Malcolm Was Still Settling In When His Cell Phone Rang.

Malcolm was still settling in when his cell phone rang. 

“Hello? This is Malcolm Landgraab.”

A woman’s voice on the other end said, “Hello, Malcolm.  It’s Charlotte Worthington.”

Malcolm blinked in surprise.  He and Charlotte had been good friends in elementary and middle school, but had ended up at separate private high schools and then separate colleges.  “Hi, Charlotte,” he said.  “How did you get my number?”

“It’s on your LinkedSim profile with your resume,” she said.  

“Oh. Well, it’s good to hear from you.  It’s been ages. How’ve you been?”

“I’m doing all right,” she said.  “I’m living in the city.  I work at one of Dad’s companies as an HR rep. In fact, that’s actually why I’m calling. We need someone new in one of our departments and I thought you would be a good fit.  Are you interested in a job in business?”

For a moment, Malcolm didn’t know what to say.  He had intended to start sending his resume out to different companies this week, but he had never expected someone to call him first.  “I’d love to come in for an interview, at least,” he said.  

“Okay.  Does Tuesday work for you?”

“Yeah.”

“Ten o’clock?”

“I’ll be there.  Just tell me the address.”

She gave him the address of a building a few blocks away.  They squared away a few other details and then hung up.  Malcolm couldn’t help smiling.  He might get a job sooner than he’d thought.  His new legacy was off to a great start!

Malcolm’s first day was long, but he felt like he’d been productive by the end of it.  He and Charlotte walked out of the building together at six, chatting about their days. On the front steps of the building, Charlotte stopped and turned to him. 

“I think your good first day deserves something special,” she said. “Do you want to go to dinner?”

Malcolm hesitated.  Charlotte was really nice and really easy to talk to.  It was almost as if they had picked up their childhood friendship where they’d left off. He wanted to spend more time with her, but the thought of going out with her ---- or with anyone-- made his stomach churn. After what had happened with Abby, he was not at all ready to start dating again.

Charlotte must have sensed his discomfort because she added quickly, “Just as friends, of course.  We don’t have to go anywhere fancy, either.  I just thought you might want to celebrate.”

Malcolm flushed, embarrassed that he had even thought she was asking him out.  Of course, she meant just as friends.  “I’d love to celebrate with you, as friends,” he said and gave her his best smile. 

“I’ll call a taxi then,” Charlotte said, smiling back. 

No problem at all! I don’t mind the spam. I hope you’re enjoying catching up. ☺️

At the end of the season, Malcolm moved out of Landgraab Manor and into a small house in downtown Sim City.  It wasn’t much, but it was his.  As he sat his tiny kitchen, he felt a wonderful sense of freedom.  He had left everything behind and it felt as though a terrible weight had been lifted from his shoulders. For the first time in over a season, Malcolm felt happy. 

Have a few extras from Florence’s upcoming round.  I’ve added her parents into the mix for a little bit.  This is in a copy of the neighborhood, just like Malcolm’s bachelor challenge was, mostly because the older Delarosas are supposed to live in Riverblossom Hills and I don’t want them running around Bluewater whenever they feel like it.  They need to be here now, though, because Florence needs her mom to take her dress shopping! 

I have 13 posts sitting in drafts and maybe...two more scenes to take pictures of?  Once I get the whole round put together, I’ll queue things up.  

(Side note: I recreated the older Delarosas by mixing Florence and the face templates they appeared to have in their pictures on the wiki.  I think they look pretty good - more like her than the originals, anyways.) 

I played some of Florence Delarosa’s round yesterday. If I can find time to edit the pictures and write up the posts, then I will add a few things to the queue. I’ll let you guys know when something is actually coming.