roblesgavin

[roblesgavin]

     It was like nails on a chalkboard being recognized sometimes. Especially when it was that whole 'is that really you?' gambit. Gavin groaned a little before he turned to fully face the person that apparently knew him beyond the celebrity/fan means. Over the years and all the places he'd been around the world, not to discount two head injuries as well, his mind was working overtime to place this guy. "In the flesh, as you live and breathe," he said only slightly dramatically, hand to his chest and straight faced, with the full sarcasm one would expect from a modern day, post racing career Gavin. "If you want a picture or something we'll have to make it fast."

closed starter for @roblesgavin

location: xp gas station

Rio furrowed his eyebrows together at the sight of the man that was currently pumping gas just ahead of him, trying to figure out if it was really Gavin or not. "Whoa." Dario climbed out of his pick up truck and laughed. "Gavin?! Holy shit, man. Is that you?" He was excited to see an old friend, someone that he'd met on the road years ago. Rio could barely remember some of the things they'd done before one of them had left but it was great to see him. "I can't believe it's you, bro."

[roblesgavin]

     When Benji shifted over into his passenger seat Gavin slipped into the man's car and situated himself behind the wheel. As someone who'd survived two horrific wrecks he couldn't stand the possibility of someone else possibly facing that. They're ruined his life, an driving while inebriated was a whole different ballgame. No one say that Gavin Robles doesn't have a heart. "Wouldn't it be better if you sleep in your bed or on your couch with a bathroom nearby?" Of course the obligatory wastebasket would be set near him. "Don't have to do all of what?"

benji certainly didn't expect to see someone he knew while he were in this state. even so, he was pretty thankful that the other stepped in when he did because there no telling where he would have landed himself otherwise. hopefully, he would have just managed to fall asleep in his car before getting on the road. "alright." he sighed and shifted into his passenger seat slowly. "i can just nap in my backseat. you don't have to do all of this."

[roblesgavin]

     Even though Gavin shouldn't turn his nose up at gifts his face was  half grimace, half smile when his eyes landed on the coffees that Nicole had brought. "Mmm, yumm, coffee. Just what everyone wants in a club that has a full bar." Tone just as surly and broody as he was, the two time world champion lightly bumped shoulders with her and went for the hot coffee. Even though he'd pulled it close to himself he hadn't lifted it to his mouth for a drink of it. There was just something about iced coffee he couldn't get behind. It just wasn't right. And Gavin Robles was nothing if not stuck in his ways. 

     "Believe it or not, the guy's name is Henry Miller," for the first time in a while Gavin turned an amused look to someone. "Pretty good, heard him play a few times, would be kinda nice if he could play like the other Henry Miller wrote." Just like in racing, though, someone had to fill the middle of the pack. Not all could be out front fighting for the win and the big points. "You gonna stick around?" It wasn't often he liked someone's company these days and Nicole wasn't too bad. Easy on the eyes too.

CLOSED STARTER FOR @roblesgavin Location: The Hideaway

Sinking into the booth of the club next to the owner, two untouched coffees were placed on the table in front of him. "I wasn't sure what mood you'd be in today so I've brought both iced and hot coffee. Take your pick, I'll have the other." One of her shoulders lifted in a quick shrug.

The doctor and the ex-driver were more alike than they appeared. It seemed their emotional turmoil intertwined. Their lives, once envisioned on an upward trajectory to personal glory, were now dismantled. Nicole could only liken them to two Ferrari's at the Canadian Grand Prix–retired from the race early. "Anyone performing today?"

[roblesgavin]

[roblesgavin]

     It was pretty rare to find himself in a conversation with a fan and they bring up his accidents. The first, Gavin had been able to recover from and push on, he'd managed to win another champsionship. It was the second, when he was in pursuit of his third championship that a wreck had ended his career. Given that he wasn't the most sensitive when it came to things it wasn't necessarily right for him to expect others to be, and he sure had hate from fans of other teams always willing to hurl insults and degrading comments at him. This, however, was intimate, and far removed from a grand prix or related event. At most gavin nodded at her comment about his actions to get back up and continue on commendable, he'd already been rude to her and while he wasn't afraid of causing a scene anywhere, it was the fact that she actually seemed an endearing fan that kept his mouth shut despite his frustrations and bitterness.

