[name_f]Palma[/name_f] [name_f]Ester[/name_f] [name_m]Hywell[/name_m] (29) is Cruzâs sister, whoâs not a lawyer, but doesnât seem to mind her lawyer family. In fact, sheâs very used to it. She jokes that people are âscared to date herâ because of her family background but sheâs fully supportive of [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] and Cruzâs friendship. As for how [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] feels about [name_m]Cruz[/name_m], [name_f]Palma[/name_f] has
zipped her lips! Itâs crazy enough for [name_f]Palma[/name_f] as it is that she has a mutual attraction to a guy in a different room at the apartment complex she lives at. Theyâre very much falling for each other but neither of them have the guts to speak up or make it official. Yet neither of them could imagine dating anyone else. Palmaâs cousin whoâs done the bar exam knows well about this and encourages her to go for it but [name_f]Palma[/name_f] is âstill thinking about itâ. [name_f]Palma[/name_f] is close with her cousin though thereâs a few things different about the two. [name_f]Palma[/name_f] has passed âbar examsâ technically but thatâs not for law, that was for
bartending school! [name_f]Palma[/name_f] is currently a licenced bartender.
[name_f]Palma[/name_f] remembers Cruzâs wedding and admits she never found anything âwrongâ with his wife at the time. And from this, sheâs realised there doesnât need to be anything âwrongâ of either party for a divorce. [name_f]Palma[/name_f] herself has no kids so she gets where her brother was coming from, and sheâd be genuinely shocked if he had any. He never spoke about future kids and the family caught on that children was never a goal to his life plans. His ex-wife was the type who wasnât hyped constantly about the conversation of kids but according to her family, she had made it clear she wanted them someday. [name_f]Palma[/name_f] sometimes wonders why they hadnât talked about that in the future before the marriage. But [name_f]Palma[/name_f] herself doesnât even tell the guy sheâs falling for that she likes him (despite him liking her back), let alone whether heâd want kids, so she doesnât blame either for the divorce. Itâs not the end of the world that it happened.
Sometimes [name_f]Palma[/name_f] teases [name_m]Cruz[/name_m] over his âdownerâ career but [name_f]Palma[/name_f] is far from a reckless bartender. Sheâll literally ask anyone for their ID as part of the barâs protocol. [name_f]Palma[/name_f] felt awkward asking her grandmother this before, she was definitely not underage and [name_f]Palma[/name_f] knows her age anyway. As to why senior citizens need to show ID, according to her boss, âyou never know, could be a movie costume designer making someone look older than they really are!â There was an awkward moment when a [name_f]Karen[/name_f] complained about not getting a senior discount when her ID showed that she was not quite a senior yet. [name_f]Palma[/name_f] laughs this moment off, feeling the [name_f]Karen[/name_f] should have felt complimented. Especially since she knows her grandmother wishes she wasnât old enough to get senior discountsâŠespecially since sheâs old enough to get them without being asked first. She and her grandmother are both the kooky teaser types and like to snark on others, but theyâre both very kind and love wisdom and empowerment. Granny loves how sheâs married to a lawyer himself and her husband smiles that sheâs the true brains behind him. Theyâre happy for [name_m]Cruz[/name_m] working at a woman-owned firm and [name_f]Palma[/name_f] has a good friend working at Whitfield & [name_m]Harding[/name_m] tooâŠplus Granny has a judge friend there too.
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[name_m]Bennet[/name_m] â [name_m]Ben[/name_m] â [name_m]Colm[/name_m] Bowmarsh (27) is one of Palmasâ coworkers, although he jokes about being infinitely inferior to her, as he more or so fell into the business rather than going through schooling as she did. Having graduated from university with a degree in economics, and trying to not become totally cynical at the power of capitalism, [name_m]Ben[/name_m] ended up going into the hospitality industry as heâd become pretty burned out from his time in education. Some day he hopes to return to his chosen field of study for work, however being a bartender makes him happiest right now, and [name_m]Ben[/name_m] doesnât feel pressured by anyone to jump into the economic world, which is most important to him.
