The Price Legacy - Generation One - Chapter Seventeen

[pastryqueen]

Marci finally gives Don an answer.

CONTENT WARNING: Sexy bits~ And some language.





Joshua: “Are you sure you and Don are going to be okay with Louis and the babies while I’m gone?”

Marci: “Joshua, for the last time, yes! We’re going to be fine. What do you think Don and I are gonna do while you’re gone, burn the house down?”

Joshua: “That’s within the realm of possibility. We just replaced our drier thanks to him.”



Marci: “And now he’s forbidden from touching the machinery until further notice. See? We’re problem solvers. I get why you’re not sure about Don, but I wish you would trust me on this.”

Joshua: “I trust you, Marci. I just worry – and I’m going to miss the kids. If my paintings weren’t featured in this gallery, I wouldn’t consider leaving them so soon. You never get these days back once they’re older.”

Marci: “Hey, they’re not gonna transition within the next three days, and you gotta make money, right? And this is for your benefit! Pat yourself on the back and have some fun with it. Try and mingle with some celebrities. You deserve it.”



Joshua: “Mingle with celebrities? Have you ever seen me at a party? You tell me to deliver an artist talk and introduce my work in a less intimidating setting, I can deliver. I love that. Put me in a suit and ask me to shake hands with B list celebrities and make small talk over cocktails and oysters, though? I panic. What do you even discuss with those people?”



Marci: “You got me there. I’m just glad I don’t have to go. I would stick out like a sore thumb in Del Sol Valley.”

Joshua: “I think you would have fun, if you gave it a chance. You can always join me – same with Don if he wanted. We can hire a nanny for the weekend.”

Marci: “Muffin, we can’t afford child care right now, even with your salary factoring into the picture. And Don isn’t going anywhere without Tabitha, so scratch that idea. It makes more sense if we stay here.”



Joshua: “I have to commend him. He’s taken to his new role as a parent faster than I anticipated. He really loves that girl.”

Marci: “Yeah…it’s really sweet watching them together. I won't lie, I had my doubts, but seeing how sweet he's been with her, it just paints him in a whole new light, you know?”

Joshua: “Hey Marci, I’ve been meaning to ask you a question for awhile now…”

Marci: “Oh? What about?”



Joshua: “What exactly is going on between you and Don?”

Marci choked on tooth paste.



She spit in the sink.

Marci: “You always pick the worse times to throw these questions at me, Josh.”

Joshua: “Sorry. I held off as long as I could, but now that we're on the topic...”



Marci: “Nothing’s changed if that’s what you’re asking. I definitely would've kept you in the loop. Why do you think something’s going on?”



Joshua: “He’s been living in our house for the last several months. You just gave birth to his daughter. You even said you cared about him. You can’t exactly blame me for asking.”

Marci: “And I don’t. Like I said, though, we’ re still just friends. Why, has, uh…Don said anything to you?”

Joshua: “No – not directly, anyhow. Has he said anything to you since he apologized?”



Marci: “Ugh, no! I shot him down! What was I supposed to do, take his shit at face value? Even if I wanted to, that doesn’t change what happened. He ghosted me for four months. Four. Goddamn. Months. And he shows up doing my laundry out of the blue and love bombs me, just like that? Right after breaking up with Kat? On one hand, I’m like, ‘Damn girl, your pussy ruined other women for goddamn Don Lothario of all people,’ and on the other hand, I’m thinking to myself, ‘What did I do to deserve this and how fast can I get this guy out of my house?’ He’s lucky I wanted to stay friends after all of that.”



Marci: “...Why are you looking at me like that?

Joshua: “Sorry, I'm still trying to wrap my head around this. He said he loved you. That he was in love with you. And you two just…spent the last few months pretending that didn't happen.”



Marci: “I know! It sounds weird. And it is weird. I wish I knew all the answers, Josh. I just don’t. I was so busy focusing on growing another child inside me, that I didn’t have the energy or patience to deal with Don’s shit.”

Joshua: “And now that you do? Believe me, I don’t want to intrude, but we live under the same roof now.”

Marci: “I can’t blame you for being curious, not at all. I would’ve told you if anything changed, muffin, I promise. It’s still the same. Don and I are fine, but he hasn’t said anything about that, and neither have I.”



Marci: “There uh, was one moment, though…”



Marci: “It was a few days ago, when we were watching some awful horror film that Louis picked out for movie night. You were still at work.”



Don: “So uh...just curious, do you understand what’s going on in this film right now?”

Marci: “No idea. I stopped caring when the only female character died. I’m just here to root for the zombies now.”

Don: “You, Team Zombie? Who would’ve thought?”



Marci: “It was just a moment. While we were talking, I put my hand on his leg and leaned into him. The electricity was there, but...”





Marci: “Louis was literally sitting right there.”