     "Why not?" Curiosity, more so nosiness, always got the best of him. If she had been willing to share that much, why not more? "Silverstone," he genuinely smiled, while he'd won there several times, there was no asking which specific season it was that she had been there, "one of my favorite tracks." God, he missed it so much. His whole life was taken up by racing and it was like he couldn't accept who he was with it gone from him now. "I saw Hamilton took it this year. Bastard," for the first time in a while he chuckled, it was good natured and not hateful toward the name dropped. Then he shook his head, "usually it's me having to apologize for being rude and blunt." Who was he kidding? He never apologized. Given a name he nodded, she already knew his so it wasn't a situation where he had to return it. "Do you still attend races, Kashvi? We've got two more coming up this year." The we went unnoticed, as though he were still apart of it all.

There was still a long line at the coffee place and Kashvi had glanced over the menu a few times, deciding on a few different drinks to ask the barista about before she spoke up again to Gavin. She couldn’t help it. Her brother would’ve never forgiven her if she’d have been this close to the other and not said anything. However her words had clearly gotten the best of her as she spoke about his accident and then trailed off, thankful that the other man didn’t look too annoyed with her. “Yeah, but it was incredible that you did. The resilience you showed, not to mention the determination to get back out there. It was truly commendable Gavin,” she spoke softer now, in more measured tones to show her sensitivity towards the topic at hand. He took his glasses off then and turned to her which had her almost a little starstruck even if she forced herself to remain cool because this was definitely a special moment that she’d be calling her brother about as soon as she could.

“We don’t get to watch together much anymore, but yeah I till like to keep up with it the best I can.” At his question about the Grand Prix, she had to nod a lot more enthusiastically seeing as she had actually seen him win one time in person and it had been an absolute experience. “Yes we were actually at Silverstone when you won one time and it was such a thrilling moment for us in the stands.” She said with full excitement as if reliving the moment. Kashvi realized that she was truly behaving like a fangirl now and probably appeared off putting to Gavin and so she tried to reel it in again. “Sorry I’m being very rude and blunt, aren't I? I’m Kashvi by the way and it’s very nice to meet you.” She figured given the way his racing career had ended, he must be doing something else with his time but didn’t want to come right out and ask, fearing that she’d officially be someone he’d try to avoid the next time they saw each other. 

[roblesgavin]

     Somehow, she'd caught him in a good moment. Stranger things had definitely happened, but... Gavin hissed and playfully winced at the sunlight beating down in him in his tank top. "I'm melting, I'm melting." With a slight smirk, the blues enthusiast shook his head. "Oh, wait, that's the witch thing, right?" A shrug of his shoulders and he turned the tool in his hand, maybe it was sleep deprivation making him docile or perhaps this neighbor wasn't all that bad despite having been one of the many that had put him on a first named basis with Gwen. A skeptical grin took shape at her response, it was clear she was making a show of it for his sake. "This is a Porsche nine-eleven. Ever been in one? Ever felt the difference eleven horsepower could make?" Gavin was fairly certain he knew the answers but now he was curious how she'd respond.

     The garden was impressive if only for the fact that he would completely forget his own yard and if it weren't for his gardener then all the life around his property would be struggling or dead. "At least code is easier to fix if you get an error message. Those take time to recover," he pointed a greased hand to her plants, "if you fucked them up." Now he knew something else about her, something that meant absolutely nothing to him, but it was a step. When she stepped closer to the vehcile he was working on, Gavin appreciated her curiosity. Even non car people ultimately became interested, drawn to the allure, if only for a fleeting moment. "Hey, at least you knew spark plugs and pistons. See that there," he pointed to the intake under the hood, "it wasn't flowing properly and it was essentially choking the car. Not a great thing when you're trying to move. Especially fast."

