd decided to help out a friend who had convinced her it was an easy way to reengage with the town, and while she loved Kismet Harbor, there was a selfish part of her that primarily hoped to pick the brains of some other locals to see who she could contact about some restaurant business. "That is the most terrifying thing I've ever seen." she admitted, shuttering before she looked away. "I have so many questions. Why is it in the middle of this pile in the kitchen." she started. "And why is it naked?" She turned her head, picking up the carafe from the counter, prying it off the counter from where it had stuck to it. "Found this. Not sure how useful it is, but, found it." @adinaxlevy

starter for anyone (capping at 2)

location: random home in kismet harbor

When Adina was asked by a friend to help out with the local Hands on Kismet Harbor group, she didn't expect it to include cleaning out someone's apartment. Adin'a wore rubber gloves that went up to her elbows, afraid of what she might find. And then there it was, "What in the world," Adina grimaced, picking up a blonde, naked Barbie doll that she found on the floor. "I really hope a kid lived here or something." She held it up and looked at it with furrowed brows. "Or else is this going to be really creepy."

[chiaravitale]

"Oh yeah, definitely." she nodded. She wasn't an expert in the sense of social media but she knew enough to know there had been more things she'd watched that she didn't see for days to weeks on end, proving the other's comment about the algorithm was accurate. "It's very frustrating, but, I think all I'd need is a few shares and trust the social media experts to do the rest." she laughed. "It is, and definitely above my personal ability, so, hiring someone would be my only option." she shrugged. That was something for her to decide later. "I'm manager at Vila Vitale." she exhaled, the hint of exhaustion heavy on her lips. "My parents opened it back in the early two thousands and I've come back home to help my dad out." @carmenxfontenelle

[chiaravitale]

Hearing the other volunteer not only her time but her younger sister's time made Chiara exhale, though she couldn't fight the smile forming on her lips. Leave it to Franny to be the one to make Chiara smile even when she nearly wanted to cry from the stress of it all. "I appreciate it." she nodded, hand outstretching towards the other's, thumb brushing the other's skin as she stood there in the silence for a moment. "I don't think closing for a few weeks is a bad thing.." she started, indicating she was not only listening but letting the other know she admired her opinion. Even if they weren't together. "I'm just scared that closing will put us under. I need to crunch some numbers, see what I can do to make it happen, or at least see what it would look like, but." she exhaled, her own eyes meeting the other's when she said she missed her. "I can't give you the time of day you deserve." Was all Chiara muttered before she looked back at Franny. "How are you?" she asked, the hint of the word really lingering on the end. "How's Catalina?" @frannyxreyes

Franny listened to her and she hated this. She hated seeing the woman she loved so tired. She wanted to do everything she possibly could to help, but now she didn't know where she stood in Chiara's life. "I know you are." Franny knew whatever she was doing, the woman was doing as best as she could. There was no doubt in her mind that was the case. And she understood why she felt like she couldn't talk to her dad about closing the place. She didn't want to make things worse for him. "What about closing for a week or two? Have the staff help with the list and have a grand reopening event?" She offered. "I can help out on my days off. I can get Catalina to join in too." She offered up without thinking of if it was okay. Franny just wanted to help. As Chiara explained why she broke up with her, she reached out and touched her arm. "You know this isn't about making time for each other. I'd be here in a second to help you." She looked at her and took a deep breath. "I miss you." Her heart ached and she wanted so desperately to touch the other's cheek. "I miss you so much." @chiaravitale

[chiaravitale]

THE END

Veni was right. There wasn’t a single bone in Chiara’s body that would argue that he wasn’t; because she knew. Kismet had always kind of been that way; the town wasn’t just gossip, but, they did stick together through and through, And it was no secret that Giuseppe Vitale was in no shape to be running the restaurant; it was only a matter of time before the rumors started spreading if Chiara had been the only one that had shown up to help. Not to mention, she was sure  Veni was just stubborn enough to do it regardless.

