The Price Legacy - Generation One - Chapter Four

[pastryqueen]

Joshua Hay is a lonely single father who meets Marci Price. His life is forever changed.




Joshua was very pleased so far.



The client wanted an abstract painting. Normally it wasn't his style, but it was coming along better than he expected.



He let go of his insecurities, his inhibitions, and just followed his gut.

Since he was a child, painting was always an escape for him: from his racing thoughts, his fears, his problems in life. Out of all his creative pursuits, this was his favorite outlet.



He stood back and admired the finished product. If the client was pleased, he'd get a thousand dollar commission. Enough to cover the utility bills and rent for the month. His earnings for the rest of the month would go straight into savings, so he can build a proper home for him and Louis someday, on their own property.



His son Louis was hard at work in his bedroom.

Joshua: "Hey, how's your homework coming along?"



Louis: "Doing okay! I'm almost done. How's the painting?"

Joshua: "I just finished. Did you need any help?"

Louis: "I don't think you'll understand what we're studying, Dad."



Joshua: "Oh yeah? Try me. I might surprise you. That's math, isn't it? I like math."



Louis: "Let's try this one. 'There are 49 dogs signed up to compete in the dog show. There are 36 more small dogs than large dogs signed up to compete. How many small dogs are signed up to compete?'"



Joshua: "Well. You got me stumped there. And I thought I was good at math."

Louis: "I told you! These teachers don't mess around."



Joshua: "Well, I'll leave you to it. I'm gonna order us some dinner."



Richard: "Hey Josh! Good to see you again! Got your usual right here: pepperoni on half, green pepper and mushroom on the other, cooked well-done."

Joshua: "I don't know how I feel about the fact that we're on a first-name basis."



Joshua: "Wait, Richard, before you go, here's your tip."

Richard: "Whoa. Twenty bucks? You sure about this?"

Joshua: "I got paid yesterday - and the client was very pleased. I know I shorted you on the last order, so consider this an apology."

Richard: "Great! Thanks, Josh! See you next week!"



Louis: "Dad, why do you gotta stuff your face like that? It's gross!"



Joshua: "I can't help it. I'm starving! I worked on this commission all day and forgot to eat lunch."

Louis: "You, forgetting about food? Who are you and what have you done with my dad?"

Joshua: "You watch your mouth, young man."



Joshua: "How come you're not eating? Are you feeling okay?"

Louis: "I'm fine. I'm just not hungry...and I'm sick of pizza. I miss Mom's cooking."



Joshua felt his stomach sink at that. It wasn't very often that his ex-wife came up in conversation between them. Times like these, he had no idea what to say to make his son feel better.

Joshua: "I know, kiddo. I'm sorry. I'll try and learn how to cook. I've just been so busy with work, it's hard to find the time. But I'll make time for your sake, promise."



That didn't seem good enough for Louis.

Louis: "When is she coming back? Are you guys ever gonna get back together?"

Joshua: "Louis...we talked about this. It's been a long time. I know you miss your mom, but this isn't so bad, is it? Just the two of us?"

Louis: "Yeah, I guess it's okay."



Louis recovered from their morose conversation quicker than he expected.

Louis: "Dad, can I spend the night at Trevor's house tomorrow?"

Joshua: "Who's Trevor? I never heard of him."

Louis: "He's my new friend at school! Come on, please? He has a pool and a dog!"

Joshua: "Wow, I wouldn't want to rob you of either of those experiences. Did you do your homework?"

Louis: "All of it!"



Joshua: "You need to straighten up your room, too. Can you do that?"

Louis: "Yes, yes! I promise! Please, Dad, you gotta let me go!"

Joshua: "All right. I still want to meet Trevor's parents, but otherwise...yes, you can spend the night."



Louis: "Yes! Thanks! You're the best!"



After dinner, Joshua washed the dishes, put the pizza in the fridge, and took a shower. Meanwhile, Louis picked a movie to watch together.



Life as a single parent wasn't so different in some respects. Joshua was still hopeless in the kitchen. Louis started his homework without being told to do so. And they still spent their Friday evenings watching movies.



That night, Louis picked a zombie movie.

Louis: "Ah! That's so gross! You can see their brains and everything!"

Joshua: "You wanted to watch it. If you're scared, we can turn it off--"

Louis: "Are you kidding? This is awesome!"

Louis was such a great kid.



Here was Louis, growing up so fast, no longer scared of zombie movies or the monster under his bed...and Katherine was missing all of it.

How could she do this? He could handle her leaving abruptly in the middle of the night, sending divorce papers in the mail, the tense court proceedings, and losing everything to her...but how could she do this to their son?