Hazal raised an eyebrow at Gavin's response, surprised he hadn't just brushed her off like usual. She couldn't help but chuckle at his comment about sunshine and birds. "Don't tell me you're one of those vampire types who hates daylight," she said, trying to keep the conversation light. When he mentioned solving a problem with his car, she nodded. While she might work with computers, she had zero clue how things work mechanically. "Eleven horsepower? That's pretty impressive," she said with a nod—as if she even know. "What kind of car is it?"

Glancing down at her watering can, she realized how dorky she must look compared to his grease-monkey vibe. "Oh, you know, just keeping my plants from dying a slow, painful death," she joked, gesturing to her small garden. "I'm no green thumb, but I'm trying. It's kind of like debugging code, except the error messages are just wilted leaves." She took a few steps closer, curious about the car he was working on. "What was the problem you solved? I mean, I'm more into ones and zeros than pistons and spark plugs, but I'd love to hear about it. Maybe I can learn something new today."

[roblesgavin]

     As a professional driver, especially one who'd seen the ugliness of horrific wrecks, Gavin couldn't pass up seeing someone tired behind the wheel. So, upon approach and literally seeing Benji's head slumping forward, likely asleep, he tapped the window in hopes to wake him up. "Uh, you alright, buddy?" Clearly he was, except for the sleep and possibly attempt to drive. "I can't let you drive like this. Either move over and let me get you home or come with me." He'd give the man a choice rather than be forceful, Gavin would only turn to that if Benji tried to drive in his state. It wasn't just his life he'd put in jeopardy.

closed starter for @roblesgavin

benji was exhausted. not only had it been a long day, he now had a decently long drive home. at least, that's what it seemed like to him when all he wanted to do was close his eyes and go to sleep. he had his hands on the wheel, car started, but it was still shifted in park. his head was just about to collide with his steering wheel when he heard someone tap on his window. startling, he came face to face with gavin and sighed in relief at the familiar face. "shit, you scared me. what's up?" he asked, a yawn following.

[roblesgavin]

     "You're so green with envy. Remember when you were more than happy to run your fingers through it?" Insults really did nothing to him, and while he wasn't exactly impenitrable this just wasn't what would hurt him. To make a show of it, Gavin turned a bit and glanced over his shoulder to the door and then back to Nazli. "What would be the point in that? Sounds dumb as fuck." Even though he knew exactly what she'd meant there was no way in hell he was going to make this easy on her. Especially since this woman had all but declared war on him. For fuck's sake she'd gone as far as destroying his property, and that was a fucking crime. He wasn't even entirely sure what ifuriated her so much and Gavin pissed off a lot of people. "Aww, baby," he tilted his head to the side, fixing her with a pittied expression, "you don't need cuffs, you need a padded room." It was kind of hot, in a weird way. When Nazli rounded the counter and headed for the door, he leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest, amused and not budging. "I'm so glad you not only admitted what damage you've already done but also the threat of you doing more of in a room full of people." Gavin full on clapped. "Great job." Even with the pen coming out of her pocket he still didn't move. If she couldn't afford the damages then that was jail time for her. So, instead, he pulled out his phone. "Let's see what my millions of followers on Instagram think. One little review," he glanced up at Nazli, "I'll tag you of course because none of this is possible without you, honey." Then his attention went back to his phone. A bad review of this place to millions from someone famous and beloved? Nazli may never get another job again. "Hey, Judy," he called to the barista who'd headed to the back, "how about a vanilla latte?"

