The Price Legacy - Generation One - Chapter Nine

[pastryqueen]

Joshua proposes to Marci. Although she says yes, this prompts her to question whether their relationship can withstand marriage. A night out with a friend complicates matters.

CONTENT WARNING: Gendered slurs, mature language.




When Joshua suggested living together, Marci had not anticipated how quickly, and dramatically, her life was going to change.



For starters, her little shack was transformed into a cozy modern home with reliable plumbing and electricity, heat and air conditioning, and a roof that didn't leak while it rained.



She finally got the kitchen island that she always wanted…





Two bedrooms, one for them…



And one for Louis…



And a basement with a washer and dryer setup.



Life was damn near perfect.



There was an adjustment period, of course.

Sometimes Louis gave her lip. Suddenly she was no longer the cool girl that his father was dating.

Marci: “Louis, come on, the bus will be here any minute. You’re wasting time.”

Louis: “You’re a waste of time!”

Marci: “Don’t make me get the screwdriver and take this door off! You know I will!”

Louis: “Why do I even have to listen to you? You’re not my real mom!”



Eventually, the three of them got used to each other’s quirks and fell into a comfortable routine.

Joshua was still hopeless in the kitchen – but now Marci was around to pick up the slack.

Louis still did his homework without being told.



And they still had movie nights on Friday.



Marci: “I hate this movie. They brought Nick back just to kill his daughter?! I was just starting to like her! Gawd! I’m over it!”



Some things were different, though. Marci encouraged Joshua to get back in the art world and showcase his work at galleries in San Myshuno.



These days, he was busier than ever. He was often called away to celebrity hot spots for the most renowned sims to view and auction on his paintings. His name was gaining positive traction again, and his fame was growing with each passing day. All his earnings were secured in their joint bank account so they could continue building onto their property in the future.



As for Louis...

Although their relationship began in shaky territory, he gradually became Marci’s little shadow. He started dressing like her, carrying himself with a swagger as she did, and listening to her favorite music much to his father’s chagrin.



Marci was tickled by his attempt at a swagger walk and how often she found him walking out of his room wearing something familiar.

Marci: “Hey, what gives? Is that my old shirt around your waist?”

Louis: “Yup! I needed it to complete my ensemble! The flannels in my closet are for babies! Yours is cooler!”



Marci: “Next time you should ask for permission before raiding my closet, little dude…but I dig this look. Very edgy. All the other kids will think twice before messing with you, for sure.”



Louis: “Hey Marci? Can I get an eyebrow piercing like you?”



Marci: “Ahaha…well, let’s give it a couple more years, Louis.”

Louis: “Aww, why?”

Marci: “You need to be much older! They don’t let kids get piercings like mine. Hell, I didn’t get mine done until I moved out here. Besides, your dad’s the one who needs to take you, not me.”

Louis: “Dad’s super lame, though! He doesn’t have any, and he wouldn’t know where to get them done. You can take me, though.”

Each time Louis came to her for guidance or expressing how much he valued her input, it changed how she viewed the kid. He was no longer her boyfriend’s son with no relation to her…



But a boy who wore down her defenses and made her care about him.

They were family, in their own way.

Louis: “Dad said you had newspaper covering the walls in your old bedroom! It sounded cool! He said I can cover one wall in my room. Do you like it?”



Marci: “It…it’s great, Louis. I love it.”



Marci was still stuck as a bartender at the bar. Barely even a mixologist, with no promise of a promotion.

Joshua encouraged her to search for work elsewhere, where her talents and skill could be put to better use, but she kept striking out on the first round of job interviews.

She wasn’t sure what she was doing wrong. She wore her nicest shirt and black slacks, took out her eyebrow studs, wore simple makeup, and worked herself up before every interview with pep talks to her reflection in the bathroom mirror.



Marci: “Remember, you’re a bad bitch! You can do this! Get in there and show them what they’re missing! Show them what Marci Price can do!”

It felt silly, just as Joshua warned, but it worked.



Or at least, she thought it would.

The last interview was the absolute worse. That day, she came home feeling as though her spirit was crushed. It was exactly what she wanted: a position as a line cook at one of Oasis Springs’ up and coming bistro with experimental fusion dishes, where she would’ve been trained under some of the best cooks and restaurant management in the neighborhood.

On her way home, she received a phone call from the manager, thanking her for her interest but that they were going to offer the position to a candidate who better fit their qualifications.



Joshua wasn’t home. For the past several days, he was several hours away at Del Sol Valley, where his work was finally getting displayed in his very own gallery. While he was living his dream, she sat on their couch, alone and heartbroken, wondering if the universe was punishing her.



When she woke up from her nap, she wasn’t alone.



Marci: “What are you doing home so soon? I thought you wouldn’t be back until tomorrow.”

Joshua: “I took an earlier flight. I wanted to surprise you and Louis. How did your interview go? I texted you, but you never answered.”



Marci sat up, though she couldn’t look at him. Much to her own disgust, she was already tearing up when the sting of rejection resurfaced. She hid her face from Joshua when she answered him.

Marci: “I…I didn’t get it.”

Joshua: “Oh, honey. I’m sorry. There’s always the next interview.”

Marci: “There isn’t going to be a next interview, Josh. I’m done.”

Joshua: “Come on, don’t give up! When you told me to plug my art again, I didn’t think it was worth the effort either but look at what happened. Everything worked out. It will for you, too.”



Marci: “That’s different! You doodle on our tablet in the middle of a boring movie and produce a goddamn masterpiece, and that’s when you barely pay any attention! I can’t do that! No matter how hard I work, or how often I train at home, I just don’t have that in me!”



Joshua: “Hey…you really think I don't understand how you feel? Do you have any idea how many rejections I faced when I got out of art school? How difficult it was to find an audience?”



Joshua: “I struggled, too. Everyone does. That doesn’t mean you’re not making all the necessary steps. You shouldn’t beat yourself up like this.”



Marci: “I’m sorry, Josh. I don’t mean to yell, I just…”



Marci: “You’re wrong about me. I think I should just…accept my lot in life. Maybe I can fool myself for a moment, but…I can’t change who I am. A colossal failure. A fuckup. I don’t—I never deserved nice things. Why did I even dare to believe otherwise?”



Joshua: “Marci…you’re wrong.”



Joshua: “I can’t speak for who you were before we met, but I watched you grow so much over the last year. You stumble and fall but laugh it off and keep going; most people would’ve given up right then and there. You make mistakes but own them like trophies. You never tolerate anyone who puts you or your friends down. Remember when Dina’s boyfriend broke her heart, and you went to his place and trashed his stuff? Or when that heckler got in Johnny Zest’s face and you punched him out?”



Marci: “Well, someone’s gotta protect my fourth husband, and he sure as hell can’t do it himself. The guy’s a beanpole!”

Joshua: “See? That’s what I mean. You’re loyal, passionate, loving…and when you dedicate yourself to something or someone, you always come through for them. If this place doesn’t see your worth, then it’s their loss, not yours.”



