The Price Legacy - Side Story - Johnny and Dina
Jun. 14th, 2020 02:27 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
pastryqueen posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
ficwhatficSeeing as Johnny and Dina make frequent appearances in this legacy story...it's about time that I give them a little attention. They quickly became some of my favorite characters - and eventual couple. I'll do side stories like this with the spares as well.
Johnny Zest asks Dina Caliente out on a date. Can he win her heart?
Host: “I’m sorry, what name is your reservation under again? Chester?”
Johnny: “Zest. Johnny Zest. Z-E-S-T. Party of two, right? Listen, I called Charles yesterday and asked him to put aside a spot for me under that name--”
Host: “Oh! Yes, there you are. Your date’s already waiting for you.”
Johnny: “Really? How long has she been here?”
Host: “She only arrived just a few minutes ago. Right this way, sir.”
Johnny: “It’s pretty dead in here tonight. What’s the occasion?”
Host: “Some of our generous patrons rented out the hall for the evening. They paid top dollar to get the dining room emptied out. You were lucky to keep your table, but we had to move it towards the back, near the kitchen.”
Johnny: “Oh, that’s fine by me! The lady and I could use a little bit of privacy--”
Just keep your head up, John. Don’t let them see you sweat. You deserve to be here.
Johnny’s mood lifted as he approached his table and saw his date waiting for him.
Johnny: “Hey doll! Sorry, I’m…late? We agreed to seven, right?”
Dina: “Oh, I always aim for punctuality! Some say it’s best to be fashionably late, but that’s definitely not my motto. It sets a bad precedent.”
Dina: “Plus, I was a little nervous! It’s not every day I get to dine at a restaurant this fancy. I cannot believe you managed to get a table here. I heard this business has a three-year waiting period for reservations.”
Johnny: “Well, that’s the perks of befriending an up and coming entertainer such as Johnny Zest! You make the right connections, and you wouldn’t believe how many doors open for you, figuratively and literally. I just knew this was the right place for our first of many dates.”
Dina: “First of many? You’re very confident of that.”
Johnny: “Ah, ignore me. I dream big. There’s nothing wrong with knowing what you want and going for it. That’s my motto, anyway. And let me just say, you look radiant tonight, Dina. Thanks for coming out with me.”
Dina: “Aren’t you sweet? It’s going to take more than a few compliments to impress me, though…but this is a good start. Keep going.”
Johnny Zest knew how lucky he was to sit across from Dina Caliente, even without her pointing it out. He still couldn’t believe his eyes.
He wasn’t exactly hurting for romance. His career took top priority over everything else, including his love life. The few women he dated, it never panned out, primarily because he was too focused on his gigs and comedy sketches; his girlfriends got tired of the competition. Not to mention none of them held his attention for too long. Tried as hard as he might, he simply couldn’t find the right person to ring his bell so to speak.
Then it happened. One night, Johnny was performing at a local venue in the neighborhood. He was right in the middle of a sketch, ready to rock the house with his humorous puns and improv…
And failed to land the punchline when she walked in and took his breath away.
Dina Caliente, the future Mrs. Zest.
Johnny was certain of this. He wasn’t sure why, but he knew Dina was different.
He bought her a drink, keeping his distance at first, and was pleasantly surprised when she left her friends to join him.
He cracked a few jokes…
Got a couple of laughs out of her…
After a while, she was receptive to his advances, readily jumping at the opportunity to go on a date with him.
Now that Johnny had her right where he wanted her, he wasn’t sure what to say or what to do to impress her. Dinner was a good start, but what if they had nothing in common, or she was bored with him? Women like Dina could easily hook men who were far more handsome and charismatic than him, with fatter pocketbooks, yet she was taking a chance with him. What if he wasn’t up to par?
Waitress: “It’s good to see you again, Mr. Landgraab. It’s been a while since your last visit. Did you and your date decide on drinks?”
Johnny kept his eyes glued to his menu, ignoring the waitress and the intense staredown that Dina was giving him.
