A Pantry Princess

[00:00:00] Speaker A: Foreign. [00:00:06] Speaker B: Goblets and gays. And we're gonna be here playing some hometown holiday. Hometown holiday is a power by the apocalypse esque game of Hallmark movies. If you want to check out the game for yourself, there will be a link in the description and we'll get on to our cast, who they're playing and figure out what's going to happen. And we'll start with you, Faris. [00:00:35] Speaker A: It's me, Faris. Hello. I use she, her pronouns. And tonight I am playing Diana Yuletide. Also she, her pronouns, who is dating a jerk named Dalton Perrier. As in, yes, the Perrier water. Don't you know who he is? And you know, maybe I'm here to be a librarian and convince my jerkish boyfriend to live in my small town. [00:01:07] Speaker B: We'll see how that goes. [00:01:11] Speaker C: Hello, it's also me. It's Dusty. I am today going to be playing Paloma Estrada. She uses she, they, pronouns. They are the heart of Main Street. They own and run a diner called Paloma's Pantry has been kind of the mainstay for, you know, she's been running it for 20 years. Her mom's been running it for 40 more prior to that. And she took ownership of it. [00:01:45] Speaker A: And. [00:01:48] Speaker C: It'S barely standing afloat, but she's been able to outrun and confuse all the banks trying to buy the building. And she doesn't want to leave this town without, you know, a hot griddle diner. [00:02:07] Speaker D: Hello. Hello, I'm Melissa. My pronouns are they, them. And today I am playing Nikki, who is the holiday spirit. She uses she, her pronouns. [00:02:18] Speaker C: That's all. [00:02:20] Speaker D: That's all. [00:02:25] Speaker E: Hello, I'm Aki. And I am playing Simran Pradhan, a double nine to five single mom who gave up on her dreams but won't give up on you. She isn't your average mom. She's a cool one. [00:02:45] Speaker C: Hell yeah. [00:02:47] Speaker B: Okay, so everything starts in the town of Rosedale, Wisconsin, your average Hallmark small town. Like, we get the sweeping camera shot of the town and it's completely decked out for the holidays. Like, no part of this town is safe from tinsel and fake trees. And I'm going to roll a die. And for this game, like a PBTA uses D6s. And the fun thing is whenever you get a. Whenever you get doubles on the dice, let me know because a plot twist will happen. I'm going to roll and see who goes first. Okay, Paloma is going to be you about what time do you. Are you usually on your way to work in the morning? [00:03:50] Speaker C: So Paloma's Pantry. She named, it was named Paloma by her mom, who was also a Paloma. And she's been running it. It's a very early morning place. It's kind of place where the older people in town come in, get their coffee and read their newspaper like at 6am so she is like a 4 o' clock girly getting there to open up shop. And usually it's just herself opening until people start coming in later in the day. [00:04:26] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah. As you're on your way into work, you see a sort of a car on the side of the road. Its hazards are flashing, and there is a very confused woman with the, the hood of the car open, like looking at something. And you can just see the confusion even from yards away. [00:04:51] Speaker C: Paloma is not necessarily like in a rush, but he then decides to stop because it's so early. Someone should be doing this, especially like in this weather and Wisconsin weather. So they'll slow down a bit. And I get out and it's like, hey, you doing all right over there? [00:05:17] Speaker B: This woman turns towards you. She's got, you can immediately tell that, oh, her clothing is way too nice to be in a town like this. Like just from the look, like long, dark, long dark, perfectly done hair, perfectly done makeup, and turns to you and goes, oh, thank God someone finally showed up. I was driving and then a bunch of lights turned on and then my car started making some very weird noises. [00:05:48] Speaker E: And. [00:05:50] Speaker B: Now it won't do the thing. Won't drive. [00:05:55] Speaker C: Yeah, no. Okay. No, I, I look, I've been there before. Do you mind? I, I can take a look and see if I can get you going to. At least. You know, there's a repair guy not too far in town. [00:06:09] Speaker B: I'm any help would be amazing. I'm supposed to get to a party in about 24 hours and with all of the planes being. So I thought I'd drive and apparently that was a mistake. Bs. I would appreciate any help you could give me. [00:06:28] Speaker C: Yeah, yeah, of course. Let me take a look. They're gonna check out behind the hood. And Paloma is. Their skill is crafty. Being a small business owner means they had to learn how to fix and repair lots of things. So how do. Should I roll or is like. Could I tell that this is just like Uber. [00:06:53] Speaker B: What is, what is crafty specifically? [00:06:59] Speaker C: It just, it's like one of your skills. You get. [00:07:02] Speaker B: Yeah, I would, I would say with your, with your crafty, you can immediately tell. Oh, no, this is, this is not something you could fix in Five minutes. This is. This has to go to a repair person. Like, you immediately look and you're like. You just thought it was maybe because it was cold, but. Oh, no, something is definitely smoking from the engine. Oh. [00:07:25] Speaker C: Oh, miss, you're. It looks like you got, like, a major radiator leak here and all. Like, the radiator fluid that got everywhere, which means you're engine is so overheated and kind of locked up, which I. I. Unfortunately, this is not drivable. [00:07:49] Speaker B: Do. Do you know anybody who fixes cars? [00:07:54] Speaker C: Yeah, Old Miracle. They. They run the shop in town. If you like, I could drive you to town to make sure you're not out here in the cold, and I can have them. You know, they're. They're gonna open like, 45 minutes, and I can have them tow your car over there. [00:08:13] Speaker B: Yeah, that would be great. I realized I didn't introduce myself. My name is. My name is Rosalind. It's. It's lovely to meet you heroes. [00:08:22] Speaker C: I'm Paloma, you know. Nice to meet you. Wish it was under better circumstances, but don't we all? [00:08:30] Speaker B: Yeah, but, yes, that would. I would appreciate that quite a bit. [00:08:35] Speaker C: Yeah. That's just. We'll keep your hazards on. If the battery dies at this point, it's least of your problems. We can get that fixed at Marigolds, too. Yeah. And then I'm gonna grab the hood and just like. Do you have anything in your car that I could like. You want me to grab? I could put it in the trunk of mine. [00:08:54] Speaker B: Yes, I. I have a. I have a bag, if that's all right. [00:08:58] Speaker C: Yeah, yeah, of course. Here, let me go pop open my trunk. And Paloma is gonna go to her Subaru car to open up the truck to make sure Rose. Link. But there's stuff there. [00:09:15] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah. And she sort of hoists out this very nice designer bag and sort of places in your trunk and just. You've. You're truly a lifesaver, really. [00:09:34] Speaker C: It's. It's. No, no problem at all. Is there a place you're. Are you just passing through? I don't quite recognize you. [00:09:45] Speaker B: I was passing through. I was supposed to. Well, I'm supposed to be in Chicago in, like, 48 hours. It's. Today is December 23rd. For any of those who are interested. [00:09:59] Speaker C: Okay. Okay. [00:10:02] Speaker A: Okay. [00:10:03] Speaker C: Well, I own the local diner, so you. You could just go there and, you know, I'll set you up with some coffee, breakfast, if you're interested. And then Marigold's actually one of our first customers, so. I'll make sure he's know what's going on. [00:10:19] Speaker B: Of course. That would be. Would be an amazing help. [00:10:23] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:10:23] Speaker C: Yeah. So Paloma sets off under Subaru, Forester, Torrance, Paloma's pantry. It, like, makes small talk. Just, like, ask, like, oh, you're going to Chicago. Like, is this for work or family? [00:10:43] Speaker B: No, I'm. I'm an old friend of mine is hosting a party and I think promised I would make an appearance. [00:10:50] Speaker C: Oh, what? Well, sorry you got stuck over here. Like, you know, beautiful city, but it's. No, no. Chicago. [00:10:59] Speaker B: From what I heard, it is a quaint little town, isn't it? [00:11:04] Speaker C: Yeah, yeah. You know, been. Been. Been here my whole life. So, you know, you. You learn to love the place. It's not too much on the outside, but you really get to see, like, the heart of the city within. [00:11:18] Speaker B: Of course. Of course. And, you know, it's clear that, you know, she's. She also looks rather tired, like she has been driving for quite a bit. And eventually you do arrive at the pantry, and, you know, you get Frazzlyn sort of set up in, like, one of the booths and coffee or whatever. And then, yeah, Marigold, the first person you said to come in, they will arrive. [00:11:57] Speaker C: Yeah. Yeah. I think Marigold is just, like, not quite an old guy, but he's on the way there, and he's already dressed up like, his work stuff, and he always comes in for a coffee and a slice of banana bread. [00:12:16] Speaker B: And. Yeah. [00:12:18] Speaker C: And there she's like, oh, hey, Marigold. This is. This is Roslyn, their car. Something's real wrong with the. The engine. Like, about 10 miles out that way. I don't know if you. If you could, like, get a tow truck and take a look at it for them. They need to be in Chicago two days. One day. [00:12:45] Speaker B: Like, as soon as I could happen. It's quite. I think I have quite a bit of driving left to do. Yeah. [00:12:53] Speaker C: So if you can't. Marigold, like, you know, coffee on the house today. You know, they seem to be pretty stressed, so I think they'd appreciate it. [00:13:08] Speaker A: And. [00:13:11] Speaker B: Paloma at the kind of person to ever watch the news, read a newspaper. [00:13:16] Speaker C: Oh, yeah. [00:13:17] Speaker B: They. [00:13:17] Speaker C: They get, like, a daily newspaper delivery. And, you know, it's a diner. It's like a very. Like, their mom owned this place, and very few renovations have happened for both. Like, the aesthetic of, like, an old, like, 60s diner. But also, like, that's expensive. So, like, that will be on, and it's like one of those TVs that are like, behind the counter, where, like, people could sit at the counter for, like, coffee and, like, you know, whatever. And there's definitely that the news is playing for sure. It's so early. [00:13:56] Speaker B: Yeah. You know, as you're. As you're, you know, getting everything set up, like, making sure that the pie is in, you know, the little. Little case on the. On the bar, because that's very important. You know, you, like, look up and it's just playing some news thing, and it's. It's a news story about the princess of Belgardia. And you. You're just like, oh, yeah, it's interesting. It's like coming to the US For a big thing, and then it shows a photo, and then you're just like, that's the woman in your diner right now. [00:14:37] Speaker C: I think Paloma, like, stops and, like, they were halfway putting the pie in the counter because it was like. It was like a fresh pie that they just started baking and just like. And it starts sliding a bit, and she has to, like, catch herself and, like, slides it in carefully and just. Rosalind, you have. Is that you on the. Are you. [00:15:05] Speaker B: Kind of like, looks and goes, oh, they used one of the good photos. [00:15:12] Speaker C: Paloma now entirely flustered. Just like, this place was not meant for royalty. [00:15:20] Speaker B: Just. [00:15:22] Speaker C: Oh, okay. Oh, gosh. Is there. Is there anything else I could get you? I. I'm sorry. My accommodations are probably not what you're used to. [00:15:33] Speaker B: Coffee. The coffee is fine. Coffee is. It's. Is wonderful. I have. I've been awake for quite a long time and been driving for a bit, so the coffee is. Is great. The pie looks nice, but I shouldn't. [00:15:47] Speaker C: I. I mean, if you want. You got pie or. [00:15:50] Speaker D: I. [00:15:52] Speaker C: We're known for, like, some of our breakfast. I have, like, my bottle. Mom's old recipes. You plan. And I was just gonna go through, like, it's like the. It's like the. The counter. And then there's that big winter that goes into the kitchen where you could see the grill. And Pluma's just gonna go back there and just gonna start, like, cooking and just like, kind of muttering. [00:16:16] Speaker A: There's a. [00:16:17] Speaker C: There's a princess. I didn't even know Princess still existed. The hell. And it's, like, just going to, like, try to cook, like, the nicest meal this diner has seen, I guess. [00:16:28] Speaker B: Yep. Yep. So, Simran, when. When do you usually get to work? [00:16:37] Speaker E: Simran is a double nine to five girly. But during festive, like, new festive times, she's aware that she's got to change her average hours to kind of accommodate people. And I know what you're thinking. What is double nine to five? Well, let me. Let me space this out for you. From 9am to 5pm she's a waitress. And then from 9pm to 5am she works at a bar. Usually sings, but kind of can double as a secondary waitress or waiting staff when. When needed, you know. And so she. She's kind of aware. I think she's been working at Paloma's Pantry for. For quite some time now. So we. Our rapport is a little bit maybe perhaps friendlier than. Than both. You know, I wouldn't say we're corporate family or anything, but like I've totally gone out to get extra eggs, so. And stuff when we need it, you know. So if you need me to come in early, I'll come in early. I totally feed. My kid has eaten many meals here. You know, it's like one of those things and we. We kind of take care of each other. So you need me to come in, I'll come in as long as it's after 3pm because I have to pick up my kid from school. [00:18:06] Speaker C: I think your kid actually has eaten like, has a specific thing. So their. Their preferred meal is on the menu. Like it's like out. If it's breakfast, it's like Colton Scramble or like Colton's Burger or something. [00:18:24] Speaker E: That's so cute. Yes. Yes. As long as you know. You know, I'll be out driving. I gotta pick up my kid because. Because there's no way I'm gonna let him walk out in the cold right now. And yeah, if you need me, you call me. I'm coming in. [00:18:43] Speaker C: I don't actually know. I was gonna say like, I don't know if Paloma would ask you to come in early specifically, but I think you definitely get a call of a. More concern. It's like on the phones. Like Simran. [00:19:01] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:19:01] Speaker C: I don't know. We have a princess in the diner and I don't know what to do. I mean the actual like legitimate princess, like I. I picked her up on her car got stuck and I picked. [00:19:14] Speaker E: Her up like royalty. [00:19:16] Speaker C: Actual royalty. [00:19:18] Speaker E: Like Roy. Like royal. Royal. [00:19:20] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:19:22] Speaker E: Oh, they did say on the news, I think I. I wasn't. I didn't catch the name, but supposedly someone's. Someone's around. I don't know. [00:19:33] Speaker C: It's them. Their name's Rosalind. [00:19:37] Speaker E: Can I have a flashback? I don't think that's a mechanic, but can I have. I'm playing this like a movie playing? This like a movie. [00:19:45] Speaker B: Yeah. 100. [00:19:47] Speaker E: Say the name. I dropped my phone. The name brings back memories of a cold winter's night 12 years ago somewhere else in the United States. And we're back in the present, and I go pick up my, my phone and just go, oh, okay. Oh, like, like, like Princess Rosalind. Like the, like, like your Corvi. Like. Oh, my God. [00:20:29] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:20:29] Speaker E: Oh, my God. [00:20:31] Speaker C: I'm making them. I, I panic, so I'm making them Dosa leche pancakes because that's the nicest thing I know on the menu. [00:20:38] Speaker E: Huh. Huh. Huh, huh. [00:20:41] Speaker C: So, you know, if you haven't, you don't need to come in early, but just, just a heads up when you get here, because they're working on their