@Vpepperpott Dom smirks, letting a corner of her mouth twitch upward. “Now that’s the kind of plan I can get behind,” she says, leaning back and taking a slow sip of her coffee. “Lunch on you, retail therapy, spa… sounds like the perfect kind of chaos. Let’s make it a day worth remembering.”
Dom arrived too early. The city was quiet, morning light soft against the empty streets. She sat on a bench outside the café, cigarette between her fingers, and sent a quick text.
To: @Vpepperpott
I arrived too early but I’m fine waiting. Take your time.
@Vpepperpott < reasons.”
She takes another sip of coffee, glancing at Pepper with a teasing glint.
“Anyway,” she adds, tone shifting lighter, “I’m thinking retail therapy and maybe a day spa. You in, or are you gonna be lame and crawl back to bed?”
@Vpepperpott Dom hums softly, eyes still on the crowd.
“I’m not really good with emotions,” she admits, a small smile tugging at her lips. “But Tony… he was a great guy. Never knew him personally, but through a few connections… I heard enough. Headstrong as hell, but always for the right >
@Vpepperpott < “Think of it as remembering the good stuff instead of grieving it. They’re still around, just… not the way they used to be. Trust me.”
@Vpepperpott Dom lets out a soft laugh, shaking her head.
“Oh, Pep,” she says quietly, gaze softening. “Trust me, I’ve outlived everyone I’ve ever loved and then some. Days like that? They sneak up on you. But you gotta flip the lens a little.”
She leans back, eyes drifting to the street. >
@Vpepperpott < hands.
Back outside, she sets one in front of Pepper and sits down.
“Here,” she says, taking a slow sip of her own. “Black and bitter. It fits the mood. Honestly, your night doesn’t sound bad at all. I’d take that kind of chaos over a frat party any day.”
@Vpepperpott < The kind that wakes the dead.”
The barista gives a knowing nod, tapping in the order. Dom slides a few bills across the counter, drumming her fingers lightly while waiting. When the cups are set down, she picks them up carefully, the warmth seeping through the paper into her >
@Vpepperpott Dom lets out a soft laugh, brushing ash from her jeans. “Rough night?” She asks, amused. “Don’t worry, mine wasn’t any better.”
She leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “You want me to order coffee, or are we starting with water and silence first?”
@Vpepperpott Dom smiles at the screen, flicks the ash off her cigarette, and types back,
To: Pepper
No worries. I could use a few more minutes to wake up anyway.
She tucks her phone away, exhales a slow breath of smoke, and watches the city start to come alive.