Nazli was rolling her eyes while she looked over at Judy to make sure she didn't turn around and try to entertain Gavin's bullshit. Luckily the girl only turned her head back curiously before disappearing in the break room rather than trying to try her luck at an older man. "You look like you've got roadkill on your head." The childish insult was all she could come up with as she tossed his half made coffee into the trash. His own insult about not giving a shit hit home, but more so because she knew that he'd say it for that exact reason. "There isn't a manager on duty. I'm the manager today and if you need to file a complaint than you can direct it at the pavement on your way out." She stood on the other side of the counter from him, staring him down with squared shoulders. Their game of cat and mouse started many months ago and no matter how hard she tried to be the bigger person, his proximity brought the worst out of her. "As much as you fantasize of seeing me in cuffs, we both know you're full of shit." Nazli circled the counter and began walking to the door. "That's good that it's still there because I've been wanting to make the other side match." Her head turned to briefly glance at him while she reached for the pen in her back pocket which would do a decent job at scratching his car or whatever he'd driven here.

[roblesgavin]

     "You mean other than show up here to see your ungrateful ass?" It was tossed back but without the usual vitriol. Why they had been assigned to this; Gavin as a sponsor and Teo as his sponsee wasn't exactly a complete mystery. He just thought it to be absolute bullshit. Sure, the program worked for a lot of people. It was just that aside from never being addicted to pain killers again he gave no fucks about it. There was really only one way to get through his misery and without alcohol wasn't it. "I don't exactly remember," he responded, rubbing his eyes with the heel of his hand after Teo put it in his hefty order. A coffee and some juice was placed in front of him and Gavin looked up at the waitress like what the fuck but she only smiled and continued on her way. The diner didn't serve alcohol apparently. Immediately, the visual presented by Teo made Gavin frown in disgust. "Why does it have to be as horrific as your ass? Maybe I was with a beautiful woman. They tend to like me. It's a fame and, you know, a being good looking thing." Taking a chance, he sipped the coffee and it had a good initial effect on him. What he likely needed was water, plenty of hydration after the night he'd had. "Of course I am. So, aren't you supposed to tell me how hard it's been for you and shit and I tell you to hang in there?"

Teo sat patiently, his left leg bouncing nervously as his eyes darted to the door every time it opened. Maybe the guy wouldn't turn up and then neither of them would have to do this dumb ass task they had been assigned. Teo was doing okay, he hadn't touched anything for a while, damn he hadn't even touched alcohol for a couple of months either. He was dedicated, although he couldn't quite say the same for his sponsor. Teo watched, partially in judgement, as Gavin just about fell into the booth opposite him. He looked sloppy, tired - uncommitted. "What dumb ass shit have you done now?" Teo couldn't help but chuckle deeply, a devilish smirk upon his lips. He ordered himself a stack of pancakes, extra syrup, extra bacon, and a continuous refill of coffee. He was going to need something strong if he was going to sit opposite this trainwreck for an hour. "Listen man," he began with a sigh, leaning back against the booth, arms outstretched. "I gotta be honest, you look like you just crawled out of my ass after a two day bender. You good?"

[roblesgavin]

Their history was sordid and Gavin didn't exactly remember all of it either. What he focused on when seeing Kim again was that she was hot and that they'd had a good time together. It was all glamour and partying, in the midst of a racing season when his girlfriend wouldn't talk to him because they were in an off phase, and that was all. It was never meant to be more and never meant to be less. While his own memory was hazy it seemed Kimberly was feeling different about the history they shared. Gavin Robles would never be the perfect guy for someone's daughter but he would definitely be an unforgettable appearance in her journey through life. Good or bad. "That's so attractive," he teased, dark gaze roaming the figure tucked perfectly into her dress. There were some definite carnal memories popping up and he distinctly remembers the flesh under that clothing she has on. "Tell me more." In reference to the party she was dipping out on and attempting to leave behind, Gavin's eyes followed what Kim looked back upon and he could easily see why she'd want to get away from those losers. "Nah, there's a whole other part with the owner of this club that you haven't done yet." The hungry smile on his face wouldn't fall off anytime soon.

