Post by Alex Vipond on Jun 21, 2013 8:49:33 GMT -8
Alex Vipond: The conversation with Asher could have gone better, but there was only so much hitting ones head against a brick wall Alex could stand. In the end, they had agreed to a truce. One in which Asher had, as usual, leveled threat that Alex keep, which, all things considered was funny, considering all the animosity came from Asher's side.
Charles J Riley: The sound would have been heard, long before the 1200 Electroglide would have been seen. Was he fucking crazy? Probably, wouldn't be the first time he'd been accused of such. Google stated 44 hours. Charlie made it in 32, stopping only for food, gas and to take a piss. The last one he often did alongside the road. Note. Do not piss on electric fences. When he pulled up out front, he looked as bad as he felt. Dirty, tired, and grumpy, he killed engine, turned off the gas, and swung kicked the stand down. Rocking it over, he sat there, straddling it for a moment, before he swung off. He stood there, hands on his knees a moment, and worked the kink out of his spine, before stepping for the door. He pulled his gloves off, and stuffed them into his jacket pocket as he stepped inside.
Make Me MentaI: The visit would be somewhat of a surprise. Meghan would have wanted to see him fly or something other than drive his bike all the way. But, then again... that was not Charlie's way. So.. much to her surprise, as she came rolling in on her on bike. Brows were arching beneath the helmet and shield as she pulled in. Could it be? Was that really him? Was he really here. Meghan heart began to race like crazy. The moment she pulled in to park, she switched off the engine and gloved hands were pulling the black helmet from her head. She looked and a huge ass smile creased her lips. It was in fact her ole man. She knew that frame from anywhere... and his ride. Meghan quickly dismounted and shoved the helmet in her hatch before coming around and bear hugging the hell out of him. [d]
Alex Vipond: First thought was Meghan was here, and he turned, a huge smile on his face, mouth open to speak, and then... some big dude walked in. His mouth snapped shut, and he nodded. Then there was Meghan, at his back and mobbing him and it sunk in as to just who this was. His first thought? Oh Fuck. And then he was recovering from his shock, rising from the stool, a fresh piece of gum popped into his mouth as he crossed the room toward the open door and the pair there.
Charles J Riley: He'd just laid eyes on some scrawny long hair, when he heard, the bike. Turning, he saw his baby girl, and as she ran at him, he opened his arms. Catching her up, he gave her a squish, and set her down on the warm side of the door, letting it swing shut behind them. "Well hell, girl, you're looking none the worse for wear!"
Make Me MentaI: "You're not looking so bad yourself for an ole man." She fired back with a bright beaming smile. She was quickly slipping an arm around him as she tucked herself under one of his. They were turning toward the bar. "Want something to drink? They got a good stock here." she assured him. "Drinks on me... my treat." She was happy as a lark right about now. Gaze turned to see Alex. The look on his face? Said it all. She smirked. "Daddy... I want you to meet someone." she said, directing him toward the bar as Alex approached. "This is Alex. Alex Vipond." she beamed. Since when did Meghan ever beam? The hell was going on?! "Alex... this is the one and only, Charles Riley. My father... Charlie." [d]
Alex Vipond: He couldn't not grin at Meghan's expression and he offered his hand out to the man. "A pleasure to meet you Sir." Oh, God, was his hand clammy? He smiled and nodded. Why didn't he wipe his hand down first?
Charles J Riley: Charlie eyed the hand, then the man offering it. He took it, and yes, it was clammy. "Don't Sir me, son, I work for a living." He regarded the kid a good long while. "Them earrings you got in your ears boy?"
Alex Vipond: "Ummm" Alex looked from Charlie to Meghan and back. "Yes, ss.... Yes. they are. Charlie." He nodded. "Do you want a drink? Have a seat? Maybe something to eat? Best burgers in Seattle, right here..." Like he'd actually know?
Charles J Riley: "Well, you're a bit on the scrawny side." He looked down at Meghan and studied her a moment, then looked back at the man. "But you make Squish happy so I guess I you ain't half bad." He let go of Alex's hand, and then nodded. "Beer and a burger sounds fine."
Make Me MentaI: Meghan turned her head and looked up to her dad and smirked before she gave a squeeze around him to tell him to knock it off. He was making Alex nervous. But fathers were supposed to make boyfriends and the like, uncomfortable, right? She gave Alex a look as if to say, just relax. She moved with both Charlie and Alex toward the bar. "Teddy? Make that two of each?" she flashed him a smile. Once they made it up to the bar, she let go of him so he could sit. Then, slipped up into a seat herself before gloves were finally removed and shoved into her back pocket with a lean this way and that. "We were going to buy you a round trip air fare." she offered. "Did you decide a few days was a few days to long to wait?" she smirked. [d]
Alex Vipond: He smiled and nodded to her, moving back to the bar, a motion for Teddy to take his bottle away. He'd not finished it, but he wasn't going to in front of Meghan's dad, either.
Charles J Riley: "Why would you go and do that for when I go two perfectly good wheels out there." He hooked a thumb over his shoulder toward the door. "So, Axel...." Charlie looked back to the younger man. "Meghan tells me you're a musician."