Johnny: “Oh, well…I was going to have a glass of your finest pinot noir. Dina, what did you want to drink? Don’t be shy.”
Dina: “The cosmopolitan is very tempting, but it’s so expensive. I can just get a mocktail.”
Johnny: “Nonsense! Listen, Maybelle, get the lady here a cosmopolitan. Make sure it’s as pretty as she looks.”
Waitress: “Right away, sir. Can I interest you in our chef’s recommendations, or would you like to place your special order tonight?”
Johnny: “Uh…give us a couple more minutes, would you?”
The waitress left Johnny at the mercy of Dina’s scrutiny.
Dina: “Landgraab? Is that for real, or is she joking?”
Johnny: “Ah, well…Zest is my stage name, you see! My real name is John Dudley Landgraab the III, but that’s such a mouthful! Imagine trying to put on a show with an introduction like that. It lacks spunk and personality, or rather, the right sort of personality!”
Dina: “I cannot believe this! I’m sitting across an actual Landgraab. I mean, I live with a Lothario and that’s more believable than this. I never would’ve suspected you to be part of that clan. You’re so down to earth and personable. No offense.”
Johnny: “None taken! I don’t exactly shout it from the rooftops, that I hail from the richest family in the neighborhood. I like to interact with the common folk, as my mother would put it, without the pressure to fit their expectations. People hear the name ‘Landgraab’ and get all sorts of ideas. I’d rather they get to know me, the real me.”
Dina: “I guess I understand that…but what are you doing here with me? I bet you can date just about anyone. I mean, not that I’m trying to put myself down, but look at me! I’m wearing last season’s Will Wright fashion in this crowd. I must stick out like a sore thumb.”
Johnny: “You do stick out - because you outshine everyone in this room, Dina! Why would I schmooze someone else when I could spend the evening with you? Now come on, decide what you want for dinner! Nothing is off-limits!”
Dina: “Are you sure? These prices…everything seems so extravagant.”
Johnny: “Doll, we only live once! I brought you here because I wanted to give you a good time, remember? Sit back and enjoy yourself. If you ask me, their seafood is always top-notch. You haven’t lived until you tried their calamari or the lobster.”
Their meals and drinks arrived. Johnny ordered his usual, the lamb shanks, while Dina chose the lobster.
Johnny: “How’s your dinner? Trust me, when Maybelle says the lobster tails are fresh, that isn’t a bluff.”
Dina: “It’s delicious! This cosmopolitan though, my goodness…it’s divine! I can never get mine to taste like this. Do you think the bartender could slip me the recipe? I taste the cranberry and the lime, but they must’ve used some amazing vodka. The flavor profile is so different from everything else I’ve ever tried.”
Johnny: “We can ask! You really get fired up about cocktails, don’t you?”
Dina: “It comes with the job! Don’t you see it, how much creativity goes into a drink like this? People write them off or say you only need a beer to get you where you need to go, but literally anyone can pour you a beer from the tab or give you a couple of shots, but to take a well-known drink and make it your own, that takes skill. I’m always on the lookout to improve my own recipes.”
Johnny: “You know, when you told me you were an aspiring mixologist, I was wondering why you would choose that as a career, or if you were just sticking with the job until you were ready for something else…”
Johnny: “…but hearing you talk about it, I get it now! It’s no different than what I do. Everyone underestimates the value of what we bring to the world. Some jackholes might say you just serve girly drinks, but you offer a respite to others who are looking for a little comfort at the end of the day.”
Dina: “Exactly! There’s no greater joy than someone enjoying my original cocktails - and I love letting my hair down at the end of a bad week and cutting loose. Drinking nothing but flat beer is so sad and unnecessary! Men are especially bad about this! If you’re going to get drunk, at least enjoy some flavor. All the ‘girly drinks’ pack more punch than you’d think.”
Johnny: “Preach to the choir, Dina! You’ve converted me. Consider me your first follower.”
One of the hosts came over to pick up their empty glasses. Before she left, she leaned forward and whispered in Johnny’s ears.