car. Yes, they're, they're. Well, they were just passing through and their car broke down, and so I'm having Marigold work on it, but it's not going to be a fast job, so. [00:21:01] Speaker E: Okay. Do you need anything? Do you. I can, I, I can, I can come, I can come in if, if needed. Do you mean to pick anything up? [00:21:18] Speaker C: I don't. Oh, could you, could you get, like. It's like my brain's trying to think. Could you get some, like, some like, air fresheners that smell much nicer because we, all we have is the Febreze. Just, just. [00:21:38] Speaker E: You didn't use it all day, did you? I told you, I told you. Fresh pine during this festive season, that's what gets the customers going, especially the Irish ones. [00:21:49] Speaker C: Simran, I know we've been just so busy here. I'll just like, I, I, I gave you that company card. Just use that. Doesn't matter. Just get some nice stuff. [00:21:59] Speaker E: I'll, I'll look. [00:22:00] Speaker A: I'll look. [00:22:00] Speaker E: I'll look. Oh, my God. We didn't even decorate. And I collected. Hang up now, thinking of, of, of, of. Of the, of the welcoming, very warm but barren wasteland that is Paloma's Pantry. [00:22:13] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:22:14] Speaker E: Everybody else is festive, but in here. [00:22:17] Speaker C: The, the most defrosted window, like, kind of aesthetic, but there's no, there's no tree, there's no lights, and it hasn't had the. Paloma hasn't had the funds to see her, but. What. [00:22:29] Speaker E: Oh, my God. I put on my good boots, but the rest of my fit does scream Mom. But like, not a stylish, not, not too much of a stylish mom, you know, more like mom on a budget. Mom that goes to the. Goes thrift shopping for herself. Sp. Specifically, you know, I had to put a lot of the extra funds into Christmas presents for my boy and gas, because gas has gone up like 4 cents. So I'm. I'mma go. I'm a go. We're going to go to Party City. I don't know if our town, our small town, has a party city. Maybe we more like have a party village or something like that. Yeah, exactly. You know. Yeah, yeah, I know, I know. Like, the. The Like. Like, we're somehow. We are able to have a singular spirit, Halloween every year. But, like, that's not the Right. Yeah, that's not it. So, yeah, grab my keys, grab my. My. Everything else. Try to calm myself down. And I'm gonna go into my 2014 Toyota Corolla, but it's white because I'm cheap like that. And, you know, she's still. She's still going. She's still good. And I'm gonna drive to that place, a party town or something, or maybe one that's also beside or across the street from a Dollarama. And we're gonna mix and match, but try to look for some festive things, so that way it looks like, oh, we totally didn't forget what. We were just, like, swapping some stuff out, you know, like, we just needed to clean up the place and. And now we're getting all the stuff back and. And maybe, you know, if I look busy enough, people will forget I'm there. [00:24:38] Speaker B: Maybe. So it's an indeterminate amount of time later when you show up at Paloma's Pantry, and there are the normal number of regulars. There's also Rosalind there with the pancakes and coffee in, like, a corner booth, just kind of like off in her own little world at the moment. [00:25:02] Speaker E: How she look like? What's her vibe? It's been 12 years. [00:25:08] Speaker B: Her vibe is currently a little stressed because she's supposed to make it to this big party in, like, 48 hours. And. But, you know, overall, it's very similar to how it's relatively carefree. She's always been that way. The Belgardia, the. The country she's a princess of is, like, smaller than Luxembourg. So, like, being a princess is more of a honorary title than anything that's ever actually expected from her. It's just money. [00:25:51] Speaker E: I. I come in, I say hi to the regulars. You know, I think. I think we're. I'm a friendly person, and I have also mysteriously bought a Christmas sweater that isn't too ugly but is, in fact, Party City cheap. So that's. That's that's the vibe here. And I'm just going to beeline it to Paloma. [00:26:15] Speaker C: Yeah, I think Paloma is trying their hardest to stay chill like on either side of the counter. Just getting some like plates ready for like cleaning and getting other stuff and just. Oh, Simran great. You got, you have any issues? I got everything. You're good, you're good. [00:26:37] Speaker E: I'm freaking out. [00:26:40] Speaker C: Okay, me too. Me too. [00:26:42] Speaker E: Okay. Okay, good, good, good. Did she need anything? Did she ask for anything? I got, I got stuff, I got, I got all sorts of stuff to like decorate the place a little bit more. [00:26:55] Speaker C: Oh, that's great. That's. I didn't even think of that. No, that's so smart. No, I, and she was on the side road. I picked her up and you know, I didn't even clean my car that well because I wasn't expecting anyone. I wasn't world to you. So I drove her here and she's actually, I mean she's just been asking for coffee. You know, I get, been giving her some pancakes and she's just resting right now, I guess hasn't asked for too much. But I, I, she seems kind of like chill right now, I guess. But I, you know, we're, we're not ready for the holiday. I can't, we're, you don't look like it's Christmas time. [00:27:35] Speaker E: Don't we, don't we, don't we need, we need some Christmas spirit. We need some like, maybe real spirits, not ghosts. I mean like to drink. Like if, like I need, I need a drink. [00:27:51] Speaker C: And we only, we do, we do have like, we're offering like the adult hot chocolates and stuff. So if you want to start making some of those, feel free. Just, you know, today, today we're just trying to survive and make sure we don't get any, anything bad. I mean we have the eggnog, we have the, the, the all the drinks if you'd like. Just. [00:28:18] Speaker E: Okay, okay. Okay. Oh my God. Okay. After all of this, after all of this, we just gotta make it through. But after all of this, just, I need to tell you something and, and I just go, and I start, start making those adult hot chocolates. But like while, like, you know, like for example, while like something is boiling, I'm decorating, I'm, I'm still like making sure, you know, people like, I'll be like, oh, you got napkins, good, you need more napkins. You know, like, I'm just going around doing, doing my thing. I'm trying to Be busy. And I. Most, most importantly, I'm trying to dodge any and all, like, eye contact with. With. With Rosalind. [00:29:04] Speaker B: I think this is going to require a roll. Jeez. We are going to do a. A sweaters roll. This does. [00:29:14] Speaker E: Sweaters. [00:29:16] Speaker B: This does feel a little bit like a physical task of dodging. [00:29:21] Speaker E: That's my best stat. [00:29:24] Speaker B: And this will be a medium roll at an eight. [00:29:28] Speaker E: Oh, all right. [00:29:32] Speaker C: I just want to say when you. While you're rolling this, when you say, I need to tell you something, Plum's like, oh, no, you're gonna quit. She didn't say it out loud. She didn't say it out loud, but that's her face. [00:29:43] Speaker B: Like, oh, no. [00:29:44] Speaker C: Although. They're gonna quit. [00:29:46] Speaker B: Although. [00:29:47] Speaker C: Okay, no, that's a. That's a future problem. It's a future. Oh, God. I need to find someone. [00:29:53] Speaker E: All right, So, okay, I rolled low, but I did get, like, two. Two pairs. [00:30:07] Speaker B: Okay, so what is. What did you. What are the. What are the numbers? [00:30:14] Speaker E: That should be a seven, but I rolled two twos, and I have a plus three through my sweater. So that's where I get the. The stats here. [00:30:24] Speaker B: 7. So. You get incredibly lucky because at one point, you know, you're. You're going behind. You're like, oh, no, she's seen me. She's seen me. And no, she's, like, kind of. Apparently, she's been driving for quite a bit of time, and it's fallen asleep, like, on the table slightly. [00:30:55] Speaker C: She passes out. [00:30:57] Speaker A: Yeah. Do we? [00:31:00] Speaker E: Well, okay, well, passing out is bad. Passing out is bad. Now I'm a little bit worried if. If I notice that she's asleep, and I'm like, oh, oh, okay. And, like, I think I finished my adult hot chocolate. And instead of, no, okay, I don't want to do that. I think while I'm making the adult hot chocolate, I just make a side hot chocolate for her, and I'm just going to bring that, you know, to her, to her table or wherever she's sitting. And hopefully the smell of Paloma's famous seasonal hot chocolate will wake her up. [00:31:45] Speaker B: And as you do, you set it down. She kind of, like, rouses and blinks and adjusts her glasses as she looks up at you and. Am I dreaming? [00:32:07] Speaker A: Yes. [00:32:09] Speaker E: Yes. [00:32:09] Speaker D: But this. [00:32:12] Speaker E: You're. This is a dream. I do. [00:32:16] Speaker B: Jasmine rubs at her eyes, like, smears the. Like, the eyeshadow and the mascara a little bit, forgetting she's wearing it. Um, and, like, opens her eyes and looks up at you and goes, oh. [00:32:37] Speaker E: Simon dreams over. Bye, And I. I go. I. Okay, I don't run, but I'm. I'm a mom, so I know how to speed walk. And that's. That's what's happening. Speed walking in my skinn jeans and going. Going to the. Going to the safe space, the safe zone. Being at the back where the kitchen is. Because everybody knows that you, when you're in establishment, you have to respect the laws of the establishment, specifically the boundaries between where the customers are and where the staff is allowed to go. [00:33:24] Speaker B: It just looks like Rosalind is a little confused and like, did I see what I thought I saw? Or did the 16 hours of driving, like, make me hallucinate? Nikki, do you ever happen by Paloma's Pantry? [00:33:48] Speaker D: I mean, someone asked for this Christmas spirit, so of course, Nikki of Lyches. [00:33:58] Speaker B: Quite literally. [00:33:59] Speaker D: Quite literally, it is Beetlejuice rules. If you'd only said it twice, Nikki wouldn't have come. [00:34:07] Speaker E: I did say it three times. I said it three times specifically so you'd show up. [00:34:14] Speaker D: Yeah. I think that Nikki is this sort of small, sprightly woman with sparkling sapphire eyes, rosy cheeks, and a sweet button nose. She's wearing round silver glasses with pale hair falling imperfect ringlets down her back, softer and more lustrous than even the white fur coat that's draped across her shoulders. She has a sparkling necklace of interlocking snowflakes gracing her neck and is wearing a red sweater dress with white cable knit tights. As she comes through the door of Pluma's pantry, arms terribly full of a giant box of Christmas decorations. I heard you might need these here. [00:35:17] Speaker C: Puma, like, kind of in the. The apron for post entry is just like. Was in the middle of saying, like, welcome to and just that. Do. Would I recognize Nikki at all? [00:35:34] Speaker D: Not at all. I mean, maybe there's something a little familiar about the face, about the vibe, but no. [00:35:43] Speaker C: Okay. I just. Hey. Oh, I. I mean, we could always use more decorations for this time of year. That's very kind of you. Are you sure you're at the right place, though? You didn't call anyone? [00:36:04] Speaker D: This is Paloma's pantry, right? [00:36:07] Speaker C: The one and only. [00:36:10] Speaker D: Then I think I'm in the right place. I hear you look busy. Why don't I start setting these up for you? And she will put the box down on an unused table and start flitting about the space almost supernaturally fast, putting up lights and ornaments. There is a little tabletop Christmas tree that really shouldn't have fit in that box, but springs out beautiful and pine Scented and almost glistening with snow. [00:36:44] Speaker B: Yeah. And at some point while you're working, like, this woman Rosalind will get up and, like, go over just, like, do. Do you need any help with that? It certainly looks like a lot, and I'm kind of just stuck waiting around. [00:36:59] Speaker D: Oh, I mean, he looks tired, but if you want to help, I certainly won't say no. [00:37:05] Speaker B: I. I think it's better that I stay on my feet because. Yeah, if I go to sleep, I'm not waking up anytime soon. [00:37:17] Speaker D: Perfect. Here, can you hold this bar seat still while I try and reach the lights? [00:37:26] Speaker E: Sure. [00:37:27] Speaker B: Yeah. This sounds like it's supposed to be a sweaters roll. [00:37:31] Speaker A: Okay. [00:37:34] Speaker E: I. [00:37:35] Speaker D: Okay, so I have holiday magic. You start the game with three Magic points. @ any point before you roll, you can spend a magic point to add to your. Add your cheer stat to your roll. Instead of sweaters or cocoa. Can I use this to fail in a way that I. [00:37:56] Speaker B: Want? Yeah, sure. That sounds good to. [00:38:00] Speaker E: Me. [00:38:01] Speaker D: Okay. Okay, so I got double ones, but even with cheer, that is a six. So I just fail. [00:38:14] Speaker E: Anyway. [00:38:15] Speaker D: Doubles. But it is. [00:38:16] Speaker C: Doubles. [00:38:17] Speaker B: Yeah, as. As this happens. [00:38:24] Speaker D: And. My cheers plus four. I was really overconfident when I was, like, calling what I would do when I. [00:38:34] Speaker B: Passed. Yeah, no, you. You. You are doing this. And suddenly you look out, and the overcloud, overcast clouds have started. Even though it's a bit of Christmas magic, your magic goes a little haywire. And the. The light snowfall that was probably going to happen at some point has turned into those big, fat snowflakes that are, like, immediately sticking to the ground. And it's. [00:39:09] Speaker A: Just. It. [00:39:10] Speaker B: Is. Goes 0 to 60 on just how fast the snow is falling. Like, you all look down, and it's all fine, and you look back up, and it's just. Oh, that's a. [00:39:21] Speaker A: Blizzard. [00:39:24] Speaker D: Yeah. I think Nikki, who wanted to do this a little more gracefully with a little bit of magic, just stumbles from the shock of realizing that her magic has gone haywire and we have affected the local climate. And so rather than a graceful little stumble into Rosalyn, who is securing the chair that she's standing on, Nikki fully just, like, falls, I think, onto the. [00:39:54] Speaker B: Floor. Yeah, it's. It's the classic where you fall on top of Rosalind and, like, your faces are, like, inches from each other. And Rosalind goes, oh, sorry. I'm usually better at catching a person. I'm Rosalind, by the way. Lovely to meet. [00:40:19] Speaker D: You. Nikki sort of tilts her head so that her hair curtains both of their faces her and Rosalind trapped together for a moment in a world of only them and smiles and says, oh, no. I'm Nikki. It's so nice to meet you. I'm sorry for falling on. [00:40:42] Speaker B: You. It's okay. I'm not injured. No harm, no. [00:40:49] Speaker D: Foul. I was just. Look outside. It's really coming down. [00:40:54] Speaker B: Now. That's. That's concerning. Hopefully. Hopefully, they can get my car. [00:41:06] Speaker C: Fixed. You hear Paloma from across the thing. Oh, my God. Are you guys okay? And they're gonna immediately run over and just like, oh, and you two, what are you. Here, let me help you both up. And, like, Paloma's, like, immediately, like, grabbing both of your arms to help you up and just. Are you okay? I really appreciate you doing this, but you don't need to get hurt here. Please, both of you, just sit down. We got this. Like, do you. Who was miss Looking at you? Nikki. Miss, Is that man. Do you want some. [00:41:40] Speaker D: Coffee? Oh, I gladly take something warm. It looks like the weather's turned a bit, and I might be here for, Gosh, yeah, a while. Do you have hot chocolate in. [00:41:52] Speaker C: Here? Yeah, yeah, we have our seasonal hot chocolate. My Simran works here was getting ready. Please, both just take a rest. You know, we'll. We'll take care of the decorations. It's so greatly appreciated, but, you know, take a seat, please. And, Ms. Rosalind, again, I appreciate you for helping, but no need to get hurt on our. [00:42:18] Speaker B: Accounts. [00:42:20] Speaker D: Yeah, it's in the holiday spirit to help. [00:42:25] Speaker