Chapter Eight: Alone Again, Naturally

Erik spent a very restless night, tossing and turning and tossing some more. Sleep was evasive. It was moments like this he was sorry he never got himself a small television for up here. Snow had fallen again all night and the best way to a television was to go down a flight and across the parapet-lined roof to the ‘family room’. He did live in a renovated but rather ancient castle, after all.
He wasn't suffering from another break up, exactly, since he had never actually asked Tillie to be his girlfriend. In fact, they had only gone out together three times on ‘official dates’. They had managed, however to get romantic with each other, never going too far, thanks to the Paparazzi. That’s when he first saw a change in her. That’s when he saw shades of the Past come out to haunt him.

She would get a funny look on her face, almost hurt, in fact as if he belonged to her, exclusively. Sharing him was simply not an option. Other times, they just managed to show up at the same places. Erik had been invited to a dance hall in Windenburg where the Club would often meet. The evening was already late, almost spent. Several minutes after he’d gotten out on the dance floor, strutting his stuff, there she was. She came with another Sim friend.
Before too long they were standing alongside each other dancing and chatting about this and that. Erik took a moment to sign an autograph when asked. The fan was just a child, he wasn't going to say no. Although the thought crossed Erik’s mind were the child his he wouldn't be up this late, nor at a dance hall where they served adult beverages. But that was beside the point. He felt like he owed it to his fan base. Certainly the little boy was all excited. He’d made another Sim happy. Isn't that why they were here in this world? To make others happy? His fans were all good Sims, as many of them as he’d actually met. Why not sign a picture, a note pad, a scrap of paper for them? Snap a Selfie or two.

Being kind shouldn't hurt anybody. Erik was unharmed, himself. But, unfortunately, again there was collateral damage.
Erik could see it on Tillie’s beautiful face. The time spent was so very little, too. He was quick to pick up on their conversation, just where he believed she’d left off. But, it was no good. Erik knew she was far more mature than Leila had ever been. At least Tillie didn't throw her hands up in the air and stomp her foot like some toddler. The sadness in her visage really got to him. Erik ran his hands up and down her arms trying to calm her down. He spoke gently to her, trying to share her emotional burden. Nothing he did could fix it.
That’s when he began to grow uncomfortable himself. He was glad now, they hadn't officially become an item, so his family wouldn't ply him with questions as to whether or not he’d popped the question, yet and when he was likely to do so. Yes, Tillie was marriage material on so many levels. Just, perhaps, not for him. He was disinclined to give up his music.
Sadly, she brought up the issue of his career on the dance floor in front of several people. Yelling at him, giving him the what for. To strangers they must've sounded like some old married couple. Erik tried to explain things from his point of view, but it just ended up in a screaming match. What a lousy way to end a year, too.

Now, he wondered how he was going to bring in the New Year. As if his Agent sensed something was wrong, Erik got a phone call.
“Hey, yes I’m available,” Erik said into his cell phone. “You want me to play … where?
“Brindleton Bay Arena,” said the Agent.
“Wow, I really have made it, haven’t I? That place is huge.”
“So, you’ll do it? The gig is set for New Year’s Eve. I wasn't sure if you were busy.”
“Busy, ha,” Erik began to laugh, dabbing at the tears that edged out of the corner of his eyes. “Nah, I might have been, but things just fell apart. You’ll probably read all about it in the local rag mags at the supermarket. I’m afraid it was a bit of a public spectacle. You have no idea how you just threw me a life-ring. That place is brand spanking-new. I don’t think anybody’s even played there, yet.”

“Nope. You get that special privilege, Erik. It’s all for you.”
“Huh, you’re kidding me. This is all a joke. I mean, it has to be, right?”
“If anybody deserves the honor, son, it’s you. You know you’re my favorite client, right?”
“I knew I could count on you, Dan. You’re the best agent a Sim could have. Thank you, and Happy New Year.”