Marci: “I fell asleep before the movie was over…”







Marci: “And Don must’ve carried me to bed, because next thing I know, I'm in bed and he's back downstairs.”



Joshua: “How come you haven’t talked with him about it?”

Marci: “I…I don’t know. Maybe because I’m wondering if he was even serious about his feelings for me. It might’ve been the guilt talking. Either that or he was confused. He's not like you, Josh. You always tell me how you feel, word for word, and you mean it, even if there's a possibility I won't like it. Don is a wild card. I thought I knew him before that mess happened between us. We're getting better, but if I ask about him about it, and it turns out he doesn’t feel the same anymore…I don’t think I can handle the rejection again, or ruining our friendship when it finally got back to normal.”



Joshua: “Well, I’ll admit, I’m flattered you compared him to me to set your standards for relationships.”

Marci: “How could I not? I never have to second guess your intentions. And besides, I’m not sure I should try and take a stab at a relationship with him. What about us? You had your issues with him, and you guys are still trying to work past them. Hell, you disliked him just a few weeks ago.”

Joshua: “Marci, I went into this marriage with you knowing what you wanted. We agreed to open the relationship for a reason, Marci. If it means he’s your other person, I won’t stop you from exploring that. And I wouldn’t say I disliked Don - I wouldn’t have suggested he move in if I did. I was just defensive on your behalf – and we’re two different people, anyhow. We were bound to get on each other's nerves eventually.”



Marci: “Oh, Don wouldn’t be Don if he wasn’t testing your nerves. I… I won’t lie though, it’s impressive how he’s finally owning his shit and stepping up for our daughter. It wasn’t just good for us. It’s good for him, too. Everyone else wrote him off, but I just knew all that bravado was hiding some ugly shit that he didn’t want to face. If there’s any way I – that we can help him face that, then great. As far as a relationship goes, though? I don’t have any answers for you. Not right now.”



Marci: “Is…this your way of giving us your blessing, muffin?”

Joshua: “Maybe. I just want you to be happy.”

Marci: “Admit it, you’re a fan. You ship us. And you want in. We can make this a trio if you want. You had a boyfriend in college, he's probably heteroflexible...”

Joshua: “Please don’t make this weird for me, Marci.”



They were getting ready to sleep, when Marci stopped Josh at the foot of their bed and held his hands.

Marci: “Josh, I mean it. I appreciate you checking in. I’m just surprised at how well you’re handling all of this. Most husbands wouldn’t be so understanding - I mean, I assume they wouldn't.”

Joshua: “I’m not just any husband, though. I’m yours. And I’m a little surprised with myself, too. I never thought I could wrap my head around a situation like this, until I met you. It just goes to show you, it’s never too late to change your mind on certain things.”



Marci lost count how many times she questioned what she did to deserve a partner like Joshua, but every time he surprised her with his empathy and understanding, she always wondered. Never in her life did she anticipate meeting a man like him, let alone marriage factoring into the picture. All her life, she thought she was too insignificant and broken to capture anyone’s eye, but now, she no longer worried about pushing her husband away with her big feelings and her nontraditional values.



Fuck, she was so lucky.



The next day, Joshua got ready to leave for the airport.

Marci: “Did you grab your wallet? Your phone charger?”

Joshua: “Yes. They’re in the front pocket of my luggage.”

Marci: “Double check before you go. You forgot your wallet yesterday before you left for the store, remember? And don’t forget to call Louis tonight before he goes to bed—”



Joshua: “Marci, I didn't forget, I will call Louis, and I’m going to be fine, I promise. Are you going to be okay?”

Marci: “Sure! I’m okay. I’m super okay. Why wouldn’t I be okay?”

Joshua: “You won’t let me out this room. At least let me get to the front door.”

Marci: “I – I guess I’m a little anxious, huh? Separation anxiety, maybe? I haven’t been away from you for this long since we got married. Sorry your wife is such a clingy little shit.”



Joshua: “Don’t be sorry. I’m going to miss you, too. I’ll call you as soon as I get off the plane. I love you. Give Louis a hug for me and tell him I’ll talk to him tonight.”



And just like that, Joshua was going to be gone for several days, leaving Marci and Don to their own devices. Marci missed him but she was far from lonely, and she quickly distracted herself with caring for the family. After she picked Louis up from school and fed her babies, she changed out of her day clothes and went straight to work preparing the evening's dinner. She was preparing a new dish she learned at the restaurant for their starter, caprese salad. As it turned out, everyone loved the combination of cheese with fresh tomatoes and basil, even a child as finicky as Louis.



As she sliced the tomatoes, she heard Don groan from the living room couch.

Marci: “What are you pissing and moaning about over there?”

Don: “I just got an email back from that recruiter.”

Marci: “Oh yeah? How did that go?”



