Though Leyla Did Not Have Much Of A Sweet Tooth, She Was In The Area To Find The Cat Cafe And Thought

Some people were more health-conscious than others, neither necessarily better than the other. It had taken Leyla some time to get there, to not over-think everything, but she did want most of her drinks to be on the healthy side to open that up to those who wanted it. Behind the booth was safe, but she didn't come here to be safe. She knew she had to push herself forward or she'd go backwards, even when everything still screamed within her to push people away. "I may have to hide the jam, I have three roommates and one is definitely a snacker," she joked, not actually thinking Darrius would come for her jam but who knew. She laughed about his comment on the grape juices. "Is the pumpkin patch worth adding to my list?" Speaking of things she could see Darrius or Aisha doing, she might need a pumpkin for roomie carving night or whatever they'd call it. "I bet it's fun for the kids. Do you have any?"

"That's very true!" Josh agreed with Leyla on the health ingredients, knowing that he always felt better about being hooked on a soup or salad, or a new smoothie than he did on something fried or full of sugars, not that he was ever someone to try to judge another person's food interests. Josh was very 'eat what makes you happy,' about life. Or more accurately, 'do what makes you happy' in terms of pretty much anything and everything. "Got it… alright," he nodded, taking a sip of the apple cider first, and then reaching for the next one while listening to her talk about her own experience at Creek Fest. He knew from many, many festivals and events spent working with the center that sometimes it was tough to get away, and was glad to hear that she had gotten some time for herself. "Oh, the jam is always so good! And I did see those crochet pumpkins, they're adorable," he beamed. "Just keep them away from any grape juices if you buy them and head that way," he teased, smile on his face. "I think I'll try to do some pumpkin picking after this. Got my fuel, now."

Leyla wasn't sure kids would be in her future, not now, not after everything, but she loved watching others experience that joy. Especially mothers and daughters, there was a special bond with them--or there was supposed to be. "Beautiful," she complimented, "she looks like you. Are you two very close?"

Lara nodded in agreement. She was pretty proud of how adventurous Lily had become. And moreso in the past few years. She liked to see her daughter take on different interests. "She's..." Lara looked around. "Ah... there she is," she nodded towards a lanky girl with curly hair in a ponytail in shorts and a tank top talking to other kids who looked like young teens.

That actually may not be a bad idea, test them on how they think on their feet. As long as you sprinkle in some professional questions too. Yeah, I was the nerdy kid in school who liked doing her homework so I could do the math for you. That would be great! I would love to work with you to expand the options. I'm a big fan of paint and sips myself, so I'll be coming by to one of your sessions.

Oh that'll be fun. I can ask the most random, jarring questions and--I'm kidding, I'm a professional, I promise! Yeah, it would be so much easier if someone else had to worry about the math for me, ugh. I'm gonna stop by some time and try a drink or two. I'm also trying to expand options for our paint and sip sessions. Something that is more exciting than apple cider! Perfect, I got you!

As much as she had originally been not the most enthusiastic about being here, Leyla had to admit it had been a really nice weekend. Having spent so much time in New York, it was strangely refreshing--and equally terrifying--to be seen. She had never been a small town before, and it was a bit like a movie the way people were kind. "You're not bothering me," she assured as she set her book aside and extended her hand for the lotion, "the back's the hardest part. Always better with two. Are you enjoying your weekend?"

who: LIBBY & LEYLA! @leyla-tehrani

where: beach bash.

when: sometime during the late afternoon (August 26th).

Libby was reading one of her spicy romance novels and listened to Hozier's new album in her earphones, and it was her perfect way to spend a day on the beach. Especially after the big volleyball game. An hour or so passed before she realized that she needed to reapply her sunscreen, wanting to avoid her already pink-tinted skin getting sunburned. The squirt of the lotion bottle sounded and Libby massaged some between her hands, trying to get every bit of skin she could. Libby struggled a moment to get a certain area on her back and when she couldn't fight it anymore, she decided she needed to ask for a little bit of help. "I'm so sorry to bother you, but could you please help me put some sun lotion on my back? I've tried to do it myself and I've learned that I don't have long enough arms."

She perked up a bit when he seemed interested in the idea she was proposing. "Just sort of chill, enjoy your drinks with friends or partners while listening to music. Something they don't have to shout over to have a conversation. What kind of music is popular around here?"

Leyla had Alec's interest, pitching him a gig opportunity at the bar. "Depending on what you're looking for.. I can do acoustic though, with the band or solo. Do you have a specific vibe in mind? You can turn most genres acoustic."

"They are," Leyla assured, "I've sampled them all myself before putting them on the menu, so you can't go wrong." She was leaving nothing to chance, putting her whole being into making this concept work. There were a couple of bars in the area, so she had competition but no one was doing exactly what she was doing. They might have non-alcoholic options, though. That's why she had to work extra hard to make her place stand out as something special. "Great choice!" She replied, beaming, "I leave that menu then." As she began to make the drink herself, she decided she should probably strike up a conversation like any other bartender would do. What would Sam Malone do? "So what do you do?"

"They all sound kinda good," Che said, eyeing up the menu. He'd often spend time like this at bars with alcoholic beverages, but it was early and it was a work night and he was trying not to be the worst. "Go with the strawberry basil one, then." He smiled over at Leyla. "And then maybe something more smoothie-like afterwards for my second drink."

Maybe it was the escapism from the harshness that was often her own reality, but Leyla had found solace, education, and a sense of belonging in books for as long as she could remember. A bookstore or library had an otherworldly sense to it at times, like the world could be shut out, an invisible sign on the door that read 'bad things, keep out.' "I've read a few of her others, My Sister's Keeper and Nineteen Minutes, but I'm sort of rediscovering at the moment. All I've read as of recently is business- or entrepreneur-related, so before my roommates stage a workaholic intervention, I thought I'd add in some pleasure reading. Have you read the Scarpetta series? It's American Crime from Patricia Cornwell. Or someone at the Beach Bash recommended the Bridgerton books to me, if you enjoy a bit of spice."

Summer had always been picky when it came to her reading choices, usually wanting something more gripping to start off with but every once in a while she would pick up something outside of her scope and actually enjoy it; "I think I've read this, or maybe it was a movie that I saw" perhaps it was both; "Are you new to her work?" questioning the other before answering her question; "I have read her work before maybe only once with My Sisters Keeper but I am not quite sure exactly what is on my mind when it comes to a new book, what suggestions do you have?" / @leyla-tehrani

CINNAMON ROLL DAY! -- @aishathevar @emelineviolette @leyla-tehrani

Because you guys are the best adopted dog parents that Walter and Gale could ask for, and also because you deal with me being a man... and that makes you cinnamon rolls in my eyes.

xx Dare