CHAPTER 81: The Low Glass Ceiling

 

Julia gulped down the energy drink; an old family recipe that would sustain her through her busy work day at the hospital.  She'd been putting in long shifts in the hope of a promotion.  She'd also hit the books to keep up to date with the latest treatments and medical breakthroughs, got through her patient workload and even spent time keeping the hospital clean and in order, which was beyond her pay grade.  She just wanted that promotion.

Heading off to work, she felt determined to put in a really good day...clear the waiting list, treat the patients and work on her chemical analysis skills.  She outlined her plan to get noticed for promotion to her best friend, Francesca.  

"So I'm going to waste no time today...I'll treat patients, clear the beds, take lab reports: The lot.  And by the end of the day even Murakami's got to notice".  Dr Murakami was the senior surgeon and someone who was notoriously hard to impress.

"Well just be careful not to overdo it" said Francesca, sounding a note of caution.

"Me?  Overdo things?  I don't know the meaning of the word!" said a highly positive Julia, her mood enhanced by the family recipe energy drink she'd had earlier.

Grabbing a set of patient notes Julia walked towards the wards whilst checking them.  The note read "Patient:  Lulu Strang.  Diagnosis:  Stomach virus.  Treatment:  Antibiotics in liquid form."  Right, thought Julia, I'm on to this!

She took the medicine over to Miss Strang's bed.  She hadn't been Julia's patient but the diagnosis was there and the medicine needed administering.

"Good morning, Miss Strang.  I'm Dr Epstein and looking at your notes it looks like you were diagnosed with a stomach virus"

"Eurrrugh....yes" said Lulu Strang, in a weak voice.

"Well, your doctor has prescribed an antibiotic.  I'll give you a dose now and here's a prescription for some more.  Take it orally 3 times a day for a week.  If the symptoms persist, contact us again and we'll check you over and perhaps change your medication but in all likelihood this will work"

Right...Julia thought to herself...job done, one down, move on... Next patient, Adrian Savalani, age 33, complaining of high temperature, earache and intermittent acute stomach pains.  Julia entered the room where Mr Savalani was and introduced herself to the man there who seemed like he normally was in good condition and kept himself fit but was clearly not well.

"Please tell me you're going to be my doctor" said Adrian.

"I am...does my reputation precede me?" said Julia.

"No...but I'd much rather be treated by someone who looks keen and eager and not world weary...OWW!" he said, clutching his stomach.

"Here, lie down and let me examine that" said Julia.

"Whoa, steady on! Ask me to dinner first!" said Adrian.

"Oh a comedian are we?  Well, I'll have you know I'm of the Grand Order of Pranksters" said Julia.

"Ugh, the enemy" said Adrian.

"A minute ago you were happy that I was your doctor"

"Yes, but you might trick me with a hand buzzer or fake poop in the bed."

"I'm strictly professional" said Julia.

"That's what my ex wife used to say...before she went out on a contract kill...that's a joke, by the way OW!" he said, clutching his side.

Julia examined him by feeling around his abdomen and then checked his ears with an Otoscope before finally taking a swab from his mouth.  She had an inkling as to what might be troubling him.

"So which part was the joke?" asked Julia.  "The part about you having an ex wife or that she was a contract killer?"

"Both" said Adrian, lying back on the bed in some discomfort.

"I'll just get your swab sampled and I'll be back later"

Julia took the sample down to the lab and had it examined as she wrote up her notes and looked in a few medical textbooks to follow up on her hunch.  When the report came back it confirmed her suspicion:  Gallstones.

Returning to Adrian's room she held the file out and announced to him "Well, I think I know what's troubling you...it's...."

"Gallstones, Mr Savalani." said the voice of Dr Murakami as she entered the room.  "Fortunately for you we have an effective treatment for them that won't require surgery.  Thank you, Dr Epstein, I'll take things from here"

"But..." said Julia, her voice quiet but sad as her moment was being stolen by a senior doctor.

"No buts, Dr Epstein.  Now if you can go and make sure the nurses have prepared the vacant rooms properly for incoming patients that would be great.  Run along now."

Julia felt Murakami had stolen the case and the patient away from her and made her look small in front of him.  Disappointed, she went and did as she was told.  Francesca tried to console her but Julia knew there'd be no promotion today.  No chance to shine and, as such, she saw out her shift.

She went home and had dinner but was now feeling too low to read any number of medical journals she had earmarked to check out.  Her phone rang and it was George Sneedley, but he wasn't ringing on official League of Decency business.  

"I hear you treated a friend of mine in hospital...Adrian Savalani.  He said you were very good" said George.

"Thanks...I hope he feels better soon" she replied.  "Oh is there another meeting planned yet?"

"There are forces and wheels in motion as we speak...Dr Epstein...we will be in touch."

Julia hung up the phone and sighed.  Maybe some music could lift her out of her funk?  She headed on down to the Blue Velvet club not to listen to or dance to the blues music there but because they had a piano and a part of the evening devoted to an open mic slot.

