#nicole's b-day bingo

[laurenairay]

I'm still haunted by the memories - S. Crosby

Summary: Maeva thought five years was long enough to get over Sidney breaking her heart. Apparently not.

Words: 5.5k

This is my fic for @senditcolton​’s birthday bingo! I chose the bingo squares ‘wedding season’, ‘It was always you’, ‘free space – argument scene’, ‘second chance romance’, and ‘interrupted kiss’. I haven’t written a full fic for Sid in ages, so I really hope you like this!

Warnings: angst, past break up scene, exes to (potential) lovers

Title: Little do you know, by Alex & Sierra

~

“What am I to you?”

“What?” Sidney asked, confused.

“What am I to you? What do I mean to you?”

“What’s going on, Maeva?” he asked, frowning.

“Can you just answer my question please?”

Sidney frowned even more at the sharpness of her voice. “You’re my girlfriend. I love you. What’s going on?”

“You love me?”

“Yes! Mae, seriously…”

She could tell he was getting frustrated now, but that didn’t settle the gnawing feeling in her stomach.

“We’ve been together five years now. I love you more than I thought could’ve ever loved anyone. Five years of cheering you on no matter what. Five years of supporting you and the team and all the better halves as they’ve come and gone. Five years of always coming second but putting on a smile because I know hockey is your whole world. But I thought I would’ve at least had a part of it?”

“I don’t understand what you mean. Of course you’re part of my world,” Sidney said, confused.

Was he really going to be that cruel, to pretend he didn’t know what she meant?

“At the team get together this weekend, when we celebrated the latest Pens rookie getting engaged, someone joked to you about when you were going to put a ring on my finger too. But you just snorted and changed the subject…”

She trailed off, watching Sidney’s face pale a little bit, his reaction sinking like a stone in her stomach.

“I don’t…where did you hear that?”

“I was right behind you, Sid. I was right there and Kris & Cath saw me but you didn’t. They sent me pitying smiles and I hated it, Sid. Why don’t you want a life with me?” Maeva asked, her voice finally cracking as tears threatened to spill.

“We already have a life together. Why do we need to complicate it?”

“Complicate it? You think marriage is just a complication?” she shot back.

“I just don’t see why we need to put a label on things. We’ve got a good thing going,” Sidney huffed.

“Labels? Are you kidding me? I’m nearly 30, Sid, and all I have to show for the thing I’ve poured my heart into for five years is a couple of photos on your cup days? You won’t take me out in public, you don’t talk about me to anyone outside of your team and your immediate family, you can clearly drop me at any moment…are you ashamed of our relationship? Have I been wasting my time?”

“Damn it Mae, I’m not ashamed! I thought you understood that I like my privacy!”

That’s all he took out of it?

“I know you value it, Sid, but I didn’t think it would get to this point. I didn’t think you would go this far. I’m tired of being an afterthought to you!”

“And I’m tired of you being so insecure!”

Her breath hitched in her throat as a pang of hurt rang through her chest, and she could see a flash of regret immediately pass over Sidney’s face.

“Maeva…”

“I’m done. I can’t do this anymore, Sid. There is nothing wrong with wanting to feel appreciated and there is nothing wrong with wanting to know that I have a future to look forward to. Because apparently I don’t. Who knew that Sidney Crosby was such a commitment-phobe?”

~

Maeva glanced out of the airplane window, hazy memories passing through her mind as the plane started its decent into Halifax airport. It didn’t seem like it had been five years since her life with Sidney had fallen apart, almost as long as their just-over-five-years relationship. But the memories of that awful night still burned her heart like a hot poker. She may have left him that night, may have returned to Canada, but she hadn’t been able to move back to Nova Scotia. She’d tried, sure, but she’d only lasted a few months before the memories of their time there together was too much to bear too. It had felt right to flee to the other side of Canada, all the way to Vancouver where she was able to secure an apartment and a job where no-one knew who she was. Maeva had only visited her parents a few times in the five years since – and only when she knew he absolutely wouldn’t be there.

Everything had just hurt too much. It still did.

But now, for the first time in as long as she could remember, she was heading back to Cole Harbour in the summer. Her cousin Natasha was getting married, and her aunt had begged Maeva to come home to join her parents in attending. If it wasn’t for the fact that she and Natasha had grown up as close as sisters, Maeva would’ve found an excuse somehow – but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. All she had to do was survive the long weekend. It was late Thursday evening that she’d flown over, leaving Friday for wedding errands, Saturday for the pre-wedding celebrations, and Sunday for the wedding day itself - both ceremony and reception. She’d managed to book a flight home at midday on Monday, but she knew that this weekend was going to be a test of her strength.

Maeva had done so well to protect her heart for so long, and she didn’t want a few days back in Cole Harbour to ruin it.

It didn’t take long for her to pick up her suitcase and head to the arrivals area, a small smile crossing her lips at the sight of her dad waiting for her. Maeva could happily admit that she was a daddy’s girl, through and through, the two of them having the only blonde hair in the family, his quiet calm aura always making her feel happy and secure. That was one of the only things she regretted about not toughing it out in Cole Harbour – she didn’t get to spend the time with her dad that he deserved.

She made a mental note not to take that for granted this weekend.

“My little Maeva,” he said gruffly, warmth seeping into every word as he hugged her tightly.

“It’s good to see you. I’m…I’m sorry it’s been so long,” she murmured when they eventually separated.

“Oh don’t you worry about that. I’m just glad you’re home for the wedding. Lord knows I need a little more sanity in the house.”

Maeva just snickered, looping her arm through her dad’s as they started to walk out to the parking lot. “Mom’s succumbed to wedding fever then?”

“Happily skipped into crazy town, more like it,” he grinned, “I don’t think I can survive another day of folding bits of paper into little birds to decorate the tables.”

Maeva just grimaced, making her dad laugh. That sounded like her idea of nightmare chaos. “Any chance we can avoid most of the wedding prep tomorrow?”

Her dad just smiled indulgently. “Oh I’m sure I can figure something out.”

She really had missed him.

~

Just as her dad had promised, he managed to get the two of them out of the intense wedding preparations that the family were taking part in on Friday. The two of them went out for a long breakfast in the morning, before her mom could bundle her into the car and over to her aunt’s, and after a slow walk by the waterside, telling him all about her life in Vancouver and her small circle of friends and her low-key retail managerial career, they eventually made their way back to the house. Her mom was annoyed with them both, Maeva knew that much, but she couldn’t stay mad at Maeva for long, not really when she knew exactly why her only daughter never came home – and Maeva made up for it by ironing her dad’s shirt for the wedding and steaming his suit, her mom’s dress, and her own dress, while her father shined his shoes to her mom’s satisfaction.

There would be enough time to apologise to her cousin on Saturday during the welcome lunch up at Hatfield Farm, where 30 close family and friends would be staying overnight ahead of the wedding on Sunday (with the same 30 staying on the Sunday night). Thankfully the venue was only a 40 minute drive from her family home in Cole Harbour, so she would have plenty of time to make her flight back to Vancouver on the Monday.