Well maybe second to [name_f]Mafalda[/name_f], the tabby cat owned by him and his boyfriend, [name_m]Alec[/name_m], whoâs basically their surrogate child. The spoiling of [name_f]Mafalda[/name_f] is something [name_m]Ben[/name_m] gets teased about, primarily by his brother, although he insists [name_m]Pete[/name_m] has always happily fulfilled this role throughout their lives. This doesnât undo the fact Benâs got a very sarcastic side to him and he banters frequently with [name_f]Palma[/name_f] when theyâre working together, something that helps pass the time (and drown out the madness of the patrons when theyâre at their most raucous). More recently, [name_m]Ben[/name_m] has become closer with [name_f]Palma[/name_f] to divulge the familial drama plaguing his boyfriend, namely as things are in more of a reconciliation process between his unofficial in-laws.
[name_f]Palma[/name_f] teases him that heâs planning on getting the bar to host [name_m]Pete[/name_m] - a musician - but he always replies that his brotherâs too sensitive to handle the environment he works in. [name_m]Ben[/name_m] supports his brother wholeheartedly in spite of their mutual teasing, and in turn Peteâs never questioned his decisions post graduation. He fully supports anyone who isnât interested in dating though, as [name_m]Ben[/name_m] witnessed his friends enduring all of his dating drama, and is thankful theyâve remained by him (although really he wasnât a nightmare, just someone more invested in having a partner).
Alec was created by @cara_murvolio
Pete was created by @kitkatcookie
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[name_f]Helene[/name_f] " [name_f]Ila[/name_f] " [name_f]Amalia[/name_f] Gurevich (30) is technically [name_m]Ben[/name_m] and Palmaâs supervisor, however sheâs currently on partial maternity leave, which started a little earlier for her than some, given the nature of bar work. She visits her colleagues as much as possible, although this is always during the day when the event space is much calmer and thereâs no chance of her running into anyone drunk enough to try behaving strangely. Then again, [name_f]Ila[/name_f] has encountered enough people since falling pregnant who want to read the future of her baby in the middle of the street to know alcohol isnât the sole component for a strange situation.
Her career path is something of a mix between [name_m]Ben[/name_m] and [name_f]Palma[/name_f]. Having obtained a degree in events management and marketing, [name_f]Ila[/name_f] actually does all the social media promotion for the venue alongside bartending, this being the side of work sheâs still involved in. [name_f]Ila[/name_f] has been training one of her colleagues to tend to the online duties of the business, as her boss has made it clear she will rest upon giving birth - easier said than done given [name_f]Ila[/name_f] is quite the workaholic; something to follow her through school and then the world of adult career paths.
Contrary to some beliefs and presumptions, [name_f]Ila[/name_f] and her boyfriend planned the conception of their unborn child. Theyâve been a couple for eight years, meeting fresh out of university when they were working at an insane boardwalk restursnt Ilaâs pretty certain was a money laundering scheme for how few customers they served, yet funds never seemed to be questioned. Having grown up with older, eccentric parents - who have offered her some unique herbal remedies since she fell pregnant [none of which have been accepted] - [name_f]Ila[/name_f] can handle weirdness well, although pregnancy is her exception to brushing things off. Itâs all going by the book and sheâs strict in listening to medical professionals, in spite of what her mom insists works best.
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Calian â Caio â Michel Rowe (30) is Ilaâs boyfriend, a lover of all things cozy, whether itâs knits or (fake) fur. Heâs stoked to be a father, having quite a few parent training books before he and Ilaâs child was conceived. Theyâve learned a lot about parenting in university as well, though their relationship didnât start until that shady boardwalk restaurant day. Caio loves the boardwalk itself, having a lot of childhood memories from it, but itâs no surprise he doesnât work there anymore. Caio pursued higher education after graduating university, and has since become a nurse, though his workplace is very understanding of his schedule change when the baby is born. He works alongside the fiancĂ©e of True Haddon, an engagement heâs happy for. Heâs perfectly fine with just being life partners with Ila, though itâs never been officially confirmed what to do. Caio is the only one in his family who wasnât so keen on marriage, but this isnât a strict family by any means and he supports them. He feels Trueâs fiancĂ©e knows a deeper picture within True that the average person doesnât know. Caio wishes them both the best in their lives.