Don: “How do you think? It went as well as the last interview – scratch that, the last several interviews. I knew I was screwed the second they asked me about that gap in my resume.”



Marci: “I feel you. Job hunting sucks. At least you have some work experience. I think I applied to dozens of jobs until I finally got someone to take me seriously. Eventually something’s gonna come through for you.”

Don: “It’s my own damn fault. I haven’t taken job hunting seriously since I came here. The only reason I got this job at the stand outside is because a buddy of mine recommended me. I don’t know how much longer I can keep doing this before it starts turning into a joke.”

Marci: “Hey, you’re not the first person to fuck up their employment history, and you won’t be the last.”

Don: “If that’s your way of trying to comfort me, it isn’t working.”

Marci: “I’m just saying, it could be wo—”



Marci: “Ah! Fuck!”

Don: “What’s wrong?”

Marci: “I cut my finger!”

Don: “Shit, here, let me see.”



Don came over and gently took her hand, inspecting her index finger.

Don: “How does this always happen to you? Don’t you do this for a living?”

Marci: “Watch it. The second you get a job, I’ll roast you every time you sprain a muscle while exercising.”

Don: “At least I don’t work directly with knives and fire. You gotta be more careful.”

Marci: “Are you done with the lecture? Don’t leave me in suspense here. How bad is it?”



Don: “You’re fine, you klutz. Just wash it and be careful.”

It was odd how quickly she and Don moved past the strain in their relationship and slipped back into old habits. Affectionate gestures still came easy to them. She let him inspect her injury without protest, and he didn’t even think twice before leaning over and quickly pressing a kiss against the top of her head.



Even so, they didn’t hold each other too close as they did in the past. Sometimes they embraced, but it was over before either party got to really enjoy it. Tried as hard as they could, there was an unspoken tension between them, and Marci knew Josh was right: it was only a matter of time before they had to face it.



For now, Marci put Don to work.



Don: "Are you sure about this? You know how I am in the kitchen. I’m not exactly the greatest cook."

Marci: "Oh, now you admit it. That only took you a few years."

Don: "Laugh it up, Price. I know the basics, but this is a gourmet recipe, isn’t it?"



Marci: “Puh-leeze, gourmet? This is easy. It’s just tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, seasoning, and some olive oil. Anyone can make this. The worst thing you can do is what I just did, cut yourself while mixing the chief ingredients. Do you know how many times we’ve had to dig through salads and soups to find fingertips before they get served to customers?”



Don: “I…I don’t know, uh. Does that…happen often?”

Marci: “You should’ve seen what happened when we brought in culinary students for a weekend rush. Poor Chuck still hasn’t found the tip of his index finger. We think it got lost in some poor bastard's breakfast burrito.”

Don: “I think I’m going to be sick…”

Okay, maybe that prank was a little too mean.



The roast was still in the oven, but the salad was finished.



Now came the hard part.

Marci: “Louis, I told you to save your game and turn that system off ten minutes ago.”

Louis: “Not now, Marci! I’m at a really good part now!”

Marci: “You can play some more tomorrow. Dinner will be ready in ten minutes. Go wash up.”

Louis: “But—”

Marci: “Now, Louis. Don’t make me ask you again.”



Louis shut down the console, but not before slamming his controller hard on the coffee table.

Marci: “Hey! What are you doing? You know those things are expensive.”

Louis: “This isn’t fair! I can eat and play a game at the same time!”

Marci: “That’s not the point. You know you’re only allowed to play video games for an hour. Did you even start your science report yet? It’s due in two days, isn’t it?”

Louis: “I’ll do it tomorrow! Why are you always on my case? Dad isn’t this strict with me!”

Marci: “Oh, don’t give me that. All I asked you to do was turn off your game and come eat dinner. What’s with you? You’ve been in a mood since I picked you up from school.”



Louis: “I’m not in a mood! I just wanna play more of my game! You can’t do anything fun in just one hour! Can’t you give me more time, just this once?”

Marci: “I would if it was a weekend, Louis, but you have school in the morning, and you’re going to bed in two hours. You only have enough time to eat and take a bath. I’m sorry, but - ”

Louis: “Ugh! I hate this! I hate you! You suck!”



Louis stomped out of the room towards his bedroom. When he slammed his door shut, Marci released a heavy sigh, rolling her eyes.

Don: “Damn. What’s gotten into him?”

Marci: “I don’t know! He’s been mouthing off at me since I picked him up from school. I ask him to put his seat belt on, and he gets an attitude with me! I tell him to start his homework and he lies and says he doesn’t have any. I tell him to turn off his game, and he just bit my head off. I know something’s bothering him, but he won’t tell me what’s going on.”



Don: “We can call his dad and see if he can get the story out of him.”

