addisongallo

[addisongallo]

Addison wouldn't have given him the compliment if she hadn't meant it. There were other ways to compliment him without lying to convince him to buy the painting. Calling him handsome would have worked as well, and Addison wasn't above a little flirting for the sale. But he did know his stuff and she was impressed. "How did you know all that? Most people have a hard time fully understanding another's taste in art. It is so subjective after all." Addison knew plenty of people who loved their family or spouse and still didn't know what the other liked in terms of art. "Well, he is still a local artist. But he has made a name for himself in this region of the country." She smiled, pleased that he liked it.

"Well, green is one of my favorite colors. But that wasn't the reason." She chuckled. "The movement. It looks as if the breeze is just blowing gently. The movement is peaceful but also like you are waiting for something." Addison explained.

❛ I APPRECIATE THAT, ❜ Ian replied, ducking his head. One too many hours spent a dinner parties listening to Elizabeth Rossi describe her latest find. At least it was paying off. He glanced back at Addison, noting the passion in her eyes as she spoke. It was refreshing to see someone so invested in their work; he could relate. His interest was piqued by her suggestion, stepping forward to analyze the piece. The colors blended into the canvas in a subtle yet tasteful haze, with the birds adding motion to the tranquil scene. ❛ Charles Voight, huh? I can't say I've heard of him, but this is right up her alley. ❜

❛ So, what made you choose to display this one? Is it the way he captures light, or the choice of subject? ❜ He tilted his head, genuinely curious. He wanted to learn, to understand what made this work worthy of the gallery — and, more importantly, his mother. ❛ I want to say it's because you like the color green, but that doesn't feel too inspired. ❜

[addisongallo]

Addison wasn't in the mood. Why would she be when she simply wanted a drink and to be left alone. But of course, that always came with the risks of running into men who felt entitled to her company. Despite her small stature, Addison could pack a real punch. And this man was going to learn that the hard way if he continued this. "I mean it. Last chance. Leave me alone." Her gaze remained steadfast on the bar ahead of her. Could he not understand one simple request? Leave her alone. How hard was it? Though, it seemed he truly was as stupid as he looked and soon he had the balls to touch her. That was it. Addison lost it and punched the man. He had it coming and if anyone here fought her on that, she'd point out his piss poor behavior. "Fuck off. Did you not get the hint?" She spat at the man as he nursed his face. Before he could fight back - a fight she was totally prepared for by the way, someone interjected. She glared at the man and dared him to now go against her and this other man. But finally he had some sense and left. With some assistance from the bigger man of course. With a scoff, Addison watched them.

"Thanks." She nodded as the other one came back. "You look like you've had some practice with dragging drunks out of places like this." She sat back on her stool and nodded towards the one next to her for the man to join.

───it was like a sixth sense; he could sense when someone was gonna be causing trouble. the man had attracted his attention because he had an eye for it; working as a bouncer at the club he always kept a trained eye out for any creeps that would make the girls uncomfortable, so he could escort them out —whether they followed willingly or not was of no actual concern of his; he had seen worse than drunken fools. his eyes drifted over the duo a few bar stools down once more when the woman’s tone of voice rose a tad. it wasn’t because he felt that he, as a man, should step in to play hero, but it was the courteous thing to do, especially as it seemed he had no intention to leave her the fuck alone as she kept asking. yet, as the man argued with her, he got up to show him the way out. just about reached them when she threw a good, solid punch, straight to the man’s fucking face. impressive, as it was, he quite didn’t expect that, she was still half his size; even if she needn’t the help as it seemed, he stepped before her as the man steadied himself, started with a ‘you fucking bitch,’ towards her. “you should go,” he offered, giving him a look and he was about to argue, kept trying to look past him at her, but Aiden was towering over her and made it nearly impossible for him.

his patience is short; he grabbed the man by the collar, roughly dragged him towards the exit  —he wasn’t going to repeat a word. the door closed behind him, and he made his way back to his seat. “nice throw,” he told her as he walked past by her.

[addisongallo]

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[addisongallo]

Addison was glad she could echo things she had heard from others. With no babies in her life, she certainly didn't know the first thing about how quickly children could age. Though she had heard plenty of others say similar things. And it seemed to have struck a cord. "Are they your only two then?" That was kind of a little bit of an age gap. "You will have your hands full then." Addison chuckled. "I agree, a bright and colorful nursery will be perfect for her then!"

