[color=lightgray][right][sub]TIMESTAMP:  Tuesday, July 20, 2021, Morning
After [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5403329]Tension @ The Godmother[/url]
FT: [color=9f1b3e]Caterina Belmonte[/color], [color=9f3a1b]Dexter Silo[/color], & [color=a22d2e]Sofia Belmonte[/color]
Small FT: [color=9d59c2]Charlotte[/color] & [color=91dfd2]Frankie[/color] Silo, both played by [sup][@Aewin][/sup][/sub][/right]
[center][url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/users/brutalbx][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/211015/b5878257bfbd9cdd76a67a003c983966.png[/img][/url]  [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/211015/52f6860b6ef04523593be20b787cf5af.png[/img]  [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/users/lovelycomplex][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/211015/450efa6a0ce5a6f0235bac836bcc1708.png[/img][/url]

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[indent][indent]Emerging from the Godmother’s with his hands in his suit pockets, Dexter followed Caterina out into the soaked through world. The sun was now shining high and brightly in a sky once filled with clouds and darkness. Looking around, one would not think that only a few hours ago that the place was engulfed in a tempest that could’ve been sent by the Aegaeon themselves, descended down upon the sleepy New England town with all their rage to punish those they deemed evil. Caterina’s hips still had the same sway they had all those years ago, she still carried herself the same way if not with a touch more force and purpose. 

It had been quite some time since Dexter had stepped foot in Edenridge for any prolonged period of time. Once upon another life, he spent much of his time in the town. Whether it was the constant basketball games between his hometown Monarchs and the Celtics or if it was time spent with a certain brunette cheer captain with the most beautiful hazel eyes, Dex had definitely spent more time in Eden than he would care to admit. Since high school and college, the devilishly handsome man had only driven through Edenridge or stopped for a quick coffee. Some might’ve said it was out of fear of repercussions for some of his actions but that was a lie because Dexter had no fear for anything. He wasn’t scared of Andy Callahan or that meathead Bobby Osso coming for him. He wasn’t scared of Caterina’s family connections. It was the one thing those people never understood and he doubted they ever would. Dexter would never be scared because he was too smart.

He was better than them.

The girl behind the counter was intriguing. The look on her face, the spark in her eye, she had to have been Cat’s daughter, it was obvious. Based on her age, she was fifteen or sixteen meaning she would’ve been conceived around the time that Caterina and Dexter were together; the mathematics all added up as he had predicted when he first found out from his brother what Cat was up to. Once the pair of former flames reached one of the drier benches outside the sandwich shop, Dexter offered Cat the first seat. [color=9f3a1b]“After you, pretty girl.”[/color]

[color=9f1b3e]“No, I’m fine, thanks,”[/color] Cat curtly declined. She was not going to sit next to the bastard that ripped her heart out, recklessly stomped on it, crushing it with his pretentious Oxfords, and decided on a whim to shoot it in yesterday’s trash like a goddamn basketball. Plus, this was Edenridge. She’d be dumb to give the town ammunition against her like she used to when she was young, stubborn, and naive. They loved to talk and they would immediately assume that her new boyfriend was her ex. That’s if they even remembered how Dexter looked. Yeah, no. Not on her watch. 

Instead, she crossed her arms and expectantly surveyed him, not bothering to check him out. That would just get him off and she’d be damned to ever stroke his ego like that ever again. Her deadly glare was on his handsome face, and with fire, she intensely grabbed a hold of his hazel gaze. Once upon a broken promise, she was dumb for this man and it was in those eyes she fell so deeply and madly in lust and in love with him. [color=9f1b3e]“[i]Why[/i] are you here?”[/color] 

[color=9f3a1b]“To get a sandwich, you have good reviews on Yelp,”[/color] Dexter mused. He had seen this body language before from her, one too many times. However it didn’t bother him like it did back when they were teenagers. He had grown and so had she, devolving into their adolescent selves would be unbecoming in this scenario. [color=9f3a1b]“Don’t read into something that isn’t there Catarina. I’m in town on business and I was hungry. It’s been seventeen years and I don’t think it sets a good example for [i]our[/i] children to hold grudges.”[/color] 

Cat raised an eyebrow at that. Having not considered the life he lived after their senior year. He was married with kids. What a relief. Her shoulders eased up, less on edge like she had been seconds before but not enough to let her guard down. She couldn’t trust he changed all his ways and she wasn’t going to but good for him for having his own family. Good for him for moving on. 

The blonde businessman glanced back at the shop where he had briefly met the two youngsters behind the bar and his formulaic mind began to process the numbers as it always did. Dexter loved numbers. They were his passion, his obsession. He had always been a top athlete physically but what always gave him the edge was his ability to add, subtract, divide and conquer in half the time it would take a normal person. For Dex, life was like a game of blackjack and he had already counted all the cards. [color=9f3a1b]“I was an ass back in the day and I hurt you really bad, I know that. I’m not asking for forgiveness and I don’t want it, what I do want is to live in hope that we can move forward.”[/color]

[color=9f1b3e]“What does that entail?”[/color] Cat followed his gaze to her shop where her daughter and apprentice were. She knew that look; he was curious about something. His blue eyes sparked with intrigue like he had a question that needed an answer to. Then again, maybe he was right. Maybe she was looking too deeply into his words. Maybe for once he didn’t mean harm. Was she a fool for not wanting to put up the fight with him? To not stay angry? Probably. But still, deep down, she hoped he really did change for the better. 

