It started out very innocently. I swear I wasn’t stalking him or anything – I just happened to walk into the Green Room, one of the swankier bars in Mariner’s Reach, and there he was, playing for tips. In other words, he was working.
I had to chuckle at myself for my sudden good fortune – I had been hoping to run into Gavin ever since our drink at Marley’s. I know he had said I could call him anytime, but when people say that, they don’t really mean it, do they? I mean, if he had really wanted to see me again, he would have asked for my number, too, right? I am so bad at this stuff.
At any rate, I was happy to see him, so I walked right up to him and gazed at him worshipfully while he played. He looked blazingly hot as usual, and his guitar-playing wasn’t too shabby, either.
He glanced up at me a couple of times, but kept on playing, even though no one else was around. I threw some Simoleons into his guitar case, just to be supportive.
Not ten seconds later, he set down his guitar and wandered off to other side of the bar, calling out to the bartender that he was taking a short break. He didn’t even so much as look at me. I was mortified. Had I Franned the poor guy to death already?
I hesitated for a second, then followed him. (I can really be a glutton for utter humiliation sometimes.)
“Hey, Gavin,†I said, trying to be casual.
He smiled calmly and responded with a “heyâ€, but I could tell he was exasperated about something.
“Is…everything OK?â€
“Yeah, I just…†He sighed in frustration, then laid it all out. “Look, Fran…you seem like a nice person, but I just…hope you’re not going to do that every time you see me playing around town.â€
I was confused. “Do what?â€
“Make googly eyes.â€
“I was making googly eyes?â€
“Yes.â€
“At you?â€
“Yes.â€
I smirked. “Nahhhh…I was just listening appreciatively.â€
“You were right in my face.â€
“Well, isn’t that what everyone does?†I laughed. “How can people NOT stare at you while you play? I mean, what are you going to do if you ever become famous, and you have a whole arena of people making googly eyes at you? Are you gonna freak out?â€
“That’s completely different,†he said. “It’s one thing if there’s a crowd, but it’s Deadsville here tonight. And then you had to go and throw money at me. Which would be fine if you were a stranger, but I know you, so it’s just…awkward. You know?â€
“But isn’t that why you were playing guitar? To make money?â€
“Yeah, but…†he sighed again, clearly done with this conversation. “Look…just…don’t follow me around like a puppy, all right? I gotta get back to playing.â€
He brushed past me and headed back to the other side of the bar. I stared at the doorway he had just disappeared through for a full minute, then left, feeling totally dumbfounded. My first big crush in a long time, and I had already weirded the guy right out.
Typical.
I didn’t sleep well that night. Too much sugar plus complete mortification do not make for a restful slumber. But the next day, a miracle occurred. After my routine of breakfast/shower/catch fishies/clean house/scream at washing machine, I received a text message from Gavin. I don’t know how he got my number, but it said:
“Sorry about the freakout last night. Would love it if you could come to my party tonight, 8 PM. Big house on the hill by Bellow’s Swamp.â€
I think I read that message at least 87 times. He didn’t hate me after all! He was sorry! He used the words “love†and “you†in a sentence together! Now I had a chance to redeem myself. I had a chance to be cool. And that was my plan – no googly-eyed puppy dog here, no sirree. I was going to be Miss Smooth.
(continued on Page 3)
Oh. My. Gosh.
I laughed all the way through. You are a gem, my dear! I love reading what you write! Fran is adorable, and her evil house and hunky “friend for now” are so totally awesome. This was a great way to end my day… I’m off to bed chuckling, luv! xx
Er, Jen, I think my washing machine and Fran’s might be related. I swear mine’s possessed, what with walking halfway across the garage, and odd little beeps all the time! And, my anti-spam word was nectar! Um, yeah, I went about five hours without coffee this afternoon since me and two mates went fishing at Cobden Beach, and the catch-up caffeine is making me a bit weird, sorry about that! Great update, though I don’t know how anybody could have possibly walked in those boots!
I am with WM, I laughed the whole way through and had to abandon my cup of tea for fear of it coming out of my nose! I am so in love with awkward little Fran, she is beyond awesome and I am excited to know what she gets up to next time.
My spam word this time was “Waffles”…. yum!!!
Yay a hug that’s definitely a step up! Perfect story before bed. Now I’m sure I’ll dream about what is to happen next tonight.
I been thinking she needs to get a pet. Sadly we only have fish, but maybe that’s what she needs to keep a fish friend to talk to. Sry very random thought lol.
One should always be careful when complaining about things at home. You just never know what electrical appliances and doodads might be listening … waiting for you to say something that will cause them to run amuck! O_o But it is very nice that Fran found someone to talk to … someone that didn’t freak her out. It’s always nice to have gal pals. Plus … I’m curious about this “Murt” guy. Perhaps if things don’t work out with Gavin, she could meet “Murt”. ;O)
Oh dear. That whole situation with Gavin at the Green Bar Place … very not awesome. Poor Fran. :O(
Aside from the sunglasses, Fran looks totally cool. :O) Hehe. She’s got more guts than I have, that’s for sure! That house IS really cool! And I’m so proud of Fran for being so nonchalant and unassuming. And it’s about time that he noticed her a little bit! The boots really do look painful (even though they’re still cool).
Yay for hugs!! And … she wears her sunglasses at night so she can, so she can … well, you get the idea. ;O) *snicker* Darn burglar. what the heck does Fran have that interests the burglar.
