Shoot Your Shot

 Between work, Supi asking me to hang out with her and Jay calling to hang out, I have been exhausted. On top of that, I've been trying to keep my emotions in check when it comes to Jay. I'm still not sure how to take Zoe's warning. Does the heffa want him? Seems to me she had plenty of opportunity since they've been living together. But the shade she threw on his previous women and at me was a bit much. I'm not sure how much longer I can entertain Jay. I don't need that level of drama in my life. I've got a legacy to start.

I don't know exactly what's going on, but I've been feeling a little sick lately. My mind periodically wanders back to that night at the bar with Jay, but I've been on the pill so that's out. It's probably all of this running around, trying to get a promotion and worry about progressing in the challenge.

I still can't believe the things that we did at the karaoke bar. That poor bartender.

Anyway, Jay seems like a nice guy, he's got a lot of the qualities I want in a husband, but if he's a player like Zoe wants me to believe, I don't want the problems that come with that. Maybe I should stop entertaining his calls before I get in too deep.

It's a shame, because we have a lot of fun together. He says what I'm thinking and I can finish his sentences. That heffa did say I was different than the other girls. OTHER GIRLS. How many other girls are there? Is he dating them too? Wait....

Jay assured me the night of the Romance Festival, that I was the only one who has his attention. I'm dating him, not Zoe. So I should give him the benefit of the doubt until and unless he gives me a reason not to. Right?

Come on 'Kayla, you know better than to listen to some highfalutin floozy. Mama taught you better than that. I can still hear her words about how trifling and catty other women are. No Zoe won't get in my head or my quasi-relationship or whatever it is that Jay and I have going on.
"Bzzz. Bzzz" And just like that my phone vibrates with a text message.

Speak of the devil....Jay asked me to come over to his place. I know I said I might back off, but curiosity got the best of me. I want to know what his place looks like, and I want to meet the roommates. I can't lie, I'm kind of looking forward to seeing Ms. Zoe's face when she sees me pop up. That'll tell me a lot about where she was coming from the other night.

Aww man, I shoulda ate those eggs and bacon before I left home, though. I'm starving! I hope Jay or one of the fiftyeleven people living with him cooked. After scanning the exterior, the place looks big.

Uh, Jay what...what are you looking at? And why are your lips pursed?
Sometimes I wonder about this guy. Oh...oh no. What is happening?
I couldn't help but take off running toward the house.

As soon as I opened the door I spotted a geeky guy sitting on the couch.
"Bathroom?!"
"First door on the right." I saw the concern on his face. I wonder if my face is green.

You might wanna turn away now. "Ohhhh...."

"Huuurgghh!"

"What tha....?" Glad I didn't eat anything. What was that about?

Don't you say one word, not one.
I must have caught a stomach virus or something. Or maybe it's the flu, I heard there's a bunch of strains out this year. One girl I know caught 2 different strains back to back. That's it...the flu.

I found a tube of toothpaste but didn't want to use my finger if I didn't have to. So, I did what any self respecting woman would. I searched the cabinets and drawers. Bingo! With this many people staying here they were bound to have a pack of new toothbrushes.

Geesh, gotta be careful, too far back and it'll happen again. This is awful.
Why do I feel like this? Ugh.
Not one word!

Mikayla: Supi, idk what tf is going on. I just threw up.
Supriya: OMG. Do you have a fever?
Mikayla: No. I'm at Jay's place.
Supriya: He invited you over? YES!
Mikayla: Are you reading? I just threw up in this man's bathroom, what do I do?
Supriya: Wash your mouth out.
Mikayla: Done!
Supriya: Oh and clean the toilet.
Mikayla: Right....I'll hit you up later.
Supriya: K, call me when you get home.
Mikayla: Will do. Latas.

I grabbed a sponge that was in the cabinet under the sink and some Lysol spray. Good thing I text Supi. It would've been hard to explain why the man's bathroom reeked of puke.

