2019-06-13 - Taco Tuesday!

It's Taco Tuesday! Okay so that doesn't actually change all that much about the bar in terms of decor or setup, it just means that it's $1 tacos all night, tequila and Dos Equis specials. Easton is behind the bar, dressed for work as always in a black dress shirt, dark jeans and scuffed boots. The place has a good crowd between the tourist season finally picking up and the locals. Because who doesn't enjoy cheap tacos and booze? The Dark Men, that's who. Don't be like them.

Hey a buck is something even Lyric can afford. Even between jobs. In fact she's got a pocket full of change from beneath the cushions of the sofa back at her trailer. And tequila didn't sound half bad either. Wearing pretty much whatever was cleanest in her clothing, she comes to the bar she'd been to all of once, even if she was a local and she goes directly to the bar to get an order in first and foremost. Sliding onto a barstool she leans her elbows on the surface so she can lean forward and get the attention of the barkeep. "Over here!" Flagging him down.

Looking up from his phone that he is totally texting on, Easton upnods at Lyric, shoving his phone back in his pocket. "Yup, what can I get for ya?" He moves down the bar to get closer to her, picking up a couple tips and placing them in a jar under the counter.

Genevieve shoulders her way into the bar, giving it a wary once over before she makes her way to the bar. She lets Lyric order her drink, taking a seat at the bar. She doesn't look out of place in her plain black tee-shirt and a pair of jeans, comfortable black suede boots on her feet. "I'll take a Dos Equis and two tacos." She holds up two fingers just in case the slight French accent throws someone off. She crosses her legs, sets down a twenty and finds a napkin for whatever mess might be on its way.

"Umm." Lyric only hesitates a little before pasting on her most charming smile. "Four tacos and a tequila, if that's what's on sale." Pleased with her order she sits back a little straighter. "And a lot of salsa." Oh look a twenty. It's eyed before she reaches into her own pocket and piles on the change. It's a lot of change. And it's likely about a buck or two short, if one is counting such things.

"You got ID?" Easton look skeptical at Lyric, maybe because of the pile of change that he can tell, even by eyeballing is not gonna cover her order, or because she looks borderline old enough for that tequila. He goes to take Genevieve's order, which he punches into the computer, and brings her the bottle before returning to Lyric, waiting expectantly.

Genevieve picks up the bottle of beer, taking a drink as she side-eyes the change on the bar. She shifts a bit on the stool, watching the exchange, her eyes moving to Lyric's face. She does look pretty young. "Tequila is pretty good with tacos, I might have to try that. Especially if I can get a wedge of lime?" She poses this as a question, head tilting as she gazes expectantly at Easton.

Reaching into her back pocket Lyric has her license which is plopped down on the bar. It's all legit and everything, says she's all of twenty-two years old. Of course a cheesy smile accompanies the ID. "Taco's are better than Mickey D's any day of the week. Who wants a dollar burger when they can have a dollar taco?" Placing her elbow on the bar she rests her chin in the palm of her hand as she awaits the ruling. To tequila or not to tequila?

Picking up the license, Easton doesn't scrutinize it too hard. It's close enough that he's fine with serving her. "Idiots." Is the answer to Lyrics possibly rhetorical question about who would pass up dollar tacos, but it's said with at least the hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth.

"Of course!" He responds to Genevieve, but then swipes Lyric's change off the counter and says, "Close enough." Though the look he gives her says, it's probably not too wise to see how often that trick works.

He pours three shots, one for Lyric, one for Genevieve and apparently one for him? He helpfully provides tequila and a salt shaker. "It's taco tuesday, which really should be tequila tuesday, but apparently that's not as catchy?" He licks his hand (the back! it's ... well not super sanitary, but he doesn't touch the food thankfully) and salts it. He lifts his shot and says, "To tequila!"

Genevieve laughs softly, pushing money toward Easton as she picks up the shotglass to toss it back. "Oh c'est fort." She murmurs, shuddering a little bit before she picks up her beer. "I haven't done a shot of anything since college, and goodness." She wrinkles her nose and pulls the wedge of lime close to suck on it. "Hopefully the tacos will soak up some of the alcohol or I will need to order one of those rides home."