She just had to get through the weekend first. One step at a time.

Saturday morning was as chaotic as Maeva thought it would be. Her mom had the three of them loading up her dad’s car like a military operation, checklist on clipboard included, to make sure that nothing was left behind, especially as their part of the family was in charge of the table centrepieces and fairy lights for decorating the reception hall. Once all of that, and their wedding outfits (and shoes and accessories) were ready, along with their overnight bags, it was coming close to midday, and with a picnic basket full of snacks and drinks for the little cabin that the three of them would be staying in, they hit the road.

Despite everything, it made Maeva smile as she recognised the other cars on their journey, all of them making their way to Hatfield Farm like a miniature invasion. The curse of a small town.

It didn’t take long to sort out the accommodation keys, and once Maeva had hung up her dress for the wedding (at her mom’s request to reduce wrinkles), she sprayed a little perfume and fluffed up her blonde hair before rejoining her parents.

“Ready to face the circus?” her dad grinned.

“Honestly,” her mom tutted, elbowing him.

But even she gave Maeva a worried glance.

“I’ll be fine. Cole Harbour may be a small town, but it’s not like Sidney can pop up everywhere,” Maeva said, trying to convince herself as much as them. “It’ll be good to celebrate Natasha’s happy day.”

“Atta girl,” her dad said gruffly.

Her mom just nodded, threading her fingers through her dad’s to silently lead them across the grounds to the main reception hall, where the welcome lunch was being held. They weren’t the last people there, not by any means, but they definitely weren’t the first. Maeva could see her cousin walking towards them with a big smile on her face, dressed in a gorgeous peach dress and looking radiant with happiness, and that joy was infectious.

Until Maeva glanced across the other side of the room, that is.

The sound of her breath catching in her throat was enough to make her parents look in the same direction, and her unflappable dad scowled in a way she’d never seen before.

“What is he doing here?” her dad asked lowly, lips pursing as he turned back to look at her cousin.

Natasha glanced over and cursed under her breath. “Sid wasn’t meant to be arriving until later. I was meant to have enough time to give you a warning, Maeva. Carl invited him but wasn’t sure if he could make it – they’ve been friends since they were kids.”

“Curse of a small town,” she murmured, her smile shaky.

She glanced back at him, thankful that he hadn’t noticed her looking yet, her heart racing in a way that made her feel sick as she took him in. Sidney looked good, of course he did. Broad shoulders, giant ass, and thick thighs filling out his suit so perfectly, hair dusted with grey in a way that only made him look distinguished. He was standing sideways, talking with Nate (of course Nate was here too) and a couple of other guys from their hometown, and as he laughed, head thrown back, the sound of his ridiculous honking giggle made her want to cry.

She wasn’t ready. How could she think she was ready?

Her mom subtly took her hand in hers, squeezing gently to reassure her, only making her dad curse under his breath again.

“Hey, you’re my cousin. If him being here is going to ruin your weekend, I can kick him out. I don’t care if his name is on the town sign – you are family,” Natasha said firmly, voice still quiet.

Tears stung at her eyes slightly at her cousin’s care, but she shook her head. No, no she had to face being in Cole Harbour at the same time as him at some point. She wasn’t going to let him ruin things, not this time. “It’s been five years. I’ll survive.”

Natasha just frowned, taking Maeva’s free hand in her own.

“You just say the word and he’s gone, okay? I haven’t had a chance to be bridezilla yet,” she said, grinning sharply.

Maeva laughed a little wetly, shaking her head again, squeezing Natasha’s hand and her mom’s to say thank you silently.

“Everything will be fine. There will be enough people here that you can just avoid him!” her mom said, smiling.

Maeva didn’t need to look at her dad as he huffed to know that just wouldn’t happen. But still, she had to believe it was possible or she wasn’t even going to make it through today. She could avoid him as much as possible – there was only so much her heart could handle.

“Drinks?” Natasha suggested.

“Hell yes,” Maeva sighed.

Drinks, then setting up the reception hall with the fairy lights, and bringing in all of the table centrepieces ready for the venue staff to set up in the morning. Then maybe some more drinks. She could handle that.

When she eventually went to sleep close to midnight, her heart was aching in the worst way – Maeva hadn’t expected to actually be able to avoid Sidney, but she also hadn’t expected to feel his eyes trailing her around the room for the entire day.

And she was dreading tomorrow even more, now that she knew he would be there.

~

Breakfast in the morning was a communal affair. The wedding ceremony wasn’t until 2pm, and the staff at Hatfield Farm were putting on a breakfast spread for all the guests from 7-9am, so Maeva was making good use of it, knowing she wouldn’t eat for hours after this. Her dress was a flowy one thankfully, so she didn’t have to worry about carb bloating – it was one of the reasons she’d chosen it, along with the fact at it was light and airy enough for the warm weather and a gorgeous shimmery gold colour that complimented her wonderfully. And it didn’t conflict with the beautiful lilac and cream wedding colours either, which was a bonus.

Her parents had already eaten and headed back to the accommodation, leaving Maeva to finish her orange juice in peace. Still, being back in Cole Harbour after all this time, surrounded by people that she’d left behind in her efforts to leave him behind…it was almost too much, and she found herself stepping outside for some air to clear her head.

One more day.

She could make it one more day.

But the moment that she heard footsteps walking over to her, she knew her luck had run out.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to get you alone.”

Hello to you too, Sidney.

“Why would you even want to?” Maeva said, voice cold and polite as she turned to face him.

Sidney just winced. “Mae, come on, you know why.”

Oh screw him. Shortening her name like he used to, playing with her emotions like that? No.

“No, Sidney, I don’t know why,” she said shortly, “We broke up five years ago, almost as long ago as the whole length of our relationship was – so what could you possibly have to say to me?”

“Please don’t be like this. I’m trying to apologise,” he said, frowning.

“Apologise for what, exactly?” she asked, folding her arms over her chest.

Sidney just huffed out a frustrated breath, putting his coffee mug down on a nearby table.

“Maeva, I’m serious. I’m trying to be the bigger person here and-”

“Are you kidding me? The bigger person? Our relationship ended because you couldn’t commit, Sidney, and you’re talking about being the bigger person like I’ve done something wrong?” she said angrily,

The nerve. What the hell.

“If you would just listen to me…”

“Listen to what? What could you possibly have to say to me?” she spat, cutting him off again.

“If you’d stop interrupting me then I could actually say it!” he shot back, shades away from shouting.

“Uh, guys?”

Maeva looked sharply to the left, seeing Nate standing there awkwardly looking like he’d rather be anywhere else.

“What, Nate?” Sidney said shortly, cheeks flushed.

“Uh, your mom is looking for you, Maeva,” he explained, grimacing.

“Thanks. We were done here anyway,” Maeva said coldly.

