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Comments
Of course, you realize the trap you've put yourself in now? I want to know what's going on with Allegra!
Under The Tartosan Sun
Schemes and Dreams
Under The Tartosan Sun
Schemes and Dreams
Edit: I just thought of how to describe him. As women no matter what our sexual orientation, we have all met at least one man who openly suggests that we should be down on our hands and knees groveling at his feet and thanking the Lord God almighty for granting us mere women the gift of his presence in our lives. That's Leonardo.
Under The Tartosan Sun
Schemes and Dreams
Edit - Why do I feel like Leonardo and Max should meet up at bar and share their sludge-ness over a generic Rated-T drink.
This episode does include language, thoughts, and ideas of the character Leonardo that are of a sexist nature. They are under the first spoiler tag. I apologize to any who may be offended. Their inclusion is intended to show what he’s like and make his downfall later sweeter. I also apologize that this story has been up for several hours now without this warning. I pulled his dialogue from conversations I have overheard where men have been talking without realizing there were women within earshot.
Chapter Twenty Three
For Liberty and Matteo the last few months have been full of discovery, passion, and the coming together of two hearts. Their meeting at the bay in Tartosa on that beautiful spring day had been an accident. Summer and Danielle had known Matteo for a while but were still a little unsure about what to think of him. His seemingly close friendship with Leonardo wasn't exactly flattering to his image. Summer did feel a small spark of romantic attraction for Leonardo, but she wasn't completely convinced he was someone she could trust with her heart. He had an undeniable sex appeal, but he didn't inspire trust. Summer wasn't sure, but there were one or two times out of the corner of her eye she thought she saw a dismissive and condescending look from Leonardo. Those feelings were carried over to Matteo, a guilt by association thing. To Summer it felt like Matteo was trying really hard to keep up with, and impress, his friend. At the same time Danielle was telling her there was something about Matteo that she couldn't put her finger on. She told Summer that she sensed Matteo was a lost soul. That he was looking for something or someone to give him purpose. She wasn't convinced after talking with him on a few occasions that Matteo was the player he was trying to make himself out to be. Under the shallow bro cover, there was a deep thinker, a compassionate and sensitive soul.
Danielle invited the guys to join them for a swim in the bay. She never thought that Matteo, or Liberty for that matter, would find such chemistry. It never occurred to her that either one was looking for love right then. Her conversations with Liberty since her arrival in Tartosa had barely touched on the subject of Liberty's love life. But Danielle saw the spark when they met face to face. From there, she knew she had to make sure those two got together again so that they could explore that connection further and see if something might come from it. It did, and soon their relationship became committed. Everything Danielle thought she sensed in Matteo early on was being proven true, and that she hadn't truly comprehended how right she had been. Matteo was showing himself to be someone very special, a unicorn even. Unlike the bro cover, this didn't have even the slightest hint that it was an act. The 'love 'em and leave 'em' Matteo, that was an act. Now the world was seeing the real Matteo Rossi, the one his family knows and loves. Liberty's love was the bump he needed to get his life back on track. She filled that empty space in his soul so perfectly you could imagine it was shaped exactly like her.
Liberty settled in quickly and got busy renovating.
Matteo meanwhile had rediscovered his magic. A career that was falling apart has found new life.
They both feed off the love they share, and they aren't shy about showing each other just how much they're loved.
With his life on track, and Liberty to thank for it, Matteo knew in his heart it was time to really and truly show Liberty how much she means to him. Liberty is his muse, his confidante, his rock, his soulmate. It's the perfect time to propose and he wanted to make it as memorable as possible. He needed help though, and he knew exactly who to ask. The romance novelist who was the cupid that brought his angel into his life. Even better she lives next door so they can get together and plan this properly.
"You're not going to believe the phone call I just got", Danielle said to her friends, barely able to contain her happiness.
"I'm sure it was something big judging by that squeal I just heard you let out" Summer said as the smile bloomed on her face. "I caught a couple of words too. Is it what I think it is?"
"Matteo's on his way over" Danielle deadpanned.
Londyn knows her bae well, and she knows when Danielle is setting them up. "That's all?" she asked slyly, playing into Danielle's hands
"No. He's coming over to discuss his proposal to Liberty!"
"I don't know her like you two do", Londyn said, "but she is so sweet, and I'm so happy for her! Matteo is such a wonderful man and they are good for one another."
A few minutes later Matteo arrived and they got down to business. Matteo told them that he wanted to make the night as special as he could. "Who better than you Danielle to help me plan the perfect surprise?" he asked in his charming way.