It made Joshua so angry - so much that he felt like bursting.



Every time he felt like exploding, he locked himself in the bathroom for a few minutes. He breathed in...



Breathed out...



Repeated the mantra...

Joshua: "Relax, release, ease. Relax, release, ease..."



Relax already, you fucking idiot.

Louis: "Dad? The movie's almost over! Hurry up, you'll miss the best part!"



Joshua: "Sorry, kiddo. Give me a minute."



These days, Joshua needed to stay positive. He had his son, Louis.



He was so smart, so wonderful.



But just the two of them, alone? He knew it wasn't enough for Louis.



And if he was being honest, it wasn't enough for him either.



But moving on, inviting another person into his life, into their little family...

He wasn't ready for that. He blew it once before. He was likely to do it again, and it would just hurt Louis in the end.

No, he just had to be there for his son. That's all there was to it.

***



Bartender: "Evening. What can I get for you?"

Joshua: "A salty llama, please!"



Bartender: "Is that all, honey?"

Joshua: "Yeah. It's just me tonight."



Joshua didn't feel like bar hopping, but with Louis spending the night at a friend's house, their place was far too quiet. He needed to get out and surround himself with people.



Truth be told, busy venues like this inspired him. He enjoyed watching the patrons around him, eavesdropping on conversations, letting their energy stir his soul...



In the bar's dim lighting, it was difficult to tell one person apart from the other, but one woman, in particular, stood out to him.



She looked nothing like the other women in town. She wore heavy combat boots, wore studs in her brow and feather earrings, styled her blonde hair short and shaved at the sides. She swaggered from one side of the bar to the other, confident and proud, head held high in the air.



She greeted the bartender like they were old friends.



Joshua didn't realize he was staring until she looked right at him. He averted his gaze as she walked by.



She planted herself down in the stool next to him.

Her elbow nudged his arm.

Marci: "All right. What are we drinking?"

Joshua: "We?"



Marci: "You've been watching me. I waited for you to make a move, but you were taking your sweet time, and I'm not a very patient person."



Joshua: "I...I didn't mean to stare. I couldn't help it."

Marci: "Yeah, I'm a sight to behold, aren't I? So, come on, what are we drinking?"



The bartender waited on his next order.

Joshua: "Get me another salty llama. And whatever the lady here wants."

Marci: "Oh, please. I'm anything but a lady. I'll get a granny smash."



Marci: "I'm Marci, by the way. Marci Price."

Joshua: "Joshua Hay. Just Josh is fine."



Marci: "I never see you around here, Josh. I'd definitely remember your face. Where are you from?"

Joshua: "Oh, my family is originally from here. I moved back a few months ago. I just don't get out too often."



Marci: "Well, I'm glad you decided to come out tonight. Tell me about yourself."



For a few minutes alone with her? Joshua was willing to tell her everything.

Well, almost everything.

He wasn't going to tell her the whole truth yet: that he was a single father, struggling to raise his son in a rented building. Information like that sent most girls running, and he wasn't sure what to make of this Marci Price yet.



They spoke for hours, eventually retiring to the seating outside for a little peace and quiet. She told him about herself: that she was new to Oasis Springs, that she worked as a mixologist at a different bar, that she liked dancing and singing for fun.

Marci: "I make a lot of tips at the bar, but it's not my true passion. I want to be a chef."



Joshua: "That's an admirable goal. What's the point of holding onto a job that doesn't bring you joy or inspire you? I like money like any other sim, but you have to enjoy what you're doing."

Marci: "So what inspires you? Wait, let me guess...you're an artist? Oh! A painter."



Joshua: "Whoa. That was spot on."

Marci: "I read it all over your hands. Your fingertips are stained with all sorts of colors."

Joshua: "Oil painting. It takes multiple washes to get them off completely. You have a good eye."

Marci: "I bet you do, too. Are you any good?"

Joshua: "I like to think so. It pays my bills."

Marci: "Are your paintings displayed anywhere? I'd love to see your work sometime."



Joshua: "Actually, I have some pieces back at my place...you know, if you're curious."

Marci: "Ooh, your place, huh?"

Joshua: "Oh, I uh...I was just suggesting, since...you know..."

Marci: "It's a cool idea. I'd love to see them."

***



Back at his place, Joshua showed Marci some of his paintings. She spotted the one between his bathroom and bedroom. He nearly cringed.

Marci: "What's this one?"

Joshua: "Oh, that...nothing special. I was tasked to design labeling for a pet food brand, but the client didn't like it. They still paid me for my time, but only half of what we agreed upon."



Marci: "That's so stupid! What's wrong with this design? It's cute!"

