Under The Tartosan Sun
Table of contents: [ Spoiler ] Since this story has grown so much bigger than I ever imagined I feel like its time to borrow a page from some of my favorite SimLit writers and offer you a syn...
Forum Discussion
Chapter Thirty One
Danielle found herself back at square one after her confrontations with Faith. The lead editor for SimReads had tried to bury her novels because she hated the fact that they were written by a lesbian author and featured lesbian characters. Faith had taken that course of action hoping to provoke a confrontation and to force Danielle to write the novels she wanted her to. It was a strong-arm tactic that she had used before with other authors who dared to evolve and explore new storylines after finding success with her publishing house. With lessons learned, and a bit of a loving nudge from Londyn, Danielle set out to find a literary agent to help her with a new book deal. She'd been lucky and got away with negotiating her own contract but those days were over. The problem now was finding someone she could trust to look after her interests. When she broke into the business she was the one knocking on doors and sending out emails. Now that the world knew the name Danielle Huntley (nee Chabert), she was the one answering the door knocks and the emails. Her bibliography and her sales figures spoke for themselves.
https://i.imgur.com/2tcYlBU.png
Finding an agent was just one task they needed to get done. There was an awards show coming up in just three days to get ready for. They had gowns to pick up at Galleria Bianca De Luca and any last minute alterations that may need to be done. There was also the matter of their home. One night earlier in the week pointed out a problem that had been there since the house had been built. You have to go outside to climb the stairs to the bedroom on the second floor. Not a pleasant, or even safe, thing to do when it's raining. Sometimes when it rains the stairs get slippery, and it feels ridiculous to carry an umbrella to go from your living room to your bedroom.
https://i.imgur.com/UpdTijU.png
If you get caught without an umbrella, you either sleep on the sofa or you get soaked. They love their little home but they had been planning to build something bigger when their careers started taking off. In spite of not having a book deal or publisher at the moment Danielle's career was already going wonderfully. The current situation was only a minor blip and an agent and a new book deal weren't that far off. Londyn was being hailed as a breakout star for her work on The Urbz movie.
Sunday: The Starlight Accolades
The big night had arrived. Londyn had been to one Starlight Accolade before she met Danielle, but she hadn't been a nominee. Her agent took her as a guest so she could feel the atmosphere. It had been more thrilling than she imagined as child watching the awards show on television while dreaming of someday walking up on that stage to get her own Starlight Accolade. Now she was getting to strut her stuff on the red carpet and she had the love of her life right there at her side.
https://i.imgur.com/NkgquYl.png
It was a strange new world, but one Londyn had dreamt of her entire life. She still found it amazing when a fan wanted her autograph.
https://i.imgur.com/ndgkHCF.png
With that the show kicked off with a flurry of minor awards. Then came the shocker. In the aftermath of of the incident with Faith, Danielle wasn’t aware that her book, ‘Heart And Soul’ had been nominated for an Accolade. Faith’s last dagger, or so she thought, had been to keep that news from Danielle in hopes that by not knowing she wouldn’t show up and thus not win an Accolade if she was lucky enough to be chosen. Faith had no hand in the lousy mail service between Del Sol Valley and Tartosa. Had she known that Danielle hadn't received her letter notifying her that 'Heart And Soul' was up for an Accolade she would have been elated.
Danielle found herself back at square one after her confrontations with Faith. The lead editor for SimReads had tried to bury her novels because she hated the fact that they were written by a lesbian author and featured lesbian characters. Faith had taken that course of action hoping to provoke a confrontation and to force Danielle to write the novels she wanted her to. It was a strong-arm tactic that she had used before with other authors who dared to evolve and explore new storylines after finding success with her publishing house. With lessons learned, and a bit of a loving nudge from Londyn, Danielle set out to find a literary agent to help her with a new book deal. She'd been lucky and got away with negotiating her own contract but those days were over. The problem now was finding someone she could trust to look after her interests. When she broke into the business she was the one knocking on doors and sending out emails. Now that the world knew the name Danielle Huntley (nee Chabert), she was the one answering the door knocks and the emails. Her bibliography and her sales figures spoke for themselves.
