When The Stars Align
Premise: Sienna must decide if she will take a chance or let go before she falls deeper.
Book: Open Heart (pre-series AU)
Pairing: Sienna Trinh x Max Valentine (M!OC)
Rating/Category: Teen. Angsty Fluff.
Words: 2,485
A/N: Conclusion of my Maxenna AU (for now anyway). Submission for @choiceschallenge-may2023 prompt "love confession"
This is a late submission to @choicesflashfics week 33, prompts 1 and 2 (in bold).
I'm also using prompt 978 and prompt 979 (with slight tweak) from @creativepromptsforwriting. Tagging for reblog to @creativepromptfills
The alarm woke her up from a lovely dream. Sienna Trinh wished she had a traditional alarm clock she could throw across the room. But the jarring sound was coming from her phone, and chucking it was not an option.
She hit the off button, closed her eyes and willed herself back to sleep. And return to a world where she was kissing Max Valentine. But it was too late. Images from her dream faded like a mirage, and she was left with a heaviness in her heart.
Sienna traced her lips with her fingers, remembering a time almost a year ago when he’d done the same. Wonder in his eyes as he rose above her, the way his hands clasped hers, tightening in anticipation. And then…
Stop it, she scolded herself. Just stop.
Thinking about Max wasn’t doing her mood any good. She was angry at him for being who he was. At herself for falling for a wealthy playboy. He hadn’t contacted her in weeks, which was becoming a habit.
It was time for her to face reality. Max might be single again, but that didn’t mean he was rushing to be with her. He’d had his fun. In this very bedroom, in fact. So, what else was there?
An hour later, Sienna was tidying up her room before heading to campus for the Match Day festivities. She reached under the bed for a wayward sock when her phone pinged. In haste, she hit the back of her head against the frame, making her see stars.
She grabbed her phone and lay on the bed, unlocking the screen with one hand while rubbing the sting away. Sienna smiled when she saw Cassie’s message and quickly typed a reply.
Cassie was the one good thing to come out of her association with Max — she would not call it a relationship, Sienna thought ferociously.
In the past year and a half, they had become close friends even if they didn’t attend the same medical school. Residency in different programs might make it more challenging to stay in touch, but Cassie was sure they could do it.
As she walked to the bus stop, Sienna knew that Max wouldn't be far behind as long as Cassie was in her life. Her life would change after today, and she needed to decide how much longer she could hold on to what wasn’t meant to be.
---
The one-bedroom apartment in Baltimore’s Canton neighborhood was the place to be on a Friday night. The music was blasting, the drinks were cold, and the conversation was full of excited exclamations. It was a night of celebration.
Max Valentine escaped to his sister’s bedroom, needing a few minutes to himself. The last few months had been exhausting, between fake dating for the tabloids and adjusting to new responsibilities after being promoted at work.
Every muscle was tired and aching, but he couldn’t let his sister down by bowing out. Besides, he had been the one to organize the party to celebrate Cassie getting into her dream residency.
He closed his eyes for a second, so sure that was all he needed before getting back out there. Before he knew it, he was fast asleep.
The hand shaking his shoulder woke him from a strange dream that faded like a ghost when his eyes drifted open. He was sprawled awkwardly on the bed covers, a light blanket covering his shoulders and legs.
“What time is it?” he asked groggily.
“It’s morning,” Cassie told him, handing him a steaming cup of tea as he scrambled up and leaned against the headboard.
She sat down on the side of the bed, propped her chin into her palm and watched him with an inscrutable expression.
“I’m sorry, sis,” he said, abashed at having missed most of the celebration. “I closed my eyes for a second—”
“Don’t apologize. I could tell yesterday how tired you were,” Cassie said. “I am disappointed in you, though.”
“Why? Because I fell asleep?” He paused with his cup halfway to his lips and shot her a sharp glance over the rim.
“When I didn’t see you earlier, I thought you might have taken my advice and gone to Sienna.”
“I wanted to,” he admitted. “But—”
“Sienna doesn’t ask about you anymore,” Cassie interrupted with a sense of urgency. “You’ll lose her forever if you don’t act.”
“Cassie, I—”
“You will,” Cassie insisted, not letting him finish. “You told me before you’d made mistakes when it came to her and wanted to fix things. And then the whole Sophie thing happened. She’s not going to wait forever, Max. And I wouldn’t blame her for moving on.”
