[color=f26522]CELESTE BROWN[/color] - Sandy Coves Inn -- late afternoon

Celeste hummed to herself as she swayed from side to side, cleaning the dishes and other items she had used to make the scones.  She piled them up as neatly as she could in the second sink so that they would dry, wiped her own hands on the raggedy dish towel, then stepped back into the dining hall, nibbling on one of the scones.  She looked around and gave a happy sigh.  It was empty, then, but soon enough she imagined a bustling hall, filled with the noise and warmth of guests and visitors alike, enjoying her snacks and hospitality.  

[i]Hospitality![/i]  Celeste gasped to herself, nearly forgetting her date.  She pulled Adam's note from inside her bra, her mouth moving while she re-read the words, finding herself giddy all over again.  "I better get ready!" she exclaimed, dashing into her room and flipping through her clothes.  She found a light purple dress featuring a white polka dot pattern that she hardly remembered packing form home.  She shimmied into it, finding it tighter around her bust than she expected.  She rooted through her footwear and found that the only ones in the most presentable condition were a pair of bright blue "All American" sneakers.

She had just finished lacing the second one and returned to the counter, hoping to speak to Archie to let him know her intentions for the evening, when she heard the gunshots.  Her body tensed as she listened closer.  She couldn't hear anything else.  Celeste found herself sinking to the floor to cower behind the counter.  Where was Archie?!

There were footfalls on the stairs.  Curiosity got the best of her and she rose to see who it was.  The tired face of Sara stared back at her from the stairs.

"Celeste, are you okay?!"

Celeste gulped, then offered the smallest of nods.  "Yes, I'm just fine.  Have you seen Archie?  What's going on, outside?"  She swiped a hand over her brow.  "Do you think a wall will keep this from happening over and over?"

It was as though she finally registered that Sara was carrying a gun.  "Wuh-wait, are you going out there?" she peeped.