Make Me MentaI: "Its Alex." she corrected with a chuckle. She let hazels turn to Alex and watched as Teddy put away the bottle. Gaze turned back to Alex and then her father when he addressed Alex. [d]
Alex Vipond: "Yes, Sss. Charlie. That I am." He was going to have to get over that stutter. "Play here a bit, different places. Last tour I had was a couple years ago. I really killed in Brazil." Shut. The. Fuck. Up.
Charles J Riley: "Couple of years, huh? Nothing since? Thought you guys were like always on the road going somewhere." He looked back down at Meghan and smiled. Yes, he was busting the kid's balls, but hell, someone had to.
Make Me MentaI: She sat quietly, looking between the two men. Happy to have them both here with her. Now, if she could just get Asher's ass in line... things would be so much more easier for her. Gaze turned to Teddy briefly but was soon turning back to her father and her boyfriend. She knew Charlie would be hard to start with, but she also knew, once he got to know Alex more,things wouldn't seem so awkward. [d]
Alex Vipond: Asher was, supposedly, going to be civil. Time would tell. "Well, how was your trip?" Now wasn't the time to get into things and really they had a lot of time for such. Too, Alex wanted Meghan's dad to like him before they had that discussion. "Must have been pretty cold coming all the way in from Rhode Island this time of year."
Charles J Riley: "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey." He took up his beer when the scrawny kid behind the bar set it down in front of him. "They grow em any bigger than a minute here?" he looked back at Meghan.
Make Me MentaI: Meghan nodded and chuckled. "They do.. just.. not many." She replied. Teddy set her drink down before her and then Meghan reached for it to bring the long neck to pursed lips. A good hearty swallow taken with a satisfying sound of ahhh to follow. It was set aside for a moment. "Well, you can stay with us if you like. Or if you'd rather have a bit of privacy, we can set you up in a nice hotel? Or have you already seen about that?" she asked. [d]
Alex Vipond: "We'd be happy to have you. We've got plenty of room." He nodded. They'd not really taken the time yet to plan strategy, you know, how to hide his solar challenged self.
Charles J Riley: One hand reached up, finger combing his beard. "I think I'll stay with you all. Since it's no bother...." he smiled to the both of them, each in turn, then clapped Alex on the back. "Drink up, Axel, I won't bite your head off if you have a beer."
Alex Vipond: "Alex...." he gave a smile and a nod, then looked to Teddy and nodded, before looking back at Charlie.
Make Me MentaI: "Alex." she said with a smirk. Lord... He was never going to get the poor man's name right. "And of course it’s no bother, are you kidding me? Alex has a game room. Billiards, cards, you name it, he's got it. We'll have some good times I'm sure." She took another swallow of beer. [d]
Charles J Riley: Charlie regarded him a long moment, then smiled. "Alex." he looked at Meghan. "I'm sure he does."
Alex Vipond: And she was describing the house not the condo.... He gave a kind of wince and then took his beer from Teddy. He’d have to switch it out with Meghan's first chance he got. "You're staying through the New Year, yes?"
Charles J Riley: "Hadn't really thought about it much..." He looked back at Alex. "But if it's not too much trouble then yeah. I can see staying through the New Year." Give him more chance to see what kind of man his daughter had gotten involved with.
Make Me MentaI: Meghan saw the wince and wanted to face palm. She forgot the plan. "But we're staying elsewhere at the moment. Renovations." she quickly corrected. "So we might have to make do with going out for pool or poker or something." She said as Teddy set the burgers before her and Charlie. Meghan gave Alex that sort of Oops, sorry! But I fixed it! look. Then reached for her burger. [d]
Alex Vipond: "Well we look forward to it. Thought maybe we could show you the sights and take in a game or two." He nodded. Was he turning into Bobble Head Alex?
Charles J Riley: Just a tad. Might want to get that tic looked at. He eyed the burger appreciatively. "Now that is a burger." He looked at Alex, and his lack of. "You're not having one?"
Make Me MentaI: "Alex... my ole man here... knows a bit about playing music too." Change of subject! [d]
Alex Vipond: "I... actually ate before you arrived." he started to nod, then stopped himself. "Oh? What do you play?"
Charles J Riley: "I play a little guitar." He shrugged. "Just for fun, mind you, not anything, professional." It came out as pro fessional, drawn out. Teeth sunk into the burger and he chewed slowly.
Make Me MentaI: Meghan smiled and then lifted her own burger before she was sinking her teeth into it. God... she loved greasy unhealthy food. She chewed quietly, gaze shifting between her father and Alex. [d]
Alex Vipond: "Totally cool." Alex gave a nod that turned into a duck of his head when he realized what he was doing. "We should get together sometime and jam." Smiling over at Meghan, his gaze lost all nervousness, as the love and warmth took over.
Charles J Riley: Looking from Alex to Meghan and back, he saw the exchange of glances, the change in expression and he had to smile. It seemed like Meghan picked one this time that would give a shit. "I think the first thing I need to do after I eat is sleep for two days."
Make Me MentaI: "Well, once you get your belly full, I can take you to the condo, get you settled in. Let you unpack, shower and pass out." she replied before taking another big bite of burger. [d]
Alex Vipond: "Sound good? Then you can sleep and we'll get things settled, and we have a gala this week end...." oooh, shit.