Marci: “I would, but I don’t want Josh to think I can’t handle Louis while he’s away. Then he’ll never leave him alone in my company again. Louis will hate me for snitching on him and then my husband will hate me because I can’t deal with this, and eventually you’ll hate me for causing all this tension and soon all the other kids will grow up hating me. Next thing you know, I’ll die alone.”



Don: “Slow down, Marci. Before you give yourself whiplash from jumping to all those conclusions, how about if I go and talk to the kid?”

Marci: “Sure, why not? I’m at my wit’s end here.”



Don entered Louis' bedroom, quietly shutting the door behind him.

Louis: “Lea… Leave me alone! I don’t wanna talk to you, Marci!”

Don: “Relax, buddy. It’s just me.”



Louis: “I don’t wanna talk to you, either.”

Don: “You sure? I don’t mean to put you on the spot, Louis, but I know this isn’t like you. You might feel better if you tell me what’s going on.”



After a moment, Louis finally turned around. He was holding himself as tears ran down his face.

Louis: “You’re not gonna laugh at me, right?”

Don: “Of course not.”

Louis: “And you’re not gonna tell Marci or my dad?”

Don: “I can’t make promises like that, Louis. It depends. I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s wrong, though.”



Louis: “Um. Okay. I like this girl in my class, Sophie – a lot. I was gonna ask her to be my valentine for Love’s Day, but she – (sobs) – she said she already took a heart from someone else. Then she laughed at me, right in front of my friends because she thought I was joking around.”



Don: “Aww, I’m sorry, Louis. You were probably really embarrassed, huh?”

Louis: “Uh huh. It really hurt. My friends thought it was funny.”

Don: “All of them? Even your best friend?”

Louis: “(Sniffs) No. Jet yelled at them and told them to shut up.”

Don: “See? It’s not all bad, is it? Kids are just kinda stupid at your age. Give it a week, and they'll forget all about it.”

Louis: “Yeah, but Sophie’s never gonna talk to me again. She used to be my friend. I don’t want her to avoid me at school because I said something stupid. I wish I can take it all back.”



Don: “Hey, never say never. She might change her mind and talk to you again. And you shouldn’t beat yourself up for telling someone how you really feel about them. That’s part of growing up, sometimes you get your heart broken. It happens to everyone.”

Louis: “Really? Even you?”

Don: “Kid, you’re talking to the expert on rejection and heartbreak! I wasn’t always as cool as I am now. When I was your age, no girl wanted to be seen in public with me. I was lucky to finally have a girlfriend in high school.”



Louis: “Why didn't girls like you?”

Don: “Oh, all sorts of reasons. It took me awhile to grow into my face. And then my dad made me join the math club in the seventh grade, which was a reputation killer in my day. It took a whole semester to rebound from that. I didn’t have my first kiss until I was thirteen, and even then, that girl dumped me. Right at a dance, too. For some jerk named Jeremy with a bad fringe because he knew how to play a couple of songs on the guitar.”



Louis finally stopped crying. Now he was fighting back a giggle.

Louis: "Wow. That really sucks."



Don: “Right? It gets worse. I went and learned how to play the guitar to try and win her back. I picked out a song, rode my bike to her house, and sat right outside her window and sang to her. And let me tell you, I’m a man of many talents, but singing isn’t one of them. She recorded me and sent the video to all her friends, and then they shared it with their friends, and…well, you know how that story ends.”

Louis: “What song did you play for her?”

Don: “James Blunt’s ‘You’re Beautiful.’ You heard it. It goes like this: ‘My life is brilliant; my love is pure…’”

Louis: “Oh, no! That song’s so stupid!”

Don: “And my voice didn’t drop yet. It kept cracking the whole time.”



Marci was relieved to hear Louis laughing on the other side of the door.

Don: “Do you feel better?”

Louis: “A little. I still wish she didn’t laugh at me.”

Don: “I wish that didn’t happen, too. You’re gonna be okay, Louis. You’ll meet tons of other girls who won’t laugh when you ask them to be your valentine. Between you and me, though? Don’t be in a hurry. Your dad will probably say you’re too young to have a girlfriend.”

Louis: “I know. He already said I can’t start dating until I’m a teenager. And Marci says I should just focus on hanging out with my friends instead of worrying about that stuff.”



Don: “Sounds like they have the right idea. Especially Marci. She’s smart, she knows what she’s talking about. Now how about you come out of here and sit with us? You might feel better after you eat.”



After dinner, Marci and Don tucked Louis into bed, and took care of the babies until they too fell into a deep slumber. It took a long time to reach this point, but now, they each mastered the technique of reading their children’s needs and calming them down.



Marci: “I still can’t believe it. It’s only a matter of time before they’re transitioning into toddlers.”

