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[yvainehawkins]

rippedstitch-s​:

Asa was glad she took it, because it felt less shameful than sending back an untouched drink. At least someone would enjoy it. He pushed it over to her with a little smile. “Good, enjoy.”

His own drink was of a similar fruitiness- some rum cocktail that had sounded good on paper. Now it tastes almost syrupy. Maybe because of the whole ‘being left at the bar’ thing. But he was glad his friend was there. Asa gave her a half-hearted shrug. “You’re always great company, love.” He pointed out and shifted a bit on his stool to face her better.

“What’re you doing out tonight anyways? Just having a night alone, or were you meeting someone?” He didn’t want to take away from her evening if she had a nice date planned, after all. As much as it sucked being alone, he was absolutely used to it and wouldn’t mind her having to take off. “I was thinking of ordering something to eat. Want to share some… onion rings?” He pointed at the little laminated menu on the bar-top. “Maybe these uh, fried pickles, not sure.”

Evie smiled in her usual charming way. “Why, thank you. If I can only do one thing right in this world, I want to be that I’m great company. But no date for me tonight. I can’t even remember the last time I went on one of those; this time I have off from work is for me-time... You, Asa, just so happen to be an added bonus. Sharing a drink with a friend is better than being alone.”

She took a sip of her drink and briefly glanced over Asa’s shoulder at what appeared to be double-date. Evie was sure if it was jealously or whether she was just genuinely disgusted at the display of affection that was occurring, but her smile twitched into a disgusted frown. Part of her, she supposed, missed doing that obliviously dumb stuff with her ex, David.

“Food sounds good to me,” she added, quickly turning her attention back to Asa. “Especially onion rings; I don’t think I’ve had those since my last trip to Jersey in... well, I forget it’s that long ago!”

Evie picked up the menu and scanned it, squinting ever-so slightly as she hadn’t brought her reading glasses so the print was a little fuzzy. Oh, the joys of getting old. 

“Tell me to do one if you would prefer not to talk about it,” she then began, tapping her nails against the base of her wine glass. “The fella that ditched you: did you know him or was it like a blind date? Please tell me you didn’t mean him on some dubious dating site.”

[yvainehawkins]

[yvainehawkins]

audrasmythe​:

As long as she’s known her, Audra has always admired Evie. It’s a quiet admiration - she’s not the type for fawning, loud displays of affection. But she respects the other woman immensely, her work is immaculate. So, while her smile is not quite sheepish, she’s cursing herself. At least she’s a friend.

“No, me neither, it’s been a hectic morning. Just glad I didn’t get coffee before I ran into you.” Likely, if she’d had coffee, she wouldn’t have at all. Wouldn’t have been staring at the cart at all. But she just smiles and turns on her heel, down the steps.

Sophisticated coffee taste. Audra had been partial to things fancier before, but now a cappuccino suited her well. No sugar, usually, but with this place, it was always better to sweeten it. She gets in line, turns her head slightly to continue talking to Evie. “What brings you to the MET?”

Despite looking perhaps a little tired and probably in need of the coffee, Evie thought that Audra was looking especially lovely. Although the coat she was wearing wasn’t Evie style exactly, she liked it very much. Audra always dressed well. She was one of very few people Evie could relax around, one of few people who she didn’t have to put on a show for, and one of few people she could trust. And today their bond was strengthened through coffee. It was a modern ritual she could get behind.

“Oh, not much,” Evie answered. “You wouldn’t think I would want to come and stare at more art when I live, breathe, and bleed the stuff, but it’s nice to see artwork that isn’t my own. There’s more authenticity and character in it. But unexpectedly running into a friend is nice surprise, too... What about you, Audra? Slow day?”

[yvainehawkins]

avamhollis​:

— CENTRAL PARK ; MIDDAY

Nurses don’t have a lot of free time as it is – add her second job on top of it, and you’re looking at a fully packed schedule. However, the perks of the latter include wanding around the city, looking for her targets, and she was known to take a slight detour when the hit wasn’t urgent. Hence her sitting at a bench in Central Park on her way back home from the hospital. It had been an uneventful day, which meant she wasn’t entirely drained.

     A bored murderer isreally the last person you ever want to come across. 

     “No offense, but you look sick,” she looks at the woman sat a bench away and shrugs. “It’s not too early to start drinking, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

Evie watched the young woman sit on the bench next to hers. She was sure that she briefly met Ava at some point, knowing full well they were both affiliated with The Syndicate. Evie thought that Ava had beautiful eyes. 

“I’m just a little under the weather today,” she replied. “Nothing major.”

Evie was a good liar, but today she couldn’t convince herself that what she said was true. Just as long as it didn’t show too much in her face. She had always worn a mask in public, hiding a softer soul below a steely exterior. She lived a lie, but that was okay. Unless memories kept coming to haunt her in the way they were on this day.