     Insufferable. Had she called him that before? Most likely, it definitely wasn't the first or the last time he'd hear that specific term of endearment either. "Thank you, sweetheart. And you," his eyes dropped down her entire frame then rose back up, "are as charming as ever." Pleased as punch that she didn't just walk out, taking that as a victory, the bartender delivered what Gavin had once upon a time known to be Kim's favorite. "We'll see about that," he challenged when she repeated one drink. Without a doubt the racing champion would encourage her to have another and another, and see if there was any remnants of that old chemistry between them. So far it seemed no, but he'd never been a quitter. "Why would you rather leave it at that?" Curious, more so nosy, Gavin sipped his drink and kept his eyes on Kim. "I can't promise you that, sweetheart. I've got no incentive to do such a thing." His shoulders shrugged, and no it hadn't been meant as some kind of bribe. One thing he'd learned in his downfall was to stop making promises that he couldn't keep, and his love for alcohol could mean for loose lips.

Gavin Robles was…well…a thing of her past. Kimberly debated on whether he was a fun time or an indefinite mistake. As much as she wants to lean towards the latter, she wasn’t going to deny that she enjoyed their time together. They had similar social circles and they were both the life of the party that at some point it became more than that. Unforgettable, yes…Was it her proudest moment given that he did have an on and off again girlfriend? Probably not, but he wasn’t off limits at the time and to her that was fair game. “You make me want to rush on out of here like a person that’s suffering from diarrhea and needs the restroom.” she deadpanned. When Gavin mentioned her group, she placed a hand on her hip and looked over as she did feel a bit guilty for bailing early. However, she was the type to separate her personal life from business and so, this was simply a decision where she was willing to take whatever repercussions that came with It. “First of all, they’re my colleagues. Second, I’ve not only contributed to the group gift, but also the shots that ran through that table. So I feel like I’ve done my part. Wouldn't you agree?”

Kimberly then observed his movements and as he leaned over, she looked up to meet his gaze and didn’t break contact while she turned to face him. “That’s a you problem, babe.” Scoffing slightly, she couldn’t help but roll her eyes at this point and add, "You are so insufferable." Seeing that the bartender had already done what they were told, the heiress knew that there was no use in arguing. Gavin had a way of getting what he wants, but that doesn't mean that Kimberly would make it easy for him. "There has to be a catch." she suspected as she got straight to the point. When he got her drink right, the brunette sighed in defeat and pointed a finger at him, "One drink." Her expression turned into a serious one as she explained, "You're surprisingly correct and I'd rather leave it at that. I don't owe you an explanation, no? Just keep my name out of your mouth and we should be good."

[roblesgavin]

     "What, and you don't think watching her reach for her life alert button after winning twenty bucks is a thrill?" Still surveying the scene a little, the stench of stale cigarette smoke mixing with blended alcohol drinks was turning his upper lip. So, instead, Gavin watched the blond mull it over and then ultimately decide on a higher stakes game. "This'll definitely be a challenge," he chuckled, amused at what could possibly happen and go wrong. They were headed for a place where everyone in the room was a swindler. As they walked and made their way for the casino's exit, Gavin glanced at his friend. If they could call each other such. "Are you scared? A little nervous?" Brow waggled, he couldn't resist grinning. "Back out now if you don't think you can back up all that talk you do. These guys in the poker room..." He shook his head, indicating that if they feel they got fucked over it wouldn't be pretty.

Kye chuckled at Gavin's blunt assessment of the casino scene. He had to admit, the other man had a point—the games here were pretty tame and wouldn't provide much of a thrill for someone like him. As the other gestured towards the elderly woman at the slots, he couldn't help but smirk. "You're not wrong. As lovely as that scene is, I was hoping for something a bit more...exciting," he drawled, taking another sip of his drink. His interest piqued when Gavin mentioned knowing of an underground game with higher stakes. Now this was more his speed. A slow grin spread across his face as he nodded. "Lead the way, my friend. You know I never back down from a challenge, especially when there's cash on the line." He drained the rest of his glass, and stood up. Falling into step beside the man, he shot him a sidelong glance. "I do hope you're not trying to get me into too much trouble, though. My mouth tend to get me into hot water, sometimes." From flirting to swindling folks. Although the latter was mostly rich people who could spare the money anyway. 

