03.2023 | WELCOME BACK! Hello friends old and new! I'm so excited to welcome you all back to SITW! I've made some changes to the plot and added the ability to play supernatural charcaters! So come and check it out! I can't wait to jump back into this little town with all of you!
A strange history surrounds the town, it is a place where mysterious and supernatural things have been known to happen. The reputation of the town reguarly draws in visitors and newcomers alike. While some residents avidly believe in the supernatural, others are far more skeptical. What do you believe?
He didn't want to be here. In fact, this was the last place he wanted to be. But, for legal reasons, it was necessary. So then why did he feel like this was a breakup from the breakup? Putting the all black Audi A7 in park, his hand hesitated on the handle before he swung it open in a motion that was too forceful. Buttoning the middle button of his suit, Elijah opened the back driver side door and pulled his briefcase from the seat, checking the time on his watch as he did so. It was just past 2, so he was certain Jada would have already taken her break for the day and be back at work.
Stepping inside the boutique, Elijah somehow felt oddly out of place and yet, right at home. Clothes were hung and folded neatly, stowed in their proper places and music played softly overhead. How many times had he visited this place while Jada did her renovations to make it all her own? It was almost bittersweet to be back in the boutique. Let's just get this over with. He thought to himself, striding forward with the confidence he'd always possessed. A few women were browsing the store, but one had her attention on him with an expression that could only be described as perplexity. Perhaps it did look strange for a man in full suit and tie to be strolling through the boutique, briefcase in hand. Noticing her stare, Elijah's lips twisted in a crooked grin, the kind that always seemed to make women melt, and winked when his blue eyes locked on hers. She blushed, quickly pretending to occupy herself with her browsing.
His sight finally landed on Jada and he couldn't help but to admire how drop dead gorgeous she was. Many a man would surely call him a fool for letting go of a woman like her. Hell, they might even call him downright stupid. Perhaps he was. As he closed the distance between them, he couldn't resist the urge to run his free hand through his hair that had darkened since the cooler weather had moved in. Less time outside meant the sun could not bleach his locks to their usual dark blond color, not that it mattered either way to him. "Jada." He said in a warm greeting, her name sounding surprisingly pleasant as it crossed his lips.
Jada was doing everything she could to get the costumers in her boutique out. That was unusual for a store owner, but Jada wasn't the kind of owner who desperately needed the income. This was more like a hobby for her, a joy; so when she had a pressing nail appointment, closing early wasn't an issue. People being slow to make up their minds, however, was. Jada herself tended towards indecisiveness, but never when it came to close. She also happened to have the luxury of not ever having a budget, so if no quick decision came to mind she'd simply toss everything into her cart.
Covet Boutique didn't have carts. Shoppers could either carry a cut little black basket to link on their forearms, or they simply had to tell her what they wanted and she would put it behind the counter for them as they went. Perks of small town shopping: everyone was treated like royalty.
Jada was usually eager and attentive with the people in her store, but today she was caught up on a hangnail. No, really, she had a hang nail that had appeared sometime during the night and she dared not go all day without getting it fixed. She could have taken care of it herself, except she was getting her SNS redone on Friday anyway so why not make the trip more worth it for her?
"Do these shirts only come in black and tan? No green?" An older woman was clearly doing some shopping for her granddaughter. Jada's smile was sincere to those who didn't know her, but impatient to those who did.
"No, ma'am, no green. The selections you see are what are trending right now. Green is barely ever in, and when it is you'll only find army green and typically only in pants or jackets." She grimaced, feeling bad she couldn't meet the woman's needs. Then again, it was a good thing. Her granddaughter wasn't going to be pleased with what the woman was trying to select.
"Can I advise you? Get the black one. Black is slimming and sharp. If you pair it with these opaque leggings and have her wear them with black knee-high boots..." she finished her sentence with a pursed-lip nod, like Yeeeaaaaah girl, she's lookin good. The grandmother wasn't completely convinced. She sighed and looked at the peach shirt again. Just then the bell that told Jada another costumer was entering sounded.
"Tell you what, take my suggestion and I'll throw in a pair of free earrings, and if your granddaughter isn't over the moon then you can come back here for free store credit." Seller code language for please get out. It wasn't helpful that someone else had entered.
"Honey, you got yourself a deal." The old woman said, snatching the selection from the rack and following Jada to the register with pep in her step. Free things were always the way to go with the older generation--children of the Great Depression. Jada smiled as she rang up the items, calling out a,
"Welcome to Covet Boutique!" To the person who'd entered. A glance made her aware of the male presence, though she didn't guess who it was; she would never have guessed, not in a million years, that Elijah was here to see her. Imagine her surprise when he appeared from around the rack.