However, Ava’s comment made Evie crack a smile. “You’re right; it’s never too early for a drink. I’m no expert, but you might consider prescribing me a strong whisky or something. Or perhaps you might have a funny story of how some dumb fellow came to injure himself.”

[yvainehawkins]

Evie frequented Barbarella mostly on weekends, but now it was more about when her work schedule would permit it. Today, thankfully, was one of those days were she could catch a break and she was going to make the absolute most of it. 

Siping at a cool glass of wine, Evie had been sat in a quieter corner of the bar since the early evening and as it got later into the night the bar began to get busier. But there was one familiar figure who had been abandoned for a good while. Grabbing what was left of her drink, Evie got to her feet and approached Asa. 

“Thanks,” she smiled at his request to join him. “A vodka cranberry would be an excellent chaser to my rosé.”

She sat down, flicking her hair over her shoulder. “I have noticed that you’ve been here a while, Asa, but don’t look so glum. The other fella came off worse than you; he doesn’t know what he’s missing. I promise I’m better company anyway.”

Status: Open to anyone!  Location: Barbarella Bar

He’d been deserted. Either that, or his date was dead in the bathroom and it was time to call the cops- because, by Asa’s watch, he’d been waiting for the tall and slightly younger man to walk back out of the men’s room for… yeah, 35 minutes. The sweet bartender was shooting him sympathetic looks. His first drink had wet through the napkin coaster from condensation, and the ice had left a layer of water on top. He’d been trying to hold off on sucking it all down. It seemed rude to finish a drink so quickly. 

Asa finally took a long drink and got up. Then a quick and awkward exploration of the bathroom stalls… yeah, empty. The place was just busy enough that the guy could’ve slipped behind a few tables and never been seen again. He sank down on the stool he’d been at, seeing that folks were starting to look for seats at the bar. “You can take this one. Pretty sure my date’s disappeared. You can have the vodka cranberry too, if you don’t mind all the melted ice.” He pointed out the drink he’d ordered for the long-gone date. 

[yvainehawkins]

✧･ﾟ— OPEN STARTER

— CENTRAL PARK ; MIDDAY

Evie loved Central Park. It was a little piece of paradise in the concrete jungle of New York City. She remembered going as a young girl, running around with her brother and sister before taking a trip to the nearby zoo. As a souvenir, she took home a stuffed

Evie was currently in the midst of a commission- one that was taking up a lot more time and energy than she anticipated- and even though she wouldn’t admit it, it was getting her down. Being cooped up in her studio with the same strong smell of paint and with the clutter piling up as each day passed it wasn’t exactly pleasant and whilst it would be relatively simple for Evie to change that she lacked the enthusiasm for it.

Not only that, but today was her mother’s ten year death anniversary. She remembered sitting on this exact same bench eating chocolate ice-cream whilst Anita had salted caramel. She’d told Evie to slow down eating or she’d feel sick and wouldn’t be able to play with her siblings, but Evie was far too excited. And now part of her wished she could be a kid again; wished she could be oblivious to all the hardship and heartache in the world.

She shook it off, checking her manicured nails and adjusting the scarf around her neck, but some of that heartache still lingered. Evie hoped it wasn’t too obvious a look on her face.

[yvainehawkins]

Evie had completed her recent commissions and after laying in bed a little longer than usual, she got dressed and headed out. A wander around the city often gave her inspiration and motivation for her work, but today it was all about relaxing and taking to easy. Perhaps she’d even buy a new coat. Or two.

She found herself just outside the MET- somewhere she often frequented in her free time- and as Evie walked towards the building, partly distracted by the banners advertising a new exhibition and partly by a handsome man heading in her direction, she collided with a familiar face with a yelp.

A scuff on these indulgent $300 shoes would certainly put a dampener on her day, but instead of checking Evie smiled, albeit a little forcefully, and quickly snapped up the offer of a free cup of coffee.

“Not a worry, Audra. Accidents happen… and I wasn’t expecting to quite literally run into you today. But I would love a coffee, thank you. Black with two sugars.”

WHERE: The coffee stand, outside the MET. WHO: Open to all!

The queue is, as it always is, long. It's normal for this area of the city, normal for the city in general. The coffee at this cart is particularly good after the man who used to run it, a miserable old man named Frank, was replaced recently by a similarly miserable old man named Karl. People have caught on quickly, it seems.

Audra looks across the way from where she's stood, away from the queue, up the stairs to the entrance of the museum, trying to calculate the distance in her head. She is not late - ever - it is perhaps the only rule regarding her day job that she sticks to nowadays. But she can feel a pulse in her head that she knows will be satiated by nothing but caffeine. Absentmindedly, still caught on whether she can risk being late, she starts towards the stairs anyway, head still turned to the coffee cart, foot catching the very first step in her haste. The step is missed by millimetres, and in her attempt to stabilise herself, she falls forward further, foot landing rather heavily on the toe of the person in front of her.

