A Pleasant Story
Chapter Eleven
Daniel's Outing


Daniel returned home early in the evening and looked around the trailer, spotting no evidence of Kaylynn. Even her little suitcase was gone.

"Whew," he thought. "That was close. I did NOT want to get involved in that drama!"

Daniel conveniently forgot that he had been the CAUSE of that drama, and went over to his bed to relax. He had a little half-thought of what a new baby would be like, then quickly pushed it away. He didn't want to get distracted by emotions!




He was roused by a knock on his door and opened it to find his neighbor, Peter Ottomas, whom he'd met briefly on his first day in the trailer park.

"Hey Daniel," Peter said amiably, "I'm heading over to the men's club in Bluewater Village and wondered if you'd like to come?"




Daniel said a night out would be just what he needed!

When they arrived at the club, Daniel commented that it didn't look like much and Peter nudged him and grinned, "Just wait until we get inside!"




As Peter entered his passcode on the club's electronic door and it swung open, Daniel observed that Peter hadn't been kidding. He reflected that the club looked like it had been designed by very creative children. Or pimps.




Daniel followed Peter over to the dance floor, where several men in various stages of dress, or undress, were dancing enthusiastically.

"Peter," he said, "this is crazy! What kind of club is this?"




Peter laughed and replied, "A fun one! C'mon, let's go get a drink at the bar." Daniel followed him hesitantly. He wasn't sure if this was his kind of place.

Peter was ordering a drink and Daniel thought alcohol might be just the thing, so he joined his friend and ordered one as well.






As they awaited their order, a man came and sat to Daniel's right, and Peter introduced them. "Daniel Pleasant, this is Malcom Landgraab--he owns this club."

Daniel nodded at him and said, "Nice to meet you! Well! It certainly is a unique place!"

Malcolm welcomed him to Club Dante, then headed toward the dance floor.




Daniel then notived that one of the more naked dancers had come over to the bar and gulped nervously.

Peter waved him over and said, “Daniel, this is Jace Leive. He's one of our regulars.”

“Pleased to meet you, Daniel!” Jace said. Daniel nodded shakily, not wanting to let his eyes rest on Jace's leaves, but just couldn't help himself.





"Peter," Daniel said as Jace left to return to the dance floor, "have you noticed there are no women here?"

Peter agreed. "Well yeah, it's a MEN'S club. Or at least tonight. Malcolm hosts theme nights--Women's Club, Disco Night, Harem Club. . . "

Daniel interrupted him, "Now THAT sounds like a night I'd like to attend!"

Peter replied dryly, "Yeah, sure you would."

Daniel looked at him questioningly. "What did you say?"

He was almost shouting as the music was so loud they could barely hear each other.

Peter suggested, "There's a private room in the back that's quieter--why don't we go there so we can talk."

Daniel agreed and they moved across the dance floor to a room that was bright pink, but much quieter since the music didn't penetrate the padded walls too much.




Daniel couldn't help but notice the other occupants of the room and asked softly, as he leaned toward Peter conspiratorially, "Peter, is this a GAY club?"



Peter chuckled at him. "So what if it is? You think you don't belong here?"

Daniel just stared at him.

Peter seemed startled that Daniel was concerned and went on, "Don't worry, it's just a men's club. Some of the guys here are gay, some are straight, and some are into anything. But here comes Malcolm again."

Malcolm Landgraab made no secret of his proclivities as he checked Daniel out and gestured his approval.




Daniel stepped back nervously and made to head for the door, but Peter stopped him and spoke to Malcolm.

"Back off, Malcolm--this is Daniel's first night here. Stop trying to scare him off. Your constant flirting is getting boring." He continued to Daniel, "I'm sorry you're uncomfortable--I honestly thought you'd like this place."



Peter then introduced Daniel to Checo Ramirez. "This is Checo--he owns a furniture store here in town and he has a wife and daughter. He just comes here to relax around guys."

Checo agreed, and told Daniel, "I even bring my wife here sometimes on Disco Night. She can hustle like nobody's business!"




Daniel still looked a bit nervous.

"Bottom line, Daniel," Checo went on, "Is that this place is free of judgement. If you want to mock people, this isn't the place for you."



Daniel apologized to Checo and assured him it was just a misunderstanding and went to sit down on the sofa to rest his shaking knees. Malcolm was about to join him when Peter moved quickly to head him off, then sat next to Daniel.





“Daniel,” Peter said, “Take it easy. Most of the men here are just chilling after a hard day's work. Aside from Malcolm, nobody is going to hit on you if you don't want them to.”

“I'm okay,” Daniel replied. “I just want . . . I think I'll go watch the dancers.”



Daniel stood quickly before Peter could stop him and ran out into the main area of the club. He sat down at a table where he could watch the enthusiastic dancers.

He HAD been nervous when he realized what type of club this was, but now that he thought about it, it was sort of relaxing to be in a place where he didn't have to try and pick up every woman he saw. And the guys here sure seemed to be having fun! Maybe he'd have a little try on the dance floor!



He noticed Peter coming toward him, and then his glance picked up a new person entering the club. That looked like . . . was it Don Lothario? A playboy like him would be the last person he'd expect to see in a club like this!