Bright and colorful. Something engaging but cute still. Addison was mentally going through the pieces she had for sale in the gallery. "Well, this is a collection from an artist right here in New Bellevoux. This collection of different flowers is all mixed media and features bright and cheery subjects that you can keep as she grows up. Depending on the rest of the decorations, you could have these pieces last."

Grace smiled warmly at Addison's words, adjusting Frankie in her arms as the baby played with the hem of her shirt. "You're not wrong about that," she agreed, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "My oldest is already eight, and I swear it feels like she was just a baby yesterday." She glanced down at Frankie, her heart squeezing as she thought of how quickly time really did pass. "Seven months is such a sweet age, though. They're discovering so much about the world, and I can see Frankie already getting into everything," she chuckled softly, brushing a curl from the baby's forehead. "As for art, I love the idea. It’s something I’ve been meaning to explore more for the nursery. Plus, I think she’d love something bright and colorful."

Grace’s gaze lingered on the art pieces displayed nearby. She wasn’t an expert on these things, but Addison’s enthusiasm was contagious, and she could see how adding a few personal touches to the room would make it feel more complete. "I’m open to any suggestions. Maybe you can help me pick out something? I'm thinking something cheerful but calming. It’s a nursery, after all." Grace smiled at Addison, appreciating the gentle nudge toward something creative.

[addisongallo]

Addison was having a terrible day. Earlier that morning she had been called to the home from a nurse when her father was having a particularly bad episode. Though she knew she was the last one her father wanted to see, she still made her way there. It had been a hard morning from then on out. He had been terrible surprising no one. In his moments of semi clarity, he had cursed her out. Even her father with half a grip on reality knew she was still a disappointment to him. Even though the sun was still high in the sky, Addison needed a drink. Or maybe five. Parking her car, she stepped up on the sidewalk to go into the bar. She dropped her keys as she did so. When she reached for them Addison almost brushed someone's shoes. "Just grabbing my keys." Addison explained and stood up. "Oh - Tristan!" Tristan had been one of the last people she ever expected to run into. "What are you doing here?"

@tristanxmonroe

[addisongallo]

Addison was impressed. Most men who came in here who actually were looking for art for someone in their lives barely knew anything. It was akin to pulling teeth. Gaining any insight to the other was a task in itself. But he knew much more than that. "You really know her." Addison smiled at him. If he was looking for a big canvas too than any kind of print was out of the question. He was in the market for only an original piece.

"I hope so. I am proud of the artists I've been able to add to the gallery." Truthfully, it was something she was extremely proud of. Her life had consisted of a lot of events of her being passed over or ignored. Adding artists to the gallery was evidence of her hard work being appreciated. "If she likes impressionist landscapes, I suggest this artist from New Orleans. His name is Charles Voight. Here's one of his recent pieces from his trip to France. The landscape and focus on the tree gives it an almost abstract angle."

❛ I DO, ACTUALLY, ❜ Ian replied, a spark of interest igniting as he turned to face her. ❛ She has this soft spot for impressionist landscapes, especially nightscapes—something about the colors and the way they capture light just speaks to her. The bigger the canvas, the better. ❜ He stepped closer to one of the pieces, his gaze wandering over the brushstrokes as if searching for the perfect match.

He listened to her description, a grin forming. ❛ It sounds like you’ve got a treasure trove of talent in here. Nice to know that I’m supporting homegrown artists while I’m at it. ❜ His enthusiasm was genuine; the idea of finding something unique made the hunt feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. ❛ So, what do you recommend? Any pieces that really stand out? ❜ He leaned in slightly, a hint of playful mischief in his tone. ❛ Or are you going to keep me in suspense and let me figure it out on my own? ❜

[addisongallo]

Monica Barbaro

[addisongallo]

There were no children in Addison's life. None of her friends had settled down and had popped out a few kids. Or at least none of them she kept in contact with. Her family was just the same. So her experience with children was very low. "Seven months is a good age." Addison chuckled with a polite smile. "Before you know it she will be two years old and then sixteen." Time certainly flew by and it was a sentiment she often heard parents speak about. "Well, I am of the opinion that looking at art is the perfect way to spend the afternoon. And it's never too early to find something to elevate her nursery." Addison slipped in with a friendly smile. Maybe she could try to push one of the small prints of the local artists who offered those. Some of them were very affordable.