https://i.imgur.com/2tcYlBU.png
Spoiler
News of what had happened had spread throughout the publishing world. Faith's reputation for nastiness wasn't exactly a secret, but it wasn't something that was obvious on the surface either. When they met and negotiated the book deal that launched her career, Faith had been charming and pleasant. The mask of civility that she had worn so well had burst Danielle's bubble of trust. Danielle had been flooded with offers from agents in the days immediately afterwards. Londyn texted her agent Melissa for some help.
https://i.imgur.com/2hopFLC.png
Melissa gave them three names to focus on, Jasmine Trudell, Blake Brown, and Meghan Gillespie. It was time to place some calls and set up meetings for the following week. In the meantime there were plenty of other matters that needed attention.
https://i.imgur.com/2hopFLC.png
Good evening Mel. I hate to bother you, but I have a favor to ask. Could I get you to look at a list of names of literary agents and let us know if any of them are reputable? Danielle is getting bombarded and I remember you said have contacts in that field.
Absolutely Londyn. You can text me the names or email them whichever is easiest for you. I'm here to help my clients anyway I can. And when the client in question just so happens to be one of my favorites to work with there is nothing I won't do. I'll have an answer for you ladies tomorrow
Thanks Mel!❤️ You are such a sweetheart and the world's best agent.❤️❤️
Thank you dear. I'll pick out the cream of the crop and let you know in the morning. And before I forget, congratulations on your nomination for a Starlight Accolade for The Urbz movie. Sorry I can't be there but I'll be keeping an eye on my feed to see if you win! Good night Londyn.
Melissa gave them three names to focus on, Jasmine Trudell, Blake Brown, and Meghan Gillespie. It was time to place some calls and set up meetings for the following week. In the meantime there were plenty of other matters that needed attention.
Finding an agent was just one task they needed to get done. There was an awards show coming up in just three days to get ready for. They had gowns to pick up at Galleria Bianca De Luca and any last minute alterations that may need to be done. There was also the matter of their home. One night earlier in the week pointed out a problem that had been there since the house had been built. You have to go outside to climb the stairs to the bedroom on the second floor. Not a pleasant, or even safe, thing to do when it's raining. Sometimes when it rains the stairs get slippery, and it feels ridiculous to carry an umbrella to go from your living room to your bedroom.
https://i.imgur.com/UpdTijU.png
If you get caught without an umbrella, you either sleep on the sofa or you get soaked. They love their little home but they had been planning to build something bigger when their careers started taking off. In spite of not having a book deal or publisher at the moment Danielle's career was already going wonderfully. The current situation was only a minor blip and an agent and a new book deal weren't that far off. Londyn was being hailed as a breakout star for her work on The Urbz movie.
Spoiler
Before going to see Bianca later that morning the girls took a walk down the beach to enjoy the beautiful moment where the line between dusk and dawn blurs. The morning was picture postcard perfect. Warm gentle breezes coming on shore from somewhere far off over the ocean and the moon and stars as bright as spotlights as they grudgingly gave way to the sun. Danielle and Londyn went to the spot where Londyn proposed and where they ended up on the night they realized they were totally, head-over-heels in love. It was the most special of places for them and one where they had been planning to build a home when they could afford it.
"Can you still feel the magic from the first time we came here?" Londyn asked as she gently caressed Danielle's cheek before cupping her chin in her tender ebony hand.
https://i.imgur.com/5gwvUYF.png
"Every time I walk by here. I always will."
"I know we've been talking about building our new home here," Londyn added as she gently spun Danielle around and went to work massaging her shoulders. "I've been thinking though, is this really where we want to build?"
https://i.imgur.com/Shs6xAV.png
"I've been thinking about that too. This spot is so special, but I think it was lose some of that magic if we were just steps away all the time." Danielle said.
"It would. It's not like this spot is half way around the world or on another planet. We can come here anytime we like."
