( Thread | Alice. ) - Blog Posts

"I've heard that about pregnancy," Leyla said, "but I can't say I blame you on the French Toast. I don't have the biggest sweet tooth, but I will cave for some of that, especially with a raspberry compote on top."

It was important to her that everyone have a place where they can feel safe. Though it seemed like the small town provided a lot of that already, she still wanted to be adding to that, not taking away. "Exactly, depending on what I'm looking for in a day, and I'm always trying to create new flavors and ideas. After seeing how much the town loves a bonfire, I'm hoping to create something that tastes like s'more."

"I don't know if it's really weird, but my sweet tooth has gotten much worse since," Alice giggled. "So I always want something like ice cream at random hours of the day. I don't know how much of that would be considered to be normal," she grinned. "Well, last week I really wanted some French Toast after dinner..."

Alice smiled. She knew that different people had different reasons for not drinking, and she could respect that. And when she was younger, she could have used that thinking as well. If there were more places like Mawk Tales, she'd probably still have had a lot of fun. She nodded, listening to Leyla list off her different favorite drinks. "Understandable. I get that completely. So you'd say that you'd probably have a different favorite everyday? Nothing wrong with some variety!"

"You're welcome," she replied with a warm smile, enjoying the glimpses she got into the joy of others. "Do you have any weird cravings? Things you're sending your boyfriend out for at all hours?"

"Exactly," she said as Alice understood the concept perfectly. "No one has to explain why they do or don't want, they can just enjoy the experience." Then she laughed and added, "and no fake IDs needed." How many kids would benefit from not dipping their toes into vices well before they should? She wasn't under the delusion it would stop that completely, but maybe it would help. "My favorite depends on my mood, the strawberry basil went I'm looking for refreshing, the lavender lemonade when it's been a long day, the Galaxy when I'm feeling fun...it's sort of like picking a favorite child. Can't seem to do it."

“You’re so sweet, thank you!” Alice gushed. She was blushing a bit. “I feel pretty good, actually. I’m happy that things have gone smoothly, and aside from the swollen ankles and being hungry all the time, I really am happy!”

She nodded. “You’re welcome, and I’m always happy to help!” Alice said with a smile. “It’s a nice concept,” she said, and sipped her drink as she listened to Leyla. “That’s a good way of thinking,” she told her. “And people choose to drink or not to drink for different reasons. So it opens up opportunities for more people to have that kind of experience. “Or if someone is under 21, and they want to have a fancy night out, right? Give them fun atmosphere and some good mocktails and they’ll feel right at home,” she hummed. She knew when she was younger she could use a place like this instead of trying to sneak into bars with her friends. Some nights they didn’t even drink, they just wanted to have fun. “Do you have a favorite item on the menu or is that a secret?” She grinned.

Leyla was happy for the enthusiastic feedback to the idea, hoping the rest of town was as into the idea and it brought increased business in the way she hoped. "That's amazing, congratulations! You look great, how do you feel?"

"That's the goal," she said, warmly. People loving it and wanting to come often was all she wanted to see, to know she could make this successful. "That would be an absolute dream, thank you. The people who've come in so far have seemed to enjoy it, but word of mouth is the true testament to a successful place. The more people who hear about it, the better." As she asked her about what led her to open Mawk Tales, Leyla paused, thinking it over a moment. "I've always wanted to open a business, as far back as I can remember. Life got in the way a bit, but I finally got my Master's a couple years ago and decided it was time. I wanted a place that was safe, comfortable for everyone. Like Cheers. I don't believe you have to drink to have a good time, and some people can't or don't want to. This way, everyone can experience the warmth built with bartenders and friends in bars without the alcohol."

“I’d love to come by and check it out!” Alice said enthusiastically. She loved discovering new things in town, and making new friends. She smiled again. “December,” Alice said happily. “So we are about halfway there, which is really exciting!” She nodded.

“Likewise,” Alice grinned. “I hope so too! I’m going to really love it here,” she told her. “Absolutely. I’m always looking for new stories and new places for townspeople to visit. Shake things up a bit with some variety. I know a lot of folks will appreciate a good mocktail,” she nodded. “Thank you,” She said as she took a sip of her drink, pleasantly surprised at how refreshing it tasted. “This is quite tasty. What led you to open up a place like this?”

Leyla's smile brightened as the other woman confirmed with her hand what she had suspected. Though she wasn't so sure about having kids herself, she did love seeing the joy in others who did want it. "That would be great, I'm actually working on having some of the local musicians come play for a night of live music. I think that would make a great date night. Do you mind if I ask when you're due?"

Accepting her hand and shaking it, she said, "nice to meet you, Alice. I'm Leyla. I really do hope we get to know each other better." It still amazed her how kind everyone was here, she wasn't exactly familiar with the small town dynamics. "Will you really?" She asked, again surprised by the hospitality of this place. "That would be wonderful!" Finishing pouring the drink into a glass, she added the finishing touch of a sprig of fresh basil before placing it down in front of her newest regular.

Alice smiled and nodded. “Well, thank you,” she grinned. “I’ve gone to taking a liking to these mixed drinks without them being spiked,” she said, placing a hand on her bump with a small smile. “I’m excited to discover the menu! Maybe I’ll bring my boyfriend with me next time,” she grinned.

She nodded quickly. “I remember,” she chuckled, adjusting herself more comfortably in her seat. “Alice,” she introduced herself, with a warm smile, holding her hand out. “I write for the local paper. I will definitely spotlight Mawk Tales,”

Leyla did her best to make this a warm place, one of the reasons she chose a spot close to the coast. It created an atmosphere, almost like a vacation in the middle of the day. Though maybe for the locals, it was more mundane by now. As she looked at her latest customer, she could see a bit of a glow--and maybe a bump? Though Leyla would never make assumptions.

"Good choice," she agreed. Most bars added so little alcohol to their cocktails that it was hard to tell the difference when that part was missing. A good flavor speaks for itself. "My first regular," she joked, "maybe I can get your name and train the bar to call it out every time you come in like Norm on Cheers--if you ever saw that show."

Mawk Tales felt like the perfect spot for Alice to spend her afternoon. Nonalcoholic drinks for the pregnant wine lover? She could enjoy some of that. She eyed the menu and licked over her lips. Everything looked good, but when she heard the word ‘strawberry’ she knew that’s where she had to start.

“I do enjoy a good fruity drink,” she said with a nod. “I’ll try the strawberry one,” she gave a smile. “You know, I’ll probably be here quite often, trying something new.”