She was surprised to see a few people she already knew:  Magazine editor Abigail Whitaker and her neighbour Jeremy Saint.  He was there as Barbara was working at Hamburgerman and he, like Julia, was at a loose end.  But Jeremy was more interested in dancing than talking.

"You know, Julia" said Jeremy "I never used to be into this kind of music...I was more a Lawrence Welk or Mitch Miller kind of man myself but Barbara and Action have encouraged me to give the Blues a go and I'm really enjoying it!  You should get up and give it a go!"

"That's great, Jeremy" said Julia.  "I dabble a bit on piano but I'm not much of a dancer"

"Go on, Julia, have a little fun...it sounds like you could use it" said Abigail.

"Oh...OK then...don't say I didn't warn you if I tread on your toes"  Julia stood up and shuffled along to her one and only dance move:  The Indifferent Bop.

"Excuse me for interrupting" said a woman with a long, blonde ponytail.  "You play the piano, don't you?  I think I've seen you in here playing before"

Julia recognised who this woman was:  She was one of the Lothario Kittens.  She was often in here hanging on Alan Cuffe's right arm...usually there was another of the Kittens on his left one as well.

"I do play" said Julia, cooly.

"Oh I'm hoping you can help me out of a bind.  You see I sing here once a week and my regular accompanist can't make it all of a sudden and I'm booked to sing at 9pm.  I was wondering if you could help me by accompanying me this evening.  I know it's short notice but my set is quite short...only 5 songs."

Julia took a deep breath.  As a member of The League of Decency she should be against this woman but she wasn't in her Kitten outfit and this singing gig had nothing to do with Lothario Magazine & Clubs.  It would be churlish to flat out refuse the request.

"What are you going to sing?" asked Julia.  The woman, whose name was Joelene, told her.  "Right, I can do 4 of them but I don't know the 5th.  Can you sing 'House Of The Rising Sun' because I know that one?"

"Sure!" said Joelene, her face beaming with joy.  "Let's do this!"

The set went down well, with both women getting a big round of applause and a hatful of tips, which Joelene shared with Julia.  Afterwards, they went to get a drink together at the bar.

"You've got a terrific voice" said Julia.

"Thanks...you're very good on the ivories yourself" Joelene replied.

"So you're part of the Kitten Club?" asked Julia.

"Yeah" said Joelene, smiling.  "Hey, weren't you in here last week giving Alan a piece of your mind?"

"I was.  I must be frank here: I disapprove of the whole Lothario business.  You've clearly got talent, why waste it posing semi-naked in magazines or being a hostess in his clubs?"

"Well, I'm not forced to do any of those things...I was very shy and withdrawn before I joined the Kitten Club.  Alan, his business partner and the other girls have given me a lot of confidence and through the club I've gotten to meet all kinds of influential people; some of them in the music and entertainment business.  I won't be a Kitten for long, but it's given me a start to what I want to do; sing and entertain people."

"Well, I just don't understand why Lothario has to be a part of that but....I enjoyed being part of the gig tonight and...well, I hope the other Kittens are as nice as you are"

"They're a pretty good bunch of girls...we stick together.  But I know what the Lothario brand stands for isn't for everyone...I respect your viewpoint"

"Well, let's drink to a successful night!" said Julia, raising a glass.  It wasn't successful at the hospital, where she felt her progress was obstructed by a low built glass ceiling, but for one night all that was forgotten.

CHAPTER 80: The Secondee

Detective John Action walked into the squadroom at 13th Precinct HQ and saw a very smiley Sergeant Kitchen at his desk.

"Hey Sarge, you look like the cat who got the cream...and then some" said Action.

"I was on a date last night with an old flame....you could say it went very well" Sergeant Kitchen repolied.

"You sly old dog, you!" said Action, lightly hitting the Sarge on the arm with a manila folder he was holding.

"Heh, heh!" said Sarge.  "Heads up, Action, we have a new secondee to the Precinct.  A cop all the way from Munich...that's in Germany."

"I know where Munich is, Sarge.  So did they goosestep their way to work today?  Does he wear a monocle and have a square head?" Action said with a naughty smile.

"In fact I have a perfectly shaped head....and I DON'T wear a monocle" said a woman's voice behind him.  Action turned to see a tall, willowy redheaded woman wearing a lab coat right behind him.

"Oh, sorry...just a joke there" he said.

"Uh-huh?" said the woman, unimpressed.

"My name is Bibi Stahler and I am on secondment from SOKO Munchen....that's Munich, by the way"

"I know.  Well, my name's...."

Before Action could finish his sentence, Bibi interrupted him.  "Detective John Action of the 13th Precinct, Sim City.  You have been in the police department for 18 months after transferring from the United States Marine Corps.  You have the Commissioner's Commendation Medal, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.  Born in..."

"So you've read my file, great.  Did you do that for everyone in the department or did you single me out for special attention?" said Action, returning the compliment of interrupting her.

"Only those senior members of this precinct.  You have a reputation for tough policing, gut instincts and an impressive arrest record"

"That's not all that's impressive about me" said Action, suggestively.