Don: “Wild, isn’t it? I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Marci: “Ugh, not me. I wish they would stay little and innocent, just like this. All they care about is food and sleep. This world can't hurt them yet. They have no idea what’s waiting for them when they’re older. Someday they’re going to be just like Louis, crying over stupid girls and boys laughing at them in front of their friends.”



Don: “I don’t know. That’s exactly why I’m looking forward to it. Think about it. Tabitha saying her first word, Holden learning how to color within the lines, Lea getting into her very first fight at school…come on, you know you wanna teach your kiddos how to punch with their tiny hands.”



She squeezed his hand.

Marci: “When you put it like that…it doesn’t seem so bad. I just hope they grow up to be happy and stay healthy for as long as possible.”

Don: “They will, Marci. We’ll make sure of that.”



Marci: “You know...something about you is different.”

Don: “Thanks for noticing. I switched to a different moisturizer.”



Marci: “I mean it, Don. You changed. I don’t know if it has anything to do with this, or me, or whatever happened between you and Kat, but…how do I say this? You’re still you, but better.”



Don: “Uh, where are you going with this? Is this another setup for a prank? Please don’t. You already got your quota for the next decade.”

Marci: “Let me finish. A few months ago, I wasn’t sure if you could handle all of this - you always said you weren’t interested in having a family. I was so wrong. Not only have you been here for our Tabby, you help with the twins whenever Josh and I need the extra hand. It even extends to Louis. I still can’t believe you managed to calm him down.”

Don: “It was no big deal. The little guy was just going through it. You know how kids are at that age, everything is new and they’ve got big feelings about it. He was nothing that I couldn’t handle.”

Marci: “Don’t undermine yourself. The poor kid isn’t that receptive to everyone, but he felt safe opening up to you. That’s huge. You have no idea how much I love having you here...how good it feels knowing I can depend on you. Thank you.”



Don: “You’re wel–”

Don didn’t get to finish that sentence before Marci cut him off with their first kiss in almost an entire year.



Marci: “Shit, did…I made this awkward, didn’t I? Sorry, I… I had a whole speech ready in my head and everything to properly seduce you, and now that I got that out of the way, I’m completely drawing blanks! God, and I didn’t even shower yet and I still have my sweats on and my sexy undies are upstairs, what the hell was I thi–”



Don: “Marci, relax. I don’t need much to get going. I’ve been ready for this for awhile.”

Marci: “Really? You’re not freaking out right now?”

Don: “I’m relieved. I kept waiting for you to make the move.”



Marci: “Well, here I am, making the move.”

Don: “Are you freaking out?”

Marci: “Of course not! We made a whole ass kid together. Why should this be weird? It...it isn’t weird, right? You’d tell me if it was and stop me, wouldn’t you?”



Marci's words caught in her throat - no, she practically squeaked - as Don grabbed her.

Don: “Marci? It's been months since I had sex. Months. That’s an eternity for me. I’m done talking. Come here.”



Oh, how dare he use one of her old tricks against her!



She would've been embarrassed at how quickly it worked, had she not remembered how much she missed kissing him, and how much fun they had on their one and only hookup.



Soon, they were in his bathroom, stripped down to take a shower together.



The last time they did this, it was a frenzied romp. One second they were kissing on her living room couch, and the next thing she knew, she was leading him to her room. Their clothes came off in a pinch, decisions were made in a haste, and caution was tossed to the wind without a second thought. This time, however, they took their time, getting reacquainted with one another, letting themselves enjoy this. It was just the two of them now.



Marci thought it was going to be awkward as hell, inviting Don into a shower with her...



Or letting the nefarious lothario see her without clothes on, so soon after giving birth to their daughter, which was a new insecurity to work through...



But goddamn, it was definitely worth the risk.
***


Marci woke to the sound of one of her children crying. Why did it sound so near?



Oh, right. She fell asleep in Don's room. It was right next to the nursery.



She quietly crept out of bed and stepped towards the door.



It was one in the morning. Time to check on Holden.

Marci: "Okay, okay, I'm coming, sweetie..."



Holden was usually the only one who woke up at this odd hour. Not for anything serious. He was almost never hungry, and his diaper was dry. Sometimes he just needed a little extra attention.



Just like his mother, Josh joked once, which infuriated her at the time...but he was so right.

Marci: “Ohhh, you poor thing. What’s wrong? Did you have one of your weird baby nightmares and get scared? It’s okay, mommy’s here…”



Marci: “You don’t even know what you’re upset about, don’t you, little man? You have no idea what’s waiting for you out there when you get older. Lots of good things. And lots of scary shit, too. Don’t worry, I’ll protect you. No one’s ever going to mess with my babies as long as I live.”



And just like that, Holden was deep asleep. She gently placed him back in his crib, but not without a sweet kiss on his brow.