"That little island of ours has really grown on me. I've had you to share it with and I can't think of anyplace else I want to spend our time together." Danielle said as she took Londyn's hands in hers. She held those lovely slender fingers that knew all of the right buttons to push and looked deeply into the most beautiful, soulful brown eyes she had ever seen, eyes that held wonder and perfect love.
https://i.imgur.com/thHXQBw.png
"Let's talk to an architect and see about remodeling. We own it outright now. There's plenty of room to add on and I feel the same way you do about it. Those gorgeous views of the ocean stretching away. The sunsets we have right there are as lovely and romantic as anything I got to see growing up in Sulani." Londyn said.
"Ok babe, we've settled that, how about we get moving." Danielle said before she paused to kiss Londyn's hands. "Bianca will be opening any minute now and we have new gowns to try on. Sunday night is almost here!"
https://i.imgur.com/eCffDix.png
"By all means hun, let's go." Londyn said, then she added, "but before we go, kiss me like you miss me!"
https://i.imgur.com/0VmFR3l.png?1
"Can you still feel the magic from the first time we came here?" Londyn asked as she gently caressed Danielle's cheek before cupping her chin in her tender ebony hand.
https://i.imgur.com/5gwvUYF.png
"Every time I walk by here. I always will."
"I know we've been talking about building our new home here," Londyn added as she gently spun Danielle around and went to work massaging her shoulders. "I've been thinking though, is this really where we want to build?"
https://i.imgur.com/Shs6xAV.png
"I've been thinking about that too. This spot is so special, but I think it was lose some of that magic if we were just steps away all the time." Danielle said.
"It would. It's not like this spot is half way around the world or on another planet. We can come here anytime we like."
"That little island of ours has really grown on me. I've had you to share it with and I can't think of anyplace else I want to spend our time together." Danielle said as she took Londyn's hands in hers. She held those lovely slender fingers that knew all of the right buttons to push and looked deeply into the most beautiful, soulful brown eyes she had ever seen, eyes that held wonder and perfect love.
https://i.imgur.com/thHXQBw.png
"Let's talk to an architect and see about remodeling. We own it outright now. There's plenty of room to add on and I feel the same way you do about it. Those gorgeous views of the ocean stretching away. The sunsets we have right there are as lovely and romantic as anything I got to see growing up in Sulani." Londyn said.
"Ok babe, we've settled that, how about we get moving." Danielle said before she paused to kiss Londyn's hands. "Bianca will be opening any minute now and we have new gowns to try on. Sunday night is almost here!"
https://i.imgur.com/eCffDix.png
"By all means hun, let's go." Londyn said, then she added, "but before we go, kiss me like you miss me!"
https://i.imgur.com/0VmFR3l.png?1
Sunday: The Starlight Accolades
The big night had arrived. Londyn had been to one Starlight Accolade before she met Danielle, but she hadn't been a nominee. Her agent took her as a guest so she could feel the atmosphere. It had been more thrilling than she imagined as child watching the awards show on television while dreaming of someday walking up on that stage to get her own Starlight Accolade. Now she was getting to strut her stuff on the red carpet and she had the love of her life right there at her side.
https://i.imgur.com/NkgquYl.png
It was a strange new world, but one Londyn had dreamt of her entire life. She still found it amazing when a fan wanted her autograph.
https://i.imgur.com/ndgkHCF.png
Spoiler
It was just as magical for Danielle who had also grown up watching the awards show with her friends. Now here she was in her fabulous designer evening gown about to walk the red carpet herself. She had never dreamt of silver screen stardom. Not seriously anyway. Still it was a mind blowing experience preparing to put one stiletto in front of the other and sashay across one of the most iconic strips of red carpet in the world.
https://i.imgur.com/2Yeybge.png
"Shall we give them what they came to see, babe?" Londyn purred in Danielle's ear before they set off for the door.
https://i.imgur.com/N7U0Ltg.png
https://i.imgur.com/oKMFZNt.png
When they reached the top of the grand staircase they paused beneath one of the classic movie posters. Londyn took Danielle's hands in hers and said, "Welcome to what I believe is the first of many Starlight Accolades for us."
https://i.imgur.com/bcTIh4G.png
They had arrived early to stake out good seats not only for the show on-stage, but for the show when the really big stars, the icons, arrived. After claiming their spot they headed to the bar where Danielle quickly put her nerves at ease with Soft Shadow Avornalino and Salty Fires.
https://i.imgur.com/dFm9yvZ.png
"You might want to pace yourself honey buns."
https://i.imgur.com/3tlLVMe.png
Before they knew it the moment had arrived. With one last Avornalino in hand Danielle made her way to their seats.
https://i.imgur.com/EEmHiqd.png
“Oh my god, that’s Brytani Cho! She’s gorgeous!”, Danielle said
https://i.imgur.com/qrw8ZSJ.png
“Hilarious too. I caught one of her stand up shows here in Del Sol Valley a couple of weeks before I left on that photo shoot in Tartosa. Good god I thought I was going to die from laughter.”, Londyn said
"I'm so glad you didn't."