[roblesgavin]

     Without a doubt he was ignoring that hometown hero comment. Since he was no longer medically cleared to race Gavin would pout and brood for an eternity over it. He missed every aspect of it and the saying was true, you really didn't know what you had until it was gone. "And you think there's money to be made here?" Brow raised, he soon smiled a bit at what he thought was a misstep. Who the fuck was he to judge, though? "I would figure the money would be out west but maybe I'm biased because I grew up in this shithole."

     Really, he wished Axel or anyone else for that matter would stop pointing out what Gavin had been forced to leave behind. Especially if anyone ever hoped for him to get into a better mood someday. Jaw flexed and his smile and chuckle were a little forced, "you never know, Hughes, I might just open up a track here. You wanna invest?" Then when he glanced at the other he wiggled his brow as if that woul convince him it was a good investment. "See, you're onto me." Gavin leaned in conspiratorially and put a finger to his lips. "Don't tell anyone, it's a big secret." Briefly he wonder if he should mention The Hideaway but he was also curious if Axel would make it there on his own.

Axel's eyebrows shot up in surprise at Gavin's revelation. He hadn't expected the former Formula 1 driver to have roots in this coastal town. A chuckle escaped his lips as he imagined a young Gavin tearing up the streets of Wilmington. "Well, I'll be damned. A hometown hero, then? Who would've thought? As for me, well, I'm here for business. You know how it is with me? It's all about making the money."

He glanced around the supermarket, suddenly aware of how mundane their surroundings were compared to the glamorous world of racing the other had been part of. "It's a far cry from the tracks for sure.” Which is why he wondered how Gavin was back here. "What's keeping you here now? Surely a guy like you could be living it up anywhere in the world," he probed, genuinely curious. He'd always wondered what racers did when they hung up their helmets. "Or are you secretly training the next generation of speed demons on these burn-marked streets?"

[roblesgavin]

     Beer in hand, food ordered from one of the trucks, Gavin was on the hunt for a place to sit. Quick work had been made of his Corona cap and he was already taking a swig, then another from the bottle when someone spoke up. Not an irregular occurrence being a two time world champion. When he turned, the guy didn't look familiar, at first. But he squinted and as he took a step toward the table it hit him and Gavin snapped his fingers. "Right, you're that tennis player. Yeah, I remember you." Not usually the social butterfly that people wanted to sit around with the blue's man took a seat out of pure amusement. "Red Bull," his former team, Gavin nodded, "we've met at a few haven't we?" The mention of cricket went completely over his head and he smiled and offered a twenty to the woman that had brought his meatball sub to the table. "What the hell are you doing here? There ain't shit going on in this town." Unless you counted all that mayor bullshit.

closed for @roblesgavin location: foodie's boulevard

Nik had just gotten back to Wilmington after a horrible defeat by the England cricket team which knocked them out of the semi-finals qualification and was choosing to bury his pain in tacos. He'd been seated at one of the benches, just about to bite into one of three when a familiar face was walking past him. Someone he'd never have expected to see in Wilmington before, mainly because all the other times they'd met had been at different sporting events or sponsorship parties. "Gavin? Gavin Robles? What a small world man--come sit down, don't know if you remember me," mainly because not a lot of people gave any importance to cricket players, something Nik was desperately trying to change. "But I'm Nik, Nik Kohli--cricket player, we met at a party for Red Bull I believe?"

[roblesgavin]

     While the man may have had a club to run, it could still operate and function just fine with his staff in his absence, so this blantant stalling by the chief of police was more wasting her precious time than his own. The beauty of being retired and famous. "Aww," the two time world champion matched her tone but also grinned, "that's so sweet of you, Gwen." Shamelessly he used her first name as though this weren't a professional setting for her. "I wish I could say the same." A scrunch of his nose and an unbothered shrug of his shoulders Gavin then averted his attention.