C: Out. It's not on the holiday spirit to get. [00:42:28] Speaker B: Hurt. I mean, depends on the party you go. [00:42:32] Speaker C: To. All right, I'll be right back. And, yeah, I'm gonna get some hot chocolates for them. More flustered than anything of, like, I don't need legal liabilities at our. [00:42:45] Speaker B: Restaurant. So, Diana, how. [00:42:51] Speaker E: How. [00:42:52] Speaker B: How. Watching as the weather has taken a very dramatic shift. How. How. How quickly are you trying to get everything done this. [00:43:03] Speaker A: Morning? Probably not very fast. I'm hoping for maybe, like, a break in the weather because Dalton is sort of complaining about all the snow, and I just pointed out, but isn't it so picturesque? And then it got really bad, and now he's sort of pouting a little bit in the other room. Maybe we just wait until the weather. [00:43:34] Speaker B: Breaks. Yeah. Yeah. So at some point, something will take you towards Paloma's Pantry, whether it be the coffee, the Christmas cheer, the adult hot chocolate. [00:43:54] Speaker A: Something. Well, I mean, I have to show Dalton all the best spots in town, and everybody knows Paloma's Pantry is the best Spot in town. And once he sees the whimsical charm of it, he. He's gonna fall in love with it like everyone else. [00:44:08] Speaker B: Does. Of course, of course. Just, you know, keep telling yourself. [00:44:14] Speaker A: That. I have the utmost. [00:44:17] Speaker B: Faith. Yeah. Now, as you open the door to enter the cafe to just at least get out of the very sudden blizzard, you come face to face. Luckily, no one is running into each other or knocking over anyone with a stranger. Someone else who is not native to Rosedale. This beautiful woman with long dark hair. She is carrying like Christmas lights and kind of just sort of smiles and like holds them up. Happy. [00:44:55] Speaker A: Holidays. Oh, Happy holidays. Hi. Goodness. I don't. Are you new in town? I. I have never seen you before. Oh, this is Dalton, my boyfriend. He's also an out of towner. For now. [00:45:12] Speaker E: Hopefully. [00:45:13] Speaker A: Maybe. And hi, I'm. [00:45:15] Speaker B: Diana. Assorted grumbles from Dalton. Something about bad. [00:45:21] Speaker A: Signal. We can worry about signal in a minute. Dalton. He's technically still working. He's supposed to be on vacation, but you know how it is when. [00:45:34] Speaker E: Businesses and leave you. [00:45:35] Speaker A: Alone. So they've been emailing him like all week. And signal in town isn't great because we're so far out in the middle of. [00:45:42] Speaker B: Nowhere. It's lovely to meet you. I'm Rosalind. Hi. Yes. Just passing through my. I had a bit of car trouble on the way in. [00:45:56] Speaker E: And. Oh. [00:45:57] Speaker B: Goodness. Looks like I will be here for a. [00:46:02] Speaker E: Bit. Well, that. [00:46:04] Speaker A: Is. Well, it's a shame about the car trouble, but I think you will find that we have really a charming little town, especially this time of year. It's. It's kind of. If you're gonna get stranded somewhere anytime, this is the best time and place to do. [00:46:21] Speaker B: It. It's certainly very. [00:46:26] Speaker A: Festive. Do you enjoy. [00:46:30] Speaker B: Festivities? Oh, yes. My parents always threw a massive holiday party every year and that was always so much fun. I miss it so. [00:46:43] Speaker E: Much. [00:46:44] Speaker A: Why. Why are you traveling for the. [00:46:47] Speaker B: Holidays? I promised a friend of mine I would go to his holiday party. It's in Chicago. I was originally supposed to fly, but then my plane got grounded. [00:46:57] Speaker E: And. Oh. [00:46:58] Speaker B: Good. So I decided to drive and that was a. [00:47:03] Speaker A: Mistake. Oh, dear. You've been having a hard. [00:47:06] Speaker B: Time. It's been a. It's been a very interesting couple of days, for. [00:47:12] Speaker A: Sure. Well, I hope we can get you back on your feet and where you need to be most of. [00:47:18] Speaker B: All. Let's hope. For now I'm just trying to make myself useful until I could get any word about my. [00:47:27] Speaker A: Car. Oh, you don't need to do that. Honey, you can do whatever. You just relax. You've had a rough day. [00:47:33] Speaker B: Already. Honestly, if I think I relax, I'm gonna go back to sleep. And I would probably prefer to stay. [00:47:39] Speaker A: Awake. Well, maybe you just need a nap anyway. You know, it's not that early yet. I think it would be reasonable to go back to bed if you had to. Oh, but goodness, I am just standing in the doorway. I do this all the time. Sorry. Come on, Dalton. We should probably go see how Palau is doing and get a seat and maybe coffee, because I did promise you coffee. He really loves his. [00:48:05] Speaker B: Coffee. Grumble, grumble, stocks, grumble, grumble. Something else about. [00:48:10] Speaker A: Stocks. He's got a lot of personality here. But it was. It was a really pleasure to meet you. [00:48:21] Speaker B: Rosalind. You, too, as well. Have a happy holidays. If I don't see you. [00:48:28] Speaker A: Again. Oh, sure. You know, and if you end up sticking around more than just the day and you want a tour of town, they say no one's better to give a tour of the town than the local. [00:48:40] Speaker B: Librarian. I will certainly remember. [00:48:43] Speaker A: That. And yeah, Diana is going to smile really brightly and walk over to an empty booth. I forgot. Diana is of, like, probably mid-20s, late-20s, woman with, like, really short cropped, something between, like, a boy's cut and a pixie cut of, like, red hair, a smattering of freckles, big, like, statement. Eyeglass is like. They've got, like. They're a fun color and they've got a fun shape to them. She is dressed in a big, fluffy purple sweatshirt and, like, a long skirt and, like, good, hearty snow boots. And she's just cheerful all the. [00:49:38] Speaker C: Time. Would it be safe to say that Diana is a. [00:49:43] Speaker A: Regular? Probably. [00:49:45] Speaker C: Yeah. Yeah. As a. [00:49:47] Speaker A: Librarian. [00:49:48] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:49:49] Speaker A: Yeah. I mean, there's not a lot of competition in town for coffee and. [00:49:55] Speaker C: Food. Yeah. I think Paloma approaches. And also because I still got caught up, I didn't describe Paloma. Paloma is a very curvy shiba, like, late 20s. They have a shorter kind of like, not messy hair, but, like, purposely messy hair. Like dark tan skin. Before they had their apron on, they were definitely, like boot cut jeans and a flannel button up with the sleeves rolled up to the elbow, no matter what the weather is, because it's just comfortable for them. And right now they have their hair slipped to the side and they have the apron, which is actually a bright red apron that says Paloma's Pantry and, like, cursive sewing that this pant, this apron. Seen better days. And Sees Diana and Dalton sit down and immediately goes over like, oh, hey, Diana, I see you've met the princess in. [00:51:06] Speaker A: Town. Oh, that's a cute. [00:51:09] Speaker C: Nickname. It's not a. [00:51:11] Speaker A: Nickname. Is she really that. [00:51:12] Speaker C: Sweet? No, they're a princess. Like a real. [00:51:15] Speaker A: Princess. Oh, my God. Of. [00:51:18] Speaker C: Where? What's the name of the. [00:51:21] Speaker B: Place? Aubrey, this is. [00:51:23] Speaker C: Belgardia. From. [00:51:24] Speaker A: Belgardia. You know, I might have to do a little research on that one. I'm not sure I've heard of. [00:51:32] Speaker C: It. Peter. Half I. But it was on the. [00:51:34] Speaker A: News. Well, you know, I'll. I'll make sure to look it up since I. I'll just drop by the library and look it up because if I've. If we've got a resident in town, we should know a thing or two about where they come. [00:51:47] Speaker C: From. Yeah, I, they, they got stuck and I actually picked them up on the way over here and I've been low key, like, really good. Like, you know, we're trying to get the place super lively's actually been super helpful, but you know, the blizzard is a little wild. It just came. [00:52:07] Speaker A: In. Where did that come from? We were on our way over and then it got. It got real bad out and I wasn't sure it was fully safe to drive and Dalton didn't want to walk, even though it's not that far. But, you know, not everyone's built for the winter weather out here in Wisconsin. Like, like we. [00:52:24] Speaker C: Are. Yeah. Was like, yeah, right. Looks at Dalton, drops her smile. Looks back at you, smiles. [00:52:30] Speaker B: Again. Dalton does not. [00:52:33] Speaker C: Notice. All right, well, let's get you something warm. We have, you know, seasonal hot chocolate daily. [00:52:41] Speaker B: Specials. [00:52:41] Speaker C: You. You show just because you started some coffee. And Dalton, you have a very peculiar order of only six sausage links and black coffee. I can catch you that. [00:52:52] Speaker B: Again. Macros. [00:52:53] Speaker C: Yes. What? Great. You know, should you just get you a regular. [00:53:02] Speaker A: Diana? Yeah, that'd be great. [00:53:05] Speaker C: Thanks. All right, well, I wanna keep an eye out. It looks, you know, I gotta say that the princess. I know princess is supposed to be pretty, but like, wow. [00:53:15] Speaker A: Right? Oh, for sure. Looks adulted. Isn't sure if she should be commenting like this. And then goes for a very neutral like, oh, you know what? I think that some people are just put together in just the right way. You know what I. [00:53:32] Speaker C: Mean? You say, diana, I'll be right. [00:53:37] Speaker B: Back. New way to ask if someone's gay. Are you put together in the right. [00:53:45] Speaker C: Way? I. I think getting that stuff ready, I'm gonna like, look at, go find Summer and just like, hey, so do you know who that person. Did you ask someone to bring in some, like, decorations? That person that's been helping. [00:54:06] Speaker E: Rosalind? Oh, you mean, you mean. [00:54:10] Speaker C: Nikki? I guess. Yeah. Yeah. I don't recognize them. I, I think I recognize. [00:54:18] Speaker E: Them. Oh, well, she kind of just has this, this way with, with the holidays, you. [00:54:26] Speaker C: Know? Yeah, I guess. [00:54:29] Speaker E: Yeah. I had a feeling she come up. I, I. Oh, I was having a particularly hard time about a roughly 10 years ago, trying to, Trying to get Christmas spirit into my life, and poof, there she was, box of decoration in hands. Snow, like glitter did. It did start, like, snowing really hard out when she came by, but. But, you know, like, that's. [00:54:56] Speaker D: Just. It's just, it's just. [00:54:57] Speaker E: Her. That's just her normal, you know, Typical. I was hoping she could drop by. It's. I made too many too much cocoa, so I'm just gonna. Maybe I should just give it out to people, you know, get them, get them festive. [00:55:18] Speaker C: Too. [00:55:19] Speaker E: Yeah. Or should we just let it get cold? Because I know, like, we got the microwave and I brought one of those frothers. They'll never know the. [00:55:27] Speaker C: Difference. I mean, maybe ask before. Like, you know, I know not everyone here appreciates that, but. Yeah. Well, I'm glad someone brings Christmas cheer. I don't normally have time to worry about that, except for the restaurant. Right. But that, that's great that they drop by. They seem to be getting along really well with. [00:55:52] Speaker E: Roslyn. Yeah. Yeah, makes sense. I'm gonna go ask people if they want some of this Coke. I just let go and I have, like, many cups, Many, many cups. Also, I would like to fully state out loud that during the commotion, instead of going out and checking on the loud noises that was coming from outside, instead, I chose to call my son Colton to make sure that he gets here. Like, he's. He was like, mom, I can walk. I can walk home. I can walk here to hear from home. You know, just like, let me chill and stuff. I'm 12. And I was like, okay, sure, sure, sure. And last I checked, he's almost here safely. It's just, I'm a little worried. So this is a better way, you know, I can be out, be out outside with something warm for him to drink. So here I am, looking around. I see. I see Nikki, I see my ex. I mean, the Princess Roslyn. Nothing else. Nothing else. I see Diana and, And that her man or something, and just start going around. [00:57:10] Speaker A: Like. [00:57:13] Speaker E: Okay. Interest you guys in some of our seasonal special hot chocolate we got with and without the spirits. And I wink. [00:57:25] Speaker B: Badly. Damn. Simran is as you're also walking by like the bar and everything. The, like the, the. The store phone. [00:57:34] Speaker E: Rings. Oh, one second and I go and, and I'm, I'm like. I got, I got the tray on one hand, the phone put in the other. Putting stuff out, grabbing other things. You know, I'm, I'm. [00:57:50] Speaker B: Busy. Yeah. Yeah. Cool. As you do it, you hear the voice of Marold the, the mechanic. He. He goes, is that you. [00:57:59] Speaker E: Simran? Yes, that. That would be. [00:58:05] Speaker B: Me. Paloma asked me to, to tow in and take a look at that new girl's car. The technical term for the problems with it is. So it's going to take me a little bit to fix. I might not be able to get because it's one of those strange European cars. So it's may take me a few days to get the. [00:58:25] Speaker E: Parts. Oh, I see. Well, gosh, I guess that means they're going to be stuck in here for a few days. [00:58:37] Speaker B: Huh? Yeah, yeah. I mean before I get started on anything, can you just verify with them that they're okay with me working on their. [00:58:47] Speaker E: Car? Yeah, sure. Okay, just, just hold on a second. I put down the. Did anybody actually want cocoa? This is important because of how many cups I will have on this. [00:59:04] Speaker D: Tray. I wanted cocoa. I have enough spirit with my by myself so I don't need whiskey in. [00:59:10] Speaker E: Mine. Yeah. No, no non spirited cocoa for you, Diana. [00:59:14] Speaker A: Dalton. Yes, we're both having it. Regardless of if Dalton says yes because it would be impolite to refuse it at this point. With or without spirits, that is up to. [00:59:28] Speaker E: You. I think. I think I give Dalton the one, you know, without and with you. I just give you a wink because I just. I look at him. Frown but like frown smile, you know where it's like okay. And then I look at you. I give you a wink. Slide it over yours looks like it's got some like maybe extra, extra cinnamon. You know, one of those. One of those straw. Edible straw wafer type of things. You know, just. It looks real nice. So does Dalton's. Of course I don't, I don't cheap out but you know, just as nice. [01:00:08] Speaker A: Yeah. Diana does blush when you wink at her. [01:00:12] Speaker E: Right. And I still got it. And I will. [01:00:16] Speaker B: Keep. I'll. [01:00:17] Speaker E: Go. Go back to, to, to, to Rosalind just be like so the town's mechanic, You're. That she needs permission to work on your car. Your car is. You ever see that Frosty the Snowman movie where they Bring him back to life. But then you find out that it's. It's because the families dad dies in a car crash. Your car is that is the. [01:01:08] Speaker B: Dad. This is a very interesting metaphor, but sure. I give this Marigold permission to work on my. [01:01:23] Speaker E: Car. All right. I'll let her know that it is going to take a few days though. So I don't suppose you have a place to. [01:01:45] Speaker B: Stay? Not currently. Do you don't happen to have bed and breakfast or hotel that has any vacancies, do. [01:02:00] Speaker E: You? Well, I think we would, but you know, with this weather, you might be stuck in here until, you know, the. [01:02:13] Speaker B: Morning. Well then, guess we'll make the most of it. I better go call Wesley and tell him I'm probably not making the party. Maybe the snow lets up. I don't know. It's a little far to fly a. [01:02:31] Speaker E: Helicopter. Yup, sure is. Can I get you another. [01:02:39] Speaker B: Coco? Yes, that would be amazing. Actually gives you that smile that you've seen many times. [01:02:48] Speaker E: Before. This is the perfect smile with or without spirits. And I do this little hip thing that. That is. It's partially because, you know, I'm getting a little tired, so I'm