Pick'N'Mix Mods for The Sims 2

17 - Xavier

Xavier strolled along the harbour pontoon in the mid-morning sun.

Touts tried to sell him tickets for porpoise watching trips or tours along the coast to smugglers' caves and idyllic coves, the large boats tried to part him from his money for 'deep sea game fishing'. He'd seen porpoises, knew more hidden coves than most of the locals, and, if he wanted fish, there were several excellent sea-food restaurants in this part of town.

He reached the end of the pontoon and sat on a bollard. The small boat hadn't been moored where it usually was, which meant Annie was on schedule. Why she had changed rooms was still a mystery, but no doubt she had her reasons. Deep in thought, he watched the old men fish

and a group of local teenaged boys trying to impress a pair of tourists with their dives and antics.

Xavier could read the subtle body language. The boys stood no chance with the two young women, they were not their type.

The two women were obviously enjoying the futile mating displays, but when a couple of the lads tried to move things along, they embraced deeply and walked off holding hands. Jeers and cat-calls erupted from the group. One of the lads started to follow, Xavier stood up and blocked his path.

The belligerent teen went to shove him out the way, but caught the steely glint in Xavier's eyes, and decided that today was not a good day to die. He retreated to the safety of the group and hurled abuse at Xavier's sexuality. Xavier turned and walked slowly back down the pontoon, still deep in thought.

It was the irregular engine sound that alerted Xavier – 'put, put, put, phip, put, put, put, phip, …' – he knew that engine. Why was Annie coming back with the boat? Looking out to sea, he expected to see the boat, '… put, put, put, phip, …' the sound was behind him. He turned and saw the little boat nudging its way through the water from the fuel pontoon. Annie wasn't steering. Several scenarios presented themselves – he'd need to work them out later. His immediate concern was the boat.

Xavier hurried to its mooring spot, and stood and waved to the skipper, "Hola" he shouted across the water. The skipper waved back and throttled-up the engine, the irregular beat stopped as the boat surged towards the pontoon.

Xavier caught the painter and wrapped it with practiced ease around a mooring cleat. The skipper bounded off the bow onto the pontoon. Xavier gave the ritual greeting and the skipper returned it.

"How are you, my old friend", the skipper said, in a gravelly voice from years of smoking the local tobacco substitute. Not waiting for an answer, he added "Business or pleasure", encircling Xavier in a manly bear-hug.

He stepped back, he'd felt the 9mm holstered under Xavier's left arm, "Ah, business then. Which certainly means you've already had your pleasure this fine morning", he punched Xavier on the shoulder, "Am I right?"

"I'm running late", replied Xavier, unhooking the painter and stepping aboard.

The skipper pushed the bow out, and jumped into the stern well. "Where to?"

Xavier pointed out to the ocean beyond the mouth of the bay.

The waves outside the bay as they skirted the promontory were higher than usual for this time of year. "Storm brewing", said the skipper, indicating a mass of the dark cloud hanging over the other side of the island, "going to be a bad one".

Xavier stood and stumbled in the stern-well.

"Have a care", said the skipper, "or you'll be fish food."

Xavier stumbled again, the poniard flashed in the sun, the skipper looked surprised, and, with a gentle nudge from Xavier, tipped off the back of the boat. Xavier took hold of the tiller and assumed his place on the transom as if nothing had happened. He pointed the bow towards Annie's hotel and wondered just what the hell was causing her to change the plan so drastically.

16 - Culture and Cuisine 18 - Biscotti Bliss