I wonder what caused Gavin’s sudden turn around. Maybe he’s more comfortable being at home and not working when interacting with chicks. ;O)
Great update as usual.
How cool is Fran? Too cool!! Love the possessed house, the nectar/sugar high, the googly eye convo, the cool leopards and pinching boots – loved it all!! You had me wanting to slap Gavin for a mo’ but he redeemed himself in the end. Definitely looking forward to the next chapter Jen!
Yay Fran! I love her new look, even if its just cool for a party. It looks fab on her. And I adore the boots. so edgy! *cheers*
I adore Fran so much it hurts! I may have said this before but I love your writing and the awesome sense of humor in each and every chapter. I laughed from start to finish. Keep up the great work!
Oh dear I laughed so hard, Fran and her crazy insane house…maybe she is haunted and she doesn’t even know yet, some spooky ex-islander or who knows.
She looked really cool in her new outfit, you were really brave to let the stylist choose- i am usually too much of a chicken to do so, but she got lucky…she really looked very nice and party like, though the shades made me laugh. I suppose it can be a so-called rockchick outfit, i mean thouse rock people always wear shades and as Gaving is guy who does music…It is all very fitting.
Fran am looking forward t oyour next update!
Personally I’d have told Gavin the Godlike Guitarist to go shove his head up his jacksy if I’d been Fran – but she seems to like him, go figure. There’s no accounting for taste!!! Love the dark shades on a dark night and the uncool coolness of Fran. She really is a complete square and just brimming over with oodles of personality because of it. You write her up as if you geuinely like her, Jen ;)
I love reading about her, she makes me smile and want to read more :)
I felt really sorry for Fran when she left the Green bar. But her coolness was hilarious, and I lolled at the do-able debate she had in her head :D
MOST excellent, as always. I read one page, did something else for awhile, read another, etc., to extend the time I was able to enjoy this update. Your updates always make me want to play, but alas, my game never looks as good, or feels as right, as you make it sound :).
oh i am so happy you have returned fran!! thank you x a million!!
“OMG” was exactly how I thought to begin my comments as well, but the idea was already taken! Actually, I could copy-paste what WebbyMom wrote: I laughed to tears, and you have a new reader: my boyfriend, who was wondering why I was laughing like a silly in front of my computer. *lol* Everything was so funny, from the house being alive to her new friend around a glass of nectar, her stylist make-over (I got that one too!), and her party at Gavin. *wipe away tear of laughter* You’re great, Jen, I’m so happy to know your blog! It’s a real bubble of fun. :)
If Fran has a fan-club, I’m member of it!
Since I’m a complete slacker and didn’t get to read these fast enough to make the allowable comment window, I’ll put all my comments here. ;)
==Comments for “The Little Blue Hut”==
Poor Fran, burning her first meal in her brand new home RIGHT ON THE BEACH! Even if the food isn’t the best, the scenery is. :D (Love her table “centerpiece” too. *giggle*)
HA! *gigglesnorts* Yes, Fran, at least you’re in good company with having issues with the treadmill. *snickers*
I agree, living on a tropical island, you shouldn’t sit inside and watch TV all day. *nods*
Good luck with your garden!
Ooo, poor girl. *comforts Fran* Falling into water is bad enough; falling into a swamp? Blech! Good gracious, this girl is cursed, isn’t she. *blinks* Burns her waffles, can’t catch a “real” fish to save her life, and even burned her marshmellows? *shakes her head*
==Comments for “Two Steps Forward”==
YIKES! I didn’t know the stuff could explode either, but I’m not surprised Fran figured out how to do it. *snickers*
She’s lucky she’s got an uncle who can help her with some tips on this stuff. *chuckles*
Woot! Congrats on a successful fishing expedition AND cooking food that’s still edible! *cheers*
I’m glad she’s trying to not be a hermit! (And beautiful scenery she gets to jog in!)
Ooo, cute guy! And gotta love musically inclined men. *swoons* It’s too bad the mom’s didn’t take their kids home so you could enjoy the music and the waterfall a little better. But gratz on the fish!
*snickers at Fran* Interesting choice of name suggestions. *giggles* “the edges of the peanut butter jar of my soul”?!? *blinks* WOOT! You scored his number! You go girl! *cheers*
Twallan’s Whoohooer mod?? I never even heard of this! Is it on the main site with the main story progression thing? That’s AWESOME!!
==Comments for “How to Be Cool”==
*peers at Fran* I’m so sorry to hear your house has turned against you. *can’t believe she just “said” something like that*
It may be a lot of money, but it’s probably money well spent to have a professional come fix everything at once for you. *comforts Fran* And maybe you’re right, your house is turning against you.
You complained about spending money on a handyman to fix up her house, but she’ll spend twice that on liquor and call it good? *tickles Fran*
Oh, poor Fran. :( Ouch. *sighs* Well that kinda sucked.
*blink* Nothing like sending mixed messages, Gavin. *winces at Fran* I hope you can pull off smooth, honey. I really do.
Fran, you do look good in the outfit. Now learn to WORK IT, GIRL!
That’s some nice boarding house Gavin found himself living in there.
It might be the boots. They are pretty Hot Babe kinda boots. But it may also be that you look very kewl in your new threads and fit them well. Very cool that he not only sought you out again but also asked you to dance. *cheers*
*snickers* Poor Fran. Even when being the epitome of cool, is still the essence of Fran. Glad your neighbor saw the burglar. *giggles*
Don’t stress so much about the fine line of gameplay and story-telling because you definitely seem to have it right. :D