“No we…”

But she just stormed away, not letting Sidney finish, ignoring the hissed conversation between the two men, trying desperately to keep her composure until she was alone. Just as Nate said, her mom was glancing around, and the moment that she spotted her, her face fell.

“Let’s get back to the rooms to get ready, yes?” her mom said, pasting a smile on her face.

It was all Maeva could do to nod, letting her mom usher her along, the fire in her chest from their building argument fizzling away into an all-consuming black hole of sadness. Why would he confront her like that? Why would he want to unsettle her like that after all these years? She would never have thought of him as cruel, but this…this was the last thing she needed. Those few minutes were everything she’d been trying to avoid, and the wedding hadn’t even officially start yet – how was she going to make it through the rest of the day?

The moment that their cabin door was shut behind them, her mom whirled around to face her.

“Maeva, sweetie, what happened?”

She opened her mouth to explain, but all that she managed to do was start crying, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her mom let out an uncharacteristic curse, cradling her in her arms, only making Maeva sob harder. This is why she never came home. This is exactly why.

She didn’t know how long it took for her to calm down, for her sobbing and tears to fade to sniffles, and she was just glad that her mom hadn’t changed into her wedding outfit yet.

“Give me the word and I will get laxatives put in his drinks. I know people,” her mom said seriously.

Maeva choked out a laugh, smiling shakily at her mom’s attempt to cheer her up, but shook her head.

“It was stupid. Just stupid. I wish he wasn’t here but I’m not going to give him the satisfaction of leaving,” Maeva said sadly.

“You’re a braver woman than I am,” her mom said, huffing out a laugh.

“Nah, I get it from you, eh?”

Her mom just smiled shakily, giving her another quick hug before pulling back to rest her hands on her shoulders.

“Let’s get ready for this wedding. Have a shower and then I’ll help you with your hair,” her mom said firmly.

Maeva just smiled, nodding her head, heading towards her room as she heard the shower stopping. By the time she’d gathered her towels and underwear, her dad was back in the room he shared with her mom, leaving her to shower quickly. Leaving her with her swirling thoughts.

Even though minutes ago her blood was boiling with his audacity, her heart still ached for him. Up close the grey in his hair looked even better than she’d thought, the slight laughter lines around his eyes only adding to his appeal. His voice was a smooth as she remembered, his figure just as broad and overwhelming compared to her slight frame as it always had been. Even his intensity, his emotion, was exactly as she remembered, sending shivers down her spine.

She missed him.

And she hated it as much as she loved it.

She loved him. Even as much as she wished she didn’t.

It didn’t take her long to do her make up and put on her dress, and she blow-dried her hair to the point where it was manageable by the time her mom knocked on her bedroom door.

“Oh sweetie, you look beautiful,” her mom said, voice earnest and sweet.

Maeva just grinned back at her, twirling on the spot to watch her golden dress flare in the mirror.

Her mom laughed, rolling her eyes fondly as she guided Maeva to sit down on the end of the bed. She expertly twisted half of her hair up into an elegant bun, fixing it in place with a couple of bobby pins and a ribbon that matched the gold of her dress, leaving the rest of her hair to flow down her back in blonde waves. It was simple but refined, and she felt pretty the moment she looked in the mirror.

“Thanks mom. Let’s do this thing.”

“That’s my girl.”

~

The wedding was beautiful. Maeva didn’t know what else she expected though, if she was being honest. Natasha looked ethereal as she glided down the aisle, her fiancé crying a little when he saw her, and the two of them didn’t stop smiling at each other the whole ceremony. Maeva kept her eyes on them the whole time, even though she could feel eyes on her throughout the hour – she knew exactly who they belonged to, but she just couldn’t. She couldn’t, not at a wedding she knew she would never have.

All the guests moved into the reception hall, sitting at their assigned tables, Maeva sitting between her parents with each of them holding one of her hands like they didn’t want her to disappear. She could only imagine what her mom her told her dad about her breakdown this morning, but that was the last thing she wanted to think about right now. All through the wedding speeches Maeva sipped on her champagne, laughing at the appropriate moments, tearing up at her uncle’s heartfelt words, cheering the toasts to the new bride and groom. She could barely remember what she ate when the food came and went, but she dutifully ate under the watchful eye of her mom, making small talk with the other members of their table, answering politely to questions about her life in Vancouver, 6000km feeling even further away than ever before.

By the time the additional guests joined them all for the evening reception, Maeva was well on her way to being overwhelmed, but she joined the circle of people on the dancefloor to watch Natasha and her new husband in their first dance.

Just as the music started, a familiar figure stepped up next to her. Maeva froze, desperately trying to think of how to make a subtle exit, but Sidney gently pressed a flute of champagne into her hand.

“This is an apology drink,” he murmured. “I should never have lost my temper with you this morning.”

Not here. Not now.

She didn’t know what her face was showing as she glanced up at him but Sidney’s face just looked sad.

“Can we talk after their first dance finishes? Please?” he begged softly.

There was something in his voice that made her façade crack.

“Fine.”

She didn’t dare take her eyes off of Natasha and her husband for the rest of the dance, sipping the champagne flute, waiting until people started joining them on the dancefloor to slip away, Sidney subtly following her. Just off the side of the venue was a small courtyard, separated from the rest of the outside space by a trellis of flowers, just enough to give them a semblance of privacy.

Maeva put down the glass as Sidney joined her, wrapping her arms around herself partly as a guard, partly as comfort, her ex-boyfriend standing in front of her looking just as overwhelming as he always had.

“Thank you for agreeing to talk to me,” he started, smiling a little.

“What did you want to talk about, Sid?” she sighed.

“I messed up all those years ago,” he murmured.

No, no she couldn’t do this.

“Sidney I can’t,” she interrupted, shaking her head.

“Please, please just let me finish,” he begged.

She just bit her bottom lip, glancing away from him briefly to steel herself, before nodding.

“I have spent five years trying to think about what I would say if I ever got the chance to see you again. Five years playing the conversation over and over again in my head, going through every scenario, and right now in this moment, none of it is coming to my head,” he said softly.

That was so typically Sid.

“Forget what’s in your head. What’s in your heart?” she found herself saying.

He huffed out a laugh, nodding his head.

“I love you, Maeva,” he said, tears glistening in his eyes.

Oh.

Oh.

Oh god this was the last thing she’d been expecting.

He still loved her?

“Do you love me too? Is there any chance that you still love me?” he asked desperately.

He still loved her?

Running on pure instinct, Maeva choked out a sob as she leaned up and kissed him, hands clutching at his shirt.

Of course she still loved him.

Sidney didn’t hesitate as he kissed her slowly back, cradling her face with both hands, pouring everything into the embrace. Maeva’s head swirled as her blood surged and her heart raced…and then a couple of wedding guests stumbled outside too, clearly drunk. They were mostly giggling and falling into themselves, so they didn’t notice Sidney and Maeva springing apart, and as they stumbled around the corner Sidney quickly took one of Maeva’s hands in his, breaking her out of her frozen state of shock.