He naturally respects Ila a lot, calling her âqueenâ and âbossâ, but in a good way. Caio couldnât imagine being a supervisor, so he is impressed by Ila and loves her work ethic. Still, he overestimates her sometimes, seeing that she does have someone working above her. Though gratefully, Ilaâs been told not to undermine taking the necessary time off for her pregnancy, which Caio is happy for. As a nurse, he naturally feels awkward around Ilaâs parents trying to âtreatâ her pregnancy symptoms. Theyâve told him they know doctors and nurses who agree these solutions are optimal. Even though these âdoctorsâ and ânursesâ are not real medical experts, though they claim theyâre âalternative natural therapiesâ. He feels this is a barrier between him and Ilaâs parents, especially when itâs all they want to talk about. His relationship with them is odd, since he knows they just see him as âthe nurse guy who got Ila pregnantâ. Heâs not trying to change their view because he knows if he tries to, theyâre just going to try back at giving their unneeded medical advice. So far, thereâs been some great progress on the colleague who will temporarily take over for Ila when sheâs on maternity leave. Both Ila and Caio are satisfied by this and Ila is glad with the person sheâs chosen. Caio has met this colleague before, having a friendly conversation about running and walking. This was another thing Caio was always interested in, and heâs glad this is a simple activity and that he wonât have to give it up when heâs a parent. One day, he and Ilaâs child will be able to walk and run â what Caio remembers as a child, âwhen the energy and excitement began!â
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[name_f]Brenda[/name_f] [name_f]Kay[/name_f] Espinoza (28) is Trueâs high school lover and nurse who works with [name_m]Caio[/name_m]. The engagement was perfect. She hopes Trueâs [name_m]French[/name_m] in-laws will understand her and him. She is a loyal and caring spirit to all. She tells [name_f]Ila[/name_f] that her parents arenât going to stop the beauty of her and Caioâs baby. A wonderful nurse with a lot of care and time for others, she thrives in any situation sheâs in.
Enza [name_f]Carlotta[/name_f] [name_m]Giuliano[/name_m] (28) is Brendaâs international pen pal, whoâs helped her with the MĂ©zards. Enza isnât [name_m]French[/name_m] though, sheâs Italian, and [name_f]Brenda[/name_f] didnât meet her first, she actually met Enzaâs sister-in-law [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] Kinvell. [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] is married to [name_m]Leo[/name_m], Enzaâs brother, and the two reside in [name_f]California[/name_f]. Enza works as a schoolteacher in [name_m]Turin[/name_m], though during summer, she often sees [name_m]Leo[/name_m] and his family for some time. Enza and [name_f]Brenda[/name_f] have had many meetings in person and theyâve kept a pen-friendship since. She tends to get perplexed whenever she thinks she knew something but it was wrong the whole time. She jokingly demands [name_f]Brenda[/name_f] never tell anyone about the time she forgot her real birthday. Granted, itâs not like she had nothing for her on his birthday, she did, but she did all the birthday surprise stuff a literal month early ! She feels so awkward remembering that and how [name_f]Brenda[/name_f] thanked her but had to tell her the truth that it was next month. She knows Brendaâs a key asset to making Trueâs connection with the MĂ©zards stronger, and sheâs often wondered if [name_f]Brenda[/name_f] and [name_m]True[/name_m] would ever forget dates, but ultimately knows they wouldnât. She somewhat knows French; but not as well as [name_f]English[/name_f] and her native Italian, plus a little Spanish.