After washing my hands again and rinsing my mouth, I headed back into the living area. Jay and who I gather was a roommate were watching tv.
"You ok babe?"
"Yeah, just a little stomach trouble. When I don't eat I get gassy."
"Tell me about it. Do you know that you can get really sick from gas? Oh my Sim, one time I went without eating for like 10 hours. I had the worst stomach and chest pain. Thought I was gonna die." The geeky guy overshared.
"Hey babe, this is Gavin. Gavin, this is my girl Mikayla."
His girl. Ok, I'll take it.
"Come sit down, I'll grab you a bowl of cereal. Sorry we don't have anything prepared."
"Oh cereal will do. Thanks."

 When I tell you that cereal was the best I've ever had, I kid you not!

 "So do you live around here Mikayla?"
"I'm in the next town over, but not too far."
"Oh, is that Windenburg?"
"Uh no I live in the opposite direction on 96. Brindleton Bay."
"Ohhhh. Nice. They've got some nice homes over there."
"I think they're cool."
"Do you live with your family?"
This guy sure asks a lot of questions. I wonder if Jay put him up to this.
"No, no I don't. It's just me...for now."

"Really? Wow, you must have a decent job. It's expensive. Hence our living arrangements, isn't that right J?"
"Yep."
"I do ok, I guess. I'm a researcher."
"In the science field. Wow J, I'm impressed. You've got a real winner this time around."
What is it with Jay's roommates referencing his many women? Do they have no couthe whatsoever?
"No, not science actually. I'm in the Critic field. I research different stories."
"Oh so like a journalist."
"Uh, I guess kinda."
"That's still good work. I happen to be a writer. I aspire to be a bestselling author one day."
"Nice." Hmmm maybe Gavin and I can become friends considering the challenge requires my secondary career to be a freelance author.

 I have to admit, except for how the visit started, things were going pretty well. I finally met another of Jay's roommates Gavin. And while he's a bit of a nerd and a chatter, he's nice. I was having a good time, that is until I went to return my bowl to the kitchen. Guess I made a wrong turn and ended up passing by a room with Zoe in it. Wait....is that bih nekkid?

Oh hell naw! Not only is she naked, she's doing a little dance in the chair. What the hell is going on here?!

       

 You should be proud of me, after my initial shock wore off I closed my mouth and my eyes for a moment and then continued to the kitchen. Can't say I wasn't stewing, though. You mean to tell me, not only is that heifer living here with all these men, she's got the nerve to be prancing around here naked too?? Has Jay seen her like that? Sure she was in one of the rooms, was that even her room? But the door was wide open! What if it had been Jay that walked by instead of me. What kind of crap is that?!

 Jay and Gavin were still watching tv and chatting it up. I wanted to scream so badly. So so badly. Instead I dropped and did 30 push ups.

Is that girl serious? Who does that???

 "Whooh!" After another 20 I felt energized and a tad calmer. I hadn't originally planned to spend the night, but now...oh now. There's no way I'm going anywhere tonight. I can't leave that floozy here nekkid with my...well he isn't MY anything. But I'm still in the running for Jay's attention and affection. I can't afford to have him distracted by Zoe. That Bi%$#!

 The guys were wide awake so I determined I needed to be wide awake. I went to make a pot of coffee. And wouldn't you know it? Zoe flitted out to the living area said a quick hello/goodbye and was out the door. Huh. Good. I toyed with the idea of going home but stuck with my first mind.
Jay got up shortly after Zoe left, yawned and said he needed to lay down.

 Time to do some research on the story of these roommates. Especially that Zoe.
"Hey Gavin, you want some coffee. I just made a fresh pot and it smells amazing."
"Ah, no thanks. It does smell good though."
"You mind if I ask you some questions?"
"Uh depends on what you want to know."
"Just some basic stuff, ya know, like how long you guys have lived here. How long you've been roomies."
"Oh, we've been here a good little while. I'd say a few years now. We all went to college together and when we graduated we decided to get a place together. We've been here ever since."

 "Wow, so you've all been close for some time now?"
"Yeah, some of us closer than others."
I raised my eyebrow at that comment. Gavin was giving up the goods without me having to pry too much. "What does that mean?" I chuckled to ease the slight tension in the room.
"Oh you know....Jay and Mitchell grew up from childhood together so those two are pretty much inseparable. But we're all still pretty close."
"Ahh. So does that mean you and Zoe are really close then?"
"Ha! No not really. I'm what some call an intellectual type, Zoe, well Zoe is free spirited."
"Yeah, so I've heard." I mumbled.