Begrudgingly, she took a seat beside him. One leg over the other and her arms crossed once more, Cat looked down Central Ave and the few people enjoying the town this Tuesday morning. There was a rainbow in the distance and she couldn’t help but wonder if Clay was okay. She couldn’t help but sit in her yearning and worry, wishing he were here with her, enjoying this dewy air and the sights of the town waking up. Shops opening. People going for a stroll. Edenridge was beautiful when it felt still. Edenridge was beautiful when she was waking up. Edenridge was beautiful when she wasn’t hurting. [color=9f1b3e]“What does moving forward mean to you?”[/color] She glanced back at him, her burning inferno that was her anger simmering down as she gave him his chance to speak, finally willing to listen.

[color=9f3a1b]“The reality of the situation is that my current business might keep me in town for a while,”[/color] Dexter leaned back against the picnic table with his hands in his pockets as he spoke. [color=9f3a1b]“And I know that there are a lot of people here who may still hold a grudge for what I did as a teenager. I can’t make that right but what I can do is show everyone who I am now and what I represent.”[/color] He relieved his hand from his slacks and reached into his jacket with it, pulling his wallet from inside a second later. Dexter rifled through the leather money holder until he found a business card. He placed it down on the bench behind them without a word before continuing. [color=9f3a1b]“Moving forward to me is me and my family being allowed to be at peace whilst we’re here in this community and for the folks here to leave my past transgressions right there in the past along with my early two thousands hair cuts.”[/color]

Out of habit, Cat rolled her eyes and spoke flat out, amused at his words and not fully buying it, [color=9f1b3e]“Good luck with that.”[/color] If he wanted a clean slate this wasn’t the place to be. The town where history meant everything and secrets were a currency. [color=9f1b3e]“You and your family are more than welcome to stay here. No one’s going to stop you but to want peace? In Edenridge? [i]Please[/i], Dexter. You’re smarter than that.” [/color]

Before Dexter could say anything more, Sofi came out with a brown bag (that held his sandwich), instead of Marco. Unfortunately for Cat, Marco had to help another customer so that left Sofi open for delivery. The little Belmonte placed the food on the table and was quick to turn around. Ready to go back inside. When her mother firmly grabbed her hand, Sofi knew she was stuck until she was freed, put between a rock and an awkward place. Turning herself around to face her mom and old friend, Sofi gave a half smile, trying to be welcoming but also lowkey wanting to yeet on out.

[color=9f1b3e]“Speaking of family,”[/color] Cat tried her best to extend the first olive branch, even though she hated every second of it. [color=9f1b3e]“This is my eldest, Sofia. Sofi,”[/color] Cat gently instructed, without saying anything more than her child’s name. 

This was all Sofi needed to hear to know what her mother wanted. 

[color=a22d2e]“Yo,”[/color] the teenager gave a lazy wave with one hand before hooking her thumbs in her pockets. [color=a22d2e]“You know that’s not a usual name you hear everyday and yet I heard it a couple times already. I could’ve sworn that the reporter guy was talking on the phone with a guy named Dexter. And—”[/color]

[color=9f1b3e]“Sofia, stop.”[/color]

[color=a22d2e]“Sorry, habit,”[/color] the young girl scratched the back of her head as she looked around and noticed a nice car with a woman who looked around her mother’s age and girl in it, [color=a22d2e]“That your family over there?”[/color]

Cat’s attention was quick to look at where her daughter was pointing at. She couldn’t see the figures inside the car — they were parked a ways away —  but she did notice a familiar set of golden locks. She shook her head in a way that said [i]‘I should’ve guessed’[/i] and let out a subtle chuckle. There was great relief that washed over her, knowing that his family was true, and that they both moved on from their past. Maybe this was a good sign for the both of them. Maybe she could move on and bury the hatchet. Maybe they could forget they ever were a thing. 

She had Clay so really, Dexter’s presence, she was coming to realise, didn’t upset her in the way she thought it would. Initially she was shocked and thought he was up to no good but after a few minutes with him she could see that he meant nothing to her anymore. The hold he had over her was nonexistent and it was all thanks to growing up and becoming her own woman. Certain of her wants and needs. She was happy where she was and where she was going. She was happy with her journey, and all the things she used to regret. She was happy that she was smarter than people thought. She was happy. Nothing he could say or do would ruin that for her. She had her kids. She had Clay. And she had a bright future ahead of her, for her and her family. 

[color=9f3a1b]“Yes that’s my wife Charlotte and my daughter Francesca,”[/color] Dexter smiled softly towards the youngster that had joined them. She was so much like Cat, the way she carried herself, the attitude and sass that dripped from every word. One of the things that Sofi did not share with Caterina though was her eyes and the sparkle in them. No, they were not from Cat. Beyond that, looking at Sofia was like looking at the proprietor of the Godmothers seventeen years ago.

