The Price Legacy - Side Story - Don

[pastryqueen]

A year prior to Marci's arrival, Don arrives to Oasis Springs eager to start his new life on his own terms. Problem is, he has no idea what he's doing.

CONTENT WARNING: Sexual content, mature language, partial nudity.










Arabella: “So, I collect rent on the first of every month. You can pay your utility bills on your own schedule, but make sure you don’t let those pile up. You might get a visit from those eco nuts about your water usage. Let me know if any of them try to raise your rates; this building is up to code, but they’re gonna try and screw you over since you’re new to the area.”



Arabella: “Well? What do you think? I know it’s not much to look at, compared to what you’ve grown comfortable with--”



Don: “Are you kidding? This is perfect.”



Don: “Thanks for hooking me up, Ara. I wish I could return the favor somehow.”

Arabella: “Just pay your rent, pretty boy, and that’s all I can reasonably expect from a friend. Oh, and keep your rent on the down-low. No reason why your neighbors have to know about your family discount. You take it easy on one tenant, and they come crawling with their hands out.”

Don: “I get you. Don’t worry, I’m not a snitch.”



Arabella: “Good. And Don? Try not to get in too much trouble. Word travels fast in this town.”

Don: “I make no such promises. Tell your wife I said hi.”



After Arabella left, Don sat on his new couch and took in his surroundings.



For the first time in months, he was finally able to relax and get his bearings together.

After he left his family behind, he stayed in Twinbrook for awhile. When things didn’t work out, he was left in dire straits, bouncing from place to place and quickly burning through his savings. He was essentially homeless and living in his car until his old friend Arabella Sparks reached out via social media and informed him about a new building that she was rehabilitating in Oasis Springs.

His luck quickly turned around. He secured a job in the neighborhood and saved up until he could afford to move in properly. Now there he was, in a proper house with a proper roof over his head again. No more worrying if someone was going to try and break into his vehicle while he was sleeping. No more wondering when he was going to get his next meal. No more going days or even weeks without an actual honest-to-God shower with running hot water.



He was finally ready to leave his worries behind him, turn the page, and start a new chapter in his life…





Now he just needed to look the part.



Who knew what a haircut, some product, and a shave could do for a man’s confidence?



New town, new hair, new look…



Don Lothario was truly living a charmed life.



He was whipping himself into shape.



He quickly made friends with his neighbors.



Soon enough, Don was one of the most renowned and eligible bachelors in Oasis Springs.



He perfected his pickup routine with seeming ease: scope out the hottest girl in the room and offer to buy her a drink…



Tell a few self-deprecating jokes to put her at ease...



Make her laugh…



Most weekends, he almost never went back to his place alone.















So many ladies, so little time. When Don wasn’t thinking about dating, he was sleeping.



Needless to say, he was never bored.

Some days, he was even fine.



Most of the time, however…



He wasn’t happy.



Even so, he couldn’t complain, not really.



After he transitioned into his young adulthood, he finally broke free from his family's grasp and secured a place for himself without their help. Nothing was perfect. He still couldn’t hold down a permanent job. He still had no idea what he was doing or where he was going to go from here. At least everything was on his terms, though. He stayed out late, partied hard on the weekends, drank and slept, and fucked to keep himself entertained.



Everything was slowly coming together.

His life almost felt normal.



Then a few too many lovers took issue with him and what he wasn't willing to give them…

Clarissa: “I can’t believe you! Did you block my number? You didn’t even have the balls to break up with me in person before moving onto another girl! How could you do this to me? What kind of monster are you?”



Don: “Clarissa, come on, I never agreed to be your boyfriend. We were never exclusive. How is it my fault that you can’t move on? I mean, I don’t blame you, I am quite the catch but--”



Don thought the Clarissa thing was a fluke. A hiccup. A crack in an otherwise smooth road.



Then it just kept happening.

Don: “Why the hell did you clog all my sinks and my toilet?! Do you have any idea how much this is going to cost me? I have to go all the way to the gym if I need to use the bathroom!”