"...but I noticed you haven't kept up to date with the latest forensic procedures.  In fact, you're due a refresher course on the subject" said Bibi, in fluent English but with a slight German inflection to her accent.

"Well....I could make myself available for tutoring if you're an expert in the field" he said, again suggestively.

"No need.  This booklet will cover what you need to know and we have suspects in custody that need fingerprint processing...you could start there and learn on the job" she said, handing him the booklet.

"Yes Ma'am!" said Action, mock saluting her.

"Oh man, did you even wash today?" said Action to the suspect he was meant to fingerprint.

"Well, you try giving yourself a proper clean with that small basin in there!" complained the suspect.

"Write to your congressman, I don't care" Action replied.  "Right, you know the drill...give me your right hand"

"Oh yeah, then what am I going to use to eat with?"

"You're a regular funny guy" said an unimpressed Action, grabbing the suspects hand and referring to his official notebook on correct fingerprinting procedure.

"I am impressed, Detective Action" said Bibi after he had completed the fingerprinting and handed her the file.  "You managed to complete the task successfully"

"It's just getting a mucky cook's fingerprints onto a pad of paper...nothing to it" he replied, nonchalantly.

"OK, quit the banter" said the Chief.  "We've got a group of people out front kicking up a storm about a fight at an art gallery of all places.  Their spokesman making the complaint is a close personal friend of the Mayor's and he's threatening all kinds of complaints if we don't sort out his problem.  Action, Stahler, quit yapping and see what the fuss is about"

"It may be just a load of pretty pictures to you but some of those were priceless artworks!" said a very irate voice in the precinct lobby.

"Alright, what's the problem here?" said the Chief

"Are you in charge?" said a very flamboyantly dressed man.  "My name is Diego Lobo and I wish to make a complaint on behalf of the artistic community of San Myshuno.  We have been attacked, vandalised and....mocked!" he said, his voice almost breaking with emotion.

"Did you recognise anyone who did the vandalising and....mockery?" said Action.

"No...they wore ski masks.  They were absolute hooligans!"

"They were!" said another man, less flamboyantly dressed than Mr Lobo but still in a manner that suggested he was a struggling artist"

"OK, so what did they do...specifically?" asked Bibi

"Well, they burst in to a private viewing of my friend's exhibition, started shouting 'DEATH TO THE BOURGEOIS DEGENERATES!" and proceeded to smash some of the artworks, particularly the sculptures, or else pour black paint all over the paintings.  They're ruined! RUINED!"

"Hmmm" said Bibi.  "This sounds similar to the kind of anarchist gangs that spring up in various parts of Europe.  Tell me, did any of them have any kind of European accent?"

"Well...come to think of it, I think one of them sounded French" said Diego, thinking about it.  "But what are you going to do about this outrage?" he demanded.

"Chief...I'll look into this matter." said Action.

"OK...but it sounds like Stahler might have some useful experience and knowledge about these kind of anarchist gangs.  I'll assign her to your case as well"

"OK, Chief...but first we're going to need a full statement from all of you..." said Action to the Lobo and his colleagues "and then Officer Stahler here will lead a forensic team to go over the gallery where this happened"

"Oh, do I have to recount that horrible scene all over again?" said Lobo, exasperated.  "I need to sit down and catch my breath!"

Action took down statements and Stahler went with a crime scene team to dust for prints and look for other clues.  Already the feeling was that it was the work of a political group and Action started to compile a list of suspects already on file.

When the shift was over he headed over to The Blue Velvet for a couple of drinks and to recharge his batteries.  He noticed that Suzy Kent was sitting at the bar.

"Hey Suzy...all on your lonesome?" he said, sitting down next to her at the bar.

"I'm here with some work colleagues" she said.  "And you?"

"Just winding down after a long shift....say, you're a journalist"

"Well, mostly a fashion journalist"

"Sure...but you've been working on other articles.  In your researches, have you come across any European political agitators in the city?"

Suzy thought.  "Nothing comes to mind....I did witness a demonstration against the Landgraab Corporation from bulldozing down a residential district."

"Hmmm, I need to hit the streets again to find out more" said a resigned Action.  "But that's tomorrow...tonight's a different matter, let me buy you a drink"

Action and Suzy enjoyed another round of drinks but he was getting tired and needed to head home.  On his way his attention was drawn to one of the Lothario Kittens standing outside of The Blue Velvet.  They must be having some kind of special event down there, he thought.  He pushed thoughts of tiredness out of his mind and headed back to the bar.

CHAPTER 79: All In A Day's Work

 

Suzy's assignment was simple on the surface:  Interview some teenagers and the youth of today to find out what they liked, what they wore and what they listened to but she thought about how she could help her friend, Barbara, who was planning on setting up a fashion boutique.  Suzy would use this interviewing opportunity to gauge the market among the young and trendy.

She had noticed the other day that Pupperstone Park was a teen hangout so she made her way there and no sooner than she arrived, there was exactly the type of person she needed to talk to: A skinny girl with black bobbed hair and wearing a matching red mini skirt and knee boots.