Joshua: “I know you can and will accomplish great things…and I want to be there with you every step of the way.”

Marci: “Oh my god, Josh, what are you…”

Joshua: “I planned on doing this another time, over a nice dinner, but now is as good a time as any to ask.”



Joshua: “I know our relationship is still new, and that neither one of us wants to limit ourselves…but my love for you grows stronger by the day. When I picture our future down the road, I see myself as your husband. I want you to know, no matter what happens, that you always have a home with me. That I will always come through for you, too.”



Joshua: “So, Marci Price…will you marry me?”



Marci was speechless. In the movies, whenever boyfriends proposed, all the women shouted ‘yes’ or answered with a nod of their heads. Instead, she took hold of Joshua and kissed him.

Did it even need to be said, how much she wanted this with him?



She glanced down at her hand momentarily when he reached over to hold it. The ring was beautiful, and it was the perfect fit on her petite finger. How did he figure out her ring size? When did he have the time to buy this? How long was he planning on doing this?

Joshua: “Well – do you feel better now?”



Marci: “Be careful, Josh. Every time I have a breakdown, I’m expecting a scripted proposal each time. And you better step it up a notch. String quartet, extravagant food, Louis delivering the ring on a silk pillow…”



Joshua: “Believe it or not, nothing I said was scripted. I just spoke from the heart.”

Marci: “You sentimental, smooth-talking bastard. How long were you hiding this ring from me? Did you buy it out there?”

Joshua: “I had it for a while. You almost found it. Two weeks ago, when you were going through my end table drawer, trying to find a pen…”



Marci: “Wait, so when you tripped on our laundry basket and sprained your ankle…?”

Joshua: “I was trying to distract you, but I didn’t think I would be that successful at it.”

Marci: “And I’m supposed to be the klutz here! I’m rubbing off on you.”



Her phone went off. It was a text.

Joshua: “Who’s that?”

Marci: “Shit, I forgot Don and I were going out for drinks tonight. I can cancel—”



Joshua: “No, it’s fine.”

Marci: “Are you sure?”

Joshua: “We can celebrate tomorrow! Louis wants to see that new Goblins movie, right? I can take him to see that. We’re long overdue for some father/son time.”

Marci: “Oh, good. He wouldn’t stop badgering me about it, but I can’t, Josh, I just can’t suffer through another one of those godawful flicks. I want to set all those adorable singing goblins on fire for covering My Chemical Romance in the last one.”

Joshua: “See? It works out.”



She scooted closer to give him another kiss.

Marci: “You’re too sweet, you know that? I love you.”



Joshua: “I love you, too. Now, I’m going to hop in the shower. Did you need to use the bathroom first?”

Marci: “No, but I think I’ll join you. I really missed you on all those long, lonely nights while you were away…”

Joshua: “So did I. Let’s hurry, then. We only have an hour until school lets out.”



Living with Joshua Hay was a dream come true, more than she ever expected.

Living with Joshua as his wife was a surreal fantasy, and it was just about to come true.



He loved Marci Price.

He wanted to marry Marci Price…



He had no idea who that woman was.

And truth be told, neither did she.

***



Marci: “Seriously, you never thought about it?”

Don: “No, because it’s ludicrous.”



Marci: “I don’t think so! Have you ever walked into a room with the intention of doing something, and suddenly you just stop and forget what you were getting ready to do?”

Don: “All the damn time, but that doesn’t mean we’re living in a virtual world where a third party is controlling our every move and whim! If that were true, then none of our choices, our wants, our desires matter. That means we could never die if someone out there decides to keep us around forever, or we end up in a different house in seconds! Is that the world you want to live in? Is that the world we live in now? No! Of course not!”

Marci: “Then explain all the strange shit that goes on around here, like…like fires breaking out for no good reason sometimes, how we see snow one day but suffer through a heatwave the next, objects showing up in our living room and we don’t remember buying them, or…I don’t know, people laughing themselves to death! Who does that? How is that even possible?”



Don: “That last bit? Easy. People die from laughing too hard because they can go into cardiac arrest, rupture a brain aneurysm, or trigger a severe asthma attack.”

Marci: “Oh, look at you ruining my conspiracy theory with your logic and medical research, mister ‘I could’ve been a surgeon, but instead I serve sluts free tater tots in exchange for blowjobs’.”

Don: “Hey! That’s disgusting. I have some class.”



Marci: “I’ll be the judge of that, doc.”

Don: “I knew I was going to regret telling you about college…”



Bartender: “Were you two interested in another round?”

Marci: “I’m game. You?”

Don: “I’ll pass for now but go ahead. It’s on me.”

Marci: “Aw, come on! You’ve been nursing that same drink all night. That’s not like you.”

Don: “I’m taking it easy tonight. Someone has to be sober enough to get your sloppy ass home, and no one else is here to supervise us.”



The bartender offered to make Marci her usual. Instead, she deviated and chose a different menu item.

Don: “Fancy choice. Since when do you drink red wine?”

Marci: “Since Josh got a whole case of it from an associate in San Myshuno. They were really impressed with his shit – as they should be! This one is soooo nice. Very aromatic. You want a taste?”

Don: “I’m good. Try and hurry, though. We should head out in a few.”



Marci: “Head out? And go where?”

Don: “Into the city.”

Marci: “San Myshuno? That’s an hour away!”

Don: “Not if we take the red line. It’s dead at this hour. Twenty-minute trip tops.”

Marci: “I don’t know, I’m awfully comfortable in my chair here, and I told Joshua I wouldn’t be out too late…”



Don: “Fine. If you’d rather spend this lovely evening with the LARPers, then don’t let me stop you.”



Ah, right – she forgot it was Knights Night at the Rattlesnake Juice, where drinks were discounted if patrons arrived in costume. She glanced over at the lone knight sitting on a stool.

Marci: “You mean you didn’t bring your backup suit of armor, just in case? Amateur.”

Don: “This place is going to be filled with them in less than ten minutes. I suggest we bail before this room starts reeking of desperation and moldy body odor.”



Marci: “Why all the way downtown, though? What’s going on there?”

Don: “The Spice Festival. You were there with me, Dina, and Nina last year, remember?”



Marci: “Oh, I remember. You guys talked me into that fucking awful spicy challenge.”



Don: “And you failed, spectacularly if I might add.”



Marci: “So, what, you want to take me back and humiliate me all over again?”

Don: “Just looking for friendly competition! Don’t you want a shot at redemption? For a chance to take home the prize? To beat me like you always wanted?”

Marci: “Oh, I always dream about beating you…except in my fantasies, it’s way more violent than what you're implying.”

Don: “All right, you psychopath, how about this: if you beat the spicy challenge, you get one free slap to the face. I won’t protect myself or fight back.”

Marci: “And I can cash this prize in, anytime?”