It's something Lyric had gotten good at, that whole drinking shots thing, long before she turned twenty-one. The look is noticed and she gives him a rather unabashed smile, glad he was at least allowing it once. "Thank you," she says brightly, reaching over for the shot once he pours it to slide it closer. "If I wasn't so hungry I'd pass on the tacos and only order the tequila." Licking her hand between thumb and index finger on the back of it, she salts it before lifting the shot. "To tequila!" A lick to the back of her hand and she downs the shot then follows it with a wedge of lime, watching to see if the accented woman would be doing the same.

The door swings open and Bennie tries to step in just as an older woman is trying to step out. The two do a little shuffle back and forth, both moving in the same direction to get out of the other's way but they just end up mirroring each other. Erupting in laughter, Bennie takes the woman's wrist and twirls her out of the door, completing the dance.

Still dressed in the lower half of her EMT uniform, the blonde must have come straight from her shift at the hospital. Bennie's walk is part skip, as if she just can't contain all that energy in a simple stride and she ends up jumping the last few feet to the bar, her overly large purse bumping against her leg heavily. "Hi!" The cheery greeting is given to the bartender, but then she ropes in the two women who are near with the same bright smile.

"Well, I would highly recommend breaking that record with a gusto tonight." He tells Genevieve in reference to not having done shots in so long. He nods at Lyric, and then Easton licks his hand again downs the tequila shot without a grimace, before plugging the lime in his mouth. He still has the lime in his mouth when Bennie skip-jumps up to the bar, so the smile he gives her is appropriately green. He places to hands on the bar and leans over to give her a quick kiss, lime still in his mouth.

Genevieve sticks the lime in her mouth right as Bennie says Hi, so of course she looks completely silly for a moment before she pulls it out. "Hello." She greets softly, dipping her head in greeting before she sets the lime aside. "I am here to break records in regards to tacos and I suppose tequila. I shall finish this beer first though." She gestures to the bottle, picking it up to take a drink before she laughs softly. "I will buy the next round of shots, please.." She gestures to Bennie. "..include her if she would like to partake with us."

Lyric keeps her fingers on the lime as she sucks the juice out so she unplugs it when Bennie greets them. "Heya neighbor." Whether on a name basis or not, she pretty much calls everyone from the park neighbor. That was all the drinking for her so she waits for the tacos, fidgeting a little. A napkin starts getting shredded. That is until the french lady offers to buy the next round. A smile starts, all lopsided and everything before blossoming into a pleased one. "Thank you. Who's buying my drink? I'm Lyric. Lived here every day of my life so far. I don't think I've seen you around."

Bennie grins into the lime-smiled kiss, returning it with quick enthusiasm before she rocks back down onto her heels. A hand ringed with dime store jewelry raises to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, "Wow, that's so sweet!" She juts her hand out to Genevieve to introduce herself at the offer of the shot. "I'm Bennie."

And then Lyric is calling her neighbor and introducing herself as well, so her other hand goes in that direction, leaving her cross armed over her chest.

Pushing back off the bar after the kiss, Easton disposes of the lime and then encourages "There ya go!" to Genevieve as he sets up another three shots, none for him this time. He has to at least pretend to keep it professional sometimes behind the bar. A waitress comes out and serves the tacos that Genevieve and Lyric ordered, apparently the service has to stay on top of things on nights like these since it takes nearly no time at all for them to get their food. Something in Easton's look changes momentarily as regards Lyric and Genevieve, as if considering something about then, probably the fact that he gets such a strong 'ping' off them, but it's hard to tell. For now he does nothing about it.

"Genevieve Dupuis." A hand is offered to Lyric so they might shake on it, a smile forming on her lips. "I'm from Savannah, Georgia and I've recently relocated to the area. Once I find a place to live, I shall consider myself a transplant." She flashes a smile at Bennie and nods briefly. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well." Her accent isn't strong, but it's definitely there. "A few people have told me about this place, and a diner in town. My new employer was very enthusiastic about a few places in town. You know Carmen?" She asks, glancing around the bar. She picks up a taco, taking a delicate bite, chewing quietly. Once she swallows she nods to Easton. "Thank you."