"Jesus, I'm sorry," she looks up, a look of concern tinging her features before she asks, "Do you want a coffee?"

[yvainehawkins]

charlottexbettencourt​:

Despite the other person’s presence, Charlotte’s eyes continued to roam through the painting, paying close attention to each line and stroke as if she hadn’t done so millions of times before. The blonde tilted her head a little bit to the left, the ends of her blonde hair brushed against her shoulder. Her expert eyes managed to locate parts of the painting that were products of the restoration. The people behind the restorations were skilled and managed to cover the paint loss, cracking and discoloration very well, but Charlotte noticed, which made her smirk smugly. 

Her deep concentration broke when the other person decided to break the silence. Charlotte gave the woman a glance and recognized her as Evie, the forger who often offer her services to the Syndicate. Charlotte’s eyes went back to the painting and continued to study the painting as she listened to Evie’s analysis of the painting. She let out a little chuckle when the other woman mentioned her work. “Fortunately for the Met, no, it is not one of yours” she responded. “I was involved in the transfer to Houston in 2006 and the donation papers were absolutely legitimate, signed by Louisine Havemeyer herself. And, I still recognize the pentimento covering the naked man in the painting. This,” she pointed towards the right-side of the naked woman’s left foot in the painting. “Is where the man’s penis should be.” 

“Your work is good work, Evie. I heard no one complained or recognized them as forgeries,” the blonde admitted, making her slightly uncomfortable. She was never good at compliments. Even when she absolutely must give one, it would always come with what some would perceive as an insult. “I did.”

And there you go.

“Your eagle eyes never fail to amaze me, Charlotte,” Evie said. “Honestly. Most people just see a painting as a painting, but you see it as blood, sweat, tears, love, and all the frustration that comes with making one. You see every brush stroke and the thought that went into them." Evie admired her companion and had done ever since they met. She understood Charlotte's temperament and when other people would have ignored her and turned the other way, Evie stayed and even though they didn't need the word to say it they were friends- in their own way- and Evie was glad of it. There was no beating around the bush with Charlotte and no subtly and it was a breath of fresh air after Evie had been dealing with the same tedious, vague, and arrogant people for years.

She grinned at Charlotte’s last comment, almost a little too smug. “Thank you, dear. At least now I know I’m doing my job right. I also know that you’d be the only person to see through my deceit and that's fine with me. I wouldn't expect anything less."

Evie took another look at the painting in front of them, weighing it up and down. "I'm working on a little something at the moment, so when I'm finished you'll have to take a look for me- see where I can improve. It's important I get this one absolutely perfect as the client could hand me a a hefty fraud sentence if I'm caught. But I don't plan to any time soon, so as much as it does pain me to ask, I need some assistance. I'll even give you a cut of my earnings if you'd like."

[yvainehawkins]

camilaramos​:

The necklace had been a gift, and a very expensive one that most would be able to see from the heavy jewels of the diamonds surrounding the center precious gem. Quite a gift. It was almost ironic that the man who had given her the necklace, was one politician that she was relaying every dirty detail over to the Brotherhood. Still, Cami loved expensive things. “It would be a shame, it was a recent gift.” Camila smiled sweetly, playing it as perhaps a more sentimental gift than it really was. Time to come off gracious and more humble and humane than she really was. It was a good thing the necklace had come back to her. She’d felt it go, but even with her pausing only a few paces forward, Camila knew anyone could snatch it up and she’d never see it again. Fuck, even she would do that. Quite nice of the universe to return it to her. “You are a jeweler, no?” She inquired with a tip of her head. Already she was mentally running through names she knew of and wondered if the woman before her was among them. “You would fix this for me?” Sweet brown eyes batted innocently at her.

“They always say diamonds are a girl’s best friend and I’m inclined to agree,” Evie smiled. “I couldn’t let you leave without it in pristine condition.”

She was happy to help out a fix the necklace, but it was partly an excuse to take a closer look at it. She was something of a magpie: incredibly attracted to shiny things and had been ever since she raided her mother’s jewellery box as a toddler. Evie was certainly in the right profession and was certainly in the right place as New York City was a goldmine for the rich. Despite her kleptomaniac tendencies, Evie wasn’t about the steal a precious gift from a beautiful young woman; she felt better giving it back to her than she would taking it away. 

“I am indeed a jeweller,” she then added. “And a very experienced one at that, darling. I’ve got a repair kit in my bag- I won’t go anywhere without it- so if you have time to sit down then I’d be more than happy to sort it for you. Perhaps you could even tell me the story of the beautiful piece.”