Don: “Anytime – but I won’t make this offer again. I got to protect this beautiful mug, you understand.”



Marci: “Oh, there won’t be anything left to protect once I’m through with it! Let’s go!”

***



As promised, the train ride was only twenty minutes. Marci and Don arrived at the festival just in time to participate in the spicy challenge. Like last year, they signed waivers and went over the rules: eat everything, and they were only allowed to ask for water. They walked towards the table where plates of flaming curry waited for them, with a generous portion of white jasmine rice on the side.



Marci: “I don’t know about you, but this shit looks worse than last year.”

Don: “It is. Last time, the curry barely hit 6,000 Scoville Heat Units. This dish reportedly surpasses that. I heard someone say it rates at 8,000 units but it wasn’t confirmed by any officials here.”

Marci: “Well, it was nice knowing you. When you die, I’ll tell Kat you loved her. In fact, I’ll tell Dina and Nina you loved them, too. Leave them wondering who was Don Lothario’s favorite Caliente, just how you like it.”



Don: “Marci, I give you thirty seconds, tops, before you drop out or cry. You can’t even tolerate wasabi on your sushi! It’s going to take a miracle to beat me.”

Marci: “Oh, I’m going to beat you! You promised me one slap to your stupid face, and I’m holding you to that! Here I go!”

She took one big bite of her curry, just to wipe that smirk off his face.



And she immediately regretted eating so much too soon.

Marci: “Oooooh shit…”

Don: “That bad, huh?”

Marci: “It feels like I just licked the underside of Satan’s nutsack! Holy fuck!”



Marci lasted for nearly two minutes, and managed two more bites before she caved and asked for a glass of milk from the judge.

Marci: “Is that smoke coming out of my mouth…? Does my breath smell like fire?”

Don: “Gotta admit, I’m impressed you made it this far, longer than I expected. You did well…for a white girl.”



Marci: “Oh yeah? Put your money where your mouth is, Lothario. I haven’t seen you take one bite yet.”

Don: “You know my motto: ladies first.”



Don was barely one bite into his dish when he hiccuped.

Marci: “Oh no, you’re not about to throw up, are you?”

Don: “I heard they were adding ghost pepper powder, but this is—!”

He was cut off by another hiccup erupting from his throat.

Marci: “I could lie and say I believe in you, but you’re not looking so good. Maybe you should stop.”

Don: “What, and hear about this for the rest of our natural lives? Fuck it, I’m finishing this.”



And finished it, he did. He was the only opponent who cleaned his plate, washing the curry down with only lukewarm water. Marci would never dare to say it out loud - Don stroked his own ego without her help - but she was impressed.

Marci: “Damn, I was really rooting against you! Congrats! You dodged a bullet from me tonight!”

Don: “Honestly, a slap would’ve been a wasted effort. I probably wouldn’t feel a damn thing right now. My whole face is tingly. And I definitely gave my esophagus a workout.”

Marci: “Oh, no doubt about that. Go and collect your prize! I wanna see it!”

Don: “You wanted this win more than I did. Don’t lie. It’s adorable.”

Marci: “Call me adorable one more time, and I’m touching your eyeball with this curry residue on my fingers.”



Don left and returned minutes later with his grand prize.

Marci immediately burst out laughing at the sight of it.

Don: “A T-shirt. They gave me a fucking T-shirt.”

Marci: “Hoooomygod, that is so stupid.”

Don: “They made us sign waivers, and how do they reward me?! A shirt! Last year it was money and a certificate for free spices all year round! And the Humor and Hijinks Festival, they gave you $500 and fireworks! I told the judge that, and they laughed in my face!”

Marci: “You were giving me so much grief for dropping out, but at least I didn’t hurt myself over this.”



Don: “I’m regretting it, trust me. I still can’t feel the roof of my mouth…or my tongue…and I’m pretty sure the pepper powder is burning a hole in my intestines as we speak. How close are we to a hospital again?”

Marci: “And it’s such a stupid shirt, too. That cartoon pepper looks like it’s got a serious case of fiery poops! Talk about a bad omen!”



Don: “That does it. I’m taking this shirt off.”

Marci: “No, no—leave it on! Don’t you want to show off to the girls at home? Nina is going to laugh her ass off! Didn’t she win the money and spices last year? Shit, Kat’s going to be so proud of her boy toy, endangering himself for no good reason.”

Don: “Ugh, don’t even mention her fucking name again! I—”



Marci stopped laughing. The shift in Don’s mood was so drastic, it took her by surprise.

Don: “Just...forget I said anything.”

Marci: “Come on, Don, don’t give me that! What’s wrong? Are you and Kat fighting again?”

Don: “When are we not fighting?”

Marci: “Something must’ve happened, or you wouldn’t have reacted like that when I brought her up.”



Don: “Nothing happened, Marci. And apparently that’s the problem. She wants to get married.”

Marci: “Whoa shit. Did she propose to you?”

Don: “No, worse. She’s been beating around the bush and shooting all these hypothetical questions at me: if I’d prefer a spring or summer ceremony, or if I think a bride should wear a white dress at her second wedding, or if men wearing blue tuxedos is a good look or not…”

Marci: “She’s not beating around the bush, Don. She’s setting fire to it and shoving you into the flames. What did you tell her?”

Don: “I gave her the same answer every time: that I don’t care. Which is the truth, and exactly what she didn't want to hear. She blew up at me, asked what my problem was, that I was acting immature. And there I was, defending myself and explaining why I don’t want to get married right now, for the thousandth time since we started dating.”



Marci: “I hate to ask, but…why are you guys still together? She knows how you feel about marriage – and you know where she stands on that, too. It sounds like a goddamn train wreck waiting to happen. Maybe you ought to step off the tracks now while you can and let her find someone who wants what she wants.”

Don: “Believe it or not, I don’t want to hurt Kat! I care about her – and I want to make her happy if I can. I just want her to understand my point of view sometimes. I moved into her place not that long ago, and marriage isn’t a top priority for me right now. Is it so wrong that I want to wait and feel things out first, before taking a leap like that, if ever?”



Marci: “No, of course not. Sorry. Sometimes I forget, you have feelings, too.”

Don: “Well, thanks for remembering I’m capable of them.”

Marci: “You know what I mean. If I knew you were having a bad night, I wouldn’t have dunked on you so much.”



He shook his head and grabbed both her hands

Don: “Marci, getting teased by you is the least stressful thing that’s happened to me all week. You don’t have to—”



He stopped short when his thumb brushed over the diamond.

Don: “Damn, when did you get this rock? Is it new?”

Marci: “Just got it today, actually. It’s not too much, is it?”

Don: “It’s a diamond. Of course, it’s too much, but that’s the point! You wear them to show off. Did you buy it, or was it a gift from Joshua? Wait…”



Don: “Did he propose to you?”

Marci: “Thank God you’re pretty because you're such a dumbass. Why else would I wear an engagement ring?”



