Bad Boy/Nice Guy
Gavin Todd saunters over to the bar. It’s unclear if Gavin has noticed Manny up to this point, but since Manny is sitting at the bar, the close quarters force Gavin to acknowledge his presence. Gavin gives a curt nod, his face somewhere between ambivalence and disdain.
Gavin: (nods) Manny.
Gavin knows Manny’s last name is Conner, but he has never called him Mr. Conner even though they’re not close friends. It’s a subtle sign of disrespect.
Manny: Todd.
Gavin Todd turns to the bar to place his drink order, but before he can do so, Joey interrupts...
Joey: Perfect for what?
Gavin Todd: (looking slightly annoyed) I beg your pardon?
Joey: You said this place is perfect. Perfect for what?
Gavin Todd: My companion over there (gestures proudly to the beautiful Eva, sitting at a table) is an actress. She’s researching a roll and asked me to take her to the more...shall we say...colorful bars with (looks around at the customers in the bar) colorful characters. (smirks condescendingly)
Rather than being offended, Joey decides to make a game of it and play with Gavin Todd a little bit. Gavin is about to place his drink order again when Joey interrupts again...
Joey: (loudly) That’s me alright. A colorful character. At least that’s what my friends say. (holds his hand out to Gavin) Joey’s the name. I play drums and ride a motorcycle.
Gavin Todd: (unimpressed) Of course you do.
Gavin rudely ignores Joey’s hand and finally gets his order in.
Gavin Todd: (to Ken) Two Ridgeports please.
Gavin proceeds to tell Ken exactly how he wants the Ridgeports made...not too much of this, but make sure you have enough of that, etc.
Joey’s “drums and motorcycle” announcement wasn’t for Gavin’s benefit, but rather Eva’s. While Gavin’s attention is elsewhere, Joey turns to give his best smile to Eva. It’s his signature seductive smile that he has practiced and perfected at bars, nightclubs, and even a couple of churches over the years. It’s a smile that says “I’m a 'bad boy' but a nice guy.” Joey smiles at Eva to see if she’ll smile back.
And she does.
Next: Joey Makes a Move
Chapter Guide: Joey and the Actress
TOC: Vintage Newcrest Year 2 Table of Contents
. . .
Pose: Alpha Male by @sweetsorrowsims (Gavin)
