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Post by Hoyt Fortenberry on Jul 3, 2011 9:32:22 GMT -7
Hoyt had had a hard time sleeping the night before, his thoughts kept drifting back to the girl he had met at the bar. It had been a night of tossing and turning because when he wasn't thinking about Jessica with the other guy he was thinking about Holly and how much he had enjoyed her company. Jessica had already been moved out when he finally got home, leaving not even a trace she had been there accept for a lingering scent and a bottle of true blood in the fridge. Part of him wondered if she had left the bottle there on purpose, considering their last argument. Actually it didn't seem too far fetched as he dumped it down the sink and threw the bottle in the trash.
Hoyt went to take a shower first, choosing a pair of clean jeans and nice green plaid shirt to wear to the shop. Holly had invited him to come by her work for a tea made by her boss Hallow and Hoyt had wanted to go. Not only was he not doing anything that day but he had been thinking about Holly far too much to not kick himself into going.
In minutes he was in his truck, heading to the emporium with good old country music playing in his radio. When he finally arrived he pulled in front of the shop and hopped out, he wasn't sure if they were open yet but he decided to go check the door anyway. If they weren't open he could find something to pass the time if he needed too.
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Post by Holly Cleary on Jul 3, 2011 9:54:09 GMT -7
Holly was pretty sure he wasn’t going to come. After all, it had been a spur of the moment invite, and once he had got her out of his car, he held absolutely no obligation to her. He could have very well been saying “oh yes, I’ll come see you,” and then never showed up- but she had to admit, she would have been a tiny bit disappointed.
Hallow was awake when Holly had got out of bed, which didn’t surprise her in the least bit. In the month that Holly had been living with her, she had never seen Hallow sleep. She was always awake when she woke up, and awake after she went to bed. She was sure that the woman did sleep- everyone had to, of course- but hell if Holly knew when. She was already downstairs, working on cleaning out the circle room for the meeting that night, when Holly came in carrying a mug of coffee.
“Do you mind if unlock the door a little early? I have someone stopping by…”
The other woman straightened, looking at her with a piercing gaze. ”That guy you came home with last night?”
Holly couldn’t tell if Hallow was irritated or merely curious. She was hard to read. “Yeah.” She took a sip of her coffee and dropped her gaze. “He’s stopping by this morning for some tea. I figured if he’s receptive enough, maybe… he’d want to join the circle.”
”You’re a terrible liar.” Hallow’s words stung. ”You think he’s attractive, that’s why you invited him over. Do I need to remind you what the last guy you that about did to you? I’m sure Cody looks more like his daddy every day, don’t you think?”
Her words were like a slap, and Holly’s cheeks flushed. “It’s not like that.”
”Then what is it like?” Hallow placed a hand on her hip, and Holly squirmed under her scrutiny. There weren’t many people that could make Holly into a cowed little girl, but Hallow had it down to an art form.
“We’re not even friends. He’s just… a nice guy, going through a rough time. I can… I can sympathize.”
Hallow’s eyes narrowed, her expression catlike.
“If it bothers you so much, I’ll get rid of him.”
”Do that.” Hallow returned her attention to the rechalking of the circle, and Holly knew she was dismissed. She sighed, going back into the store proper. She had just had enough time to set her coffee down when she heard someone trying the handle. She moved from behind the counter to head to the door, unlocking the two bolts that kept it shut and opening it.
“Morning.” She said quietly, some of her previous enthusiasm dampened. Hallow rarely asserted her will so strongly on Holly, and she didn’t dare question it. Hallow only had her best interests at heart, right?
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Post by Hoyt Fortenberry on Jul 3, 2011 10:42:07 GMT -7
Hoyt's heart was beating a little faster when he saw Holly make her way to the door, he was surprised himself when he realized he was very excited to see her. He didn't think it was possible to like someone so quickly, or at least be attracted to them but if he remembered right it didn't take that long for Jessica and him to start dating. Not that he wanted to date Holly, well sure the possibility hung in the air, but he barely knew the girl and first and foremost he wanted to learn everything there was to know about her.