Joshua: "I don't know, I see their point. They rushed me on this, and I just wanted to hurry up and finish the job. I'm not comfortable with this style, and it shows. The dog's ears look sloppy, and don't even get me started on that cat! You can barely see its eyes..."



Marci: "Josh, seriously, you did a good job. If they sold these cans in a supermarket, I'd buy them! I mean, I don't have a cat or a dog, but if I did..."

Joshua: "You're just saying that to be nice."



Marci: "Me? Nice? Hah! Seriously, don't make me laugh. Trust me, if I'm paying you a compliment, it's because you deserve it. I don't give them out easily."



Joshua: "Then I need to learn how to accept a compliment. Thank you. You're very...honest? I was going to say sweet, but I had a feeling that doesn't apply to you either."

Marci: "Oh, I don't know about that. I can be sweet sometimes. It depends on the situation...and the person."



Joshua wasn't used to being the center of attention. Having a woman like Marci openly admiring his work, flirting with him, showing an interest in him... it felt too good to be true.

He wasn't a stupid man: he knew what was likely to happen. They'd talk some more, hook up for the night, and go their separate ways in the morning. He was okay with that. Louis needed to be his top priority, as did his own mental health and career...but he was still a man with certain needs.

Joshua: "So, I think I showed you everything. Do you want anything to drink? I can make coffee."



Marci: "You could, but first...I wanted to do this all night."



When she kissed him, Joshua's entire world shifted.



Kissing Marci Price felt like putting on a new pair of shoes that fit just right. Taking a bite out of a warm, freshly baked cookie. Witnessing the perfect sunset. Painting a rare masterpiece.

It felt as though they've done this before, like they were simply picking back up where they left off, like he'd been waiting for her to come back all this time.



Marci: "You're making a face. Why are you making a face? Did I misread this?"



Joshua: "No...you're fine. It's just been a while since I've done this."



Marci: "That's okay. I was just worried. I can come off a bit strong if you haven't noticed already..."



Joshua: "I noticed..."



Joshua: "And I like that."



He wasn't anticipating this.



He wasn't planning on bringing a woman home for the night, but here they were, in his bedroom, making their way towards the bed...



Marci Price changed everything.









Louis was still top priority...



But maybe, just maybe, Marci would factor into his life.

***



Joshua was genuinely surprised that Marci agreed to go out with him. Over the next several weeks, they got together for coffee, lunch, or dinner whenever time allowed them.



She was unusually tight-lipped about her background and intimate details about her family, but what little she revealed intrigued him. She was initially a foster child from Twinbrook with a sizable inheritance from a deceased father: an empty lot in Oasis Springs.



At first glance, they seemed like an odd pair. For starters, she was younger than him; she’d just transitioned into her young adulthood, while he was on the brink of transitioning into his middle-aged phase. She enjoyed punk rock, sweets, and thrift store hopping; he lost touch with rock music, couldn’t eat too much sugar anymore, and dressed more conservatively. She never hesitated to speak her mind, even when it offended people; he was more thoughtful and cautious in the company of others.



They were more alike than he initially anticipated, though. They both loved food and art, and upon picking her brain a little, he discovered she enjoyed surrealism, his go-to style. They could spend hours talking about their favorite dishes and films, or he would catch her up to speed with his favorite artists and shows without losing her focus or attention.



Their differences weren’t so great that they couldn’t enjoy each other’s company. Joshua loved that she was unfiltered and keen to express herself without shame. And Marci didn’t seem to mind that he wasn’t as bold as her, or more settled in his ways.



Even so, Marci seemed to sense the appropriate times to shove him out of his comfort zone, such as the time she dragged him to her favorite bar in San Myshuno.

Marci: “Hey Josh, guess what I have planned for us?”



Marci: “They’re holding a karaoke contest tonight, and guess who’s going to sing a duet in five minutes?”



Joshua: “Wha...Marci, you shouldn’t have done that! I can’t sing! I’m going to embarrass myself!”



Marci: “Oh, you can’t be any worse than me! I suck, too! Come on, please? Just one song, for me? I promise I’ll make it worth your while tonight.”



Joshua: “(Sighs) Alright...but just this once, okay?”









They obviously didn’t win the contest, but they wound up going back on stage two more times, just for the hell of it.



It was too soon to call it love…

But Joshua finally met someone who made his heart sing.



They hadn't been dating for a month when he asked to see her place. She texted him the address, as well as a warning:

["And before you say anything: yes, I know it needs work."]

He stood outside the building. Checked the address. Checked his texts again.

She was joking, right?



It was just as she described: a golden knight statue standing outside, right next to the front door.