Grace smiled warmly at Addison, her gaze softening as she looked down at Frankie, who was wide-eyed and fascinated by the colorful art around her. "She’s seven months old now," Grace replied, her voice filled with affection. “Hard to believe, honestly. Time’s flown by. She’s starting to get into everything, keeping me on my toes.” She chuckled softly as Frankie reached out towards a nearby sculpture, her tiny fingers wiggling in the air. “I figured we’d take a break from the usual routine and pop in here for a change of scenery. It’s not often I get the chance to slow down and appreciate something like this. Thought it would be nice to show her a little bit of the world outside the house and playdates.” Grace gently stroked Frankie’s hand, smiling as the baby’s gaze darted between the artwork and Addison. “She’s always curious, though. I feel like she’s soaking everything in all the time. It’s amazing to watch.”

[addisongallo]

Why was it that men could not understand the simplest things? Addison was sitting at the bar. Alone. Minding her own business. Alone. And yet, men took that as an invitation to sit down and start hitting on her. She rolled her eyes. She tried to politely decline. And still he was not getting the hints. Addison put up with enough dumb and incompetent men in her family and her life to feel any kind of patience for this man. "I mean it. I want to drink alone, leave me alone." She reiterated. Her voice rose a bit. He still was not taking no for an answer and this time even drew close, reaching out to touch her face and brushed her cheek. That was it.

Addison pushed back the barstool with a loud scraping noise at the same time the man's voice rose. It all happened in an instance. Addison rose, the man got irritated at her attitude, and she felt another presence behind her. But before anyone could stop her, she pulled her fist back and punched the man. "Don't touch me!"

───coming back to the States had been so abrupt and unexpected that it had kind of thrown him off the loop; and it had not been for a good reason either, which was the worst part. it was bound to happen with his tour coming to an end, but not like that. adjusting to civilian life was always hard enough —dealing with his sister’s loss, their mother’s grief, and taking care of a one-year-old on top of it all was just the epitome of the saying the only easy day was yesterday. he is used to chaos though, reigns in it, and this wasn’t much different, except for the fact he struggled to accept that this was going to be his life from now on; being constantly Stateside, a dad, and working as a bouncer at a strip club where the most excitement one could get was escorting a couple of drunken dickheads out during the night.

the bartender placed another drink in front of him. he hadn’t missed the town, if he was being honest, every time he came back it felt like he saw the same old people around, the same old shit —or perhaps it was the fact that he was never meant to live here, to begin with, he was not meant for this kind of life. Aiden was minding his damn business when he caught notice of a guy becoming increasingly pushy and persistent towards the woman who was sitting a couple of stools away. blue eyes glanced over as he took a sip and decided that if she seemed uncomfortable, he was going to fucking show him the way out. ( @addisongallo )

[addisongallo]

[addisongallo]

Coming around on the other side of the counter, Addison looked at the piece that caught his eye. “Are you an artist yourself?” She asked. “Yes, we have quite a number from this town. I discovered one and brought in one of the artists actually.” Addison was proud of her accomplishment. She hoped she’d be able to bring in more and not just sell the art. Perhaps if he was an artist he could be another find for her.

It had been a slow morning, and even if Addison was angry with the world and her father she could be happy to see a customer. This was her job after all and putting on a friendly smile was key. "Browse away." Addison smiled, knowing that it meant he might not actually be a sale. "Art is made to be viewed. We have a lot to explore in our collection." Addison nodded and surveyed the piece he was looking at. "Most of the art in here is from local artists. A few are actually from New Bellevoux, but all are fairly local. Some are from New Orleans, some all around Louisiana and we even have a few from Texas."

[addisongallo]

Addison perked up. Clearly here was an actual customer who was meaning to buy something. Not a bored pedestrian who was only interested in looking. “Do you know what kind of art your mom likes?” Addison asked. Art, like clothes, were varied in taste for each person. Hopefully he could point her in the right direction. “It is!” She revealed proudly. “We pull artists from New Bellevoux, New Orleans, other towns in Louisiana. And even a few from Texas.” There were even a few artists she had discovered and brought in herself.

Who: Open 0/4 @newbellevouxstarters Where: Artful Aura

"Welcome to Artful Aura." Addison's voice came from behind the tall counter at the back of the gallery. The little chime above the door alerted her to the new customer. "Are you looking for something in particular today, or just browsing?" Leaving the paperwork she had been working on, Addison approached the person. As their gaze moved to the piece hanging on the wall, Addison launched into professional mode. "That's a new piece actually. We just got it in from a local artist working out of New Orleans. Do you like it?"