just. I gotta. I gotta change where I'm leaning. Other part is I gotta ass that won't. [01:03:08] Speaker B: Quit. That's fair. I think out of. Out of habit, she kind of mirrors your movement and all that thing. Well, I'm feeling a bit spirited right now, so let's go with some. [01:03:19] Speaker E: Spirits. Alrighty. I give her one with spirits. I have a past and unfortunately that past is flourishing right now as I kind of like subconsciously give way, wink, and then go, oh, no, that's a wink. And I'm. I'm gonna just, you know, I'm a. I'm a calm. Margaret. You said that was the name of the mechanic, right? Where is it? Marigold. Thank you. I'm gonna call Marigold back, let him know and probably just exchange, like just do the information exchange. Might need to happen, you know, so that way you can stop calling. [01:04:01] Speaker B: Us. Yeah. You can give Marigold Rosalind's. [01:04:07] Speaker E: Number. So you can just contact. [01:04:09] Speaker B: Her. Yeah, that. [01:04:10] Speaker A: Too. [01:04:13] Speaker E: Yep. Just passing, passing, passing, passing. Doing my work, doing other work. Not thinking about anything too particular. Also because I didn't describe it, Simran is. Is a. A super hot mom. She's ambiguously brown, so she can fit with the Hallmark casting vibe. And she's got like. Like her hair is long, but it's like the bangs are like held back and up with like a Hair band that is also festive. And the rest of it's, like, in a. In a ponytail. So every time she, like, walks and swishes and turns, her long, semi Indian hair is just flying everywhere, and you're like, holy, that's amazing hair. [01:05:05] Speaker A: Right? It's. [01:05:05] Speaker E: Just. It's just. Just gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous woman. Deeply tired. An amazing foundation game to hide the eye bags, you know, of course. Little. [01:05:19] Speaker B: Flirty. Yeah. As. As you all have been sort of. It's been probably about an hour or so that most of you have been here, and the snow is quickly piling up. So the joke about probably not leaving here for a little bit is starting to become a little bit more. [01:05:37] Speaker E: True. I see the weather. I will turn some music on. You know, like, just some. Something light, like. Like, basically like, instrumental Christmas music, you know, get, get, get into the festivities maybe, but, like, you know, just. Just so that way it's not just blaring wind outside, you know, that we hear or the. [01:06:13] Speaker C: News. It's actually what. What it is is that it's actually still an old jukebox. And so what's playing is old Christmas CDs. And the one that's played the most often is very specifically the Old Navy compilation album of jazz versions of Christmas songs from circa 2004. Just. That's it. Yeah. And I think, in turn, Pluma's gonna like, look at the news. Is there, like, any news reports about the sudden. [01:06:54] Speaker B: Blizzard? Oh, yeah, there certainly is. There's news reports about the sudden blizzard, about how this. This sort of stormhead has moved in over Wisconsin, and it doesn't look like it's moving anytime soon. And they fully expect probably about 2ft of snow by the time this thing is. [01:07:11] Speaker C: Done. Yeah, I think Paloma's, like, going that they're going to maybe, like, going to go to the, like, the back of the kitchen chick supplies. Look at the phone and see there's a bunch of calls from what has been put on their phone as bankman. Do not answer. And it's just gonna remove the notifications and just. Okay, we have. We have enough food easily for a couple days. All right. Worst case, you got some cots in the back. People need to stay. I'm not dropping snow. I mean, to stay. Gonna go back out and just, like, checking in, everyone. I want to go. I think I want to check in specifically, like, on. Is Nikki and Roselyn like, still at the table together? What's Nikki. [01:08:01] Speaker D: Doing? So Nikki had been continuing to fiddle with the decorations and adjusting things had taken A small break for Coco. And was sort of on her way to the bathroom when she glanced over at Dalton's phone. And then she sort of leaned over the back of the booth. So, like, if he's on one side of the booth, she is on the separate table and leans over the back and says, oh, are you doing bitcoin investment? You know, I've heard about some alternate investment strategies. And starts talking to him about. [01:08:42] Speaker B: Crypto. Yeah, he. All sorts of bitcoining, optimal bitcoin mining, and I don't know any. [01:08:55] Speaker C: Bitcoins. Oh. [01:09:01] Speaker D: God. I think that Nikki. [01:09:04] Speaker E: Coin. Hawk to a. [01:09:06] Speaker B: Coin. I'm investing in Christmas. [01:09:08] Speaker A: Coin. Not Christmas. [01:09:11] Speaker C: Coin. Kringle coins. Excuse. [01:09:13] Speaker E: You? I was gonna say cringle tingle. Except something like. Something dumb like. [01:09:16] Speaker A: That. [01:09:17] Speaker D: No, like you hadn't seemed festive enough for crinkle tingle. That was my hot tip for you. Investing. [01:09:26] Speaker B: Actually. I mean, it's. It's. It's blowing up. It's all over the place. You know, everybody's investing in it right now. Now is the perfect time before, like the ceiling gets too high. I have. I've exhausted my amount of bitcoin. [01:09:39] Speaker D: Knowledge. Perfect. I was going to. Oh, go. [01:09:46] Speaker A: Ahead. Oh, I think Diana, she's obviously at the same table as Dan and so is hearing all of this and is like. Doesn't want to interrupt because clearly it's somebody else engaging him in this, but is also like so tired of hearing about bitcoin. So she's just gonna drink her hot cocoa a little bit faster than perhaps is wise, considering it's. [01:10:12] Speaker B: Spirited. Give me. Let's do a fittingly enough cocoa roll for. [01:10:18] Speaker A: This. For. [01:10:20] Speaker B: Me? Yes. To see how fast these spirits are affecting you or how well could Diana handle her. [01:10:28] Speaker A: Spirits? Her stats are very middle. But. But I did roll pretty good. That's a 1212. Yeah, unfortunately, she's holding it. [01:10:41] Speaker B: Great. Yeah, she's really holding it. [01:10:43] Speaker A: Great. This is not going well for her. [01:10:47] Speaker C: Actually. Yeah, I think Palmer, like, sees that hears coin and understands that, like, she's heard Dalton say bitcoin as one of his five pre determined. [01:11:05] Speaker E: Phrases. [01:11:06] Speaker C: Yep. And he's just gonna, like, go over and check it, I guess just like gonna check in on Roslyn then, since Nikki is busy. Just. Hey, Roslyn, how. How things. I. I heard what Sam was saying about the car. Is there anything I could get you? Like if you need to stay here? We have some accommodations for this specific reason. It's not the first time we've been snowed in. Yeah, like, do you need Anything else to eat or whatever. I mean, you. You and Nikki really did a big up job. Like, this place is practically like the North Pole. [01:11:48] Speaker B: Now. I have. I think it was mostly Nikki more than me. I just helped with some of the. [01:11:58] Speaker C: Lights. Hey, it looks great. It's. You know, we usually get the decorations up, like, on Christmas day by. We. It's usually me. You know, it's just me and Simran. [01:12:11] Speaker B: Really. Yeah, well, I. I never really did much of the actual decorating at home. My parents let us decorate. Me and my siblings decorate the tree. But usually we didn't decorate the house. That was the. [01:12:26] Speaker C: Servants. Oh, okay. Yeah. I mean, you know, for one of the first times doing it, the lights look. [01:12:39] Speaker B: Great. Thank you. I mostly just asked Nikki where they needed to go and then put them where she. [01:12:48] Speaker C: Said. Great. Yeah, well, I. You know, I. I really appreciate it. Regardless, you really didn't have to do all that, but, I mean. [01:13:02] Speaker B: You. You didn't have to give me a. [01:13:04] Speaker C: Ride. Oh, that's just. That's just the right thing. You know, I couldn't leave you if it didn't matter if you were, you know, a princess or just like our next door neighbor. Can't leave someone out in the cold like that. Of. [01:13:21] Speaker B: Course. By the way, do you know anywhere that has rooms? Because I may be here until the snow clears, at. [01:13:31] Speaker C: Least. Oh, gosh. Well, there is the bed and breakfast, but they're usually booked up this time of year. I could ask the owner, see if they have an extra room. I mean, if they're full up, in absolute worst case, and the snow clears out. You're. I have extra room in my place. You are more than welcome to make yourself comfortable. It's truly the least we could do. You know, your car is all, from what I hear, not great performance, but that's. That's just, like, in case. Like, I'll check on the bed and breakfast. For. [01:14:13] Speaker B: Sure. Yeah. Thank you in advance. It's. Christmas is going to be different this year, but, you know, make the best of. [01:14:25] Speaker C: It. Yeah, that. Yeah, that. That makes sense. But, you know, we'll try to make the most of it here. I think you'll like our little town. You. You met some of our residents already, the people that actually live here. Like, Diana is great. Nikki seems to be great. It's actually, I. I think she lives in town. Worry about. [01:14:50] Speaker B: Dalton. I. I. [01:14:55] Speaker C: Hadn'T. Great. Yeah, just don't listen to him. They're. They're out of Tyler, and like Diana says, they mean well, but also, like, he's not that great and not that great for her. Don't, don't say I said that. [01:15:09] Speaker B: Though. Your secret is safe with. [01:15:13] Speaker C: Me. Great. Great. Well, oh, I'm gonna make the rounds and then I'll get back to you a little bit about the bed and breakfast. All. [01:15:20] Speaker B: Right? Yes, yes, of course. At some point during the morning in Nebulous, before the stoke is too bad, Simran Colton does show up and you can get him settled and all that. He's doing homework I guess in one of the. [01:15:39] Speaker E: Booths. Yeah. Colton is a 12 year old boy, like light brown skin, dark hair, dark thick hair and the kind of like brown eyes that don't need a light to shine, to like be shined in it for it to be like rather light but it's like clearly brown. And he's just, I get him, I get him a non spirited hot cocoa, I get him the menu and I just go, all right, dinner's gonna have to be here. Okay. So you get, get whatever you like. Mom will make something nice for you. We do got a pie going on. I don't know if you're, if you, if you're still into pies. I don't know if pies are cool like that or if you're feeling something else. But we always do have ice. [01:16:38] Speaker B: Cream. Yeah. And you certainly order whatever he usually does and like as you turn around having just like taking the order and everything, you'd see that Brosalind has noticed and just looking very intently and just kind of look between. [01:16:58] Speaker A: You. Yeah. [01:17:02] Speaker E: Yeah. A deliberately 12 year old boy. Perhaps she heard the name Colton and it sparks a memory or two. You know when we were talking about baby names, a name that we liked for a boy. I don't know. Things, things, things have happened, think things have happened. But I do make icon contact and then I, I look away and my hair just in the wind because it's drafty in here and somebody opened it up and I have to now go wrestle a window close. [01:17:38] Speaker B: People. The wind's getting real. [01:17:40] Speaker E: Bad. Look, I don't have a problem with smoking and all that but when there's a blizzard outside, you can't just crack open a window for your smoke. Just don't smoke tonight. Please, please fellas, close, close the. [01:17:56] Speaker D: Window. [01:17:56] Speaker B: Close. It's. So Diana, you have a brief reprieve from Dalton as Dalton, I think it's. We're going on 15 minutes of non stop bitcoin. Talk to. [01:18:11] Speaker A: Nikki. Oh, that's. [01:18:12] Speaker B: It. We're on minute 15. He doesn't look like he's about to stop anytime. [01:18:17] Speaker A: Soon. No, that's normal. [01:18:19] Speaker B: Yeah. Yeah. I think we're not talking about, like, high yield investments and CDs and. [01:18:25] Speaker A: Stuff. Oh, I think Diana is going to get up and just kind of do a lap around the. The diner, which is minimally occupied, so that's not, like, super weird to do under the guise of, like, going over to the jukebox. Do you have a jukebox? You have one now. [01:18:53] Speaker C: Congrats. Yes. Yeah, no, the jukebox is actually that. And it's just. It's filled with custom. [01:18:58] Speaker A: CDs. Custom as in, like, it's all of your music, Paloma. It's just Paloma's music and a. [01:19:05] Speaker C: Jukebox. Well, it. When they bought it, it was secondhand, so all the discs in there was broken, so they had to stock it themselves. You. [01:19:14] Speaker A: May. This isn't your. [01:19:15] Speaker C: Mixtape. There's maybe one mixtape in there, but it's like. It's just it. You. It would say, like, what is on that thing? You may notice that Maybe there's some CDs from the library that have been returned. Paloma swears one. [01:19:30] Speaker A: Day, Diana makes a note to make sure to clear out your finds, and it's gonna just, you know, aimlessly scroll through the jukebox in the hopes of entertaining herself long enough that when she returns to her seat, maybe the bitcoin conversation will have shifted to something she's, like, allowed to join in with, because Dalton always gets really mad if she tries to have an opinion about. [01:20:04] Speaker B: Bitcoin. Your opinion is it's not. [01:20:08] Speaker A: Good. That is her opinion. [01:20:10] Speaker B: Yeah, But, yeah, as you're. As you're doing it, you know, you're. You're picking a song. Something relatively. [01:20:23] Speaker A: Festive. Definitely. Definitely festive. The tie between Holly, Jolly Christmas and something by Michael. [01:20:33] Speaker B: Buble. Yeah. You hear the voice of Rosal and say, it's a hard choice, isn't. [01:20:45] Speaker A: It? Oh, yeah, yeah. You know, you're picking music for everybody, and so if they don't like it, that's kind of on you, you know? Do you have a favorite? Did you want to be picking. [01:20:59] Speaker B: Something? No, no, I'm. I'm perfectly fine with whatever you end up choosing, but, you know, it's always. It's always hard to make that choice, isn't. [01:21:10] Speaker A: It? Oh, surely. I mean, one could just close their eyes and. And push a button and see what happens, but I've never been very good at just trusting in blind chance, you. [01:21:24] Speaker B: Know? Of course. You know, especially when a lot of your life is planned out in advance, all of that. And sometimes, you know, you want to snatch a little bit of control. [01:21:46] Speaker A: Back, you know, I would think that's kind of true. Why don't you. Why don't you give it a stab? Just close your eyes and pick a. [01:21:58] Speaker B: Button. Kind of dramatically closes her eyes and dramatically hits a button and it is. We'll do something Muppets. [01:22:14] Speaker A: Related. Yeah, it's probably the, like, Scrooge intro. [01:22:21] Speaker B: Song. Yes. This is just the entire Muppet Christmas Carol CD in there somewhere. It's from the. [01:22:29] Speaker A: Library. Oh, you know what? I love this movie. I think it's my favorite Christmas. [01:22:36] Speaker B: One. It's certainly. It's a. [01:22:40] Speaker A: Classic. Have you seen it? Oh. [01:22:42] Speaker B: Good. I've seen it so many times. My. My older brother was. Fancies himself a bit of a literary person, and he would always go on and on and on about how this is the most accurate. [01:22:57] Speaker E: Adaptation. It. [01:22:58] Speaker A: Is. It's the most accurate. [01:22:59] Speaker B: One. I never read the. I've never read the original story, so I always took his word for. [01:23:05] Speaker A: It. Well, I can confirm he was not pulling your leg, because I had read the original story. I read it every. [01:23:11] Speaker B: Year. That's certainly no. [01:23:14] Speaker A: Dedication. Yeah. It has the most actual lines from the book in the movie. Nobody else bothers with. [01:23:22] Speaker B: That. I just like the Muppets, you know. [01:23:25] Speaker A: What? And they do it so good. They're just so. [01:23:27] Speaker C: Funny. [01:23:28] Speaker