Host: “Pardon me, Mr. Landgraab? I’m afraid your credit card was declined. We rang it twice, but we can’t get the transaction to go through. Do you have another method of payment?”
Johnny: “Oh…I don’t know, that’s the only card I got on me right now. Hold on, let me check my wallet.”
Dina: “What’s wrong?”
Johnny: “I…I guess something is wrong with my credit card. There’s got to be a mistake. I had more than enough room when I checked this morning--”
Dina: “Oh, you poor thing! This happened to my mother once. Someone took a picture of her credit card while she wasn’t looking and robbed her blind! It ruined her score for years. You better put a freeze on that account right away! Here, take my card for now.”
Johnny: “Wha--Dina, no! I can’t let you do that! I promised to spoil you tonight!”
Dina: “Johnny, I’m not going to make you feel bad about credit card fraud! It’s no joke! If you feel this bad about it, just pay me back later! I insist, please. I barely use it.”
Johnny had no choice but to accept her offer. It was either that or the business owners would call the cops on him, or force him to wash dishes for the rest of the evening.
Immense guilt weighed on his shoulders through the rest of their date, even when Dina continued their lively conversation without missing a beat or stressing about the money. He wanted to impress her, but getting stuck with the tab so unexpectedly, it must’ve killed her mood and her opinion of him.
After dinner, they walked outside the restaurant, where he pulled her aside for a moment of privacy.
Johnny: “I’m really sorry about tonight. I can pay you back as soon as tomorrow. I don’t want to put you in a bind--”
Dina: “Johnny, please, these things happen. It’s just one little hiccup in the middle of an amazing night.”
Johnny: “R…Really? Even after all of that, you’re still having a good time with me?”
Dina: “I am. It’s just so refreshing to have a nice dinner with a sweet guy who actually listens to me, who isn’t just biding his time until he gets in my pants. I can’t tell you how many times I caught my dates getting bored in the middle of my stories or texting on their phone while I’m trying to get to know them. I mean, I guess it’s my own fault for setting my standards so low, but…”
Johnny: “If you don’t mind me saying, those guys are buffoons, Dina! Why in the world would I stare at my phone when I can look at you instead? And I think you’re swell. You’re ambitious, romantic, funny...not as funny as me, of course, but you laugh at all my jokes so it counts for something. I couldn’t ask for a better date tonight.”
Dina: “You know what, Johnny…neither could I.”
And then it happened.
Dina Caliente kissed him.
It was everything he wanted and more. All his fears and anxieties disappeared.
Well, almost all of them.
Dina: “In case you were wondering…this is the part where you offer to take me back to your place.”
Johnny: “Wha…my place? I don’t know. Your house is closer, isn’t it?”
Dina: “Sure, but I have a packed house, and you wouldn’t believe how nosey everyone could be. You live alone, don’t you? I’d rather go to your place where we can be together without interruptions.”
Johnny: “Uh…sure. I’ll take you there. I’d love to. Just…”
Johnny: “Don’t be shocked if it’s not what you’re expecting, okay? It uh...needs a lot of work.”
***
As they stood in his living room, Dina was at a loss for words.
Dina: “You’re joking. Please tell me you’re joking.”
Johnny: “No, Dina. I wish it was a joke, but this is it. This is my place.”
She advanced on him with both hands raised, as though ready to strike at any given moment.
Dina: “Alright, Johnny! You owe me an explanation, and don’t you dare lie to me!”
Johnny: “I didn’t lie--”
Dina: “Yes, you did! You said you were a Landgraab, and I fell for it! So did all those waitresses! What gives? Was this all an elaborate prank? What are you trying to pull here?”
Johnny: “Dina, you’ve got to believe me! I wasn’t trying to pull anything over you! I wasn’t even going to tell you I’m…that I was a…I can’t even say it!”
Dina: “Too bad! Start talking! Who even are you?! The truth, this time! No more lies!”
Johnny: “I…I used to be John Dudley Landgraab the III.”