“You still love me?” Sidney asked hopefully.

“That was so stupid. I shouldn’t have…we shouldn’t have…”

His face fell.

“Please don’t run away. Please don’t leave me, not again,” Sidney begged, interrupting her rambling words.

She couldn’t do this. She couldn’t do this.

“We can’t just go back to how things were, Sid,” Maeva said sadly, “We’re different people now, we’ve both changed.”

“Then let me get to know you again. And you can get to know me,” Sidney said desperately, “We still love each other – isn’t that enough?”

Maeva’s face must’ve looked as incredulous as she felt, because he squeezed her hand a little tighter, eyes burning with intensity. She remembered that look. It still had the same effect on her, knowing that Sidney was leading up to something heart achingly earnest.

“You are right, I’ve changed – I’m not the same man I was before. I made the biggest mistake of my life taking you for granted, letting you go when I should’ve fought for us, and I regretted it the moment I realised you’d truly left. My stupid pride kept me from reaching out to you in the first few weeks, and when I got over myself, it was too late.”

“Sidney…” she murmured.

“No-one would tell me where you went. Your parents wouldn’t talk to me, or to my mom. Your friends blocked my number. All Taylor could find out was that you were in Cole Harbor for a few months before you left for good and that you’ve barely been back since. I searched for you, for any sign of you, wherever I went and it still wasn’t enough. I wasn’t enough.”

“Sidney,” she repeated, tears stinging her eyes.

“I am so sorry, Mae. I love you. I always have – it was always you. It was always going to be you, and I’ve spent five years regretting every single moment of that stupid fight and everything I did leading up to it. As selfish as it is, I can only hope that no-one else has your heart. Can you ever forgive me?”

Maeva swallowed heavily, letting go of his hand to run shaky fingers through her hair in an effort to compose herself. This was everything she’d ever dreamed of hearing from him and it was also everything she’d dreaded. She’d spent so long in therapy building up her walls, repairing her heart, learning how to heal herself and protect herself from falling into this kind of heartbreak again.

But she loved him.

She loved him so deeply that she didn’t know how she could ever stop. Sidney Crosby was so intrinsically part of her that she knew that, being honest with herself, she didn’t know what a life without him looked like. It was one of the main things she still talked about with her therapist, her inability to accept anyone new into her heart, and she knew deep down that no-one would ever replace him, not truly.

But was she ready to just fall back into his arms.

“I don’t know if I can,” she said softly, and wow wasn’t the devastated look on his face heartbreaking? “I want to, Sid, but I have spent years trying to move on from you and I don’t think I can handle going through what we did again.”

Sidney let out a shaky breath, smiling sadly as his eyes shined with tears. “The last thing I want is to hurt you. I just…I want to show you that I’ve changed. I want to show you all of the love that I should’ve shown you five years ago. You deserve that much. You should have someone love you in every single way that you absolutely deserve.”

“Sidney…” was all she could murmur again.

Maybe it was her lack of refusal, or the softness in her voice, but Sidney took one of her hands again, squeezing it gently.

“I know that we have separate lives now. I know that you have created something wonderful for yourself without me. But all I’m asking for is a chance to start over,” he said softly.

“But how would that work with you in Pittsburgh and me in Vancouver?”

“You’re a Canucks fan now?” he grimaced.

Of course that was his priority. Still, she found herself choking out a laugh, shaking her head as Sidney flushed a little with shame. “I haven’t watched hockey since I left Pittsburgh. Vancouver was just the furthest I could get away and still be in Canada.”

The look that passed over his face was a curious mix of sadness, regret, and frustration, before it settled into the determination she’d known for years.

“Can I call you?”

“What?” she asked, frowning.

“Can I call you?” he repeated. “I’m still not on social media, other than whatever the team makes us do. I’m getting better at texting. Emails are so-so. But I would love to talk to you, to hear your voice. I miss you, so much.”

How did he know exactly what to say to make her heart cry out?

“Sidney, come on,” she pleaded, trying to ignore the lump rising in her throat.

But he didn’t back down.

“Tell me no, Maeva. Tell me no, and I will walk away. You know I’m not that guy – no means no, and if you mean it then I will never bother you again,” he said seriously.

“You know I can’t,” she murmured.

Sidney just let out a shaky breath, squeezing her hand again as a smile hopeful smile crept across his lips.

“So let me call you. We can start with baby steps. I know you have a life in Vancouver now…but I just want to be part of it. I wasted five years of my life without you because I was an idiot who didn’t appreciate the incredible woman I had – all I want is another chance. Do you love me?”

He really was devastating, wasn’t he?

“Do you love me?” he repeated, running his thumb over her knuckles.

“I do love you. I don’t think I know how to stop,” she said, feeling like an idiot but smiling anyway.

Sidney just smiled like he couldn’t believe his luck, and slowly lifted her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles gently, keeping his gaze locked on hers.

“I love you, Maeva,” he murmured.

He kissed her hand again before gently lowering it back down to their sides, so much emotion in his face that Maeva didn’t know what else she could possibly do.

“You can call me. I’m making no promises, but you can call me,” she said softly.

The smile that spread across his face made her heart soar for the first time in years.

~

Little do you know how I'm breaking while you fall asleep? Little do you know I'm still haunted by the memories? Little do you know I'm trying to pick myself up piece by piece? Little do you know I need a little more time?

Oh wait, just wait, I love you like I've never felt the pain, Just wait, I love you like I've never been afraid, Just wait, our love is here, is here to stay, So lay your head on me.

[rustandruin]

Hiii my cutie 💕 top five wlw stories please? In any genre and medium

Three for three so far! Because this is another stellar ask — as well as a nice reminder of how far media has come, because not only are most of these recent, but I didn’t have to try too hard to find happy, more positive ones. And even better, I really could find stuff in most of my favouite genres. Viva more inclusive media!

P.S. It was actually hard to limit these to only five! 

Let’s hope that trend continues:

OBLIGATORY MENTION: It’s a low-level crime, that Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Rosa and Alicia (Gina Rodriguez’s character) can’t be on this list. But seeing as that they haven’t had more than an adorable meet-cute at this point, I couldn’t justify it to myself. But I feel the need to note that if we are fortunate enough to have her reprise this role in at least a minor recurring capacity next season, you’ll have to come and resuscitate me, because I’ll probably be dead. Like. Look at this!!! (I’m all three of them in this scene.) 

5. Amy and Lucy (D. E. B. S.)

What happens when you’re your spy agency’s top agent, but you just happen to be set up on a blind date with and then fall for the criminal mastermind who’s the basis of your thesis project? This movie. Directed by Angela Robinson (who herself is queer and also responsible for the polyamorous Wonder Woman creators backstory film Professor Marston and the Wonder Women last year), this film is a tongue-in-cheek parody of Charlie’s Angels. This means lots of wacky spy hijinks and some cheesy dialogue, but it truly feels like the queer spy AU I’ve always wanted. I also appreciate that there’s a B-story about female friendship and what it means when your friend embarks on a new relationship. (Side Note: This movie pairs perfectly with Spice World and SClub: Seeing Double, you’re welcome.) 