"Morning"
But something was wrong. He could hear it in her voice, and he looked concerned almost immediately.
"Is something wrong Holly? Did I come by too soon? I can go and come back when you open if you want - I have all day and it won't be any trouble"
The last thing he wanted was to get her in trouble with her boss or something, there was also the possibility that she wasn't a morning person like he was. Whatever it was, he would be more than accommodating.
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Post by Holly Cleary on Jul 3, 2011 19:31:09 GMT -7
"Is something wrong Holly? Did I come by too soon? I can go and come back when you open if you want - I have all day and it won't be any trouble"
Holly had opened the door with every intention of brushing him off and sending him on his way- but she had forgot just how much his aura comforted her. Holly had always been good at “reading” people, had become even better at it under Hallow’s influence. But still, she had never seen anything like Hoyt before. Sure, there were good people, noble people, but Hoyt… Hoyt’s aura seemed to resonate in response to her. It was like sticking crack in front of a drug addict- she liked the peace that he offered her.
And it was that peace that made her shake her head and slide outside, shutting the door firmly behind her. “No, I’m fine. Hallow’s… Hallow’s not in a good mood.” That was one way of putting it, anyway. “Want to walk down the block with me to get some coffee? You can meet her later.”
Hallow was going to be furious that Holly had ignored her, but for some reason, Holly didn’t care. She smiled at him, gesturing for him to follow her as she started down the street, the skirt of her tank top dress swaying slightly as she stepped over a branch in the yard to get to the sidewalk. She had found herself paying extra attention to how she was dressed today, though she wasn’t sure why. The coven wouldn’t care if she showed up in a sack- they only came for Hallow. Still, she had put on a black sundress and tied her long hair into a messy knot, a few strands still trailing over her slender shoulders. Her shoes were tie on ballet flats, the laces going to mid-calf. She looked… softer… than the night before, almost as if she were less guarded.
“I must say, I’m a little surprised you came.”
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Post by Hoyt Fortenberry on Jul 3, 2011 21:30:49 GMT -7
Hoyt had stepped back when he noticed that she was coming out the door. He had been concerned he had done something wrong, but she soon reassured him that it had nothing to do with him. “No, I’m fine. Hallow’s… Hallow’s not in a good mood." He frowned, and looked past Holly's shoulder and "into" the store. "Oh, well I hope it was nothing I did" Though, Hoyt had a hard time believing it was - he hadn't even met the woman.
Want to walk down the block with me to get some coffee? You can meet her later.” He glanced toward Holly and nodded, after all - he had come out to see her anyway. "Sure, I didn't just come out here for only tea anyway" It was his way of reassuring her that he was completely fine going elsewhere.
He matched her pace when they walked down the street, taking a moment to look at her as they walked. She was a dark vision, and if Hoyt had to be honest with himself he was quite taken back by her beauty. He felt extremely lucky to even be talking to her, never mind going to have coffee with her. He just wanted to get to know her and there was nothing wrong with that.
“I must say, I’m a little surprised you came.”
"Why wouldn't I? You invited me, and I would never stand up anyone - especially a woman as intriguing as you. It really does look like a nice place in there, I can't wait to see inside. Do you have to work the whole day?"
Hoyt opened the door to the cafe when they arrived, following Holly to a booth close to the window. He slid in across from her and ordered a coffee, waiting for her to start the conversation.
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Post by Holly Cleary on Jul 4, 2011 20:29:46 GMT -7
"Oh, well I hope it was nothing I did"
The look on Holly’s face was dark. “It doesn’t matter.” She said quietly, shaking her head. “She’s just in a bad mood. She’ll get over it.” Well, she wouldn’t, but Holly didn’t want to spend her last stolen bit of time with Hoyt talking about all the myriad ways that Hallow had issues with him. It wouldn’t be productive, and it would end up revealing more about herself than she cared to.