     "I'm just trying to enjoy my evening like every other free citizen that pays your salary," Gavin's hands went up, like what could he do, as he looked at her through the crack in his open window. Now, as much as he didn't like the sound of subject it couldn't be ignored that she'd mentioned training. "What need help maneuvering and high speed pursuits?" The officer mentioned was glanced at and Gavin nearly flipped him off. "Feels like he scraped by, or maybe you've dropped your standards so low a dumb fuck like that could get a badge. I thought there were strict requirements?" Then he looked at her as though she'd lost her mind and lowered the window a couple of inches more. "His job is to tell me why he pulled me over. He failed to do that which is why I asked for a supervisor. I am filming, you know. I've got millions of followers. Test me, Gwen." It didn't even matter to the former racing king that he was testing the recoil of something tightly wound. "Sorry? It's called a sports car. It's perfectly legal. I know something this expensive is so farfetched to you all but damn... this is shitty policework, Gwen." Eyes narrowed, "who outed my license plate? And, yeah, you did mention I was your favorite citizen."

The loud music, the egotistical attitude, the lack of respect for her people and the stubbornness that radiated out of this car, was considered a typical night for her. Gavin was just another man on her 'list of people she wished could detain for no reason other than to put them on time out and away from her'. "You're just one of our favourite citizens Mr. Robles." Her tone was sickeningly sweet, but her expression was flat and unfazed as she remained next to his car and not budging any time soon. If he wanted to waste her time, she'll gladly match his energy at this point.

"Well with your music and how your windows aren't fully down, how else are you going to hear with all these noise?" she countered back. "Their curriculum is standard across the board, at this rate you're a perfect subject to use for their training even though he's already graduated." Pointing at her officer she shrugged and said, "But you won't even let him do his job. For starters you were speeding in a residential area, on top of that your engine is loud, third we've gotten complaints and they've outed your license plate. We've given you warnings before and I know you're aware of that because we practically see each other every other day."

[roblesgavin]

     "What's the rush, sweetheart?" It was patronizing, condescending, the works. Still, the fact of the matter was now that Kimberly Soto was in his sights and in his club he didn't want her to go. "I feel like you just got here. What about your friends over there?" The man gestured to the people that had been praising him and sucking up to him. As a sports star and celebrity it was a common thing nearly everywhere he went, and plenty of people gushed over his love for music and the fact that he'd brought about a well done blue's club in The Hideaway. Even if his personality sucked, his looks and his talents took him along for a glory ride. "More importantly," he smirked as he leaned against the bar and looked her over, "what about me and my feelings? You don't wanna disappoint me now do you?" It was confident and bold, grossly cocky, but also alcohol fueled.

     Whatever flings and one night stands he'd had in the past whenever he was inan off stage with his girlfriend were more often than not forgetable and transpired under the influence of something mind altering. With Kim she'd actually been a bit different. They were a real item for a hot minute. And she was definitely unforgettable. "I got your tab," he somewhat shrugged, "but why don't you stay awhile. Have a drink with me." Neither came out as questions and he turned to the bartender, who was ready to perform at the snap of Gavin's fingers, and ordered what he'd once known to be her favorite. "I'm sensing some changes but old habits die hard, don't they?"

❛ ☾ ◟━ LOCATION: the hideaway

❛ ☾ ◟━ TIME: evening

❛ ☾ ◟━ STATUS: closed for @roblesgavin

Kimberly knew in her gut that she should have stayed home today. In fact, she's well aware that she'd been doing more late night outings than usual. It was sort of like being in touch with her old self back when she was an heiress. However, she knew better than to go back to her old ways, especially when she's trying to keep a low profile. Now that summer is upon them, it's becoming more of a challenge for Kimmie to decline and not have complete FOMO. Tonight was one of those nights where it could have been a skipped out event. She was here for a co-worker's birthday and although The Hideaway was not her usual spot, she had to admit that it wasn't so bad for someone who isn't too into blues. The turning point was who owned the place and that in itself was a whole other story.