4. Goldie and Diane (Goldie Vance)

Goldie is pretty much living my dream ages 7 to.. well, pretty much now, seeing as she works at a local holiday resort where she also solves mysteries with the help of her best friend Cheryl (who wants to be an astronaut) and her girlfriend Diane (seen in all her chic glory, below). This comic is relatively new but it’s one of my all-time favourites because the art style is gorgeous and retro, the mysteries are fun and modern, and Goldie herself is fully-fledged and already iconic. And on top of all that, we get to see her initial crush on Diane, followed by them beginning a relationship all with very little drama. It’s cute and sweet, just what this book and our hero deserve. Also, I know it sounds weird, but I kind of have a crush on Diane. She’s just so ridiculously cool. (And she’s not even wearing her leather jacket.) 

3. Lena and Stef (The Fosters)

I haven’t caught up on the last two seasons of this series, but I did catch a bit of the season finale (which really focused on their relationship and Stef coming to terms with her dad’s death and his not having accepted their relationship) and it just drove home how special it was to be able to watch five seasons of a loving, committed lesbian relationship play out on TV. These ladies have been through so much together — and that’s excluding the insanity their five kids put them through. And I know they’ve gone through some rough patches, but it made me only love them more because relationships can be hard and require work and it was nice to see both these women doing their best to put in the effort. But more than that, the show allowed us to see them be funny and sexy and cute and domestic, amidst all the drama, which only makes this relationship so special. I hope we’re all lucky to find that kind of partnership some day. 

2. Carmilla and Laura Hollis (Carmilla)

Freshman journalist investigates and then falls for dark and mysterious vampire roommate, and then proceeds to get into all sorts of vampiric and demonic shenanigans with their inclusive group of friends. It sounds like some kind of wild fanfic idea, only it’s a real web series that ran for three seasons and then blessed us with a movie. And honestly, there is so much to love about Carmilla and Laura’s relationship. They’re both the tough and strong one and the soft and sensitive one, and better yet, they take turns being that for each other. Their chemistry crackles, the emotions (both positive and negative) come through, and even more importantly, they’re endlessly watchable together. Because they have that push and pull and give and take that is at the heart of all great pairings — and I could not be more grateful to everyone involved.

1. Waverly Earp and Nicole Haught (Wynonna Earp) 

Just as her sister Wynonna is off learning how to become Wyatt Earp’s latest heir, the ever-delightful Waverly goes on the fun journey that is discovering that your sexuality isn’t as defined as you thought it was — especially when she falls for the cute new female police officer in town. (Of course, while all this is happening we’re graced with all kinds of revenant-hunting and demon fighting goodness where both women show off their admirable skillsets.) But the best part of Waverly exploring her bisexuality and feelings for Nicole is that in many ways we get to see the “real” Waverly come out when with someone who appreciates how smart and insightful she can be and treats her with all the respect and adoration she deserves. And the same is true for Nicole, who while also being softer and more vulnerable around Waverly, also lets her see her more ambitious and determined side. It’s a sign that both women are at their fullest with each other, trusting one another with the best and worst parts of themselves, which is what good relationship allow you to do — even if one of you is constantly in mortal danger. Bring on Season 3 already. 

HONOURARY MENTIONS: Valencia and Beth (Crazy Ex Girlfriend), Petra and JR (Jane the Virgin), Bingo Love by Tee Franklin (I haven’t read it yet, but I’ve heard good things), Black Lightning (I have yet to watch it because I was waiting to marathon it), Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst, Ash by Malinda Lo, Rasha and Zoe (Degrassi: Next Class)

[kansascityhappenings]

Missouri voters pass Clean Missouri reforms

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Returning power to the people was the goal of Missouri Amendment 1 and the people overwhelmingly approved the “Clean Missouri” initiative, which aims to reduce corruption and diminish the influence of deep-pocketed donors in the state.

“We are thrilled that Republicans, Democrats, and independents came together to clean up Missouri politics,” said Nimrod “Rod” Chapel Jr., president of the NAACP Missouri State Chapter and Treasurer of Clean Missouri. "Thousands of Missourians from across the state came together to put Amendment 1 on the ballot, and then thousands more joined the fight to pass Amendment 1. It's truly a great day for Missouri."

Missouri voters also passed Proposition B, which raises the minimum wage, but rejected Proposition D, which would have imposed a 10-cent increase in the gas tax to fund repairs to the state’s crumbling infrastructure.

But Amendment 1 is the headline grabber.

It will drastically change the way the Show-Me State draws its voting district in 2021, which is required by federal law after each U.S. Census. The next census is in 2020.

Amendment 1 also prohibits former state legislators and Missouri General Assembly members from becoming paid lobbyists for a period of two years and limits lobbyists gifts to legislators to $5 or less.

Political candidates and their campaign committees also face more strict contribution limits — $2,500 for a state senator and $2,000 for a state representative.

Redistricting will be handled by a newly created “non-partisan state demographer.”

The Missouri State Auditor, which will remain Democrat Nicole Galloway after she won reelection Tuesday night in a close race versus Republican candidate Saundra McDowell, will select at least three nominees.

The majority and minority leaders of the legislature can reach a consensus on a nominee, the person shall be appointed.

If not, the majority and minority leaders each can remove one-third of the candidates nominated then a random lottery of the remaining candidates will determine the demographer.

The current bipartisan system is run by party insiders and political consultants, according to Clean Missouri Amendment 1 Communications Director Benjamin Singer, but the new system aims to eliminate partisan gerrymandering:

“Amendment 1 does three important things to end gerrymandering in Missouri. One, it adds transparency. Instead of having maps drawn behind closed doors, it brings it out into the public, requires public testimony and ensures all data are subject to the Sunshine Law.

Two, it requires clear, transparent criteria — including making Missouri a national leader in protecting minority representation; and ensuring that no party is given an unfair advantage; and following city and county lines when possible; and keeping compact, contiguous districts.

Third, it adds independence to the process. Instead of just party insiders drawing the maps, it adds an independent expert who draws the first version of the maps, which are then reviewed by a citizen commission.” (Singer)

It requires all meetings and documents for the redistricting process be subject to state open-records laws.

A huge majority of Missourians — nearly 62 percent — endorsed the amendment, which will become state law once the election results are certified later this year.

Other highlights from Tuesday’s election:

Amendment 4 passed with more than 52 percent of the vote. It removes language that restricts advertising of bingo games, and allows licensed members of organizations that conduct bingo games to manage those games after six months of training with the organization instead of two years.

Proposition B passed with nearly 62 percent of the vote. It increases the state minimum wage to $8.65 with increases of $0.85 per year until 2023, when the state minimum wage will be $12. Government employees are exempt from the law and the penalty for employers who violate the law will increase. The initial increase goes into effect Jan. 1, 2019.