[name_f]Brenda[/name_f] has been excited lately since sheâs spending her next vacation in [name_f]Italy[/name_f], the first time [name_f]Brenda[/name_f] is the one visiting and Enza is at home. Brendaâs considered going to [name_f]France[/name_f] and meeting the MĂ©zards, though she wants this to be a trip with [name_m]True[/name_m], and at a later time. Enza feels she relates a bit with Trueâs perception on [name_f]Hope[/name_f]. She finds them both to be great people and she knows from [name_f]Brenda[/name_f] that [name_m]True[/name_m] is a nice person whoâs changed. Itâs not like [name_m]True[/name_m] was a horrible person, he was misguided, and being misguided was understandable to some extent. Many people thought [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] was older than he was. And thereâs likely some misperceptions others have about [name_m]True[/name_m] as well. Understandably, Hopeâs had a hard time with the idea of giving [name_m]True[/name_m] another chance. By no means would [name_f]Hope[/name_f] leave [name_f]France[/name_f], as she adores it and believes her life belongs there. But time has passed and events have come and gone, and Hopeâs opened the doors for all her siblings to be able to connect with her, including [name_m]True[/name_m]. Enzaâs been there for [name_f]Brenda[/name_f] since this is a big step, especially since it affects the MĂ©zards and could affect [name_f]Brenda[/name_f] herself. But sheâs encouraged [name_f]Brenda[/name_f] not to get too worked up over it and loves their more lighthearted talks as well.
Enza herself admittedly thought her older brother [name_m]Leo[/name_m] was making a mistake by marrying [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f], who lived abroad and was raised by horribly ignorant parents. She initially hated the idea of seeing [name_m]Leo[/name_m] far less often and not trusting the Kinvells, worrying [name_m]Leo[/name_m] would become a completely different and rude person. But she didnât give up on her bond with [name_m]Leo[/name_m] and she learned [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] isnât who her parents are. Sheâs glad [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] and [name_m]Leo[/name_m] feel like they can live their own lives, yet still feels a lot of sibling strength in their bond despite the distance. Enza definitely feels [name_m]True[/name_m] isnât the same as his parents either and that he and [name_f]Hope[/name_f] will be able to understand each other more. Another thing Enza carries with her in life is that sheâs often feeling very empowered with who she respects in her life. She know [name_f]Hope[/name_f], [name_f]Brenda[/name_f], and [name_f]Lizzie[/name_f] are all strong women who have different perspectives, but a lot of common ground in her life and all deserve to be uplifted.
Lizzie (and by extension Leo) was created by @lilac_elixirxx.
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tw: adoption difficulties
Caricia " Kiki " Lexi Mavell (3) is Leosâ niece through his sister-in-law, Charlotte, and her wife, Pixie, who Enza hears about frequently [amidst updates on Luca, Bella and Enzo of course, which are constant]. Kiki was adopted by the couple five months ago, a decision they knew was coming thanks to their mutual desire to start a family, although due to a multitude of reasons, adoption was the route they chose for their family.
Her arrival was very exciting for her three cousins, who were a bit disappointed things seemed so restrictive at first, although this was of course to help Kiki settle in, and not a commentary on the trio; something Enza helped them gradually understand. Kikiâs parents were teenagers who chose to give her up for adoption, however they went back and forth on whether it would be closed or open, and even after they decided on the former, there were concerns that they might break this agreement thanks to the impulsiveness they both displayed.
It was the mutually strong characters of Kikisâ momâs that led to them being approved to raise her, as neither Pixie nor Charlotte would allow her well-being to be compromised. Their artistic careers and interests are also qualities Kiki loves, always wanting to be involved in whatever theyâre up to, which naturally delights them at every turn. Aside from arts and crafts, her favourite toy is a fox plush she got from her social worker, whoâs been christened Spiky for his tail.
Charlotteâs credited to @olivelovesnames 
Pixieâs credited to yours truly 
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