@oshizu I like that shot of Otto, too. It took him awhile to grow into his face, but now I find him very handsome. Karla's boots came with City Living. Aren't they great? I want a pair in real life, though I doubt I could rock them the way Karla does. I agree that Lula gets a lot of her sass from her mom. I'm glad you are enjoying the developments between Morris and Diego. They continue to be fun to write.
@Joria I'm glad you are so fond of Lula and Morris. I think they're my favorites, too (in case that wasn't obvious). Lula will get much, much more attention in coming chapters, but for the moment Morris gets center stage because I had such fun playing him as a food critic. He really is having the time of his life. I can't wait to see what you do with your "culinary wizard!" Is that Kieran? I'm excited!
@NexttoNormal I'm so happy that you like the idea of Morris and Diego, and that you like the way I'm writing them. I've seen various kinds of relationships in stories on the forum, (There's a particularly sweet triad in the Classic Immortal Dynasty on the Sims 3 board.) but this is a new one for my particular story so I'm very happy to hear your feedback. I loved them as friends, and their relationship is growing very gradually and naturally, and it's been a real joy to write.
Chapter 69: Running in Circles
Tallulah: Time to get fancy!
Tallulah: Could I be cuter? I’m inclined to think that I could not.
Karla: You are terrible at this.
Otto: Is that supposed to be mentoring? Because I do not feel inspired to greater heights of musical achievement.
Karla: Try sucking less.
Otto: Good idea. Very constructive.
Karla: I know. I’m good at everything. Mentoring included.
Mallory: Yay! We’re excited! What are we excited about?
Bob: I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty excited about this spinach frittata.
Tallulah: I’m excited about video games!
Arianna: Are you critiquing that?
Morris: Yes.
Arianna: But you made it.
Morris: No one is safe from the uncompromising eye of Morris Spiffendale. Not even Morris Spiffendale.
Karla: Whoa. I made this crazy thing. I made you! There is literally nothing I can’t do!
Morris: I’m so glad you called! I’m really pleased you wanted to come back. Nice move calling it a date, too! My family is so confused they’re running in circles.
Diego: Morris. Darling. How do you not get what’s going on here?
Morris: Let’s take a selfie and send it to my daughter! I’ll make it my Simbook profile picture, too! They’re going to be so confused!
Diego: Okay, I guess I’ll continue to take what I can get.
Morris: No, no my dear. After you!
Hostess: You’re in a good mood tonight, Mr. Spiffendale.
Morris: Who wouldn’t be? I’ve got me a hot date! *giggles*
Morris: To tell you the truth, she wasn’t even that great of a waitress. I don’t know why they keep that urn around. I think it’s a little tacky.
Diego: It’s definitely not appetizing.
Diego: You are so cute when you’re deciding what to order. I almost can’t handle it.
Morris: I get a little giddy sometimes. You’ll have to excuse me.
Waiter: Is everything all right, sir? Why is your boyfriend sitting at the bar?
Morris: Oh, he’s just giving me a little space to work. This is a business visit as well as a pleasure call, and I like to have a pure environment in which to formulate my thoughts.
Waiter: All right. I guess that makes sense.
Morris: Oh, and he’s not my boyfriend.
Waiter: Are you sure?
Morris: Huh. Is he my boyfriend? I could certainly do worse.
Waiter: I just wanted to check in and make sure everything is to your liking.
Morris: It’s perfect, thank you. I’m going to really enjoy eviscerating your new chef in tomorrow’s paper. I couldn’t be happier.
Waiter: Oh. Well could I offer you a free dessert?
Morris: I couldn't eat another bite. Literally. If I had to take one more bite I’d be ill. You all are going to have to really step it up if you want to stay in business.
Waiter: You know, “food critic” doesn’t necessarily mean you actually have to criticize everything. Positive reviews are also a thing.
Morris: But not a fun thing, unfortunately. Also, I criticize because I love. How will you ever reach your potential if I don’t point out your innumerable flaws, giving you the opportunity to correct them? I just want you to be the ideal restaurant I know you can be.
Waiter: Even if it means driving us into the ground in the attempt?
Morris: I can’t accept anything less than perfection, and neither should you.
Morris: Diego, I dedicate this review to you. You are my muse in dark blue socks.
Diego: Morris, was that an outright compliment? I’m floored.
Diego: So, are you going to invite me in?
Morris: Oh! I, um, of course! I wouldn’t expect you to drive back to the city at this hour. You can sleep in Tallulah’s bed. She’s always up all night skilling, anyway.
Diego: *sigh* And again, I take what I can get.
Morris: Ah, working from home! Getting paid to do what I was going to do anyway. Awesome!
Morris: Just a pinch to make it really face-melting.
Morris: So . . .?
Diego: Morris, it’s transcendent. I feel like I’m right in the Spice Market except that there’s no one running around in a raccoon suit.
Morris: See if you can taste the secret ingredient.
Diego: Found it!
Morris: Yes! I knew that stuff I bought at the Spice Festival swag stall was something special!
Karla: You guys are too adorable. Relationship goals for sure.
Diego and Morris: We’re not together, okay?
Karla, Mallory, and Pernille: Dang it, Morris! Why are you doing this to us?
Pernille: Okay, what fresh nonsense is this? What are we all wearing?
Arianna: Oh, I thought I could save time by starting a club gathering and setting the outfits to “polished” and, well . . . .I was wrong.
Mallory: You’re lucky. My first “polished” outfit didn’t even have pants.
Wendell: This is hilarious. I can’t wait to see what Morris spins into.
Morris: What do you mean, “spins into?” Check out the shine on these gigantic boots! Doesn’t get any more polished than that.
Arianna: I quit. I just . . . I’m done.
