[ it's a little less than an hour, but cheryl does arrive like she said she would. it probably would have been better if she had arrived sooner, because she has had time to reconsider her fight or flight response on the way here. ]
[During that time, Veronica considers calling Archie. It would be right, wouldn't it? But she can't bring herself to do it. Another secret. In this case, it's likely to remain nothing more than that. The whole ordeal is ... well, it's been almost an hour. She still hasn't adjusted.
She offers Cheryl a smile—the type that's strained, like she's unsure how to feel. And then she motions for her to join her on the loveseat that's not far from their fireplace.]
Come. Sit. We'll worry about drinks in a bit. [They could both probably use one.
[ cheryl gives a small nod before settling down next to her. she leaves a space between them, but that at least probably isn't too surprising.
this is why she sent the text. emotions can get a lot more... real when you include things like body language and facial expressions. it's much neater when you can set your phone down before responding. ]
I assume what you have to offer is satisfactory for my tastes.
[ cheryl knows that they are, but she's also retracting from the point here. ]
You're in the house of the Lodge family. We have our own vintage rum. [Veronica is well aware that it's stalling. There's a hint of impatience to her voice, something that's almost unavoidable considering.]
But we're not here to discuss Daddy's makeshift wine cellar and you know that as well as I do.
[ but she doesn't argue against veronica's point past that. she straightens out her back, trying not to get too comfortable on the couch in case she needs to make a quick getaway. ]
Veronica. These past few months have been... tremendously difficult for a lot of people, but primarily me, as I'm sure you have noticed.
I'm well aware. At the heart of everything that's happened, you've been a touchstone for ... a number of things. And even if it didn't always benefit you, you were willing to help. I understand what it meant to confront some of those things.
[The issue of the Sugarman. The issue of her father. The issue of, well, Nick St. Clair.
[ or... well, all. she's actually glad to know what kind of monster her father was, but the cost of discovering that was far too much. ]
I'm not stupid. I know that, usually, when people came to me to "help" it was because there was some sort of ulterior motive involved. They needed me for information that someone else I was connected to could provide. You're guilty of that too. [ ... ] But you're also one of the only ones who did also, genuinely, come to me with pure intentions. More than once.
We won't always be on each other's good sides. [That goes without saying. Even with the emotional element thrown in.] But I think I can firmly say that we're better off when we are. And no matter what, you know you can count on me, Cheryl. [To come rushing for whatever—even if she's angry. It goes without saying.]
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[ it's a little less than an hour, but cheryl does arrive like she said she would. it probably would have been better if she had arrived sooner, because she has had time to reconsider her fight or flight response on the way here. ]
Veronica.
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She offers Cheryl a smile—the type that's strained, like she's unsure how to feel. And then she motions for her to join her on the loveseat that's not far from their fireplace.]
Come. Sit. We'll worry about drinks in a bit. [They could both probably use one.
In a bit.]
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this is why she sent the text. emotions can get a lot more... real when you include things like body language and facial expressions. it's much neater when you can set your phone down before responding. ]
I assume what you have to offer is satisfactory for my tastes.
[ cheryl knows that they are, but she's also retracting from the point here. ]
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But we're not here to discuss Daddy's makeshift wine cellar and you know that as well as I do.
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[ but she doesn't argue against veronica's point past that. she straightens out her back, trying not to get too comfortable on the couch in case she needs to make a quick getaway. ]
Veronica. These past few months have been... tremendously difficult for a lot of people, but primarily me, as I'm sure you have noticed.
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[The issue of the Sugarman. The issue of her father. The issue of, well, Nick St. Clair.
It's a long list. Too long.]
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[ or... well, all. she's actually glad to know what kind of monster her father was, but the cost of discovering that was far too much. ]
I'm not stupid. I know that, usually, when people came to me to "help" it was because there was some sort of ulterior motive involved. They needed me for information that someone else I was connected to could provide. You're guilty of that too. [ ... ] But you're also one of the only ones who did also, genuinely, come to me with pure intentions. More than once.
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[ she doesn't say it in an accusatory tone. she's not trying to make veronica feel bad; it's just a statement that she sees as fact. ]
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[The mob boss allusions are constantly in play. It feels like there's little that can change that.]
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[ for now, since with how their lives are, who knows what will be the next major thing to happen. ]
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[At this point, Veronica only partially believes in the "greater good" aspect of it all.]