Realistic or Modern The Oath - 1940s Gangster Drama - IC (Ended)

[Bellz]

Misty Gray

Lucy laughed softly."that dog loves you just as much as I do, she's definitely yours too." She informed him with a smile and nodded her head. She really did think now that things would get better, James was already starting to prove it to.

When he broke away from the embrace and headed towards the kitchen she tried not to frown. "Hmmmm I could honestly go for a drink right now." She admitted with a sheepish smile. "And I am sure you don't have any of that fruity watered down shit." Lucy moved to sit down at the dining table and sighed as he mentioned Vinnie. She hoped as well that he had gotten it out of his system.

When he mentioned that they would go back to less discriminate beatings and shootings Lucy smirked. "Oh yes because that seems so much better." She teased him and watched Lady from the other room for a moment.

His words made her smile slightly. "If only...but then again if it did you may not have dealt with our family shit anymore...and we wouldn't be where we are now." She mused. Lucy had gone to school and gotten an education with a degree in communications but with her families business she decided that working was a little less important. But she would be willing to find a job again if it meant that James didn't have to put himself in danger.​

 

[Enzyme]

Angels eyes shifted from her legs to her face, in a more romantic than seductive way. A sincere smile creased his face as he made room for her. He extended his arm, offering her a place to sit. Her voice was like butter, causing his smile to grow brighter. "I sure am, The Cruicable got great reviews. I'm sure you'll love it." He offered her the pamflet as the limo peeled off.

He got more comfortable in his seat, resting in a relaxed manner. "I can't recall if I told you, but this is a dinner play, so I hope you haven't eaten yet." His smile never left his face, strangely, none of it forced. He had almost entirely forgot that this was a job he was doing.

As they pulled up to a light, a large, heavy car pulled up next to the limo. The car had a sliding door and the windows were tinted, Angel had noticed the car trailing them before. While he was suspicious, he let it fall to the back of his mind. He continued in conversation with Sinead, still keeping an eye on the car. As the light turned green, the large car kept parallel to them. The back window started to roll down. Angel's smile instantly faded as his senses drowned out. Sinead's voice faded in the background as he reached for his holstered handgun. Just as he was about to push Sinead down to the seat, he was met with a toddler's hand instead of the barrel of a machine gun. He felt a flow of relief fill his veins. His muscles relaxed as he sunk into his seat. The toddler rolled back up the back window, the large car soon pulling off of the road

The limo pulled up to the restaurant. Large, neon lights flashed 'Broadway's Den', where the play was held. "Here we are." Angel said, adjusting his vest. The limo driver opened the back door, standing out of the way. Angel motioned Sinead out first before stepping out himself. He interlocked Sinead's arm with his as they walked up to the doors. People in fancy attire stood in a large, straight line; kept off with red rope. Angel walked by the red vevlet rope, moving past the crowd. The bouncer, instantly reckgonizing Angel, opened the door for the couple.

The establishment buzzed lively as voices filled the void of silence and waiters rushed past one another with food. Tables laid like rows in an opera, centered towards the stage. Checking his ticket, he looked to the top box balcony, where their seats were. Angel touched the curvature of Sinead's back lightly, motioning her towards the stairs. A large bouncer stood infront of the velvet curtains to the stairs, crossing his arms. After flashing him their tickets, he happily stood to the side. Lightly gripping Sinead's hand, he let her lead up the stairs. Their seats were held above the crowd with a perfect view of the stage. "Not bad seats, aye?" Angel asked with a smile, as he moved into his leather seat. A waiter soon arrived, taking drink requests

Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

Sinead Sullivan​

Sinead looked to Angel's face and listened intently as he spoke. She'd noticed how his smile had grown brighter. Sinead knew if any of her family were present they would tell her it was all fake. She'd spent a lot of time watching people both on and off stage, so she trusted she was able to pick out of the genuine reactions from the false. She believed Angel's smile was sincere and as such, it only caused her own sweet smile to grow wider. "I'm sure I will love it too. Even if I didn't, I just know I'll enjoy myself regardless as going to the theatre is fun in itself," she assured him. She accepted the leaflet from him and began to look at it as the limo set off. She took her eyes away from the writing for a moment as Angel spoke more. "Oh wow. A dinner play? That sounds wonderful," she beamed. "Luckily, I haven't eaten yet." With the atmosphere at home and worrying about her family, she hadn't had much of an appetite lately, but suddenly she was looking forward to eating dinner.