“Now…I’m just Johnny.”
“My parents disowned me because I didn’t want to go into the family business or finish school. Instead, I wanted to be a comedian. It’s my dream, but they didn’t care.”
“They took everything from me. My name, my condo, my credit cards, my trust fund…nothing is left. I had to sell what little I owned outright and start over. Before I bought this trailer, I was homeless for a few months.”
“I know lying to you was wrong…but I was afraid you’d feel disappointed if you knew I was some reject. I’ll understand if you’re angry with me.”
Dina: “Johnny, I’m not mad that you live in a trailer, or that you don’t make a lot of money. I’m mad because you lied to me about all of this! About your name, where you came from, why your credit card was declined at the restaurant. Why would you do that? Why couldn’t you just tell me what was going on?”
Johnny: “I don’t know, I…I guess I thought you wouldn’t give me a shot if you knew how broke I was. Gals like you never give me the time of day, especially after the fallout with my parents. I figured if you thought I was still a Landgraab, you would want to spend time and get to know me, the real me.”
Dina: “Wow. You really think I’m that shallow?”
Johnny: “That…no, that’s not what I--”
Dina: “This date is over. Good night, Johnny.”
Johnny: “Dina, please, I’m sorry! You have to believe me, I never wanted to hurt you.”
Dina: “Well, guess what? You did.”
Dina Caliente was supposed to be his future wife…
And Johnny Zest just let her walk out the door.
***
AUTHOR'S NOTES
1. So, I never intended on pairing Johnny Zest and Dina Caliente up. Dina was close to transitioning into her elder years when I noticed MC Command Center made her and Johnny sweethearts but they weren't married or living together. I thought it was the cutest thing! I decided to play off that and make their story start sooner.
2. The game is weird, where it states Johnny is a Landgraab but doesn't specify if he's related to Nancy and Geoffrey directly. I figured he is, as he's old enough to be their son? Then again, he could be a distant cousin. Either way, I alluded to their relationship but try to avoid giving it a name outright.
3. Believe it or not, I didn't summon both Landgraabs on the lot whatsoever! They were already there when I traveled with Johnny and Dina. I swear the game gives me what I want without any effort on my part. I love it.
Johnny Zest asks Dina Caliente out on a date. Can he win her heart?
Host: “I’m sorry, what name is your reservation under again? Chester?”
Johnny: “Zest. Johnny Zest. Z-E-S-T. Party of two, right? Listen, I called Charles yesterday and asked him to put aside a spot for me under that name--”
Host: “Oh! Yes, there you are. Your date’s already waiting for you.”
Johnny: “Really? How long has she been here?”
Host: “She only arrived just a few minutes ago. Right this way, sir.”
Johnny: “It’s pretty dead in here tonight. What’s the occasion?”
Host: “Some of our generous patrons rented out the hall for the evening. They paid top dollar to get the dining room emptied out. You were lucky to keep your table, but we had to move it towards the back, near the kitchen.”
Johnny: “Oh, that’s fine by me! The lady and I could use a little bit of privacy--”
Just keep your head up, John. Don’t let them see you sweat. You deserve to be here.
Johnny’s mood lifted as he approached his table and saw his date waiting for him.
Johnny: “Hey doll! Sorry, I’m…late? We agreed to seven, right?”
Dina: “Oh, I always aim for punctuality! Some say it’s best to be fashionably late, but that’s definitely not my motto. It sets a bad precedent.”
Dina: “Plus, I was a little nervous! It’s not every day I get to dine at a restaurant this fancy. I cannot believe you managed to get a table here. I heard this business has a three-year waiting period for reservations.”
Johnny: “Well, that’s the perks of befriending an up and coming entertainer such as Johnny Zest! You make the right connections, and you wouldn’t believe how many doors open for you, figuratively and literally. I just knew this was the right place for our first of many dates.”
Dina: “First of many? You’re very confident of that.”