Charles J Riley: "A gala." Dead pan expression didn't change when he looked between the two. "A gala?" Sounded a bit.. flighty to him.
Make Me MentaI: "Yeah, we both got invitations. I think it'll be nice. I've never been to one. Just think, you get to see me all dressed up again. Like I did with prom." [d]
Charles J Riley: "I'll take pictures." he smiled to her, his arm slipping around her to give her a squeeze, and then he was back into his burger.
Make Me MentaI: She looked to Alex and winked as Charlie was fixated on the burger again. Then Meghan took another bite of her own. [d]
Alex Vipond: Alex had the time to study the two and he couldn't stop the smile. It was clear having her father around made her happy. He occasionally lifted his beer, and then when he caught Meghan's eye, offered it to her for a swap.
Make Me MentaI: Meghan nodded and the swap was made. Of course it made her happy to have her ole man here. She'd been worried about him. Mom had always seen to taking care of him, cooking his meals, washing his clothes, ironing them. After she passed away, she couldn't move out. She wanted to make sure that he still got all of that. After the swap, Meghan was happily munching away on what was left of her burger before washing it down with a drink. (It was put to lips, but it was all an act of course. Then she handed it off to Teddy. "One more Teddy and then I'll be good I think." [d]
Charles J Riley: "No letting moss grow under your feet." He finished off his burger and ate at his fries. Glancing between the two, he asked. "So how'd you two meet?" His beer was picked up and sipped from, as he looked between the two. They hadn't been dating long. And they were living together. That wasn't moving fast, that was supersonic.
Make Me MentaI: "We actually met at this other place called The Packed House Bar." she replied as she finished off her burger and took up the fresh beer from Teddy. "Alex was playing his music." [d]
Alex Vipond: Alex pretended to drink from that beer bottle of Meghan's, the one she'd already drank near all of it from, and then slid it over to Teddy and shook his head. "I'm driving." Good excuse for not drinking more. And maybe brownie points with dad for not drinking and driving.
Charles J Riley: Could be he was responsible. Could be he was sucking up. Time would tell. No judgments would be formed. Charlie was a firm believer in giving a man enough rope to hang himself with.
Make Me MentaI: Meghan nearly sucked down the second bottle and was passing it off to Teddy. "Yeah.. I'm done too. I need to keep my wits about me when driving off to take my ole man home." [d]
Alex Vipond: Alex chuckled, wondering which 'old man' she meant. She undoubtedly meant her father, but it just struck him as funny and he tried not to laugh, but it was too late. It was out. He looked between them, the smile growing. "This is ... fantastic. Getting to see you two together."
chaotic ballet: He strolled in after parking his ride, and used the tunnel to the kitchen. The vehicle's advanced alarm system was put on and would protect it from any unwanted persons tampering with it. He had worked the evening shift at Golden Slippers, and was partially dressed in a black leotard top, with his denim jeans, and athletic shoes. He gave a greeting to the others, a hearty sounding "Ciao." Even though he didn't feel particularly well.-d-
Charles J Riley: Charlie turned to look as the new kid came out. "Well at least this one is taller." He shoved his plate away and killed his beer. "I gotta take a leak." He slipped from the stool and stretched his spine again, the occasional, audible pop heard as he worked the kinks out, while walking toward the bathrooms.
Alex Vipond: Alex was going to tell Charlie where they were but seemed he had it under control. He looked back at Alessi. "You look like hell. What the fuck?"
Make Me MentaI: Meghan watched as her father finished off food and drink and then took to a stand to move off. Alessi came in and she gave him a smile, but then... he looked sickly and the smile faded. "Alessi, are you alright?" [d]
chaotic ballet: Alessandro wondered what the old man was talking about. To him, anyone over the age of 30 was considered old. He cocked his head slightly as Charlie left his bar stool and headed off to drain the snake. He was left with Alex and Meghan who noticed right away something was waaaaaay off. Alessandro set his keys and I Phone on the counter. "I ate something bad. Is no problem. I was just a little sick." he said with a slight wave of his hand, and his fingers pressed against the flat planes of rippled abs.-d-
Make Me MentaI: Meghan frowned. "I hope you'll be okay..." she replied. Brows arched and a concerned glance was given to Alex before she looked back to the dancer. [d]
Charles J Riley: After flushing the urinal, he moved to the sink, washing his hands, then his face, fingers stabbing through his hair to draw it back and well yeah, dry his hands a bit. He then pulled a paper towel and wiped the rest of the water off his hands. He tossed it into the trash as he moved back out to the main room. Resettling on his stool he looked over at the Italian. "Sit down, before you fall down, son. You look like shit."
Alex Vipond: "Alessi, this is Charlie, Meghan’s father. Charlie, Alessi, our friend."
