
Beer when you're ready, mate...
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EganTrask |
Egan Trask |
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[Egan walks into the bar and looks around surprised at the high numbers in tonight but not showing anything on his face. He nods at a few and then makes his way over to the bar...]
![]() Beer when you're ready, mate... ~~ The Man ~~ |
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TulipFlower |
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...Continued from the Phoenix Bar and Grill...
'...No wife. Or girlfriend. Never even been close. Doubt there's a woman who would put up with me - or catch me for that matter.' [Oh. I somehow knew it. No woman then...And he seems proud of it. None could catch him, he said. So this good looking guy is definitely with a 'quirk' then? A major quirk as it seems. Damn it why do I always feel attracted to these guys? But this time it is different. I have to do a job in here! So, no flirting with another disaster.] Err...I mean..hey..please don't feel like..but...it is getting late..and I mean...I...
Last Edited By: TulipFlower
04/16/08 13:49:37.
Edited 3 times.
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EganTrask |
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You're leaving? Already?
~~ The Man ~~
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TulipFlower |
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[Stopping in the middle of my tracks. A ride home?
Problem is, I might need one. I drank two 'Bloody Marys' and am still not used to the monster at all. Not to mention that I dunno about how much I'm allowed to drink and drive in here. Compared to the californian attitude about smoking I guess only thinking of drink and drive might result in to electrocution...Guess, I have no chance on escaping this one...] How much did you drink?> [Oh shit! That was exactly what I didn't want to say!] Uuups. I mean... [Making up my mind. How much damage could be done, if he saves me from the stool by driving me home? I don't invite him for anything this way, don't I? He's just polite. And that is all that it is and will be about! No disaster! Not another one at all! Just a polite gesture.] Driving me home? Does that mean you think I can't handle my car? I can, you know! [Where did that came from? And NO I can't handle this car, right now...but I will!] I mean...ahem...sorry... yes...I guess maybe...this might be a good idea... It is only few kilometers down the road and you can let me out at the corner...
Last Edited By: TulipFlower
03/25/08 14:38:45.
Edited 2 times.
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EganTrask |
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At the corner? No way. I take a girl home, I take her home. How much did I drink? Not much...maybe four or five beers...hardly wet my tongue...come on...my
Ute's over there...
~~ The Man ~~
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TulipFlower |
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...that sounds like I finally found some kind of gentleman in here...
But I must admit the number of beers you already consumed worries me a bit... ...maybe it would be best, if I would call a taxi? I mean you could get along...and get dropped at your home for example? |
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EganTrask |
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Taxi? What for? It's not like I've been drinking...hop in, love...let's be shootin' through, eh?
~~ The Man ~~
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TulipFlower |
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[Hmm he seems not drunk at all. Maybe I should just ignore the amount of beer and let him take me home. I am too tired to argue about that anyway]
Okay then. How did you say?... Let's shoot through? [This makes me giggle. Strange saying.] I'm staying at the Big Sur Lodge. You know that place? It's just down the street. Only a few miles.
Last Edited By: TulipFlower
04/14/08 00:52:28.
Edited 1 times.
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EganTrask |
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[he drops her off at the inn. As she turns to go he calls her back]
Hey, love. Daffodil? Sorry, Daisy...no... Snowdrop? Christ, whatever bloody flower it is...you want to go riding tomorrow? ~~ The Man ~~
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TulipFlower |
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[I'm on my way to the front door of the lodge already when Egan is calling out after me as it seems.
First: 'Hey love'. And than a sequence of some to me senseless words follows. What the heck means Daffodil? And what does it have to do with Daisy, perhaps Daisy Duck? And snow drop? Turning around, a confused look on my face, which changes into something in between disappointed and cold, when he says:] '…Christ, whatever ever bloody flower it is…'
It gets to me: Daisy…Of course! Gänseblümchen! [So, we spent the whole day together working with this unspeakable Steve and later met in the bar, where we had some nice chat. He paid my drinks, drove me home, and he doesn't even knows my name? Whoaaa! This is gross.] "…you want to go riding tomorrow?" No! I have to work! And I have to work the day after tomorrow and the day after that one too. I have to work all the time I'm staying here. I won't have time for a ride with you at all! And maybe you remember that I told you that I have issues with horses! Oh…and Daffodil is not a nice name to call a girl! Thank you for driving me home. Have a good rest of life! [Turning on my heel and disappearing into the Lodge. Slamming the door behind me and heading for my room.] …Continued in the Big Sur Lodge.