Johnny: “Ah, ignore me. I dream big. There’s nothing wrong with knowing what you want and going for it. That’s my motto, anyway. And let me just say, you look radiant tonight, Dina. Thanks for coming out with me.”
Dina: “Aren’t you sweet? It’s going to take more than a few compliments to impress me, though…but this is a good start. Keep going.”
Johnny Zest knew how lucky he was to sit across from Dina Caliente, even without her pointing it out. He still couldn’t believe his eyes.
He wasn’t exactly hurting for romance. His career took top priority over everything else, including his love life. The few women he dated, it never panned out, primarily because he was too focused on his gigs and comedy sketches; his girlfriends got tired of the competition. Not to mention none of them held his attention for too long. Tried as hard as he might, he simply couldn’t find the right person to ring his bell so to speak.
Then it happened. One night, Johnny was performing at a local venue in the neighborhood. He was right in the middle of a sketch, ready to rock the house with his humorous puns and improv…
And failed to land the punchline when she walked in and took his breath away.
Dina Caliente, the future Mrs. Zest.
Johnny was certain of this. He wasn’t sure why, but he knew Dina was different.
He bought her a drink, keeping his distance at first, and was pleasantly surprised when she left her friends to join him.
He cracked a few jokes…
Got a couple of laughs out of her…
After a while, she was receptive to his advances, readily jumping at the opportunity to go on a date with him.
Now that Johnny had her right where he wanted her, he wasn’t sure what to say or what to do to impress her. Dinner was a good start, but what if they had nothing in common, or she was bored with him? Women like Dina could easily hook men who were far more handsome and charismatic than him, with fatter pocketbooks, yet she was taking a chance with him. What if he wasn’t up to par?
Waitress: “It’s good to see you again, Mr. Landgraab. It’s been a while since your last visit. Did you and your date decide on drinks?”
Johnny kept his eyes glued to his menu, ignoring the waitress and the intense staredown that Dina was giving him.
Johnny: “Oh, well…I was going to have a glass of your finest pinot noir. Dina, what did you want to drink? Don’t be shy.”
Dina: “The cosmopolitan is very tempting, but it’s so expensive. I can just get a mocktail.”
Johnny: “Nonsense! Listen, Maybelle, get the lady here a cosmopolitan. Make sure it’s as pretty as she looks.”
Waitress: “Right away, sir. Can I interest you in our chef’s recommendations, or would you like to place your special order tonight?”
Johnny: “Uh…give us a couple more minutes, would you?”
The waitress left Johnny at the mercy of Dina’s scrutiny.
Dina: “Landgraab? Is that for real, or is she joking?”
Johnny: “Ah, well…Zest is my stage name, you see! My real name is John Dudley Landgraab the III, but that’s such a mouthful! Imagine trying to put on a show with an introduction like that. It lacks spunk and personality, or rather, the right sort of personality!”
Dina: “I cannot believe this! I’m sitting across an actual Landgraab. I mean, I live with a Lothario and that’s more believable than this. I never would’ve suspected you to be part of that clan. You’re so down to earth and personable. No offense.”
Johnny: “None taken! I don’t exactly shout it from the rooftops, that I hail from the richest family in the neighborhood. I like to interact with the common folk, as my mother would put it, without the pressure to fit their expectations. People hear the name ‘Landgraab’ and get all sorts of ideas. I’d rather they get to know me, the real me.”
Dina: “I guess I understand that…but what are you doing here with me? I bet you can date just about anyone. I mean, not that I’m trying to put myself down, but look at me! I’m wearing last season’s Will Wright fashion in this crowd. I must stick out like a sore thumb.”
Johnny: “You do stick out - because you outshine everyone in this room, Dina! Why would I schmooze someone else when I could spend the evening with you? Now come on, decide what you want for dinner! Nothing is off-limits!”
Dina: “Are you sure? These prices…everything seems so extravagant.”
Johnny: “Doll, we only live once! I brought you here because I wanted to give you a good time, remember? Sit back and enjoy yourself. If you ask me, their seafood is always top-notch. You haven’t lived until you tried their calamari or the lobster.”