Kaylynn: “Well, you were upstairs with another woman while I was busy scrubbing your toilet! Do you have any idea how humiliated I felt? Don’t you care?!”



Don: “So...I don’t get it, were we making too much noise or what? How does that justify what you did?”

Kaylynn: “You broke my heart!”

Don: “I sure as fuck didn’t. We had sex once. You knew what I was about when we hooked up. Don’t turn this into something it isn’t.”



He seemed to offend nearly every woman he dated.

Woman: “You don’t remember me, do you?”

Don: “Should I? I think I’d remember a pretty face like yours.”

Woman: “Get your eyes and memory checked, Don. We already hooked up several weeks ago.”



Don: “Oh...oh! Yeah! Of course, we did! Girl, I was just playing with you.”

Woman: “Really? Then what’s my name?”

Don: “Uh...Vicky? No wait, it’s Dawn--”



His reputation took a hit.



Soon enough, he was no longer the renowned or eligible bachelor in Oasis Springs...







But the guy who regularly struck out at his favorite haunts.



The name Don Lothario no longer elicited curiosity or positive praise.

Now, he just seemed to be a running joke. A sleaze. A scumbag. A creep.



Whatever.



Let them talk.



It didn’t bother him.



He wasn’t hurting anyone. He wasn’t committing any crimes.



For so long, he played by the rules to please everyone but himself. Now, he only ever answered to himself.

He was just a bachelor trying to have a good fucking time. He refused to apologize for that.

Nothing--no one--was going to tell him what to do or hold him back ever again.



He was doing just fine.

***



One day, Don woke up with a throbbing headache. He found his phone lying on the floor.



He saw the missed calls and notifications and promptly ignored them.



He almost didn’t make it to the toilet before he vomited.



He tried to remember the events from the previous night, but…his mind drew blanks. A first for him.

There was a knock on the door.

Don: “Ugh, hold on! I’m coming!”



He looked in the mirror.



Shit.





Don vaguely remembered getting hit by another guy, though he couldn't remember why for the life of him. He had no idea how he got home, neither. How much did he drink to blackout so badly?



The doorbell rang. She wasn’t going to leave him alone. It was time to face the music.



He opened the door and let his landlord in.

Don: “Uh...hey, Ara.”

She took one look at him and laughed.

Arabella: “Damn, Lothario! What happened to your face?”



Don: “It’s, ah...a long story. Listen, this really isn’t a good time.”

Arabella: “Make time. We need to talk.”



Arabella: “Listen, I don’t know how else to say this. I tried calling you but you haven’t been answering your phone, so...here goes. I need you out by Friday.”

Don: “What? That’s four days away!”

Arabella: “Well, that’s the day my people are coming in to clear this place out and get it ready for public viewing. I have possible tenants coming for a tour.”



Don: “Hold on. I see what this is about. You’re just putting a scare in me, aren’t you? Good one, Ara! You got me again! You can count on gullible Don to fall for everything, huh?”

Arabella: “This isn’t a joke, Don. Far from it. I wish it was, but you haven’t paid your rent or your bills. You ignored all my notices and e-mails about the matter, and you refuse to return my calls. And...wait, are you still drunk?”

Don: “... No? I mean, maybe a little? I had a little too much to drink last night and--”

Arabella: “This just confirms my suspicions. You’re a goddamn mess. I’m done waiting on you to get your shit together. Friday. As soon as you can leave, the better. No later than four, or I’ll escort you out myself. Don’t make me embarrass you, man.”



Don: “You can’t do this to me! Where am I supposed to go?”

Arabella: “That’s not my problem anymore. You figure it out.”

Don: “Don’t you think you’re overreacting? I’m not that far behind on my payments.”

Arabella: “Are you kidding me? Don, what are those envelopes piling up on the floor right now?”



Arabella: “Tell me, those piles of bills...were you ever planning on paying them?”

Don: “Uh, eventually. Money’s just been really tight. I’m in between jobs. You know how it is.”