B: It. I mean, you know, no one can ever do it like they. They. [01:23:34] Speaker A: Can. I agree. They're just lovely. They always make me. [01:23:39] Speaker B: Smile. Yeah. I mean, it works even better because Michael Caine, you know, treated them up. It's like other actors, and it's treated itself so serious as a heart. [01:23:51] Speaker A: Attack, you know, And I think that really works because it sort of adds a gravitas to the whole thing that. That might have otherwise been missing. [01:24:00] Speaker B: Soon. Yes. Yes. It sounds just like. I have an. [01:24:07] Speaker D: Idea. [01:24:08] Speaker B: Oh, it kind of like, looks just like there's a tv. That's good to. [01:24:15] Speaker A: Know. Now, what kind of idea are you having in mind. [01:24:21] Speaker B: Here? I'm going to be stuck here for a while, so we might as well enjoy the time we have here. And I think I've seen my face come up on the news four separate times already. And at least they chose the good. At least they chose the good. [01:24:38] Speaker A: Pictures. I don't think you have a bad picture about. [01:24:42] Speaker B: You. Oh, no, I have plenty of. [01:24:44] Speaker A: Them. I don't believe that for a minute. You got too pretty a. [01:24:49] Speaker B: Face. Thank you. But, you know, everyone has moments they don't like to. [01:25:01] Speaker A: Remember. Oh, well, you know, I got plenty of those. [01:25:05] Speaker B: Myself. Certainly things we would have done. [01:25:11] Speaker A: Differently. I know exactly what you mean. And starts to look at Dalton. Looks away from. [01:25:19] Speaker B: Dalton. Well, I'm going to ask someone to see if this is one of those TVs you can cast to and maybe we can get some holiday films up there so we all can have a little more festive. [01:25:42] Speaker A: Cheer. That is a marvelous idea and I am happy to help however you. [01:25:48] Speaker B: Need and, well wander off. So, Nikki, are you still talking to Dalton? You just going to let him keep going and going, going and. [01:25:59] Speaker D: Going? Yeah, I think that Nikki has sort of gracefully shifted the conversation from Bitcoin in general into like Dalton's investment portal and is starting to wrap, but kind of suggests that maybe he try out her investment platform. If he's interested. It's just a little faster, a little more efficient and, you know, those seconds really. [01:26:29] Speaker B: Matter. Yeah, Yeah. I think this is a cheer. [01:26:35] Speaker D: Role. I also think it's a cheerleader roll. Oh, hell yeah. That is a 11 plus 4 is. [01:26:47] Speaker B: 15. 15. Yeah. No, he's, he's, he's very interested in your thoughts on this and your thoughts on these investments in these investment portal. And yeah, you're going to continue going down this rabbit hole because I don't think he's going to stop unless one of you, Unless you walk away from the. [01:27:06] Speaker D: Conversation. Yeah, I mean, I think that after, you know, getting him to just make an account and try it out, she will sort of close, like wrap the conversation for now and head over to see what Paloma is working. [01:27:24] Speaker C: On. Yeah, I think you'd find Paloma, like, after making the rounds is like they, they're just like texting the owners just because, like, you know, they, they share clientele usually because they tell people to go to the diner and then they, you know, Paloma says, oh, there's this great bed of breakfast in town. Keep the, you know, community going and just checking, see, and while, like making inventory, like starting to get stuff ready for like our like lunch, like late lunch, like dinner menu, which is like mostly the same but, you know, there's like the proper dinner items and getting stuff ready and we'll like, just look up. It's like, oh, hey, Nikki, you again. Thank you for all the decorations. You did so great. I really appreciate it. You really didn't have to, of. [01:28:28] Speaker D: Course. Tis the season. Right. And you know, us girls have to stick together in the business. [01:28:33] Speaker C: World. Yeah, yeah, no, 100%. You, you, you work a business around here. Is that why I recognize. [01:28:46] Speaker D: You? No, I'm not from town, actually. That's why I came over. Looking outside, it looks like I'm gonna be stuck here for a little while. Do you know anywhere I could. [01:28:57] Speaker C: Stay? You know, I'm checking actually with the bed and breakfast owners because Rosalind's also looking for a place too. They're out of, they're from out of town. I'm sure y' all like talked about it. I'm not sure how many rooms. Like, worst case, I mean, if you're from out of town, you know, stuck here, I have an extra room. I have an extra couch, like a fold out couch. And you know, I. You could definitely stay at my place as well. More than happy. Especially people passing. [01:29:32] Speaker D: Through. Aren't you the sweetest? And she, I think, sort of smiles and laughs and put her, puts her hand on your forearm. She has perfectly manicured short red nails with a little snowflake on each. [01:29:51] Speaker C: Finger. Yeah, no, really, it's, you know, no one should be stuck on the winner like this. And Ari has the owner. Geraldine has they. Do they have any openings at the bed and. [01:30:08] Speaker B: Breakfast? Unfortunately, she's all booked up for the Christmas holiday. Those have towners wanting that small town Christmas. [01:30:21] Speaker C: Cheer. Yeah, they think like the phone, like it's like default notification noise on their phone and we're just like, oh, okay, they're all booked up. So, yeah, you're more than welcome to. If you want to stick around till we close. I'll definitely provide you food and drink. And I have an extra room in my place. I'll probably have to go let Rosalind know as. [01:30:51] Speaker D: Well. That is just so generous of you. I don't know. How can I pay you. [01:30:58] Speaker C: Back? Oh, you're, you're so fine. You're already here at the diner. I just like seeing people here at this place, this, this family owned diner. I've been taking care of it for a while now. And you know, I started doing this because my mom was doing it and we just like taking care of people and everyone needs a good. [01:31:24] Speaker D: You. That is so true. You know, that just feels like embodying the spirit of the season all year round. I'm. It's really so lovely to have found you. [01:31:38] Speaker C: Here. I, I, I guess, yeah. By this season we, I try to do it like, you know, this business is my livelihood. It's also like I care about this. So I guess I never really get too into the holiday spirit, I suppose. But. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I appreciate that. Thank. [01:32:05] Speaker D: You. I Mean, I just appreciate the environment that you've cultivated here. You must be one of the most popular spots here in town with the vibes and the. [01:32:17] Speaker C: Attitude. Well, I mean, the town really has, you know, maybe two other shops and like the bar. So, you know, when people are done here, they usually go to the bar. I heard, you know, there is a great person that does great singing and performances there. Wonderful voice. You may, you may have met them, actually. They work a little bit too much. You know, I'm always worried that they're going to stress themselves out with Simran. So, yeah, if, if you want to check out the bar. I don't know if they're going tonight, but Simran does, you know, sing. Incredible voice. [01:33:01] Speaker D: Truly. He sings well. I mean, I don't know if the bar is going to be open in this weather, but maybe we can get her to do some caroling for us in. [01:33:10] Speaker C: Here. I. Maybe I'll ask gently, but I don't want to have her overwork, you know, work her other job while working here. You know, I. I try to. I try to make sure I could hear what I can, but, you know, it's like it's all I can pay. It's only me and her. [01:33:33] Speaker D: Really. That is just so considerate of you. You know, places like these, sometimes they say, you know, we're like a family and they use that to abuse their employees. But you, it seems like you're really trying to do good work here. And again, her hand is sort of gently petting down Paloma's arm at this. [01:33:54] Speaker C: Point. Yeah, yeah, I, you know, I submit's been so great. They've been really helpful has like, just been. They appreciate the touch. But I was just like, okay, just. They're gonna like, so where are you, where are you coming out of town from, Nikki? Like, why don't you have a place to. [01:34:20] Speaker D: Stay? Oh, I just go where the spirit brings me, really. So I wasn't expecting to end up here, but I mean, I wouldn't even say I'm making the best of it. I think that it's a lovely spot, weather with. [01:34:36] Speaker C: Notwithstanding. Yeah, well, I mean, I'm glad you made your way here. You really have like a great energy. You're bringing up the place itself just on your own. And that's really nice, you know, because we could all use. And I think like right now I could use some good energy in this. [01:34:56] Speaker D: Place. Well, I'm happy to share energy with you however you'd like. Is there anything I can do to help in the Kitchen. [01:35:07] Speaker C: Or. Oh no, no, no, I, it's fine. I, I, I could cook these meals blindfolded at this point. Please, just like, you know, go make yourself comfortable out like in the booth or wherever. I want to go talk to Roslyn really quick, just give her an update. But I, I, I appreciate the offer but like I, I can't, it's, it's on. [01:35:31] Speaker D: Me. Well, if you change your mind, let me know and maybe I'll check back in with. [01:35:40] Speaker C: You. Sure, sure, sure. And Paloma is going to walk away, maybe just slightly blushing, like just slightly. But they're going to go find Roslyn really. [01:35:54] Speaker B: Quick. Yeah, Rosalind is currently like trying to figure out if she can cast something to your TV on her. [01:36:07] Speaker C: Phone. Yeah, I think Roslyn and just like. Oh hey, are you okay? So like this tv, it doesn't have anything remote built in, but I have this, I found it online really cheap. I understood why, but we found someone in town tomorrow. It's called A. And we were able to find someone to like. I don't understand. They said hack it and now you could stream your stuff to the tv so it's called Paloma's. [01:36:42] Speaker B: Ouya. Oh, I wondered what that. [01:36:45] Speaker C: Was. Yeah, it's strange little box. I don't even know what it was used for initially. I'm not like that. [01:36:50] Speaker B: Technology. I thought, I thought I'd help get the, the Festive Spirit up with some holiday. [01:36:57] Speaker C: Films. Oh yeah, that'd be so fun. Yeah, the, I didn't bring any of the VHS tapes with me, but yeah, it's. [01:37:06] Speaker B: Great. I've got access to quite a few of the streaming services so there's plenty on there to keep us busy for a little bit. [01:37:16] Speaker C: Great. Well I, that'll be great. I really appreciate that. I, I do want to let you know I checked with Geraldine. Unfortunately bed and breakfast, they're all booked. But again you are more than free to come stay at my place. I think the other person, Nikki, out of towner is going to come stay over as well if they can't find someone to stay with just cuz they're also from out of town. I didn't. [01:37:44] Speaker B: Realize. I, I appreciate the year the offer of some to stay. [01:37:54] Speaker C: Honestly. Yeah, yeah, we got a fireplace, would be cozy, extra room. I keep it all proper just in case someone needs to stay over. You know, sometimes it gets, it gets like. [01:38:10] Speaker B: This. Yeah. Whenever the snow will let us out. Yeah, no, it's, it just keeps going. [01:38:17] Speaker C: Wild. I should start salting. [01:38:19] Speaker B: Outside. I think it might Be a little late for. [01:38:22] Speaker C: That. Yeah, no, you're right. It was wishful. [01:38:25] Speaker B: Thinking. Yeah. I haven't even seen, like, a snowplow go by. [01:38:32] Speaker C: Yet. I don't think they're prepared for it, honestly. You know, this far out, like, Wisconsin, it's gonna take 12. [01:38:41] Speaker B: Hours. Us will be a bit. [01:38:46] Speaker C: Then. Yeah. What were we gonna put. [01:38:52] Speaker B: On? I was discussing the Muppet Christmas Carol with Diana there, and that got me thinking. I think it would be a perfect one to start. [01:39:03] Speaker C: With. Oh, yeah. That's like with Kermit and Elmo, right? I've only seen the. [01:39:12] Speaker B: Woods. Well, Kermit, isn't it? No, no, Elmo. [01:39:16] Speaker C: That'S. Oh. [01:39:17] Speaker B: Okay. Yeah. I think you're thinking of. [01:39:21] Speaker C: Gonzo. Maybe. I'm. I'm bad with the Muppet people. Guys, they. They're all fuzzy and. [01:39:29] Speaker B: Funny. You are very correct. [01:39:33] Speaker C: There. Yeah. Well, Great. I'm gonna start getting our dinner menu prepared. But if you need anything, truly, feel free to ask. Feel free to stream. Whatever. I mean, with a reason. Obviously, there's a kid. [01:39:55] Speaker B: Here. Yeah, I wouldn't. I. [01:39:57] Speaker D: Wouldn'T. [01:39:58] Speaker C: Yeah. You know, I'm not to say. I just. It's something as. That's the. The business owner side of me. I just. I need to say it for legal. [01:40:04] Speaker B: Reasons. Understandable. And suddenly you start hearing the. The start of Muppy Christmas Carol, and as. As it starts. [01:40:16] Speaker C: Going. Is it. Is that Michael. [01:40:22] Speaker B: Kane? [01:40:24] Speaker C: Yeah. [01:40:26] Speaker E: Okay. [01:40:28] Speaker D: Wow. Dalton, like. Oh, hey, that's the butler from the Dark. [01:40:32] Speaker B: Knight. [01:40:36] Speaker A: Yeah. At least he's seen a movie. You know, at least his favorite movie is in Fight. [01:40:44] Speaker C: Club. Jesus. [01:40:45] Speaker B: Christ. It's in the top 10, though. [01:40:48] Speaker C: Right? Behind. [01:40:49] Speaker E: Memento. He really liked Joker, the one with Joaquin Phoenix. Oh, no, he really understood. He understood what it. What it meant, you know. [01:41:02] Speaker B: Society. Yeah, we all live in the. [01:41:04] Speaker E: Society. The male loneliness epidemic. He gets it. He gets it. He gets. [01:41:09] Speaker D: It. But he doesn't need to be lonely because he has you, Diana. And you're such a perfect. [01:41:15] Speaker A: Couple. Yeah. We are the perfect couple. You're so right. I know nothing wrong is going to happen as long as we're. [01:41:24] Speaker E: Together. Love you, too, Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. I'm gonna. I. I've been doing my job. I've been serving tables, double checking, and so I think I'm making. I have to make my rounds of checks again because, you know, blizzard weather means people are gonna most likely be sticking around, and unfortunately, I am on the clock. So I think I will make my way back to Rosalind's table. I guess and just first go. Can I get you. [01:41:59] Speaker B: Anything? She sort of looks up from the. The coffee that she's drinking. He goes, I'm. I'm. [01:42:10] Speaker E: Yeah. So you go. [01:42:14] Speaker B: Ahead. Your. [01:42:18] Speaker E: Kid? Yes. [01:42:22] Speaker B: Yeah. He's very. [01:42:25] Speaker E: Cute. Thanks. That's. That's my son. [01:42:34] Speaker B: Colton. Great name. [01:42:43] Speaker E: Yeah. How have you been. [01:42:48] Speaker B: Doing? You know, keeping busy. I haven't been home in a couple years, but. Oh, everyone's always. Everyone's always so busy. Most of my siblings have all gotten married, and. I mean, Roger still lives in Belgardia, but, you know, he's the oldest, so he's the one that symbolically is gonna take over when her parents die for a title that means. Doesn't mean. [01:43:22] Speaker A: Anything. Yeah. [01:43:23] Speaker E: Yeah. How about you? Seeing. [01:43:30] Speaker B: Anyone? Not currently. You know, I've been trying to do the thing where I get to know who I am beyond a. [01:43:43] Speaker A: Relationship. [01:43:45] Speaker E: Ah. Yeah. Yeah. Well, if you need anything, let me. [01:43:54] Speaker B: Know. Of. [01:43:57] Speaker E: Course. I pick up my tray, I turn to walk away. I pause, I look over my shoulder for a second. I look back, and then I turn around and just go. I'm sorry for the way we left things, you know, me. Me leaving like I did and not saying any. Anything. It was a lot. There was a lot going on and, you