Post by Joshua Samson, ESQ on Jul 7, 2019 0:07:52 GMT -8
“Italy. Milan. Twelve hours.”
With the late night finally settling in, the scene fades into Joshua Samson, Esquire sitting on a lounge chair, overlooking an Olympic sized pool in the backyard of his Brentwood Heights, California home. The man in question is simply dressed in blue swim trunks although his body is completely dry. Muttering to himself, he scrolls through his phone with his right hand while holding a cigar between his fingers of his left hand. On a small patio table next to him is an open bottle of Samuel Adams and a glass of dark liquid which of course is Joshua’s liquor of choice: cognac.
Samson: Goddamnit, I hate international flights so much.
“Well I did offer to have a layover somewhere.”
Astrid Samson prances her way to the other chair with a glass of red wine in her hand.
Astrid: At least we’re not going to Asia.
Lowering his phone, he glances over to his wife and gives her a raised eyebrow.
Samson: A layover? Like that makes it any damn better!
He takes a puff from the cigar before allowing a cloud of gray smoke to escape from his mouth.
Astrid: It’s first class… the seat turns into a bed so just take an Ambien and pass out. And to Asia is longer by like 2 hours sir.
She takes a sip of her wine and folds her legs in front of her as she smiles.
Astrid: You had the option of Disney World too and you chose Italy for this one.
Samson: It was the lesser of the two evils, Lil Bit.
Allowing his phone to drop into his lap, he reaches over to grab the open beer bottle. He takes a gulp before putting the bottle back onto the table.
Samson: I’m over international trips is all. I’ve had far too many in my day.
Astrid: God yeah… even with EHWF having all those dates in Asian and Australia it was getting to be too much. I was half tempted to move to Tokyo to make it easier.
She rolls her eyes as she takes another sip.
Astrid: But Hanna is excited so that’s a plus.
Samson: That’s good. She sleep?
Astrid: Not exactly… she’s watching a movie in her room. She’s still pretty shaken from the earthquakes. But she seems content at the moment.
Another pull of the cigar by Joshua and another exhale of smoke. Sitting at the counter in the kitchen, Catriona MacKenzie can be seen through the french doors.
Samson: So….
He reaches over and grabs the glass of cognac this time and takes a healthy sip.
Samson: You know Hanna was asking me about Cat the other night when she had your phone?
Astrid: Yeah I saw the tweets the next day. I didn’t think she’d put you on blast like that… but she’s been suspicious since she noticed you have matching bracelets. I’m struggling with not telling her who Cat is. It is something we need to discuss.
Samson: Hmmm...I’m still slightly confused on what we all are, Asti. I mean, you know my feelings for Cat and I’m sure she told you how she feels about me, but what about you? For the longest you have been off and on about this now it seems like everything is good in the hood...like you two are the best of friends.
Astrid: Well…
Astrid takes a big gulp and lets it linger in her mouth as she tries to find the words.
Astrid: Because I have been hiding my true feelings about her. I was hiding the fact that I…
Her eyes started to glass over. He tries to keep his eyes locked onto her through the cigar smoke and slightly blurred vision from drinking.
Astrid: I don’t want you to think I’m trash or anything. Can you promise me that?
Samson: Trash? What could possibly make me think that, Asti?
Astrid takes a deep breath as she wipes her eyes, preventing any tears from falling down her cheek.
Astrid: I’m attracted to her and I think I was starting to develop feelings for her when you wanted us to hang out all the time but I was afraid to admit it or that you would kick me out. I am also slightly jealous cause look at her… and look at me. She’s got more curves than the PCH.
Seemingly shocked speechless, the Executive Representative simply stares at the young woman dubbed the Iconic Queen.
Astrid: So…
She looks at him worryingly as she shakily takes another sip of her wine.
Samson: Wait...wait…
He scoots to the edge chair, looking toward the Fench doors to spy Catriona, and then back to Astrid.
Samson: What are you saying? You mean to tell me that you and Cat have been seeing each other?
Astrid: No… that’s not what I’m saying. I’m saying is… I don’t think I’m as straight as an arrow as I thought I used to be… if you catch my drift.
He takes two long drags of the cigar.
Samson: Yeah, I catch your drift...so that means you plan on leaving me to be with her?!
Astrid: Hell no… not in the slightest. I guess… maybe I’m thinking… have you ever considered… being a throuple? You… me… and Cat.
