The Elusive Fourth Star

Spring 15, Sun (Mar 13)

Tae: What a way to start the day! You make us breakfast then greet me with a hand heart!
Juwon: I can’t do enough to show you how much I care, Tae! (How can I leave him?)
Tae: You’re everything to me as well, Juwon.
Juwon: Oh, guess what? I’m Chopstick Savvy now, too!!

Sasuke: Thank you, Carly, for reminding Tae and Juwon to make me the special pet food. Juwon can’t make gourmet food yet, but homestyle pet food still beats kibble! Nom, nom!

Tae: Heart & Soul doesn’t open until noon today. We almost reach our 4th star, but not quite!
Juwon: That’s my fault. I got distracted during my pottery class and only earned a silver medal. I’ll watch the class timer more closely tomorrow!
Tae: I’d hoped we could take Sasuke to meet Lilith and Ghast today, but it’s too late for that. Let’s head out for the rest of the night, whaddya think?

First I visit Trashley to say hello and buy more of his wares.

Meanwhile, Juwon helps Sasuke meet more of Louie and Maple’s brood: EmmaLou and Ami.
(Watcher: I might have moved out some dogs, because there were soooo many!)

Juwon: How romantic to go stargazing at Desert Bloom Park. We can see all the stars because the city lights are far away!
Tae (thinking): Juwon wraps me up in his love and devotion, sharing so much warmth and affection. He truly heals me. What will I do without him?

Spring 16, Monday

Tae: Another late start to our work day, because I crashed our rocket ship trying to finish my space collections. Thanks for helping rebuild it, Juwon.
Juwon: Of course! And don’t forget that I’m working on Nerd Bain now!

 Juwon: Irene! You're the first of our circle of friends to visit Heart & Soul! Let me mentor you while Tae's socializing with customers. Wow, you're a natural!
Irene (whispers): How's that progress toward getting that First Kiss?

Juwon (dejected): No progress at all. Some days, it feels impossible that I'll ever...
Irene: Things are only impossible until they're not!
Juwon: Um, did you just quote the best captain? I love Captain Picard!

Right before closing shop, I “Call to Meal” on a plate of cookies and our customers all stop what they’re doing to grab a serving. Dang, I thought we we’d earn our 4th star yesterday, but no dice today either. I guess we need to stay open longer than 6.5 hours a shift? On the plus side, Juwon now has a Pristine rep!

Just as I close Heart & Soul, Cebolla calls to invite me to the Blue Velvet. I take along Juwon and the rest of the gang for a night out.

Tae: As much as I love seeing my besties, I soon realize my social battery’s drained from interacting with customers all day.
Juwon: Same. Why are Jade and Romeo here? They didn’t see enough of us at work today?
Tae: Wow, look at Honey and Rowan. I heard Honey broke up with Rowan but it still pains me to see them sitting next to each other with their backs turned.

Tae (watching Rowan): Honey, y’all need to make up! I know Rowan broke your heart but it was just a misunderstanding.
Juwon: Rowan, your timing is the worst!