Ohh tacos. With extra salsa! Just like she'd ordered. All four lovely tacos. For a moment everyone else is tuned out and Lyric carefully pours the salsa in each of the tacos with liberal use before the salsa container goes back to the bar and the taco is lifted. A crunch of a bite later and she smiles her satisfaction. "Mmm." That's all she says cause her mouth is full, but she apparently really does like the taco. Reaching out a hand, she shakes the offered one and manages to not get salsa on the French woman. "Great to meet you," she finally allows after swallowing. The question brings a squint before her expression clears. "The florist? I don't know her well, I never buy flowers or anything." Too expensive!

Bennie drums her hands on the bar as Easton lines up the next run of shots, "Every day should be Taco Tuesday." She declares merrily, and now her hand is held across the bar and waggled expectantly to be amply salted by Easton. "Someone got excited about the Grizzly?" Bennie says aside to Genevieve. "I don't know whether Gina would be excited about that or roll her eyes. I work there though, you should come see me!" Surely the food can't be bad enough to warrant an EMT, so Bennie must moonlight as a waitress. And now she's humming 'where in the world is Carmen Sandiego'.

Salting Bennie's hand he winks at her and laughs about Gina not being excited. He says "For sure Gina would roll her eyes." He looks confused for a minute, "Wait? How have I never seen you there? I had to be my own waitress last time" Yes, waitress. "And the apron did me no favors, let me tell ya."

"Oh!" Something finally dawns on Easton when Lyric mentions florist. He says, "Oh! Hey, I just talked to you on the phone the other day." He glances at Bennie and says, "You have Genevieve here to thank for that bouquet." Yes, he was explicit in what went into the flowers, which is probably a bit uncommon for most guys ordering bouquets, but still it's not like he arranged them. He says to Genevieve, "And thank you. They were apparently perfect."

Genevieve nods in agreement with Bennie, the bright smile on her face showing that she is in complete agreement. "I mostly like to grow things, but I have to do the selling part as well, which I'm not that great at. " She murmurs to Lyric, making a face before she blinks at Bennie. "I shall stop by again if you are working there. I don't have a place to cook at the moment, so all of my food experiences here have been take out or diners.. or here." She gets pink in the cheeks as she nods to Easton, her lashes sweeping down to her cheeks before she leans closer to the perky blonde. "I hope you liked the bouquet." She says quietly, taking another bite of her taco, going quiet to chew on her food.

Oh don't mind Lyric, she's elbow deep into her tacos, salsa and all. At least she's neat about it, but she does scarf them down as if she hasn't had the chance for much sustenance in the last few days. Her own fault. There's a quick glace to her phone as she realizes the time and frowns. "Well God dammit. Can I get t his to go." Grumble, grumble. "I'll have to hit you up for that second shot another time," a sly smile to Genevieve at that part. "I have someone coming by to rent a room at the trailer. I can't be late, need the money right now." Getting to her feet, she just wraps the paper beneath the tacos up, salsa and all and finger waggles with her free hand. "Catch ya all later!" And who said Craigslist is a bad place to advertise for roommates?

"Oh my god, they were absolutely perfect!" Bennie crows before licking the salt, taking her shot glass and tapping it on the bar before shooting its contents. She does a little wiggle as she sucks on the lime, her face contorting with the sour before it all ends in a verbal 'phew!'. "I'm talking, like, invest in some knee pads perfect. What else do you grow!"

Breathing out another long breath, she finally plops down in a seat instead of standing. "Probably because I was one of a dozen other places, but when I learn to clone myself, I promise you, Easton, you'll be the first to benefit."

Easton is about to help Lyric get all setup but then she apparently really had to go, so he just chuckles as she takes the tacos in the paper and bolts. Personally he would have just shoved the tacos in his face, but his eating 'style' leaves much to be desired in terms of manners or tasting ones food.

Bennie's comment about kneepads raises one of his eyebrows and when Bennie promises he'd reap the benefits of cloning her, the other joins it. He coughs lightly and says, "Uh, excuse me." He turns away for a moment before turning back, "Sorry, just needed a second with that mental picture."

"I will grow anything that I can get my fingers on. I love plants. I'm thinking of doing some research on plants in this area, but I need a place to live first." Genevieve's eyes follow Lyric as she moves to leave, jerking a thumb in that direction. "Obviously I am not looking in the right places, Oui?" She has a taco in her hand, taking careful nibbles every time she goes quiet. She glances from Bennie to Easton, giggling with her mouth closed. "I'm surprised you weren't more interested in the knee pads, honestly." She says after she swallows, her tone playful.