Samson: Uh...I...well damn…
Reaching to the table, he grabs the glass and downs the remaining cognac before chasing it with a chug of beer.
Astrid: If you’re not OK with it… that’s fine.
Samson: Wait, wait, slow down. This is ALOT to take in at one time even if I was one hundred percent sober. So you two have discussed this already?
Astrid: The only thing I’ve discussed with her is her moving closer to Brentwood. I wanted to come to you about this before anybody else. She has no idea we’re talking about it.
Samson: Funnily enough I was hoping to talk to you about her moving closer as well…
Another puff of the cigar.
Astrid: Oh?
She reaches into the pocket of her lightweight hoodie and produces a joint.
Astrid: Do I need this?
Samson: Who the hell are you and what have you done with Astrid Rona Samson?!
Astrid: It’s leftover from the other night. Besides, my therapist things it might help me relax and keep Dastrid at bay.
Samson: What else don’t I know about? Damn….
Putting his phone onto the table, he stands to his bare feet and begins to slightly pace back and forth, intermittently puffing on the cigar.
Astrid: You’re freaking out more about a joint than what I said to you. I should be the one saying damn. I was going to share this with you.
She shrugs her shoulders and puts it back into her pocket. He stops in front of her.
Samson: The joint is just one of several things, Astrid. So you would seriously consider having Cat be a part of our life?
Astrid nodded her head as she finished off her wine.
Astrid: Yeah… I would. She’s already a part of our life. This would just mean… that she’d be family.
Joshua begins puffing and pacing again.
Samson: Hmmm….I guess that makes sense...it’d make things a helluva a lot easier.
He stops in front of her again.
Samson: So do you love her?
Astrid: I don’t know yet… but there’s something there. I do love you though… and I know you love her. It would be a learning experience for all of us. We would just have to figure out…
Astrid looks back towards the house.
Astrid: How to tell Hanna. We already have to tell her who Cat is.
Samson: Well...there is something I need to tell you.
Astrid sits up straight as she pulls the joint back out.
Astrid: I can sense I’m going to need this. Lighter please.
He grabs the lighter off the table and hands it to her.
Samson: First off, if we’re going to do this I need to know that you’re not simply doing this for me. I love you with all my heart and soul, Astrid. When I thought I could live without you I knew deep down I couldn’t. That’s why the universe put me in a coma for me to wake the fuck up. I understand your feelings for her. Hell, she got me!
He puffs and exhales.
Samson: I can deal with it but only if you can truthfully tell me it’s not just for me…
Astrid takes a drag as she puts the lighter back on the table.
Astrid: It's… for us. I don’t really know how to say it other than I think we both have a lot of love to give and there’s something about Cat that makes me want to explore this idea.
Samson: That’s good to hear because those matches Cartier bracelets…
Long pulls from the cigar and a heavy exhale.
Samson: ...those bracelets are more than birthday gifts. They symbolize our commitment to each other since we can’t legally be married.
Astrid coughs mid drag as her eyes grow wide.
Astrid: Wh… What? You… proposed to her? I…
She buries her face in her hands while being careful to not singe her blonde hair with the joint. A few deep breaths can be heard as she keeps her face hidden.
Samson: It...it wasn’t actually a proposal. I mean, you and I….
He reaches out to touch the top of her head but pulls back instead. Astrid looks up at him as her eyes glass over again, this time, a single tear rolls down her cheek.
Astrid: You mean what… exactly what do you mean? Because I… I thought what I had to say was a bomb but you just dropped a nuke on me.
Samson: It doesn’t change anything. You know I love her. You know I want her a part of my life. Did you think it was a passing phase?
Astrid: No… but I didn’t think about that. My mind’s still foggy from the other night. So in layman’s terms… you want to be committed to her… and me? Like… married but not married?
Joshua holds up his hands to show his open palms, gesturing to slow down.
Samson: Uh, didn’t you just broach the idea of all three of us being a throuple? If I’m not mistaken doesn’t that mean we are committed to each other individually?
Astrid: Yes… but I didn’t know there was a proposal involved. I’m sorry… a non-proposal proposal. My idea was that we’d be committed to each other… me to you and her, her to you and me… you get it? I… I kinda always wanted one of those bracelets. I didn’t know that’s what it stood for.
