many good years

December 2079 - Orlando Centowski is 64, Audrey is 63.

Orlando and Audrey still have many good years left in them. But something they have to start thinking about is the eventual passing on of their art shop. Centowski Custom Artworks is ranked #4 now, and building a solid customer base.

Their children have always been artistically-inclined, but as far as they know, neither of them ever took an interest in the visual or sculpting arts - Charlotte was always into cooking, and Luke was always into music and dance. It's kind of old-fashioned to think that your children will want to carry on the family business anyway. Maybe they'll find an independent buyer instead.

Orlando is trying to read the reviewer's mind. She looks pleased, but they never hear anything concrete from her. And somebody needs to remind the Nathan and Allegra Lind, and Jackson and Nessa Phoenix to come pick up their wedding portraits!!! They ordered those portraits ages ago!

Charlotte comes into the shop one night. Audrey wants to show off her new tea sets. The green one would look nice in Charlotte's apartment. Audrey says, "You don't have to pay for that!" But Charlotte insists. She's a grown woman and can pay for her own pottery!

Audrey reminds her that they want everyone over for dinner this weekend, to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary, and they can't wait to meet this new mystery boyfriend of hers - Audrey won't believe it until she sees it, but Charlotte says they're getting married! And Luke has a serious boyfriend now too. Audrey just wants to have a nice anniversary celebration, and get the family together - she misses her kids now that they're both off in Lake City.

Orlando and Audrey don't have any grandchildren yet, and are a bit unsure of their prospects, Luke being gay, and Charlotte being maritally-challenged... that is, until this recent and impulsive new relationship she's thrown herself into. Her parents aren't judging, but everybody knows Charlotte doesn't have a good track record with relationships.

The family at dinner, a strange arrangement of the couples, lol.

And everyone toasts to the occasion... except for Jim, who interrupts the toast to proclaim his distrust of politics. Kind of rude, but nobody seems to take offense. He must have been talking to Charlotte, with all of her conspiracy theory ideas. Though Charlotte isn't writing for the conspiracy theory magazine anymore and has finally (more than two years out of college) secured herself a job in the culinary field, working as a Sous Chef.

Audrey thinks Charlotte looks happy. Maybe it's her work, and maybe it's the new relationship. In any case, she looks contented. "You look happy," Audrey says.

"I am, Mom, thanks."

Orlando quickly takes a liking to Paul too. He's a very nice young man, and Orlando approves highly. Let's all hope Charlotte doesn't mess this one up!

And Jim is okay too, but passionately touchy about politics for some reason!

In any case, it was nice having the family together, and a successful little celebration. Happy Golden Anniversary to Orlando and Audrey!

***

notes: how about a shorter one for a change? ;)

Not much going on with the elder Centowskis. She makes pottery, he paints. That's about it... they're just hanging around for some grandbabies! Paul and Charlotte ought to get on that pretty quick - he wants 3! Even Luke and Jim might end up adopting eventually - I would consider finding them a surrogate, but I have no desire to try to pass on Luke's nose, lol!

Orlando and Audrey have a good 5-10 years of working time left, maybe, before they retire. But it's looking like none of the kids, or their future spouses, have any interest in the arts... maybe it's time to look for an apprentice? How do you guys decide who takes over a business if none of the children are interested?