"Excuse me" said Suzy, approaching the girl "I'm from Hey Wow! magazine and I'd like to ask you a few questions about fashion and music"

"Hey Wow! I LOVE that magazine.  Sure, fire away!"

"Can you tell me your name, where you're from, what designers do you favour, who's your favourite band and do you think young people in Sim City are well served in places to go to get the kind of clothes you want to wear?"

"My name's Yuki Behr...ummm, my favourite designer right now is Ozzie Clarke...I LOVE The Beatles and there's some good choices in a couple of department stores but there's not really many cool places with out there gear and where you can hang out."

"Than you, Yuki, that's really informative" said Suzy, jotting down the girl's responses on her notepad.  Suzy saw another young woman off in the distance and went off at a trot to interview her.

The young woman, in her late teens, was not as trendy looking as Yuki Behr was and she was struggling to control her pet dog, a skittish looking Great Dane, on a leash.

"Jinkies!  What have you seen, boy?" the girl said to her dog.  "There are no ghosts here" she said with a laugh.

"Excuse me, I hope I'm not bothering you...I'm from Hey Wow magazine and I'd like to ask you some questions about fashion" said Suzy.

"Well I don't know much about fashion..." the girl began to say.  "I mean, you really need to speak with my friend, Daphne, she knows all the styles and designers."

"Is she here...Miss?"

"Oh my name's Velma and Daphne's not here...it's my turn to walk the dog.  Well, what can I say about my style?  I like this sweater; it's thick and warm.  Ideal for my work."

"Which is?"

"I'm a forensic science major and also a part time private investigator" said Velma.  The girl talked on at length about this investigation work with her friends but to Suzy's ears it all sounded a bit far fetched with all the talk of ghosts, hauntings and elaborate disguises.  The dog didn't want to sit around when it could sniff out something it probably wanted to eat so Velma ended up leaving, being dragged by the Great Dane.  

Suzy in the meantime found another young person to interview: A rather worried looking young man in his late teens.

"Hello there" said Suzy, cautiously, as she saw the boy was looking upset.  "Sorry to bother you but I'm from Hey Wow! magazine"

The boy's face lit up for a moment.  "Oh, have I won something?" he said.

"Not this time..." and Suzy made her pitch yet again.

"My name's Jamie McGregor, I'm 17 and a high school student...I won't say where.  I think it's important to look good to impress the crumpet...erm, I mean the Dolly Birds....erm, I mean the chicks...you know, girls.  A place where I can buy some smart threads, a cool place to hang out.  Yeah, that'll be cool....now where is she?"

"Where's who?"

"Oh, my date...I guess she's stood me up....again!" and once again, the boy looked downcast.  Suzy didn't know what to say except "sorry about that, I must be off....hope she shows up soon!" and awkwardly she made her way out of the park.

Returning home, she started to compile her interviews into an article when there was a knock at the door.  It was Summer Holliday.  Suzy let her in.

"Not disturbing you at work am I?" said Summer.

"I could do with a break.  The deadline's due on Wednesday so I've got time.  What's up?" replied Suzy.

"I had to share the news....Travis made a move the other day!  It looks like he and I are an item now!"

"That's great!" replied Suzy.  "But you said 'looks like'...is there some uncertainty?"

"Well, we haven't been on a date yet but as we live together already our day to day interactions come with a little more romance now...plus he says that I'm the grooviest chick he knows and that he digs me more than any other...that's guy talk for he likes me."

"We've got to celebrate but I need just one more quick interview with someone about fashion before we do." said Suzy.

"You've already interviewed me for your magazine...twice now" replied Summer.

"Hmmmm, you're right.  I need to find someone else.  This road is on the way to the High School...maybe there'll be some with it student on their way we can spot." Suzy and Summer looked out of the front window.

"What about that woman there?" said Suzy, pointing to a woman with long dark brown hair and wearing a very fashionable...and very short...dress.

"Hey...I recognise her!" said Summer.  "I've seen her DJ at the Orange Peel Club...and...I'm pretty sure she's one of those Lothario Kittens".  Suzy was interested in that detail:  Lothario magazine was owned by Alan Cuffe who had recently approached her to write for his magazine.  Its focus was on the libertine, sexually liberated lifestyle of luxury and the image of it, and associated nightclubs, were the Lothario Kittens...attractive young women who wore sexy, figure hugging costumes adorned with fake cat ears.  If Suzy could interview one of them that would be the crowning point of her article.

"I'm going to go and talk with her!" said Suzy, grabbing her notebook, pen and house keys.  Get the coffee machine going...I want to invite her in to get the Lothario Kittens' lowdown on fashion!"

___________________________________________________________________________________

"Of course when Alan approached me about being a Lothario Kitten...oh and it's always first name terms with Alan Cuffe...I wasn't sure but I could use the extra cash from the modelling and publicity opportunities plus it's good training in being more confident, poised and stylish"

The woman's name was Tiffany and she'd been a Kitten for a couple of years now, in fact she was the most senior of them.  She'd readily accepted Suzy's invitation to be interviewed and share a coffee with her and Summer and the two friends were engrossed in Tiffany's stories of life in the Kitten Club.