At one point whilst stopped at the light, Sinead noticed Angel seemed a little tense. Suddenly a toddler came into view and Angel seemed to relax again. "Aww, how adorable," she commented, referring to the toddler. She then looked back to Angel and sent him a reassuring smile. "Are you okay, Giovanni?" she asked him.

Once they arrived at the theatre, Sinead excitedly climbed out of the limo and turned to wait for Angel to get out behind her. When he interlocked his arm with hers, she felt the butterflies in her stomach. Sinead looked around at the other people dressed up fancy and she too felt a million dollars as Angel bypassed the crowd to gain immediate entry to the theatre. This was the kind of life Sinead always wanted, but not in a pretentious or snooty way, more of a girl dreaming of a fun and cultured life. Conor always told her to follow her dreams, though he joked it was so she could become famous and hook him up with some hot movie star.

Sinead allowed Angel to lead her to the stairs and up to the box he'd booked them into. When he took her hand, she couldn't help but blush. He was being a true gentleman and she hadn't felt this happy, or even optimistic, in some time. "These seats are spot on!" she replied to him as she carefully sat down and hung her handbag on the hook beneath the dining table. When the waiter came, she ordered a Mojito. Once their order was taken, she turned to Angel and warmly smiled at him. "You've really excelled yourself, Giovanni. Honestly, I never expected all of this. It's just perfect," she told him. "Thank you," she added. Nobody had made this much effort for her before and she could feel her worries lifting away, even if for just one night.

Enzyme

 

[neverbackdown]

Alex laughed when he said that theyll find a man for her in the pub "ah I think im happy enough with you" she teased "not quite grey enough yet but itll have to do" she teased, a playful smile on her lips as she spoke.
When Conor ordered their drinks, Alex took the time to scope out the people in the pub, scanning them over to make sure she didnt recognise anyone. She was relieved when she saw noone of interest and turned her attention back to Conor as they walked to the booth. She took a drink of her pint before turning to Conor when he spoke. "Ah Im doing ok" she said unconvincingly before shrugging "I kind of miss the whole no emotions persona I had going on, everyone is coming to terms with their grief whereas I feel like Im only starting to deal with it" she sighed and took another drink of her beer. A frown playing on her lips as she looked back to Conor "Alena and Gio have gone back to Italy so I havnt actually spoken to her in weeks" she admitted "I like to think she's sunbathing on the beach drinking a non-alcoholic cocktail surrounded by boys and just living her life and Gio, well zi know he's in some casino" she laughed a little at the comment on Gio as it was most certainly what he would be doing.

Nicolo laughed when his father basically roared for Leo to leave. "Go get changed and we'll head out then" he said "and dont mind the aul man hes a bit cranky" he said quietly to Leo, a cheeky twinkle in his eye. When Leo went to get changed, Nicolo turned to his father "Im okay, getting there" he said honestly as he didnt know how else to explain it. The change of heart with Vinnie that night in the butchers hadnt left Nicolo's mind but he knew it wasnt the time to mention it so nicolo settled for "how are you?". Nicolo looked up to see Fortuna approaching the table "hello Fortuna, as radiant as always" he commented with a smile before sitting back to listen to his father and Fortuna talk about buisness.​

Misty Gray Ineptitude

 

[Enzyme]

Angel ordered a highball with a lemon twist, handing the waitress a sleek, black, card. He then looked back to Sinead, smiling as she spoke. "Please, a woman like you should be treated like a queen." He tucked his hat under the table, allowing it to swing on the hook. People continued to crowd the lower section, flooding into their seats like ants. The waitress soon returned with the drinks, handing over the alcoholic beverages. "May I take your order." The woman asked, not bothering to take out a notepad. Angel went to speak, but quickly silenced himself. He turned to Sinead and offered for her to go first. After she ordered, Angel spoke. "I'll take the stuffed clams, please." He said, handing over both the menus. After the waitress left, his eyes instantly fixed back on Sinead's.

Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

Vincenzo Romano and Leo Davide

Vinnie looked to his son as he said he was okay and getting there. It was the best he could hope for at this stage. "I'm good, Nicolo. I've got plenty of business to keep me busy," he assured him.

Vinnie listened and nodded his head as Fortuna spoke. "Impressive, as always," he commended her. "Make sure you relax tonight. I think we're all taking an overdue break from business. Especially as I'm intending on taking full control of Aces Casino," he said, grinning at the prospect.

Leo eventually returned to the hotel bar, dressed up and ready to go out for drinks elsewhere. "Ready, Nick?" he asked, motioning to the exit. "Night, Vinnie," he said, before leaving the hotel.

neverbackdown Ineptitude

***********************************

Once they got into the bar, Leo would get straight to ordering drinks. "So, are you good? You're alright trying to find me a girl, I'm pretty sure you're still single too!" he told Nicolo. "Your dad seems to be more like himself since the last time I saw him. I hope you're all doing alright," he told him. Leo glanced to the stage as the young woman was singing. He thought she was familiar and Nicolo would probably know straight away it was Athena, who the Romanos had known for quite some time. "She's good," Leo told his friend.

neverbackdown T That_Irish_Person
In the same place: Lamia BlueHawk


Conor Sullivan​

"If things keep going the way they have been, I'll be grey in no time," Conor sarcastically remarked.

"It's not the same for all situations," Conor began, making a point of defending his own current mood so as not to sound like a hypocrite with his next words. "In your case, the whole no emotions thing won't help you with your grief. Perhaps now you've found your emotions again you can start to deal with your loss." He tightened his jaw as he thought about Vinnie. "Your old man sure embraced his emotions last week, like a fucking madman. Did it do anything for him after all of that hard work he put into his revenge?" he asked.

When she mentioned Alena and Gio, he nodded his head. "I'm sure they're better off in Italy, away from all of our families' troubles. So, um, what stopped you from going with them?"

neverbackdown

 

[Lamia]

We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know we'll meet again some sunny day

Athena sang the last chorus of the song, putting a little twist on it buy adding a high note at the end. She hummed softly. The piano player pressed on one sharp chord before the applause occurred. Thena smiled slightly, "Thank you." She spoke into the mic. Surprisingly, it always shocked her how the crowd seemed to love her performances. Athena noticed an new face in the bar. He was dressed a bit casual. With a smile to the crowd, she did a little curtsy before exiting the stage.

Athena waved at Delilah before she made her way to the rest of the bar. Tapping her foot, she glanced around the bar. Biting her lip, she headed over to the drinks section of the bar. The young woman was feeling a little bit parched after singing. She sat on a stool.
Athena looked to the bartender who was always friendly.
"Hey pretty lady, what will I get ya today?" He grinned. The bartender was in his early 30's. He was from the south and had a deep southern drawl.

Athena smiled, "I'll just have a lemonade." She replied.
He nodded, before walking away to make her drink.

Pushing away a loose curl behind her ear, her eyes scanned around. It was then that she noticed a familiar face. Nicolo. He was one of the Romanos. Next to him, she saw a not-so familiar face. The man next to him was someone she had not me before. Athena has known the Romanos for as long as she can remember and she doesn't recall ever coming across this man before.

