Shirley: We’re out of coffee. Vivian: Oh. I made some early this morning, and you told me that these forms were a priority, so I was trying to get them done.
Shirley:(big dramatic sigh) Well, Vivian, you know the coffee is your job and that keeping the coffee pot filled is always a priority, too. I mean, did you forget everything after being gone for 3 days?
Shirley had not asked Vivian about her honeymoon trip or congratulated her on her wedding. This was the first time she mentioned Vivian’s time off, and this was how she chose to do it.
Vivian:Pickleface is being extra nasty today. I wonder if this is because Mr. Broster stopped to talk to me?
“Pickleface” was Vivian’s secret pet name for Shirley.
Vivian: I didn’t forget, I just misunderstood what you wanted me to do. I’ll make the coffee right away. Shirley: Good.
Vivian:If she’s going to stand there and stare at me the whole time, she could have just done this herself!
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It’s Vivian’s job to make the coffee and bring it to the two bosses, Mr. Newell the financial manager, and Mr. Todd the VP.
Mr. Newell isn’t really a problem. He usually just ignores her when she comes in, and she places the cup on his desk and leaves.
Mr. Todd is a different story. He often gets wound up into a very bad mood. Fortunately, Vivian knows how to handle him.
Gavin Todd: Vivian! I heard you went and got hitched. Vivian:Oh good, he’s being friendly today. That’s right. I got married last Saturday. Gavin Todd: Now, why would you go and do a thing like that, silly girl? Vivian:(laughs) Oh well, I fell in love, so it seemed like the thing to do.
Gavin Todd: Ah, falling in love–even sillier. So tell me, how are things on the floor today? Vivian: Everyone’s working hard, Mr. Todd. Gavin Todd: Good. Good. And Shirley. How is she being today?
Vivian has always had the feeling that Mr. Todd dislikes Shirley as much as she does and would like to catch Shirley doing something he could fire her for, but unfortunately for them both, Shirley is a hard worker.
Vivian: Shirley is being Shirley, Mr. Todd. Gavin Todd: Yes, I see. Well, I suppose you’ll be getting yourself in a family way and leaving us soon.
By “in a family way,” he meant “pregnant.”
Vivian: Well, I, uh…
Gavin Todd: You know, they have a pill that cures that now. You should consider staying on here as a career, Vivian. I value your service and could promote you if you keep yourself out of trouble. Vivian: Um…I appreciate that, sir. Well, speaking of work, I’d better get back to my desk. Shirley has me processing the G92 forms, and she wants them right away.
Vivian puts the coffee cup down and hurries out of the office.
Vivian:What just happened? Did Mr. Todd just seriously refer to pregnancy as getting into trouble and something to be cured?? And, more importantly, did he just tell me to use the birth control pill???
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Manny gets home slightly later than Vivian on their first day back to work after the honeymoon. Vivian is starting to prepare dinner when he comes in. Manny walks into the kitchen, stops, and stares.
Manny: My God. Vivian: What is it? Manny: You’re more beautiful than the day I married you. Vivian:(laughs) Oh, stop it. That was less than a week ago. I look exactly the same. Manny:(pulls a rose out from behind his back) A beautiful flower for a beautiful bride.
Vivian: Thank you! (kisses Manny)
Vivian goes back to preparing dinner while Manny watches sports on TV.
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I wonder if Shirley is jealous of Viv? Maybe she wishes she could be married to Lava Man.
LOL--who wouldn't want to be married to Lava Man? I'm jealous of Vivian, haha. I'm not sure if Shirley has ever met or even seen a picture of Lava Man as Vivian keeps her personal and work lives separate, but Shirley is definitely jealous of Vivian's happiness. Plus, Shirley is the kind of person who is nice to people when there's something to be gained by it, but her default is to be mean if it's an option.
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Vivian and Manny sit down to eat dinner after their first day back to work following the honeymoon.
Vivian: How was your day? Manny: It was good. Not too busy, not too slow. We had the cutest little girl come into the store today, and I helped her pick out a toy. It made me nostalgic for when we have children. I mean, not nostalgic because that’s in the past, but… Vivian: Nostalgic for the future? Manny:(laughs) Yeah, exactly! Nostalgic for the future. How was your day, darlin’? How was Pickleface?