Cassie stood up and tugged at his arm. “Get dressed. There’s a car coming for you in thirty minutes, and the plane’s on standby. You’re going to New York, and you’re damn well staying there until you either tell her you love her or let her go.”
Max stretched his arms and rolled his neck to get the kinks out. He peered intently at his sister as he slowly finished the tea she’d brewed for him. Her annoyance rose with every passing second.
“I don’t remember you being this bossy,” he grumbled.
“You’re not the only Valentine who knows how to organize things,” she said bluntly. “Your overnight bag is by the bathroom door, and fresh towels are in the closet. Tik Tok.”
With that, Cassie left, closing the bedroom door behind her. Max glanced around the pretty, feminine bedroom and dropped his self-assured mask. He’d delayed it long enough. It was time to pay the piper.
---
Sienna’s head was pounding from a vicious hangover. It was made worse by the loud banging on her bedroom door. Last night’s party was a blur after her fifth shot. By then, she’d been drowning her miseries in alcohol rather than celebrating getting into Edenbrook.
Realizing that her roommate wasn’t leaving, Sienna shoved the covers aside and stomped towards the bedroom door, swinging it open belligerently.
“What…”
Her voice trailed off when she saw Max on the other side. He quirked one eyebrow and scanned her from head to toe, his lips twisting into a smirk.
Sienna turned red when she remembered that all she was wearing was a bra and panties. Her mouth was dry, and she stank of beer and tequila.
She squeaked and slammed the door shut, leaning against it. She groaned loudly when the movement caused a spiking headache. But that wasn’t all, as her stomach revolted.
Placing one hand across her mouth, Sienna threw the door open and ran passed a shocked Max to the bathroom, praying she’d make it before she hurled all over the hallway floor. She made it—just—falling to her knees before throwing up violently into the toilet bowl.
Gentle hands held her hair back and rubbed her back and shoulders. Max’s soothing voice surrounded her, and Sienna wanted to die of embarrassment. This was not how she imagined their next meeting to go.
He let go when she eased back. Feeling better now that she’d lost most of her stomach lining, she closed her eyes and curled up on the cold tiles. She heard the toilet flush and the sound of running water. And then he was back.
She opened her eyes when the air shifted around her. Max crouched before her, wiping her face with a cool, wet cloth. His touch was soft and gentle, and she’d never felt more cared for than at this moment.
“Feeling better?”
She nodded, taking stock of her now empty stomach. Her headache remained, but she no longer felt like someone was driving a nail through her forehead.
Max helped her up, keeping his hands locked around her elbows until she felt steady on her feet.
“Can I get you anything else?” he said softly.
“Only my dignity,” she said, mortified and unable to meet his eyes.
He laughed. “We’ve all been there, Sienna.”
Max put two fingers on her chin and lifted her face so that she had no choice but to look straight at him. He was smiling, a tender look in his eyes. He kissed her forehead and stepped back.
Everything she’d felt for him from the first came rushing back at that moment. And she forgot that she was angry at him. That she had resolved to move on with her life without him.
“Why don’t you take a hot shower? Then get dressed and meet me in the kitchen,” he said in a businesslike manner. “This hangover’s not going to cure itself.”
Before Sienna could ask questions, he was gone. She caught her reflection in the mirror and barely held back a scream. Her hair was a colossal mess, standing up at all different angles, and mascara streaks were running down her cheeks, partly wiped away by his gentle ministrations earlier.
This was definitely the opposite of how she’d wanted him to see her. He had a reputation for dating beautiful women, and she could attest to how gorgeous his ex-girlfriend was in person. At best, Sienna could describe herself as cute, slightly pretty.
As hot water pummeled her body, Sienna now wondered if that was tenderness in his eyes or plain old pity?
A short while later, she stepped into the small living room and kitchen, her hair still damp but no longer unruly. She stopped at the sight of a blender with thick sludge sitting on the counter next to a glass filled with the same liquid.
“Perfect timing,” said Max, wiping a spill off the counter and tossing the used paper towel into the garbage can under the sink. “You didn’t have ghost peppers or cactus, but I made do with cayenne and fruit. Bottoms up!”
Sienna looked suspiciously at the glass he handed her. She took a tentative sip, her taste buds recoiling at the bizarre combination of flavors.
“What is in this thing?” she asked, making a face as she held the glass away from her lips.