"But don't you have to wear those costumes all the time?  Does that give you an insight on today's fashions?" asked Suzy.

"The costumes are just for official Kitten Club events.  When we do the calendars and photo shoots for the magazine we get to wear all the latest gear in all kinds of exotic locations." replied Tiffany.  "And I can tell you the fashion scene in Sim City is decent...but it's not great.  It doesn't rival New York, London or Paris."

"That's very interesting.  You make it all sound very exciting" said Suzy.

"It can be, but it can get VERY busy as well.  We could always do with more Kittens...I'd say you two would make excellent members; you've got the looks and the figures"

"I don't know about that!" said Summer.  "I heard your parties can get wild"

Tiffany let out a laugh "Oh they certainly can be that!" she said.  "But, hey, it's the sexual revolution.  We're just having good fun."

"Summer and I were going to head into town to the Orange Peel club.  Care to join us?" asked Suzy.

"Try and stop me!  I actually work part time there and can get us all in for free" replied Tiffany.

"What are we waiting for then?" said Summer.

"Thanks for arranging this, Tiffany, this is great!" said Suzy as the three of them danced.

"No problem" Tiffany replied.

"Can I ask a question about Alan Cuffe?" asked Suzy.

"Well...as long as it's not too personal" 

"He's asked me to write for Lothario....is he trustworthy?"

Tiffany paused dancing and gave the question some thought.  "When it comes to business, absolutely.  If he says it's a deal he'll stick to it and won't double cross you later.  In matters of romance....."

"Oh...." said Suzy, surprised.  "Is he...a bit of a pest?"

Tiffany looked directly at Suzy and said in a friendly tone "Look, honey, Alan will charm you off your feet; it'll be wine and roses and poetry.  But you always have to remember you're not the only woman in his life." She leant in to Suzy and spoke more quietly.  "I've slept with Alan...so have a few of the other Kittens and he's got a very full little black book of names of women all over the city.  Nothing's official with him though; no wedding rings, no steady girlfriends, one night it might be me he invites over and another night it's one of the other girls and he makes no secret of that.  As long as you're only looking for fun with no strings attached, he's great."

"I'm just looking to get my work published" said Suzy.

"Then you'll be fine...but he'll probably nag you into becoming a Kitten."

"I think that would freak my boyfriend out....speaking of which, here he is" said Suzy.  

Neil had arrived at the club, as pre-arranged by Suzy.  He sauntered over to her and gave her a big embrace.

"You look wonderful" he said in a smooth voice.

"Well that's certainly a lovely greeting" she replied.  "Neil, you've met Summer but this is Tiffany and we have her to thank for free entry into here tonight"

"Much obliged" said Neil.  Suzy thought he'd be all uptight like he normally was but he grabbed Suzy by the hand and said "let's dance!" and with a twirl they were away.

"Hey, did you learn some new moves?" she asked.

"I've been taking lessons" said Neil, nonchalantly.  They spent another couple of hours at the Orange Peel before he took her back home.  

"Neil...you seem more confident and debonair tonight" she said.

"I have someone to thank for that....you" he replied.  "I'm a very lucky guy"

"How can I possibly send this handsome gentleman home on this cold night before the night is through?" she asked, coyly.  "Would you like to spend the night here, with me?"

"Nothing would please me more.  After you" he said, ushering her into her house.

Suzy smiled....this was a good day.

CHAPTER 78: A Proposition

 

Barbara had woken up a little before Jeremy and had showered and got dressed before he awoke.  It was a day off today and she decided to wear her new, special dress...she'd had it a few days now and STILL Jeremy hadn't seen her in it.  After whipping up a breakfast, Jeremy arose at the smell of freshly cooked eggs.

"Uuuurrrruuuraaaahhhh" he said, rubbing his hair and letting out an enormously loud yawn.  Hmmm those eggs smell good......." his voice trailed off as soon as he saw Barbara.  "Wow!" he exclaimed.  "I haven't seen you in that outfit before!"

"You've been too busy to notice" replied Barbara.  "Do you like it though?"

"I like it, I like it a lot!" said an approving Jeremy.  "I'll make us some coffee...although all I want to drink right now is you in"

"So, I've got another ordinary day at work...shame I can't spend it with you but I think they'd notice me gone and I can't use the 'I've got the 'flu' excuse again" said Jeremy.

"I like my man in his smart business suit in his high powered job...no, you must go in because I'm going to be busy today doing some research on the city"

"Sounds intriguing, tell me more!" said Jeremy.

"Now, now, that would be telling.  I'm meeting up with Suzy for lunch but before that I'm doing some city exploration...I'll reveal all later!" she said.

"Is it the kind of reveal where I get to see more of you..." Jeremy, said with a mischievous grin.

"Tsch! What a dirty mind you have, Jeremy Saint...Saint by name but not by nature..."