She wipes the tear away and takes another drag.
Astrid: So you still want to be married to me right?
He kneels down to be eye level with her.
Samson: I already said I want to be married to you, Asti. I don’t ever want to lose you.
He leans in to give her a kiss.
Samson: But the non-proposal proposal doesn’t change anything with your idea. We can still have our couples amongst us. I think I can respect the time the two of you will need together.
Astrid: And I’ve been OK so far with your alone time. But I can’t have you sneaking off to Venice Beach when Hanna is here. She’s already suspicious.
Lowering himself to sit down, he plops the cigar into his mouth, a thinking expression upon his face.
Samson: Which goes back to Cat moving closer. What do you think about there?
He extends his arm, pointing to the pool house. A pondering look comes across her face as she offers the joint to Josh.
Astrid: I forgot… puff, puff pass… don’t fuck up the rotation. You want some?
With his left hand, Joshua removes the cigar from his mouth and with his right hand takes the joint from Astrid. He takes two quick pulls, holds the smoke in, and passes the joint back. She smirks as she takes one more.
Astrid: I mean… it would make sense. All coupling activity, non Jostrid activities, take place in there. Though… it would be wise if she did it while we’re in Italy.
He coughs as he releases the marijuana smoke into the air. Reaching over, he grabs her wine glass and takes a drink.
Samson: “Jostrid”, huh? Cute.
He puffs his cigar.
Samson: It does make the most sense. If she’s going to be a part of our family it makes no sense for her to be out in Venice Beach. The pool house will give her her own space as well.
Astrid: Like I have my closet slash beauty room.
She reaches over and grabs his beer, taking a long swig.
Astrid: That’s god awful! Well… I guess we should bring her over?
Samson: It was the first thing I grabbed that was left over from the party. Might as well cause it looks like she’s been itching to come out.
Astrid: Well… go get her and bring something better to drink when you come back.
Joshua pushes himself to his feet.
Samson: I’ll be right back. Oh, I’m bringing back the bottle of cognac. You want a glass or you want me to bring the bottle of wine?
Astrid: What will mesh better with weed? Because I may or may not… have another joint in my pocket.
Rolling his eyes, Joshua chuckles.
Samson: I’ll bring the wine too.
With the late night finally settling in, the scene fades into Joshua Samson, Esquire sitting on a lounge chair, overlooking an Olympic sized pool in the backyard of his Brentwood Heights, California home. The man in question is simply dressed in blue swim trunks although his body is completely dry. Muttering to himself, he scrolls through his phone with his right hand while holding a cigar between his fingers of his left hand. On a small patio table next to him is an open bottle of Samuel Adams and a glass of dark liquid which of course is Joshua’s liquor of choice: cognac.
Samson: Goddamnit, I hate international flights so much.
“Well I did offer to have a layover somewhere.”
Astrid Samson prances her way to the other chair with a glass of red wine in her hand.
Astrid: At least we’re not going to Asia.
Lowering his phone, he glances over to his wife and gives her a raised eyebrow.
Samson: A layover? Like that makes it any damn better!
He takes a puff from the cigar before allowing a cloud of gray smoke to escape from his mouth.
Astrid: It’s first class… the seat turns into a bed so just take an Ambien and pass out. And to Asia is longer by like 2 hours sir.
She takes a sip of her wine and folds her legs in front of her as she smiles.
Astrid: You had the option of Disney World too and you chose Italy for this one.
Samson: It was the lesser of the two evils, Lil Bit.
Allowing his phone to drop into his lap, he reaches over to grab the open beer bottle. He takes a gulp before putting the bottle back onto the table.
Samson: I’m over international trips is all. I’ve had far too many in my day.
Astrid: God yeah… even with EHWF having all those dates in Asian and Australia it was getting to be too much. I was half tempted to move to Tokyo to make it easier.
She rolls her eyes as she takes another sip.
Astrid: But Hanna is excited so that’s a plus.
Samson: That’s good. She sleep?
Astrid: Not exactly… she’s watching a movie in her room. She’s still pretty shaken from the earthquakes. But she seems content at the moment.
Another pull of the cigar by Joshua and another exhale of smoke. Sitting at the counter in the kitchen, Catriona MacKenzie can be seen through the french doors.
Samson: So….
He reaches over and grabs the glass of cognac this time and takes a healthy sip.