Vivian: She was her usually self, ordering me around and being dramatic about it. Manny: So what you’re saying is nothing has changed. Vivian: Well, one new thing happened today, and it was a little creepy. Manny: What happened? Vivian: Mr. Todd tried to bribe me with a promotion on the condition that I don’t get pregnant. Manny: What?! Did he actually say that? Vivian: In a round-about way. He went so far as to bring up the pill, calling it a “cure” for pregnancy, as if having children is some kind of disease. Manny:(goes silent for a moment) What did you say to him? Vivian: I didn’t say anything. I just got out of there as fast as I could. It made me so uncomfortable.
Manny: You know if you want to quit now or at any time, I’m fine with that. Vivian: I know. I just really want to save up some money for our Sulani trip and for our future family. I can stick it out for another year. Manny: If he says anything else that makes you feel uncomfortable, let me know. Vivian: Okay.
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Manny meets with his buddies at the Aqua Bar in Newcrest.
Joey: So, Manny. I thought you’d look more relaxed after becoming a married man, but you seem kind of tense tonight. Manny: Who, me? No, I’m just tired after working on the house all day, that’s all. But now that you mention it, there is one thing that has been weighing heavily on my mind. Joey: What’s that? Manny:(smiles) Well, I’ve just been wondering what happened between Ken and that go-go dancer the other night? (Manny points upward, referring to the Gentleman’s Club that’s one floor above the bar.)
Ken: Oh, man. That go-go dancer was so into me. She was all over me. Manny: Did her being into you have anything to do with you giving her money? Ken: No, no. It wasn’t like that, man. She just knows a good thing when she sees it. Joey: But you did give her money? Ken: Well, she’s trying to work her way through school, so yeah, I gave her some cash, but that was totally unrelated.
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Manny is having drinks with his buddies when the phone behind the bar rings.
Bartender: Is there a Barry Allen here? I have a phone call for a Barry Allen.
Nobody at the bar responds, and the bartender hangs up the phone.
Manny: I’ll be right back. I need to go check the parking meter. Joey: Since when do you own a car? Manny: I borrowed my dad’s car. Joey: So you’re just going to leave me here with this lunatic? (referring to Ken) Manny: I’m afraid so. Ken:(joking) At last, me and Joey get some alone time. Get out of here, Manny.
Manny heads down the stairs, but he doesn’t go to the car. Instead, he looks around to make sure nobody’s watching then stops in the stairwell to talk to Crystal, one of the dancers from the Gentleman’s Club two floors above.
Crystal: I could get in a lot of trouble for this if anybody finds out. Manny: Don’t worry. Nobody is going to find out. (He reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out some cash.) This should cover it. Crystal:(takes the cash) It’ll be about 5 or 10 minutes. Manny: Perfect. Crystal: Who is Barry Allen anyway? Why didn’t you just have me ask for you? Manny: He’s nobody; he’s a comic book character. I needed a signal to know when to come down without anybody knowing what I was really doing.
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A low rumble of thunder rolls across the evening sky. Manny waits in the alley behind the Moonlight Cocktail building. This building has both the Aqua Bar where he has just been drinking with his buddies, and, on another floor, the Gentleman’s Club.
Gavin Todd exits the door that leads to the Gentleman’s Club stairs. He’s right on time–Manny has only been waiting 5 minutes, just like the girl had said. Gavin opens his umbrella and walks into the alley. Manny steps out of the shadows, blocking his way.
Gavin:(startled) Oh, sorry, I didn’t see you there. Hey, you look familiar. Aren’t you that amateur boxer who won against Tommy Briggs last summer? Manny Conner, right? Manny: Yeah, I’m Manny Conner. I’m also Vivian’s husband. Gavin:(confused) Vivian…Vivian…I’m not sure… Manny: She works for you at Newcrest Financial. Gavin: Oh, that Vivian! At first I thought you were talking about one of the girls upstairs, but I couldn’t remember any of the dancers being named Vivian. (laughs) So you’re the guy Vivian married. I had no idea you two were an item. Congratulations. Well, what a coincidence running into you.
Manny: It’s not a coincidence. I was waiting for you. Gavin: Oh? I’m flattered. Manny: Don’t be. I’m very protective of my wife. She told me something happened at work that made her unhappy. And when my wife’s unhappy, I’m unhappy. Gavin: Now see here, there must be some mistake. I’ve never made a pass at Vivian. Manny: No, but you crossed the line when you talked to her about her family life and about getting pregnant.