Bennie's head tilts slightly as Easton turns around, greeting him with a smile when he 'composes' himself. "You alright there, Marine?" There is laughter in her voice as she turns slightly, resting her cheek in her palm and propping her elbow on the bar as she regards Gen. "You should try growing pot, then maybe Gray Harbor would get its own dispensary instead of everyone needing to drive over to Providence. But if you're looking for an apartment, Easton here lives in a nice complex."

"Apparently not." Easton agrees with Genevieve, before adding "Or housing is some sort of competitive sport here?" He laughs at her comment about the kneepads, "I was assuming the lady meant for gardening." Okay, not really but he was going to try and let that slide. "Or maybe volleyball."

After composing himself though he nods to Bennie, managing to regain his completely neutral not at all repressing an idiotic smile face, "Yes, ma'am." He is quick to agree with Bennie, "Yes. Flower shop and dispensary. I could have gotten you some bud with your buds." At the part about his apartment he half-shrugs and says, "Yea, uh, Bayside Towers is nice. But I happen to sublet from a friend of the family. It's kind of spendy."

Genevieve slides a look at Bennie, an impish smile touching the corners of her lips. "Hmm?" She shrugs on the mention of housing being a competitive sport. "I will find something perfect when its time, and I'm a patient and tenacious type of woman." She laughs merrily, finishing off her beer before she takes another big bite of taco. She crunches through it before she shrugs. "I could grow that, and had I known that it was something people would be interested.." She trails off, looking amused. "I'm not looking for spendy, really. The search continues. Someone else had mentioned the Bayside Towers, but until I open my own place, if I do, I should stick to something a little less pricey."

"Bud and Buds! It's perfect." But then again, a lot of things are perfect in Bennie's world. "Well if you change your mind, talk to Byron about the Towers. Maybe he has move in specials or something? Probably still cheaper than renting a house on your own, or get some roommates! And then there is always Huckleberry, which is all trailers, but it's our own special slice of paradise." She explains to Gen before commenting faux innocently to Easton. "Gardening tulips of course. So what's a girl gotta do to get some of those tacos?"

"I know!" Easton agrees that of course his idea is perfect, even if it doesn't actually make a ton of sense, but that's okay. "Yea, I think people would be into it." He tries to undersell it, but he can't imagine she'd have trouble finding customers for a dispensary. He tries not to look skeptical about Byron cutting someone a deal on the Towers, as that doesn't actually sound much like Byron. He is nodding a bit more enthusiastic at the other ideas she throws out there. "Oh? Yer not just gonna drink shots all night? Well, then you tell the ruggedly handsome and very into you bartender what you'd like and he punches it in the computer." He glances back to Genevieve to ask, "Another shot or beer? Maybe round two on the tacos?"

"Round two on the tacos." Genevieve agrees, tapping her chin with her fingers for a moment before she smiles. "I'll buy another round of tequila for myself and Bennie again as well." She turns to Bennie then and holds up a finger. "You're not going to trademark that name, are you? You're giving me ideas, and I am sorely tempted to act on them. I came out with money to make some investments and possibly start a business. I'm working with Carmen because it's what I know." She places another twenty on the bar, there isn't much left of her change now.

"One more shot couldn't hurt!" Bennie concurs, "It'll help me get through my shift at the diner." Despite the fact that she apparently just got off a 12 hour shift at the hospital, it appears she's only taking a dinner break before she heads off to her next job. Pulling her large purse into her lap, she flips open the flap and starts rummaging around, "Gimme two beef tacos, Handsome, with all the fixin's." She brings out a compact umbrella, a make up bag, one shoe, and a flowy scarf before she finds her wallet. "Invest away, I think I have enough ducks on my plate."

"Oh yea, the name's on the house. Heck, I'll gladly be your first customer if you actually open it." Easton seems enthused at the prospect. He asks Bennie, "When do you get off at the Grizzle? Maybe I'll swing by after?" It's one of the few places still open when he leaves the bar, so he's been there a few times, though somehow always missed Bennie thus far. He puts in the orders for both of them and pours another round of shots. "Actually, if you're looking for possible investors, Byron, the apartment guy is always looking for a good investment. I bet a decent business plan, and a bit of your own capital would get his attention.."