[yvainehawkins]

[yvainehawkins]

samanthafowlers​:

She could not only have answered better for herself, but she also well anticipated Evie’s response. She believed that, in some ways, she shared the same nature as the other woman. They got along so well, perhaps because of that. “You’re always right.” She hummed in agreement. “Some people find it difficult to see the difference, they blur the lines into one.”

Samantha had a feeling that the offer of another drink was one that was going to go down well. “Jack and coke?” Her choices of drinks tonight weren’t anything too unusual or adventurous. “We’re kindred spirits.” She, too, was a woman of her word, to the exact letter. “I say… I’ll drink to that.” She beamed at the idea. “I’ll be holding you to it.”

“Of course I’m always right!” Evie laughed, half-jokingly for she was usually right, but there were occasions where she had been wrong and (begrudgingly) admitted to it. But she was wise and she knew people despite not being much of a social butterfly: her persona when at parties or meetings was all an act. 

“But you’re right when it comes to drinks,” she then added. “I’ll have a Jack and coke. You can’t go wrong with that. Kindred spirits indeed. We might have been sisters in another life. We have the red hair for it.”

[yvainehawkins]

The necklace was undoubtedly stunning and Evie was impressed. It was weighty in her palm and she could see quite clearly that the stones, as they glimmered in the sunlight, were authentic. But genuine or not that necklace would attract any woman who liked her jewellery. It wasn’t Evie’s style, but if it was (and I’d she was of a slightly different disposition) then perhaps she’d have made off with it into the crowds of the city and the young girl would never seen her beautiful necklace again.

“You’d better be careful with that pretty little thing, dear,” she said with a smile. “Otherwise you might never see it again and what a shame that would be.”

Evie paused, slipping her hands back into her coat pockets. “If you’d like, I’d be more than happy to fix it. Saves you the trouble of finding a half-decent jeweller when you’ve got one of the finest New York City has to offer standing right in front of you.”

For: Everyone Location: A sidewalk in NYC

Camila loved shiny things. She loved the finer things in life. They were like catnip to her, these items that she had been denied most of life due to her poor upbringing. Now that she was an escort, she not only could afford finer things herself, but several wealthy clients would give her gifts. And she was overjoyed. Calling her materialistic was not an insult - it was fact. She had felt the clasp go, a shame she'd have to now take the thing to the jewelers when it shouldn't have broke in the first place. "Oh, thank you." Camila gratefully accepted the necklace back from the good samaritan, her Brazilian accent thicker due to the momentarily panic she felt at losing the necklace on the crowded sidewalk. Anyone could have walked off with it. With the necklace once more in her hands, she smiled charmingly at the person who helped her. "Thank you for that."

[yvainehawkins]

ofcspeyer​:

Caoimhe smiled, laughing lightly, “Right, ask nicely. That is certainly one thing I know how to do.” She knew for a fact how much of an acquired taste it could be; her father is a big fan of whiskey, has his own collection even. She remembers learning about it growing up but when it came to actually trying it, Caoimhe couldn’t stop herself from making the sourest face at just a tiny sip. “See, it’s not just the burn for me, although that is a big factor of it. It’s just such a strong taste, you know? It’s kind of like how red wine was to me when I first started drinking wine; like all the moisture was sucked out of my mouth or something.”

She’d never been in a position where she could show anyone up, let alone a man so that did seem appealing to her. “I would like to show someone up. Would I just keep drinking it unhtil I get used it? What’s like a starter whiskey?” Caoimhe chuckled, “Well, I guess my poison would be the fun fruity or sugary cocktails, but normally when I go out. If I’m at home, a glass or two of wine hits the spot. I drink like my mother than my father.”

Evie's years of being a whisky drinker and reading the labels on her father's old bottles had paid off. She was always asked questions about art and expensive jewellery, but never alcohol. She didn't know if her knowledge on this particular subject was a good thing, but she supposed that in this day and age of microbreweries and artisan gin, anything went.

She tapped her immaculately painted nails on the bar counter. “Whisky is like everything: it's not everyone's cup of tea and you don’t have to like it. Personally, I don’t like spicy food, but if I was going to build up a tolerance for it I’d start off with something very mild and then just eat something spicier next time and the time after... I think it’s the same with whisky. You wouldn’t want to start with something too overpowering or smoky, so...”

Evie scanned the shelf behind the bar. “Out of the selection here I’d pick Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey. You might find it a little sweeter with flavouring... And speaking of sweet, sweetie, I could go for a sugary cocktail. Do you have a favourite? I'd love to try it."

[yvainehawkins]

Born to Be Bad (1934) dir. Lowell Sherman

[yvainehawkins]

Michelle Pfeiffer photographed by Satoshi Saikusa for InStyle magazine, 2006

[yvainehawkins]

#mood

[yvainehawkins]

“Well, legally, I have committed many crimes, but morally, I feel good about my standing.”