Gavin: Oh that. Look, I was only trying to help. I like Vivian; she’s a good worker. Sometimes when you meet with people in a business setting, the talk gets a little personal because there are things you need to know as an employer and… Manny: Let me stop you right there. From now on, your business meetings with my wife are going to be just that–about business. You don’t say anything to her about kids, marriage, her personal life, nothing. Otherwise, I’m going to help this concrete have a personal meeting with your face. And another thing. Vivian doesn’t know I’m talking to you, so you’re not going to say anything. Got it?
Gavin:(opens his mouth as if to argue but changes his mind) Got it.
Satisfied, Manny goes back upstairs to rejoin his friends at the bar.
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Vivian spent Saturday morning cleaning house. Manny worked in the yard for awhile, then went to his parents’ house to borrow some folding tables and chairs.
In the afternoon, they went into town together to pick up their framed wedding photos, which they’ve just finished hanging.
Manny: Does that look straight to you? Vivian: Yes. It looks so nice. Now I just hope the weather holds out for tomorrow and it doesn’t rain during the party. Fall got here so quickly. Manny: It’s not going to rain. Vivian: How do you know? Manny: We Sulanesians know these things. Vivian:(skeptical) If you say so.
[Here’s a look at all the family photos they’ve hung up in their home so far…]
[living room: wedding pictures]
[living room: honeymoon at Magnolia Aquarium]
[hallway wedding photos: Vivian and her mother Demoyn; Manny and his father Nathaniel Maui.]
[dining room: Bell and Conner families]
[basement: honeymoon at Magnolia Aquarium]
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@15aewar Thank you for your compliment on the wedding photos. That's the result of 2 sim days with a sim photographer, LOL. I like to take tons of photos then delete the majority of them, saving only the ones I like the most. I have a few more that are hung in their parents' houses, as well.
Yes, one of Manny's defining qualities is that he's very protective of the ones he loves and cares about.
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Manny introduces his friends Ken and Joey to Dean. They all sit down to watch sports–-the Newcrest Narwhals are playing the Magnolia Manatees today.
Ken: So, Dean. How do you know Manny? Dean: We work together at Behr Druggist and Goods. Ken: Oh, that’s cool.
Joey: And are you a Narwhals fan like the rest of us, or are you a crazy person? Dean:(proudly) Manatees all the way. Ken and Joey:(simultaneously) Noooo! Ken:(teasing) I can’t believe you even let this guy into your home, Manny.
Manny: Well, maybe we’ll convince him to see reason and convert him to a Narwhals fan. Dean:(smiling) Never.
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Manny and the guys are gathered in the living room to watch sports.
The Newcrest Narwhals make a mistake, and the Magnolia Manatees score.
Joey:(yelling at the TV) Are you kidding me? Who misses an easy play like that?! If the Narwhals don’t make the playoffs, what am I going to do? I can’t live in a world where the Narwhals aren’t in the playoffs.
Manny: Relax, brother. It’s only the first point of the game.
Joey takes his sports very seriously.
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Delilah enters the kitchen where Vivian, Janay, and Shandra are preparing salads and a dessert.
Vivian: Oh, hi! You guys made it. Delilah, you remember Janay and Shandra from my wedding?
Vivian feels a little uncomfortable socializing with Delilah after finding out from Manny where Joey met her, but she tries to be polite and play it off.
Delilah: Yes, of course. It’s good to see you again. Can I do anything to help? Janay: You can help me cut up the vegetables for the salad if you like. Delilah: Okay.
The ladies cook and talk, and Delilah asks if they work. She learns that Vivian is a receptionist, Janay works part time at the movie theater, and Shandra is a florist.
Shandra: My goal is to be promoted to shop manager. I think I can make it in a couple of years if I work really hard. Delilah: Oh, that sounds like a really good goal. Shandra: What’s your goal at your work, Delilah?
Vivian and Janay go very quiet and exchange glances. They had been purposely avoiding talking about Delilah’s job because they know she’s a dancer at the Gentleman’s Club. Sometimes Shandra is socially clueless.
Delilah: My goal is to get married and settle down. I need to work now to pay my bills because I don’t have anyone else to rely on except for myself, but I don’t want to work forever.