Proposition D failed by more than 180,000 votes. It would have increased the state gasoline tax by 2 1/2 cents for four years beginning July 1, 2019, with the revenue going to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and local governments for road construction and maintenance.  

from Local News | KSHB https://www.kshb.com/news/political/missouri-voters-pass-clean-missouri-reforms-minimum-wage-hike

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2018/11/07/missouri-voters-pass-clean-missouri-reforms/

[kansascitywatch]

Missouri voters pass Clean Missouri reforms

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Returning power to the people was the goal of Missouri Amendment 1 and the people overwhelmingly approved the “Clean Missouri” initiative, which aims to reduce corruption and diminish the influence of deep-pocketed donors in the state.

“We are thrilled that Republicans, Democrats, and independents came together to clean up Missouri politics,” said Nimrod “Rod” Chapel Jr., president of the NAACP Missouri State Chapter and Treasurer of Clean Missouri. "Thousands of Missourians from across the state came together to put Amendment 1 on the ballot, and then thousands more joined the fight to pass Amendment 1. It's truly a great day for Missouri."

Missouri voters also passed Proposition B, which raises the minimum wage, but rejected Proposition D, which would have imposed a 10-cent increase in the gas tax to fund repairs to the state’s crumbling infrastructure.

But Amendment 1 is the headline grabber.

It will drastically change the way the Show-Me State draws its voting district in 2021, which is required by federal law after each U.S. Census. The next census is in 2020.

Amendment 1 also prohibits former state legislators and Missouri General Assembly members from becoming paid lobbyists for a period of two years and limits lobbyists gifts to legislators to $5 or less.

Political candidates and their campaign committees also face more strict contribution limits — $2,500 for a state senator and $2,000 for a state representative.

Redistricting will be handled by a newly created “non-partisan state demographer.”

The Missouri State Auditor, which will remain Democrat Nicole Galloway after she won reelection Tuesday night in a close race versus Republican candidate Saundra McDowell, will select at least three nominees.

The majority and minority leaders of the legislature can reach a consensus on a nominee, the person shall be appointed.

If not, the majority and minority leaders each can remove one-third of the candidates nominated then a random lottery of the remaining candidates will determine the demographer.

The current bipartisan system is run by party insiders and political consultants, according to Clean Missouri Amendment 1 Communications Director Benjamin Singer, but the new system aims to eliminate partisan gerrymandering:

“Amendment 1 does three important things to end gerrymandering in Missouri. One, it adds transparency. Instead of having maps drawn behind closed doors, it brings it out into the public, requires public testimony and ensures all data are subject to the Sunshine Law.

Two, it requires clear, transparent criteria — including making Missouri a national leader in protecting minority representation; and ensuring that no party is given an unfair advantage; and following city and county lines when possible; and keeping compact, contiguous districts.

Third, it adds independence to the process. Instead of just party insiders drawing the maps, it adds an independent expert who draws the first version of the maps, which are then reviewed by a citizen commission.” (Singer)

It requires all meetings and documents for the redistricting process be subject to state open-records laws.

A huge majority of Missourians — nearly 62 percent — endorsed the amendment, which will become state law once the election results are certified later this year.

Other highlights from Tuesday’s election:

Amendment 4 passed with more than 52 percent of the vote. It removes language that restricts advertising of bingo games, and allows licensed members of organizations that conduct bingo games to manage those games after six months of training with the organization instead of two years.

Proposition B passed with nearly 62 percent of the vote. It increases the state minimum wage to $8.65 with increases of $0.85 per year until 2023, when the state minimum wage will be $12. Government employees are exempt from the law and the penalty for employers who violate the law will increase. The initial increase goes into effect Jan. 1, 2019.

Proposition D failed by more than 180,000 votes. It would have increased the state gasoline tax by 2 1/2 cents for four years beginning July 1, 2019, with the revenue going to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and local governments for road construction and maintenance.  

from Local News | KSHB https://www.kshb.com/news/political/missouri-voters-pass-clean-missouri-reforms-minimum-wage-hike

from Kansas City Watch https://kansascitywatch.wordpress.com/2018/11/07/missouri-voters-pass-clean-missouri-reforms/

[demitgibbs]

What’s Hot South Florida: June 15 – June 20

Thursday, June 15

The GLLN invites everyone to join them for Happy Hour at Rumors from 6-8pm. This event is generously sponsored by our Strategic Alliance Members Edward Jones and Seacoast Bank. Starting today through Sunday, June 18th My TropiXXX is featuring a Pride Sale, where Ruby members get 40% off and 20% off for nonmembers.

From today until June 20, the Pride Factory features a sale where the more you spend, the more you save. Spend $50 and save $5, or spend $100 and save $15.

Friday, June 16

NBC 6 Cafe’ at Rosie’s Bar & Grill from 9a.m. to 11:30a.m with free coffee and treats and the opportunity to meet the NBC 6 Morning News Team! This is an Official Stonewall Pride Week event appearance by NBC 6 for the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade & Festival.

The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood announces the opening of its summer exhibitions tonight. Charley Friedman: Moist Things – Selected Works 1995-2017 and David Rohn: In Service | Out Of Service. Also showing is Lisa Rockford: Dear 33020. The exhibitions will run through August 20 with the opening reception taking place on tonight from 6 to 9 pm. Admission to the opening reception is $10 and free for members. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm; Saturday – Sunday 12 – 4 pm; closed on Mondays. Admission to the Center following the opening reception is $7 for adults, $4 for seniors and students, and free for members.

Saturday, June 17

The 18th annual Stonewall Parade and Street Festival will take place today in Wilton Manors from 3p.m. to 11p.m. For more information, go to WiltonManorsStonewall.org or call the hotline at 754-200-2979 ext 610.

Hunters presents, live on stage immediately after the parade, Company B performing their hit songs “Fascinated,” “Full Circle,” and “Perfect Lover,” and more.

Progress Bar in association with Impulse South Florida presents a Pride Bash which will feature Wendy Ho vs. Jackie Beat. The event will also star Amanda Austin, Calypso Monroe, Kat Wilderness and Jasmine Lords and dancers Jose, & Luis and DJs Aulden Brown and Alex Infiniti.

Rumors Stonewall festival is their largest outdoor festival of the year and will feature their kick-off party from 5-7pm with MC Mia Patricyk, and then from 7:30p.m. to 10:30p.m. Nicole Halliwell and Sasha Lords on the outdoor stage and from 9:30p.m. to 10p.m. and then again from 10:30p.m. to 11p.m. they feature a live concert starring X Factors Lillie McCloud and the Voice’s Donna Allen.

Scandals Saloon presents “Queen Style Corn,” on the patio at 8pm. This is a country/comedy show starring all of the Scandals Saloon’s reigning Corn Queens. This is hillbilly hilarious!