Samson: You know Hanna was asking me about Cat the other night when she had your phone?
Astrid: Yeah I saw the tweets the next day. I didn’t think she’d put you on blast like that… but she’s been suspicious since she noticed you have matching bracelets. I’m struggling with not telling her who Cat is. It is something we need to discuss.
Samson: Hmmm...I’m still slightly confused on what we all are, Asti. I mean, you know my feelings for Cat and I’m sure she told you how she feels about me, but what about you? For the longest you have been off and on about this now it seems like everything is good in the hood...like you two are the best of friends.
Astrid: Well…
Astrid takes a big gulp and lets it linger in her mouth as she tries to find the words.
Astrid: Because I have been hiding my true feelings about her. I was hiding the fact that I…
Her eyes started to glass over. He tries to keep his eyes locked onto her through the cigar smoke and slightly blurred vision from drinking.
Astrid: I don’t want you to think I’m trash or anything. Can you promise me that?
Samson: Trash? What could possibly make me think that, Asti?
Astrid takes a deep breath as she wipes her eyes, preventing any tears from falling down her cheek.
Astrid: I’m attracted to her and I think I was starting to develop feelings for her when you wanted us to hang out all the time but I was afraid to admit it or that you would kick me out. I am also slightly jealous cause look at her… and look at me. She’s got more curves than the PCH.
Seemingly shocked speechless, the Executive Representative simply stares at the young woman dubbed the Iconic Queen.
Astrid: So…
She looks at him worryingly as she shakily takes another sip of her wine.
Samson: Wait...wait…
He scoots to the edge chair, looking toward the Fench doors to spy Catriona, and then back to Astrid.
Samson: What are you saying? You mean to tell me that you and Cat have been seeing each other?
Astrid: No… that’s not what I’m saying. I’m saying is… I don’t think I’m as straight as an arrow as I thought I used to be… if you catch my drift.
He takes two long drags of the cigar.
Samson: Yeah, I catch your drift...so that means you plan on leaving me to be with her?!
Astrid: Hell no… not in the slightest. I guess… maybe I’m thinking… have you ever considered… being a throuple? You… me… and Cat.
Samson: Uh...I...well damn…
Reaching to the table, he grabs the glass and downs the remaining cognac before chasing it with a chug of beer.
Astrid: If you’re not OK with it… that’s fine.
Samson: Wait, wait, slow down. This is ALOT to take in at one time even if I was one hundred percent sober. So you two have discussed this already?
Astrid: The only thing I’ve discussed with her is her moving closer to Brentwood. I wanted to come to you about this before anybody else. She has no idea we’re talking about it.
Samson: Funnily enough I was hoping to talk to you about her moving closer as well…
Another puff of the cigar.
Astrid: Oh?
She reaches into the pocket of her lightweight hoodie and produces a joint.
Astrid: Do I need this?
Samson: Who the hell are you and what have you done with Astrid Rona Samson?!
Astrid: It’s leftover from the other night. Besides, my therapist things it might help me relax and keep Dastrid at bay.
Samson: What else don’t I know about? Damn….
Putting his phone onto the table, he stands to his bare feet and begins to slightly pace back and forth, intermittently puffing on the cigar.
Astrid: You’re freaking out more about a joint than what I said to you. I should be the one saying damn. I was going to share this with you.
She shrugs her shoulders and puts it back into her pocket. He stops in front of her.
Samson: The joint is just one of several things, Astrid. So you would seriously consider having Cat be a part of our life?
Astrid nodded her head as she finished off her wine.
Astrid: Yeah… I would. She’s already a part of our life. This would just mean… that she’d be family.
Joshua begins puffing and pacing again.
Samson: Hmmm….I guess that makes sense...it’d make things a helluva a lot easier.
He stops in front of her again.
Samson: So do you love her?
Astrid: I don’t know yet… but there’s something there. I do love you though… and I know you love her. It would be a learning experience for all of us. We would just have to figure out…
Astrid looks back towards the house.
Astrid: How to tell Hanna. We already have to tell her who Cat is.
Samson: Well...there is something I need to tell you.
Astrid sits up straight as she pulls the joint back out.
Astrid: I can sense I’m going to need this. Lighter please.
He grabs the lighter off the table and hands it to her.