Vivian is surprised by this answer and realizes she made some false assumptions about Delilah without really knowing anything about her. She resolves to be more open to her from now on.
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Manny: How are things going with Delilah? Joey: Great. She has a taste for the night life, but she has her domestic side, too. She loves to cook for me. Manny: And you love bars and grub. Sounds like maybe you finally met your match. Joey: Maybe.
Dean: What are you guys talking about? Joey: Women and food. What about you, Dean? How’s your love life? Manny: Oh, you don’t want to ask him that. Joey: Why not? Dean: I just got out of a relationship about 3 months ago. The relationship was… Manny: Fiery? Dean:(laughing) Yeah, I guess you could say that. (to Joey) She set my clothes on fire after I broke up with her. Joey: What? Were you wearing them at the time? Dean: No, but she probably wishes I was. I loved that woman, but something was just not quite right in her head. Joey: And I thought I had some wild exes. Manny: I think Dean has you beat.
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@15aewar Thanks! I was trying to establish certain mundane facts about their lives without the conversation getting too boring. So I threw in a crazy, pyro ex-girlfriend to spice things up, LOL.
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Manny has salad and eats his burger without the bun.
Vivian: Why are you eating your burger like that? Do you want me to get you a bun? Manny: No thank you, darlin’. I put on a lot of extra weight after the wedding and the honeymoon, and I need to cut down on carbs. Vivian: What are “carbs”? I think you just made that word up. Manny: Bread. I’m trying to cut out bread.
Dean: Do you work, Janay? Janay: Yes, I work the ticket booth at the theater.
Shandra is stuck between 2 conversations, neither one of which she’s part of. She awkwardly eats her hot dog in silence.
[This is so me, LOL.]
Dean: Do you get an employee discount? Janay: Yes. Dean: So I bet you and your boyfriend go to the movies a lot then. Janay:(blushes) Oh, um, I don’t have a boyfriend.
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After lunch, some of the guests gather in the dining room to play board games.
Delilah: I want to be the automobile. Joey: No. I’m always the automobile, Doll. Delilah: But I want that token. Joey: No, Doll. I’m always the automobile, and Manny is always the Scottie. You be the top hat because you’re classy. Delilah: Okay, fine. Joey: So, everybody, if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Janay, you start. Janay: Hmmm, let me see. I guess Spaghetti. Vivian: Ham! Dean: Is it my turn? Okay, I’ll go with hamburgers. That way you get both meat and bread and maybe some lettuce, too. Delilah: I pick lobster.
Vivian: Oh, I should have gone with lobster! Manny: I would be fine with eating cake for the rest of my life. What about you, Joey? Joey: I’m going to go with animal crackers. Vivian: It’s interesting that both Manny and Joey picked sweets.
Joey: That’s because we’re both really sweet. Manny: You’re sweeter. Joey: No, you’re sweeter.
Janay: What is happening over there?
Delilah: I think maybe we’d better go and let these two be alone together.
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Shandra and Ken aren’t that into board games, so they go to the living room to watch a variety show on tv while the others play.
Ken: So Shandra, I have a question for you. Shandra: Is this going to be one of your dumb jokes? Ken: No, it’s going to be one of my great jokes. So, Shandra. Shandra: Yes, Ken? Ken: Some months have 31 days; some months have 30 days. Which months have 28 days?
Shandra: February? Ken: No, all of them! (laughs wildly)
Shandra shakes her head and rolls her eyes.
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Comments
Shirley: We’re out of coffee.
Vivian: Oh. I made some early this morning, and you told me that these forms were a priority, so I was trying to get them done.
Shirley: (big dramatic sigh) Well, Vivian, you know the coffee is your job and that keeping the coffee pot filled is always a priority, too. I mean, did you forget everything after being gone for 3 days?
Shirley had not asked Vivian about her honeymoon trip or congratulated her on her wedding. This was the first time she mentioned Vivian’s time off, and this was how she chose to do it.
Vivian: Pickleface is being extra nasty today. I wonder if this is because Mr. Broster stopped to talk to me?
“Pickleface” was Vivian’s secret pet name for Shirley.
Vivian: I didn’t forget, I just misunderstood what you wanted me to do. I’ll make the coffee right away.
Shirley: Good.
Vivian: If she’s going to stand there and stare at me the whole time, she could have just done this herself!
