part 11 of the China Pearl Inn

[Tio_Narratore]

 

[DarkWarrioress]

Okay, so I did have sound. Now my headphones aren't working. Sorry, Tio. I was looking forward to listening to what you posted. So, I guess I'm going to go write for now.

 

[JackHemingway]

Jack sighs after putting up all the lights on the trees outside. The few pine trees around the Inn also have some ornaments and brightly wrapped packages under them to look a little more festive.

The firewood is stored nicely by the backdoor and ready to use, and the extra shovels and bags of salt are stacked neatly by the door. The food deliveries and the few special extras for Christmas meals are in and counted. The bar is restocked, holiday glasses are in the wracks, and all the green and red cocktail napkins.

Jack nods and puts a new flier up on the bulletin board, looking for writers again, then makes himself a tall seven & seven in a pint glass, takes a bowl of snacks, and sits down at his booth. Staring at his laptop. Well, here we go again. He turns on the TV and begins filling out Christmas cards.

After a bit, he leaves one in Cait's mailbox and slides one into the boss's office before returning to the booth.

 

[JackHemingway]

Shorting through paperwork on the table. Let's see two disappear from Lit despite some solid posts (not great in one case, but into it). One didn't get the idea; it was not her fault, but she ended it. Now, someone doesn't like my storywriting style. I guess that can't be helped. There were a few excellent threads over the years that ended. Maybe it's time to move on, but we have one story that cracked 2k...and it's fun, that's something.

It's hard to keep trying with this place.

 

[JackHemingway]

He places a few ads on the bulletin board and begins locking the place up for the night before heading out the back door.

 

[cgraven]

Jack, you have a great writing partner so enjoy is my advice.
I have had more than one partner disappear on me over the last year, and several that decided they just weren't into the story.

But know I have the story with Cait and one with a very talented writer that is fun and challenging.

The holidays always bring a slow down at lit. That said I'll be the first to say lit is not what it once was. Part of it is new rules and old, great writers drifting away.
Jack I and the old China Pearl Inn are here for the long haul to welcome newcomers to Lit.

 

[Tio_Narratore]

Sounds like it's time for a bittersweet Christmas song . . .

 

[cgraven]

Tio thank you for the song. It brings back memories of Christmas past. Skating on ponds, playing hokey outside with the neighborhood kids, and of course snowball fights.

 

[JackHemingway]

Adds Baileys to a large coffee, followed by some whipped cream.

Cait is terrific, and I am even thinking about what we'll write next, though we have many outstanding chapters left to go. I hate how people leave, disappear, and get your hopes up.

I wish this place were thriving with creative people again. I am still writing a good project, and there will be others.

I also like coming here to write and talk. All will be well for the New Year ahead.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

Awww, now you're making me blush, JH. *her voice comes from the ether* You know, people come and people go. I'm thankful for those of us that have stuck around or found this place.

 

[cgraven]

Cait you and the guys brighten my day, and you blush such a lovely shade of pink Miss.
Tio, Jack, wouldn't you agree?

 

[JackHemingway]

I hope I keep you smiling, Cait.

He gets some milk and cookies, sits down at his booth, and goes through some mail.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

I hope I keep you smiling, Cait.

He gets some milk and cookies, sits down at his booth, and goes through some mail.

You do, JH as does Tio and CG.

 

[cgraven]

What a sensual little post Cait. I see your young Miss is stilled conflicted.

A little Irish with your

 

[JackHemingway]

You do, JH as does Tio and CG.

Good to hear.

He makes himself a large mac & Cheese with broccoli and sits at his booth.

 

[cgraven]

Jack is sitting in a booth enjoying a meal. I am sitting in my old leather chair by the heart, a pile of papers as I answer post.

It is beginning to feel like Christmas there is a chill in the air, a fire on the heath, and the tree is trimmed thanks to all who call the Inn home.

 

[JackHemingway]

It was enjoyable putting up all the decorations outside the Inn. I think the forest creatures and the elves liked them as well.

 

[Tio_Narratore]

The Christmas season, time for shopping and decorating and wrapping and visiting family and family visiting, and little time for writing. Perhaps tomorrow night if the visitors leave early enough.

I did have a bit of time a few months ago, so here's some well-aged plum puddings for everyone, and, with a little free time today, some fresh hard sauce made with a bit of well-aged Bushmills.

It's good to see you all enjoying the season, and the decorations are fantastic. By the way Jack, if you are looking for a writing partner, perhaps we should try a tale together, or maybe even lure Cait into a threesome.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

The Christmas season, time for shopping and decorating and wrapping and visiting family and family visiting, and little time for writing. Perhaps tomorrow night if the visitors leave early enough.

I did have a bit of time a few months ago, so here's some well-aged plum puddings for everyone, and, with a little free time today, some fresh hard sauce made with a bit of well-aged Bushmills.

It's good to see you all enjoying the season, and the decorations are fantastic. By the way Jack, if you are looking for a writing partner, perhaps we should try a tale together, or maybe even lure Cait into a threesome.

Eh, what now???!!! *blinkblinkblink*

 

[Tio_Narratore]

Eh, what now???!!! *blinkblinkblink*

Well, Jack, I see our fair maiden is already sailing three blinks to the wind; I do believe her curiosity has been piqued.

 

[cgraven]

I am sure they will Jack.

 

[cgraven]

Cait does the tree need more lights or do you need another four fingers of Irish Miss?
I am off to make up some hot buttered rum.

 

[JackHemingway]

Jack comes in after clearing off the snow, and how strings of white lights light all the walkways.

He comes in, get's a cup of coffee, and admires the tree.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

Cait does the tree need more lights or do you need another four fingers of Irish Miss?
I am off to make up some hot buttered rum.

*cants her head slightly*

I think the tree could use another string of lights, CG. Other than that? It looks perfect and I'll take two fingers of Irish please. I still need to function.

 

[Tio_Narratore]

"Some people will tell you that whiskey is bad;
I think so, too, if there's none to be had."