Don: “Why didn’t you say anything? I feel like an ass now! You let me rant about marriage that whole time without tipping me off!”



Marci: “Oh, that? I’m so used to your noncommital ass freaking out so much, it hardly registered in my brain. And I meant to bring this up sooner, but I was waiting for a good opening – and to see if you’d notice on your own.”



Don: “Well, sorry it took me so long to notice. Congrats! I’m happy for you guys. How’s it feel?”

Marci: “Thanks. It still hasn’t sunk in for me yet. I was sitting there and wondering why he came home so early from his trip, and he sprung this ring on me while I cried my eyes out about that stupid interview—”



Don: “Hold on. When did he propose again?”

Marci: “Just this afternoon.”

Don: “Then…what are you doing here with me? Shouldn’t you be with him right now?”



Marci: “Well, I really didn’t want to cancel our outing, and Josh offered to move our celebration tomorrow night before I even said anything. He took Louis to the movies tonight, and they’re chilling out at home.”

Don: “That’s big of him. I don’t know if I would’ve done that if I were in his shoes.”

Marci: “Oh, that’s Josh for you. He’s very thoughtful.”



Marci: “(mutters) So frickin thoughtful and perfect, all the time…”

Don: “What was that?”

Marci: “Nothing. Hey, let’s hit the bar before we get going. We both need a palette cleanser.”

***



They stayed at the festival for another hour. As usual, Marci drank Don under the table. She had another drink and a couple of shots before they boarded the train back home.



On their way back to her house, she insisted on stargazing with him in her backyard, in spite of his protests.

Don: “You’re so fucking drunk. Why are we doing this again? I don’t see any stars! There are clouds everywhere!”



Marci: “You don’t see those? Look, right there! Those two! Now shut the hell up!”

Don: “Those aren’t stars! They’re probably planets. Only planets would break through to our atmosphere on this side of the neighborhood. Too much pollution and skylights for everything else.”

Marci: “Well, it’s more than what I ever got to see in my whole life. I happen to appreciate those stars or whatever you call them very much.”



Don: “You haven’t seen stars, Marci. Not really. The farther you get away from civilization, they stand out more. I used to camp at Granite Falls as a kid, and there are so many stars at night, they practically light up the sky and stretch out for miles. You spend so much time finding the constellations, you never get bored.”



Marci: “I guess I wouldn’t know any better. I lived in a city my whole life. Never traveled, never camped, nothing like that. And the first chance I got, I just moved from one popular area to another.”



Don: “That’s a shame. You really need to get away once in a while. There’s a whole world out there to explore, and when else are you going to get the time? I dropped all my savings bouncing from place to place for a while, but I have no regrets.”

Marci: “I doubt Josh and I can afford to travel anytime soon. All our savings went into the house, and I know he wants to continue expanding on the property and build a proper place for us.”

Don: “Is that what you want to do?”

Marci: “Dunno. I guess I’m okay with it. I need a little more stability these days, and Josh…he gives me that. He knows how to center my crazy ass and bring me back down to earth.”



Don: “Speaking of the boyfriend…you ready to go in?”

Marci: “Not yet. It's nice out.”

Marci sat up alongside Don and looked at the house. The lights were still on, but she knew it was only a matter of time before Joshua went to bed. Louis fell asleep hours ago, and Joshua never stayed up too late unless he was working on a tough commission. Was he waiting for her?

She watched for his movement, even after the lights finally went out. No sign of him.



Marci paid no attention to Don’s hand coming towards her face until his fingers pinched her nose.

Marci: “Ow! Hey! What gives?”

Don: “Earth to Price! I was talking to you! Where’d your mind go?”

Marci: “You should worry less about where my mind went and where my fist is going because it’s going right for your stupid face, you—”



She was getting her fist ready for the attack. Then he pulled her close and pressed a playful kiss to her temple. That immediately dampened her rage.

Within the last several months, their gestures were getting warmer and friendlier, be it a hug that lasted too long or holding hands just for the hell of it. Strangers often mistook them as a couple – which worked in their favor whenever they ate out somewhere, and one lied and told a waitress it was the other’s birthday to score free meals or dessert. The interactions were never sexual or romantic, not really: it was just how they chose to express their affection for each other.

Don: “Chill! I was messing around! What’s bothering you?”



Marci: “What makes you think something is bothering me?”

Don: “You’ve been acting weird since I noticed the ring. Actually, it’s weird that you didn’t show me in the first place.”

Marci: “Well…I know how you feel about marriage, and it—”

Don: “You’re full of shit! You never filter yourself around me. Don’t start now. What’s your problem?

Marci: "Nothing. It's crazy. You don't want to hear it."

Don: "Try me."



Marci: “I…I might give the ring back to Josh.”

Don: “You’re right, that is crazy.”

Marci: “No – I’m crazy. A crazy, dumb slut for thinking we could get married without a problem.”

Don: “So what if you are all those things? You don't owe anyone an explanation about what happened then or who you are now. Everyone has baggage. Even Josh, I bet. I think he gets it more than you realize, Marci.”

Marci: “It’s not that simple, Don.”



Marci: “Do you remember when Josh and I had a fight, and I talked to Dina when you weren’t around? I gave him an ultimatum, that I could never tell him anything about my past. If he wanted to stay with me, then he needed to accept that and stop pressing for more info.”



“I want to say it’s for his own good, but…”



“Fuck, I was just thinking about myself: what I stood to lose.”



“I always thought love was made up, that everyone was faking it. I still think that’s true, for the most part, that most people don’t experience the real deal. I always wanted it, sought after it, but never got it, you know?

“But I met Josh, and…I never want to let him go.”



“How fucking selfish is that? That I demand so much but give him so little in return? What if he wakes up someday and realizes how messed up I am, or gets tired of dealing with me? I love him, but is it enough? Am I enough - especially when he has no idea who I really am?”



Marci worried that she shared too much, too soon. It wasn’t that she couldn’t trust Don to understand her or handle her morose mood. She feared he was going to get curious and press her for more information, too – and in her current state, she couldn’t trust herself to keep the truth from him. If he asked the right question, with the right tone of voice, she would’ve sold herself up the river and lived with the consequences.

He didn’t ask the right question, though. At first, he didn’t say anything at all. Instead, he moved behind her, wrapped both arms around her shoulders, and pulled her closer until she was leaning against him.

Don: “Hey Marci…”



Don: “If I tell you something terrible about myself, would that help you feel better?”

Marci: “Depends. Is it something that I already don’t know about you?”

Don: “I’m serious.”

Marci: “…It might. Go for it.”

Don: “Alright, well…”



Don: “When I was a teen, I had a girlfriend. Brandi Newbie.”



“You ever hear those stories about high school sweethearts, who get hitched straight after graduation and reach their golden years together? Everyone always assumed that would be us. Even our parents. We were inseparable.

“Thinking back on it, I think we were together for the wrong reasons.