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that."
"Oh no, I was just saying, she's told me that. I'm not really sure what that means, though."
"Have you ever heard of hippies?"
"Yeah like from the 70s? They say 'Groovy' alot."
"Exactly. Her parents came up in the 70s and were all about making love not war. It clearly rubbed off on the girl. She's sweet, but...." Gavin looked around and lowered his voice before saying "..a bit of an airhead."
I laughed out loud to that. "Wow! I got that vibe a little. She also seems to be really close to Jay."

 "What makes you say that?"
"Just the way she talks about him and the women he's dating."
"Women? I don't know about him dating anyone other than you. Jay tends to focus on one person at a time."
I didn't mean to sigh so loudly, but it was like a weight was lifted from my shoulders hearing that.
"Really? I don't know what Zoe was trying to accomplish but she basically told me to be careful with my heart with Jay. She also seems to know a lot about him. I couldn't, honestly I CAN'T shake the feeling she wants him for herself. Not to mention, I passed by her room earlier and she was in there naked."

 "That's no cause for alarm really. She does that a lot. We're all pretty used to it."
"How can a man get used to that and not be turned on?"
"Here in Simerica, we tend to be such prudes. In other countries people walk around naked all the time. It's not natural to wear so much clothing. Once you've traveled as much as I have, you get exposed to a lot. Mitch, J and I are used to it. Does nothing for us, really."
My expression must of been one of disbelief.
"Look, being 100% honest, we've all been there with Zoe."
WHAT?! I felt my eyes pop open wide.
"Like I said, she's a product of hippie parents and we all went to college together. We've all shot our shot with Zoe at one time or another. She's too free for my liking and as I said an airhead. I need a sapiosexual woman."
"A what?"
"A sapiosexual....is someone who is attracted to intelligence not just the physical. We've got way too much of that going on in society. You actually strike me as a sapio." Gavin grinned in a way that made me shift my weight.
"Well what do the other guys think of Zoe. Why aren't they compatible with her? Or are they?"
"Out of Mitch and Jay I'd say Mitch is most her type. He's a bit of a goofball, just like Zoe. He's not so into books or even current events, like her. Theirs was the longest "relationship" of the three of us. Whereas J and Zoe seemed to get along well enough, I think he regards her as more of a sister."
"How does she see him?"
"Well, that I don't know. Zoe's a hard one to read when it comes to matters of the heart. She's had all kinds of affairs with men and women. Like I said, she's a free spirit."
"Hmm. You've given me a lot to think about Gavin."
"Oh, please don't let Zoe put you off of J. He's a really good guy. I think he's scared of settling down what with his parents splitting after decades of marriage. Can't say I blame him. But he really digs you and you seem to dig him too. I hope you're in it for the long haul Mikayla. Now if you don't mind, I'm gonna excuse myself. Gotta get up early tomorrow."
"Oh sure. Thank you Gavin."
"Anytime." He winked and with that disappeared from the living room.

 Hmmm, glad I got to meet and really speak to Gavin. He shared a lot of information. I'm not surprised Zoe's been with all of these men. Nasty heifer. "...he regards her as more of a sister." Is that so? Who's sister prances around naked in front of them? Men don't see things the same way we do...they can't. We're wired differently. I knew that bih was giving off shade the other night. She may be a "free spirit" but she clearly doesn't like anyone sniffing around her territory.

 Well she's got another thing coming. Now that I know Jay isn't a dog, I'm going to give this a legit try. I really like him, he's really into me, why wouldn't I? Besides, the way we've connected and depending on what's brewing, it seems Jay and I will be even closer very soon.

 Even though Jay never officially gave me a tour, I made my way around until I found him softly snoring. I watched his chest rise and fall for a little while and couldn't help but smile. He's so stinking cute. We're going to make an awesome couple. I carefully eased out of my jacket, shoes, socks and leggings before slipping into the bed next to him. I inhale deep and can almost taste the Axe body wash and spray he uses. Oh yeah, I'm gonna give him a chance.