“Don’t look now but is that the Judith Ward? Talk about glamorous! Is she really the witch everyone says she is? I mean she looks it right now!”
https://i.imgur.com/aoTzKLC.png
“Yes and no. If you grovel at her feet and worship her, she’s pleasant enough. If you don’t, or even if you do, if she perceives you as a threat to something she wants, look out. With the attention I’m getting for my role in Urbz I’m on her radar. I’m assuming that poison look is aimed at Brytani. It’s not like they’re old timers but they’ve been at each other’s throats since they met. Imagine what Judith is going to be like when she becomes an aging superstar.”
https://i.imgur.com/2Yeybge.png
"Shall we give them what they came to see, babe?" Londyn purred in Danielle's ear before they set off for the door.
https://i.imgur.com/N7U0Ltg.png
https://i.imgur.com/oKMFZNt.png
When they reached the top of the grand staircase they paused beneath one of the classic movie posters. Londyn took Danielle's hands in hers and said, "Welcome to what I believe is the first of many Starlight Accolades for us."
https://i.imgur.com/bcTIh4G.png
They had arrived early to stake out good seats not only for the show on-stage, but for the show when the really big stars, the icons, arrived. After claiming their spot they headed to the bar where Danielle quickly put her nerves at ease with Soft Shadow Avornalino and Salty Fires.
https://i.imgur.com/dFm9yvZ.png
"You might want to pace yourself honey buns."
https://i.imgur.com/3tlLVMe.png
Before they knew it the moment had arrived. With one last Avornalino in hand Danielle made her way to their seats.
https://i.imgur.com/EEmHiqd.png
“Oh my god, that’s Brytani Cho! She’s gorgeous!”, Danielle said
https://i.imgur.com/qrw8ZSJ.png
“Hilarious too. I caught one of her stand up shows here in Del Sol Valley a couple of weeks before I left on that photo shoot in Tartosa. Good god I thought I was going to die from laughter.”, Londyn said
"I'm so glad you didn't."
“Don’t look now but is that the Judith Ward? Talk about glamorous! Is she really the witch everyone says she is? I mean she looks it right now!”
https://i.imgur.com/aoTzKLC.png
“Yes and no. If you grovel at her feet and worship her, she’s pleasant enough. If you don’t, or even if you do, if she perceives you as a threat to something she wants, look out. With the attention I’m getting for my role in Urbz I’m on her radar. I’m assuming that poison look is aimed at Brytani. It’s not like they’re old timers but they’ve been at each other’s throats since they met. Imagine what Judith is going to be like when she becomes an aging superstar.”
With that the show kicked off with a flurry of minor awards. Then came the shocker. In the aftermath of of the incident with Faith, Danielle wasn’t aware that her book, ‘Heart And Soul’ had been nominated for an Accolade. Faith’s last dagger, or so she thought, had been to keep that news from Danielle in hopes that by not knowing she wouldn’t show up and thus not win an Accolade if she was lucky enough to be chosen. Faith had no hand in the lousy mail service between Del Sol Valley and Tartosa. Had she known that Danielle hadn't received her letter notifying her that 'Heart And Soul' was up for an Accolade she would have been elated.
Spoiler
What Faith didn't know, and she never would have bargained for, was Londyn's super agent, Melissa Ramirez.
https://i.imgur.com/88QfJl1.png
It was Melissa's congratulatory call to her future superstar client that let Londyn know she had been nominated, thereby bringing Danielle to the show also. Now Faith's only hope was that the voters had chosen another novel...