Seeing her colleagues praise the owner right in front of her, Kimberly remained silent as they went back and forth with Gavin, giving out compliments that surely would get to his head. Once they were done, the heiress immediately got up and excused herself as she headed towards the bar to pay out her tab. She was running through every excuse in the book to bail out of this party, but before she could even do such a thing, she already caught Gavin in plain view of her sight. "If you're here to say hi, then hi to you too. Nice place you got here, keep up the good work...I wish you all the best..." Her voice trailed off as she was trying to get the attention of the bartender, but no luck. With a sigh of defeat, she finally turned to Gavin and flashed him a sweet smile in hopes that he cooperates, "If you could kindly close my tab out. I'm ready to pay...please and thank you."

[roblesgavin]

     Naturally, whenever Gavin was pulled over these days, which he felt as though he was targeted by Wilmington's police force, he immediately asked for a supervisor. Which, by law, they had to comply. It actually hadn't taken long for Gwen Wade to appear at his window and when she did he didn't bother to turn down the music he had been nearly blasting. "What?" From his cracked window Gavin's voice was likely difficult to hear. "I get enough attention from you, your officers, and the world regardless. Can't even go for a drive without being harrassed," he hollered out the few inches the window was open but only by turning his head a little. The man made no effort to make anything easy.

     All he was doing was blowing off steam and sure one of the Masonboro stuck up assholes had to lodge another complaint. This neighborhood was so damn annoying. If only had hadn't needed the big garage and space. "Nah, I still haven't been told why I've been pulled over. You might wanna check your trainee here and go over protocol once again. Maybe send his buck-toothed ass back to the academy."

❛ ☾ ◟━ LOCATION: a road in Mansboro

❛ ☾ ◟━ TIME: afternoon

❛ ☾ ◟━ STATUS: closed for @roblesgavin

If you were to ask Gwendolyn Wade which profession she'd preferred, she would say it would depend on the case. However, lately she'd been leaning towards her old life than the one that she had now and she owed it all to her repeat offenders that love to give her a headache on a daily basis. This time it was Gavin Robles, known for the never ending noise complaints, disruption of peace and of course speeding...Which is why she was at the side of his car, arms crossed and unamused since her officers can't seem to handle him on their own.

"Our budget doesn't cater to your need for attention Mr. Robles." she advised him in a flat tone. At this rate, they were already familiar with each other's presence that there was no point for pleasantries. "Engine off and your window fully down. Now, please give my officer your license and registration as instructed."

[roblesgavin]

     The problem with being a celebrity, even if you were nothing but a washed out sports star, was being recognized everywhere you went. Gavin didn't hate it, the memories of what was were what burned him. A public figure was a public figure no matter what had happened to your career. He'd actually gone out a champion but wasn't medically cleared to race anymore. So, his bitterness was drawn from the fact that someone else had made his decisions for him and snatched his dreams away. Yeah, he'd gotten further than most in their Formula 1 careers, but he knew he had more in him.

     "Would you believe it if I told you I was born and raised here? Pretty sure I've still got burn marks around plenty of these streets." Their hands met in a friendly shake and thankfully for Axel's sake he'd caught Gavin in a good mood. Or, well, as good as could be. "I think the better question here is what the fuck are you doing in this place?" Briefly his nose scrunched and he rasped a laugh. This was a man he'd seen at a few tracks, an expensive venture, in various places around the globe. Wilmington was such an odd choice.

closed starter @roblesgavin

location: nash's supermarket

Rounding the corner at Nash's Supermarket, his brows furrowed as he spotted a familiar face. Gavin Robles, the Formula driver he'd met at a few races. Surprised to see him here, Axel approached the man. For a moment, he wondered if he was hallucinating. What were the odds of running into someone like Gavin in a place like this? It was like finding a Ferrari parked in a lot full of minivans.

"Well, I'll be damned! Gavin Robles, what brings you to this neck of the woods?" he called out, a grin spreading across his face—extending his hand for a friendly shake. Why was it that he was seeing so many familiar faces in this town? It almost felt like a dream. "Last I saw you, you were tearing up the track. What are you doing in little old Wilmington?"