“Then I won’t.” Chiara shouted, though closed her eyes as she took a deep breathe. Not only was she making a scene which she hated doing; she knew deep down Veni didn’t deserve to be talked to like that. It wasn’t entirely Veni’s fault that Chiara was so angry anyways; she’d uprooted her entire life in Washington to move back here to take care of things and while she’d not thought twice about it when she realized how bad it all was, it was an hard adjustment and she couldn’t deny how sad she was anymore. Sad about her breakup. Sad about moving back home. Sad about their father’s health; it was all almost too much for Chiara to handle on her own. “Mi dispiace, Veni.” She apologized, sighing as she ran her hand through her hair, a habit she’d picked up from their mother through the years. The comfort of her mannerisms that Chiara saw in herself often helped her live day to day without being overcome with grief; though there were days it was still hard. She listened as Veni began explaining his thoughts and she shrugged. “I’m not going to tell you you can’t, but that’s yours.” She admitted. “I don’t want you to feel like you have to. I can find a person to contact.” She almost preferred to do that anyways. Not that she ever for a second really believed Veni would hold it over her head, but, going through a professional would take the strain off of both of them she was sure.

“Then I’ll set up a meeting.” She stated, nodding. “Send me your schedule for the next few weeks and I’ll squeeze it in whenever works for you.” She admitted. “Unless you want me to go without you but I think for this it really should be both of us.” She stated, eyes averting to a table that was trying hard to get their waiters attention, sending Chiara towards the kitchen door to check in on things; nearly running into said waiter in the process. One day this wouldn’t be a problem. She listened, trying her best to hide the smirk that was on her lips as she saw the resemblance of their father in her younger brother. The two could’ve been twins in a past life she was sure. “I know.” She nodded, her voice a whisper as she nodded. “I don’t either but he needs me..” she stated. Sure, their father needed Veni too but Chiara wasn’t about to say that again. She exhaled, taking a step so she was now standing behind Veni, her eyes glancing at the list in his hand. “You think there’s anything on that list maintenance wise we could knock out together?” Chiara wouldn’t consider herself a ‘fix it’ kind of gal, but, she had grown up watching their father fix odd and end things around the restaurant enough that she was sure she could hammer a nail or two into some trim if that’s what needed to be done. @venixvitale

[chiaravitale]

"Okay, yeah." she smiled, looking up at the other as he explained that it was a more exclusive thing, but that sample nights were also a possibility. "I definitely think that could work out well for us." she admitted. "I'll keep you guys in mind when I'm planning things." she nodded, a stack of papers on top of a planner in front of her, a clear indication she was constantly planning something. Not that she minded, it was just a lot of work for someone that wasn't used to it. Thankfully she'd grown up in the restaurant business. "Let me figure out what we can afford and I'll go from there, alright?" she smiled. "But I think this will be a beautiful addition."

THE END

"Not quite," he told her, "we can get quite a few bottles for small batch pours but I'd consider them to be more exclusive." He told her, "Not that you can't run sample tasting nights for them as well. We do it at the winery all the time." Sanjit explained to her, "Great," he said with a nod of his head. "I love partnering with local businesses. I think it brings us together as a community and brings business to both places." The vineyard wasn't hurting for business by any means, but it was a perk. "We can definitely start working on something together." @chiaravitale

[chiaravitale]

Chiara was excited to make a new friend. Kismet Harbor hadn't been home for her entire life - she hadn't moved here until she'd been in her twenties after all - but there was something about it that she always adored, and the people here was only part of it. When he seemed to question where Cresthill was, she nodded, laughing. "That sounds perfect. I'm not great with directions either." she admitted. "I'm very much a 'it's right past the grocery store' type of person." she admitted. "She does okay there, but she does tire out easily, so, we can play it by ear." she nodded. "I'm very happy I ran into you." @xxkajtattooxx

THE END

Kaj snorted, nodding in agreement. He smiled softly as she put her number in, gently grabbing it once she was finished. It was nice to have plans to hang out with someone. Though he didn't have a lot of time, he'd make it for some much needed socialization. Despite his job being full of conversation, it wasn't the same when he was working on a tattoo. He still needed precision and a deep focus. Not only was he was he excited to hang out with someone, but he was excited for Lazarus to be able to play. "Cresthill, Cresthill," he repeated, brows furrowed as he looked around, as if that would give him an idea of where that was. "Y'know what? We'll talk and I'll just GPS it." He was never good with directions or locations, even though he'd lived in Kismet for years. "Totally. I know Laz does fine at the dog park, but if your girl doesn't we can definitely go to yours."