“I always wanted a girlfriend, no matter who it was…”



“And she really wanted to get out of her parents’ house. They never had enough money, and I…well, you already know the deal with my family. She insisted she never cared about my status, but I know how often she went without food in her trailer. Of course, she cared. Who wouldn’t in her predicament?”



“Before our senior prom, I gave her a promise ring.”



“She was convinced we were meant to be married. And I really liked her - and everyone was expecting us to do it, anyway. I told her if she wanted a wedding after graduation, I was down.”



“And I was going to do it. I was going to marry Brandi, move her into our estate and take care of her and her folks, go to school and get my medical degree like my parents planned from the start, give her the family that she always wanted…”



“At the time, it just seemed like the right thing to do.”



“Then on the day of graduation, I transitioned alone in the morning, sooner than I expected…”



“Guess you can say, I finally woke up.”



“I realized that I didn’t want to go to college. That I didn’t want to be a doctor. What was the point? To make my parents happy? Nothing ever satisfied them – especially my old man. All they cared about was their money and their reputation. They planned my whole life, step by step. They wanted me to succeed, no matter what, even if it made me unhappy.

“I didn’t want to get married, either. I proposed because it felt like the right thing to do, what Brandi and everyone expected from me…but the thought fucking terrified me.

“For as long as I could remember, I had obligations. To my parents, to my girlfriend, to what they wanted from me, to what I thought they wanted from me...and it was too fucking much. I felt suffocated.”



“So I changed out of my graduation outfit, gathered my things…”



“Got in my car…”



“And I never looked back.

“My parents cut me off almost immediately. Probably disinherited me in writing, knowing them. They still have no idea where I am, and I doubt they care anymore. As for Brandi…”



“I never told Brandi that I changed my mind. I knew she was waiting for me at her place, with her things already packed. That whole day, she blew up my phone asking where I was and when I was swinging by, asking why I skipped the ceremony, saying she couldn’t wait to start the rest of her life with me…”



“That night, I blocked her number.”



Marci: “Shit, Don. That’s…”

Don: “Despicable. I know.”

Marci: “What happened to her?”

Don: “Last I heard, she married another guy from our class. They have a kid now. And they still live in that trailer park.”

Marci: “Did you ever reach out?”

Don: “No, never. And the sad thing is? I know I should feel guilty for breaking her heart or apologize for leaving her without an explanation…but these days, I don’t think about her at all. I don't feel anything, really. So, you know...as terrible as you feel about Josh…”



Marci: “We really are scum, aren’t we?”

Don: “We sure are.”

Marci: “I won’t lie…that does make me feel better. That at least we’re on the same wavelength, no matter what. I love Josh, I really do…but there are times I feel like I can never measure up, or that it's only a matter of time before I hurt him. Am I stupid for thinking that?”

Don: “Of course not. I feel the same way about Kat. I don’t know if I can say I love her, but I don’t want to hurt her. Still, no matter what she says or does, I can’t shake the feeling that she wants to change or mold me into this perfect guy she wants. Sometimes it’s too much and I play around with the idea of leaving in the middle of the night again and just not saying shit to anyone. Get a fresh start somewhere else again.”



Marci: “If and when you do, you better not ghost me. I mean it, Lothario. You don’t get to walk away from me without a couple of scars. Leave without saying a word, and I’ll haunt your ass.”

Don: “I believe it…but I won’t do you dirty like that, Price. Same goes for you. When things with your man get too overwhelming, and you need a getaway driver, hit me up.”

Marci: “What, you’re ready to bail fuck out of here at a moment’s notice, for me? Just like that?”

He leaned down and kissed her cheek.

Don: “Just like that. Say the word, and we’ll go.”

Don’s declaration of loyalty moved Marci at her core. When she arrived in Oasis Springs, she always wanted a friend – someone who never displayed an ounce of affection without strings attached, as most people did in her experience. Don struck her as that type, but on top of opening her social circle and giving her company, he surprised her with a sad truth: that he was just as lost and screwed up as her.



They both rose to their feet. Don was steadying her as Marci got up; she loved a good drink and wasn’t necessarily a lightweight, but she underestimated the strength of those shots at the festival.

Don: “Are you ready to go in yet?”

Marci: “I think so. You got to head back too, don’t you?”

Don: “Ehh. No rush. I doubt Kat is still awake at this hour. She’ll probably be pissed in the morning, but…what can you do?”

Marci: “Ohhhh, no. I bummed you out, didn’t I?”

Don: “A little, but it’s fine. I was already having a bad week. It’s got nothing to do with—”



She cut him off, placing both hands on either side of his face and forcing the corners of his mouth to turn upward.

Don: “Ah, hey! What are you doing?”

Marci: “Turning this frown upside down! Seriously though, pouty is not a good look on you.”



Eventually, she stopped teasing him, but one of her hands lingered on his cheek, while the other slid down and rested atop his chest. She couldn't take her eyes off him.

Don: “What? Why are you staring?”

Marci: “Your teeth are fucking perfect.”

Don: “I hope so. No cavities. I’m a genetic goldmine.”

Marci: “No kidding. I mean, it’s not just your teeth. Your eyebrows, your nose, your dimple…”



Marci: “I’m glad I didn’t punch your face in. You’re too fucking gorgeous.”



Don: “And you’re clearly drunk. I think it’s time we get you home before—"



It was too late.



At first, he didn't reciprocate the kiss. At first, he just stood there, arms at his sides, unsure of where to put them or what to do with her. For a moment, she wondered if he was going to push her away and ask her to stop.



Then he stopped resisting.



Not so long ago, Joshua explained how their first kiss felt for him: that she felt familiar, and they simply picked up right where they left off.



For Marci, their first kiss slapped her awake. She always wanted love, and she thought she understood what it looked like, but she never believed herself capable of experiencing and feeling it firsthand – until her first evening with Joshua.



Kissing Don didn’t feel like waking up from a fog as it did with Joshua. Her entire world view didn’t shift. The clouds didn’t part and cast the sun’s warmth onto them. The birds didn’t start singing their praises. He wasn’t her savior, and she wasn’t a changed woman.



She felt something with Don, though.

And she liked it.

She really liked kissing him.

She wanted to find out what else she liked doing with him.



He didn't let her get that far.

Don: “Marci…stop. We can’t do this.”



Marci: “Sure we can. I know you want this. You didn't come knocking on my door just to enjoy the view.”



Don: “You’re wasted.”

Marci: “So? I still know what I want.”

Don: “You might…but I have a girlfriend. Besides, I don’t do drunk chicks.”



Marci: “Don, come on—”

Don: “Sorry. It’s not going to happen.”



Marci: “Damn. If anyone told me you of all people would leave me with blue balls, I would’ve pissed my pants from laughing so much.”

Don: “Trust me, you’ll thank me later. Now let’s get you home.”



Marci nodded and tried to take a step forward. She stumbled and fell.

Don: “You okay down here?”

Marci: “Think so. My legs feel like jelly.”