Arabella: “Right, right...and this place, ugh. What is that rancid smell? When was the last time you straightened up? (Sniff) Or showered, for that matter?”



Don: “Okay, I’ll confess, I...let some things go in the last few weeks, but...Ara, you can’t throw me out! You know me! I always come through! Please, have some mercy on me, would you? Just one more week, and I promise I--”



Arabella: “Don, sweetheart, I’m going to stop you right there before you waste both our time. I let this shit go on for as long as I did because we are -- well, were friends. Any other person would've been tossed out long ago. Now, this is starting to affect me. I can’t put up with this shit anymore, and I’m not buying your stories anymore. It’s been five months, long past your grace period!”



Arabella: “I’m sorry. I feel for you, I do, but...I have my own bills to pay. Please don’t be here on Friday.”

***



Several days later, Don finally mustered up the courage to make a public appearance.

Don: “Hey Marcus. How’s it going?”

Marcus: “Not much, how are--damn, Don! What’d you do to your face?”



Don: “Oh, this? It uh, looks worse than it really is. Seriously, the less you know, the better.”

Marcus: “If you say so, but whoever you pissed off did a number on you. Did you want your regular?”

Don: “Just a root beer for now. I’m trying to take it easy.”

Marcus “Pfft. They really must’ve done a number on you if you’re saying shit like that. Let me know if you start feeling dizzy.”



Thankfully the room was dead, as the lounge just opened their doors. With a drink at hand, he walked away from the bar…



And claimed a spot by the entertainer’s stage.





The lively music and spirits did nothing to cheer him up, but he needed to take his mind off the other day when his landlord unceremoniously booted him out of his home. Now he was crashing on a friend’s couch and desperately looking for work.



Don wanted to be angry with Arabella for kicking him out of his home, but he knew there was no one to blame but himself. No one told him to quit his last job, or spend his money so irresponsibly, or do nothing on his days off but drink and sleep.

From the day he left his old life behind, he was determined to prove his family wrong: that he was capable of standing on his own two feet and supporting himself without their influence or interference. Instead, all his choices led him to this: being unemployed, penniless, and turning into the town’s hottest gossip for all the wrong reasons.

And worse of all, he still had no idea what he wanted to do with his life. All he did was waste his own time.



He needed a change...and clearly, he needed a solution to his problems, but what was he supposed to do?



Katrina: “Oh, goodness! What happened to your face?”

Don: “It’s a long story, but I’m okay.”

Katrina: “What a relief. You didn’t think to cover that up with some makeup, though?”

Don: “I might if you think it looks that bad. Am I ugly or something? I can sit somewhere else. I don’t want to distract your audience.”



Katrina: “Oh, don’t do that! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot. I just think it’s a shame for a handsome face like yours to sport such a nasty bruise.”



Don: “Your concern is touching. I agree it is a shame. You should see me when half my face isn’t a hot mess. You might not feel so sorry for me then.”

Katrina: “I wouldn’t mind that. I already like what I see right now.”

For a few minutes, the piano player sat with him. Don wasn’t used to being on the other side of this scenario; normally he was the one scoping out the hottie in the bar and charming the pants off them. He didn’t mind the role reversal, though. This week, his ego took a beating both literally and figuratively, and having a lovely woman flirt with him was the pick-me-up he needed. Plus, having a woman approach him without any knowledge of his past behavior and reputation was a refreshing change of pace.



Katrina: “I hate to cut this conversation short, but I really should get back to my piano. What’s your name, sweetheart?”

Don: “Don Lothario. Just call me Don.”



Katrina: “Well Don, I’m Katrina. Stay right here so I can keep a close on you, alright? Just for my own peace of mind.”

Don: “Hey, I’ll go wherever you want me.”

And before he knew it…



They were caught up in a whirlwind romance.