"I have my naughty side!" he joked.  "But all the best with your research project and say hi to Suzy from me"

After Jeremy left for work Barbara headed off to Magnolia Promenade.  On her last trip there, to go clothes shopping, she noticed an old abandoned building.  She guessed it used to be a shop given its large front windows and that it was smack bang in a shopping precinct.  The red brickwork was faded and dirty and there was a huge pile of wooden crates stacked up near the delivery entrance as she took a closer look.

She got close to the shop doors and looked through the dirty, tinted windows to see that inside the place was empty and derelict.  But...on the plus side, the building was large enough to support a modest sized shop and it wasn't falling down from what she could see of it.

Barbara wanted to find out more so she decided to ask a local about what they knew about the place.  And help would come from an unlikely source...

"Anyways it's the grand opening today and they needed a children's party entertainer" said the woman.  "And what have they got you doing?" she enquired of the gentleman dressed as a hot dog.

"2 for 1 luncheon meal offers this week only" said the man with a heavy sigh.  "We all drew straws to see who would get to wear the costume....I lost" he said, looking forlorn.

Suzy overheard this last part of their conversation and approached the oddly dressed pair.  "Oh hello..." she began "Do either of you work or live around this area?"

"Yeah, I work at Hogan's Burger Bar...2 for 1 luncheons only this week" said the Hot Dog man.

"I'm a party entertainer but I know this area pretty well" said the clown woman.

"Ah good, do you know anything about that old, empty shop over there?"

"That used to be Carbolite Tool & Die" said Clown Woman.  "They shut down just after the Korean War...no one's opened its doors for....13 years!" she said, in a spooky voice.

"But it's not haunted, if that's what you're thinking" said Hot Dog Man.

"No, I'm looking at retail properties to buy or rent" said Suzy.  "You wouldn't happen to know if that place is on a particular realtor's books?"

Hot Dog Man thought for a moment but Clown Woman had an idea.  "I think there's a local real estate agency a couple of streets away; Century 20.  They might know"

"Thanks, you've been a great help" said Barbara.  "Oh and good luck with your special events" she added.

"And good luck with yours" said Clown Woman.  "Hey, I've just noticed you guys are wearing the same kind of tights!" 

"Don't remind me!" said Hot Dog Man, sighing again.

Barbara located Century 20 Estates and managed to get one of their agents to show her the shop in more detail.  Inside didn't take long to check out:  It was well and truly abandoned and empty.  However Barbara had a few questions to ask.

"So how much is the owner asking for this place?" she said.

"15,000 Simoleons for the property as it stands.  Just to let you know at the moment the electricity and water are shut off, but could easily be re-activated should you purchase the place."

"I see.  Well, I've got the details" said Barbara patting the brochure with the shop info on it.  "I'll be in touch"

I can't believe I'm seriously thinking of buying this place! She thought to herself.  I should talk it through with a few people...Jeremy, obviously, but I want to do my research properly first.  Present him with a solid business plan....he'll like that.

She had to canvass some other opinions first.  People who were experts in their field of what Barbara wanted to sell in this shop and it just so happened that she was going to meet the very person she needed to talk to for lunch.

"Well, thanks for inviting me out today...it's a good job you found that 2 for 1 lunch offer today" said Suzy after the two young women had met up and grabbed a bite to eat.  Now they were taking a walk through the park to discuss Barbara's plan more.

"Suzy...I want to set up a shop in Sim City" said Barbara.

"A shop?  Wow, that's a big investment.  What do you wish to sell?"

"A clothes boutique.  Suz, I've been getting into fashion in the last few months and I think there's a gap in the market.  Where's it all happening in fashion right now?"

"That'll be London, Carnaby Street.  A little bit in Paris as well but London's the place to be" replied Suzy.

"Exactly.  The hottest names in design right now are Quant, Courreges, Clarke, Cardin and Gernreich but those labels are pretty rare over here.  I want girls and women our age to wear the top European trends here, in America."

"It'll be very expensive importing those fashion labels over here" said Suzy, sounding a note of caution.

"I know...but there must be more local designers out there who are dying to get a chance to sell their wares to the public who have been influenced by the Carnaby Street trends?" said Barbara, warming to her theme.

"There are, and I know a few.  Things can be pretty staid around here" replied Suzy.  "I can put you in touch with the kind of young, eager designers who want a big break and are fed up with the indifference of the big fashion houses.  But what about the costing, though?  You don't earn the kind of money you need to set up a shop working in a fast food restaurant...and what's Jeremy had to say about it as well?"

"Costings?  Well I'm researching that right now.  The shop I viewed today will cost me $15,000...My folks did agree that if I found a place to buy in Sim City they would help with a deposit...and seeing that I live with Jeremy and that's going great I would put that money towards a business.  But that's why I wanted to speak with you about the fashion itself...I'll put together a business plan now.  As for Jeremy?  The risk will be mine, not his and I could call on his business skills to advise me but I haven't told him yet so hush-hush for now"

"Barbara this is all very exciting" said Suzy.  "I won't say a word to Jeremy but I have to get back to work now...I'll send you a list of people I think you should approach.  Good luck!"

Suzy left and Barbara shut her eyes, took a deep breath and thought about the exciting prospect of owning her own shop.