Don: “See? You should’ve laid off those last shots.”

Marci: “What are you, my dad?”



Don: “Just get on my back before you hurt yourself.”

It hadn’t been the first time he carried her someplace, be it her house or her bed. Normally she would’ve felt embarrassed, as she did the last two times. This time, she was grateful for the interference: her clumsy self wouldn’t have made it to the front steps without making a ruckus or harming herself in some capacity.



Don: “Hmmph! And here I thought your boney ass wouldn’t be so heavy. How many sweets did you eat at the festival?”

Marci: “You really wanna try and call me fat while I got an arm around your neck? Watch it. You saw what I did to that heckler at Johnny’s show.”



When they reached her front door, Don put her down. Her legs still felt like jelly, but she wasn’t much farther from a couch in case she couldn’t reach the bedroom in time.

Marci: “Thanks for the lift. I’d tip you for your service, but I blew all our money on those last shots so you just gotta deal with it. Nighty night, Donnie.”

She tried to head inside and put this awkward evening behind them, but he grabbed her hand and stopped her.

Don: “Wait, before you go in…”



Don: “You should marry Josh.”

She snorted.

Don: “What?”

Marci: “Nothing. I just…wasn’t expecting you to say that. Especially after everything I said.”

Don: “Well, you listed all the reasons why he shouldn’t marry you…but not once did you say you didn’t want to marry him. Don’t punish yourself because you don’t think you’re good enough for him. He’s decided that for you already.”



Marci: “Man, Dina is so wrong about you.”

Don: “About what?”

Marci: “That you don’t listen to what women say, and that you give out lousy relationship advice.”



Don: “Okay, listen, Dina changes boyfriends faster than her socks and underwear. ‘Dump him’ is almost always the advice I end up giving her anyway, so I just cut straight to the point to spare us both the trouble.”

Marci: “Well, you might want to stop that – she’s catching onto your tricks. And it’s a dick move, and you know it.”

Don: “Thanks for the heads up.”



Marci: “And thank you for putting up with my dumbass and listening to me whine all the damn time. Sorry if I made things weird.”



Don: “Marci, you make everything weird. Comes with the territory. Be careful getting in the house.”

Marci: “Oh stop! I’m not that drunk! I can reach the bed in one piece, ye of little faith.”

Don: “I got no choice but to take your word for it.”



They finally parted ways for the evening.

She went inside her house, shut the front door behind her, and leaned against it.

His words stuck with her, making her cringe.

Trust me, you'll thank me later.

He was right: it was for the best.



Marci was going to change out of her clothes, brush her teeth, and slip into bed next to Joshua…



And Don was going back to Katrina.



Even so...



Her heart wouldn’t stop racing.

It felt wrong for one kiss with Don Lothario to ignite such a strong desire within her.

He wasn’t her type – she was so convinced of this. From the second he stepped up to her door with that pathetic pick-up line, she wrote him off as a smooth-talking gym rat and player who spent too much time staring at himself and his muscles in a mirror and used women to stroke his own ego. She preferred men who didn’t try and bullshit her about their intentions. She didn’t care he slept with half the town already – she just didn’t want anyone wasting her time.

In a year, everything changed. Suddenly he was no longer the asshole living next door to her that she wanted to punch, but the asshole who just happened to be her best friend.



And apparently he was the asshole she wanted to fuck, too.

She couldn’t stop thinking about it: his arms around her body, her fingers on the back of his neck, his lips against hers, her tongue tempting his mouth open…

What if she hadn’t been too drunk?

How far would they have gotten?



She slid down to the floor in defeat, her hand lingering on the door handle.

Marci: “Damn it. I really am a crazy slut.”

***



At seven in the morning, an alarm went off on Marci's phone; she forgot to turn it off before bed. She roused from her slumber for a moment, groaning. Her hangover wasn’t as bad as she anticipated, nowhere near as awful as her stomachache from the festival food.



She wasn’t alone. Joshua hadn’t gotten out of bed yet. Which struck her as odd. Even on a weekend, he was an early riser and was usually awake at this hour, getting Louis out of bed or working on a new art piece.



Not that she was complaining.

It was nice, sleeping in together.



Two hours later, they were finally awake.

Marci: “Sorry I was out so late. I thought we’d be back sooner, but we lost track of time.”

Joshua: “It’s fine. I said you could stay out as late as you want.”

Marci: “Did you sleep okay?”

He made a face at that.

Joshua: “You…don’t remember what happened?”

Marci: “No. Did something happen last night? I was a little sloshed when I got in…”

Joshua: “To say the least.”



Joshua: “After Louis and I saw the movie, we came home and went to bed. I was sleeping just fine…”



Joshua: “Until you came home.”

Marci: “Oh no. What did I do?”

Joshua: “First, I asked if you were drunk. Then you got in my face and threatened me…”



Joshua: “You said if I ever hurt you, you were going to lure me into our swimming pool, take out the ladder, drown me, and feed my remains to the family dog.”

Marci: “What the fuck? We don’t have a pool – or a dog!”



Joshua: “I told you that, and you got very offended! You held me down…”

Marci: “Why are you laughing?! Do you think this is a joke, mister?! I am a thousand percent serious right now! We’re getting a pool and a dog, and I’m using them both to end you if you ever break my heart! Do you hear me?!”

Joshua: “Then you tickled me until I almost threw up.”



Joshua: “And you passed out, right on top of me, and refused to move.”

Marci: “So why didn’t you just push me off?”

Joshua: “I tried, but you bit me and rolled right back over! I had to wait until you were in a deep enough sleep to crawl out from under you. Oh, you snored, by the way. Did you know you snore whenever you pass out drunk?”



Marci: “Wait! I bit you?!”

Joshua: “On my hand. You got me good, too. It’s already starting to bruise.”

Marci: “Oh jeez, I am so sorry, Josh! I must’ve been so fucking gone because I don’t remember that at all!”

Joshua: “You were definitely drunk. What do you remember about last night? You said something about a festival before passing out.”



Marci proceeded to give Joshua a lively play-by-play of her and Don’s evening, or at least what her hazy mind recalled: how they grabbed drinks at the neighborhood bar prior to boarding the train, how he convinced her to participate in the Spicy Challenge, and the magnificent reward bestowed upon him when he was declared a victor.

Marci: “I don’t blame him for being pissed! We signed waivers so no one would be held responsible for medical emergencies, but all they were willing to give us was a stupid shirt and a pat on the back? I had half a mind to find the people behind the festival and give them a piece of my mind!”

Joshua: “Honestly, I’m surprised you didn’t. I wouldn’t have been happy, either.”

Marci: “I wish you were there with us. They had so many artists there – and they sucked! Every one of them! You would’ve put them to shame!”



Joshua: “Maybe I’ll go with you guys next year. I haven’t attended since Louis was born, but I always thought it was interesting. What else was going on at the festival, just the challenge?”