Their meals and drinks arrived. Johnny ordered his usual, the lamb shanks, while Dina chose the lobster.
Johnny: “How’s your dinner? Trust me, when Maybelle says the lobster tails are fresh, that isn’t a bluff.”
Dina: “It’s delicious! This cosmopolitan though, my goodness…it’s divine! I can never get mine to taste like this. Do you think the bartender could slip me the recipe? I taste the cranberry and the lime, but they must’ve used some amazing vodka. The flavor profile is so different from everything else I’ve ever tried.”
Johnny: “We can ask! You really get fired up about cocktails, don’t you?”
Dina: “It comes with the job! Don’t you see it, how much creativity goes into a drink like this? People write them off or say you only need a beer to get you where you need to go, but literally anyone can pour you a beer from the tab or give you a couple of shots, but to take a well-known drink and make it your own, that takes skill. I’m always on the lookout to improve my own recipes.”
Johnny: “You know, when you told me you were an aspiring mixologist, I was wondering why you would choose that as a career, or if you were just sticking with the job until you were ready for something else…”
Johnny: “…but hearing you talk about it, I get it now! It’s no different than what I do. Everyone underestimates the value of what we bring to the world. Some jackholes might say you just serve girly drinks, but you offer a respite to others who are looking for a little comfort at the end of the day.”
Dina: “Exactly! There’s no greater joy than someone enjoying my original cocktails - and I love letting my hair down at the end of a bad week and cutting loose. Drinking nothing but flat beer is so sad and unnecessary! Men are especially bad about this! If you’re going to get drunk, at least enjoy some flavor. All the ‘girly drinks’ pack more punch than you’d think.”
Johnny: “Preach to the choir, Dina! You’ve converted me. Consider me your first follower.”
One of the hosts came over to pick up their empty glasses. Before she left, she leaned forward and whispered in Johnny’s ears.
Host: “Pardon me, Mr. Landgraab? I’m afraid your credit card was declined. We rang it twice, but we can’t get the transaction to go through. Do you have another method of payment?”
Johnny: “Oh…I don’t know, that’s the only card I got on me right now. Hold on, let me check my wallet.”
Dina: “What’s wrong?”
Johnny: “I…I guess something is wrong with my credit card. There’s got to be a mistake. I had more than enough room when I checked this morning--”
Dina: “Oh, you poor thing! This happened to my mother once. Someone took a picture of her credit card while she wasn’t looking and robbed her blind! It ruined her score for years. You better put a freeze on that account right away! Here, take my card for now.”
Johnny: “Wha--Dina, no! I can’t let you do that! I promised to spoil you tonight!”
Dina: “Johnny, I’m not going to make you feel bad about credit card fraud! It’s no joke! If you feel this bad about it, just pay me back later! I insist, please. I barely use it.”
Johnny had no choice but to accept her offer. It was either that or the business owners would call the cops on him, or force him to wash dishes for the rest of the evening.
Immense guilt weighed on his shoulders through the rest of their date, even when Dina continued their lively conversation without missing a beat or stressing about the money. He wanted to impress her, but getting stuck with the tab so unexpectedly, it must’ve killed her mood and her opinion of him.
After dinner, they walked outside the restaurant, where he pulled her aside for a moment of privacy.
Johnny: “I’m really sorry about tonight. I can pay you back as soon as tomorrow. I don’t want to put you in a bind--”
Dina: “Johnny, please, these things happen. It’s just one little hiccup in the middle of an amazing night.”
Johnny: “R…Really? Even after all of that, you’re still having a good time with me?”
Dina: “I am. It’s just so refreshing to have a nice dinner with a sweet guy who actually listens to me, who isn’t just biding his time until he gets in my pants. I can’t tell you how many times I caught my dates getting bored in the middle of my stories or texting on their phone while I’m trying to get to know them. I mean, I guess it’s my own fault for setting my standards so low, but…”
Johnny: “If you don’t mind me saying, those guys are buffoons, Dina! Why in the world would I stare at my phone when I can look at you instead? And I think you’re swell. You’re ambitious, romantic, funny...not as funny as me, of course, but you laugh at all my jokes so it counts for something. I couldn’t ask for a better date tonight.”