Charles J Riley: Charlie offered his hand out to the man. "Good to meet you."
chaotic ballet: "Alessandro Bellarmine. But you may call me Alessi," he replied. Before sitting down, he took the other man's hand, and shook it. "Please to meet, Charlie." he said, with a strong, distinctive Italian accent. He released Charlie's hand and sat back in the seat he'd claimed. "You don't resemble each other much. Maybe it’s the beard?" he grinned a little making his observations.-d-
Charles J Riley: "Might have something to do with it." He chuckled. "Naw, Meghan takes after her mother, God rest her soul." he sobered a bit, thinking, and then he smiled to Meghan, his hand smoothing down her hair. "Even when she was all elbows and knees, and beating the snot out of the bullies for picking on the neighbor kid."
Alex Vipond: Alex cracked up at the last, just wishing he could have seen that. "I can see that happening. Easily." Especially after the way she'd gone after Asher the other day. He would so have to get stories out of Charlie before he left again.
chaotic ballet: That about described Meghan to a T. "Si. I have fond memory of her type A personality." He laughed softly, not elaborating on the how he knew that she was that way. "You describe her accurately." his features etched in an amused grin.-d-
Make Me MentaI: Meghan cut her eyes at her father and smirked. Oh.. here we go...She was bracing herself for the stories to come. "Hey... someone had to do something... poor kid was getting picked on entirely too much. I had my fill... that was all." she shrugged as if it were an every day thing. [d]
Charles J Riley: "Well, I should, I raised the brat." he chuckled, "There was this one time, down home visiting my folks.." he smiled. "Mom and Dad's place sat on a hill, like this..." He used his arm to show the steep incline. "So the house was half on the ground, half on stilts, now Paw he built that house...." He shook his head, "And the porch it came out over and it left a lot of room underneath but naturally as you came it, that space grew shorter... Well her cousins were riding an atv, and the one drivin' lost control of the son of a bitch. He jumped off, but his brother was on the front, had been sitting on the tank, didn't have time. Wedged his ass right up under the porch, broke his collarbone. She leans over the rail, " he hooked a thumb at his daughter, "Calls out, hey, Russel, while you're down there, fetch my ball...."
Make Me MentaI: "Alright... hey... are you not tired yet? You know... what happened to getting a shower and sleeping for two days?" Smirk followed. [d]
Alex Vipond: Alex was rolling, doing his damnedest not to let it spill over, just picturing it. He smiled over at her once he had himself under control. "And did he get your ball?" And he cracked up again.
Make Me MentaI: She cut her gaze at him and smirked; gave a little defiant lift of chin. "As a matter of fact, I did." Arms crossed and a single hard nod was given. [d]
Alex Vipond: "Good." he nodded, eyes on hers, loving her all the more for the ornery child she'd been.
Make Me MentaI: Meghan was then grinning from ear to ear like a Chesire cat as she looked between her father and Alex. [d]
Charles J Riley: "And yes, I am tired. I think it's time to find that pillow." He was going on forty hours, no sleep. He was a bit long in the tooth for that shit.
Make Me MentaI: Meghan's phone buzzed and she pulled it out from her inside pocket. She read over the text from Adriana before replying. When her father said he was ready to retire for the night, phone was slipped back and she looked to Alex. "Key? I'm going to let him follow me there... get him settled in. You coming now or later? Or do you want me to come back here?" she started to slip from her seat. [d]
Alex Vipond: Alex shifted, hand slipping into his pocket, keys to the condo pulled and offered out. "I've got some work to do, but if you want to come back once Dad is settled..." he looked at Charlie. "Charlie... Once you're settled." he nodded again.
Charles J Riley: Yeah, that had caused a pause and a look sent Alex's way. When he corrected himself, Charlie nodded and rose, wallet pulled from his hip pocket by the chain. He laid a twenty and a ten on the bar and then slipped his wallet back into his hip pocket. "Lead on, Squish."
Make Me MentaI: Meghan's hand was faster than a cat and his money was grabbed up. The twenty at least and she shoved it into his pocket. "I told you, on me." she gave a playful punch to his arm. Not too hard though. Just playing around. She took the keys from Alex and smiled, then leaned in for a quick kiss to the lips. Charlie couldn't say anything to Alex... Meghan done it! "See you soon, either way." she replied and then was turning to lead her father back out to their bikes so she could get him to the condo and settled in. [d]
Alex Vipond: Alex smiled into the kiss, his hand sinking into her hair for a moment before he reluctantly let her go. "Soon." he smiled, a nuzzle given and then he was leaning back against the bar. watching them go.
Charles J Riley: Charlie glanced over at Alex, a nod given, and then he was following his daughter out. He swung his leg over, turned the gas on, and slipped the key in, turning it. He slipped his gloves on, then looked over at Meghan as he hit the starter and rocked her up off the stand. He walked her back as he spoke. "Don't you race, you lose me in these damned streets, I'll never find my way. Should have seen me trying to get here from the damned freeway."
Make Me MentaI: Once she was released, they were out the door, on their bikes, firing up the engines and with gear on, she looked to him and smiled beneath the helmet. "You're no fun." Then they were heading out. She made sure he had everything he needed of course after showing him around the place. Left him to do his business of showering and passing out. [d]
Charles J Riley: Pass out he did, he'd been up way too damned long, on the road way too damned long, but he'd been in a hurry to meet this punk kid his daughter was so wound up over. Jury was still out on him.