Joshua knocked on the door. No one answered, so he shouted through the open window.

Joshua: "Hello? Marci? Are you in there?"



Marci: "Hey! Come in, the door's unlocked! I'll just be a few minutes!"



The inside was worse.

It was cramped. There was no air conditioning, so the entire room felt stuffy and hot. She barely had enough room for a couch, a stereo, a fridge, a stove, and some counters.



There were holes and cracks in the walls and foundation.



She covered one of the cracks with a painting.

Wait...that was his painting!

Where did she find it?



Did Marci know he drew that? Did she buy the print before they met? Or after?

Any other man would've freaked out, especially with the latter possibility. Instead, he was flattered. Either way, she liked his work enough to hang it in her house. He felt seen and understood. Valued.



Her voice shouted from the bedroom, or what he presumed to be a bedroom.

Marci: "Josh? You out there, or did you run for the hills yet?"

Joshua: "I'm still here. I like your place."

Marci: "Don't fucking lie! It's a piece of shit and you know it."



Joshua: "I see what you mean. Your place definitely needs work. Still, it has character. I like the art around here."

Marci: "Thanks. I picked a few pieces up at the flea market. Same with all the furniture."



Joshua: "Hey, someone's knocking on your door. Were you expecting anyone?"

Marci: "No, just you. Who is it?"

Joshua: "I don't know. Some guy in a black jacket."

Marci: "Shit. I think that's my ex. He was here earlier, too."

Joshua: "I'll get rid of him."

Marci: "Josh, that's not a good idea--"

Joshua: "Don't worry, I'll just tell him you're not here."



Joshua: "Can I help you?"

Cayde: "I'm here to see Marci."

Joshua: "She's not here. Who are you?"

Cayde: "I'm Cayde. She hasn't been answering my calls. Look, I know she's in there. I saw her through the window earlier but she ignored me. Can you tell her to come out? I just wanna talk."

Joshua: "I don't think that's a good idea. If Marci doesn't want to come out and speak with you, then you should respect that."



Cayde: "I can't believe this. First, she shuts me out and blocks my number, then she replaces me with you? Sends you out to brush me off?!"

Joshua: "Whoa, take it easy."



Cayde: "No, dude, it's cool. I should've seen this coming. You wanna know why she's giving me the brush off? See, I took an issue with her messing with other guys."



Joshua: "I don't see how that is any of my business."

Cayde: "You better make it your business, before she goes and makes a fool out of you, too."



Joshua: "I don't know what went on between you and Marci, but I don't accept relationship advice from a guy who can't even get her to answer his phone calls. I'm sure she has a good reason to shut you out. I trust her judgment."



Cayde: "All I offer is sage advice, my friend! You don't know what you signed up for. I trusted Marci's judgment too until she showed her true colors. I thought I'd give her another chance to explain herself, but hey, if the crazy slut already found another sucker, I'll just leave you guys to it."



Joshua: "What did you call her? Take that back, right now."



Cayde: "Why should I? It's the truth! You wanna know why we broke up? I called her out for getting too cheeky with that guy at the food stand! She swore up and down that she wasn't into him, but I knew she was lying! And later that week, after we broke up, what does she do? She hits the club with him! I don't know about you, but I call it as I see it!"

Joshua: "If you broke up, what were you expecting her to do? Sit at home and wait for you to show up? Roll out the red carpet?"

Cayde: "I expected some decency from her! Tell you what, I'm glad I cut her loose when I did!"



Joshua: "Shut up! I won't put up with you talking about her like that!"



Cayde: "Oh yeah? What are you gonna do about it, tubby?"



Joshua should've been the bigger man, but between the insults about Marci and the comment about his weight...



He didn't just go off.



He burst.



Marci: "What the hell is that noise...?"



Marci: "Oh shit! Josh! Stop it!"



Joshua: "Now apologize to Marci. Right now."



Cayde: "Marci...I'm really sorry."

Marci: "Oh, now you're sorry? Because a man put you in your place? You know what? I don't accept your apology."



Marci: "Mark my words, Cayde. If I ever see you on my property again, I won't just beat your ass..."



Marci: "I'll kill you! Ground you up and feed you to a cow plant! And that's a promise!"

***



Marci: "What were you thinking?"

Joshua: "I had to do it, Marci. He left me with no other choice."



Marci: "Oh, puh-leeze! That's bull and you know it! You should've just walked away. I don't need you fighting my battles for me."



Joshua: "You should've heard what he was saying about you. I couldn't let him do that. It was unacceptable."