Genevieve nods at Easton, picking up the shot that is poured, drinking it down before she sucks on more lime. "I will think on this thing and possibly get in touch with this man named Byron." She is served tacos a few moments later and she picks up one with sour cream to take a bite. She eats quietly while the two make plans and then she puts her taco down. "Do they serve tacos at this Grizzly bear diner?"

One of the waitresses comes behind the bar and leans in to whisper something in Easton's ear. He scowls for a brief second before smiling to the two women and the bar and saying, "Sorry, the boss calls. I will be back in a minute, until then Trina here is going to be helping you all."

Bennie starts sweeping things back into her purse when she finds an errant twig the was tucked in there. She holds it up as if wondering how the hell that got in there before she tucks it behind her ear. "Sure, I don't get off until four. Sometimes we'll get cut if the place isn't busy, but I think I'm the closer for that shift, so it's a guarantee. I'll feed ya then you can drive me home." Like how she slips stealing a ride in there? She does, by how pleased she looks. "Tacos really depend on what mood Gina is in, we serve more diner like food? Eggs and grilled cheese and burgers, but we always have something random as the special. Oh, say, did you hear about that murder/suicide?" Horrible segue. "At least it wasn't my rig that had to transport." A wave to Easton sends him off until later.

Genevieve nods at Bennie, a thoughtful look on her face. "I haven't had much of an opportunity to take part of a lot of diner food, but I think that I am to change that in the next few days." She takes another bite of her taco, chewing slowly. When she swallows, she leans against the bar. "Is there anything else around town that you could recommend to someone new?" She brushes her light hair behind her ear. "I've found the book store, and I've ordered a bunch of books and bought some." She taps her fingers on the bar surface. "I haven't had much of an opportunity to roam yet."

"You are talking to the wrong girl for that. Free time for me is a luxury I can't afford." And now that Easton is gone, Bennie can talk about him. She leans towards Genevieve like it's a great conspiracy she's trying to keep secret. "And since I met Easton, anything I did manage is a thing of the past. Not that I'm complaining in the slightest. So! Not the best tour guide. But there's the library, and the shore. And some great nature paths." All free things to boot.

"Hmm, what takes up all of your time, Bennie? You have to slow down occasionally, yes? Tu vas manquer des choses si tu ne ralentis pas." Genevieve aims a look at the other woman, leaning in when she does, as if they're going to keep these things to themselves. "Losing free time to good company isn't quite as bad, he seems like a very nice man, this Easton. I am happy for your happiness." She perks up at the mention of the shore, nodding briefly. "I'll be sure to find a nice nature path to walk around on. Maybe I can find some mushrooms to cook."

"No rest for the wicked, I'll sleep when I'm dead, take your pick of cliched phrases." Bennie beams and accepts her tacos from the waitress, sliding them in front of her. "And he's amazing. To the point that I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop, y'know? Like. What skeletons does Mister Amazing have in his closet? Though I've ruled out him being married." She takes her second shot and then asks Trina for a water. "Was that French? Sorry, I don't speak it. What does it mean?"

"You miss things if you don't slow down, that's it in a nutshell." Genevieve rests her chin on her palm, her eyes on Bennie. "I hope that he doesn't have any skeletons. You two are cute together." She turns to pick up her second taco, taking a bite, the shell making a loud crunch. "My maman made sure I could speak both English and French, just in case they decide to relocate back to France. That was the plan when I was little, but they ended up loving it in Georgia." She swings her crossed legs back and forth slowly. "I admire your verve. I enjoy sleep far too much to give it up."

"I find money to be great motivator. Speaking of, I'm going to be late for work and that's one of Gina's no-nos. Can I get a box?" Bennie asks the bartender before laying out a couple bucks for her tacos, but it's just a five. Enough to cover the two dollars for the tacos and a modest tip. "If Easton swings back by, tell him I'll see him later?" She asks Gen. "And it was great to meet you, welcome to Gray Harbor!"

"It was nice to meet you Bennie. I hope to see you again in town." Genevieve wiggles her fingers at Bennie, watching as she gets ready to leave. "I'll stop by the diner at some point, not tonight though, I will be full before I leave here. I hope your shift goes well."