Did I Do That?

 You'd think having a good friend that's a stay at home mother would equal a boring friendship. Not with Supi. Oh no, Miss Lady had me in these sim streets two nights in a row. Unlike her, I had some work to catch up on. I spent my morning practicing writing for my job.

  And then I took a long overdue nap. Sheesh, not sure I can keep up with my girl Supi. I don't know where she gets the energy. I mean, she has two little rugrats running around, a dog and a cat. Not to mention a husband. It's just me and I'm worn TF out!

 Not to mention I'm under a lot of stress. My simdays are only so long and while I'm in the career I agreed to be "Critic", I still have to get cracking on becoming an author. I'm also supposed to throw a couple of parties that end in Gold. I'm supposed to find a man and get knocked up FIVE times. Talk about pressure.

 Yes, I'm one of those sims that prefers to wash their dishes in the bathroom sink. Don't ask me why, I just do.

 Well, well, well, guess who text me and asked to show me around the "Romance Festival." Of course I said yes. I figure either way it's a win-win. If things go nowhere between Jay and I, just think of all the potential suitors that'll be at the festival. Yeah, I've def got to look cute.

 As soon as we arrived at the festival, one of Jay's buddies accosted him. The guy was going on and on about something that didn't interest me so I took in my surroundings instead. Whoa a lot of people turned out for this thing. I heard they come around every so often, so I'm kind of surprised at the number of people.

 And what's this? There's a karaoke bar right beside the festival. Hmm, I don't want to interrupt Jay and his buddy. So maybe I'll check this place out for a minute.

 "Be right back babe."
"Sure, sure. I'm gonna knock out a few reps before I walk around for a bit."
Have I mentioned that I love how into his physique he is? Reminds me of myself.
As soon as I opened the door, I heard the smooth sounds of a baritone voice.

 Are you kidding me?

For a minute, I couldn't help but be pulled in to Brian's melodic voice. He was singing about love and had me swooning. Wow, he's not bad looking and has a great singing voice. Ugh but I remember that cackle he has.

 I saw when he spotted me. It felt like he started singing to me directly. I felt my stomach flip. It was kind of a turn on to feel like I was being serenaded. Sure, sure he's singing karaoke, but sim oh sim did he sound good.

 I'm glad Jay was still outside cause I didn't want to embarrass myself. I'm really not sure how I should feel right now. I'm really attracted to Jay. We have great conversation and a strong attraction to one another. But Brian has me looking at him in a different light.
When the song ended, I felt like I was freed from my trance. I started clapping with the other tens of people that were in the place. As soon as he put the mic down, Brian let out a thunderous laugh that ended with that sickening cackle. I rolled my eyes and turned on my heel to head to the bar.

 Welp that didn't last long. Time for a drink. "Bartender."
"Oh hey! Aren't you 'Kayla?"
Who the...."And you are?" I didn't recognize the high sadity looking chic coming toward me.

 "I'm sorry, how rude. Hahaha. I'm Zoe."
I guess the blank stare I gave her let her know her name meant nothing to me.
"Oh I guess Jay didn't tell you about me. I'm one of his roommates."
Roommates?

 "Hey Jamie, can I get a spritzer. Gotta watch my figure, right girl?"
I gave her a side eye and turned back to the bartender. "You're still making my Ridgeport, right?" Ole girl managed to give me a bowl of chips but still hadn't made my drink and I'd be damned if she made Ms. Priss' drink first.
"Of course sweetie."
"This your first time to the Romance Festival?" The pretty girl with the sickeningly sweet voice asked.
"Yeah it is. Jay thought I'd like it."
Zoe turned to face me on her stool. "And do you?"
"I haven't really checked it out. I came in here first."
"Did Bry's voice call to you too? It felt like time stood still when he was singing. I swear he was singing for me." The girl giggled and I had to keep my chips down. Saccharine much?!