Jada nearly lost her marbles.
Her heart fell into her butt as a heat spread through her chest and into her face. Her hands began to fumble, making her have an extremely hard time with removing the hangers, but she made a recovery as she refocused on her costumer, suddenly paying the old woman twice as much attention as she had before. The lady wasn't looking at her, she was taken by the stud who was approaching them.
Jada.
She loved the way he said her name. She'd heard it many times, whether he was calling for her attention or expression his pleasure in the bedroom...
"Thank you for shopping at Covet Boutique, ma'am. You come back and see me, okay?" Jada's smile was contagious, and the woman mirrored it--less pretty--as she waved a goodbye and made her way out. Only two costumers left; one was busy trying on boots, and the other was...was that girl ogling Elijah? Jada rolled her eyes away from the glance and to Elijah.
She had to steel herself. If she didn't, she would crumble before him. She had already humiliated herself too many times because of him, and she didn't want to keep it up. She tried to don an irritated expression, though it came out harmless. When she spoke, she meant for her tone to be clipped, but Jada had such a soft, delicate voice...
"Elijah, hi." She caught a lock of her hair and tucked it behind her ear, glancing towards the other costumers, "What are you doing here?" It was too much to hope he was here to see her, to ask her to dinner, or maybe for a walk that they could rehash things on. It was too much, but she hoped anyways.
Elijah couldn't help but smirk at the way Jada reacted to him. It was quite possibly his favorite thing about her. Most women these days were too independent for his taste. That wouldn't put up with his crap, and he was well aware of the fact. But Jada? She was predictable; reliable.
He checked his watch again impatiently as Jada worked to finish up with her customer. Even though it had only been a matter of three minutes, his impatience allowed for no time to be wasted. He had other matters to attend to, this was just a stop on his way. He wondered, for a fleeting moment, what must have gone through her head at the sight of him here in her boutique. The way she initially seemed disinterested in his presence annoyed him, but he didn't let it show. Perhaps that was one of his biggest hidden flaws. He never showed emotion, never talked about it. However, if it benefited him in some way, he would at least pretend.
His annoyance turned to pleasure when Jada rolled her eyes at the woman eyeballing him. It was amusing how he still found her jealousy cute. Honestly, his reaction would have been much the same if he saw a man undressing Jada with his eyes. Even if Elijah was the one to call things off, he still felt that Jada was his in many ways. Though, it was mostly because he knew he could have her at the drop of a hat. What they'd had was raw and passionate on so many levels, and Elijah would be lying to himself if he said he didn't often crave her.
Elijah shoved his free hand into his pocket when Jada greeted him. He briefly glanced at the last two customers before returning his attention to her. "I just wanted to go over some things with you." He said, his index finger tapping the handle of the briefcase he still held. "I can wait until your finished, though." He added, though it was clear by his tone he didn't want to wait. He never wanted to wait.
Jada's eyes fell to the briefcase at his side. Ah, business. Of course. She should have known. She loved that he was such a hard worker, dedicated to his job. Many-a-times he'd chosen going over paperwork--or at least going into his office--over staying in bed with her or going out with her. She'd come to a place where she'd been tempted to resent him for it, but in the end she chose to love him all the more and admire his dedication. She strove to work as hard as he did with her boutique. Granted, the work was a lot different, but she did her best with him on her mind.
"Okay, we can do that." She said, her tone deflated but still soft and eager to please. She was always eager to please Elijah; desperately so. "No, I won't make you wait." She said quickly. He was an important man. The costumers could come back. Who knew when she'd see him next?
Jada lifted a finger, excusing herself towards her remaining costumers.
"Hello ladies. I'm so sorry but I'm going to need to close the store for the remainder of the day." She dug into her pocket and pulled out 20% discount slips. "Please take these as my apology." Jada made a guilty face but then shrugged her shoulders. The costumer who had been trying on shoes was happy to take the discount. The one who wanted to keep eyeing Elijah scoffed as she snatched it out of Jada's hand. The store owner maintained a sweet smile, though her eyes shot daggers into the back of the woman's head as she exited.
Jada followed them and locked the door before closing the blinds. Her heart picked up in pace. How many times had she done just that so the two of them could start making out on the counter before ripping off their clothes and taking things to the back room? Jada smiled sadly at the memory. He had been her life.
Though she was unable to make a full recovery, she did have a brighter smile as she returned to Elijah. She had tried to move on, but had never been able to. She was certain her life would never be as bright without him in it. She didn't exactly want to win him back, per se...she just wanted him to change his mind. Change his heart. Come seeking her.