Marci: “Not much. It wasn’t as lively as the one last year. We hit up the sampler tables until the vendor chased us off, then knocked back some shots at the bar before we left. So, I don't know, we made the most of it. Then we bailed around midnight and took the train back here.”

Joshua: “Midnight? You didn’t get in until two in the morning.”



Marci: “As I said, we just lost track of time. We were actually behind the house that whole time looking at the sky and talking until—"

Then the whole evening came back to her in that instant.









Fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffu—

Joshua: “What’s wrong?”

Marci: “N-Nothing. Why?”

Joshua: “Your face just got beat red.”

How was she going to explain this to Joshua?



When they started dating, Marci made it clear that she wasn’t interested in a monogamous relationship: that if she fell in love with someone other than Joshua, she wanted to feel free to explore that. Fortunately, Joshua wasn’t interested in one, either. Neither planned on bringing extra people into their marriage or sleeping around town, but they didn’t want to confine themselves in a conventional lifestyle.

Joshua and his ex-wife tried it, and, though it wasn’t the main factor as to why their marriage failed, it certainly didn’t work for them.

Marci had her own reasons. For starters, she wasn’t straight, and perhaps she would’ve wanted a female lover now and then? Secondly, after experiencing true love for the first time in her life, she didn’t want to cut herself off from the possibility that lightning could strike twice for her.

For a second, she wondered if Joshua really needed to know: it wasn’t like she wanted to date Don.

Right?



No – no matter what, Joshua deserved the truth. She just hoped he wouldn’t get too jealous, or upset that she kissed someone so soon after their engagement.

Marci: “Joshua. Josh. Sweetheart. Love of my life. My rock. My thick blueberry muffin.”

Joshua: “All right, what did you do?”

Marci: “You said we could open up our relationship, right? That we just gotta be honest with each other?”

Joshua: “I remember we said that. Are you going to tell me what’s going on, or—”

Marci: “I’m like, ninety-nine percent positive that Don and I kissed last night.”



Joshua: “Oh. Okay.”

His reaction flabbergasted her. He wasn't even surprised.

Marci: “That’s it? Okay?”

Joshua: “I…always assumed that already happened, or that you two hooked up before we met.”



Marci: “What?! Don’t you think I would’ve told you if that were the case?”

Joshua: “I suppose I expected it to come up sooner or later.”

Marci: “Well, nothing happened. Just that kiss. And only one kiss. And it was stupid. So, so stupid. You know what? I wasn’t into it, not even a little bit! It was super weird! I don’t get the appeal of Don, like, at all!”



Joshua: “I don’t believe this.”

Marci: “Believe what?”

Joshua: “I never thought I’d live to see the day you couldn't tell a lie with a straight face.”

Marci: “Well, what do you want me to say? That I enjoyed it? I know we agreed we didn’t have to strictly stay monogamous, but I don’t know, it still feels odd, like I did something wrong. Besides, the kiss didn’t mean anything. I was very drunk – and Don’s the one who brushed me off, actually. Besides, he has a girlfriend so-”

Joshua: “Marci, you don’t have to explain yourself to me. As long as you’re honest, I don’t have a problem with it, except…well…never mind.”



Marci: “No, go on. What’s on your mind?”

Joshua: “Just…watch yourself around Don.”

Marci: “What do you mean?”



Joshua: “People in this town, they talk. And I heard stories about him. Guys like him, they know how to manipulate women to get what they want.”





Joshua: “Look at where he’s at now, for instance: living at the Caliente estate with the mother and her daughters. The girls are his age, but he’s dating Katrina. And he holds down a minimum wage job because he gets bored. You got to admit, it’s weird.”



Marci: “Would anyone criticize his job if he was a woman living with a man, though? And is the age difference such a big deal? You’re older than me, too.”

Joshua: “Sure, but Louis isn’t your age, Marci.”

Marci: “I think their dynamic says more about Kat than it does about him then, doesn’t it? And we don’t know their deal behind closed doors! Maybe it’s not as weird as you think, and even if it was, who cares?”



Joshua: “You should care. He has a pattern.”



Joshua: “Practically every woman in this area has told the same exact story about him: that he cheats, or he ghosts them without warning and jumps straight into another relationship. You even said one of them came and warned you about him.”



Joshua: “I know you two are friends, but...I don’t think he’s someone you can trust past that point.”



Marci: “I think I can decide for myself whether my friends are trustworthy, Josh.”

Joshua: “I know you can, but—”

Marci: “But nothing! You don’t know Don as I do, and he’s never lied about his past to me, even when it got him in trouble. Sure, we got off on the wrong foot, but he was the only person who took a chance on me when everyone else in this neighborhood wrote me off or avoided me! He gets how people judge you for your mistakes and refuse to see past them – no different than what you’re doing now. You talk about how you believe people can change, but here you are judging the guy like you know him. You two only talked three times since we started dating.”



Joshua: “All right. You got me there.”

Marci: “Besides, what if we did more than just kiss last night? Would you really disapprove that much? Because if it might be a problem, I kinda need to know that now - ”

Joshua: “No, of course not! We opened our relationship for a reason. And if you like him or want to explore that further, who am I to stop you? I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”

Marci: “I know where you’re coming from…but I’m a big girl. If Don were dumb enough to fuck with me, I’d tear his balls off, fry them up and make him eat them.”

Joshua shuddered.

Joshua: “That mental image, though…”



Marci: “Besides, no matter what, I have an amazing fiancé waiting for me at home.”

Joshua: "You sure do."



Marci: "Oh, so confident. I really am rubbing off on you."



Marci stood up with the intention to get dressed, but her phone went off. It was an e-mail notification. Normally she read those later, but the subject line drew her attention.

Joshua: “What is it?”



Marci: “I got a response to a job application. Do you know the restaurant down the corner that just opened for business? They’re looking for kitchen staff. The manager wants to meet with me on Monday for an interview.”

Joshua: “That’s great, Marci!”

Marci: “I don’t know…maybe I was too hard on myself about my workplace. It’s not such a bad deal when you think about it. Discounted drinks, free food, the company—”

Joshua: “You can get discounted drinks anywhere, and you always complain about the greasy food and the rude patrons. You want to cook, too. And didn’t you say you saw a roach in the bathroom once?”

Marci: “I thought it was a roach, but really, it was dark, and who knows what I really saw?”



Marci made a move towards the dresser to change out of her pajamas, but Joshua was relentless.

Joshua: “I still think you should go. What’s the worse that can happen?”

Marci: “The worse that can happen? I sit through another pointless job interview. I can hear it now. ‘Tell me about yourself’, ‘what are your strengths and weaknesses’, ‘I see here on your resume that you haven’t undergone culinary training yet you want to come and work for us’, blah blah blah! No thanks. I’m done humiliating myself.”