"I watched you with Liberty and you're really good with affairs of the heart yourself. But I would love to help you anyway I can" Danielle added. "Liberty is very dear to us too and we're all very happy for both of you."
"I can't believe Liberty is getting engaged! Oh my god, she is such a lucky girl for finding you!" Summer said still feeling as giddy as if she was the one getting engaged.
Matteo mentioned a few ideas and quickly hit one that the ladies really liked. He told them about this wonderful little family owned restaurant right there in Tartosa. His father Davide used to take the family there once a month. His dad often slipped away with his mom Francesca so they could enjoy a romantic dinner without the kids, which did wonders to keep their romance alive.
"What's the name of this restaurant?" Danielle asked.
"La Cucina Toscana" he said.
Matteo had barely finished talking when Danielle said it was a lovely idea. She and Londyn had been there once not long ago and thought the atmosphere was prefect for the occasion. Also that ravioli was to die for! Summer added that she and Darian visit often, it's not far from their love nest, to enjoy how the place gets them in the mood. That little tidbit was met with three sets of raised eyebrows and knowing smiles. Summer quickly blushed a shade of red that most doctors would say was impossible.
"I've got their website up" Londyn said. "Do you have a day in mind? I'd be happy to make a reservation for you two if you want?"
"Actually I have an idea, if Matteo is willing?" Summer said, excitement all over her face.
"I'd love to hear it!" he said
"How about we make this a couples night out. It will make it even more of a surprise for her."
Danielle was already getting into this. "We could start the night with drinks and dancing at Celebrazioni, and then head over for a late night dinner." "We were there", she said reaching to touch Londyn's hand, "around 11pm the night we went. It was quiet which would better. I do get a little squeamish when men pop the question in crowds. It can feel very awkward for the woman with all those eyes on her. And feeling pressured to say yes. I feel like having us there, as her lifelong friends wouldn't be awkward for her."
Summer said, "Liberty would love to have us there. I know that for a fact!"
"It's settled then. Would you like me to make the reservation Matteo? I see here, we can book the entire main dining area after 11pm! That would make it just the six of us." Londyn asked hopefully.
"Yes. If we can get the reservation for Friday...
"We can." Londyn beamed.
"Perfect"
"Alright, it's done."
"I don't know how to thank you ladies for all you've done for Liberty and I"
"You can thank us by just being you and making Liberty very happy" Danielle said before giving him a friendly kiss on the cheek.
The rest of the week flew by and before they knew it the day was here. Earlier they got together for a little fun on the beach before they started to get ready for the evening. Danielle even brought along her new guitar to entertain everybody...and serenade Londyn.
And so did the romance.
The group gave Liberty and Matteo space to be together. They couldn't resist the temptation to have a couple of slow dances.
"Dear sweet Liberty, you have no idea what's in store for you. You are going to be so happy." Summer thought while watching her friend dance.
It's just about time to leave for La Cucina Toscana. A quick moment alone to calm the nerves. Matteo wanted to be sure he didn't mess this up. He had no worries about Liberty's answer, he knew it was going to be yes, but he was still a bundle of nerves.
The couples arrived at La Cucina Toscana and were seated quickly, the moment drawing nearer and nearer. The romantic vibes the restaurant puts out were already working. Danielle and Londyn couldn't help making eyes at each other over their menus. Summer sitting there trying not to laugh at what was going on next to her.
Liberty ordered Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil and a glass of Monte Vista Reserve Renoit. Matteo had Ravioli Pomodoro and Old Yorkshire Classic 16 which he didn't touch until after the proposal, he was so nervous. Danielle chose Linguine Al Pesto instead of the ravioli and a Soft Shadow Avornalino. Londyn's choice was Butternut Gnocchi and a glass Soft Shadow Avornalino too. Summer couldn't pass up her regular order, Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe paired Soft Shadow Avornalino, combination guaranteed to please. Last but not least Darian ordered the Volcano Pasta which seemed to hold his attention. So much so he missed Matteo's lovely proposal. Darian chose to pair his pasta with a Ridgeport.
And then it was time. Matteo turned to Liberty and asked her to join him by the fireplace. Meanwhile things were heating up with Londyn. It seems the fireplace wasn't the only thing on fire. Truth be told, things were heating up all around that table. La Cucina Toscana is a powerful love charm.