Samson: First off, if we’re going to do this I need to know that you’re not simply doing this for me. I love you with all my heart and soul, Astrid. When I thought I could live without you I knew deep down I couldn’t. That’s why the universe put me in a coma for me to wake the fuck up. I understand your feelings for her. Hell, she got me!
He puffs and exhales.
Samson: I can deal with it but only if you can truthfully tell me it’s not just for me…
Astrid takes a drag as she puts the lighter back on the table.
Astrid: It's… for us. I don’t really know how to say it other than I think we both have a lot of love to give and there’s something about Cat that makes me want to explore this idea.
Samson: That’s good to hear because those matches Cartier bracelets…
Long pulls from the cigar and a heavy exhale.
Samson: ...those bracelets are more than birthday gifts. They symbolize our commitment to each other since we can’t legally be married.
Astrid coughs mid drag as her eyes grow wide.
Astrid: Wh… What? You… proposed to her? I…
She buries her face in her hands while being careful to not singe her blonde hair with the joint. A few deep breaths can be heard as she keeps her face hidden.
Samson: It...it wasn’t actually a proposal. I mean, you and I….
He reaches out to touch the top of her head but pulls back instead. Astrid looks up at him as her eyes glass over again, this time, a single tear rolls down her cheek.
Astrid: You mean what… exactly what do you mean? Because I… I thought what I had to say was a bomb but you just dropped a nuke on me.
Samson: It doesn’t change anything. You know I love her. You know I want her a part of my life. Did you think it was a passing phase?
Astrid: No… but I didn’t think about that. My mind’s still foggy from the other night. So in layman’s terms… you want to be committed to her… and me? Like… married but not married?
Joshua holds up his hands to show his open palms, gesturing to slow down.
Samson: Uh, didn’t you just broach the idea of all three of us being a throuple? If I’m not mistaken doesn’t that mean we are committed to each other individually?
Astrid: Yes… but I didn’t know there was a proposal involved. I’m sorry… a non-proposal proposal. My idea was that we’d be committed to each other… me to you and her, her to you and me… you get it? I… I kinda always wanted one of those bracelets. I didn’t know that’s what it stood for.
She wipes the tear away and takes another drag.
Astrid: So you still want to be married to me right?
He kneels down to be eye level with her.
Samson: I already said I want to be married to you, Asti. I don’t ever want to lose you.
He leans in to give her a kiss.
Samson: But the non-proposal proposal doesn’t change anything with your idea. We can still have our couples amongst us. I think I can respect the time the two of you will need together.
Astrid: And I’ve been OK so far with your alone time. But I can’t have you sneaking off to Venice Beach when Hanna is here. She’s already suspicious.
Lowering himself to sit down, he plops the cigar into his mouth, a thinking expression upon his face.
Samson: Which goes back to Cat moving closer. What do you think about there?
He extends his arm, pointing to the pool house. A pondering look comes across her face as she offers the joint to Josh.
Astrid: I forgot… puff, puff pass… don’t fuck up the rotation. You want some?
With his left hand, Joshua removes the cigar from his mouth and with his right hand takes the joint from Astrid. He takes two quick pulls, holds the smoke in, and passes the joint back. She smirks as she takes one more.
Astrid: I mean… it would make sense. All coupling activity, non Jostrid activities, take place in there. Though… it would be wise if she did it while we’re in Italy.
He coughs as he releases the marijuana smoke into the air. Reaching over, he grabs her wine glass and takes a drink.
Samson: “Jostrid”, huh? Cute.
He puffs his cigar.
Samson: It does make the most sense. If she’s going to be a part of our family it makes no sense for her to be out in Venice Beach. The pool house will give her her own space as well.
Astrid: Like I have my closet slash beauty room.
She reaches over and grabs his beer, taking a long swig.
Astrid: That’s god awful! Well… I guess we should bring her over?
Samson: It was the first thing I grabbed that was left over from the party. Might as well cause it looks like she’s been itching to come out.
Astrid: Well… go get her and bring something better to drink when you come back.
Joshua pushes himself to his feet.
Samson: I’ll be right back. Oh, I’m bringing back the bottle of cognac. You want a glass or you want me to bring the bottle of wine?
Astrid: What will mesh better with weed? Because I may or may not… have another joint in my pocket.
Rolling his eyes, Joshua chuckles.
Samson: I’ll bring the wine too.
He turns and heads into the house as the scene fades.