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It’s Vivian’s job to make the coffee and bring it to the two bosses, Mr. Newell the financial manager, and Mr. Todd the VP.
Mr. Newell isn’t really a problem. He usually just ignores her when she comes in, and she places the cup on his desk and leaves.
Mr. Todd is a different story. He often gets wound up into a very bad mood. Fortunately, Vivian knows how to handle him.
Gavin Todd: Vivian! I heard you went and got hitched.
Vivian: Oh good, he’s being friendly today. That’s right. I got married last Saturday.
Gavin Todd: Now, why would you go and do a thing like that, silly girl?
Vivian: (laughs) Oh well, I fell in love, so it seemed like the thing to do.
Gavin Todd: Ah, falling in love–even sillier. So tell me, how are things on the floor today?
Vivian: Everyone’s working hard, Mr. Todd.
Gavin Todd: Good. Good. And Shirley. How is she being today?
Vivian has always had the feeling that Mr. Todd dislikes Shirley as much as she does and would like to catch Shirley doing something he could fire her for, but unfortunately for them both, Shirley is a hard worker.
Vivian: Shirley is being Shirley, Mr. Todd.
Gavin Todd: Yes, I see. Well, I suppose you’ll be getting yourself in a family way and leaving us soon.
By “in a family way,” he meant “pregnant.”
Vivian: Well, I, uh…
Gavin Todd: You know, they have a pill that cures that now. You should consider staying on here as a career, Vivian. I value your service and could promote you if you keep yourself out of trouble.
Vivian: Um…I appreciate that, sir. Well, speaking of work, I’d better get back to my desk. Shirley has me processing the G92 forms, and she wants them right away.
Vivian puts the coffee cup down and hurries out of the office.
Vivian: What just happened? Did Mr. Todd just seriously refer to pregnancy as getting into trouble and something to be cured?? And, more importantly, did he just tell me to use the birth control pill???
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Manny: My God.
Vivian: What is it?
Manny: You’re more beautiful than the day I married you.
Vivian: (laughs) Oh, stop it. That was less than a week ago. I look exactly the same.
Manny: (pulls a rose out from behind his back) A beautiful flower for a beautiful bride.
Vivian: Thank you! (kisses Manny)
Vivian goes back to preparing dinner while Manny watches sports on TV.
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I'll bet she wanted to tell Mr. Todd it was none of his business, but she might lose her job.
I wonder if Shirley is jealous of Viv? Maybe she wishes she could be married to Lava Man.
Book O' Spells: The Life and Times of Lady Ravendancer Goth
The Shadow Over Newcrest - Revised Story Blog
Yep. Welcome to the workplace in the early to mid 20th century where bosses could pretty much do and say whatever they wanted.
LOL--who wouldn't want to be married to Lava Man? I'm jealous of Vivian, haha. I'm not sure if Shirley has ever met or even seen a picture of Lava Man as Vivian keeps her personal and work lives separate, but Shirley is definitely jealous of Vivian's happiness. Plus, Shirley is the kind of person who is nice to people when there's something to be gained by it, but her default is to be mean if it's an option.
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Vivian and Manny sit down to eat dinner after their first day back to work following the honeymoon.
Vivian: How was your day?
Manny: It was good. Not too busy, not too slow. We had the cutest little girl come into the store today, and I helped her pick out a toy. It made me nostalgic for when we have children. I mean, not nostalgic because that’s in the past, but…
Vivian: Nostalgic for the future?
Manny: (laughs) Yeah, exactly! Nostalgic for the future. How was your day, darlin’? How was Pickleface?
Vivian: She was her usually self, ordering me around and being dramatic about it.
Manny: So what you’re saying is nothing has changed.
Vivian: Well, one new thing happened today, and it was a little creepy.
Manny: What happened?
Vivian: Mr. Todd tried to bribe me with a promotion on the condition that I don’t get pregnant.
Manny: What?! Did he actually say that?
Vivian: In a round-about way. He went so far as to bring up the pill, calling it a “cure” for pregnancy, as if having children is some kind of disease.
Manny: (goes silent for a moment) What did you say to him?
Vivian: I didn’t say anything. I just got out of there as fast as I could. It made me so uncomfortable.
Manny: You know if you want to quit now or at any time, I’m fine with that.
Vivian: I know. I just really want to save up some money for our Sulani trip and for our future family. I can stick it out for another year.