Marci went to get her phone off Don's pitiful excuse for a side table. She was going to leave the room and retreat upstairs...



Don stopped her.

Don: “Hey...where are you going? Are the kids okay?”

Marci: “Oh, they’re fine. Holden woke up but I took care of it. I was just going to head back upstairs to my room--”



Don: “You don’t have to do that. Just stay here tonight.”

Marci: “Then Louis is upstairs all alone.”

Don: “He’s fine. The front door is locked, and we have our Ring notifications on.”

Marci: “Um…”



Don: “What’s wrong? Did I make you uncomfortable?”

Marci: “No, it’s not that, it…I didn’t think you wanted to rush this—”

Don: “Marci, I don’t need time to ease into this. You know how I feel. I told you a long time ago. Nothing has changed. I still love you.”



Don: “Shit. This isn't easy for me. I'm not...I know I don’t deserve you, after what happened between us...but I need to know, if you didn't want this with me, you’d tell me, right?”



It was time to finally answer his question.



When he initially confessed his feelings for her...



She was pissed.

It felt like a slap in the face to her. The first four months, while she was carrying their daughter, he ignored her. Even before she revealed the pregnancy to him, he was brushing her off and leaving her texts on read, and she just knew he was getting her ready for the inevitable end to their comradery, as he did with all his previous conquests. And suddenly, he was having a personal crisis and decided she was his savior, that he finally saw the light thanks to her? It was just another one of his bullshit lines, wasn't it?



She dished the brutal truth to him, saying she probably couldn't forgive him for breaking his promise and abandoning her, and was on the verge of telling him to get out of her life so she would never have to think about goddamn Don Lothario ever again...



Only to quickly realize, fuck, he was telling her the truth.



Forgiving him was hard. It almost felt impossible.



And now, she was eternally grateful she had the strength to do that.

All this time, Marci held off on reciprocating Don's affections to shield herself. She'd just gotten him back in her life, and for their child's sake, she needed him to focus on being present for the pregnancy and getting his shit together. Not to mention, he might've gotten bored and moved onto other women, or panicked about his life choices and got his own place. Now that it was clear he wasn't running away...



Marci: “God. Listen to yourself. You really agonized over this, didn’t you? You...you really meant what you said. All of it.”



Marci: “I’m sorry for keeping you in suspense. I love you, too.”



Don: “I still might fuck this up, Marci.”

Marci: “That’s okay. I might hurt you, too.”



Don: “And if this doesn’t work out?”

Marci: “Then it doesn’t work out. We can go back to what we had before.”

Don: “What if we can’t?”

Marci: “I mean...we gave each other the silent treatment for four months and still managed to get back on the same page thanks to you. We’ll figure it out if we have to.”



Don: “So, how’d I do tonight? What's my new score?”

Marci: “Wha...I can't believe you remember that. Are you seriously asking me for another rating, right now?”

Don: “Well, this was redemption time for me. Give it to me straight.”

Marci: “Hmm...a solid eight.”

Don: “That’s it? Just an eight?”

Marci: “What’s wrong with an eight? Eight is good! Higher than I ever gave most of my lovers.”

Don: “See, that’s a problem, because I’m not settling for good.”



Marci didn't doubt that. He certainly had his work cut out for him if he intended to make up for lost time.



They couldn't sleep. How could they, after all of that? And so, they lounged in his room, keeping an ear out for the babies. All the while, Marci glanced over his room, observing the décor from his posters and post cards on his walls to the collectibles and knick knacks on his dresser.

Marci: “You know, I listened right outside Louis’ door, in case you needed help…and it just occurred to me.”



Marci: “You never talk about your childhood. I mean, I know why you left Willow Creek, and I know you traveled before coming here, but hearing you talk about what you were like as a kid threw me for a loop. Math club, guitar, awkward around girls…I always pictured you as the super confident school jock or something.”



Don: “I might’ve been if I was given a choice. I always wanted to join a sport, but my father wouldn’t let me, not until I joined track in my junior year. He and my mom always kept me busy with other extracurricular activities, though. Math club, for instance. And when that fell through, they put me in science. They wanted me to have a well-rounded list of activities to impress university recruiters.”

Marci: “Makes sense. I remember you saying they wanted you to go into the family business and get a doctorate. Let me guess: you were an honor student, too?”



Don: “You guessed right. My GPA wasn’t good enough for an Ivy League, but it was high enough for most schools. Even had a few scholarships and grants thrown my way. I probably would’ve performed all right in medical school if I gave it a chance.”



Marci: “And you play the guitar? Since when? How come you never said anything about that?”

Don: “You never asked. Not like it was some huge secret. It’s been sitting in the guest bedroom at the Caliente estate all this time. You were in there once, so you probably saw it.”

Marci: “Sure, but I thought you carried it around to impress girls.”