“The Valentine Miracle Cure,” he said with gusto. “Cassie and I invented it in college for our friends. Guaranteed to cure all hangovers in sixty seconds or less. Trust me.”
She decided to take him at his word and quickly downed the contents. He looked pleased when she handed him the empty glass, that grin she found so endearing hovering on his lips and a laughing twinkle in his eyes.
Sienna was not the type of person to back down from a dare. And everything he did was daring her to kiss him. But she wasn’t going to give in to his charm or smile.
He’d been wonderfully caring earlier, but she remembered how abandoned she’d felt learning of his break-up from the tabloids and not directly from him. She deserved better than someone who played hot and cold with her feelings.
“What are you doing here, Max?” she asked, her tone controlled, dispassionate.
“Sophie and I ended our arrangement. We’re through, once and for all. And….”
“And what? You two have been over for weeks. Why are you here, now, today?”
He sighed and looked out the window, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
Sienna could see he was struggling, and she felt for him. But she was determined to get through this.
“You hurt me, Max,” she said quietly, unflinching as she met his eyes. “We had sex, and you pushed me away while my body was still warm from you. You took something beautiful and turned it into ashes. I used to dream about you, us, your arms holding me. Now I just feel ashamed of how easy I made it for you.”
“Maybe there’s another universe where we have the happy ending we always wanted,” she continued, uncertain now that they were talking so open and honest like this.
Her heart would surely break once he left, but she would have said her piece.
“Maybe we’re victims of bad timing and circumstance, and it’s time we move on from what isn’t meant to be,” she said, turning away so he wouldn’t see the tears pooling in her eyes start to fall.
Before she could take another step, Max grabbed her hands and reeled her into his arms, locking her against him, his eyes intent as they gazed into hers.
“If you think I’d ever love someone after you, then I have failed in showing you how much you mean to me.” He sighed. “I’m sorry, Sienna. I’m sorry for making you feel used, for not appreciating how special our first time was. For pushing you away that day and every day after.”
Sienna felt the tears she was valiantly holding back let loose. Max framed her face between his hands, wiping the wetness away with his thumbs.
“I’m sorry for my arrogance in thinking friendship could ever be enough between us,” he whispered. “I’m so in love with you, Sienna, that I can’t think straight. And all I do is make a mess of things between us.”
“I promise that if you give me one more chance, I’ll spend eternity making sure you never regret it,” he said.
Sienna felt the nerves in the hands that held her, the regret in his voice, and knew every word he uttered was sincere. Suddenly, her eyes snapped into his.
“Wait. You’re in love with me?” she asked, awestruck.
She stepped back, needing distance after his bombshell confession.
“Well, yeah,” he replied, puzzled. “I kind of thought that was obvious.”
“Not to me,” she moaned, throwing her hands up.
“Why else would I turn into a blithering idiot whenever I’m around you?”
“You said you wanted to be just friends!” she exclaimed, hitting his arms in frustration
“Ow,” he winced. “I had no idea you were so violent.”
He caught her hands, stopping her mid-motion, and tugged her close. “I love you, Sienna Grace Trinh. I completely understand if you don’t—”
Sienna placed her hand across his mouth, effectively shushing him. She wanted to take in this moment, this man, this love. And she knew he was who she’d been waiting for all her life.
“I love you too, Max, I-don’t-know-your-middle-name, Valentine.”
“Hudson,” he grinned. “My full name is Maxwell Hudson Valentine. But please, I beg you, never call me Maxwell.”
“It suits you,” she said dreamily.
Her face fell as a thought occurred to her. “But, I’m moving to Boston in three months, and you live in D.C. How’s this going to work? You and me?”
“Our stars are finally aligned. We’ll make it work, Si.” His lips hovered over hers, impatient in anticipation. “Now, can I kiss you?”
“Yes, please.”
It was the first time their lips met like this, in love and so certain, but they immediately knew it wouldn’t be the last.
------------
All Fics & Edits: @annfg8 @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @doriopenheart @genevievemd @headoverheelsforramsey @lucy-268 @jamespotterthefirst @jerzwriter @lady-calypso @mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @socalwriterbee @takemyopenheart @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction
Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics
Max & Sienna only: @aallotarenunelma @storyofmychoices @kyra75
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Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has received campaign donations above the $6,000 maximum from at least nine contributors this election cycle, violating state campaign finance law.