"Sure, I didn't just come out here for only tea anyway"
“Good.” She couldn’t help but smile slightly. “But either way, the coffee is on me.”
She glanced at him when he fell into step with her, but she didn’t seem nearly as bothered by it as she had when he had touched her the night before. She liked Hoyt, and she was beginning to become more comfortable with him- which was ridiculous as she barely knew him, but some part of her knew that Hoyt would never hurt her. But then again, Hallow had said he would… and Hallow had a nasty way of always being right. Holly was more likely to trust Hallow than her own instincts.
"Why wouldn't I? You invited me, and I would never stand up anyone - especially a woman as intriguing as you. It really does look like a nice place in there, I can't wait to see inside. Do you have to work the whole day?"
Holly shrugged. “I live above the store, so it’s not really working, so much as an open house. As long as someone’s around- Hallow or I- the other is free to come and go, or watch television or whatever. We lock the door at six tonight, unless you’re part of the…” She paused, remembering that he was a Christian. “Circle. We have a little get together once or twice a week. It’s all very free, none of the rigidity of normal retail shops.” She held the door open for him as she walked into the café, glancing at him over her shoulder. “Order whatever you want. I owe you for my drink last night.”
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Post by Hoyt Fortenberry on Jul 4, 2011 21:16:43 GMT -7
“It doesn’t matter. She’s just in a bad mood. She’ll get over it.”
Oh. So it was about him. Hoyt decided to not think too much into it, after all - as he had said before, he hadn't even met her yet. Besides, Holly told him not to worry about it and she certainly knew Hallow better than he did. He was about to protest when Holly said the coffee was on her, but then he just nodded and offered her a smile - it was alright for the woman to pay once and awhile, it was only fair after all.
“I live above the store, so it’s not really working, so much as an open house. As long as someone’s around- Hallow or I- the other is free to come and go, or watch television or whatever. We lock the door at six tonight, unless you’re part of the…" He noticed her pause, but decided not to say anything - she probably was just taking a breath. "Circle. We have a little get together once or twice a week. It’s all very free, none of the rigidity of normal retail shops.”
"It sound's really nice. I work as part of the Renard Parish road crew. We build ditches, repair roads, that kind of thing. I don't mind physical labor because it keeps me in good shape. I'm an outdoor kind of guy, so the fresh air is really nice as well"
“Order whatever you want. I owe you for my drink last night.”
He nodded, and looked up at the waitress as she came to the table. "Just a coffee, but a toasted egg sandwich with hashbrowns on a separate bill" He looked toward Holly with a slight smile. "I don't expect you to cover breakfast, but the coffee will do"
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Post by Holly Cleary on Jul 5, 2011 12:43:35 GMT -7
She had to admit she was a bit surprised he had agreed to let her pay. For all his sweet good will so far, he had seemed just a tiny bit old fashioned, and that he viewed women as someone to be protected and cherished wouldn’t have surprised her one bit. The surprise was definitely nice, and she gave him a pretty smile in return.
I work as part of the Renard Parish road crew. We build ditches, repair roads, that kind of thing. I don't mind physical labor because it keeps me in good shape. I'm an outdoor kind of guy, so the fresh air is really nice as well"
“I’m all for fresh air, but how do you not fry being outside all the time?” Louisiana was dreadfully hot and muggy in the summer, and even in New Orleans where it stormed every single day there was no relief from the heat. Holly couldn’t have stood it- at least she had the option to be inside.
"Just a coffee, but a toasted egg sandwich with hashbrowns on a separate bill"
“Make that two, and the same bill.” Holly smirked. “Consider it my thank you for keeping me out long enough to avoid my roomie’s temper.” Either way, Hallow was still going to be pissed when Holly did get back, but it just might be worth it to have breakfast with Hoyt.