Don: “I mean, you heard me talking to Louis. That was why I learned how to play in the first place. Then it stuck. It’s fun once you get the hang of it. Anyone can do it if they try at it long enough.”



Marci: “Play something for me?”

Don: “You sure? I’m rusty. It’s been a couple of years. I stopped practicing once I left home.”

Marci: “Come on, you can’t toss bait like that and think I won’t take a bite. Just one song, please?”



Don caved and grabbed his guitar.



It didn’t even matter that he only remembered how to play one song, or that he didn’t bother singing, swearing that he was doing them both a favor.



It was nice.

Marci didn’t try and flatter herself into thinking she was wholly different from the other women he’d been with, but he said he hadn’t played the guitar in years, since he left high school. Who was the last girl he serenaded with an instrument? Was she the first since then?

To think, there were many parts of her best friend she hasn’t gotten see yet, and now that they were living together and taking a stab at a romantic relationship, he was slowly letting his guard down and revealing his humiliating stories and secret skills. What else was he going to feel comfortable showing as they grow closer?



After he was finished playing, Marci thought it was best to discuss their relationship.

Marci: “If we’re going to be together, we need to lay down some ground rules. You know my feelings about relationships. I’m fine with you hooking up with other girls. If you don’t do anything stupid and keep me in the loop, it won’t be a problem. I'll do the same for you if it ever comes up.”



Don: “What if I don’t want other girls right now?”

Marci: “Pfft. Don’t feed me that line of bull, Lothario. I already told you, I’m not Kat. I literally don't care if you find other girls attractive.”

Don: “It’s true, though. I don’t want to be some sleazeball who skulks around clubs for girls anymore, not when I can just stay home with you and Tabby. I made my decision. I want to make this work.”

Marci: “Don, I’m not trying to make you out to be a liar, but I know you. Someday some busty chick in a tiny mini skirt will bat her pretty doe eyes at you, and you won’t be able to resist taking her into a bathroom stall and having your way with her.”



Don: “Hey – for all you know, I might just invite you in on the action.”

Marci: “Heh. That’s…tempting when you put it that way. Depends on the other woman. God, I suggested bringing someone else in bed to Josh once, and he got so damn flustered. It was kinda cute.”

Don: “You’re kidding me. That guy, not into three-ways? Never would’ve seen that one coming.”

Marci: “Don’t make fun of him. He’s not as vanilla as you think, but threesomes just aren't his thing. You know, Josh asked me about us the other night.”



Don: “Please tell me the conversation took place outside the bedroom. You don't swap notes on who does what better, do you?”

Marci: “It was in the bathroom, asshole, and before your mind goes there, no, we were just talking. About us. He asked why we held off on talking about this.”

Don: “Huh. Really? Never would’ve expected that. And what did you tell him?”

Marci: “I…I was scared we were going to hurt each other again. When you announced you were in love with me…I don’t know, part of me expected you would wake up and realize you made a huge mistake. I don’t want to hold you back if you ever change your mind about this, Don. I want you in mine and Tabby’s lives, but I don’t want you to feel as though you owe me anything more beyond that. As long as I don’t lose you as a friend—”



Don: “Marci, you’re not the problem. You were never the problem. It was me. It was always me. I…still don’t really like who I am yet. I know I have a lot of work to do to completely earn your trust, but I’m here regardless of what happens to us. You can count on that.”



Marci: “So, we really are doing this. If anyone told me the sexual predator with the flat ass in a pink apron was going to be one of my lovers, I would’ve spat right in their faces.”

Don: “Yeah? If anyone told me the bipolar alt girl with daddy issues was going to be the mother of my kid, I would’ve pissed my pants from laughing too hard.”

Marci: “God, you’re an asshole.”

Don: “Takes one to know one.”



And just like that, their fate was sealed, as far she was concerned.



Don Lothario wasn't going anywhere, because Marci Price had no intention of letting him go.

***



Two nights later, Joshua returned home.

He managed to sell one of his paintings for a good sum, a portion of which was going to charity, but he couldn’t help feeling distracted throughout the entire trip. It was nice getting away someplace new and speaking with other artists and celebrities, but he couldn’t wait to put Del Sol Valley far behind him and return home to his family.



When he walked through the door, he was surprised at what he found in the living room.



It wasn’t so much that Don and Marci were sitting and watching a movie together, but how they were sitting together.



They looked very comfortable.

Marci: “I don’t get it. Why couldn’t they get the cure to work again? They’ve got all the best disease specialists in the world, yet no one can figure out how to get rid of the virus?”

Don: “Did you not pay attention to the first ten minutes of the film? They explained everything in layman’s terms.”

Marci: “Not gonna lie, all I could focus on was General Buzz’s abs when he took his shirt off. Damn, I wish he’d throw me against a wall like he did while he interrogated that prisoner.”