Katrina Caliente was a renowned, talented, and beautiful entertainer who resided in the neighborhood Skyward Palms. She played the piano at the Solar Lounge every other week. Like him, she possessed a romantic and fiery spirit, which worked in his favor as their age difference tends to put their interests at odds with each other. He was intensely attracted to her and she to him, and although she wasn’t quick to let his past behavior off the hook, she seemed willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and let his actions speak louder than the rumors circulating around him.



She had daughters around his age, which was admittedly a little awkward, but he didn’t mind.







She certainly didn’t look the part.



She was, by far, the best lover he ever had. And more importantly? She made enough money to comfortably live in one of the nicest neighborhoods in Oasis Springs.

It didn’t take much effort on his part: just a little emotional vulnerability to win points with her. He revealed enough to paint the picture and hang himself to dry, but withheld certain details to save face…



And soon enough, she was the one who brought up the idea, as though he hadn't planted the seed.

Katrina: “Well, why don’t you move in with us, at least until you get back on your feet?”

Don: “Damn, really? Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to impose or take up space.”

Katrina: “Oh, don’t be silly. I live with my daughters, and we still have plenty of room for one more person...and we get along well enough, don’t we? Our guest bedroom is next to the kitchen so you can put your belongings there until we can figure out what to do with them...and you’re more than welcome to join me in my room, but that should go without saying. If you're willing to clean your act up and start over, then we’ll see where this goes.”



And just like that, Don Lothario joined the Caliente household.



Needless to say, he was never bored.



Some days, he was even fine.



But…



Why wasn’t he happy?

Perhaps it was guilt weighing him down. He felt bad for taking advantage of Katrina’s hospitality when he was in a tough spot, especially when he genuinely cared for her. What began as a deceitful plan to get off a friend’s couch flipped into a genuine plan to fit into her world, though he seriously doubted his own capabilities of settling down. It felt wrong, on so many levels.



Although he and Katrina had incredible sexual chemistry, they were incompatible in every other way...

Katrina: “Thank you for coming to this wedding with me. I promise, if the reception is dull, we can just drop off the gift and sneak out. I doubt Eliza and her pitiful excuse of a boyfriend can afford much to keep her guests entertained.”



Don: “Hey, as long as there’s an open bar and edible food, I’m sure it won’t be that bad. Don’t knock it until we get there. Are you uh, sure you want to drag me along for this? I told you, I don’t care if you want to ask someone else.”

Katrina: “Well, I don’t want to ask anyone else. You’re my boyfriend, Don. Why wouldn’t I be sure?”

Don: “You’re going to be introducing me to your friends - and I assume they’re closer to your age. Do they know I’m just about old enough to be your son? Oasis Springs loves to twist and turn things into a freak show. I learned that the hard way. When they find out I’m practically the same age as your daughters--”



Katrina: “You silly man! Of course not! And don’t forget, I was very young when I gave birth to my girls! When I look at you, I don’t see your age. I just see you. Besides, our age difference is none of their business. I do not need their permission or approval to date you. I just hope you won’t be embarrassed to have me on your arm tonight. It isn’t every day I get to take a young, attractive man like you to an extravagant public event. You'll make off like a stud while everyone calls me a cougar.”



Don: “Okay, that? That’s silly. Embarrassed, by you? Fuck that! I know I’m gorgeous, but you clearly blow me out of the water. If anyone calls you names tonight or tries to give you shit, let me handle them. I can handle dirty looks if they’re in my direction, but I’m not gonna let anyone badmouth my Kit Kat if I can help it.”



Katrina: “Oh, I’m relieved then. A gentleman and a personal bodyguard. Let’s just hope you don’t have to defend my honor tonight. I haven’t brought a date to a wedding since...oh. I guess you’re my first.”

Don: “Really? I’m surprised. You must’ve had plenty of boyfriends long before I came along. You have your pick around here.”

Katrina: “You would think so, but no man I dated lasted long enough to reach the boyfriend status in the first place. After my girls grew into teenagers, I went on a few dates, but none of them lasted. So, really, it’s always just been me, Nina, and Dina against the world. You’re my first actual relationship in a long, long time.”