[chiaravitale]

"Oh yeah, definitely." she nodded. She wasn't an expert in the sense of social media but she knew enough to know there had been more things she'd watched that she didn't see for days to weeks on end, proving the other's comment about the algorithm was accurate. "It's very frustrating, but, I think all I'd need is a few shares and trust the social media experts to do the rest." she laughed. "It is, and definitely above my personal ability, so, hiring someone would be my only option." she shrugged. That was something for her to decide later. "I'm manager at Vila Vitale." she exhaled, the hint of exhaustion heavy on her lips. "My parents opened it back in the early two thousands and I've come back home to help my dad out." @carmenxfontenelle

"It really is," she said with a nod of her head. "At least for the most part. Sometimes the algorithm messes everything up and then I don't see something for a day or two after the fact." Her nose wrinkled with the thought, "so that can be pretty annoying." She smiled at the woman, "It may be helpful to have. I know that's a whole job in itself keeping social media updated." With the agreement from the woman, she beamed, "Great," she moved up to the counter, ordering for the both of them. "What restaurant do you work for?" @chiaravitale

[chiaravitale]

Chiara knew that Franny had a point. Chiara would be working herself to the same position her father was in if she didn't slow down and she knew that; there was just so much to be done and not enough time to do it. "The managers have been a big help." Though she wasn't including the fact she was one of those managers; promoting herself to help out here in place of her father once she'd returned to Kismet Harbor. Though she let her hand move to wipe underneath her eye, trying to hide the fact that she was nearly in tears from exhaustion. "I'm doing the best I can with what I've got." she admitted. "The to do list is a mile long, growing more and more every day. Sales are down. I should be having the conversation with Papa about closing this place but I can't do that.." she rambled, though it was the other's question that brought her back to reality, her own thoughts subsiding. "This changed." she admitted, arms up, hands extended in a 'ta-da' movement before she looked back at Franny. "I'm in over my head, and I don't know where the end of this is." she admitted softly. "I barely have time to eat these days much less anything else." she whispered, though, she looked at the other a moment later. "I miss you though. Cavolo, quanto mi manchi." she whispered, her native tongue slipping in conversation as she looked at her. "You look great.." @frannyxreyes

"I figured." She had talked to Veni and he made it clear he wasn't a restaurant person. Franny didn't really approve since it was his family and he should help, but it was obvious that wasn't going to happen. "Yes, but it doesn't always have to be you. Or at least you alone." Franny tried saying before letting out a sign. "I know." She looked at the woman she loved and her heart just ached. "What happened? What changed when you got here?" @chiaravitale

[chiaravitale]

Veni was right. There wasn’t a single bone in Chiara’s body that would argue that he wasn’t; because she knew. Kismet had always kind of been that way; the town wasn’t just gossip, but, they did stick together through and through, And it was no secret that Giuseppe Vitale was in no shape to be running the restaurant; it was only a matter of time before the rumors started spreading if Chiara had been the only one that had shown up to help. Not to mention, she was sure  Veni was just stubborn enough to do it regardless.

“Then I won’t.” Chiara shouted, though closed her eyes as she took a deep breathe. Not only was she making a scene which she hated doing; she knew deep down Veni didn’t deserve to be talked to like that. It wasn’t entirely Veni’s fault that Chiara was so angry anyways; she’d uprooted her entire life in Washington to move back here to take care of things and while she’d not thought twice about it when she realized how bad it all was, it was an hard adjustment and she couldn’t deny how sad she was anymore. Sad about her breakup. Sad about moving back home. Sad about their father’s health; it was all almost too much for Chiara to handle on her own. “Mi dispiace, Veni.” She apologized, sighing as she ran her hand through her hair, a habit she’d picked up from their mother through the years. The comfort of her mannerisms that Chiara saw in herself often helped her live day to day without being overcome with grief; though there were days it was still hard. She listened as Veni began explaining his thoughts and she shrugged. “I’m not going to tell you you can’t, but that’s yours.” She admitted. “I don’t want you to feel like you have to. I can find a person to contact.” She almost preferred to do that anyways. Not that she ever for a second really believed Veni would hold it over her head, but, going through a professional would take the strain off of both of them she was sure.