Don: “You’ve got issues, Price. Big ones.”



Joshua almost didn’t want to ruin the moment. Almost.

Joshua: “Uh, hey! I’m back. How are you g—”



Joshua: “Gah, watch the shoulder!”

Marci practically ambushed him and almost knocked him back into the door behind him with the force of her embrace.



Marci: “Why hello, my absolutely beautiful, perfect, lemon-sugar glazed, golden brown, super thick blueberry muffin! I missed you so much!”



Joshua: “I missed you, too. But this petname is getting a little out of hand.”

Marci: “Nonsense. You love it.”



Marci: “How was your trip?”

Joshua: “It was fine. I’m glad to be home, though. What are you two doing? Watching more General Buzz movies?”



Don: “Yep. Nothing else. Just movies. It’s all PG rated here. Hands to ourselves, eyes straight ahead. Good to see you.”



Joshua: “Right…hello to you too, Don.”

Marci: “You should join us! The babies are asleep, and Louis is spending the night at his friend Jet’s place. We just started the second one – you said that was your favorite, right? We can put some pizza rolls in the oven really quick, too. I bet you're hungry.”



Joshua: “After the trip I had, a normal dinner and a movie at home is a wonderful idea. Let me wash up real fast. That taxi was disgusting.”



Don and Marci waited for Joshua left the room. Once they heard the bedroom door closed, Marci took a seat next to him.

Marci: “PG rated? Hands to ourselves? Real subtle, Lothario. Josh definitely doesn’t suspect a thing. You may as well have told him we made out on this couch last night.”

Don: “Ugh, I know! I panicked, okay? You keep saying he’ll be fine with this, but it’s one thing to say it and a whole other deal to watch it happen right in front of you.”



Marci: “I don’t know what you’re worried about. This is my husband, remember? If he’s going to get mad at anyone, it’s me, but I think I know him and how he’s going to react a little better than you do. We’re going to be fine if we’re honest.”



Don: “You’ll give me a heads up if he wants to beat my ass, right? He already punched me once. I don’t want to relive that all over again.”

Marci: “You were asking for it that time, from what you told me. Remember what you called him? A cuck? Seriously, Don?”

Don: “I was just pushing his buttons because he pissed me off, Marci. I didn’t mean that. Josh is a really cool guy, actually. He's gotta be if he puts up with me for your sake.”



Marci: “Duh, of course he is! I know how to pick them. That goes for you too, by the way.”

Don: “Heh. Thanks. So how do you want to break it to him? Wait after dinner, or...”



Marci: “I’ll go and talk to him right now. How’s that sound?”

Don: “Right now? You sure?”

Marci: “May as well rip off the band aid and get it over with. That way, we can stop being anxious and focus on the movie.”



Don: “You're rushing to tell him so we can go back to watching a movie? You’ve got some real fucked up priorities, woman.”

Marci: “You should know. I’m dating you, aren’t I?”



And so, Marci told Josh everything in the privacy of their bedroom.

He took it well. After all, he was the one who encouraged her in the first place.



They then, of course, did the mature thing and played a prank on Don.

Marci: “I’m sorry, Don, I tried to talk him down but—”



Josh feigned anger and jealousy, and claimed he was going to kick his ass. And that Marci was going to hold him down the entire time. Don wasn't going to walk away without a couple of broken bones, if he had anything to say about it.



Don was sweating bullets.

Don: “Shit. I knew it. Goddammit. I’m sorry, man. I’m really fucking sorry. She came onto me, I swear—”

Joshua: “Oh? You’re blaming my wife for this? Now I’m really going to kill you.”

Don: “Shit shit shit no come on don’t hit me Josh I’ll go just let me get my things—"



They couldn’t keep the façade up for long.

Don: “Ugh! I should’ve known! That was evil! Fuck you guys!”



That evening, as she looked at herself in the mirror, it occurred to her.

The girl who arrived to Oasis Springs no longer existed.



When she looked at her reflection then, she used to see a small, fragile, pathetic girl, who couldn't afford to keep a steady roof over her head. She had no friends, no family, no respectable job, and certainly no good reason to keep waking up in the morning.



Now, all this time later...



Instead, she sees Marci Price.



Wife. Lover. Mother. Friend. Chef. Homeowner.







She liked this version of herself. A lot.







And more importantly...



She was no longer alone.

***

AUTHOR'S NOTES

1. I took this screenshots a long time ago, and if you ask me, I'm not very happy with them. I was still working on angling, and you can tell I was still fairly new at this. Even now, I'm amateurish compared to other Sim bloggers and storytellers.

2. I'm glad to finally get this update out of the way and trudge forward. It's been awhile since I felt like writing, but Marci, Don, and Josh are coming back to me as though they never left. I'm happy about that.