Most of the problem donations, which amount to an extra $29,250, are the result of multiple contributions — some made in early 2023, before the mayoral campaign was underway, combined with others made more recently. Maryland operates on a four-year campaign cycle, and individual donors are allowed to give only $6,000 during that span. The current cycle began on Jan. 1, 2023, and will not end until Dec. 31, 2026. Political action committees are not bound by the same rule.
Maryland State Board of Elections officials confirmed Wednesday that donations made in excess of $6,000 during that period would be a violation.
Scott’s campaign finance reports show contributions exceeding $6,000 from a mix of donors, most of them local and many regular donors to political campaigns. Developers and real estate leaders made up much of the list. Among them was Mark Sapperstein, CEO of 28 Walker Street Development; Thibault Manekin, a partner at Seawall Development; Alan Ingraham, CEO of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors; Dan Bythewood, president of La Cite Development; and Mark Caplan, president and CEO of The Time Group, a real estate equity firm.
Bythewood topped the list contributing $12,000 over the course of three donations made in January 2023, October 2023 and March 2024. His New York-based La Cite has a much-criticized deal with the city to revitalize the Poppleton neighborhood. Sapperstein donated $11,000 to the mayor spread between two donations made in January 2023 and January 2024.
James Haden, a donor associated with the Baltimore Recycling Center, also gave Scott $11,000 through two contributions made in January and August 2023. Haden and others on the list are associated with organizations that themselves have made contributions as well as other principals. The Baltimore Recycling Center has given the maximum $6,000 donation to Scott this cycle as well as his opponent former Mayor Sheila Dixon. Sapperstein, too, has donated to both Dixon and Scott. Insulator Drive LLC and Refinery Canton LLC, two businesses listed at the same address as Sapperstein’s 28 Walker Street Development, also gave Scott $6,000 donations.
Scott is facing Dixon in a competitive race to win a second term in office. The Democrat has served as mayor since December 2020. The two Democrats are also running against former prosecutor Thiru Vignarajah and businessman Bob Wallace, both Democrats. The group will compete in the May 14 Democratic primary which is likely to determine the outcome of the election in highly Democratic Baltimore.
Nick Machado, Scott’s campaign spokesman, acknowledged the excess donations calling them “administrative errors” and noted that only nine were made among approximately 7,000 donations made by more than 4,800 donors.
“In total, these corrections represented less than 1% of the $1.6 million raised thus far through the cycle,” he said.
Other donors over the limit included Brandon Wylie, co-owner of florist Fleurs D’Ave, who made $10,000 in contributions to Scott through three donations made in January 2023, August 2023 and January 2024. Pennrose, a Pennsylvania-based development company, gave $8,500 via two donations made in January 2023 and January 2024.
Jeffrey Hargrave, founder and president of commercial construction firm Mahogany Inc., donated a total of $8,500 to Scott via two donations made in January 2023 and September 2023. Hargrave was also twice a guest in the city’s suite at M&T Bank Stadium last year, records obtained by The Baltimore Sun via a Public Information Act request show. Hargrave received two tickets to the Sept. 24 game against the Indianapolis Colts and he got two suite passes to the Nov. 5 game against the Seattle Seahawks.
The donations from the nine donors totaled $83,250, $29,250 more than the contributors should have been allowed to give.
Machado said the campaign has been working to reach donors to assess corrections that may need to be made to Scott’s campaign finance report. At least three refunds will be issued on Thursday, he said, while some adjustments may be handled as amendments to the report.
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Best Places to Eat in Baltimore
Introduction
Baltimore, MD is a city of neighborhoods, and no one neighborhood has it all. But each neighborhood has its own distinct vibe, and those vibes are best explored through food. I've found the following places to be some of the best for eating in Baltimore—I've tried them all, and would recommend them if you find yourself in town!
Woodberry Kitchen
Woodberry Kitchen is a neighborhood restaurant that serves farm-to-table food. It's located in the Woodberry neighborhood of Baltimore, so you can expect to find all sorts of local produce on the menu here. The seasonal menu changes regularly and features dishes like braised pork belly with buttermilk biscuits and sorghum butter; wood-roasted quail with root vegetables; or butter-poached lobster with ramp mayonnaise and potato chips.