know, like, that. That wasn't right. I've thought about it a lot, but it's not like. Wasn't sure how to go about even attempting to contact you or anything, but, I mean. I mean, you're here, so I can edit at least. At least throw that out. [01:44:48] Speaker B: There. Could be here for a few days, so I think there's plenty of time to catch. [01:45:00] Speaker E: Up. Well, I look forward to that then, baby. And I'll not continue my rounds of asking people if they need things, getting things for them, etc. Etc. Look at the Muppets movie occasionally, you. [01:45:24] Speaker B: Know, But. Yes, Diana, whenever you sit down at the table again, Dalton tells you all about this wonderful new investment that Nikki sort of. Sort of turned him on to. And he thinks this could be great returns, especially, you know, you want to buy that house soon? You know, for your. [01:45:53] Speaker A: Future. Sorry, are you talking to. [01:45:59] Speaker B: Me? [01:45:59] Speaker A: Yes. I heard Nikki, and I assumed you were still talking to Nikki. Yeah, Yeah, I think Diana is like, you know, if you. If you. I mean, I didn't. I didn't know you were interested in buying a house out here or. Or were you thinking other. [01:46:27] Speaker B: Places? Well, we would. We would obviously buy it closer to, you know, at least where my job is. Yeah. So sometimes they. Yeah, let me do. Be remote but more often than not, they want me to come into the. [01:46:46] Speaker A: Office. So aren't you kind of, like, important to them? Why can't you just ask to be. [01:46:51] Speaker B: Remote? I mean, and then I would miss out on all of the. [01:46:56] Speaker A: Opportunities. Oh, well, you know, I guess sometimes your job's a little over my head. [01:47:03] Speaker B: Sometimes. And then he's going to start, like, explaining parts of his job again he's done before, just being like, yeah, no, this is. This is what I do, and this is who I liaison and network with. [01:47:17] Speaker A: And. And she absolutely does know what his job is. But every time she's trying to say she understands his job, he explains it to her. So turns out you. You can't win saying you don't know. It also gets it explained to. [01:47:29] Speaker B: You. [01:47:30] Speaker A: Yeah. And she is simply watching the Muppets out of the corner of her eye and trying to. Trying to remember what she likes about this man. He's pretty. He's very pretty. And he's. [01:47:50] Speaker B: Rich. Yeah, you should give me a cocoa roll about. [01:47:54] Speaker A: That. Oh, dear. Oh, no, that's okay. That's gonna be an. [01:48:05] Speaker B: 11. 11. No. [01:48:07] Speaker A: Doubles. No. [01:48:09] Speaker B: Doubles. You managed to at least not let on that you are mainly focusing on the Christmas Carol and everything. And at some point, you know, Rossalyn catches your eye and she sort of notices and kind of just like cheers her hot chocolate at. [01:48:30] Speaker A: You. I will cheers her back. And also blush to have been caught not paying attention to my partner and will endeavor to pay more attention and ask meaningful questions that he probably is going to ignore as. As per usual and is just gonna. Just gonna remind yourself she's lucky to have him. Doesn't. Doesn't get better than. [01:49:04] Speaker B: This. This is where I press X to. [01:49:09] Speaker A: Doubt. Well, she never had any luck at. [01:49:16] Speaker B: Home. Yeah, it's moving on past dinner time. You've all been here all day. This is one of those lower budget holiday films where they have one location and they kind of script everything out like it's a. [01:49:32] Speaker A: Play. Honestly, those are stronger. [01:49:34] Speaker B: Films. I mean, honestly, this is. This may be also to the directors, like, I want to do everything in one. [01:49:38] Speaker A: Take. Oh, boy. One take. The whole. [01:49:41] Speaker C: Film. [01:49:42] Speaker A: Yeah. I do think at some point like that, Diana will go over to like, Paloma and ask, is there anything that I can do to help out around here? We've all just sort of been hanging out for a few hours now, and I don't want to put you out more than normally would be. I mean, you didn't sign up to have a bunch of customers just sit Here and, And. And go through all your stock and stuff. Not that we wouldn't pay. I'm sure we will. We will definitely be. [01:50:15] Speaker C: Paying. Honestly, Diana, it's no worries. This is actually. It's been real nice, just like, not having to worry about new people going in and out, in and out. You're. You're so good. It's just, you know, just making sure we're doing okay and no one has to go out. How. How have you been doing? How's gonna, like, look over to see how's your. [01:50:48] Speaker A: Boyfriend? Yep. That's. Yeah, Dalton is my. [01:50:53] Speaker C: Boyfriend. [01:50:54] Speaker A: Okay. We've been dating for two months. I met him on. There was a library conference at the big city, and we ran into each other at the coffee shop. It was really cute. He bought me a coffee and then we got talking and he was really nice and sweet and charming and. [01:51:16] Speaker E: And. [01:51:18] Speaker D: And. [01:51:19] Speaker C: Yeah. [01:51:20] Speaker A: Yeah. Handsome. And. [01:51:22] Speaker C: Handsome. Oh, okay. Okay. And how. How was he been on this. [01:51:28] Speaker A: Trip? Oh, well, you know, I'm. I guess small towns aren't quite for everyone, much as I love it here. Obviously never really left more than a short, short amount of time, so. But he's city boy all the way through. I don't know if he's been anywhere smaller than Milwaukee until now, so it's a bit of a change for him. And he's not used to winter weather. He comes out from some of the warmer. [01:52:00] Speaker C: States. You know, I think Paloma is gonna, like, look at that. And just like, look at Dalton, who's like, not even watching them up as well. Movie is still on their phone. They've actually, like, moved slightly over to a different booth because there's an outlet over there and it's plugged their phone in and just going to get a slice of like, their apple pie, put it in front of them. It's like, Diana, you are a very, very lovely person. You brighten the room when you walk in. Dalton is not as bright as. [01:52:40] Speaker E: You. Well, I mean. [01:52:43] Speaker A: You. You just haven't gotten to know him. He's a little standoffish, but I think that just comes from. From the high stakes sort of business life he's in. He's not used to being able to just open up to people right away. Normally, you know, you can't just trust people off the bat when you work and the sort of things that he does. So he's just a little shyer to reveal his inner self, you know, he was getting along great with Nikki better than I ever. [01:53:16] Speaker C: Have. They were talking about bitcoin he loves bitcoin. Yeah, I. You love. [01:53:22] Speaker A: Bitcoin? I have gotten several books from the library on bitcoin and I did read all of them. [01:53:29] Speaker C: Yeah. Okay. Yeah. That doesn't answer my. [01:53:31] Speaker A: Question. I'm very knowledgeable on. [01:53:35] Speaker C: Bitcoin. Great. Great. I. [01:53:38] Speaker A: Just. And relationships are about, you know, give and take and stuff. Sometimes you gotta like things that you. Your partner doesn't and they gotta like things that you don't. Or. No, the other way. [01:53:49] Speaker C: Around. Okay. I just. I just. I'm just saying don't put yourself out too much for this person that. He said like five words to you today, dear. Like truly earnestly. And I. You could do so much better. Really? You could do so much better. I hate to be like. Just saying this very. But you know, I. I don't want to see you upset. You're always so nice at the library and you're here all the. [01:54:21] Speaker A: Time. Well, it's a real great atmosphere around here. [01:54:30] Speaker C: Yeah. And it's great when you're here. You're such a joy to talk to. And Dalton. Dalton eats six sausage links and a black coffee for. [01:54:40] Speaker A: Breakfast. He works out really hard and he needs the extra protein. He does a morning. A whole morning routine. It takes him an hour and a half. He starts at. [01:54:51] Speaker C: 5Am that's when I start coming into the. [01:54:56] Speaker A: Diner. [01:54:58] Speaker C: Yep. That's. [01:55:00] Speaker A: Wild. You gotta get started. You gotta start the grind early if you're gonna grind it. Right. Or something like. [01:55:08] Speaker C: That. Something. [01:55:09] Speaker A: Okay. Well, I don't know. That's what he always says. I. I don't really have the head for business. I. I just read. [01:55:17] Speaker C: Books. Well, you read them very well. You're always really helpful recommendations. Every time I've gone over to help look for like a handyman book, you know, I learned how to build this place from all the books you have at the library. [01:55:29] Speaker A: So. Oh, that reminds me. Your holds are in. I should have brought them with me. I didn't even think about. [01:55:34] Speaker C: It. I'm so sorry about it. I'll. [01:55:36] Speaker B: After. I'll bring them back. [01:55:37] Speaker A: Tomorrow. Don't. [01:55:37] Speaker C: Worry. After all this dispose over with the snow and everything and then I have. God, I have a princess staying over tonight because they don't have a place to. [01:55:46] Speaker A: Go. Oh, is she staying with you? Are you sure you like the. [01:55:51] Speaker C: Room? I. I have. I have. [01:55:53] Speaker A: Actually. I mean, you've already been putting everybody up all day. I would hate for you to also put up people at home when you're supposed to be off. [01:56:01] Speaker C: Work. I. It's. There they are A princess, like, with no place to stay. [01:56:11] Speaker A: Like. Well, I don't mean throw her out. I'm just saying I have a spare room and I can always, you know, share with. Well, Dalton's actually staying at the. The hotel. 20 minutes in the other town, so I actually have a lot of room. He just comes over really early after his workout, which is convenient, cuz I think it would wake me up if he were working out in the. [01:56:35] Speaker B: House. [01:56:36] Speaker C: Yeah. Yeah. Well, I mean, there's also Nikki. Nikki and Rosalyn both need a place to. [01:56:41] Speaker A: Stay. Oh, my goodness. Yeah, Nikki, you're just turning into a whole bed and breakfast, huh? We got butt in reverse. You're doing a breakfast and then. [01:56:49] Speaker C: Bed. Yeah, I. I just, you know, I. I feel bad about, you know, they got a place to go and I don't have much people at home anyways for the holidays. [01:57:00] Speaker A: So. Well, as long as you're not putting yourself out too much. But if you need any help or assistance or anything, Dalton, I would be sure to help. We don't want you working too hard and putting up all the guests in town. Both feeding them and bed, not bedding them. Oh, I didn't mean. [01:57:21] Speaker C: That. I think Paloma's like. Like chokes on the cocoa. Yeah, I understand what you mean. It really, it's fine. It's just. It's nice to see you and just. Hey, think about what I said. Really, I think you could do a lot better. And they're going to put a bunch of whipped cream on the apple piece and just slide it over like. This one's on the house. All. [01:57:49] Speaker A: Right? Oh, you are just the sweetest. All right, well, if you don't need anything, I'll let you have your a little quiet time back because, you know, the whole restaurant's overrun. But if you do need something, you know where to find me. I'll be. Oh, I guess we moved booths. I'll be going over to the other booth now, I. [01:58:15] Speaker B: Suppose. Yeah, magical. [01:58:18] Speaker A: Booths. I don't know why he bothered trying to move. It's not like we have any good service out. [01:58:24] Speaker C: Here. Yeah, even with the WI Fi, it's not great, but at least Rosalind's putting movies. [01:58:30] Speaker E: On. I. [01:58:31] Speaker A: Know. Isn't that. That was such a great idea she. [01:58:34] Speaker C: Had. [01:58:34] Speaker A: Yeah. I hope she's having a fun time, even though she's just stuck in a diner. It's a lovely diner. I'm just, you. [01:58:43] Speaker C: Know. No, I understand. I appreciate it. It's just I wasn't prepared for a guest like. [01:58:48] Speaker A: That. Sure. Who Would be, I guess maybe like the Ritz Carlton might be in that big old hotel in New York. I bet they're ready for. [01:59:01] Speaker C: Princesses. I mean they were going to Chicago, so there's places out. [01:59:05] Speaker A: There. Yeah, Chicago's probably got some big ones, fancy. [01:59:09] Speaker C: Places. I've never been very. [01:59:12] Speaker A: Windy. Is. [01:59:13] Speaker C: It? Yeah. You think they're just saying it? I mean once or twice, you know, to go talk like business supply, talking to banks out. [01:59:24] Speaker A: There. I just travel through books, which is pretty good way to do it, I. [01:59:32] Speaker B: Think. [01:59:33] Speaker A: Yeah. And the, and the twice every two years. There's the library conference that I try to attend when I. [01:59:39] Speaker C: Can. Oh, that sounds. [01:59:41] Speaker D: Great. [01:59:41] Speaker C: Yeah. Well, I'm gonna go check in on. [01:59:46] Speaker A: People. Thank you for the. [01:59:48] Speaker C: Pie. I appreciate it. Yeah, enjoy the pie. I know it's your. [01:59:50] Speaker A: Favorite. It is. You always. [01:59:53] Speaker C: Remember. I'm gonna go check in on Simran and Colton, see how they're doing. Make sure Simran's not freaking out too much because I saw their face. [02:00:05] Speaker E: Earlier. I think I've, I've, I've calmed down a lot because I've been working. Right. So I'm, I'm a lot more chill right now. Plus, you know, I'm just making sure that, that Colton is, is got everything that he needs. You know, he's, he's finished homework A long time ago. I kind of put him at the booth that's like right beside the charger, like, like an outlet so he can charge his stuff and you know, he doesn't get too bored as a 12 year old kid. Eventually he's gonna get tired and stuff. So hopefully a booth is a better place to take a nap or two in. But otherwise, you know, I'm keeping, I'm keeping proper, you know, busy proper. But when you come over, I'll like speak to you at the side or something like that so we can chill out a little. [02:01:01] Speaker C: Bit. Yeah, I think Pluma is just gonna. Seems like hey, appreciate you, you know, dealing with other people, staying all day. How is holding up? I saw you talking to Rosalynn earlier and you looked, you looked. [02:01:22] Speaker E: Stressed. Feeling I'm stressed. Something weird. You ever just, you ever just have a past that just keep. Keeps coming. [02:01:42] Speaker C: Back? Loma thinking about the Bankman contacted their phone. Yeah, no, I get what you. [02:01:51] Speaker E: Mean. [02:01:52] Speaker B: Yeah. I'm sure this question is very apropos Simran, but of those two people, how similar do they. [02:02:00] Speaker E: Look? Oh, you mean, you mean Colton and Roslyn? Yeah, I'd say, you know, I think, I think Colton for sure has the Peak resemblance with. With me, you know, like, there's no doubt that Colton's my. My son and I am Colton's mom. However, dare I say, there's. There's something there. There's something there that's. That. That, you know, you. You squint a little and go, huh, Is that Belgardian that I see there? I don't know. Maybe, you know, and I'll just go, you know, I look, I look at. [02:02:44] Speaker A: My. [02:02:44] Speaker E: My. My son who's probably got like a head like, like headphones on, is just like chilling so he can't hear me. He can't hear me. And I pray that he's not in between songs or something like that. And I just go, you know, I was pretty wild in my youth, you know, back in. In the day. Let's just say I really put the ho ho, ho in. In this Christmas. [02:03:08] Speaker C: Spirit. Well, I like, like, does like the back with like a napkin just like. [02:03:14] Speaker E: A. I'm just saying. I'm just saying. I'm just saying. Okay, you know, like, I. And maybe. Maybe I. [02:03:27] Speaker C: Traveled. I think, like, l has a look on her face and like, sees that maybe Sim looked at Colton and then like, looks across diner and sees Roslyn. [02:03:44] Speaker E: Sim. I. I. Listen, listen, listen. Why did you tell they. [02:03:49] Speaker D: Weren'T. Well. [02:03:51] Speaker B: It'S. [02:03:52] Speaker E: It's. It's like. Were