Last Edited By: TulipFlower
04/20/08 12:04:50.
Edited 2 times.
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EganTrask |
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[Egan stands there watching her storm off]
I bloody love the way she talks...she's so gorgeous...Great legs...Wonder if O'Gallagher knows her right name? [he lopes off without looking too bothered by Tulip's rejection...] ~~ The Man ~~
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BigAppleSteve |
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[Egan's cell rings while he's with East]
Trask? Got another job for you. Bring a few horses. And your 'mate'...The other cowboy from Oz... Happy, Happy, Happy...all that shit...
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EganTrask |
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Continued from Steve's thread...
TulipFlower wrote: *Standing at the end of a cliff later. I like how the wind feels and I like the smell of the sea. Despite my vertigo I sit down close to the edge and try to calm down. But then suddenly I notice this nasty sliding sound...* Egan can recognize a woman in trouble, so he hasn't let Tulip out of his sight. Not that he's not a bit irritated, mind you. After all, what exactly has he done except tease her about her name? He knows her name ... now. Woman just can't take a tease? She needs to loosen up. Wait. What is she doing? That's way too close to the edge of the cliff ... And with that realization, Egan's at a dead run. He makes it there just in time to grasp the gravity of the situation as Tulip sinks down and sits in exactly the wrong place. He reaches out and clasps a strong hand around her wrist just before Tulip slips out of his reach. He tugs her up with all his strength and as he gets her back over the lip of the cliff, he wraps his other arm around her waist and rolls with her well away from the edge. Adrenalin courses through his body. He pulls Tulip to her feet; he's still gripping in on her wrist as he looks in her wide eyes. "What're you thinking, woman? You got a death wish, then?" Tulip puts her hands out and grabs into his jacket front, her hands twisting into the fabric as she clutches to him. She opens her mouth but says nothing. Her hair is blown in every direction in the wind. Egan cups her face in his hands. "Tulip? You in there, girl? Say something ... c'mon, beautiful. You're okay ... You're safe ... Tell me where you're staying and I'll see you home, how's that sound?" ~~ The Man ~~
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TulipFlower |
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*I faintly remember that somehow what I felt inside was happening in real life: Everything suddenly gave in under me. Me slipping downwards. Fast. No
safety-line, no anchor. Nothing, not even time to panic.
Until I feel an intense pain in my right wrist. Someone pulls at it and swirls me around until my face ends up on rough fabric.* ouch *There's no resting at all then. I am pulled on to my feet by the very wrist just to be face to face with a rather familiar visage* "What're you thinking, woman? You got a death wish, then?" *I'm getting very angry again. My fingers pinching in the fabric of his jacket. I remember my injured hand too late. The pain almost knocks me off my feet. I must have said some real bad things before, cause my saviour just lets me slide down his legs.*
*Holding my wrist and starting to quiver I hear him saying my name, offering me to bring me to where I am staying. He even call's me Tulip...* I...I dont' know. I'm not safe. I'm not anymore. I thought so. I mean...nothings safe, aint it? ...My hand hurts...I'm not sure, I still have a place to stay over. I mean, how shall I pay for it now? I mean...I just..I just... I... Ah damn it! When did all that misery start... |
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EganTrask |
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Egan sinks down to one knee so he's about level with this girl. "What do you mean you're not safe?" he asks gently, his hand reaching out of
its own volition to stroke her hair where it curls down her back. "Is there someone you're afraid of, Tulip?"