Dina: “You know what, Johnny…neither could I.”
And then it happened.
Dina Caliente kissed him.
It was everything he wanted and more. All his fears and anxieties disappeared.
Well, almost all of them.
Dina: “In case you were wondering…this is the part where you offer to take me back to your place.”
Johnny: “Wha…my place? I don’t know. Your house is closer, isn’t it?”
Dina: “Sure, but I have a packed house, and you wouldn’t believe how nosey everyone could be. You live alone, don’t you? I’d rather go to your place where we can be together without interruptions.”
Johnny: “Uh…sure. I’ll take you there. I’d love to. Just…”
Johnny: “Don’t be shocked if it’s not what you’re expecting, okay? It uh...needs a lot of work.”
As they stood in his living room, Dina was at a loss for words.
Dina: “You’re joking. Please tell me you’re joking.”
Johnny: “No, Dina. I wish it was a joke, but this is it. This is my place.”
She advanced on him with both hands raised, as though ready to strike at any given moment.
Dina: “Alright, Johnny! You owe me an explanation, and don’t you dare lie to me!”
Johnny: “I didn’t lie--”
Dina: “Yes, you did! You said you were a Landgraab, and I fell for it! So did all those waitresses! What gives? Was this all an elaborate prank? What are you trying to pull here?”
Johnny: “Dina, you’ve got to believe me! I wasn’t trying to pull anything over you! I wasn’t even going to tell you I’m…that I was a…I can’t even say it!”
Dina: “Too bad! Start talking! Who even are you?! The truth, this time! No more lies!”
Johnny: “I…I used to be John Dudley Landgraab the III.”
“Now…I’m just Johnny.”
“My parents disowned me because I didn’t want to go into the family business or finish school. Instead, I wanted to be a comedian. It’s my dream, but they didn’t care.”
“They took everything from me. My name, my condo, my credit cards, my trust fund…nothing is left. I had to sell what little I owned outright and start over. Before I bought this trailer, I was homeless for a few months.”
“I know lying to you was wrong…but I was afraid you’d feel disappointed if you knew I was some reject. I’ll understand if you’re angry with me.”
Dina: “Johnny, I’m not mad that you live in a trailer, or that you don’t make a lot of money. I’m mad because you lied to me about all of this! About your name, where you came from, why your credit card was declined at the restaurant. Why would you do that? Why couldn’t you just tell me what was going on?”
Johnny: “I don’t know, I…I guess I thought you wouldn’t give me a shot if you knew how broke I was. Gals like you never give me the time of day, especially after the fallout with my parents. I figured if you thought I was still a Landgraab, you would want to spend time and get to know me, the real me.”
Dina: “Wow. You really think I’m that shallow?”
Johnny: “That…no, that’s not what I--”
Dina: “This date is over. Good night, Johnny.”
Johnny: “Dina, please, I’m sorry! You have to believe me, I never wanted to hurt you.”
Dina: “Well, guess what? You did.”
Dina Caliente was supposed to be his future wife…
And Johnny Zest just let her walk out the door.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
1. So, I never intended on pairing Johnny Zest and Dina Caliente up. Dina was close to transitioning into her elder years when I noticed MC Command Center made her and Johnny sweethearts but they weren't married or living together. I thought it was the cutest thing! I decided to play off that and make their story start sooner.
2. The game is weird, where it states Johnny is a Landgraab but doesn't specify if he's related to Nancy and Geoffrey directly. I figured he is, as he's old enough to be their son? Then again, he could be a distant cousin. Either way, I alluded to their relationship but try to avoid giving it a name outright.
3. Believe it or not, I didn't summon both Landgraabs on the lot whatsoever! They were already there when I traveled with Johnny and Dina. I swear the game gives me what I want without any effort on my part. I love it.