Southern Nights Fort Lauderdale presents an all day party starting at 11a.m. and featuring DJ Joshua Atom during the day and DJ/Producer Chris Cox at night along with shows at 8pm, 11p, and 1am by RuPaul’s Drag Races Derrick Barry.

The Manor Complex presents an indoor/outdoor event from 3p.m. to 4a.m. Outside, on their now infamous LED wall stage and DJ Booth catch DJ Sushiman form 3p.m. to 6p.m and DJ JPS from 6p.m. to 11 p.m. Inside the main room catch DJ Kidd Madonny from 10pm to 4am and inside the Ivy Dance Room and Patio, Noche Latina Saturdays opens 1 hour early at 10pm with resident DJ Larry Larr spinning to 4a.m. The Room will star Kalah Mendoza (Miss Noche Latina 2015), Angie Ovahness (Miss Noche Latina 2017) and Aries M. Kelly (National Showman 2017). As a Pride present to the entire community the Manor has NO COVER all night!

Monday, June 19

Gather your friends for a great dinner out at Bona Italian Restaurant and meet more community-minded people as Bona gives back to our local communities. A portion of your bill (minus tax and gratuity) will be donated back to support the mission of Stonewall National Museum & Archives. Dinner hours are 4 – 10 pm and all dine-in, take-out orders are included!

Tuesday, June 20

Rumor’s Bar and Grill presents their monthly Drag Bingo for charity from 9pm to close, this month benefitting Stonewall National Museum and Archives.

This is HOT

  As part of LGBTQ Pride month, Logo today announced special programming including “Pride History Project,” and “Trailblazer Honors.”

“Pride History Project” is a series of ten animated vignettes highlighting LGBTQ people throughout history, created by renowned artist and activist Daniel Arzola. Narrated by Laverne Cox and in collaboration with Harvard professor and queer historian Michael Bronski, the project includes stories about the following historical figures:

Plato & Sappho (Ancient Greece) Hadrian & Antinous (Ancient Rome) Joan of Arc (Middle Ages) Richard I, Edward II & James I (British Monarchy) Leonardo Da Vinci & Michelangelo (Italian Renaissance) Walt Whitman & Albert Cashier (Civil War) We’Wha (Native American History) Frida Kahlo (Mexican History) Gladys Bentley & James Baldwin (Harlem Renaissance) Mattachine Society & Daughters of Bilitis (Early Gay Liberation) Trailblazer Honors,” a one-hour special event that celebrates leaders at the forefront of LGBTQ equality, will premiere Friday, June 23rd at 9PM ET/PT. This year’s honorees include Cyndi Lauper and the creators of “Will & Grace,” Max Mutchnick and David Kohan. More honorees to be announced soon.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2017/06/14/whats-hot-south-florida-june-15-june-20/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.tumblr.com/post/161820566500

[cynthiajayusa]

What’s Hot South Florida: June 15 – June 20

Thursday, June 15

The GLLN invites everyone to join them for Happy Hour at Rumors from 6-8pm. This event is generously sponsored by our Strategic Alliance Members Edward Jones and Seacoast Bank. Starting today through Sunday, June 18th My TropiXXX is featuring a Pride Sale, where Ruby members get 40% off and 20% off for nonmembers.

 From today until June 20, the Pride Factory features a sale where the more you spend, the more you save. Spend $50 and save $5, or spend $100 and save $15.

 Friday, June 16

NBC 6 Cafe’ at Rosie’s Bar & Grill from 9a.m. to 11:30a.m with free coffee and treats and the opportunity to meet the NBC 6 Morning News Team! This is an Official Stonewall Pride Week event appearance by NBC 6 for the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade & Festival.

 The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood announces the opening of its summer exhibitions tonight. Charley Friedman: Moist Things – Selected Works 1995-2017 and David Rohn: In Service | Out Of Service. Also showing is Lisa Rockford: Dear 33020. The exhibitions will run through August 20 with the opening reception taking place on tonight from 6 to 9 pm. Admission to the opening reception is $10 and free for members. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm; Saturday – Sunday 12 – 4 pm; closed on Mondays. Admission to the Center following the opening reception is $7 for adults, $4 for seniors and students, and free for members.

 Saturday, June 17

The 18th annual Stonewall Parade and Street Festival will take place today in Wilton Manors from 3p.m. to 11p.m. For more information, go to WiltonManorsStonewall.org or call the hotline at 754-200-2979 ext 610.

 Hunters presents, live on stage immediately after the parade, Company B performing their hit songs “Fascinated,” “Full Circle,” and “Perfect Lover,” and more.

 Progress Bar in association with Impulse South Florida presents a Pride Bash which will feature Wendy Ho vs. Jackie Beat. The event will also star Amanda Austin, Calypso Monroe, Kat Wilderness and Jasmine Lords and dancers Jose, & Luis and DJs Aulden Brown and Alex Infiniti.

 Rumors Stonewall festival is their largest outdoor festival of the year and will feature their kick-off party from 5-7pm with MC Mia Patricyk, and then from 7:30p.m. to 10:30p.m. Nicole Halliwell and Sasha Lords on the outdoor stage and from 9:30p.m. to 10p.m. and then again from 10:30p.m. to 11p.m. they feature a live concert starring X Factors Lillie McCloud and the Voice’s Donna Allen.

 Scandals Saloon presents “Queen Style Corn,” on the patio at 8pm. This is a country/comedy show starring all of the Scandals Saloon’s reigning Corn Queens. This is hillbilly hilarious!

 Southern Nights Fort Lauderdale presents an all day party starting at 11a.m. and featuring DJ Joshua Atom during the day and DJ/Producer Chris Cox at night along with shows at 8pm, 11p, and 1am by RuPaul’s Drag Races Derrick Barry.

 The Manor Complex presents an indoor/outdoor event from 3p.m. to 4a.m. Outside, on their now infamous LED wall stage and DJ Booth catch DJ Sushiman form 3p.m. to 6p.m and DJ JPS from 6p.m. to 11 p.m. Inside the main room catch DJ Kidd Madonny from 10pm to 4am and inside the Ivy Dance Room and Patio, Noche Latina Saturdays opens 1 hour early at 10pm with resident DJ Larry Larr spinning to 4a.m. The Room will star Kalah Mendoza (Miss Noche Latina 2015), Angie Ovahness (Miss Noche Latina 2017) and Aries M. Kelly (National Showman 2017). As a Pride present to the entire community the Manor has NO COVER all night!

 Monday, June 19

Gather your friends for a great dinner out at Bona Italian Restaurant and meet more community-minded people as Bona gives back to our local communities. A portion of your bill (minus tax and gratuity) will be donated back to support the mission of Stonewall National Museum & Archives. Dinner hours are 4 – 10 pm and all dine-in, take-out orders are included!

 Tuesday, June 20

Rumor’s Bar and Grill presents their monthly Drag Bingo for charity from 9pm to close, this month benefitting Stonewall National Museum and Archives.