Alex Vipond: Once they were gone, Alex looked at Teddy and nodded, then held up two fingers. While Teddy was warming his bottles, Alex moved back toward the studio, the itch to play too hard to ignore.
Charles J Riley: The sound would have been heard, long before the 1200 Electroglide would have been seen. Was he fucking crazy? Probably, wouldn't be the first time he'd been accused of such. Google stated 44 hours. Charlie made it in 32, stopping only for food, gas and to take a piss. The last one he often did alongside the road. Note. Do not piss on electric fences. When he pulled up out front, he looked as bad as he felt. Dirty, tired, and grumpy, he killed engine, turned off the gas, and swung kicked the stand down. Rocking it over, he sat there, straddling it for a moment, before he swung off. He stood there, hands on his knees a moment, and worked the kink out of his spine, before stepping for the door. He pulled his gloves off, and stuffed them into his jacket pocket as he stepped inside.
Make Me MentaI: The visit would be somewhat of a surprise. Meghan would have wanted to see him fly or something other than drive his bike all the way. But, then again... that was not Charlie's way. So.. much to her surprise, as she came rolling in on her on bike. Brows were arching beneath the helmet and shield as she pulled in. Could it be? Was that really him? Was he really here. Meghan heart began to race like crazy. The moment she pulled in to park, she switched off the engine and gloved hands were pulling the black helmet from her head. She looked and a huge ass smile creased her lips. It was in fact her ole man. She knew that frame from anywhere... and his ride. Meghan quickly dismounted and shoved the helmet in her hatch before coming around and bear hugging the hell out of him. [d]
Alex Vipond: First thought was Meghan was here, and he turned, a huge smile on his face, mouth open to speak, and then... some big dude walked in. His mouth snapped shut, and he nodded. Then there was Meghan, at his back and mobbing him and it sunk in as to just who this was. His first thought? Oh Fuck. And then he was recovering from his shock, rising from the stool, a fresh piece of gum popped into his mouth as he crossed the room toward the open door and the pair there.
Charles J Riley: He'd just laid eyes on some scrawny long hair, when he heard, the bike. Turning, he saw his baby girl, and as she ran at him, he opened his arms. Catching her up, he gave her a squish, and set her down on the warm side of the door, letting it swing shut behind them. "Well hell, girl, you're looking none the worse for wear!"
Make Me MentaI: "You're not looking so bad yourself for an ole man." She fired back with a bright beaming smile. She was quickly slipping an arm around him as she tucked herself under one of his. They were turning toward the bar. "Want something to drink? They got a good stock here." she assured him. "Drinks on me... my treat." She was happy as a lark right about now. Gaze turned to see Alex. The look on his face? Said it all. She smirked. "Daddy... I want you to meet someone." she said, directing him toward the bar as Alex approached. "This is Alex. Alex Vipond." she beamed. Since when did Meghan ever beam? The hell was going on?! "Alex... this is the one and only, Charles Riley. My father... Charlie." [d]
Alex Vipond: He couldn't not grin at Meghan's expression and he offered his hand out to the man. "A pleasure to meet you Sir." Oh, God, was his hand clammy? He smiled and nodded. Why didn't he wipe his hand down first?
Charles J Riley: Charlie eyed the hand, then the man offering it. He took it, and yes, it was clammy. "Don't Sir me, son, I work for a living." He regarded the kid a good long while. "Them earrings you got in your ears boy?"
Alex Vipond: "Ummm" Alex looked from Charlie to Meghan and back. "Yes, ss.... Yes. they are. Charlie." He nodded. "Do you want a drink? Have a seat? Maybe something to eat? Best burgers in Seattle, right here..." Like he'd actually know?
Charles J Riley: "Well, you're a bit on the scrawny side." He looked down at Meghan and studied her a moment, then looked back at the man. "But you make Squish happy so I guess I you ain't half bad." He let go of Alex's hand, and then nodded. "Beer and a burger sounds fine."
Make Me MentaI: Meghan turned her head and looked up to her dad and smirked before she gave a squeeze around him to tell him to knock it off. He was making Alex nervous. But fathers were supposed to make boyfriends and the like, uncomfortable, right? She gave Alex a look as if to say, just relax. She moved with both Charlie and Alex toward the bar. "Teddy? Make that two of each?" she flashed him a smile. Once they made it up to the bar, she let go of him so he could sit. Then, slipped up into a seat herself before gloves were finally removed and shoved into her back pocket with a lean this way and that. "We were going to buy you a round trip air fare." she offered. "Did you decide a few days was a few days to long to wait?" she smirked. [d]
Alex Vipond: He smiled and nodded to her, moving back to the bar, a motion for Teddy to take his bottle away. He'd not finished it, but he wasn't going to in front of Meghan's dad, either.
Charles J Riley: "Why would you go and do that for when I go two perfectly good wheels out there." He hooked a thumb over his shoulder toward the door. "So, Axel...." Charlie looked back to the younger man. "Meghan tells me you're a musician."