She's shivering now in the dank cold of another fog-bound night in Big Sur. It's a chill that gets into your bones if you're not used to the wetness of it. Egan slithers out of his heavy jacket and wraps it gently around Tulip's shoulders. With hands on her elbows, he helps her climb to her feet. Every protective instinct in his body comes roaring to the front -- first of all, he's just saved her life; then she's telling him she's not safe so she's obviously scared of someone; and now this final thing ... that as he guides her back toward the Inn's parking lot, he feels her lean her head into his shoulder. "If there's someone you're scared of, Tulip, and you don't want to go back to wherever you're staying, I'd be glad to give you a safe place to stay tonight. You could come to my place -- it's nothing fancy but no one could get to you there -- I'd make sure of that." ~~ The Man ~~
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TulipFlower |
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*He's just to kind, aint he?
Why do I trust him? The guy can't even keep my name. Did he kid me about that one? Why do I feel so safe? Do I fool myself as usual?* No, no. Do not worry, I'm fine. I guess... *Him being this damn nice and him being this damn close confuses me. The rough fabric of his jacket over my shoulders feels just too good. His voice sounds just too calming.* It's nothing! Don't worry. No one's after me. Just my damn upbringing as usual, I guess..oh f..k it! *He smells like fresh hay and soap. I shudder involuntarily. His hand on my shoulder is tightening and carefuly directing me towards the 'Inn again. Suddenly I put my feet into the grit like a mule.* Can't you take me somewhere else? Just for this night? ... Please?
Last Edited By: TulipFlower
05/31/09 17:13:32.
Edited 1 times.
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EganTrask |
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Night closes around them after they turn off the main highway, heading for the house Egan shares with East on the ranch they own and work. Fog makes the
headlights reflect and glow; Egan drives slowly, unwilling to do anything that may unnerve Tulip, who sits next to him in the cab. She's close enough that
she slides against his thigh whenever the truck takes the turns wide. He is aware that her teeth are no longer chattering; the heater in this truck doing its
job nicely. She gazes around, peering into the night. He takes this as a good sign -- that she's curious.
He stops the truck thne gets out to unlock the gate that keeps their spread secure from strangers. When he returns, he strains to see Tulip's outline beyond the glare of the headlights. Opening the door to climb back in, he looks up and sees her staring at him. He has the unmistakable feeling of being lost -- she knocks him off balance the way she looks at him so openly. Her lips ... he drops his eyes from her lips to keep himself in line. After all, he's offered her a safe haven -- she'd not feel too safe if he jumped on her, would she? But as his eyes drop, he can't help but notice the heavy outline of her breasts under her damp, clingy shirt. Egan swallows hard and hoists himself up into the driver's seat. Once they're through the gate and he's latched it back securely, it's only a few more minutes winding around the hilly terrain until they come to the house. It's a bit fancier, bigger than anything he's owned before. He and East are proud of it. It's a large, cabin-like home with a wide veranda where they have chairs and even a hammock. Inside, it's two stories -- bedrooms up top, everything else on the main floor. He and East may be bachelors but they keep the place spotless. Both were raised to cherish the home -- and to care for what you've earned. Egan opens Tulip's door and helps her down. He notes the way she's cradling one of her wrists still. He knows it's the one he wrenched as he pulled her away from the cliff and saved her life. Still -- a man hates to have hurt a woman, doesn't he? Inside, he pauses awkwardly in the living room, watching Tulip look around, wondering what comes next. "I'll just put the kettle on. Hot tea, with some whiskey -- think we could both do with some." Egan scoots out of the living room and escapes to the kitchen. While the water heats, he sneaks a peak at Tulip and finds himself charmed by the way she's examining the living room, that serious, curious way she has of gazing at objects. Her fingers graze across the spines of his books on the shelves. He sees her wince and rub her wrist. Striding back into the liviing room, Egan announces softly, "Water'll be ready in a few tics. Let me see your wrist, Tulip ... maybe some first aid's called for, you think?" He puts a hand out; Tulip lays her wrist across his palm. He strokes the skin. So soft. So fragile. It almost makes the breath catch in his throat. Women have such tiny bones. There's a bruise already forming. Nothing's broken, though. Without thinking, he takes her good hand and leads her into the kitchen, where he seats her at the table. He fills a dishrag with ice and places it gently over the wrist. He's about to say something, anything - but then he looks in her eyes again and grows silent. Egan's rescued by the whistle of the tea kettle. A few minutes later, he's placing mugs of hot tea on the table and a fifth of whiskey. He pours a healthy dollop of whiskey in each mug, stirs them with a spoon. They sit sipping their tea and he wonders how she came to be here, in Big Sur. And why she had to have such pretty eyes. ~~ The Man ~~
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TulipFlower |
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*I like his kitchen. It looks like the one I always wanted to have. I like the way, he suddenly is buzzing around me. I ... like him? And damn that smell,
every time he comes near me.*
Thank you! *Accepting the by now cooled down tea with the whiskey in it and just hitting it back at once.* I'm sorry, this must look like I am a drinker. But may I have another one? This time without the tea? And...ahem...do you have a towel by any chance? *Looking down at the puddle and the wet path I already left in his home.* Oh my! I'm so sorry! Do you have a rag too? Let me mop up this, please! I really didn't mean to flood your home!