"Meow" came a little sound nearby.  Barbara exhaled and still drank in the moment.  "MEOW!" the noise got louder.  Barbara opened her eyes, looked in the direction of the sound and saw a little ginger and white cat sitting in front of her.

"Oh hello puss..." she said.  "Are you looking for a stroke?" she went to pat it but the cat went "HISSSS!" and Barbara pulled her hand away.  "Maybe not, but you do want something.  A treat?  I don't have any cat food on me, puss, but...hang on...I have a cookie left over from lunch.  Would you like a nibble?"

Barbara held out the cookie to the cat and it nibbled at it around the edges before taking the whole thing from her hand.

After that, the cat was very friendly.  "Awww, you're so cute with those big green eyes!" said Barbara, now able to give the kitty a gentle stroke.  "You seem a long way from home...or is this your home?" she mused, noticing that the cat didn't have a collar.  "Well, next time I'm here I'll look out for you AND I'll make sure I have some more treats with me.  Goodbye kitty"

The cat followed her for a little bit but departed from her side and headed off into the middle of the park.  Barbara headed for home, where she found Jeremy had made some dinner for them both.

"Sorry, sweetie..." she said, hanging up her handbag and running to the kitchen table where Jeremy had everything laid out.  "...I would have made us something but I had a full and exciting day"

"Oh yes" said Jeremy, inquisitively.  "What did you get up to?"

Barbara was about to tell him all about her boutique idea but hesitated....it was a big step and a lot of money.  She wanted to make sure she had more of a business plan before telling him about it.

"Erm...." she said, hesitantly.  "Do you like cats?"

CHAPTER 77: More Than Just BFF

 "Hey, Summer....breakfast's ready!" yelled Travis as he knocked on the door to the bedroom.

"You can come in, I'm decent" replied Summer.  Travis opened the door and stepped in whereupon his jaw nearly hit the floor.

"Summer....wow...is that a new hair do?" he said, impressed at the way her long blonde tresses cascaded over her shoulders.

"It is" she said, giving her hair a flick.  "I just decided to let my hair down, but pin it up a little at the sides.  Do you like it?"

Travis more than just liked it; he was impressed at how she looked in general...he hadn't seen that dress she was wearing before either.  The sight of her and the wafting of her perfume produced a sensation in him which he noticed and then tried to conceal by sitting on the edge of her bed and crossing his legs.  The problem then was that she sat next to him.

"Soooooooo, what do you have planned for today?" said Travis.

"I'm on the evening shift so I've got nothing planned until late afternoon" replied Summer.  "And you?"

"It's my day off...there's a bunch of technical manuals I have to read at some point but..." lame, man, so lame! He thought to himself.  Summer didn't want to hear about his boring work books...she's a babe, a bird, a hot chick, she's going to be turned off by all his nerdy talk.

Since they threw that party, Travis' feelings towards Summer had intensified.  When he had moved in with her and Liberty he had felt torn between which of these beautiful girls he fancied more.  Liberty was more his intellectual match...actually she was way more intelligent than him but they shared a mutual like of technology.  But Summer was sweet, kind, funny, great company and a cute blonde as well.  The more time Travis spent in her company, the more he liked her and now he was sexually attracted to her as well.

They stood up and went to the kitchen to have breakfast, with Travis trying to conceal his boner discretely.  Liberty was up and about now and joined in.

"What are you going to do today, Libs?" asked Summer.

"I have a day off...I might give a certain someone a call" Liberty replied.

"Is it that dude you met hanging around our house?" said Travis.

"Gary was lost that evening and, yes, I'll give him a call after breakfast to catch up with him" replied Liberty, justifying her interest in a random stranger she met whilst putting out the trash after the party.

"I was thinking of going for a walk...around the neighbourhood.  Would you like to join me, Summer?" said Travis, making a move.  Liberty picked up on this and watched with interest what Summer's response would be.  She knew she liked Travis, but then again Travis often took her for granted which annoyed Summer...she might turn his invitation down.

"That sounds great, Trav" said Summer, a note of excitement in her voice.  "I mean, just a casual stroll....right?"

"Oh yes, just to take advantage of the fine weather" he replied.  Liberty tried to suppress a smile...these two really did have a crush on each other.

"You know, this is a pretty nice place around here" said Travis, as he and Summer took their stroll.

"I know....and weren't we lucky to have found each other....I mean, you, me and Libs" replied Summer.

"Yes...I remember the day I found that card on the noticeboard in the library....that you were looking for two room mates.  The funny thing is, I almost didn't respond...the advert sounded too good to be true"

"Imagine if you'd passed on it" giggled Summer.  "We'd might never have met!"  There was an awkward pause before Travis piped up.

"Then my life would have been a whole lot emptier without Liberty....and you....to share it with" his voice became soft as he expressed this heartfelt sentiment.  He had even put a slight emphasis on 'and you' to drop a hint to Summer how he felt about her.  There was another pause; Summer looked down at her shoes then up again into Travis' eyes.  He took a deep breath and thought to himself 'ow heck!  I have to make my move now...there won't be a better moment'

"That's a lovely thing to say, Travis." said Summer.  "I'm so glad you did answer the advert"

"You know" said Travis, taking a deep breath "I'm just going to come right out and say it: You are the most groovy chick I know!"