Make Me MentaI: "Its Alex." she corrected with a chuckle. She let hazels turn to Alex and watched as Teddy put away the bottle. Gaze turned back to Alex and then her father when he addressed Alex. [d]
Alex Vipond: "Yes, Sss. Charlie. That I am." He was going to have to get over that stutter. "Play here a bit, different places. Last tour I had was a couple years ago. I really killed in Brazil." Shut. The. Fuck. Up.
Charles J Riley: "Couple of years, huh? Nothing since? Thought you guys were like always on the road going somewhere." He looked back down at Meghan and smiled. Yes, he was busting the kid's balls, but hell, someone had to.
Make Me MentaI: She sat quietly, looking between the two men. Happy to have them both here with her. Now, if she could just get Asher's ass in line... things would be so much more easier for her. Gaze turned to Teddy briefly but was soon turning back to her father and her boyfriend. She knew Charlie would be hard to start with, but she also knew, once he got to know Alex more,things wouldn't seem so awkward. [d]
Alex Vipond: Asher was, supposedly, going to be civil. Time would tell. "Well, how was your trip?" Now wasn't the time to get into things and really they had a lot of time for such. Too, Alex wanted Meghan's dad to like him before they had that discussion. "Must have been pretty cold coming all the way in from Rhode Island this time of year."
Charles J Riley: "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey." He took up his beer when the scrawny kid behind the bar set it down in front of him. "They grow em any bigger than a minute here?" he looked back at Meghan.
Make Me MentaI: Meghan nodded and chuckled. "They do.. just.. not many." She replied. Teddy set her drink down before her and then Meghan reached for it to bring the long neck to pursed lips. A good hearty swallow taken with a satisfying sound of ahhh to follow. It was set aside for a moment. "Well, you can stay with us if you like. Or if you'd rather have a bit of privacy, we can set you up in a nice hotel? Or have you already seen about that?" she asked. [d]
Alex Vipond: "We'd be happy to have you. We've got plenty of room." He nodded. They'd not really taken the time yet to plan strategy, you know, how to hide his solar challenged self.
Charles J Riley: One hand reached up, finger combing his beard. "I think I'll stay with you all. Since it's no bother...." he smiled to the both of them, each in turn, then clapped Alex on the back. "Drink up, Axel, I won't bite your head off if you have a beer."
Alex Vipond: "Alex...." he gave a smile and a nod, then looked to Teddy and nodded, before looking back at Charlie.
Make Me MentaI: "Alex." she said with a smirk. Lord... He was never going to get the poor man's name right. "And of course it’s no bother, are you kidding me? Alex has a game room. Billiards, cards, you name it, he's got it. We'll have some good times I'm sure." She took another swallow of beer. [d]
Charles J Riley: Charlie regarded him a long moment, then smiled. "Alex." he looked at Meghan. "I'm sure he does."
Alex Vipond: And she was describing the house not the condo.... He gave a kind of wince and then took his beer from Teddy. He’d have to switch it out with Meghan's first chance he got. "You're staying through the New Year, yes?"
Charles J Riley: "Hadn't really thought about it much..." He looked back at Alex. "But if it's not too much trouble then yeah. I can see staying through the New Year." Give him more chance to see what kind of man his daughter had gotten involved with.
Make Me MentaI: Meghan saw the wince and wanted to face palm. She forgot the plan. "But we're staying elsewhere at the moment. Renovations." she quickly corrected. "So we might have to make do with going out for pool or poker or something." She said as Teddy set the burgers before her and Charlie. Meghan gave Alex that sort of Oops, sorry! But I fixed it! look. Then reached for her burger. [d]
Alex Vipond: "Well we look forward to it. Thought maybe we could show you the sights and take in a game or two." He nodded. Was he turning into Bobble Head Alex?
Charles J Riley: Just a tad. Might want to get that tic looked at. He eyed the burger appreciatively. "Now that is a burger." He looked at Alex, and his lack of. "You're not having one?"
Make Me MentaI: "Alex... my ole man here... knows a bit about playing music too." Change of subject! [d]
Alex Vipond: "I... actually ate before you arrived." he started to nod, then stopped himself. "Oh? What do you play?"
Charles J Riley: "I play a little guitar." He shrugged. "Just for fun, mind you, not anything, professional." It came out as pro fessional, drawn out. Teeth sunk into the burger and he chewed slowly.
Make Me MentaI: Meghan smiled and then lifted her own burger before she was sinking her teeth into it. God... she loved greasy unhealthy food. She chewed quietly, gaze shifting between her father and Alex. [d]
Alex Vipond: "Totally cool." Alex gave a nod that turned into a duck of his head when he realized what he was doing. "We should get together sometime and jam." Smiling over at Meghan, his gaze lost all nervousness, as the love and warmth took over.
Charles J Riley: Looking from Alex to Meghan and back, he saw the exchange of glances, the change in expression and he had to smile. It seemed like Meghan picked one this time that would give a shit. "I think the first thing I need to do after I eat is sleep for two days."
Make Me MentaI: "Well, once you get your belly full, I can take you to the condo, get you settled in. Let you unpack, shower and pass out." she replied before taking another big bite of burger. [d]
Alex Vipond: "Sound good? Then you can sleep and we'll get things settled, and we have a gala this week end...." oooh, shit.