Last Edited By: TulipFlower
07/31/09 14:33:40.
Edited 1 times.
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EganTrask |
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"You don't pay any mind to my floors, Tulip. They've seen much worse. But I should've already got you a towel for your hair and your, um,
clothes." Egan hops up to get her a towel from the hall closet. He hesitates as he's handing it to her; what he really wants is to be the one applying
the towel to her body, to feel the response she'd have to him doing that to her. But he knows she's here seeking shelter, not to get pawed by some
drover out to take advantage of her.
He grabs the mop from the pantry door and wipes it across the dampness that's dripped from her. He tries not to watch as she towel dries her hair. But she catches him at it. He shrugs. Her eyes glance at her empty cup and he takes the hint. Egan grabs a bottle from the cupboard and fills both mugs with bourbon. He drains his. His eyes crinkle in amusement when she also drains hers. He refills both cups. Again, they both drain them. Egan looks at her, shaking his head. She gazes at him, placid. "You got a wooden leg, woman? Never would think a tiny thing like you'd be able to handle your drink like that. Well, think I'd better stop while I'm ahead. And before I get ideas you'd not be wanting me to have about you, think I'd best show you to a guest room for the night." ~~ The Man ~~
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TulipFlower |
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A wooden leg.
*Smiling absent* That is what it is called in over here then? *Snorting into my glass once* Tiny? *Laughing out nervously* You would not believe how many, much, much tinier things than me, I saw during my job life, who have a much better wooden leg than me. A hundredfold worse wooden leg, I would say. And not only that... It is downright frightening sometimes... *Sitting up straight suddenly* Do you have a phone in here? I really need to call my agency in Germany! And if that not works, I have to call their dependance in Paris and in San Francisco. Can't be because I lost my job, that Steve is not getting any money for all he has done so far! I guess first I should call Steve? |
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EganTrask |
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The way she jumps around, one minute talking about wooden legs then about tiny girls and then about phone calls and then about her job and then about losing it
and then about ... Steve. Egan just sits there, watching her. She's a beauty, she's alive, she's different, she's wild.
She's half way to schnockered. Or more than half way, he figures. And it's not gonna be damn old Steve who gets the call from Tulip -- not tonight, anyway. Tonight she needs a man of stronger stuff. "No phone calls. Not tonight. Tonight you're gonna get yourself in bed, get yourself a long sleep. Tomorrow's plenty early to make all the calls you need," Egan announces. His voice is low and soft while still being firm. "Let's get you settled in. We have an extra room ... it's yours as long as you need it. Whoever it is you're scared of, he can't find you out here, Tulip." He rises and holds a hand out to help her stand. And then he shows her the way to the spare bedroom. It's not much, not too decorated. It's got a bed and an adjoining bathroom. It's got clean sheets, warm blanket. He brings her an old t-shirt to wear to sleep in, the only thing he can think of. And then he leaves her alone, drawing the door shut behind him after telling her that if she needs anything else, it'll probably have to wait til morning when either he or East can run out to pick her up any "womanly essentials and such." Out in the hallway, Egan pauses, his hand sliding slowly from the doorknob of the closed door. He looks at the door, purses his lips. Is there something else he should have done? He can't think of anything. And then he walks to his bedroom and climbs into bed. Egan stares at the ceiling for a little while. Okay. He wanted to talk to her ... pretty nice, actually. ~~ The Man ~~
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