A part of Athena wanted to go and greet Nicolo but she didn't want to interrupt him and his friend. Just one of her flaws showing through yet again.
Her drink arrived, she uttered a "Thank you." before paying the bartender.
Athena took a small sip, lightly tapping her fingers on the counter.

neverbackdown
Misty Gray

 

[neverbackdown]

Nicolo wondered what his Father meant about taking control over Ace's casino but before he had a chance to ask about it, he heard Leo say his name. "Yep lets leave this joint, bye Fortuna, bye Dad" Nicolo stood up after excusing himself and left with Leo.

Nicolo took a drink and smiled at Leo "yeah I'm doing good, well as good as I can be" he said with a nod "and yeah my father seems to be doing better, he's keeping himself distracted" he said with a shrug before taking another drink "how are you keeping?" He asked him. Nicolo did worry about Leo and had been meaning to talk to him since Alena left but he just hadnt found the time.
When Leo commented on the singing, Nick turned to see that it was Athena coming off stage, his eye followed her until she was at the bar. "Yeah she is very good, c'mon I know her" Nicolo motioned for Leo to follow him before approaching Athena. "Hey Athena, great singing up there" he said with a smile. "Oh sorry Leo this is Athena, Athena this is Leo"​

Misty Gray Lamia

Alex smirked at his comment about going grey "ah it would suit you" she teased. "Yeah I know its a good thing but feelings suck" she said with an exasperated sigh before taking another drink. She bit her lip as he mentioned her father "yeah he was a psycho, and no it didn't do anything for him although I still don't understand his change of heart, like Im happy he had one but I dont understand it" Alex looked around the bar again before turning her attention back to Conor when he mentioned Alena and Gio. "Yeah they are better off over there, but I miss them" she said with a slight frown. When he asked why she didnt go, Alex shrugged "This is my home, I couldnt just pack up and leave" Alex took a sip of her drink "plus your not in Italy" she gave him a wink. While she said it in a playful manner , he was a big part of why she didnt go to Italy.
Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

James Porter​

"Wait a minute! You mean I finally have a dog?" he asked, a grin planted firmly on his face.

James quickly shook his head when she mentioned him not having any fruity watered down drinks. "No, ma'am. Only the real deal in this house," he assured her. When he opened the cabinet, he just pulled out the first bottle he touched, deciding not to mull over a decision. He then approached the dining table and placed the bottle down along with two glasses. "Gin it is," he said, only just now acknowledging what he had picked out from the cupboard.

"Nobody can change the past and I wouldn't want to if it would mean we'd never have got to known each other," he told her. "All of the things I've had to do and the punishments I've been handed... I wouldn't change any of it, not at the risk of losing where I am right now. In here, with you." He took a drink of gin and shook his head as he thought things over. "I think I've said more to you in the last few weeks than I've said to everyone else in a lifetime. I didn't realise I could talk so much," he remarked.

Bellz

Sinead Sullivan​

"Like a queen?" Sinead repeated, giggling a little as she blushed at his comment. "Oh, aren't you just a charmer, Giovanni?" She looked down and observed the people crowding into the lower section. She felt happy to be seated somewhere more private, where she could see everyone who was around her but also get to know Angel more. She found herself confused sometimes when she thought about his supposed reputation compared to what she actually saw with her own eyes. It was easy to overcome when she thought about her family. Emmet, Conor, Lucy... they'd all done terrible things but they were all good people in her eyes and ones she loved dearly.

When the drinks were brought out, Sinead was still lost in her thoughts a little, but she was suddenly snapped out of it when the waitress spoke. Sinead wasn't sure she'd heard what the lady had said, but it seemed more than likely she was taking their food order. She glanced back to the menu in case by some chance the choice she'd already made had somehow disappeared from the list. "I would like the Grilled Salmon Greek Salad, please," she pleasantly requested.

Once Angel had ordered his food and the waitress left them, she turned back to the man. "I'm already enjoying myself and it hasn't even started yet." She lifted her glass and placed the straw in her mouth to have a quick drink of the cocktail.