you gonna actually believe. [02:03:55] Speaker C: Me? I. I believe you. You're one of the most trustworthy person I know. You're so. [02:04:02] Speaker E: Dependable. Oh, thank you. But like, yeah, no, like, we weren't. We weren't. We weren't like exclusive until we were okay. And, and I'm no small country or not, it's still a country. [02:04:23] Speaker C: No. Hey. So do they walk on you? Are they. Are they. They leave you and. [02:04:30] Speaker E: Colton. They don't. They don't know. They did. Didn't know. I really didn't. I really didn't know either. I. It just happened. But we, like, talked a lot about was just. I didn't know. She didn't know. Things. Things happen. So many things. So many things happened. Just. Just. I just. I didn't. I. I'm not exactly winning anything favors or favorites with the family, you know, and they just. They. They didn't. They didn't want this. Any of this. They offered me money to leave. I didn't take it. Did not take it. I left on my own accord. I don't need none of that. Except now. Now I definitely need it. It's rough out here telling. [02:05:34] Speaker C: Me. Okay, but like. Okay, wait but, like, how. So how do you, Roslyn, feel? Is this like. Don't tell me. This is like. Is this like my stories? Did you see each other from across the way? And there was a spark. I thought the energy was weird. I thought it was just Nikki being. [02:05:49] Speaker E: Weird. I don't know. I don't know. I. I don't. They're so. [02:05:55] Speaker C: Pretty. You're so pretty. You're so pretty together. Thank. [02:06:00] Speaker E: You. I don't. But I don't. I don't know. I don't want to force anything. I was the one that walked away, you know, And. And now here I am 12 years later. [02:06:09] Speaker D: With. [02:06:11] Speaker E: With. With what? With what? A son? That. That, like, I'm just extra baby weight that never. [02:06:22] Speaker D: Left. I can't. [02:06:23] Speaker E: Compete. I was so good in my youth and now I'm like. [02:06:28] Speaker C: Just. You look so great. The only reason that people don't like asking on dates all the time because they know you'll beat their ass if they say anything wrong. I've heard you sing. You sing so well. Oh, my God. Do you look okay? I'm just saying Rosalind is so pretty and like, you know, they. They have a great match half. And I think you two would be really cute. [02:06:52] Speaker E: Together. Yeah. But how am I going to tell her about the possibility of. Of. Of. And I. And I look. I look at my son and how am I going to tell him? This is. This is so. [02:07:06] Speaker C: Much. It's a lot. But I think if you still. Girl, this is so plumb. Was just like. Is just like my story. This is so exciting. Okay. Okay. You just need to say it. Like, if you. If you still feel like that. Communication Simrin, you're so good at communication. Every other way. You're always on time. You. If you're going to be a minute late, you tell me you work at another job. 9 to 5, you. [02:07:33] Speaker E: Know? 9 to. [02:07:34] Speaker C: 5. 9 to 5. 9 to. [02:07:36] Speaker E: 5. [02:07:41] Speaker C: Just. It's gonna be adjustment. Especially like, I want to have a kid, but, like, Colton has another mom. They should know them. [02:07:50] Speaker E: Right? But she's still finding herself. I. I already. [02:07:54] Speaker C: Have. [02:07:55] Speaker E: Together. Okay, okay, fine. Okay, fine, fine. I'll tell her. I'll tell her. I'll tell. [02:08:02] Speaker B: Her. [02:08:02] Speaker C: Great. I could have. I could put stuff over there if you'll have a moment alone. I. Okay. So I was just. They're gonna stay at my place tonight, and so was Nikki because they don't have a place to stay. But. Do you want me to suggest maybe. Maybe you should just do. [02:08:19] Speaker E: This? I. [02:08:22] Speaker A: Could. [02:08:22] Speaker E: Yeah. [02:08:23] Speaker D: Yeah. [02:08:23] Speaker C: Yeah. I mean, Nikki. Nikki Nicki suffers. Say, maybe that way I don't have to couch surf. Nikki can just sleep inside the. [02:08:30] Speaker D: Room. I can sleep measure this. True. That's. [02:08:32] Speaker E: True. [02:08:34] Speaker C: Yeah. [02:08:34] Speaker E: Yeah. Okay. [02:08:35] Speaker B: Okay. [02:08:35] Speaker E: Okay. Okay, okay, okay, okay. Okay. Okay. How I look? I just. Should I fix my. [02:08:46] Speaker C: Hair? Bl's going to like, adjust and just kind of like get the hair out of their face and just like wipe the, you know, whatever off their a branches. Like, you look wonderful. Wonderful. You got that ass that will quit. Like. I'm sorry I'm saying this as your boss, but you look. [02:09:03] Speaker E: Incredible. It's all right. We don't have. [02:09:05] Speaker C: Hr. That's true. It's just you and. [02:09:07] Speaker E: Me. [02:09:08] Speaker A: Exactly. It's. [02:09:09] Speaker D: Fine. It's. [02:09:10] Speaker E: Fine. We're friends, okay? We take this. This company, family. [02:09:14] Speaker C: Seriously. I. I don't like that. I just. I want to be supportive. I get it. I'm. You're also your boss. I just try to be really supportive as a friend as. [02:09:21] Speaker E: Well. [02:09:23] Speaker D: Okay. Okay. [02:09:25] Speaker E: It. We. We were in the friend friendship corner anyways. You know, the boss corner is over. [02:09:29] Speaker C: There. You're so right. You're so right. Okay, I'll go make sure other people are busy and I'll let you. I'll let you go talk to. [02:09:38] Speaker D: Roslyn. [02:09:39] Speaker E: Okay? Okay. Okay. Rub my hands on my. [02:09:43] Speaker B: Jeans. So, Nicky, question. What's the name of your financial investment. [02:09:52] Speaker D: Service? It's Yukon Cornelius. But Nikki has moved on from talking about investment now. And where is. [02:10:11] Speaker B: Diana? It's a great question. [02:10:13] Speaker A: Diana. I think Diana is eating pie at like, the. Like the. The counter. Because she was eating it at the booth with Dalton and Dalton was locked in on his phone, so she moved to the. [02:10:33] Speaker D: Counter. Then Nikki is also going to find her way to the counter, I think without any prompting. The jukebox has started playing Here Comes Santa Claus as Nikki makes her way over to the counter with Diana sort of smiles disarmingly, raises both her hands and says, don't worry, I'm not here to talk about. [02:11:06] Speaker A: Investments. I mean, you could, but I. I don't think you'd find. Find me to be very interesting conversation partner on that. [02:11:17] Speaker D: Topic. Not very interesting or not very. [02:11:21] Speaker A: Interested? Oh, well, you know, perhaps a bit of. [02:11:26] Speaker D: Both. It seems to be all the chair brother cares. [02:11:36] Speaker A: About. No, Dalton's my. [02:11:38] Speaker E: Boyfriend. [02:11:41] Speaker A: Oh. Two. [02:11:42] Speaker D: Months and you. [02:11:47] Speaker E: Haven'T. [02:11:48] Speaker A: Oh. How do you seem so surprised by that? Don't know. [02:11:56] Speaker D: Why. I mean, just. I've only spent a bit of time with both of you. But are you normally better Suited outside of. [02:12:15] Speaker A: Here. I don't know what you. [02:12:20] Speaker D: Mean. Well, I mean, I've seen a lot of relationships come and come go and she sort of glances over towards Simran, but it just seems like the two of you don't share any interests. And while you've been terribly considerate this whole time, I mean, he seems like a bit of a dud, to be quite. [02:12:47] Speaker A: Frank. Well, I mean, this isn't like his usual sort of environment, you know. Everyone here is kind of a stranger to him except for me. And he's not used to not knowing people and he really doesn't like snow. He's. He's kind of from a desert. [02:13:06] Speaker D: Arizona. I mean, he might not know anyone else here, but he knows you. And he's still really blatantly ignoring you. [02:13:17] Speaker E: Here. [02:13:19] Speaker D: Oh. I. [02:13:19] Speaker A: Mean. Well, I mean, we already talked about crypto and I just kind of want to talk about town right now, which I guess isn't very considerate, all things considered. So I should really find a new topic, I. [02:13:33] Speaker D: Think. I mean, I haven't heard very much about the town at all. And with the snow, I haven't had a chance to walk around. I'd love to hear more about it if. [02:13:42] Speaker A: You'Re. Oh, goodness. You're also. You're the other one who's also passing through, right? The other. [02:13:46] Speaker D: Visitor. Yeah, that's. [02:13:48] Speaker A: Right. I've been so caught up with everything else. I. I'm. I'm very sorry. I haven't really properly introduced myself or nothing. We've been here hours. Well, I'm Diana. I know you kind of already know that. But, like, for real, I'm the librarian around here, so if you need a book while you're in town, I'm your. [02:14:09] Speaker D: Gal. That's good to know. I'm Nikki. And she will offer her. [02:14:16] Speaker A: Hand. I think Diana will short circuit a hot second because there's what she thought she was supposed to do and then realized, oh, nope, we're just shaking hands like normal people and not doing anything else whatsoever. Just shaking hands. Definitely not kissing them. Who would do that? That's strange and weird. Only shakes your hand. Have you. Have you been in town. [02:14:50] Speaker D: Long? No, I just got in earlier today. [02:14:54] Speaker E: Actually. [02:14:54] Speaker A: Oh. Well, what brings you to rose. [02:14:59] Speaker D: 10? [02:15:00] Speaker A: Dale. Dale, what brings you to. [02:15:05] Speaker D: Rosedale? Oh, just breezing through. You know how it is. I go where the spirit moves to. [02:15:14] Speaker A: Me. Oh, yeah, sure. Not a lot of people coming to Rosedale for Rosedale's sake, that's for sure. Even though it's a really charming. [02:15:22] Speaker D: Little Place, I was gonna say. I don't know why more people. People wouldn't come. [02:15:26] Speaker E: Here. [02:15:26] Speaker D: It's. Well, from the little I got to see before the snowstorm, I. I. [02:15:32] Speaker A: Don'T reckon we do a lot of good advertising and the tourism front and we aren't. No one around here is super, super great at the social media, except for, like, the kids. I put together a website for the town, though. I think it looks pretty. [02:15:50] Speaker E: Spiff. [02:15:53] Speaker A: But I don't know if most people are sort of finding that in their search results. It's kind of ranked real low. It's on the second page, actually. Nobody ever goes to the second. [02:16:02] Speaker D: Page. Well, just keeps it a pretty little secret then, isn't that. There's something exciting about. [02:16:10] Speaker A: That. That's true. It's a hidden gem. Maybe I'll add that to the. The next. I do a little blog post from the library about the town, so I. I'll add it to that. A hidden gem. [02:16:26] Speaker D: Yeah. That's a beautiful description of the city and its residents as well, it. [02:16:37] Speaker A: Seems. Oh, well, I mean, you basically said it first. I just sort of rephrased it a little bit. So I can give you credit when I'm writing the blog post, if you. [02:16:47] Speaker D: Want. That's very unnecessary, but I'd love to see the blog once it's. [02:16:54] Speaker A: Up. Sure. I could show you the other other posts, earlier ones, obviously not the. The one I'm writing in my head now and she'll pull out her phone and. And flip to a little blog post is probably WordPress. It was a WordPress blog that is just happenings in Rosedale. There's a lot of posts about, like, Paloma's Pantry and like, events that go down, library events. There's usually like little featurettes on different, like, people around town who've like, done something interesting or have an interesting. [02:17:30] Speaker D: Story. I think that Nikki sort of slips out of the bar seat that she was sitting at to stand very close next to Diana, one hand on the bar, the other on the sort of opposite side of the back of her chair. You know, just leaned in so she can see the screen and says, oh, this is lovely. You must really love this. [02:18:02] Speaker A: Town. Oh, it's my favorite place in the world. I don't have a lot to compare it to, to be fair, but I do read a lot, so it's still my favorite. [02:18:12] Speaker D: Place. I don't see that sort of passion and dedication very often these days for a place. It's quite. [02:18:24] Speaker A: Entranting. I don't know. I think you Just gotta talk to people who love things. Passion bleeds through, you. [02:18:32] Speaker D: Know? It certainly. [02:18:37] Speaker A: Does. What about you? What do you. What are you passionate. [02:18:44] Speaker D: About? Oh, like I said, I. I'm not passionate about a place. I'm just more sort of breeze through, try and bring what seasonal joy I can to. [02:19:05] Speaker E: People. [02:19:08] Speaker A: Sure. Yeah. I suppose that's kind of why you like crypto and stuff too, huh? It's not really a place or a thing, per se. It just sort of breezes through on the electric. [02:19:20] Speaker D: Highway. Nikki laughs Sounds like Bell's chiming tosses her hair back, gets somehow even closer to Diana. I have to admit that I'm not actually a fan of bitcoin and all of that. I. I picked up some of information just on my travels. [02:19:53] Speaker E: But I. [02:19:56] Speaker D: Can'T say that it seems worth it really. [02:19:58] Speaker A: For. Well, truth be told, at least in the research I've done, and I'm not an expert like Dalton, and it was. I just, you know, read a few books on it to be able to talk to him about it. It's not worth it. I mean, it's kind of a waste of money. It's a bit of a. [02:20:23] Speaker D: Scam. I mean, that take sounds much more well researched than everything that Dalton is. [02:20:32] Speaker A: Saying. Well, I mean, it's not as. I don't think it's as well rounded of a take as he's the one who's got all the passion into it and stuff, so, you know, if you're passionate about something, you're gonna know more about it than your average. [02:20:51] Speaker D: Librarian. I mean, I would say that you're passionate about this town. I don't know that passion is the word I would use to describe my conversation with Dalton. Condescension, Greed. The joy of knowing more about something than someone else without the actual knowledge to back it up. [02:21:30] Speaker A: Oh, I'm sorry you had such a bad conversation with. [02:21:35] Speaker D: Him. Well, this one washed the taste of it right out of my. [02:21:40] Speaker A: Mouth. Diana straight up, just starts. [02:21:45] Speaker D: Blushing. Oh, is that their apple. [02:21:52] Speaker A: Piece? Yes, Paloma. Paloma's famous pie. She's got a lot of flavors, but apple's my. [02:22:00] Speaker D: Favorite. I've only had the hot chocolate so. [02:22:04] Speaker A: Far. Oh, my goodness. Well, by all means. I don't think I'm gonna finish it anyway. Why don't you have the rest of. [02:22:11] Speaker D: Mine? Yeah. And she will take the fork that Diana's been using and get a. A nice slice of pie from right where the last fork marks have been and eat. [02:22:27] Speaker A: It. Diana is perhaps not watching, but the corner of her eye Is fixated. And then she gets up really quickly. Excuse me. I gotta go. I gotta go. I've gotta go to the bathroom. And it's just going to put distance between the two of us. Sorry. Just read what Aubrey. [02:22:59] Speaker B: Wrote. Paloma, how often are you checking your. [02:23:04] Speaker C: Phone? Everything's happening. Not as often, but maybe like every half hour to an hour. If you just make sure nothing urgent is. [02:23:19] Speaker B: Happening. Yeah, yeah, Yeah. You. You are doing this, and. And you get a notification from something called Yukon. [02:23:39] Speaker C: Cornelius. You contact Cornelius. I'm gonna, like, I think maybe stepped away from the kitchen is like, maybe taking a drink of water or something. Or probably coffee. Let's be real. Coffee. And it's like, looking at their phone, like, what's this? Isn't this the character from the one. [02:24:08] Speaker B: Movie? Apparently, but it's also doing a quick Google search. Appears to be some sort of investment. [02:24:16] Speaker C: App. Okay. Like, they're going to open notification and see what it. [02:24:24] Speaker B: Says. I guess it says that somebody has invested in Paloma's. [02:24:35] Speaker C: Pantry. I don't understand what this means. Like, I'm gonna, like, look further into, like. Like, then I'm assuming this is a significant investment if