 **Meanwhile Brian was outside letting off some steam. Something's wrong with this fella.**

I don't know why that Zoe girl felt the need to introduce herself to me. But I was glad to learn a little more about Jay. Hmmm, roommates. She didn't say how many but she did say she was one of them. Geesh. He's got to be about my age and he hasn't gotten out of college boy mode? I wonder if any of their other roommates were chics. Hmph.
I turned to watch her belt out a few notes. Eh, she's alright I guess. I wonder if that's how Jay likes his girls. Bougie. Cause that certainly ain't me.
Speaking of Jay....I wonder what he's up to.

**While Mikayla is inside finishing her drink, Jay is outside admiring the art work and doing a little two step to the music. He had no idea that Zoe was inside with Mikayla.**

 "See ya later 'Kayla!" Zoe interrupted the song playing on the karaoke machine.
"Later." Something tells me I'm not going to like this heifer. Let me go find this boy.

 **While Mikayla was headed out to the festival, Jay had somehow made his way behind the bar and cleaned up the mess Brian had made. I have no clue what that's about. It's not like he has the neat trait.**

 I don't want to make it so obvious that I'm looking for Jay. No need to make him or anyone else (you included dear reader) think I'm desperate, cause I'm not. So I'll check out this Sakura tea I've been hearing about. It's only served at these Romance Festivals and supposedly helps put sims in the mood for romance. See these two over here are flirting away.

 Who knows maybe it'll help me loosen up a bit. Maybe I'll even find the one, as Jay likes to tease. Aww that's so sweet that he surprised her with a rose. That's the kind of romance I want. Consideration. That's all I ask. Is that too much? For instance, where's my date? Hmph.

 Is this stuff glowing? Wait are these sims behind me glowing? What the hey is in this stuff?

 He sure seems to be enjoying his glass of Sakura tea. I might as well just go for it. What's the worst that can happen, hmm?

 'Sniff, sniff' It smells sweet, kind of like sweet tea. 'Slurp' "Mmmm, this is pretty good."
"Sure is. It makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside too."

 That guy was right, I do feel warm and fuzzy inside. Things are starting to tingle...."Wooh! Who's in the mood for love?!" I couldn't help but toss some rose petals in the air. Where did those come from? Who cares? Where in the Simverse is Jay at?

 I headed back to the bar and guess who was there. Hmph, I don't see that trollup around, but I wonder if he saw her before she left. Wow, that was a dumb thought. If he didn't, he's gonna see her tonight. They live together. Yeah, I don't know how I feel about that. Wonder how he'd feel about me having a male roommate.

 He sure does look good, though.
"Hey, there you are babygirl. I came in here looking for you."
"That's funny, I went out to the festival looking for you."
"Is it me, or, or are you glowing?"
I look down and see a pinkish hue emanating from my body.
"Uh, I am. Do you like it?"

"It looks good on you. What'd you do?"
"I had some Sakura Tea. I was gonna bring a glass, but we can go back out and get you one if you like."
"No need for that. I think you're good energy is rubbing off on me."
"Is that so?"

 "Yeah, you have quite an effect on me...even without the tea."
"Does anybody else have that effect on you?" I can't get that Zoe chic out of my head.
"No way! You're the only one that has my full attention."
"You sure about that?"
His eyes narrow with concern, "I'm positive. What's up with the questions though? Something going on I should know about?"

"Nah, just checking."
"Now it's my turn to ask, are YOU sure about that?"
"Yup."

 I couldn't let some manipulative little girl get in my head and possibly ruin a good thing. I am just getting to know Jay. If there's anything I should be concerned about it will come to the light. Things always do.
Besides, he's really cute and gives me butterflies.

 "So, uh, you want to go uh get to know each other better?"
I heard it this time. This was different from the first time he asked to go get to know each other better. And after the couple of drinks I had I'm ready to get to know this man much much better.
"You bet."
"REALLY?"
HA!! I wasn't expecting him to be so excited. At least, I didn't expect him to show his enthusiasm.

 "Lead the way."
"Lucky for us there aren't a lot of people in here tonight. They must all be focused on the festival and finding love."
"What about us? Is that why we came to the festival?"
Jay turned to look at me and seemed like he was trying to read me. He chuckled.