Don: “Damn. Then you’ve got to be psyched to take me to this wedding. Picture the looks on their faces when you present me and realize they simply can’t measure up. I intend to make everyone jealous of us tonight.”



Katrina: “Well, I’m glad one of us is excited to attend this wedding.”

Don: “You’re not? Why?”

Katrina: “Ah, I shouldn’t say…”

Don: “I mean, you can’t leave me hanging like that. What’s wrong?”



Katrina: “Well...it’s just that, I’m always the bridesmaid, never the bride. I never even married Dina and Nina’s father. Over the years, every wedding I attended was just a sad reminder of what was lacking in my life. Not that I’m complaining about my life as it is now. I already have everything I could possibly want: two healthy daughters, a roof over our heads, a job with a steady income.”



Katrina: “But I still need what every woman desires, though: a partner who loves me as much as I love him, who’s willing to commit and go the extra mile for me. Someday, I want to be the bride standing up there at the altar with her new husband with all my friends congratulating me. I waited until my daughters were old enough to care for themselves, and now I’m ready to fulfill my greatest wish.”



Katrina: “I...realize our relationship is still new and fragile, but...what do you think about marriage, Don?”

Husband. Katrina wanted a husband.

And Don wanted...

Well, what the hell did he want?



This inner conflict urged his restless romantic spirit to seek fulfillment somewhere else. Not that he ever gave in, but...



Dina: “Hey, Don...you really shouldn’t put so much power in your punches. I broke a wrist doing that once. You’ve got a nice form otherwise, though! The training is clearly paying off.”



Don: “Uh. Thanks, Dina.”

...He sure was tempted.



Since their conversation about marriage, a tiny voice of doubt lingered in his mind.

Isn’t this exactly what he didn’t want when he ran from his family and his ex-girlfriend? Someone to define him, tell him what to do and how to live his life?

Even if he cared about Katrina, did he want to marry her? Was he capable of monogamy? Or love? And why did his life with Katrina unsettle him so much?

It was only a matter of time before he would have to leave again - or rather, when he was chased out.



If his inner voice wasn't harsh enough, he had plenty of critics eager to remind him of his past conduct, eager to watch him repeat the same mistakes again.

Nina: “So, if it isn’t the great Don that my mother has told us so much about!”

Don: “Uh, yeah! That’s me! How’s it going? Are you Dina or--?”



Nina: “Nina, and let me get straight to the point, stallion. I see right through your act.”

Don: “My act?”

Nina: “If you only knew half of what people say about you, you wouldn’t dare to act innocent right now. I heard what people call you around your old neighborhood. You’ve been a very busy guy, haven’t you?”

Don: “That…that’s none of your business!”

Nina: “Oh, please! You made it our business when you walked through the front door. I almost feel sorry for you, thinking you’re going to get away with this charade and playing house with my mother. I hate to break the news to you, Don, but you won’t last longer than a few months around here.”



Don: “How are you so sure of that? Kat and I, we’re serious.”

Nina: “Seriously delusional, maybe! When she figures out you want nothing more than to mooch off her and screw around behind her back, she’s going to throw herself at the next boy toy who crosses her path - and trust me, she doesn’t have to try very hard. She’s always desperate for male attention...but I don’t have to tell you that, do I?”

Don: “Hey, you’ve got me all wrong. I get it, she’s your mom and I’m the new boyfriend. I screwed up when I got here, but I’m not trying to take advantage of her - and I don’t keep secrets from her! She knows my deal. She’s just doing me a favor and helping me out, that’s all.”



Nina: “Well, I don’t believe a word coming out of your mouth. Just wait, Lothario. When your world comes crashing down, don’t say I didn’t try and warn you.”



No.

He wasn’t going to blow this.



He couldn’t afford to revert back to his old ways. Literally.



And so what if he had no idea what he wanted right now? He could figure that out later, right? He could make this work.



Nothing--and no one--was going to steer him off this course.



... though the loud, angry voices at the Asphalt Abodes lot gave him reason enough to pause.