Charles J Riley: "A gala." Dead pan expression didn't change when he looked between the two. "A gala?" Sounded a bit.. flighty to him.
Make Me MentaI: "Yeah, we both got invitations. I think it'll be nice. I've never been to one. Just think, you get to see me all dressed up again. Like I did with prom." [d]
Charles J Riley: "I'll take pictures." he smiled to her, his arm slipping around her to give her a squeeze, and then he was back into his burger.
Make Me MentaI: She looked to Alex and winked as Charlie was fixated on the burger again. Then Meghan took another bite of her own. [d]
Alex Vipond: Alex had the time to study the two and he couldn't stop the smile. It was clear having her father around made her happy. He occasionally lifted his beer, and then when he caught Meghan's eye, offered it to her for a swap.
Make Me MentaI: Meghan nodded and the swap was made. Of course it made her happy to have her ole man here. She'd been worried about him. Mom had always seen to taking care of him, cooking his meals, washing his clothes, ironing them. After she passed away, she couldn't move out. She wanted to make sure that he still got all of that. After the swap, Meghan was happily munching away on what was left of her burger before washing it down with a drink. (It was put to lips, but it was all an act of course. Then she handed it off to Teddy. "One more Teddy and then I'll be good I think." [d]
Charles J Riley: "No letting moss grow under your feet." He finished off his burger and ate at his fries. Glancing between the two, he asked. "So how'd you two meet?" His beer was picked up and sipped from, as he looked between the two. They hadn't been dating long. And they were living together. That wasn't moving fast, that was supersonic.
Make Me MentaI: "We actually met at this other place called The Packed House Bar." she replied as she finished off her burger and took up the fresh beer from Teddy. "Alex was playing his music." [d]
Alex Vipond: Alex pretended to drink from that beer bottle of Meghan's, the one she'd already drank near all of it from, and then slid it over to Teddy and shook his head. "I'm driving." Good excuse for not drinking more. And maybe brownie points with dad for not drinking and driving.
Charles J Riley: Could be he was responsible. Could be he was sucking up. Time would tell. No judgments would be formed. Charlie was a firm believer in giving a man enough rope to hang himself with.
Make Me MentaI: Meghan nearly sucked down the second bottle and was passing it off to Teddy. "Yeah.. I'm done too. I need to keep my wits about me when driving off to take my ole man home." [d]
Alex Vipond: Alex chuckled, wondering which 'old man' she meant. She undoubtedly meant her father, but it just struck him as funny and he tried not to laugh, but it was too late. It was out. He looked between them, the smile growing. "This is ... fantastic. Getting to see you two together."
chaotic ballet: He strolled in after parking his ride, and used the tunnel to the kitchen. The vehicle's advanced alarm system was put on and would protect it from any unwanted persons tampering with it. He had worked the evening shift at Golden Slippers, and was partially dressed in a black leotard top, with his denim jeans, and athletic shoes. He gave a greeting to the others, a hearty sounding "Ciao." Even though he didn't feel particularly well.-d-
Charles J Riley: Charlie turned to look as the new kid came out. "Well at least this one is taller." He shoved his plate away and killed his beer. "I gotta take a leak." He slipped from the stool and stretched his spine again, the occasional, audible pop heard as he worked the kinks out, while walking toward the bathrooms.
Alex Vipond: Alex was going to tell Charlie where they were but seemed he had it under control. He looked back at Alessi. "You look like hell. What the fuck?"
Make Me MentaI: Meghan watched as her father finished off food and drink and then took to a stand to move off. Alessi came in and she gave him a smile, but then... he looked sickly and the smile faded. "Alessi, are you alright?" [d]
chaotic ballet: Alessandro wondered what the old man was talking about. To him, anyone over the age of 30 was considered old. He cocked his head slightly as Charlie left his bar stool and headed off to drain the snake. He was left with Alex and Meghan who noticed right away something was waaaaaay off. Alessandro set his keys and I Phone on the counter. "I ate something bad. Is no problem. I was just a little sick." he said with a slight wave of his hand, and his fingers pressed against the flat planes of rippled abs.-d-
Make Me MentaI: Meghan frowned. "I hope you'll be okay..." she replied. Brows arched and a concerned glance was given to Alex before she looked back to the dancer. [d]
Charles J Riley: After flushing the urinal, he moved to the sink, washing his hands, then his face, fingers stabbing through his hair to draw it back and well yeah, dry his hands a bit. He then pulled a paper towel and wiped the rest of the water off his hands. He tossed it into the trash as he moved back out to the main room. Resettling on his stool he looked over at the Italian. "Sit down, before you fall down, son. You look like shit."
Alex Vipond: "Alessi, this is Charlie, Meghan’s father. Charlie, Alessi, our friend."
Charles J Riley: Charlie offered his hand out to the man. "Good to meet you."
chaotic ballet: "Alessandro Bellarmine. But you may call me Alessi," he replied. Before sitting down, he took the other man's hand, and shook it. "Please to meet, Charlie." he said, with a strong, distinctive Italian accent. He released Charlie's hand and sat back in the seat he'd claimed. "You don't resemble each other much. Maybe it’s the beard?" he grinned a little making his observations.-d-
Charles J Riley: "Might have something to do with it." He chuckled. "Naw, Meghan takes after her mother, God rest her soul." he sobered a bit, thinking, and then he smiled to Meghan, his hand smoothing down her hair. "Even when she was all elbows and knees, and beating the snot out of the bullies for picking on the neighbor kid."