 "You almost had me there 'Kayla. Ha. We're here to have some fun."
There's that fun word again. Hmmm. Yeah I want to have fun, but I'm also looking for something a little more. Sounds like Jay isn't interested in anything serious. I get it. That's ok. At least I know what it is. Gotta give it to him for keeping it real with me.

 So, we had some fun. Please DO NOT ask me why his legs are in the air like that. I didn't realize it at the time since I was focused on the softness of his lips and tongue. Gotta give him credit for engaging his abs. Maybe I need to step my fitness game up.

 Yes that's my foot. All I can say is that things escalated quickly...and that bartender left his station once he realized what was happening.

"Sorry about that..."
"Let's not talk about it. What can I get you to drink?"
"A Ridgeport please."
"Sure."

Loud cackling, "Hahahaaaaah! I know you! That was you and your guy over on them sofas earlier wasn't it?"
"I don't know what you're talking about miss."
After we both went to the restroom to freshen up, Jay left. He has to get up early tomorrow. While I'm kinda glad to have finally woohoo'd, I'm a little embarrassed it was in public...although that dang tea had me eager to try it. I'm also a bit bothered that Jay was so quick to leave. Makes me think he is a hit it and quit it type. Hmph.

"Oh my Sim! Twice in one night. Isn't that funny 'Kayla?"
Oh brother. "Hi Zoe."
"Sorry I had to leave without saying goodbye earlier. I was pooped and needed to go home to rest."
"Unh hunh." Why is she talking to me? And why is she calling me by my nickname, she don't know me like that.

 "Hey, you ok?"
"Yeah why?"
"Oh I don't know, call it intuition. You know how we women are. We pick up on vibes."
"Uh, ok. Well I'm not giving off vibes so maybe you're picking up on someone else."
"Look. I know it's none of my business, but..."
Oh here comes the B.S.
"You seem like a really nice person."
I looked her in the eye. I wasn't expecting that. "Uh thanks?"
"I mean it. You are SO not like all the other girls James usually hangs with."
ALL THE OTHER GIRLS? What the...?

 "Oh my sim, the last one, ugh was she a talker. Talk talk talk talk talk. He HATED that. But you know what's funny? He'd never tell her that."
"Why not?" She may be getting on my nerves, but maybe I had some use for her. She seemed ready to spill some beans.
"He's a pretty nice guy, you know one of those good guy types. I mean don't get me wrong, he can be a love 'em and leave 'em type of guy but he's always nice to them."
"Unh hunh." Is she trying to tell me something?
"I tried to warn the girl to take it down a notch or ten, ya know? But she just wouldn't listen. Don't you hate that?"
"Unh hunh." Was she serious? How could she complain about anyone being a talker?
"Anywho, I probably shouldn't have shared that. It's not even really relevant or anything."

 "I just, I mean, I just see that you are different than what Jay usually goes for. And that could be a really good thing for him, ya know?"
"You really seem to care about him."
"Oh I do. I care about all of the guys that live with us."
"Exactly how many people live with you all?"
"Oh it's me, Jay, Gavin and Mitchell. They're all really cool."
"Doesn't your man mind you living with so many dudes?"

 "Oh, I don't have a boyfriend. I don't think I ever could. I'm what some might call a free spirit. A relationship would just tie me down. Some people are better suited for it though."
"I guess."
"Yeah, like Jay I mean, don't get me wrong, he likes you. He really likes you. He can't stop talking about you."
"He talks to you about me?"
"Me, Mitchell, Gavin, anybody who'll listen."
I knew this chic would be useful.
"Yeah, he's over the moon about you. That's kind of his M.O. he gets a little infatuated at first."
Womp womp womp...that didn't last long.
"But I mean, um I'm not saying that this won't be different. Ugh. I don't even know what I want to say."
That's obvious.

 "It's just, you seem really nice and Jay is really nice. You two could be a really good couple."
"But?"
"Just don't get your hopes up ok? You know that saying don't expect anything? That's kind of the best way to deal with Jay. You never know what you're gonna get."
"Yeah? Um, thanks for that, I guess."
"Sure, we women have to stick together, right?"
"I gotta go Zoe."
"Ok, see you around soon."

Yeah I'm not gonna like this Bi%$#!