“Then I’ll set up a meeting.” She stated, nodding. “Send me your schedule for the next few weeks and I’ll squeeze it in whenever works for you.” She admitted. “Unless you want me to go without you but I think for this it really should be both of us.” She stated, eyes averting to a table that was trying hard to get their waiters attention, sending Chiara towards the kitchen door to check in on things; nearly running into said waiter in the process. One day this wouldn’t be a problem. She listened, trying her best to hide the smirk that was on her lips as she saw the resemblance of their father in her younger brother. The two could’ve been twins in a past life she was sure. “I know.” She nodded, her voice a whisper as she nodded. “I don’t either but he needs me..” she stated. Sure, their father needed Veni too but Chiara wasn’t about to say that again. She exhaled, taking a step so she was now standing behind Veni, her eyes glancing at the list in his hand. “You think there’s anything on that list maintenance wise we could knock out together?” Chiara wouldn’t consider herself a ‘fix it’ kind of gal, but, she had grown up watching their father fix odd and end things around the restaurant enough that she was sure she could hammer a nail or two into some trim if that’s what needed to be done. @venixvitale

He looked at her, "And you and I both know me not being here wouldn't look good, I would look bad and be called names for now showing up for the family," so he was going to show up and do what he could, even if it annoyed him. He didn't like that it did, but the memories were so bad for him. All linked to moving to another country as a teenager, and he was upset about that.

"I don't need you to tell me, I already know." he may not always answer calls and messages, but he knew their father, and they cared and missed him. But he was sure there were ways to get help and help the place without her having to be stressed out and him having to cut back on his real job to be there. "I wouldn't have offered if I didn't want to. I have one that's more for casual stuff and fun. I don't use it as much anymore." It was smaller, older, and not as fun as it used to be for him. It wouldn't make a lot, but it would make a significant dent in helping. "Also, I don't like you saying that I'd hold it over your head for years if I did it. he wouldn't do that; he was doing it because he wanted to.

"I don't know, but I think outside help with someone who knows how to handle this sort of thing is a good idea." he had no idea himself. "It shouldn't be so we can look up who can help, who knows how to fix things like this. "I am not mad at papa." he was talking with hands like their father did when annoyed and had to catch himself to stop. " I am just ...annoyed this isn't what I wanted..." he didn't want to be close again to be hurt again as much as he was when they lost their mother. @chiaravitale.

[chiaravitale]

"That's what I've been told." Chiara winked, eyes focused on the other for a moment. It had felt like a lot longer than she'd have liked for her to be able to just chill like this. Granted, she was walking her dog, but, most of her free time these days was spent at the restaurant that even five minutes felt like a break sometimes. When the other handed her his phone, she placed her number in it, texting herself and then gave it back, offering him a smile. "I'm actually in Cresthill Meadows." she stated. "I know there's a dog park there too that people use a lot so I'd say that may be a good place." she nodded. "Or if not my house has a fenced in yard; maybe we can socialize them there." @xxkajtattooxx

"Great minds think alike, right?" Kaj was glad they agreed on that. It wasn't the dog's fault they were small, and even if he didn't prefer small dogs, he fully believed there were no bad dogs. "Yeah, yeah. Absolutely," he said, reaching into his front pocket and pulling out his phone to hand to her. "There's always time for these babies. Almost all of my free time is just him, and art." It was what he loved, though. Both gave him time to clear his mind. Lazarus was his biggest priority outside of work. "That works. Where abouts do you live?" he asked. "It would give them more space to really get to know each other. I think they'll love it."