I was jogging up the hill towards Silver Falls, which is supposed to be a great fishing spot, and I heard this awesome electric guitar music. I mean, it wasn’t some blazing hot solo or anything, but you know, a notch or two above mediocre, which is enough for me, because I love guitar. Can’t play a lick of it, but I love listening. Anyway, so I made my way up the hill, panting and sweating in an unattractive manner, because I’m still not very in shape yet…
…and I came upon the most blindingly stunning man. He looked completely out of place on a tropical island, all dressed up in a tie and vest, spiked hair, very rock-god but not overwhelmingly so. I guess because if he were really a rock god, he wouldn’t be busking in Mariner’s Reach.
It wasn’t going too well, from what I could see. On the one hand, the place was crowded with people, which meant more potential customers, but on the other hand, some of the people were toddlers, and they were yowling in protest. So the wailing of the guitar combined with the wailing of the kids and the roar of the waterfalls created this insane explosion of sound.
Normally so much noise would have me cringing and fleeing, but I was intrigued by the yummy guitarist, so I stuck around and tried to get some fishing done (thank goodness for collapsible fishing rods that fit into your pocket, eh?). And what do you know…the clamor must have stirred up the fishes, because I caught a tremendous trout!
OK, so Uncle Elvis has caught much bigger fish, but it was a record for me. I think it must have been the wondrousness of the guitar, because as soon as the guy took a break from playing, I was back to catching minnows.
I decided now would be an opportune time to introduce myself. Normally I’d be a bit tongue-tied in the presence of such hotness, but I have a major weakness for musicians, so that overcame the little bit of shyness I have left.
“That was some awesome guitar-playing!†I almost yelled, trying to make myself heard over the din of crying babies. “Hi…I’m Fran.â€
He stood up, and I shook his hand, which in retrospect was probably not the coolest move, as my hand was all sweaty and probably reeked of fish. Gross, I know. But he didn’t seem to care.
“I’m Gavin. And thanks, I’m surprised you could hear it.†He gave me a friendly smile, which I took as a very good sign. I mean, I didn’t think he was immediately enamored of me or anything, but he was nice and polite, and I can work with that.
“Yeah, what a crazy place, huh?†I replied, feeling my bravado slip away now that he was beaming his gorgeousness at me.
“If only you could control the babies’ crying, they could be like…your back-up band or something. You could call yourselves…Crybaby. Or maybe Gavin and the Wailers. Or…Cryclone.â€
I’m sure he thought I was a total loony. I have to remind myself on occasion that not everyone enjoys a good pun. Or a bad pun, for that matter.
“Sorry, that was terrible,†I said, trying to recover from that near-disaster. “Anyway, I caught my biggest fish ever while you were playing, so…you’re like…magic or something.†I laughed at myself to show that I wasn’t completely crazy.
He made a little embarrassed look, like a half-smile with his eyes downcast, which was totally endearing. “I’m glad I could help out.â€
And normally I would have left it at that, but I really wanted to keep talking to this guy, so I scraped some courage out of somewhere, like the edges of the peanut butter jar of my soul, and asked if I could buy him a drink.
“You know, as a thank you for my big catch.†I smiled at him in what I hope was a perfectly normal, non-pushy, non-creepy way.
He glanced around for a second, then said, “Well, sure, why not. I’m not having much luck up here anyway.â€
SUCCESS!
He gathered up his guitar and amp, and I gathered up my fish (kind of icky, I know, but I didn’t know what else to do with them), and we trudged on down the hill to Harley’s Tavern, a dive bar across from the big pirate ship.
I picked the cheapest place because I had to make sure I could actually afford to buy him a drink…and then I picked the cheapest drink – the Llama Head.
The sky turned a fantastical orange outside while we chatted a bit and drank our Llama Heads. I found out that he’s fairly new in town, living at a boarding house with six other people. He had heard the island was booming and becoming well-known for its dance clubs, so he thought he’d see if he could find work.
So far all he’s been doing was playing for tips around the island, but he’s hoping to start up a band at some point. Oh man, I really wish I could play an instrument! Mom, give me some of your musical talent! Quick!
I also noticed he kept staring at the edgy-looking mixologist lady at the end of the bar.
She totally looked like she could be in a rock band. Or at least be a rock star’s girlfriend. I’m probably a bit too much on the soft and silly side. But you never know, right?
We had barely finished our drinks when he said he had to go. “I’m afraid I have to make some more tips today if I want to eat dinner tomorrow,†he said, smiling with what I imagined to be a tinge of regret. “Here’s my number, though.†He handed me a little card. “Call me anytime.â€
And with that, he strolled off into the night.
Sigh. I haven’t been this gone over somebody since Joel. Ah, the memories…Joel’s a musician, too. A big rock star now, actually. Last I heard he was dating some movie actress.
I am so doomed.
(continued on Page 3)
“I blame the stove. They’re all different, right? I mean, I’m not saying my stove is deliberately trying to sabotage me…but…you never know. I’m watching you, stove.” I could not have laughed harder at this entry!!! A wonderful addition to the story Jen and a pleasure to read.
Also thanks for the tip aboutt he woohooer, I haven’t used it but I love the idea of the gauge attractiveness. It really lets the dollies have a little extra control. Loves it! xx
Hee, I like that you call them “the dollies”. Reminds me of playing with my Barbies back in the day. I made up the same kinds of silly stories for them as I do for my Sims now! Some things never change. :)
Elvis also recommended a few books on fishing bait. I had no idea that mattered – I had been just throwing my hook into the water and saying “here, fishy fishyâ€.