Woodberry Kitchen has been named one of America's best new restaurants by Food & Wine magazine, so you know it will be worth your time!
The Helmand
Helmand is a great place to get your Afghan food fixed. Located in the heart of Hampden, this restaurant serves up some of the best Middle Eastern cuisines in Baltimore. The Helmand also has a full bar and craft beer selection, so you can grab drinks with friends while you wait for your table or order takeout from their extensive menu options.
The Helmand offers several lunch specials daily. You can find everything from falafel sandwiches to kebabs on their lunch menu from 11:30 am-3 pm Monday through Friday! If you're looking for something more hearty than soup after work or school, try one of their kabobs; they come served with rice pilaf and salad greens for only $16 during happy hour every day between 4 pm-6 pm (regular price is around $19).
Bo Brooks Bar-B-Q
Bo Brooks is a great place to eat if you're looking for some good Southern food. It's located in South Baltimore, so it's not super close to any other attractions but the food makes up for it. When you walk into this restaurant, it feels like you're stepping back in time and entering someone's home kitchen. The service is quick and friendly, and their specialty dishes are delicious! I recommend getting the fried chicken wings or ribs with beans and rice--you won't regret it!
Birroteca
Birroteca is a modern Italian restaurant in Baltimore's Hampden neighborhood, serving traditional Italian food in a casual atmosphere. It's owned by the same people who own Birroteca DC and Birroteca Halethorpe.
Birroteca has an open kitchen where you can watch your meal come together, plus plenty of seating at long tables or bar seats that face out onto the street. The menu includes pizzas (with toppings like prosciutto, mushrooms, figs, and arugula) as well as pasta made from scratch daily--you'll find dishes such as linguine with clams or rigatoni with pork sausage ragu on offer here too. The wine list includes over 200 bottles available by the glass or bottle; if beer's more your thing then there are 10 drafts available too!
La Cuchara
La Cuchara is a Spanish restaurant that serves authentic and delicious food. It's located in the heart of Hampden, so you know it's going to be good! The service is great and the waitstaff is friendly, too. The atmosphere at La Cuchara is warm and welcoming; you'll feel right at home here!
Dooby's
Dooby's is a great place to get a burger and fries. Their breakfast sandwiches are also delicious, as are their sandwiches. The atmosphere is nice and the service is good, so it's a place you can take your family or friends when they come into town.
Glen Oaks
Glen Oaks is a restaurant in Baltimore. They serve brunch on the weekends, and they're known for their crab cakes. Their outdoor patio is great for summertime dining, and they have a great brunch menu with inventive dishes like crab Benedict and kimchi pancakes.
New Northwood
Located in the Canton neighborhood, New Northwood is a great place to eat if you're looking for something new. The menu features American food with an international twist, including dishes like Korean fried chicken wings and Hawaiian poke.
The restaurant has received positive reviews from customers who appreciate its atmosphere and friendly service. It's also very affordable: most entrees cost less than $20!
Conclusion
I hope you've enjoyed this list of some of the best places to eat in Baltimore. If you have any favorites that I didn't mention, please leave them in the comments below!
Carpet Cleaning
Carpet cleaning is an essential part of home maintenance. It can help keep your home looking great and smelling fresh. But it’s not something that everyone knows how to do themselves! Even if you have the best carpet cleaner in Baltimore at your disposal, there are still a few things you should know before hiring them (or trying them yourself). Carpet cleaning in Baltimore is a great place to spend some time. We know that you want to make sure that your room looks as good as it can be, so we’ve put together this list of the best bed and breakfast spots in Baltimore. Priority Carpet Cleaning has been providing the best carpet cleaning in Baltimore for over 20 years. We’ve seen a lot of changes in that time, but one thing has remained the same — our customers love us! They offer carpet cleaning, steam cleaning, and deodorizing services. They are a locally-owned company, and its number one priority is customer satisfaction. Priority Carpet Cleaning has been providing the best carpet cleaning in Baltimore for over 20 years. They offer carpet cleaning, steam cleaning, and deodorizing services. They are a locally-owned company, and its number one priority is customer satisfaction. You may find us online using these keywords carpet cleaning, carpet cleaning Baltimore, steam cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, steam cleaning Baltimore, tile and grout cleaning Baltimore, and carpet cleaning near me.
Priority Carpet Cleaning
5109 York Rd, Baltimore, MD 21212, United States
410-210-4580
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