"Okay, I'm all yours." It was said casually, but she meant more.
Good old Jada. She'd never made him wait, always ready and willing at his beckoning call. She ushered the customers out the door, more or less bribing them with coupons they would be all to happy to use, even if the one woman seemed more ill-tempered about the whole thing. She came back, her smile as bright as it always was when she looked at him, which caused Elijah's lips to turn up at the corners. Such a special woman she was; always smiling despite her internal pain.
"Okay, I'm all yours."
An excitement coursed through Elijah and he hesitated for a matter of seconds. Those words had once meant something so different - almost dirty. Instinctively, his mind ran straight to the gutter, and he had to clear his throat and break eye contact with her to compose himself. He was a simple man in that way. Food, sleep, and so little as the insinuation of sex was enough to make him happy - or get him riled up. He set his briefcase on the counter, still not looking towards Jada. But the way she sounded when she said those words seemed to echo in his mind. It had been so long since he'd seen her, and almost just as long that he'd been with anyone else. It was safe to say he was more than a little pent up. He needed to get his mind off of it. Now was not the time.
"So, the boutique is still in my name, but since I obviously have no interest in running a women's fashion store, I thought it may be best to have everything signed over to you." He explained, removing a few documents from his briefcase. He finally made eye contact again and held them out to her, though the motion seemed cautious, as if he wasn't sure she'd agree to signing the paperwork. If she didn't, it wouldn't really bother him too much. He just felt it was a nice gesture. It wasn't like he'd take the place away from her. Honestly, he often forgot it even existed. "There's no legal repercussions to not having your name on it," He added. "I just thought that you might want to actually own the place for yourself and not have to see my name on any of the mail or whatever else that comes in. Plus, it'll make it easier when you file taxes at the end of the year." He removed a pen from his the pocket on the inside of his jacket, laying the papers down on the counter and sliding them closer to her, laying the pen on top.
Jada noticed Elijah was keeping his distance, and of course she assumed it was because he couldn't stand her anymore. She was sincerely at a loss. She was always put together, smelled nice, and had been the best she could be for him...but still he saw things in her that she couldn't see. How long had she sat in front of a mirror, trying to pinpoint where she erred? She asked all her friends, telling them to give an honest assessment...and nothing made sense. It was probably time for her to go see someone. Elijah was a smart guy. If he thought there was something wrong with her then there was something wrong with her.
"I don't mind." She said quietly when he said the boutique was in his name. He'd bought it, after all. She was almost waiting for him to take it back from her and give it to someone who could run it better. Maybe that was part of why they were over...?
"Okay." If he thought signing things over to her was best, then it was. She believed that with all her heart. "I can buy it from you..." she started. It was true, she could call up her daddy and have him give her the funds necessary. It might take some sweet talking but he would be sure to deliver. She didn't want Elijah losing anything because of her.
Whether he agreed or disagreed, she'd take the pen and paper and sign her name. She was compliant. She always had been. She didn't ask questions--she never really had. She trusted him completely.
Jada placed the pen back down on the counter and looked up at Elijah, her eyes asking, what next?
He hated the way her voice sounded when she was disappointed. It always somehow struck a nerve. It was a feat that only Jada could accomplish. Despite everything they'd had, everything he'd taken for granted, everything he'd given up, it wasn't right for him to get to feel that way when she talked like that. Of course, he didn't know that. It never even crossed his mind. So, he allowed himself to feel that way, convinced that he could, even if he was the bad guy. He'd never see himself that way, but it was apparent to the others around him. So many women had called him out on his bullshit, but he never believed them. They were always the problem, not him. But Jada would never call him out. She was too easy to use and toss to the side. Elijah would always love that about her. But, it was only that. Actual unconditional love was lost on Elijah. It was easy for him to say he never felt it; too easy.
Her offer to buy the business from him caused Elijah to chuckle. It was a deep sound that added to his charm. "There's no need for any of that." He waved a hand dismissively. "I bought this business for you, Jada. I never expected to be paid back or get anything out of it." The words were honest and, for once, sincere. He didn't want Jada to pay him back. This place had more or less been a gift to her. He'd actually genuinely wanted her to have it. He felt like it was good for her and she deserved it.
She signed her name and placed the pen back down. Subconsciously, Elijah put the pen back into his jacket pocket and stored the papers in his briefcase. "I'll get everything filed and bring you the deed in a few days." He said, picking up the black case, only glancing at the almost puppy-dog eyed look she gave him, and beginning to walk towards the door. He was halfway across the sales floor when he stopped in his tracks, turning back to her. He thought for a moment, lips pressed in a tight line as he seemed to debate with himself. He could invite her out for a drink at least, right? His eyes fell to the floor for a brief moment as he smiled to himself. "How about a drink this evening?" He asked, rocking on his heels. "To celebrate." He clarified quickly, patting his briefcase as he smiled at her. But he had more than that planned. "Also, the door is still locked." He pointed towards the front of the store, a soft chuckle escaping him.