 This is HOT

 As part of LGBTQ Pride month, Logo today announced special programming including “Pride History Project,” and “Trailblazer Honors.”

“Pride History Project” is a series of ten animated vignettes highlighting LGBTQ people throughout history, created by renowned artist and activist Daniel Arzola. Narrated by Laverne Cox and in collaboration with Harvard professor and queer historian Michael Bronski, the project includes stories about the following historical figures:

Plato & Sappho (Ancient Greece) Hadrian & Antinous (Ancient Rome) Joan of Arc (Middle Ages) Richard I, Edward II & James I (British Monarchy) Leonardo Da Vinci & Michelangelo (Italian Renaissance) Walt Whitman & Albert Cashier (Civil War) We’Wha (Native American History) Frida Kahlo (Mexican History) Gladys Bentley & James Baldwin (Harlem Renaissance) Mattachine Society & Daughters of Bilitis (Early Gay Liberation) Trailblazer Honors,” a one-hour special event that celebrates leaders at the forefront of LGBTQ equality, will premiere Friday, June 23rd at 9PM ET/PT. This year’s honorees include Cyndi Lauper and the creators of “Will & Grace,” Max Mutchnick and David Kohan. More honorees to be announced soon.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2017/06/14/whats-hot-south-florida-june-15-june-20/ from Hot Spots Magazine http://hotspotsmagazin.blogspot.com/2017/06/whats-hot-south-florida-june-15-june-20.html

[hotspotsmagazine]

What’s Hot South Florida: June 15 – June 20

Thursday, June 15

The GLLN invites everyone to join them for Happy Hour at Rumors from 6-8pm. This event is generously sponsored by our Strategic Alliance Members Edward Jones and Seacoast Bank. Starting today through Sunday, June 18th My TropiXXX is featuring a Pride Sale, where Ruby members get 40% off and 20% off for nonmembers.

  From today until June 20, the Pride Factory features a sale where the more you spend, the more you save. Spend $50 and save $5, or spend $100 and save $15.

  Friday, June 16

NBC 6 Cafe’ at Rosie’s Bar & Grill from 9a.m. to 11:30a.m with free coffee and treats and the opportunity to meet the NBC 6 Morning News Team! This is an Official Stonewall Pride Week event appearance by NBC 6 for the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade & Festival.

  The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood announces the opening of its summer exhibitions tonight. Charley Friedman: Moist Things – Selected Works 1995-2017 and David Rohn: In Service | Out Of Service. Also showing is Lisa Rockford: Dear 33020. The exhibitions will run through August 20 with the opening reception taking place on tonight from 6 to 9 pm. Admission to the opening reception is $10 and free for members. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm; Saturday – Sunday 12 – 4 pm; closed on Mondays. Admission to the Center following the opening reception is $7 for adults, $4 for seniors and students, and free for members.

  Saturday, June 17

The 18th annual Stonewall Parade and Street Festival will take place today in Wilton Manors from 3p.m. to 11p.m. For more information, go to WiltonManorsStonewall.org or call the hotline at 754-200-2979 ext 610.

  Hunters presents, live on stage immediately after the parade, Company B performing their hit songs “Fascinated,” “Full Circle,” and “Perfect Lover,” and more.

  Progress Bar in association with Impulse South Florida presents a Pride Bash which will feature Wendy Ho vs. Jackie Beat. The event will also star Amanda Austin, Calypso Monroe, Kat Wilderness and Jasmine Lords and dancers Jose, & Luis and DJs Aulden Brown and Alex Infiniti.

  Rumors Stonewall festival is their largest outdoor festival of the year and will feature their kick-off party from 5-7pm with MC Mia Patricyk, and then from 7:30p.m. to 10:30p.m. Nicole Halliwell and Sasha Lords on the outdoor stage and from 9:30p.m. to 10p.m. and then again from 10:30p.m. to 11p.m. they feature a live concert starring X Factors Lillie McCloud and the Voice’s Donna Allen.

  Scandals Saloon presents “Queen Style Corn,” on the patio at 8pm. This is a country/comedy show starring all of the Scandals Saloon’s reigning Corn Queens. This is hillbilly hilarious!

  Southern Nights Fort Lauderdale presents an all day party starting at 11a.m. and featuring DJ Joshua Atom during the day and DJ/Producer Chris Cox at night along with shows at 8pm, 11p, and 1am by RuPaul’s Drag Races Derrick Barry.

  The Manor Complex presents an indoor/outdoor event from 3p.m. to 4a.m. Outside, on their now infamous LED wall stage and DJ Booth catch DJ Sushiman form 3p.m. to 6p.m and DJ JPS from 6p.m. to 11 p.m. Inside the main room catch DJ Kidd Madonny from 10pm to 4am and inside the Ivy Dance Room and Patio, Noche Latina Saturdays opens 1 hour early at 10pm with resident DJ Larry Larr spinning to 4a.m. The Room will star Kalah Mendoza (Miss Noche Latina 2015), Angie Ovahness (Miss Noche Latina 2017) and Aries M. Kelly (National Showman 2017). As a Pride present to the entire community the Manor has NO COVER all night!

  Monday, June 19

Gather your friends for a great dinner out at Bona Italian Restaurant and meet more community-minded people as Bona gives back to our local communities. A portion of your bill (minus tax and gratuity) will be donated back to support the mission of Stonewall National Museum & Archives. Dinner hours are 4 – 10 pm and all dine-in, take-out orders are included!

  Tuesday, June 20

Rumor’s Bar and Grill presents their monthly Drag Bingo for charity from 9pm to close, this month benefitting Stonewall National Museum and Archives.

  This is HOT

  As part of LGBTQ Pride month, Logo today announced special programming including “Pride History Project,” and “Trailblazer Honors.”

“Pride History Project” is a series of ten animated vignettes highlighting LGBTQ people throughout history, created by renowned artist and activist Daniel Arzola. Narrated by Laverne Cox and in collaboration with Harvard professor and queer historian Michael Bronski, the project includes stories about the following historical figures:

Plato & Sappho (Ancient Greece) Hadrian & Antinous (Ancient Rome) Joan of Arc (Middle Ages) Richard I, Edward II & James I (British Monarchy) Leonardo Da Vinci & Michelangelo (Italian Renaissance) Walt Whitman & Albert Cashier (Civil War) We’Wha (Native American History) Frida Kahlo (Mexican History) Gladys Bentley & James Baldwin (Harlem Renaissance) Mattachine Society & Daughters of Bilitis (Early Gay Liberation) Trailblazer Honors,” a one-hour special event that celebrates leaders at the forefront of LGBTQ equality, will premiere Friday, June 23rd at 9PM ET/PT. This year’s honorees include Cyndi Lauper and the creators of “Will & Grace,” Max Mutchnick and David Kohan. More honorees to be announced soon.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2017/06/14/whats-hot-south-florida-june-15-june-20/