He turned to get a better look to make sure it was Don, but was too late. He'd seen Daniel and run out.




Peter joined him in his reveries. "Hey, you doing okay buddy? I hope I didn't shock you too much, bringing you here. I really just thought you'd enjoy it, from what I saw of you."

Daniel wasn't sure exactly what Peter meant, but decided not to question him.

Instead he asked, "Well, what about you? Do you like. . . guys?"

Peter replied, "I like love! I'll admit I've got some close friends here, but I love Samantha and my kids and I'd never do anything to jeopardize my marriage. Sam knows I come here, and she's been here, too. She comes alone on Women's Club nights." He laughed. "Or, she does when she's not pregnant! I bet she'll be here next time!"





"Speaking of that," Peter went on, "I wanted to thank you for helping out when the twins were born. If I'd known she was due right then I never would have gone out and left her alone. So I appreciate it."

Daniel told him it was no trouble and he'd been happy to help. "What did you name them?"

"Sandy and Sally," Peter said, "And hey, we're having their birthday party the day after tomorrow, so I hope you can come. It will be a triple birthday--Tommy's going to have one, too, and become a child. It's also going to be a goodbye party--we're moving to a house!"



Daniel said sadly, "Oh, that's too bad. I liked having you all as neighbors. But I'll bet your trailer is awfully crowded with eight of you there!"

Peter agreed. "We rented the trailer so we could save money for a nice house. We've all been working and saving--David even got a job the minute he had his teenage birthday. I think he's the most excited about it because he'll be able to have his own room. We thought we'd be able to last there a bit longer with one new baby, but with twins we don't even have room for an extra crib! Sam and Dora and I have been sleeping in shifts! So, our timetable is moved up and we're going to have one big party for everything."

Daniel said, "Well, I don't have anything planned. I'd love to be there!"

That's what he thought.



Daniel then asked Peter what had been concerning him. "Why did you think this was my kind of place? When I met you I was hitting on every women in the trailer park. I think I made it very clear where my interests are."

Peter looked at him closely. "So tell me, when you hit on women, how do you go about it? What do you say?"

Daniel told him his usual line.



"So," Peter replied, "you have a single story you use to try and attract women. Do you ever ask them about themselves or their interests, or do you just throw line after line, hoping one will hook them? You met La Shawn Cameron the other day and talked to her for a while--what did you learn about her?"

Daniel thought hard. He remembered talking to La Shawn, but had he asked her anything about herself, or had he just told her his stories?

"Nothing, I guess," he told Peter. "But so what?"

Peter said, "I just think that if you were actually interested in women you'd know more about them. She's cool, by the way--she used to drive race cars until she got injured. Now she's working at a drive-through because her manager stole all her race winnings.

“I can't imagine she would have been very interested in skiing, but if you'd listened to her, she could have told you some great stories! The kids love her--she babysits sometimes if Sam and I want to go out with my mom."




Daniel gulped. He didn't know if Dora had told Peter about their encounter--well, HE wasn't going to bring it up!

Peter then said, "But never mind--this is too serious! Just something for you to think about. Jace is spinning--let's hit the dance floor and have some fun! I dare you to start a smustle!"



As Daniel wiggled and frolicked among the carefree men at the club, he looked around at how free and happy everyone seemed. Had he EVER felt so free and happy among women? He couldn't remember. He didn't think so.



As Peter'd requested, he started a smustle, but they all seemed to be doing it in their own time. Oh well–it was a blast anyway!



When they were leaving, Daniel stopped Peter and thanked him for bringing him. "I really did have a good time, and I'm going to think about what you said."



Daniel noticed two new arrivals to the club as they were exiting and thought, “Hey! That's my line!” The two men didn't look familiar but seemed very similar except one had glasses. He wondered who they were?





When they left the club, Daniel was surprised to find they had danced the night away!

If Daniel had only known, he and Peter exited the club at the exact moment Kaylynn was knocking on the door at his old house. If he'd known what that would lead to, he might not have been so cheerful.






When they got home, Peter gave Daniel a buddy-hug and went off to his own trailer.



Daniel had spent a bit more simoleons at the club than he'd planned, so even though he usually only dug in the night, he decided to get one of his treasures and sell it so he'd have some cash available. He was surprised when he dug to hit, not a valuable sculpture, but a water pipe!



He was startled, but figured he'd simply dug in the wrong spot. He tried a second hole, and felt no familiar "CLUNK" as he dug. He looked around, confused. He knew the landlord came around and did maintenance every day--could he have found his treasures?




He got increasingly agitated as he continued digging and not finding anything.




Finally he had dug enough holes and hit enough water pipes that his worse fears were confirmed--his treasures were gone.

He grabbed his head in his hands as he cried "WHAT AM I GOING TO DO!?"




“Not give up is what you are going to do,” he said to himself as he started digging again. They HAD to be here!

He was interrupted in his labors by a woman's voice behind him.

"Daniel Pleasant?" the voice inquired.

"Yes, but leave me alone, I'm busy" he said distractedly as he continued digging.

"Daniel Pleasant, " the voice continued, "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you?"