it's what I think. [02:24:57] Speaker D: Right? Yeah, yeah. [02:25:00] Speaker B: Yeah. It's like, we're up to, Say, about. [02:25:12] Speaker C: 30,000, I think. Yeah. Like, Bloom was like. Like scrolling and looking into it and sees a number and just, like. Just, like, starts choking on the water and just, like, puts it down. [02:25:29] Speaker B: What? More investments are coming in. Apparently this is the hot number one investment on the app right. [02:25:39] Speaker C: Now. What do you mean? How did. Did someone hack my ouya. What's happening? And it's just. Just, like, panicking and maybe, like, I. Maybe I run into Diana as they're running away. Gay panic or not. I'm sorry. Just running away. He's like, Diana. Diana, you were talking about. You were. You said you read some books about stuff. Could you look at this really. [02:26:10] Speaker A: Quick? Yeah, of course. What is. [02:26:13] Speaker C: It? I'm getting notifications that people are investing money into the rest of the diner. Am I reading this. [02:26:25] Speaker A: Right? Diana will look at what you're looking at and then say, yeah, you can. You're getting a lot of wonderful things. I mean, this is really good. This is a lot of. [02:26:47] Speaker C: Money. It's. It's. This is real. [02:26:51] Speaker A: Right? At the moment. Yeah. Though I would suggest transferring it out of crypto as soon as you have a chance. But at the moment, yeah, it's very. [02:27:02] Speaker D: Real. [02:27:04] Speaker A: That's. Oh, yeah, it's crypto for. [02:27:06] Speaker C: Sure. That's why it's so confusing. Okay. Oh. [02:27:09] Speaker B: Gosh. [02:27:10] Speaker C: Oh. Oh, this is very confusing. I think. Okay. I think I need to make some calls really. [02:27:23] Speaker B: Quick. [02:27:23] Speaker A: Maybe. Yeah, you might want to call, like, your financial advisor or your bank or something. Maybe both. You have a financial advisor. [02:27:34] Speaker C: Right? I have a. [02:27:39] Speaker A: Bank. All right, that's a good step. I'm gonna make sure to pull some books for you tomorrow on crypto and also investment. And, you know, you might want to consider, you could probably open up, like, a 401k with this sort of thing for. For. I mean, for Simran, too. Like, you could give your employees retirement. [02:28:09] Speaker C: Money. Oh, my. [02:28:11] Speaker A: God. I'm not an expert, but just based off of the number of zeros I'm seeing here, you could redo the whole. [02:28:19] Speaker B: Kitchen. It's up to 50,000. [02:28:21] Speaker A: Now. Oh, my God. They were. [02:28:24] Speaker C: Rocking. I think Paloma is, like, pacing and just, like, losing their cool really quick and just. Oh, okay. Sorry. Sorry, Diana. I didn't mean to pull you aside like this. I'm. [02:28:35] Speaker A: Just. No, no, by all. [02:28:37] Speaker C: Means. This is. I. I need to just make sure. This is. I was set to close on. [02:28:45] Speaker E: Christmas. [02:28:46] Speaker D: Us. [02:28:47] Speaker E: No. Were. [02:28:49] Speaker C: You? It. We haven't been making money, and this is. I don't even know what's happening. Some. I don't even. I don't even know how to set this up. Someone must have done it. And this is. This is. It saved the building. It saved. [02:29:12] Speaker D: Diner. [02:29:14] Speaker A: That's. I'm sorry you're going through such a hard time, but I'm really glad that it got prevented so easily. But, Paloma, you know, if you ever in a hard spot like that, you should really reach out to the town. You know, we come and rally together for you. This is a staple of Rose Date. Dale, Dale, Dale. [02:29:41] Speaker C: Rosedale. I. We. We all have to take care of everyone. I didn't want. [02:29:48] Speaker A: To. You take care of everyone all the time. You gotta let us help you. [02:29:54] Speaker C: Back. It's just, you know, it's been so hard to just do it on our own and, you know, a great help, but, you know, they're already working two nine to fives. Oh, my God. Maybe they could. That'd be so good for them. Okay, sorry. I didn't mean to just like. Oh, sorry. Sorry, Diana, you're just. [02:30:18] Speaker A: Really. You want a hug. [02:30:19] Speaker C: Honey? Yeah, that'd be great. That'd be. [02:30:23] Speaker A: Nice. Dana will give you a very big, warm hug and just, like, hold. Hold you there until you let go. [02:30:30] Speaker C: Yeah. Yeah. I think Pluma reciprocates and like. Like it's there for like a second where it's a little long but not uncomfortably long and then just like let's go. There's like a squeeze of the arm. Just. I appreciate you a lot. I am gonna make a call really quick also, by the way, if you see someone's gonna talk to Roslyn really quick and I think it's gonna be really cute. Hopefully it's gonna be really cute. You should just keep an eye out for that. I'll be right. [02:31:05] Speaker A: Back. So many follow up questions, but you go to your. You don't go, go. [02:31:10] Speaker C: Go. Paloma's gonna figure out how to get this crypto into real money so. [02:31:15] Speaker A: Fast. I think Diana has already sent you like three pertinent articles and also like a recommendation of like a financial advisor and then is also going to go back over to Dalton and sit down across from him and say, Dalton, honey, can we. [02:31:37] Speaker B: Talk? And he kind of looks up for what he's doing and goes. About anything in. [02:31:50] Speaker A: Particular? Yeah, about quite a bit in particular. Honey, do you like. [02:31:55] Speaker B: Me? Kind of gives you like a. Of course I. [02:32:04] Speaker E: Do. Are. [02:32:07] Speaker A: You. You know, there's. It's alright if you've changed your mind. It's just that you don't seem to care much about anything that I care about and I have a whole stack of books on crypto and I've read them all and I don't care a whit about. [02:32:30] Speaker B: Crypto. Give me a ironically named in this moment cheer. [02:32:43] Speaker A: Roll. Oh, this is gonna go. Let's see how well these dice roll. That is only an eight because I have plus zero. Cheer. [02:32:54] Speaker B: Zero. Chair. No, no doubles, no. [02:32:57] Speaker A: Doubles. That's a five and a. [02:32:58] Speaker B: Three. All right. Do you know, it's, it sort of like takes a moment and goes. Well, things are coming to their end anyway so you know, I'll be out of here as soon as the snow. [02:33:13] Speaker C: Melts. [02:33:15] Speaker A: Oh, All right. [02:33:23] Speaker B: Then. Well, I wish you all the best of luck in your future. [02:33:27] Speaker A: Endeavors. Right. Like a business. Well, I hope you find happiness, Dalton, and good luck with your big meeting next week. I know you were really worried about it, but I think you're gonna do. [02:33:45] Speaker B: Fine. Thank. [02:33:48] Speaker A: You. Gonna get up and, and walk away. Very. [02:33:57] Speaker B: Sad. Towards anywhere in. [02:34:00] Speaker A: Particular? [02:34:02] Speaker B: No. [02:34:03] Speaker A: Okay. It's a very sad walk away and realizing we are stuck in a diner. I might sneak back into the kitchen since it's not really in use right. [02:34:15] Speaker B: Now. So Simran, what are you up. [02:34:21] Speaker E: To? Currently going back and forth about how I'm about to. To essentially drop. Drop A bomb on Rosalind. Because I've been. I've been edged to do it, you know, I've been edged. Egged. Egged, that's the word. Nah, it. I've been edged to do it. To tell Rosalind about the. The. My child's lineage, I guess is the. Is the best way to put it. And I think I'm just walking back and forth, pacing a little bit. I'm trying to. Trying to keep busy, trying to look like I'm actually working. But we're at that point in this snowing where nobody needs anything except maybe they would like me to have a break because all I'm doing is walking, you know, so it's. That's where I'm at right now, I think. Just gonna rip the band aid off and do. [02:35:34] Speaker B: It. Yeah. And as you're. You're pacing, you hear Russell's voice saying, when was the last time you ate. [02:35:41] Speaker E: Something? Well, I've had like at least two hot chocolates with spirits, but I. I don't believe I've. I. [02:35:55] Speaker D: Don'T. [02:35:56] Speaker E: Wow. You know, that sure is the time over there on that clock. That still works somehow. Okay, so. Been a. [02:36:03] Speaker B: While. Well, there is. There is a pie. We could sit there and I could. We could split a slice for old. [02:36:23] Speaker E: Times. Well, I do believe I'm owed at least a 15 minute break or two, so. Yeah, why not? At least I swear I get better breaks and whatnot. My hours are actually quite flexible. I just had to, you know, this is. Been a while. We've been trapped here a. [02:36:47] Speaker B: While. Yeah. Does seem to be lightening up a little bit, but there's quite a bit of snow on the. [02:36:55] Speaker E: Ground. Yeah, I. I go, I sit with them, kind of munch on a slice or two of this pie and just go. [02:37:12] Speaker B: So. [02:37:15] Speaker A: So. [02:37:16] Speaker E: Ah, you know, I think I. I have something to. To tell you. And you know, what better way than being trapped with a literal blizzard outside stopping you from leaving? It's also stopping me from leaving. Stopping the both of us from. [02:37:34] Speaker B: Leaving. Certainly is. I mean, they're more than just the blizzard stopping me from leaving, but. [02:37:42] Speaker E: You know, is it the. [02:37:44] Speaker B: Muppets? What's my car? And I. I quite enjoy the company here. Other than the one guy who keeps talking to me about crypto. Roger told me not to invest in crypto, so I never. [02:38:01] Speaker E: Have. Yeah, no, no, no, no. That would be very bad. I'm glad you're not down that rabbit hole. I've learned a thing or two. And my son just says NFTs are dumb and has sworn that if I were to ever attempt one of those bitcoin things, he would simply pretend I didn't exist. And that's real. Speaking of pretending that you don't exist, he's also. [02:38:48] Speaker B: Yours. Can you give me a cheer. [02:38:55] Speaker E: Roll? I really wish I chose a. The other skill, because the skill I chose, I thought was funny, but it's just not. There's just no. It's never coming up, so. But you know what? Actually, my cheer roll isn't that bad. It's just I could have gotten a chance to. To roll it twice, you know. Oh. Oh, by golly, that is the spirit. Excuse me. Of Christmas. That is a. [02:39:31] Speaker B: 10. There's a 10. No, no. [02:39:34] Speaker E: Doubles. No. [02:39:37] Speaker C: Doubles. [02:39:38] Speaker B: Right. So, you know, as you say it, there's a. She's. You chose the absolute worst timing because she's in the middle of chewing a slice of pie, like, piece of bite of pie, and it's kind of like a. [02:39:50] Speaker E: Cough. Oh, dear. Oh, I'm so. [02:39:53] Speaker A: Sorry. [02:39:54] Speaker E: Oh. Oh, I look for. I pull out a napkin from like, my. My little waitress apron and give it to her. You, you. [02:40:02] Speaker B: Know, and like, kind of takes a second and goes. Could you please repeat that? So I aware of what you. [02:40:16] Speaker E: Said. Yeah, I'm pretty sure Colted is. Is your child too. It's our child. Us. We remember when we were like, talking about, like, the future and stuff, and we were. And you know, like, I was like, well, I. Yeah, I would like, I, I, you know, I want children in my future. That's always a thing. You're like, me too, actually. And then we chose names and I still named him the name that we picked for a boy. So. [02:40:44] Speaker B: Yeah, kind of. It's just like turns and looks behind her and turns. [02:40:56] Speaker E: So. Doesn't he have that. Oh, God Belgardian. [02:41:01] Speaker B: Nose? Yes. Yes, he. [02:41:06] Speaker E: Does. Yeah. [02:41:08] Speaker B: Yeah. Look, I just. I thought I was imagining things. [02:41:13] Speaker E: And. No, yeah, no, it's. It's. See, I genuinely thought. Well, I didn't know when I left, that was a surprise for me. And then just so many things happened and, you know, you're not the easiest person to contact, which is like, you know, it makes sense. I'm not blaming you or anything like that. Things make sense. It's just also. And unless you're for a hot air, parents don't like me. So, you know, just. There's. There's just a lot. There was just a lot. There's a. [02:41:54] Speaker B: Lot. Many reasons why I haven't been home in several. [02:41:58] Speaker E: Years and, And, And Then, you know, just. Oh, it's. Suddenly 12 years went by, and now he's. [02:42:07] Speaker B: 12. 12. [02:42:09] Speaker D: Years. [02:42:11] Speaker E: Yeah. And I was like, oh, well, it's. I. That just. [02:42:17] Speaker D: Didn'T. I. [02:42:18] Speaker E: Just. I. You know. Yeah. I'm not sure where else to. To take this or else to go. I mean, obviously, you know, I'm not gonna keep him away from you any more than I already have. Unless you want that. It's kind. [02:42:35] Speaker B: Of. What does he know about. [02:42:37] Speaker E: Me? He. He kind of. He. Well, kind of, but not. Not the specific details. You know, He. He knows that things. Things happen and sometimes people don't stay together and. And that's just how it is. But, like, does he knows you. You. No. I, like, lost my phone around the time, so I just. I don't have any pictures of us either, as a lot of bad stuff happened. It was a really rough. [02:43:15] Speaker B: Year. No, no. To stand up. Well, it's a good thing I'm going to be stuck here for a while maybe, I. [02:43:29] Speaker E: Guess. You know, I mean, also, if it. If it'll help, we also have a spare room at our place. We kind of just turned it, like, into like. Like a general room where we were. Like, it's. It's like. We call it an office. It's not an office. I don't have time for an office. It's just kind of like. We put all of our extra stuff there. But, like, it. You know, it's a room. If you. [02:44:02] Speaker B: Want. You certainly will have time for an office. Now don't ever worry about money again. Don't worry about. [02:44:11] Speaker E: It. That's crazy. I wasn't gonna make. Look, I feel bad. You don't have to pay 12 years of child support. That's okay. I. [02:44:19] Speaker B: Can. I think I've got 18 years at least. I have at least six more years. Look, sure, being a princess is more of just a title than anything else, but Royal family. I have more money than I could ever spend in my entire life. But I've really been trying to spend money the past few. [02:44:45] Speaker E: Years. Oh, weird flex. [02:44:50] Speaker B: Okay, but what I'm saying is don't ever have to worry about money again. Like, it. I just want you to be. [02:45:02] Speaker E: Happy. I, like, put, like, hesitantly, like, I still. I'm not sure if I. If it's okay or not. Like, and if I can or cannot do about, like, hesitantly, like, kind of put my hand, like, over theirs, you know, and just kind of hold it for a little bit and look back at. At Colton, who's probably maybe staring at us. [02:45:28] Speaker B: Now. Like, what's very. [02:45:30] Speaker A: Confused. [02:45:30] Speaker E: Yeah. [02:45:31] Speaker B: Yeah. It's like, what is my mom. [02:45:32] Speaker E: Doing? Yeah. And then I'll look back at. At Rosalind, just be like, I. I'm not sure even how they introduce you to. But, you know, I. Whenever you're ready, I. Whenever you want to. That we could make this work. If you want to make it. [02:45:50] Speaker B: Work. I want to figure out how to make it work. Look, there's not been really anybody else. I mean, there's been other relationships, but none of them have lasted nearly as long or made me as happy as you. [02:46:14] Speaker E: Did. I lean a little bit. It's the ass that won't quit. It's. It's. Well, I. If it. If it's anything else, I've found no one. Not. Not to say that I haven't had. I haven't been happy or anything like that. It's just a different kind of. Of. [02:46:37] Speaker B: Happy. And there is kind of a smile and shake of a head. And you all realize right around this point the. The blizzard has stopped. It's clear. You can see all of the stars in the sky. [02:46:59] Speaker E: And. There's Santa. Tell him I'm still holding on no need for diamonds A trip somewhere in the water oh, oh, oh? I know that mistakes don't matter like the snow but if there's magic let the north was telling so. Cause I can only wait and bring that hope will call me realize he's awful they only gifted me something to me said I bring a baby back I don't want to lose him.