“Drumroll please! The winner for Best Book is…
Heart And Soul by Danielle Huntley!”
The ladies were still staring at each other in disbelief after hearing Danielle’s name being read off as a finalist. It took a moment for the reality to start sinking in. The first of her novels inspired by Londyn and the one that sent Faith off the deep end had been recognized as the best book! Danielle and Londyn both shared a smile at the thought of, somewhere on planet Sim, at that very moment, Faith Middleton's head exploded...metaphorically speaking of course.
"I know it sounds cliché, but I really don't have a speech planned. I'm still in absolute shock."
https://i.imgur.com/ggBszHj.png
Londyn knowing exactly what this win meant both to Danielle, and in the larger karmic sense made her way up on stage to be with her soulmate. There was nowhere else she was going to be in this moment.
https://i.imgur.com/nQXT4Ar.png
"This beautiful woman beside me, is the inspiration for this novel and she is the love of my life. Everything I am. Everything I have accomplished or ever will is all because of her. I love you with all my heart baby!"
https://i.imgur.com/j1OSOtP.png
"Thank you to every single person who voted for my book from the bottom of my heart."
https://i.imgur.com/Hbfk8e5.png
After they returned to their seats still in shock and feeling elated and vindicated, they noticed a commotion at the entrance. It was Octavia Moon and her temper was at full boil. One can only imagine what Thorne might have done to put her in such a mood. Maybe it was Orange? Or Judith? They were neighbors and the air between their mansions was full of tension.
https://i.imgur.com/QjFFlX4.png
More awards were passed out and then it came time for the last and biggest award, Best Acting. This was the moment Londyn had been dreaming of since she was a child sitting next to her mom, Ebony, on their sofa in the family home on Sulani watching the Accolades being beamed across the ocean to their television. Could lightning strike twice...
"Drumroll please. And the winner for Best Acting is...
'Hasn't this been a wonderful evening? So many deserving recipients!' said the host trying to milk the moment for all it was worth.
"Where was I? Oh, yes, the winner for Best Acting is...
Londyn Huntley for her role in "The Urbz Movie"
This couldn't be happening could it? They both had that thought at the same time but it was.
"I had a speech planned for this moment but I can't remember a single word of it. I'm beyond thrilled. This is a moment I've dreamt of since I was a child. Now it's finally come true."
https://i.imgur.com/KKj7VFG.png
"And I will echo the same sentiments my wife did a short time ago. I would not be here in this moment without the love, support, and encouragement of my lovely wife, Danielle. Come on up here baby. This award is as much yours as it is mine."
https://i.imgur.com/n9nCsbU.png
"You are the air I breathe. You are every beat of my heart. I will never love anyone or anything as much as I love you, my darling Danielle."
https://i.imgur.com/4pohzXa.png
With that, the show was over. But the congratulatory phone calls and texts were only beginning to roll in...
https://i.imgur.com/C5W7996.png
"Let's get out of here. I have something I want to give you when we get home and I can't wait." said Londyn.
https://i.imgur.com/BSyFkkV.png
Later, in the wee small hours of the morning, back in Tartosa...
"I can't wait to see what it is you want to give me."
https://i.imgur.com/V4tT2tQ.png
"I think you know what it is."
"I have a good idea."
"Follow me then and let's see if it's what you think it is."
https://i.imgur.com/XnyHu12.png?1
"Well?"
"I was right. Thank you babe."
https://i.imgur.com/GneNo4n.png
https://i.imgur.com/blcOPHf.png
https://i.imgur.com/88QfJl1.png
It was Melissa's congratulatory call to her future superstar client that let Londyn know she had been nominated, thereby bringing Danielle to the show also. Now Faith's only hope was that the voters had chosen another novel...
“Drumroll please! The winner for Best Book is…
Heart And Soul by Danielle Huntley!”
The ladies were still staring at each other in disbelief after hearing Danielle’s name being read off as a finalist. It took a moment for the reality to start sinking in. The first of her novels inspired by Londyn and the one that sent Faith off the deep end had been recognized as the best book! Danielle and Londyn both shared a smile at the thought of, somewhere on planet Sim, at that very moment, Faith Middleton's head exploded...metaphorically speaking of course.