"I knew the miles were not going to keep us apart. And so I came to you, and you welcomed me into your life. Little by little our love grew until you came back to Tartosa, and that night by the sea, we both knew there was no staying apart any longer. I knew I wanted you in my life from that day on. I know you felt the same, you packed up your world and joined me here. And now I want to take the next step, the step that will bind us together forever."
"Liberty Lee, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
"There is nothing in the world that would make me happier!"
"Yes, baby I will marry you!"
Yes!!!!
Allow me to show you just how happy I am..big boy!
You remember her...
...and what I said a minute ago, about things heating up around the table? This is what turned her into a baby Crumplebottom.
Thank you for hanging in there when it takes me forever to do an episode. As always, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading.🥰 I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did creating it.
Under The Tartosan Sun
Schemes and Dreams
Under The Tartosan Sun
Schemes and Dreams
You shouldn't have to apologize for showing how a character is. Yes, there are people who think like him in the real world. You are just depicting things as they are. But, I would suggest you substitute a word such as boofoe (which is the phonetics of what I heard my Sim Teen say several times) or plum. I was distracted trying to figure out what word he used underneath the censoring hearts.
http://www.getfreeebooks.com/star-trek-original-series-fan-fiction-trilogy/
It was an abbreviation, one I meant to go back and change once I had that part written. I included it help me get into his mind, what would a guy say. I just forgot to clean it up in the editing stage.☺️ This was a very rare time when I initially wrote it exactly how I think the character would say it in the real world. It was salty in places. That’s a dangerous way to write for just this reason.
I’m so glad you pointed it out.🤗
My worry, and why I decided to add the warning, was in case the picture I was painting of him, could bring back painful or traumatic memories for someone who has been through an abusive relationship. That’s something I would never want to do.
Under The Tartosan Sun
Schemes and Dreams
I so wish they would of brought that table proposal back with MWS , ah , maybe some day.
Sea may rise, sky may fall, My love will never die..
My heart, my heart, My drowning heart, Oh all the tears I've cried
Oh I may weep forevermore, My love will never die..
Table proposal? Do you mean the way they proposed at a restaurant in Sims2?
http://www.getfreeebooks.com/star-trek-original-series-fan-fiction-trilogy/
Yes, I used it all the time
Sea may rise, sky may fall, My love will never die..
My heart, my heart, My drowning heart, Oh all the tears I've cried
Oh I may weep forevermore, My love will never die..
Me, too.
http://www.getfreeebooks.com/star-trek-original-series-fan-fiction-trilogy/
I missed out on that because I never got to play 2. I did want him to get up and move a couple of steps and propose closer to the rest. But when he got down on his knee and had Liberty right in front of the fire place I was like, go for it. It wasn't my first choice, but it was a lovely second. And it kept the camera turned so that you couldn't see the others completely absorbed in their own little conversations. It wasn't until she slipped the ring on her finger and held it up to admire it that the others became aware that something was happening.🤣 It took lovable goofball Darian a lot longer to figure it out. That's why this picture cracks me up...
That slightly dumbfounded look on his face. "What are you ladies cheering for? Did I miss something?"
Under The Tartosan Sun
Schemes and Dreams
I might have said this before, but I really like Liberty's decorating taste, and the lighting in the restaurant is gorgeous.
As for Matteo's journey, I think sexism is damaging for men as well as for women; too many guys get caught up in trying to prove that they're superiorly masculine compared to all the other dudes, and forget how to just be themselves (or even human beings) in the process. I'm so glad Matteo is finding himself.
Under The Tartosan Sun
Schemes and Dreams
I have an idea coming together in my imagination right now for the debut of Izabella. It will be a different narrative style, she'll do a monologue and explain to us how her life choices and circumstances have led her to where she is now. I think everybody is going to love it, and it makes her a very sympathetic character. But there are one or two details that are important to her story and they could once again tap into difficult subjects, and ones that are potentially far more upsetting than Leonardo's caveman thoughts. I just need to sort out which direction to go and how far is too far.
Under The Tartosan Sun
Schemes and Dreams
Under The Tartosan Sun
Schemes and Dreams
I have the new version of Izabella’s story ready to go. When I get home from work I want to proofread it one more time and paste it in here to be sure the pictures are in the correct order. Then it will be ready for your enjoyment. This will be an entirely new backstory for her to go along with her all new look. Honestly, I love the new story and the new Izabella so much more. I hope you will too.🥰
I have a lot more to say but I will talk about that in an author’s commentary after I post the story.
I missed you all so much!
Under The Tartosan Sun
Schemes and Dreams