Frank and Julie

Wednesday, Day 3

Frank’s day off, like Julie’s, started with familiar routine. First came a bubble bath (he is one boy who never grew out of bubble baths), then some tidying up around the place, then the morning newspaper and a doughnut.

After his morning ritual, Frank wanted more than anything to pick up where he had left off in Crime-Scene Cleanup and You. His last study session had ended in the middle of an interesting section concerning press relations—Chapter 23, “Fifty-Seven Ways To Tell Nancy Grace To Get Lost”—and he was eager to learn the remaining twenty-six.

But he had only covered the next four when he spotted a neighbor walking by. Recognizing her from the One-Twenty-Five, he set his studies aside and went out to greet her.

“Yes, I remember seeing you downtown too. Glad I stumbled across your house this morning. You can call me ‘Sleepy Cat’…and what was your name?”

“Frank…and you can call me ‘Frank’.”

Frank looked awfully pleased; and he sure did put that book down quickly. Could Julie have herself a rival already?

That would largely depend on what Sleepy Cat had in mind when she stopped by Frank’s house. What was she after? Did she fancy Frank? Was she hoping for a tour of the Shorikiki? Did she want to borrow his copy of Crime-Scene Cleanup and You?

Nope. None of the above. She was only after his gnome.

Frank went back inside, returned to his reading, and resolved to not let anyone else interrupt him on his day off. The resolution held until half-past three, when his doorbell rang, and he saw it was Julie.

“See? I crossed the street for you today.”

“You don’t have to ring the bell, silly. Especially since I don’t really have a front door.

“Now let’s see if I can remember how shy girls like you like to say hello…”

“Mmm. Mmmmmm.

“Mmm hmm. I think you’ve got it.

“But feel free to practice some more.”

“If you say so.”

Julie’s visit was getting itself off to a fine start. A bit of flirting, a lot of kissing, and nary a book or newspaper in sight.

But did the two of them plan to stay out front on the sidewalk all afternoon? It’s ever so much cozier and more comfortable inside, you know.

(Even without a proper front door.)

“If you think you’ve been well and truly greeted now, maybe you’d like to come inside and get more comfortable.”

“I was about to give up on waiting for you to ask.”

It is ever so nice when one’s sims listen to reason.

And so Frank and Julie went inside, hand in hand; and headed straight for the couch, with the intent of getting cozy.

Very cozy.

“It’s a pity I’m so shy, isn’t it, Frank? Otherwise, I might lead you to that bed over there…”

Very, very cozy.

(And no, Julie, we don’t find you shy. For one thing, you didn’t bother to ask us to leave just then.

Or even to put away our camera.)

All that getting cozy made the two of them a bit peckish; so after a while, Frank got up to make some spaghetti.

He took care to cook the pasta to the perfect al dente firmness…which Julie would have noted and appreciated, were she not distracted by the fact that he hadn’t bothered to put any clothes on.

“I wouldn’t trade that for the whole world.”

“What, the spaghetti? If the whole world were yours, you could have all the pasta you wanted, Frank.”

“You know what I meant, silly.

“Now let’s clear up the dishes.”

“Ooh…I could attack you right here.”

“Okay.

“But put down that dish first.”

They kept each other company until nearly eleven, when Frank was tired enough that he had to call it a night. Julie wished him sweet dreams.

And dream he did.

“Damn, I’m good in bed. If I do say so myself.”

That might not be exactly what Julie had in mind, but it will have to do.

And at least you let us in on what you’re dreaming about, Frank. Unlike some people in this neighborhood.

Yes, we know she says she doesn’t dream. We don’t credit that.

No, we don’t know how we’re talking to you in the middle of your dreams either. Just part of life’s sweet mystery, we suppose. Now get your rest, Frank.

Next installment: Are those bells we hear in the distance?