"I know it sounds cliché, but I really don't have a speech planned. I'm still in absolute shock."
https://i.imgur.com/ggBszHj.png
Londyn knowing exactly what this win meant both to Danielle, and in the larger karmic sense made her way up on stage to be with her soulmate. There was nowhere else she was going to be in this moment.
https://i.imgur.com/nQXT4Ar.png
"This beautiful woman beside me, is the inspiration for this novel and she is the love of my life. Everything I am. Everything I have accomplished or ever will is all because of her. I love you with all my heart baby!"
https://i.imgur.com/j1OSOtP.png
"Thank you to every single person who voted for my book from the bottom of my heart."
https://i.imgur.com/Hbfk8e5.png
After they returned to their seats still in shock and feeling elated and vindicated, they noticed a commotion at the entrance. It was Octavia Moon and her temper was at full boil. One can only imagine what Thorne might have done to put her in such a mood. Maybe it was Orange? Or Judith? They were neighbors and the air between their mansions was full of tension.
https://i.imgur.com/QjFFlX4.png
More awards were passed out and then it came time for the last and biggest award, Best Acting. This was the moment Londyn had been dreaming of since she was a child sitting next to her mom, Ebony, on their sofa in the family home on Sulani watching the Accolades being beamed across the ocean to their television. Could lightning strike twice...
"Drumroll please. And the winner for Best Acting is...
'Hasn't this been a wonderful evening? So many deserving recipients!' said the host trying to milk the moment for all it was worth.
"Where was I? Oh, yes, the winner for Best Acting is...
Londyn Huntley for her role in "The Urbz Movie"
This couldn't be happening could it? They both had that thought at the same time but it was.
"I had a speech planned for this moment but I can't remember a single word of it. I'm beyond thrilled. This is a moment I've dreamt of since I was a child. Now it's finally come true."
https://i.imgur.com/KKj7VFG.png
"And I will echo the same sentiments my wife did a short time ago. I would not be here in this moment without the love, support, and encouragement of my lovely wife, Danielle. Come on up here baby. This award is as much yours as it is mine."
https://i.imgur.com/n9nCsbU.png
"You are the air I breathe. You are every beat of my heart. I will never love anyone or anything as much as I love you, my darling Danielle."
https://i.imgur.com/4pohzXa.png
With that, the show was over. But the congratulatory phone calls and texts were only beginning to roll in...
https://i.imgur.com/C5W7996.png
Summer:
The girl I used to sit up with and watch the Accolades just won one! I'm so proud of you Danielle. I'm sure Londyn's phone is blowing up too so give her my love and congrats. You two deserve all of this and more. Now go enjoy your wins and we'll all be waiting for you two back here to have a celebration.
Ebony Huntley:
My sweet baby girl I could not be more proud of you and Danielle. You two are such beautiful souls and you both worked so hard to get where you are. This is just the beginning for both of you. Your father and I love you two very much and we are so happy for the both of you.
Jennifer Chabert:
I know I gave you a hard time about following your dreams of being a romance novelist instead of a painter or a writer of something other than romance. I couldn't have been more wrong. You are doing what you were meant to do and the universe is giving you and your darling wife the rewards you so richly deserve. Have fun celebrating your big night. Your father and I couldn't love you more if we tried.
Liberty:
Matteo and I were glued to the tv the whole night. I was so amazing to see you and Londyn up front and on screen all night long. I cannot begin to tell you how much we both loved watching you two win such big awards for all the hard work you put into your creative endeavors. We both send our love and we can't wait to see you back here for a real celebration. Love you girls!
"Let's get out of here. I have something I want to give you when we get home and I can't wait." said Londyn.
https://i.imgur.com/BSyFkkV.png
Later, in the wee small hours of the morning, back in Tartosa...
"I can't wait to see what it is you want to give me."
https://i.imgur.com/V4tT2tQ.png
"I think you know what it is."
"I have a good idea."
"Follow me then and let's see if it's what you think it is."
https://i.imgur.com/XnyHu12.png?1
"Well?"
"I was right. Thank you babe."
https://i.imgur.com/GneNo4n.png
https://i.imgur.com/blcOPHf.png
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