Thread: Quix's Random Bullshit Thread (Comments Welcome)

RE Quix's writing samples A Lovely Tale of Treachery and Deceit - Quix and Wild Nate Parker threw the bags containing his earthly possessions onto the creaking old bed, then walked to the window and spread the curtains apart to take a good look at the town he called home. Berne was where he'd spent his childhood but he hadn't been back for more than a week at a time - to visit his parents, and his best friend Colton, mostly - since he'd left for College almost ten years before. Now twenty-eight, Nate had spent the better part of the last five years, after graduating College with an Environmental Science degree, moving from State to State to find the outdoor work he loved wherever he could. Mostly as a Ranger, sometimes as a Fire-Fighter and other times as a Tour Guide, in one or the other of the multitude of National Parks that spanned the country. He'd intended to return at some stage to the place he'd grown up but something had always stopped him. A job, a woman, an opportunity to travel. Now he was here, and possibly for good. A decline in tourism and visitors to his latest place of employment had led to him losing his job. It was always the casual labour that was first to go. That hadn't concerned him as he was confident of quickly finding another, but the phone call from his old friend had seemed serendipitous. On the same night he'd been retrenched, as they termed it, Colton had phoned and mentioned that that next time Nate was in town, he had a proposal for him. Though they hadn't discussed specifics, the attraction of returning to see his childhood buddy and knowledge that, sometime soon, he'd need to find sustainable employment and settle down was enough for Nate to book a flight for the next day. That explained why barely 24 hours after the call, and thirty minutes before he was due to meet Colton and his wife for dinner, Nate was staring out the grimy window of a twenty dollar a night hotel at the rural streets of his hometown. Never being one to plan in advance he'd stepped off the plane only two hours ago, and booked into the first hotel the taxi had passed. Nate could have crashed at his parents, but that idea wasn't exactly pleasant. However, as he closed the curtains and turned to appraise the peeling wallpaper, threadbare carpet and single metal-framed bed, he realised that would have been better than this. He'd have to find other accommodation. Quickly. Nate couldn't see the roaches, but they were there. At least the hot water worked. Nate stepped out of the shower and wrapped the towel around his waist to assess himself in the mirror. It wasn't something he usually did but, though he probably wouldn't admit it if asked, he was as much anticipating seeing Colt's wife, Alora, again as he was Colt. They'd only met a few times and it wasn't as if he had a thing for her - she was his best friends wife after all - but each time they'd seemed to hit it off, and she was enjoyable company. It was only polite to ensure you looked presentable when having dinner with an attractive woman, even if she was married. And Nate thought he did. He'd never appear on the cover of Esquire, but he was a good looking enough man. He stood at 6'2, with piercing blue eyes, and short cropped light brown hair. His nose had been broken a couple too many times in his high-school footballing days to be perfectly straight, and his skin was weather-burned from hours spent in the sun. His chin bore a small scar from a childhood fight but the chin itself was strong, as was his jaw. All in all, ruggedly handsome would be the best descriptor. As for his body, though not overtly muscular, he possessed a barrel-chest and his broad shoulders tapered to a thin waist, his skin was tanned and the six-pack of his abdomen well defined. The physical work he'd performed most of his adult life kept him in good shape. Not too bad. Nate smiled and sprayed on some cologne before a glance at his watch told him that he needed to hurry if he was to be on time. One last run of the comb through his hair and a quick-change into a pair of fitted Levi's and a light-blue buttoned work shirt and Nate was on his way. The restaurant was only a few minutes walk, and he was no more than two minutes late when he pushed his way through the door and stopped to look for his friends. Can I help you Sir? I'm just looking for some. Nate turned to respond to the waitress who had approached him, then his voice trailed off when he glanced Colton and Alora over her shoulder. It's okay, found them. He shot her a smile and it was still on his face as he reached the couple seated at the table. Hey guys, great to see you. Nate held his hand out to shake Colt's as the man stood, and tried not to wince at the firmness of his grip before he released it and the two men briefly embraced each other. I'm good, it's been far too long, how's things with you buddy? Without waiting for the answer - there'd be plenty of time for catching up - he pivoted on his toes to greet Alora and to kiss her cheek as he returned the hug. Good to see you again, sometimes I wonder how Colt got so lucky. Nate winked at her then grinned at his friend as he dropped down into a seat. So, really, how have you been? How's the business going? Adam asked as his eyes darted between the two of them.