'Aunty', God, she would never get used to that. Especially not when she was barely older than some of her sister's kids. Being the baby of the family sucked.

But she braves a smile for the teenage girl who waves at her, and she waves in return. Something soft sparks in her chest at the sight of young Gabrielle, and it makes the situation all the more bearable.

Earlier today, she'd spent time with Jessica Manner baking pies, and later on, she'd stopped by GABRIEL BLACK's to drop the off at her sister's. Thanksgiving was tomorrow night, and Gabby had insisted she help her with gift shopping. Naturally, Spencer agreed, because spending money was literally the only good thing in her life.

"Hi, Gabrielle, you look like you've grown!"

And she almost certainly has, Spencer hardly visits. But the last time she'd seen her, Gabby's cheeks had been pinchable cheek pouches.

gabrielle black

☉

It was impressive, really, how Spencer seemed to have such an affinity or natural bond with her nieces and nephews more so than their own parents.

"Yeah, yeah, it's good to see you too, shrimp."

There is a very brief, very disgusted look that crosses her face as Gabby approaches her, arms wide. But she pushes it aside and allows the teenager to come up and hug her, giving the girl a quick squeeze.

"Are you.. fishing, Gabrielle Black?"

Her brows raise and she tilts her head, looking down at the girl in her arms. In what multiverse were they in that Gabby, little Gabby, was asking about boys?

gabrielle black

☉

The girl's panicked response prompts a chuckle from Spencer, and she leans back and tilts her head at her with relaxed amusement.

"The best hugs, hmm?"

She otherwise ignores or overlooks the teenagers stammering, catching on to her nieces discomfort and choosing not to push those buttons further. She might be unpleasant, but she admittedly had a soft spot for family. However, the suggestion that she be shopping for a partner.. it did make her chest squeeze just slightly with guilt.

Fuck CIAN MAHER.

"Would you say that we are on the hunt for gifts today?"

For a moment, her expression grows dark as her thoughts drift to something concerning. And that concern was if her favourite cashmere scarf she's been eyeing for herself had been bought before she got there. That'd be cause for an elbow drop for sure.

gabrielle black

☉

Spencer stares back at her niece, admittedly puzzled and thrown off by her candor. Was she saying that she had beat up a trainer and stolen some of their money? What were the kids up to these days?

Spencer slow-blinks, but pushes the thought away because, in the end, she didn't care enough to worry about scolding her sisters kids. It wasn't her place, and she'd probably steal people's money too.

"What are you thinking for Jessie?"

And she nods, redirecting them toward the boutique that the girl has pointed out.

gabrielle black

☉