[addisongallo]

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[addisongallo]

The dogs were cute. If not a bit overly friendly. But still cute. So Addison couldn't mind too much when her heart did melt for them. But he didn't speak. Instead he only waved at his ears. "What?" She asked. Addison didn't understand what he meant and she wasn't quick on the uptake. But then he typed on his phone. Addison read the message and blinked. Suddenly it all clicked. He was deaf! "I'm sorry, I don't know sign language." She apologized and pet his dogs some more. "Though, in their defense I think everyone is their friend. It's hard not to be when you look at them."

If anything, Elliot was glad that she didn't seem to mind when his dogs made their way over to her. Smiling as she let them sniff at her hand, doing his best to follow along with what was being said to him. His eyes going instantly to her mouth, nodding along as she spoke. Once she was done, he gave her another smile before he waved a hand at his ear and gave a shake of his head. The easiest and fastest way he could let someone know that he was deaf. Quickly reaching for his phone and swiping over to his notes app so that he could type a reply back out to her. Sorry about them- they're just convinced that every person they come across is destined to be their friend. Laughing as he turned his phone around so she could read what he had written out.

[addisongallo]

"Hey if it works for cheerleaders who is to say it won't work for the fire department?" Addison joked. And from the looks of the pictures on the calendar plenty of them would look great shirtless and wet. "I think you'd make a killing that way too."

Flipping back to the calendar, Addison checked him out on the group shot of the guys. "Star player? Oh, is that what you're telling yourself?" Addison laughed. "I'm surprised they didn't put their star player on every page then." She laid it on thick with the teasing sarcasm. "I mean, is five dollars enough to see all these glorious outtakes?"

Ah the ever painful doom scrolling. Addison was well acquainted with it and the feeling of looking up and seeing it was hours later. "I should probably delete mine. I've lost too much time to doom scrolling." But it was so easy to lose time in one. So he had a boyfriend. Addison wasn't surprised, she knew he had only been flirting with her as a sale tactic. "I imagine he would actually enjoy those videos."

"Carwash? Damn I wish I had thought of that!" Eddy joked. It was hard enough to get some of the guys to agree to a calendar, so he wasn't sure he'd be able to convince them to wash some cars.

Edward's grin grew wider when she asked if he was featured anywhere else. Happy to show off at any given opportunity of course. "Hell yeah, I'm also on the cover, there." He pointed to his head at the back of the crowd of firefighters "They didn't want to show off their star player too soon I guess..." he joked "And I'm on the back group shot, there were plenty of outtakes too, but that'll cost you an extra donation." He shot the girl a wink, laying on the charm thick and heavy.

"I deleted Tiktok months ago, that stuff is far too distracting, but I may be enticed back on if these calendars do well." Eddy shrugged. "Though I don't know how my boyfriend would feel about me thirst trapping or whatever you call it" He knew mentioning Alexi may dash his chances of continuing the flirt tactic, but he felt he had to somehow.

[addisongallo]

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[addisongallo]

"Well then, I'm glad you stopped in today." Addison smiled. Sure, part of it was because there was a chance she could make a sale with a new customer. But also because everyone should enjoy the gallery and art! Even if the woman and her baby were only in here today to take in the art before going on their way. At least she'd admired the art - which was what art was for. Something her father could never understand. "She's adorable. How old is she?" Addison asked and smiled at the wide-eyed baby in the stroller. She didn't have any kids of her own, but Addison could imagine how busy life could be with a child.

Grace pushed the stroller gently, her daughter Frankie cooing softly as they strolled down the bustling downtown street. With her two older daughters at school, this was her rare moment of quiet, and she was determined to make the most of it. As she passed Artful Aura, the vibrant art in the window caught her eye, and she found herself pausing. She leaned forward slightly, rocking Frankie’s stroller back and forth as she admired the piece in the window. It was bold, colorful, and striking in a way that made her want to see more. Without much thought, she decided to head inside.

As a voice greeted from behind the counter. Grace smiled at the young woman, a hint of warmth in her expression as she continued to gently rock the stroller. “Just looking, really,” Grace replied, her eyes scanning the pieces lining the walls. “I’ve actually never been in here before.” The truth of that statement tugged at her a little. Having three kids under ten and going through a divorce had left little room for things like this—things she used to love, like strolling through galleries, taking in art. “Life’s been… busy,” Grace added with a soft laugh, glancing down at Frankie, who was wide-eyed and staring at everything around her. @addisongallo