Summer was taken aback.  Was he being serious?

"Gee....thanks!" said Summer, eventually.  "You know, I really dig you too" she added.

"So...." began Travis.  "How about we head on to the communal garden and chill out there?" he said, jerking his head in the direction of the gardens around the back of their house.

Meanwhile, back home Liberty could see Travis and Summer walking past her window and, to her delight, they seemed to be getting on very well.  Well, she thought, why should they have all the fun? She went to the phone to give her new friend, Gary, a call.

"Hi Gary...it's Liberty" she said.

"Liberty!  Hey, I'm so glad you called....I was going to head over to Magnolia Blossom Park today...do you want to join me there?"

"Absolutely!  What time?"

"11am...see you there" said Gary, the tone of his voice sounding inviting.  Liberty put the phone down and did a little jog of delight.

Back at the garden, Travis and Summer sat down next to each other on a park bench.  "You know, Travis, we don't use this area as much as we should...look, the apples are ripe for picking"

Travis got up and picked one, then went back to the bench where he presented the apple to Summer.  "Sweets for the sweet" he said.

"You can be the real charmer when you want to be" replied Summer.  "I'll save this for at work" she said, giving the apple a little polish and putting it next to her.

"Oh..." said Travis suddenly.  "Splinters...in the bench.  Hmmm, yes the varnish has worn away exposing a particularly grainy area of wood"

"Uh huh?" said Summer, with a wry smile.

"Oh yes.  Splinters can be more dangerous than they seem.  I mean, you could get one and it could go septic later on"

"Wow, this is REALLY romantic stuff here, Trav" 

"Also...I don't want the splinters or bits of wood sticking out ruining your lovely outfit.  Here, this middle bit of the bench is smooth.  Let's sit a little closer"

"You know, if you wanted to snuggle up here that's totally OK with me" said Summer.  "But I appreciate your concern for my safety"

Meanwhile Liberty had headed off to Magnolia Blossom park to meet with Gary.  She was excited at landing a date with a cute guy...it'd been a long time since she'd been on a date, in fact she couldn't remember the last time she had been on one.

"Wow, Liberty, you look great!" said Gary.

"Thank you...I thought, seeing that it's my day off I'd wear something more eye catching" she replied.

"It certainly is...anyway, it's a lovely day today here....now I'm guessing you're the kind of girl who combines brains and beauty; do you play chess?"

Liberty looked Gary directly in the eyes and in a low, welcoming voice, said "try me"

"Check!" said Liberty, confidently placing her bishop in line with Gary's exposed king.

"Again?" he said before looking at the board, trying to work out how he'd been outflanked.

"I told you I was good" said Liberty.

"Excuse me..." said a young man who approached them.  "You wouldn't happen to know a Suzy Kent, would you?"

Liberty looked up at this man...or more accurately, a teenaged boy.  "Erm...yes?  Why?" she said.

"Oh no particular reason....I just like to know who her friends are.  I'll leave you to finish your game" and with that the young man walked off.

"Who was that guy?" asked Gary.

"No idea.  He seems creepy though.  Anyway I reckon you're mated in 3 moves." said Liberty, changing the subject.

"What?  No way!  Oh dang it....you're just too good.  I say we take a walk"

Liberty and Gary took a walk around Magnolia Blossom park, which lived up to its name as the spring blossoms were in full bloom.

"Funny how we met...me being lost and you taking out the trash at that exact moment" said Gary.

"I actually keep a sack of trash by the door just for when cute guys walk past the house" replied Liberty.  Gary laughed.

"You're a goofball...I like it" he said.

"That's good...you'd better get used to it"

"So you see us hanging out a lot more, eh?" he said

"Uh-huh...what about you?"

"Definitely...if only to brush up on my chess skills"

Liberty smiled and gently grasped Gary by the arm as they strolled.  They talked, joked and watched the clouds drift by...losing all track of time until a distant church bell chimed.

"Drat...that's work calling" he said.  "I have to go but I had a wonderful time.  Let's do this again and soon"

Liberty gave him a big hug and they said goodbye for now.  Liberty found herself skipping all the way home where she found a very happy looking and satisfied Travis watching TV.

"Well you look pleased about something" said Liberty, sitting down next to him.

"I could say the same thing about you" replied Travis.  "I take it the date with Gavin..."

"Gary" Liberty corrected him.

"Gary went well?"

"It did!  I think it's worth a second date...but that's not the big news is it?  I want to hear what happened with you and Summer!"

"Well you know..." said Travis, teasing Liberty, who was on the edge of her seat wanting to know how her housemates had got on in her absence.  "Let's just say it's the beginning of something special"

"Did you....you know...kiss at least?"

"That would be telling!" said Travis.  Liberty lightly punched him in the arm.  "OK....no, we didn't.  Not this time but...you know, next time...you might even witness it!"