Manny: If he says anything else that makes you feel uncomfortable, let me know.
Vivian: Okay.
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Manny meets with his buddies at the Aqua Bar in Newcrest.
Joey: So, Manny. I thought you’d look more relaxed after becoming a married man, but you seem kind of tense tonight.
Manny: Who, me? No, I’m just tired after working on the house all day, that’s all. But now that you mention it, there is one thing that has been weighing heavily on my mind.
Joey: What’s that?
Manny: (smiles) Well, I’ve just been wondering what happened between Ken and that go-go dancer the other night? (Manny points upward, referring to the Gentleman’s Club that’s one floor above the bar.)
Ken: Oh, man. That go-go dancer was so into me. She was all over me.
Manny: Did her being into you have anything to do with you giving her money?
Ken: No, no. It wasn’t like that, man. She just knows a good thing when she sees it.
Joey: But you did give her money?
Ken: Well, she’s trying to work her way through school, so yeah, I gave her some cash, but that was totally unrelated.
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Manny is having drinks with his buddies when the phone behind the bar rings.
Bartender: Is there a Barry Allen here? I have a phone call for a Barry Allen.
Nobody at the bar responds, and the bartender hangs up the phone.
Manny: I’ll be right back. I need to go check the parking meter.
Joey: Since when do you own a car?
Manny: I borrowed my dad’s car.
Joey: So you’re just going to leave me here with this lunatic? (referring to Ken)
Manny: I’m afraid so.
Ken: (joking) At last, me and Joey get some alone time. Get out of here, Manny.
Manny heads down the stairs, but he doesn’t go to the car. Instead, he looks around to make sure nobody’s watching then stops in the stairwell to talk to Crystal, one of the dancers from the Gentleman’s Club two floors above.
Crystal: I could get in a lot of trouble for this if anybody finds out.
Manny: Don’t worry. Nobody is going to find out. (He reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out some cash.) This should cover it.
Crystal: (takes the cash) It’ll be about 5 or 10 minutes.
Manny: Perfect.
Crystal: Who is Barry Allen anyway? Why didn’t you just have me ask for you?
Manny: He’s nobody; he’s a comic book character. I needed a signal to know when to come down without anybody knowing what I was really doing.
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Book O' Spells: The Life and Times of Lady Ravendancer Goth
The Shadow Over Newcrest - Revised Story Blog
On EA forum Stories and Legacies board and on QueenOfMyshuno.tumblr.com
A low rumble of thunder rolls across the evening sky. Manny waits in the alley behind the Moonlight Cocktail building. This building has both the Aqua Bar where he has just been drinking with his buddies, and, on another floor, the Gentleman’s Club.
Gavin Todd exits the door that leads to the Gentleman’s Club stairs. He’s right on time–Manny has only been waiting 5 minutes, just like the girl had said. Gavin opens his umbrella and walks into the alley. Manny steps out of the shadows, blocking his way.
Gavin: (startled) Oh, sorry, I didn’t see you there. Hey, you look familiar. Aren’t you that amateur boxer who won against Tommy Briggs last summer? Manny Conner, right?
Manny: Yeah, I’m Manny Conner. I’m also Vivian’s husband.
Gavin: (confused) Vivian…Vivian…I’m not sure…
Manny: She works for you at Newcrest Financial.
Gavin: Oh, that Vivian! At first I thought you were talking about one of the girls upstairs, but I couldn’t remember any of the dancers being named Vivian. (laughs) So you’re the guy Vivian married. I had no idea you two were an item. Congratulations. Well, what a coincidence running into you.
Manny: It’s not a coincidence. I was waiting for you.
Gavin: Oh? I’m flattered.
Manny: Don’t be. I’m very protective of my wife. She told me something happened at work that made her unhappy. And when my wife’s unhappy, I’m unhappy.
Gavin: Now see here, there must be some mistake. I’ve never made a pass at Vivian.
Manny: No, but you crossed the line when you talked to her about her family life and about getting pregnant.
Gavin: Oh that. Look, I was only trying to help. I like Vivian; she’s a good worker. Sometimes when you meet with people in a business setting, the talk gets a little personal because there are things you need to know as an employer and…
Manny: Let me stop you right there. From now on, your business meetings with my wife are going to be just that–about business. You don’t say anything to her about kids, marriage, her personal life, nothing. Otherwise, I’m going to help this concrete have a personal meeting with your face. And another thing. Vivian doesn’t know I’m talking to you, so you’re not going to say anything. Got it?