"I don't expect you to cover breakfast, but the coffee will do"
Holly shook her head. “It gives you an excuse to take me out again.” She was playing a dangerous game, not even including Hallow’s feelings on the subject. But something about him made her want to risk it.
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Post by Hoyt Fortenberry on Jul 5, 2011 18:14:06 GMT -7
“I’m all for fresh air, but how do you not fry being outside all the time?”
"When you are outside all the time you build a tolerance to it I think, that and I always put on sunscreen. I guess it was one of the things that my mother did that actually stuck. Though around her it was just embarrassing because she insisted on putting it on my back and shoulders herself. You don't know how many times the guys on the crew made fun of me for that"
Or how many times he thanked his lucky stars he moved out of her house. Moving out was the single most smartest thing he had ever done.
He was about to protest when she offered to put it on the same bill, after all - he hadn't expected her to cover his breakfast as well. It actually made him smile, didn't this make this an official date? He was finding that it felt like a natural thing, to be hanging out with her like this and it had only been the second day they had met.
“It gives you an excuse to take me out again.” "I was hoping I didn't need an excuse"
He answered without even a pause, a smile on his face as he barely noticed the waitress come back with their coffee's. "A more official date? Movies or something? I'm pretty much up for anything"
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Post by Holly Cleary on Jul 5, 2011 19:25:43 GMT -7
Holly smiled, shaking her head as he told her about his mother. She had known guys like that growing up, the ones that seemed likely to never leave the nest- either because they were too scared, or because their mothers were. Holly couldn’t even remember the last time she had been dependent on her parents- even before they had officially kicked her out because of Cody, Holly’s relationship had been strained. “At least she cares about you. Maybe in a completely screwed up way, but it’s there.”
She glanced up as the waitress brought their coffee, nodding her thanks as she took a sip. Holly was a coffee fiend, had been since she was ten, and she doubted she would ever change. At least the coffee here was good- not only fresh, but strong.
"I was hoping I didn't need an excuse. A more official date? Movies or something? I'm pretty much up for anything"
“I want to say yes, I really do.” She crossed her ankles, looking down into her coffee as if it might tell her the future. “But Hoyt, I don’t… I don’t think I’d make a good girlfriend for you. I have way more baggage than I could fairly ask you to deal with.” Like a kid. Or aversion to touch. Or even Hallow. I can’t explain any of it to you, and I can’t keep it from you, either. “But I’m flattered you asked.”
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Post by Hoyt Fortenberry on Jul 5, 2011 20:56:12 GMT -7
“At least she cares about you. Maybe in a completely screwed up way, but it’s there.”
Hoyt wanted to believe that about Maxine, but most of the time he really felt that any caring she did of him was purely selfish on her part. He had little faith in his mother, for many reasons, and that probably wasn't going to change anytime soon.
"I just think she likes having control over somebody. Trust me, you won't understand until you meet her. And I really hope you never meet her. She has someone that took my place as her little boy and I thank my lucky stars I can finally be a grown ass man instead of her little man"
When the coffee arrived Hoyt had loaded it with cream and sugar, hoping that Holly wouldn't mock him for it. His mother did, and Jason once made a joke about how "real" man took their coffee black. He took his coffee the way it tasted good to him, lots of cream and lots of sugar was just fine by him.
“I want to say yes, I really do.”
Hoyt tried not to frown but he couldn't help it, he just used the coffee as a way to mask it. He already knew what she was going to say because there was only one way that sentence could end.
“But Hoyt, I don’t… I don’t think I’d make a good girlfriend for you. I have way more baggage than I could fairly ask you to deal with.”
He took a strong gulp of his coffee, and set it down on the table.
"And I'm not ready for a girlfriend. Not so soon after I lost Jessica. She meant a lot to me and it is going to take a bit for me to get over her. I'm not asking you to be my girlfriend Holly, but I would like you to be my friend. If things lead to more in awhile than they do, if they don't then that is alright too."
He smiled after she added that she was flattered.
"I'm in no rush, I just would like to spend more time with you. No commitment, no strings, just friends. Would that be all right with you Holly?"