Enzyme

 

[Misty Gray]

Leo Davide​

Leo nodded his head when Nicolo said Vinnie had been keeping himself distracted - he'd noticed. "Me? I'm doing okay, I guess. I've spent a lot of time either working at the hotel or drinking in the pub. I mean, I know Vinnie keeps telling me there was nothing I could have done that night to stop your mother from being killed, but it doesn't stop me from wishing I'd tried harder. Even if it would have made no difference, I should have still made sure there was more security. It's up to me to make sure guests are safe when they enter the hotel," he explained. "And then Alena left too and I wasn't there when I should have been because I was too scared to go near your family. I was a terrible friend to Alena... and you too."

When Athena finished singing, Nicolo motioned for them to go over to her and even said he knew her. He smiled when Nicolo introduced him to Athena. "It's good to meet you, Athena. You have a beautiful voice, I must say," he complimented her. With his generous nature, he would have offered to buy her a drink but he noticed she already had one in her hand. "So, how do you two know each other?" he curiously asked.

neverbackdown Lamia

Conor Sullivan​

"Whatever went on in his head, I'm just glad it did. The thought of Lucy and me dying there was one of the worst things I've had to experience." Conor went quiet as Alex continued to speak. It felt like the room was spinning around him and he closed his eyes for a few seconds to get rid of the feeling. He was hoping the effects of the beating would wear off soon so he could start to feel strong again. "Well, nothing feels as good as home does. And you're right, I'm not in Italy," he said, following up with a warm smile. "Despite some of the things I've said to you, I am glad you're still here. I don't think I could have stayed out of the house for as long as I have if I hadn't bumped into you tonight."

neverbackdown

 

[Lamia]

Despite her shyness holding her back from approaching the men, it wasn't long before they came over to her. Looking up, Athena let a smile form on her lips. Nicolo spoke to her first, "Thanks Nicolo." beamed Athena.
She was happy to see the man. It was always nice to see members of her practically second family.
Nicolo introduced the man next to him. The man smiled when he did so.

Leo spoke on how it was nice to meet her and her talent of singing. "It's nice to meet you too Leo and thank you." Athena spoke softly, letting a shy smile show on her face. She had taken another sip of her drink when he had asked the two on how they knew each other.
Athena set her drink down, smiling slightly at the question.

'I've known the Romanos ever since I was a little girl. My father was good friends with Mr. Romano. They're basically my second family." Athena answered, twiddling with her thumbs.

In the background, she could hear the sound of a trumpet and bass playing. The light, calm sound of jazz being music to her ears. Athena focused her deep brown eyes on the two.

Misty Gray
neverbackdown

 

[BlueHawk]

Isaac
Isaac opted to stay silent as he eavesdropped on the people just a few seats down from him. The girl who just sang, seemed a little too innocent to be hanging out with the other two men. Isaac quickly recognized Nicolo as the son of Vincenzo, his boss's son. He did not recognize the other man sitting with them, but he figured for him to be that close to such a high ranking Romano he must have been another key player in the family.

Isaac smiled and nodded toward the bartender as he set another cold beer down in front of him, quickly taking it to his lips and drinking a few drops. He was getting his usual itch, he wanted to play a hand of something and gamble a little bit. Isaac figured the beer would help this urge. Isaac also wanted to turn and greeted Nicolo because he figured it would reflect well on him and maybe land him another job from Vinny, but Isaac found himself opting to not butt in on the conversation.​

Mentioned:
Lamia Misty Gray

 

[Bellz]

Misty Gray

Lucy laughed at the grin on his face and wished she could capture that face. He seemed so happy that he finally had a dog and it made her smile like crazy. Lucy was relieved to know that James only had hard liquors in the house, she remembered when they went to the bar and they both agreed that the hard stuff was a lot better.

Lucy was touched by James' words and her cheeks turned a slight pink color. It was true, when James was around her and her family together, he wasn't talkative and seemed to only be business. But when they were alone, he seemed to have a completely different personality. He was talkative and sort of bubbly, wanting to always talk to Lucy or hug and kiss her. She loved it. "I didn't realize it either." she said and helped pour the gin into the glasses, she brought it up to her lips and took a sip before sighing happily.

