Nikki paused her duties at the La Famiglia Lorenzetti headquarters for a very quick coffee break, the smell of caffeine about to infiltrate the atmosphere. The coffee machine started to make gurgling sounds, which was like heaven to her ears. She had been listening to her thoughts all day and needed a hot drink to gain back some brain energy. While Nikki busied herself with making a cuppa, she started mumbling to herself about some sort of… creative collaboration. Nikki held her face close to her coffee hoping the strong flavor will spark some ideas into her…

Well it wasn't going to be easy gaining traction among fellow mobsters, not just because we are all obviously so busy with our own family affairs, but creative writing is not a hobby most will go for. Hobbies like gambling-like-a-mindless-degenerate, visiting restaurants (yes, eating) and target practice at a shooting range seemed to make made more sense for mafiosi like us. She sipped her coffee, resting the edge of her mug along her lips. Hm. Now she could get to drafting her idea. She walked excitedly across the HQ to her boss' office, coffee in hand while saying a silent prayer that she won't drop any liquid on the floor. Nikki politely knocked on Vittorio's door, waited for him to look up. Nikki also noticed that his lovely right hand woman was present. 

"Sorry, uh… boss and ma'am, I know you're busy but have you both got a sec? I've got this kinda cool idea to kick start a writing event for like-minded creatives. Guess I spent so much time making up stories in my head that I want everyone to join in as well, heh." 

For the next half hour, Nikki explained the main objective of her little project. She still needed to amend some of the finer details. For some it was nothing new though so this was going to be a walk down memory lane, but others might find it a totally foreign concept so she would make sure to properly explain it.

Nikki proposed the requirements for the event to start, how to participate and judging criteria. A very rough draft was provided, which led to a discussion. 

Slowly but surely, Nikki started making the rounds. Her clipboard was going to be her best friend for a few days, collecting interest checks and sending invites. She made a visit to BlueKing's house, or rather, mansion. Nikki travelled up his driveway, but it was like entering a whole new world. A king's world, that's for sure! When she arrived, Nikki did her usual friendly greeting and informed him what the hype was all about. Nikki handed him the event poster. "You'll have so much fun, I bet," she encouraged. There was no harm in trying something new, though in no way was she trying to force it upon him. She also mentioned that she was always available if he needed help.

After that, she yearned to see an old friend. A glimpse of that very familiar face. However, Nikki had to book an appointment to see him. Boy, was he busy. "How are you, troublemaker?" She's tired until she arrives at a cafe to meet him, her brows rising excitedly and smiles all around. There was sort of an awkward pause before Nikki came in for a great big hug. One thing was for sure, a lot of time had passed since they last talked, but once they started conversating it was like they never parted ways. After hearing about his recent adventures, Nikki went straight to the topic of storytelling - something she knew he had down packed. "You gotta get back at it, mmkay? The streets are thirsty for your presence." Nikki let him know the *deets* of the event, where to meet up and when it was going to start. "Be there or be square," she joked.

LV was nice. But it was getting darker and she needed to head back home. Next day though, she was going to see if VincenzoSantoro was up for a fun challenge...

"Heyyyy," she said from across the HQ. Nikki walked up to Vincenzo, clipboard at the ready and pen to write down his name on the potential list of participants. Her brown eyes are hopeful, daring. "Do this with me, please. Let's have some fun, plus it'll be like family bonding." The morning had been great so far, but what would make it even greater is to get one of her fellow family members on the train. The creative writing train. Then a realization came to her - she had not even thought of travelling to the other cities. Not because she didn't want to, but because it would mean getting out of her comfort zone. With BlueKing and Insanity it was fine because she had already talked to them before and there was a sense of familiarity. Though what's the worst thing that could happen - that they'd say no, right? 

Nikki gave Vincenzo some time to think on it and handed him the event poster with all the rules on it. She ducked out the HQ and started her trip to New York. Luckily, her profits from her little side hustles were all starting to add up and she was able afford the flight. When she touched down, she straight away double checked the address of where she was going to meet Amira - a left hand woman of The Ligambi Crime Family and undoubtedly an amazing sprinter. Nikki could not even imagine herself being as athletic, but she was definitely rooting for her.

The meeting place was a literal gateway to knowledge, a library. It was quite fitting. This is the best place to practice for the event! "Hi lovely, thanks for meeting with me. I've just got this registration form here - can you please fill it out? And just mail it to me when you get time. I'm still sorting everything out so don't rush to give it back to me straight away." 

The end of the week had finally come, but the hunt for more participants was not over! Nikki sat in the cafe, drowning in her own thoughts until she looked up to the sound of footsteps approaching her. Wow, people were right. JamesDiVasio looked more handsome in real life. She never should have doubted it. She said his name in a friendly manner and signalled to the seat across from her, inviting him to sit. For back story, Nikki found out about him through Amira and she wanted to make a nice gesture and see if he was interested in joining the event as well. 

"Hi, James right?" A waitress came to their table and took their orders while Nikki presented the event poster to him. All the details were neatly printed on it. She waited for his reaction. Nikki explained that everyone was welcome, even if you weren't much of a writer - it was all about having fun too. However, she was surprised to see that he was very much keen to join. "Is writing one of your long lost loves too? Because it sure is mine," Nikki joked. Her order came to her. Banana bread, warmed up with melted butter over it. Mmm. 

She continued on to let him know that she would stay in touch with him through telegrams or meet up with him whenever she would come back to New York. For now, she left him with the excitement of getting ready for what was to come. "Hey, before you go - do you think Harper is a good person to also ask?" Nikki heard that she was big in the NY business district, especially in the Grand Ligambi Hotel and Casino. Only celebrities and top mob bosses come walking out that place. Nikki smiled. "Let me ask her and see what she says. Thanks James." 

The casino was like a whole different world. Nikki suddenly felt way underdressed, but she did wear the nicest slacks she had with a silk emerald green blouse. Nikki looked around until her eyes fell on a beautiful lady that was greeting people as she walked past them. Never had Nikki seen such confidence in a woman before, even by the way she walked. Plus, there was a warm feeling about the way she interacted and acknowledged her guests. Nikki stood up straight away, smoothing down her pants. "Hi! How are you!? This place is absolutely stunning. Thanks so much for taking time to see me, this will be really quick. I've got a creative writing event in the works and just wondering whether you would like to take part in it? I've managed to work my magic on Amira and James, let's see if I can reel you in too..." Nikki winked.