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Post by Holly Cleary on Jul 7, 2011 21:26:07 GMT -7
"I just think she likes having control over somebody. Trust me, you won't understand until you meet her. And I really hope you never meet her. She has someone that took my place as her little boy and I thank my lucky stars I can finally be a grown ass man instead of her little man"
Holly knew what that was like- not necessarily by her mother, who had never shown an ounce of interest in her, but by David. “People do scary things for control.” She said faintly, looking away so he wouldn’t notice that the blood had leeched from her cheeks.
She watched him load down his coffee, but she didn’t say anything. She preferred her own black, occasionally with a small pinch of honey if she was in the mood for something sweet. To each their own- she wasn’t going to judge him based on what he was drinking.
"And I'm not ready for a girlfriend. Not so soon after I lost Jessica. She meant a lot to me and it is going to take a bit for me to get over her. I'm not asking you to be my girlfriend Holly, but I would like you to be my friend. If things lead to more in awhile than they do, if they don't then that is alright too."
Holly let some of the tension in her body relax. She had honestly forgot about Jessica, which was funny, considering how she had met Hoyt. She couldn’t be a girlfriend, but she was pretty sure she could be a friend, and as to whether or not it would grow into something else? She was pretty sure the answer was no, but if he wanted to harbor the thought for some sort of potential, well, she wasn’t going to stop him.
“All right.” She answered, her smile returning.
"I'm in no rush, I just would like to spend more time with you. No commitment, no strings, just friends. Would that be all right with you Holly?"
“I think even I can handle that.”
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Post by Hoyt Fortenberry on Jul 8, 2011 13:20:14 GMT -7
“People do scary things for control.” Hoyt had nodded in agreement, he had met enough people in his lifetime to know just how far people would go. He would never do that to someone, he felt that it was a woman's - or a man's - right to do what they wanted to do. Within reason of course, and with good intentions.
After Hoyt explained to Holly how he felt about things he had noticed that she seemed to relax. He felt good about it as well, he would never want to force Holly to do anything she didn't want to do or that she wasn't ready for. Hoyt had all the patience in the world, especially because in his heart he was sure that Holly was someone worth getting to know.
“I think even I can handle that.”
Now, it was up to him to decide where they could go or what they could do together. A movie seemed to personal and too cliche for a second date so maybe... a club? No, a club seemed too impersonal, his mind wandered for a moment as their breakfast was brought to them.
"We could drive up to New Orlean's, maybe make a day of it? I haven't been, and you have so maybe we could take one of those guided tour things together?"
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Post by Holly Cleary on Jul 10, 2011 21:54:46 GMT -7
Holly leaned back in her chair and took a sip of her coffee, wrapping her fingers around her mug. She had managed to calm down until Hoyt dropped a bombshell on her and she slopped her coffee onto the table, staring at him.
"We could drive up to New Orlean's, maybe make a day of it? I haven't been, and you have so maybe we could take one of those guided tour things together?"
“I… I’ve been meaning to go home… for a while now.” Holly admitted, taking a napkin from the holder to mop up her mess. She had, it was true, but she always found convenient excuses not to- and it wasn’t like she didn’t have an abundance of them. David was still in New Orleans, though in jail, her parents were there… but so was her son. “I just haven’t had a good enough reason to.”
All right, that was a lie. Cody was more than a good enough reason, and every time he asked her when she was coming back Holly’s heart broke. “But… if you want to go, I mean, we can do that. Maybe… Maybe I can introduce you to someone that’s important to me.” Would Cody understand Holly’s friendship with Hoyt? Holly had never let David see his son, and she hadn’t dated since she was raped. Cody had never been around even a conversation that Holly had had with a guy. It would be interesting, to say the least.
“I haven’t been totally honest with you.” She traced her finger around the rim of her mug, wishing it were something stronger than coffee. “I left… my son… in New Orleans, when I came here.”
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