"You were always quiet until recently to be honest....I wonder what happened." She gave him a cheeky smile.​

 

[neverbackdown]

Nicolo gave Leo a small smile "I understand, but there was nothing that could have prevented this so please dont beat yourself up over it" Nicolo nodded when Leo mentioned Alena and not being there for her "Alena wasnt really there, before she went to Italy. She was grieving and wasnt really talking to anyone. I hardly seen her and I lived with her so dont worry about that either, maybe someday she'll come home or you could visit her in Italy?" He suggested to try and give Leo some hope.
.......................................
Nicolo swung his arm over Athena's shoulder as they talked. He didnt really know about Personal space and tended to do this quite a lot to people he was talking too. "Yeah Alex has basically adopted Alena as her little sister" Nicolo said with a laugh. He watched as Leo and Athena talked as he took another drink "so whats your plans for tonight?" He asked Athena​

Misty Gray Lamia

Alex fell quiet when he talked about him and Lucy "I am really sorry about my part in everything" she said quietly, she didnt feel like their was much else she could say on that topic. Being honest the only think she was really sorry about was tricking Conor. She was glad she had punched Lucy and if given another chance shed do it again. However the smile came back for his next comment "and Im glad I bumped into you even if I was greeted by a surprise grabbing and was scared shitless" she commented a playful tone to her voice. Alex looked at Conor's features a worried frown taking over her lips "are you ok? Do you need to go home" she asked him.
Misty Gray

 

[Ineptitude]

"Of course, sir. I'll be sure to take it easy for tonight." Fortuna agreed amicably, visibly relaxing into her seat. Notably, however, she didn't go on to order any alcohol. Even on a day such as this one, she has rarely ever gotten herself drunk. So instead, she opted to go for a simple mix of cranberries, lime, and soda. It was a bit unorthodox, but fortunately they had the ingredients for it. A short while later, once her drink had finally been placed in front of her, the hitwoman immediately took it up into her waiting hands, taking sips from the tall glass.

Mentioned: Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

Leo Davide​

When Athena explained she'd known the Romanos for some time, Leo smiled. "Oh, you poor thing - you have my condolences. I've also known them for many years," he said, pulling an expression to Nicolo and Athena to show he was joking. "My dad has also been friends with Mr Romano for quite some time," he wasn't sure if mentioning 'friend' meant associate dealing in weapons, but it was hardly a topic to talk about in front of a pretty girl. Besides, Leo never had anything to do with the Romanos' criminal activities and hoped it would stay that way. "I work for Vinnie at the Grand Hotel. Come to think of it - I think I might have heard your name in passing before," he sent Athena a warm smile.

Then Nicolo explained the close friendship between Alex and Athena. "That's great. Alex is a nice girl," he commented. When Nicolo asked Athena was her plans for the night were, Leo stayed silent but was certainly listening for her response. He enjoyed socialising and meeting new people, though it was something he'd avoided completely for the last few weeks. It was nice to be back out with friends, he had to admit.

neverbackdown Lamia
Same place: BlueHawk T That_Irish_Person

​

 

[BlueHawk]

Isaac
Isaac almost chuckled when he heard Leo mention that he simply worked at the hotel that Vinnie had owned. Here Isaac had thought that Leo must have been a close associate of the family. Isaac still was unsure as to who the singer with them was, especially confused when Nicolo threw his arm around her like he had known her for years. However this newly acquired knowledge gave Isaac some more confidence to approach Nicolo simply to greet him, hopefully leaving an impression on him so his dad would throw bigger and better work his way. So after inhaling deeply, Isaac picked up his beer, stood out of his seat and approached the trio.