Joshua: “I hate to break this to you, honey, but no one likes job interviews – not even the hiring managers! It’s all a big performance anymore. We just need to get you ready. We can restructure your resume, try a new outfit, practice one-on-one…”



Marci: “You know, a little roleplay might get me more enthused about this. You, the sexy hiring manager in his suit and tie, and me, on my knees, willing to do anything to impress and please you…”

Joshua: “I can get into that…as long as it gets your butt in that seat on Monday.”

Marci: “Ohhh, you little minx. I see what you’re doing, tricking me into this. I love it.”



He laughed and kissed her hands.

Joshua: “And I love you. I’ll let you get dressed. I need to get Louis out of bed.”



Joshua went to rouse his son out of bed while Marci pulled some clothes out of her dresser. As she did so, her phone went off again.

This time, it was a text message. From Don.

He was wondering if she slept okay and complaining about how badly his stomach hurt from the curry and how much the Caliente girls laughed at the stupid festival shirt.



Pretending that nothing happened between them yesterday.

Joshua: “Hey, did you want any coffee?”

Marci left Don's message on read and put her phone down.

Marci: “Yeah – and use the dark roast! I want the coffee to physically manifest a hand and bitch slap me awake!”

***



A week flew by.

Her job interview came and went.

Just as Marci was ready to throw in the towel and declare herself a lowly bartender for the rest of her days, she finally received a callback from the hiring manager at the new restaurant. They loved her and wanted her to start on Monday – in the kitchen, not as a waitress, not a bartender, but a line cook.

She quit her job at the bar on the spot, changed out of her uniform, and rushed home to break the good news to Joshua and Louis. It was exhilarating, as though she was riding a high that no drugs, potions, or bubbles could replicate. Finally, she might actually have a career now.



In her pocket, her phone went off again.

It was probably Don. All week she was ignoring his messages, and he was obviously getting irritated with her.



Even though Marci defended Don at the moment, Joshua’s warning put her on the edge.

What if he was using her, just as he did with other women in Oasis Springs? What if he was getting ready to jump ship from Katrina to her? Was he willing to take advantage of their closeness just to get some, or to have an excuse to leave his relationship?



She told herself his behavior couldn’t possibly be that predictable, that their friendship was different, that he was the one who pushed her away when she put the moves on him…but really, did she truly know his intentions at the end of the day?

And there were her own feelings to unpack - which still confused her.



Marci continued walking towards her house as she pulled out her phone and read his most recent message, as well as the ones left unanswered from the last several days.

[hey, you still alive? Did you want to hang tonight or something?]

[are you ignoring me?]

[????? and you're leaving me on read why?]

[ok, it's been a week? IDK what the hell I did, but I’m sorry?? Why aren’t you answering my texts?]

[you home? I’m out front.]

Wait, he literally just sent that last one—



She dropped her phone as she collided with someone.

Marci: “Oh! Sorry, I was—”

Shit.



Don: “Yeah, I saw. You were glued to your phone. Now, don’t you dare tell me you didn’t get my texts.”



Marci: “Oh, that, I… I meant to text you back. Really, I did.”

Don: “So why didn’t you?”

Marci: “I was…you know…busy. With stuff. Oh, with job interviews! I got one! A job, I mean. A new one. I can tell you all about it later. And then Louis got the flu, or we thought he got the flu but it was some bullshit called giggles and gas, and—”



Don: “Marci, stop. I know why you’ve been avoiding me.”

Marci: “You do?”

Don: “The other night, after the festival—I crossed a line. It shouldn’t have happened. I’m sorry.”

Marci: “What? Why are you sorry? I put the moves on you, and you’re the one who stopped me, remember?”

Don: “Yeah, but I shouldn’t have even kissed you back in the first place. You were wasted, and I should’ve backed off or acted sooner. I know what people say about me, but I promise, I wasn’t looking for something to happen that night. If I freaked you out—”



Marci: “God, Don, you didn’t freak me out! Don’t take the fall for me. I put you on the spot in the first place – and I’m an adult. If anything, I should probably be apologizing right now. I guess I avoided you because I was scared it ruined this. I don’t want shit between us to get super weird.”



He scoffed at her words and practically lifted her up into his arms for a tight hug.

Don: “C’mere. That’s not going to happen. Do you hear me? You’re stuck with me no matter what. No refunds.”



Truth be told, Marci felt guilty for lying to Don. She was avoiding him, but not for the reason she gave him. It was because a part of her wanted to ruin this friendship, or put it at great risk if it meant they could get closer and see where this took them

And now it was especially clear she couldn’t say so, not while he was trying to stay faithful to Katrina when he was clearly uninterested in her.

Even so, she was a fool for thinking she could really distance herself from him without feeling the strain. It made her feel pathetic, missing him so much.

He was her best friend, as ridiculous as it sounded to other people. Nothing made sense to her, not even herself at times, but this made sense. She knew who he was to her. They were scum, but at least they had each other no matter what.



Marci: “Did you want to come in? I can tell you about this bitching new job of mine now.”

Don: “I would, but Kat wants to go somewhere tonight – just thought I’d catch you on my way home. Maybe tomorrow? I can bring coffee from the stand.”



Marci: “Sounds good. You know where to find me. Oh, and by the way…”

She leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

Marci: “Thanks. For keeping it in your pants. I know that was especially difficult for you, you dumb skank.”



Don: “You had no idea. Catch you later, Price.”



Don was wrong.

This was weird.

And she liked it.



Damn it.

***

AUTHOR'S NOTES

1. So um. You can tell something is off with Marci's face at some points during this update. While I was playing and getting screenshots, I noticed something was wrong with her cheeks. Sure enough, I compared that Marci to the official one saved in my library, and somehow her cheeks became more shallow and thinner? I was horrified. I've debated on going back and fixing everything, but...I'm going to hold off on that for the time being. It's a nitpick more than anything.

2. Funny story! When I brought Marci and Don to the Spice Festival, and I made him change into the Spice Festival T-Shirt? Marci, on her own accord, mocked his outfit and laughed at him. Without my prompting. I swear, she gives me exactly what I want sometimes, it's so eerie.

3. Another Sims 2 reference: Brandi Newbie/Broke! Back in the fandom's hay day, Brandi Broke getting wronged by Don Lothario was a...semi-popular trope? (Then again, Don doing all the women in the neighborhood dirty was canon at that point, so!) I remember one of the legacies set her third child as his child in canon, as the baby was essentially an asexual copy of Brandi anyhow.

I made their story a little more heartbreaking. I feel like Brandi really did love Don, but (a) he was far too immature to see her feelings for what they were and honestly thought she was just with him for the money, (b) he didn't love her nor did he give himself a chance to be vulnerable with her, and (c) he was in a dark period in his life where everyone wanted something from him, without asking for his input whatsoever, and when he decided to flee and start a new life, Brandi wound up being lumped in with his parents.

(Also: When Don transitions into young adulthood, I imagine his noncommittal trait finally kicked in, full swing. It was always there, beneath the surface, but the panic never quite settled in until he was old enough to run from his parents.)