Marci: "So what? Lots of people say things about me, but I can't punch everyone who hurts my feelings. Beating the guy up in front of my house...I did that once, and now I have a reputation to repair. People avoid me enough as it is! You weren't thinking about me at all! You were just thinking about yourself and your own ego!"



Marci was right: Joshua wasn't thinking about how actions would affect her. All he wanted was short term satisfaction. He let his anger get the best of him, and now it was time to face the music and tell the truth.

Joshua: "You're right. I know you can handle yourself. He just infuriated me so much. Before I realized what was happening, we were in a fight. If you didn't come out and break us up..."



Joshua: "I had...I still have a problem, Marci. With my temper. My ex-wife divorced me because of it. I never hurt her, god forbid. I don't want to hurt anyone. But she couldn't handle my outbursts anymore. After she left, I went to therapy for anger management. I read the books, repeat the mantras to the mirror, do the breathing exercises. I thought I was getting better."



Joshua: "But I blew it. I'm sorry. I'll just go."



Marci: "Josh, wait..."



Marci: "You didn't blow this."



Joshua: "I didn't? Aren't you furious with me?"

Marci: "I am, but...I know your heart was in the right place. You're a good man with one big flaw. Everyone's got baggage. I'm not breaking up with you because you made a mistake."

Joshua: "Breaking up...that sounds like we're a couple. Are we?"

Marci: "Do you really have to ask? Come here."



Marci was right: since they met, he regarded her as his girlfriend. Even then, it didn't perfectly summarize what she meant to him. How he felt for her. He knew she was special.



He was surprised to hear she considered him her boyfriend. She was everything he wished he could be, as both a person and an artist: confident, rebellious, and daring.

They just met a month ago, but Joshua knew Marci was quickly becoming a priority for him. And that he wanted to be better, not just for himself and his son, but for her, too.



Marci: "How's your eye? Are you sure you don't want ice for it?"

Joshua: "I feel okay. I can ice it when I get home."

Marci: "You're so full of shit. You look awful. And so tense. At least let me rub your shoulders."



Joshua: "Oooh...that feels good."

Marci: "I know from experience that beating up shitty people takes a lot out of you. And I've been told I give the best massages."

How did that mantra go again? Relax, release...ease. Everything seemed less daunting with her around.



Joshua: "Thank you. I needed that."

Marci: "You're welcome. Go home and get some rest. I'd let you stay here, but there's barely enough room for me as it is."

Joshua: "It's fine. I can't stay the night, anyway. I have...an obligation in the morning."

He hadn't told her about Louis yet. He didn't mean to keep his son a secret for so long. Privately he and Katherine's parents have been enthralled in a brutal custody battle. There was a real possibility he wouldn't have to worry about asking Marci to accept his son into her life...and that was depressing enough.



Marci: "Sorry about my ex. I'll make it up to you next time."



Joshua: "Why are you sorry? You didn't do anything wrong. It's not your fault your ex showed up unannounced."



Marci: "I promise, that's the only one you gotta worry about, and I doubt he's coming back. The only person who's brave enough to come over here is you. And my neighbor. He makes me jog in the morning, the monster."



Joshua: "Which neighbor is this? I thought the Calientes lived next door to you."

Marci: "So does Don Lothario. You've probably seen him. He works the food stand."

Joshua: "Oh, him."

Marci: "What's with your face?"

He didn't dare tell her that Caleb mentioned them.

Joshua: "I just...can't picture you two being friends, is all."



Marci: "I'm still as shocked as you are. But he's cool. We should hang out sometime."

Joshua: "Sure, I'd like that. I'm still sorry about tonight."

Marci: "Don't even sweat it. You sure you're going to be okay, Josh?"



Joshua: "Yeah. I'll be fine. I'll call you tomorrow."



Marci: "Where do you think you're going? You're not leaving here without a proper sendoff."



A rare masterpiece.

That's what Marci was to Joshua.

And as long as she wanted him, he was never letting her go.

***

AUTHOR'S NOTES

1. Not going to lie, it took me a while to figure out Joshua's personality as well as his backstory. I wish sims in Sims 4 could have more than three personality traits. He was originally mean, a glutton, and hot-tempered...but I never saw him as a mean guy. I dropped the mean trait and gave him creative instead. Even then, it felt limiting. If he could have five instead of three, he would be family-oriented and romantic. (More often than not anymore, I drop the glutton trait for family-oriented.)

2. Louis, his son, has the genius trait. For some reason, I re-uploaded him in my library with the neat trait as well? Which I can see being a fourth or fifth trait if sims were able to have more than three traits.

3. As with the first chapter, you can, unfortunately, tell when Marci had her freckles CC versus when she didn't have it, as the scenes in the karaoke bar were recently added.