Taking the sandwich into hand, Dex inhaled the sweet smell. [color=9f3a1b]“Smells delicious, thank you so much Sofia.”[/color] He gazed upon the two Belmonte women, looking for any flaw in his perfect equitation. Of course, it just wasn’t there. Maths was always right. [color=9f3a1b]“You know, I would love it if we could get together again soon, properly. So we can sit and talk, catch up. Sofia could come too and I’ll bring Frankie, [i]our children[/i] should get to know each other while we’re in town. Who knows? They could bond like sisters or hate each other but that’s being a teenager right?”[/color]

Cat wasn’t the one to catch the subtle emphasis in the words: our children. It was Sofi. There was a moment she stared at the older man with a stoic expression yet all the curiosity in the world in her gaze. She tilted her head as she replied, [color=9f1b3e]“Don’t thank me. This was all my worker’s doing. Marco.”[/color]

When Dex wanted to ‘get together’ soon Cat had to hold her grimace back. Felt way too early to… catch up. It didn’t help when Dex said Charlotte’s name out loud she was reminded of all the times she butted heads with the woman because Dex had a way of playing mind games. Maybe she wasn’t completely okay with this after all. Still, she turned to look at her child, who was unburdened by drama like this. Sofi hadn’t even dated yet let alone started fights or anything with anyone. As nosy as she was, she avoided anything too tense. She was a good girl. The only noteworthy thing her daughter was part of was… the shooting, which took away her desire to play soccer and gave her a bad habit of relying on weed.

[color=9f1b3e]“I’ll think about it,”[/color] Cat spoke honestly. [color=9f1b3e]“My other children, Daniella and Franco, they’re with their father but they’ll be back Friday. If we do this, I want all my babies with me.”[/color] Did she want to do this? Not really. But maybe her children needed something normal to look forward to. The divorce was taking a toll on them to the point that Sofi was sneaking around and hiding at the Ossos. She knew the other two were taking the divorce worse. Especially Franco who has clung to the idea of a perfect family more so than his sisters. Bringing her attention back to the car, Cat inquired, standing up, feeling their time coming to an end, [color=9f1b3e]“Only a sandwich for you? Your girls aren’t hungry?”[/color] 

[color=9f3a1b]“My girls were smart enough to have some breakfast before we left Pinehurst,”[/color] Dex responded with a nod. [color=9f3a1b]“You know me Caterina, food was the last thing on my mind this morning. I was too busy crunching some numbers for a client.”[/color] The simple fact of the matter was when Dex Silo started working on an equation or looking at numbers in a way only he could, nothing else mattered. He always had to be right, whatever the cost. 

As the two adults were back to talking, Sofi glanced at the business card on the table to get his full name. Dexter Silo. She made a mental note to look for his daughter, Frankie, on social media when she got her phone back from her mother. It seemed that her mother was in a less grouchy mood so that was good. Silo. That sounded familiar. [color=a22d2e]“Could try to get more tickets for the Horsemen game? That’s like… Sunday. Just an idea.”[/color]

[color=9f1b3e]“I could…”[/color] Cat auto-responded, not liking that her daughter was taking control of the situation but understanding the audacity more than anyone. It was only a scrimmage but she could easily get more tickets from Jonah. Though, she didn’t like the idea of going to a hockey game with her ex and her ex’s family. Even so, she had to be the mature adult here and it seemed like the two people beside her wanted [i]something[/i] guaranteed from this interaction. Clearing her throat, she looked up at the now standing Dexter - damn, why was she so short - and tried to bury her petty nature with class, [color=9f1b3e]“How does Sunday sound?”[/color]

[color=9f3a1b]“Sunday, sounds perfect,”[/color] Dexter tucked the sandwich under his arm and motioned towards the business card he had left on the table. [color=9f3a1b]“My work and cell number is there. Why don’t you contact me with details when you’re ready?”[/color] His eyes fell upon Sofi once more and locked with hers. [color=9f3a1b]“It was really nice to meet you Sofia, I hope to see you again sometime soon.”[/color] He tilted his head to face his former lover and he grinned. [color=9f3a1b]“Be seeing you, Catarina,”[/color] Dex bowed for the two women before turning away and walking towards his expensive looking car.

Climbing into the driver's seat, Dexter tossed the sandwich that had been lovingly made for him into the back next to his teenage daughter. He turned to look at his wife as he started up the car. [color=9f3a1b]“She’s definitely my daughter. We’re going out with them this Sunday, as a [i]family[/i]. Am I clear?”[/color]

[color=9d59c2]“Crystal, right dear?”[/color] [url=https://i1.wp.com/comicbooksgalaxy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/hilarie-burton-34.jpeg?resize=696%2C1043&ssl=1]Charlotte[/url] responded with an easy going smile, looking at the rear view mirror to make eye contact with her daughter. [url=https://data.whicdn.com/images/295128821/original.jpg]Frankie[/url] glanced at the sandwich tossed beside her with an unimpressed scowl before turning back to her Nintendo Switch.

[color=91dfd2]“Sure, crystal clear.”[/color]
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