"Hey, I recognize you," Isaac began, "You're Vinnie's son. I work for your dad." Isaac greeted with a small smile. He extended his right hand toward Nicolo to shake his, Isaac holding tightly to his beer in his left hand.
​

Lamia Misty Gray

 

[Misty Gray]

James Porter​

James nodded his head when Lucy mentioned he was always quiet until recently. Other than when drunk with Conor, he was always aware he didn't speak much and that was his comfort zone. The less he talked, the less people would learn about him and use against him. He had weaknesses, but he'd made sure to keep them to himself. "I know exactly what happened," he began, with his own cheeky smile. "I realised I was in love with someone. Someone I can trust and who makes me want to talk. She's smoking hot, too," he flirted.

As well as often been tasked with picking Sinead up from the Jazz Club when she still worked there, there had been times when James had also be asked to drop Lucy off rather than her calling a taxi. "You know, even before I realised how I felt about you, I guess there was always something there," he began, glancing into his glass. "Those times when I'd drop you off at some club and you were dressed like a movie star, I used to feel a little jealous. I always thought you'd meet some lucky man who would sweep you off your feet. Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't," he admitted. "Glad, mind you," he added, with a wink.

Bellz

Conor Sullivan​

Conor nodded his head when she said she was sorry for her part. He couldn't tell her it was okay and he would have done the same, but he still accepted it and wanted to move on from Alex's part in it. He smirked when she mentioned she was scared shitless after he'd grabbed her. "You know, I think I'm allowed to have that one. I'm not apologising for it," he told her, but was chuckling as he said it. When she asked him if he was okay and needed to go home, he shook his head. "No, I've spent too long at home, I can't go back so early. Since what happened, whether it was the beating or the drowning, I've been getting dizzy and the headaches don't stay away for long. I know I'm still recovering, so I've just go to deal with it," he told her. "I've been sober for at least a week, so my body could be rejecting the real world," he joked. He didn't want to draw attention to the fact he was a little worried, especially about the gaps in his memory which he'd expected to have returned by now.

neverbackdown

 

[Bellz]

Misty Gray

Lucy cheeks turned an even brighter red and bit her lip as he told her that he had fallen in love with her and complimented her. Only James made her turn pink like this. She gave him a soft smile and a little laugh.

She wasn't shocked to find that there had always been something there between the two of them. He complimented her again and she shook her head. "Well I should inform you that there was something between us because I was constantly flirting with you." She mused. "But, unlike most men who basically try anything and everything to just get into bed with me...you were always so respectful." She murmured. "And besides, I didn't want to be swept away by any other man...I only wanted you."

Looking down at the table she was a bit embarrassed to reveal her little well kept secret. "I have been fond of you for longer than you may realize..." she took another sip of her drink and made a slight face at the taste. Not that it bothered her but it was a reaction most people had.​

 

[Misty Gray]

James Porter​

James grinned as Lucy spoke about how respectful he had been and that she had wanted him for longer than he'd realised. "Getting someone into bed has never been what has motivated me to pursue a woman," he told her. Sure, he'd been with a number of women in the past, but none of them went beyond physical attraction for him. They'd lacked substance. Whilst Lucy was the whole package. "You're strong, smart and independent. That's what I value more than anything else," he assured her. "Don't get me wrong, Lucy. I'd happily sleep with you right now, but I'd also wait months. Whenever it's right," he told her.

James placed his glass down on the table and got to his feet. "One thing I'm not waiting for a moment longer..." he trailed off, walking into the lounge. He then switched on the jukebox and selected a slow song. He then walked back to Lucy and held out his hand. "We didn't have your dance yet," he told her. When they were being tortured by Vinnie, he'd kept telling himself they'd escape and have that dance they'd talked about.

Bellz

 

[Bellz]

Misty Gray

Lucy really admired the man that James was. He wasn't as shallow as some of the men she had been with. He saw the value of her as a being and not just another pretty face. Her face warmed at talk of them sleeping together and she let out a laugh. He wanted it to happen whenever it was right. That made her smile and her heart skip a beat. She couldn't have found someone more perfect for her than him.