Alex Vipond: Alex cracked up at the last, just wishing he could have seen that. "I can see that happening. Easily." Especially after the way she'd gone after Asher the other day. He would so have to get stories out of Charlie before he left again.
chaotic ballet: That about described Meghan to a T. "Si. I have fond memory of her type A personality." He laughed softly, not elaborating on the how he knew that she was that way. "You describe her accurately." his features etched in an amused grin.-d-
Make Me MentaI: Meghan cut her eyes at her father and smirked. Oh.. here we go...She was bracing herself for the stories to come. "Hey... someone had to do something... poor kid was getting picked on entirely too much. I had my fill... that was all." she shrugged as if it were an every day thing. [d]
Charles J Riley: "Well, I should, I raised the brat." he chuckled, "There was this one time, down home visiting my folks.." he smiled. "Mom and Dad's place sat on a hill, like this..." He used his arm to show the steep incline. "So the house was half on the ground, half on stilts, now Paw he built that house...." He shook his head, "And the porch it came out over and it left a lot of room underneath but naturally as you came it, that space grew shorter... Well her cousins were riding an atv, and the one drivin' lost control of the son of a bitch. He jumped off, but his brother was on the front, had been sitting on the tank, didn't have time. Wedged his ass right up under the porch, broke his collarbone. She leans over the rail, " he hooked a thumb at his daughter, "Calls out, hey, Russel, while you're down there, fetch my ball...."
Make Me MentaI: "Alright... hey... are you not tired yet? You know... what happened to getting a shower and sleeping for two days?" Smirk followed. [d]
Alex Vipond: Alex was rolling, doing his damnedest not to let it spill over, just picturing it. He smiled over at her once he had himself under control. "And did he get your ball?" And he cracked up again.
Make Me MentaI: She cut her gaze at him and smirked; gave a little defiant lift of chin. "As a matter of fact, I did." Arms crossed and a single hard nod was given. [d]
Alex Vipond: "Good." he nodded, eyes on hers, loving her all the more for the ornery child she'd been.
Make Me MentaI: Meghan was then grinning from ear to ear like a Chesire cat as she looked between her father and Alex. [d]
Charles J Riley: "And yes, I am tired. I think it's time to find that pillow." He was going on forty hours, no sleep. He was a bit long in the tooth for that shit.
Make Me MentaI: Meghan's phone buzzed and she pulled it out from her inside pocket. She read over the text from Adriana before replying. When her father said he was ready to retire for the night, phone was slipped back and she looked to Alex. "Key? I'm going to let him follow me there... get him settled in. You coming now or later? Or do you want me to come back here?" she started to slip from her seat. [d]
Alex Vipond: Alex shifted, hand slipping into his pocket, keys to the condo pulled and offered out. "I've got some work to do, but if you want to come back once Dad is settled..." he looked at Charlie. "Charlie... Once you're settled." he nodded again.
Charles J Riley: Yeah, that had caused a pause and a look sent Alex's way. When he corrected himself, Charlie nodded and rose, wallet pulled from his hip pocket by the chain. He laid a twenty and a ten on the bar and then slipped his wallet back into his hip pocket. "Lead on, Squish."
Make Me MentaI: Meghan's hand was faster than a cat and his money was grabbed up. The twenty at least and she shoved it into his pocket. "I told you, on me." she gave a playful punch to his arm. Not too hard though. Just playing around. She took the keys from Alex and smiled, then leaned in for a quick kiss to the lips. Charlie couldn't say anything to Alex... Meghan done it! "See you soon, either way." she replied and then was turning to lead her father back out to their bikes so she could get him to the condo and settled in. [d]
Alex Vipond: Alex smiled into the kiss, his hand sinking into her hair for a moment before he reluctantly let her go. "Soon." he smiled, a nuzzle given and then he was leaning back against the bar. watching them go.
Charles J Riley: Charlie glanced over at Alex, a nod given, and then he was following his daughter out. He swung his leg over, turned the gas on, and slipped the key in, turning it. He slipped his gloves on, then looked over at Meghan as he hit the starter and rocked her up off the stand. He walked her back as he spoke. "Don't you race, you lose me in these damned streets, I'll never find my way. Should have seen me trying to get here from the damned freeway."
Make Me MentaI: Once she was released, they were out the door, on their bikes, firing up the engines and with gear on, she looked to him and smiled beneath the helmet. "You're no fun." Then they were heading out. She made sure he had everything he needed of course after showing him around the place. Left him to do his business of showering and passing out. [d]
Charles J Riley: Pass out he did, he'd been up way too damned long, on the road way too damned long, but he'd been in a hurry to meet this punk kid his daughter was so wound up over. Jury was still out on him.
Alex Vipond: Once they were gone, Alex looked at Teddy and nodded, then held up two fingers. While Teddy was warming his bottles, Alex moved back toward the studio, the itch to play too hard to ignore.