It really was all business. She felt like her heart was breaking all over again. No, it had already shattered. There were some bigger pieces still left, and he was unconsciously stomping on them. He would never do this kind of thing to hurt her, he was too good of a man...but he was unintentionally careless, and it was tearing her up inside. She hated seeing his face...because she loved seeing his face. She tried to avoid him because she wanted to be around him. She'd stopped sending text messages because she spent every night staring at her phone, longing to text him or Facetime him. She needed to move on, but she didn't know how. Elijah was the love of her life.
"Maybe you can mail it to me?" Jada asked, feeling heat rise to her cheeks. She mentally berated herself for doing that, but she knew it was best. It hurt too much to see him.
Elijah started walking away then, and despite how hard she tried not to let them, tears sprang up in her eyes. This desire to be reunited with him was overwhelming. Why couldn't he just love her? Maybe not even love...why couldn't he just let her be by his side? She would be good to him. So good.
Elijah stopped walking and Jada slowly lifted her eyes, concerned he might have seen the tear leaking down her face. He mentioned a drink. To celebrate.
"That would be nice." Jada said quietly, doing her best to hide the waver from her voice. She then mumbled something about allergies and reached behind the counter to grab a tissue, subtly swiping her cheek as she brought the tissue to her nose for a dainty pat. At the mention of the door she jumped a little.
"Oh, right! I'm so sorry." She tossed the tissue in the trash and squirted some hand sanitizer in her palm, rubbing her hands together as she jogged past him and to the door. She unlocked it and smiled brightly, as though she was pleased to see him and fine with him leaving.
"Text me the details?" She really only asked it because she wanted to see his name light up her screen again, like old times.
He followed her towards the door, pushing it open and stopping in the doorway. "What if I just bring them to you tonight? I'm sure I could have them done in time." He smiled at her, always confident in his ability to get the job done, in more ways that one. He took another step before ducking inside the botique again. "By the way, you're a terrible liar." He said with a soft laugh, reaching to lift her chin, but - and without missing a beat - pretending to scratch his chin instead. He gave her a soft smirk and winked as his hand fell back to his side.
"Just come by my place." He shrugged, his tone more casual than it would normally be when he invited a woman over. It was definitely much different than the first time he'd invited her. "I'll make your favorite drink and we'll chat over dinner. Fair enough?" He asked her. It was an attempt to cheer her up. A lazy and obviously cocky one, but still an attempt. "I'll let you know a solid time in the next," He glanced down at his silver watch, pausing. "Hour or so." He concluded with a grin. "Unless there's somewhere else you wanted to go?"
Jada was mortified...because he was playing her, and she saw it, and yet she couldn't help but be captivated by him and eager to go along with his plan. Where would it end? Probably with her naked body hiding under his bed sheets and him sitting at his office desk, telling her she could see herself out when she was ready. He was always so cool, so irresistible. She didn't blame him for the way he played her--she blamed herself. Why couldn't she just say no? He was being nice to her, but she was using his kindness as a crutch.
"Okay." Jada said, cowed, when he mentioned bringing them to her. He called her a terrible liar, and she didn't know what he was talking about, but she didn't want to seem stupid so she just smiled guiltily.
She didn't want to come by his place, but she didn't say that, and he continued to break down whatever small resistance she ad by detailing what the night would be like. Dinner with Elijah. Drinks with him, too. Like old times. Maybe, just maybe, he wanted things to go back to the way they were. Maybe he'd have her stay...move back in...start their life together again. It was all the wanted.
Jada shook her head, feeling numb, unable to form words right away. After pressing her top teeth into her bottom lip to wake it up she smiled apprehensively at Elijah and said,
"Dinner sounds good." And it did, but she was already starting to ache in anticipation of how she would feel tomorrow.
He smiled down at her, not unaware of her hesitance, but also not phased in the slightest by it. If she changed her mind, she simply wouldn't show up. Either way, it wouldn't break Elijah's heart. "Great!" He said, the businesslike enthusiasm he showed to his clients coming through. "I'll text you and we'll work something out." He added, waving as he stepped through the door and placed his briefcase in it's usual backseat space of his car. Looking back towards the door, he smiled at Jada again, giving her a wink before getting into the driver's seat, pulling away from the boutique slowly. Now all that was left was for him to finish up with his day.