Hilarious! She is too cute!
Aw, thank you, Skyegazer!
Ha, ha! “Here fishy, fishy”! I’m going to be giggling like a total nutter over that one for a while, it reminds me of when my dad used to throw the bread out for the birds when I was little: “Biiirrrrdiiiies! Here, biiiirrrdiiieees!” It was even complete with this daft falsetto voice that drove my ma up the wall. Nice one, Jen.
LOL, your dad sounds hilarious.
Fab update, Jen – It’s beautifully written and your photos are (as always) to die for. I love that you’re playing this and telling the story, instead of posing it. It makes it far more interesting to see what actually happens for Fran instead of *make believe*… Fran is real, isn’t she??!!??
Um, yes, of course Fran is real. She steals my blog from time to time. What, you think I just make this stuff up out of thin air? Pshaw! ;-p Thanks for your kind words about her.
Oh, I LIKE Gavin. *swoon* He’s already got my heart, too. Can’t blame Fran AT ALL for that little crush.
I love reading your writing, my dear. I do believe there should be a novel in your future. ;)
You are too kind, WebbyMom. I’ve tried to write books before, but I lack the discipline to stick with one thing for that long (sound familiar at all? Heehee) These little Sims stories are just the right length for my short attention span! So glad you’re enjoying them. :)
WebbyMom, I thought the same thing, someday we’ll get to read a book. Really enjoyable little story about Fran and her growing attachment to her new home.
Gethane! Always good to see you. :) Thanks for visiting, and I’m glad you’re enjoying Fran’s new adventures.
“I’m watching you, stove.” I lol’d at that!
Your pictures are just amazing!
Aw, I feel like my pics are crummy compared to some of the amazing ones I’ve seen on Living Sims and elsewhere, so thank you for saying that! :)
Oh Fran she cracks me up, girl has some sense of humor…something she needs with her lack of money and island life. Gawin is hot, real hot…no wonder she has a thing for her, I wonder will they eventually get it going…i sort of hope so, but you never know with sims.
Aah i play the same, let sims 2 do their thing…i don’t like poseing and neither have i got patience for it. I just let my sims write the story for me, after all it is about them.
Looking forward to some more ‘stoves are different …’ updates…
Yeah, Sims can be really slow about things, if left to their own devices. But I’m determined to let them figure it out, even if Fran ends up an old maid (which isn’t so bad at all…I’m one myself! Heehee)
Fran is lovely. I\’m glad you did a game-play note, it\’s always very interesting to see what people do behind the scenes. How long lifespan does she has?
Thanks, ani_, I’m glad you like Fran. I’m currently playing her on the Epic lifespan, so things are moving very slowly. I’ve played about 5 weeks of her life in Mariner’s reach, and she’s only about halfway to adulthood. I like it, though, she can have days where she just eats, sleeps, and catches fish, and I don’t feel a mad rush to make her do anything else. That could get old after awhile, but for now I’m enjoying it!
Now how did I miss this update? Ooh he is dreamy. me likes Gavin, he’s easy on the eyes. whew.
She’s so funny! great update as always enjoyed the heck out of your pics.
Heh, thanks, ruby! I’m glad you like Gavin…he was fun to create.
Aw, I so love your stories, Jen, you have such a talent for writting! I love “Fran’s voice”, she’s such an adorable and funny Sim!
Gavin is a hottie! I hope he won’t be too much interested in sexy barmaids!
Thanks so much, Sandy! I have fun writing for Fran, and I’m glad you enjoy her stories. :) We’ll have to see about Gavin and those barmaids…
Today’s security word is “Ambrosia”. I couldn’t have said it better myself. jenba, all of your stories (whether they are just discussing a new house or a new town your creating, or if it’s like the wonderful Fran) … sheer AMBROSIA!! *jiggles*
Jellyfish are freaky. I’m sorry. Ever since I saw that movie “The Sphere”, I am totally freaked by jellfish … no matter how big or how small. *shudders*
Wow … what the hell was EA thinking with that guy ‘do?! GEEZ! *rotflmao*
Gavin really is quite tasty. :O) I wish Unflirty Fran all the luck in the world. And I certainly hope that you enjoy your play and don’t let the story take over the fun of it. :O)
And my security word is “woohoo”, which is what I say when I see a comment from the Captain! Heehee.
I don’t like jellyfish, either…they give me the heebie jeebies. I’ve never seen “The Sphere”, though…sounds like a good flick to avoid?
Poor Unflirty Fran…if I hadn’t set Story Progression to disallow Steady Romances for Gavin’s household, I’m sure he would have been snatched up already. She needs to get her butt in gear!
Awww Fran Romance! I hope he falls in love with her. Super cute! She reminds me how I talk to myself. Lol in my head.
LOL, that’s sweet! I talk to myself in my head that way a lot, too. Only I’m not as funny as Fran is. :-p
Jen you have a wonderful sense of humor *cough* I mean, Fran has a wonderful sense of humor. I like the fact that you play the game. It makes for some interesting situations and hilarious bits for us to drool over.
So Ms Fishing Fran, the mac and cheese burner, is also finding a bit of romance. This island rocks! I’m glad she’s finally learned to make pancakes. The poor dear could live off of them for a while. I mean, an exploding stove is just not reliable. Right?
Yes, exploding stoves are very bad indeed! Thanks so much for your nice comment, Velvet. I’m enjoying this gameplay and the challenge of trying to make a decent story out of it. ;-p