Marci: "And you!"

Wait - was she talking to him?



Marci: "Yeah, you! What the fuck are you looking at?!"



Don: "No one - I mean, nothing! I was just walking!"

Marci: "Well, keep walking, or I'll shove my foot so far up your ass that you'll lick the asphalt off my boot!"



Marci:: "That bitch thought I was being loud? She doesn't know how loud I can get! I'll give her loud..."



Don: "Damn. What a crazy chick."

***



Don didn’t mean to watch the new girl on the block so much. He wasn’t tracking her every move or anything like that or counting down the hours until she emerged again. Once in a while, he gazed over towards her lot, at that shitty little shack of hers, and wondered if he would catch a glimpse of her. And today, as she checked her mailbox, he noticed something different.



Normally he wasn’t into women with the shaved head look, but she pulled it off. The style gave her an edge and set her apart from the other residents in the neighborhood. It also accentuated her lovely neck, showed off those feather earrings, exposed more of her freckles...



“Don? Hey! Hello?”



Don: “Huh?”

Supriya: “About time. What happened to you? I was trying to ask if you knew what happened to our inventory sheets, and you were just gone.”

Don: “Sorry. My mind was just wandering. I think I left them under the register. Hey Supriya, do you know anything about the new girl across from here?”



Supriya: “Not a damn thing. She comes over now and then to get a cold brew or a root beer. Sometimes she’ll get cupcakes. Not much else to say. She’s a decent tipper, though.”



Supriya: “Why, were you thinking of saying hello?”

Don: “Ehh, maybe? It doesn't look like she gets any visitors, and...I dunno, call me a softie but I feel for her. Must be lonely in that little house of hers. I thought I would go and see if she wants any company.”



Supriya: “Yeah, I’m sure all your intentions are noble with no ulterior motives whatsoever. You just want to give that lonely single girl the good old Don Lothario greeting, right?”

Don: “Hey! I have no intentions! Just trying to be a good neighbor. What's it to you?”

Supriya: “Just watch yourself. You got a girlfriend now, remember? And she literally lives right over there. If she catches you chatting up someone else...”



Don: “Trust me, I am well aware of the ball and chain waiting for me at home, but..."







Don: "As you said, I’m just saying hello.”

















































































Don: “What’s the worse that can happen?”

***

AUTHOR'S NOTES

1. Arabella is actually one of my other legacy founders: Arabella Sparks! She's a cutie with an alien wife and kids. I really ought to pick up her legacy again and see where it takes me, although hers never had a story and I wasn't taking it seriously. She was just for fun, but I adore her.

Strangely enough, she became friends with Don, too. At least, for a while. Then they started arguing for some reason. Now they're no longer friends. Works for me! It gave me ample reason to include her.

2. Sometimes Don is an incredibly hard character to pin down. Rather, my version of Don versus the Don Lothario according to canon is hard to differentiate. The Don I got for this Price Legacy isn't the same Don that I've gotten used to seeing iterations of in other people's stories, or what the game even presents to us at times. So, trying to find a balance is challenging for me, but a fun one nonetheless. Not sure if I pinned it down, but I'm getting closer.

I definitely think my Don starts off as a selfish asshole who thinks he doesn't have to answer to anyone because, as far as he's concerned, he earned the right to do what he wants. He certainly gets challenged on that a few times in my legacy. However, the more I delved into his backstory and figured out what he was doing prior to getting together with Katrina, I realized: "Shit. You're actually depressed and severely unhappy, but you're self-sabotaging instead of facing your problems and acknowledging what you want/need."

I may or may not have a soft spot for this idiot. Like Marci, Don is also lost and has a lot of issues to work through. He's still a jerk, though. He has a lot of growing up to do and really needs to own what he did and acknowledge what he wants...which is going to happen in the next couple of chapters.

3. Yes, his house is the Don Lothario lair from Sims 2. It was from a different maker than Beckham's place. I'll credit the maker here as soon as I get back in the game and peek in my gallery.