Gavin: (opens his mouth as if to argue but changes his mind) Got it.
Satisfied, Manny goes back upstairs to rejoin his friends at the bar.
On EA forum Stories and Legacies board and on QueenOfMyshuno.tumblr.com
In the afternoon, they went into town together to pick up their framed wedding photos, which they’ve just finished hanging.
Manny: Does that look straight to you?
Vivian: Yes. It looks so nice. Now I just hope the weather holds out for tomorrow and it doesn’t rain during the party. Fall got here so quickly.
Manny: It’s not going to rain.
Vivian: How do you know?
Manny: We Sulanesians know these things.
Vivian: (skeptical) If you say so.
[Here’s a look at all the family photos they’ve hung up in their home so far…]
[living room: wedding pictures]
[living room: honeymoon at Magnolia Aquarium]
[hallway wedding photos: Vivian and her mother Demoyn; Manny and his father Nathaniel Maui.]
[dining room: Bell and Conner families]
[basement: honeymoon at Magnolia Aquarium]
On EA forum Stories and Legacies board and on QueenOfMyshuno.tumblr.com
Book O' Spells: The Life and Times of Lady Ravendancer Goth
The Shadow Over Newcrest - Revised Story Blog
Yes, one of Manny's defining qualities is that he's very protective of the ones he loves and cares about.
On EA forum Stories and Legacies board and on QueenOfMyshuno.tumblr.com
Manny introduces his friends Ken and Joey to Dean. They all sit down to watch sports–-the Newcrest Narwhals are playing the Magnolia Manatees today.
Ken: So, Dean. How do you know Manny?
Dean: We work together at Behr Druggist and Goods.
Ken: Oh, that’s cool.
Joey: And are you a Narwhals fan like the rest of us, or are you a crazy person?
Dean: (proudly) Manatees all the way.
Ken and Joey: (simultaneously) Noooo!
Ken: (teasing) I can’t believe you even let this guy into your home, Manny.
Manny: Well, maybe we’ll convince him to see reason and convert him to a Narwhals fan.
Dean: (smiling) Never.
On EA forum Stories and Legacies board and on QueenOfMyshuno.tumblr.com
Manny and the guys are gathered in the living room to watch sports.
The Newcrest Narwhals make a mistake, and the Magnolia Manatees score.
Joey: (yelling at the TV) Are you kidding me? Who misses an easy play like that?! If the Narwhals don’t make the playoffs, what am I going to do? I can’t live in a world where the Narwhals aren’t in the playoffs.
Manny: Relax, brother. It’s only the first point of the game.
Joey takes his sports very seriously.
On EA forum Stories and Legacies board and on QueenOfMyshuno.tumblr.com
Delilah enters the kitchen where Vivian, Janay, and Shandra are preparing salads and a dessert.
Vivian: Oh, hi! You guys made it. Delilah, you remember Janay and Shandra from my wedding?
Vivian feels a little uncomfortable socializing with Delilah after finding out from Manny where Joey met her, but she tries to be polite and play it off.
Delilah: Yes, of course. It’s good to see you again. Can I do anything to help?
Janay: You can help me cut up the vegetables for the salad if you like.
Delilah: Okay.
The ladies cook and talk, and Delilah asks if they work. She learns that Vivian is a receptionist, Janay works part time at the movie theater, and Shandra is a florist.
Shandra: My goal is to be promoted to shop manager. I think I can make it in a couple of years if I work really hard.
Delilah: Oh, that sounds like a really good goal.
Shandra: What’s your goal at your work, Delilah?
Vivian and Janay go very quiet and exchange glances. They had been purposely avoiding talking about Delilah’s job because they know she’s a dancer at the Gentleman’s Club. Sometimes Shandra is socially clueless.
Delilah: My goal is to get married and settle down. I need to work now to pay my bills because I don’t have anyone else to rely on except for myself, but I don’t want to work forever.
Vivian is surprised by this answer and realizes she made some false assumptions about Delilah without really knowing anything about her. She resolves to be more open to her from now on.
On EA forum Stories and Legacies board and on QueenOfMyshuno.tumblr.com
Manny: How are things going with Delilah?