Watching James get up, she raised an eyebrow as he moved to the jukebox. Her smile widened as she realized what he was doing and took his hand when he held it out to her. "Well now is the perfect time." She murmured before moving her arms around his neck.​

 

[Lamia]

Athena paid no mind as Nicolo swung his arm over her shoulder as it was just Nicolo being Nicolo as always. She let out a small chuckle as he told Leo on how Alex practically adopted the girl as a younger sister.
"Yeah. Alex is great." Athena added, a light smile showing on her face.

Leo then joked by feigning condolences for knowing the Romanos for many years. A little laugh escaping her mouth, "I appreciate the condolences very much." Thena said, glancing at Leo.
He then explained that his father was also a friend of Mr. Romano. Levi then revealed that he worked for Mr. Romano at the Grant Hotel. Also, mentioning that he may have heard her name around. Returning his smile with a small gentle one, she turned to Nicolo as he asked her what her plans for the night were.

Biting her bottom in lip in thought, Athena realized she did not have any plans. Well, nothing unusual for Athena.
"I don't really have anything planned for tonight. Unless finishing a novel counts?.."
Everyone knew the girl was a total bookworm and loved her novels. The most exciting thing the girl had planned for the night was finishing the mystery novel she was currently reading.

It was then that another person approached the three. He started conversing with Nicolo, stating he was Mr. Romano's son and he worked for him. The man reached out a hand to shake hands with Nic.

 

[Misty Gray]

James Porter​

When Lucy placed her arms around his neck, James in return wrapped his arms around her waist so they could dance to the gentle music. "If there's one thing I'm good at, it's timing," he told her. The statement had many meanings, but the one that would stand out in that moment was the flawless timing of his steps. He spent a lot of time observing people dancing in clubs whilst keeping watch during business meetings or keeping an eye on Sinead at the Jazz Club, and he'd managed to put it into action a number of times. None of those being as special as this dance. When the song finished, James didn't immediately move away from Lucy, just taking a moment to stand close to her even in the silence.

Eventually letting go of her and taking a step back, he looked her in the eyes. "I hope that was worth the wait for you. It certainly was for me," the told her. He then looked around at his simple home before looking back to her. "What else would you like to do, Lucy? I want to take advantage of having an evening to ourselves without any business getting in the way. We can go out to a bar, for a meal, for a drive. Anything you want," he told her.

Bellz

 

[That_Irish_Person]

Rita was rather impressed with the plan that she had hatched earlier, it was quite amazing. She took a step out of the car that had driven her to the bar and looked around, she didn't have the intent or expectancy of meeting a Romano or anyone of that category to be here but it's not like she would really know the difference. She walked into the rather high-class bar, it was astonishing what kind of places they could pull out of their asses during this time. She loved the atmosphere, the music, the murmurs of people's conversations. At the bar stood a pair of rather peculiar man one of them in particular, she didn't want to make a big deal out of it and instead sat down at one of the round tables facing the small stage with some band playing. She looked around and felt more like an oddball, everyone was with someone, whether it was colleagues, lovers or just future bosses, though she had to admit she quite liked being one of the small amount of women here. It meant she could get more attention, and it would be easy to spot a Romano or someone close. After some time she gathered it was time for a drink, she walked up to the bar and ordered what she wanted making sure to make herself seen by the men she saw before. She walked back to the table and made sure to keep them in her eye sight.
Misty Gray
neverbackdown ​

 

[Bellz]

Misty Gray
Lucy was shocked when they started to dance. Not that she didn't think he could dance, but he dance so well. She let him guide her through the dance expertly. Leaning her head on his shoulder she couldn't help the small smile that formed on her face as they danced. The song slowly came to a close but neither of them pulled away from one another. She just listened to the sound of his breathing and closed her eyes for a moment.

When he did eventually pull away, he looked into her eyes and told her that the dance was worth the wait. "Worth every second." She murmured softly and offered him a small smile before listening to his question. Anything hmmmm? She had just the idea. "Lets go for a drive." She said happily. "But I have somewhere that we could go...as long as you don't mind a little bit of a drive." She informed him.​