Joey: Great. She has a taste for the night life, but she has her domestic side, too. She loves to cook for me.
Manny: And you love bars and grub. Sounds like maybe you finally met your match.
Joey: Maybe.
Dean: What are you guys talking about?
Joey: Women and food. What about you, Dean? How’s your love life?
Manny: Oh, you don’t want to ask him that.
Joey: Why not?
Dean: I just got out of a relationship about 3 months ago. The relationship was…
Manny: Fiery?
Dean: (laughing) Yeah, I guess you could say that. (to Joey) She set my clothes on fire after I broke up with her.
Joey: What? Were you wearing them at the time?
Dean: No, but she probably wishes I was. I loved that woman, but something was just not quite right in her head.
Joey: And I thought I had some wild exes.
Manny: I think Dean has you beat.
On EA forum Stories and Legacies board and on QueenOfMyshuno.tumblr.com
Book O' Spells: The Life and Times of Lady Ravendancer Goth
The Shadow Over Newcrest - Revised Story Blog
On EA forum Stories and Legacies board and on QueenOfMyshuno.tumblr.com
The hot dogs and burgers are ready, and everyone gathers in the back yard to eat.
Ken: Oh wow, do I get to sit at the head of the table?
Vivian: Sure, have a seat.
Ken: I feel so important.
Dean: Is this seat taken?
Janay: No. Nobody’s sitting there.
Dean: (sits down and extends hand) Hi, I’m Dean.
Janay: (shyly shakes hands) Nice to meet you. I’m Janay.
On EA forum Stories and Legacies board and on QueenOfMyshuno.tumblr.com
Manny has salad and eats his burger without the bun.
Vivian: Why are you eating your burger like that? Do you want me to get you a bun?
Manny: No thank you, darlin’. I put on a lot of extra weight after the wedding and the honeymoon, and I need to cut down on carbs.
Vivian: What are “carbs”? I think you just made that word up.
Manny: Bread. I’m trying to cut out bread.
Dean: Do you work, Janay?
Janay: Yes, I work the ticket booth at the theater.
Shandra is stuck between 2 conversations, neither one of which she’s part of. She awkwardly eats her hot dog in silence.
[This is so me, LOL.]
Dean: Do you get an employee discount?
Janay: Yes.
Dean: So I bet you and your boyfriend go to the movies a lot then.
Janay: (blushes) Oh, um, I don’t have a boyfriend.
On EA forum Stories and Legacies board and on QueenOfMyshuno.tumblr.com
After lunch, some of the guests gather in the dining room to play board games.
Delilah: I want to be the automobile.
Joey: No. I’m always the automobile, Doll.
Delilah: But I want that token.
Joey: No, Doll. I’m always the automobile, and Manny is always the Scottie. You be the top hat because you’re classy.
Delilah: Okay, fine.
Joey: So, everybody, if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Janay, you start.
Janay: Hmmm, let me see. I guess Spaghetti.
Vivian: Ham!
Dean: Is it my turn? Okay, I’ll go with hamburgers. That way you get both meat and bread and maybe some lettuce, too.
Delilah: I pick lobster.
Vivian: Oh, I should have gone with lobster!
Manny: I would be fine with eating cake for the rest of my life. What about you, Joey?
Joey: I’m going to go with animal crackers.
Vivian: It’s interesting that both Manny and Joey picked sweets.
Joey: That’s because we’re both really sweet.
Manny: You’re sweeter.
Joey: No, you’re sweeter.
Janay: What is happening over there?
Delilah: I think maybe we’d better go and let these two be alone together.
On EA forum Stories and Legacies board and on QueenOfMyshuno.tumblr.com
Shandra and Ken aren’t that into board games, so they go to the living room to watch a variety show on tv while the others play.
Ken: So Shandra, I have a question for you.
Shandra: Is this going to be one of your dumb jokes?
Ken: No, it’s going to be one of my great jokes. So, Shandra.
Shandra: Yes, Ken?
Ken: Some months have 31 days; some months have 30 days. Which months have 28 days?
Shandra: February?
Ken: No, all of them! (laughs wildly)
Shandra shakes her head and rolls her eyes.
On EA forum Stories and Legacies board and on QueenOfMyshuno.tumblr.com
Book O' Spells: The Life and Times of Lady Ravendancer Goth
The Shadow Over Newcrest - Revised Story Blog