Round 1: Clavell 1–A New Leaf

Me: Good morning, Clavells. Xander, is that you?

Xander: Of course, it’s me.

Me: It’s just, well you know, you’re…

Xander: Reading? I know how to read. I graduated high school.

Me: I know. I just would have never pegged you for a bookworm.

Buster: He’s hooked on these mystery novels by some “co-worker” of his.

Xander: Marley, Pops. Marley Williams, he’s self-published. He’s writing this series about a private eye. He let me read his first one and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.

Buster: Whatever, the books keep him out of trouble.

Xander: Marley’s books have really inspired me. I think I’ve found my purpose in life.

Me: And what’s that, Xander?

Xander: I’m going to be a private eye. Let’s face it, I’ve got too much of a record to join the police force. I’m not smart enough to be doctor or scientist, but I’ve got street smarts. I can put them to good use.

Me: I’m proud of you, Xander, for getting out of the Criminal career. You’re turning over a new leaf. Good for you. Maybe you’ll meet a nice girl and settle down.

Xander: Let’s not get crazy.

Me: Have you got a case, yet?

Xander: I’m not exactly sure what it is, but Vita Alto needs my computer skills. She’s a Congresswoman, so it’s got to be big.

Unbeknowst to Xander, Vita was part of the crowd watching his mother play guitar outside the bookstore. She was enjoying the music until her nemesis, Nancy Landgraab, showed up. I thought there was going to be a cat fight, but all they did was size each other up.

I think this is the real reason Nancy restrained herself.

But while we’re on the subject of cat fights…

Issac evidently didn’t break it off with Talia Epperson before marrying Zelda.

Talia was distraught at seeing the newlyweds being affectionate with each other, but poor Talia isn’t the only one nursing a broken heart in Sunset Valley.

That would be ex-boyfriend #2 for Pauline and ex-wife #2 for Pablo.

Since Pablo moved out of Fiona’s house, I changed her name back to McIrish. Her household is once again McIrish 1, and Pablo is now Martinez 2.

Jennifer! I’m too through with you, girl. You’re a hopeless cause.

Xander finally tracked Vita down at the gym.

Vita: Ah, yes, Mr. Clavell, good of you to contact me. I need your assistance.

Xander: What can I do for you. Mrs. Alto?

Vita: I’m running for Mayor. As I pursue these higher offices, I know I’m going to be scrutinized heavily. Now, in the past, when Nick and I were just starting out, we had a little bit of credit trouble.

Xander: What does that have to do with me?

Vita: I can’t risk any of that information coming to light. Who would trust me to manage a city budget if I can’t manage my own finances? Xander, I need you to hack into the Credit Bureau’s database and erase my records.

Xander: Mrs. A., that’s really risky. I could do serious time if I’m caught.

Vita: So don’t get caught, Xander. Do this for me, and I will see to it that you are compensated handsomely. You’re just starting out your firm. I’m sure you could use some start-up cash for equipment.

Xander: That would be a big help.

Vita: Then consider me your angel investor, Xander.

Xander: Okay, Mrs. A. you’ve got a deal.

Me: Xander, I thought you were turning over a new leaf, but you hopped right in bed with the devil.

Xander: This is my last con, I promise. She’s right. I need money to establish myself. I’ll do this and then I’ll walk the straight and narrow.

Me: I don’t have a good feeling about this…

Xander: All done, Mrs. A., your record is clear.

Vita: Thank you, Xander. I’ll wire the funds to your account first thing in the morning.

Xander: It’s a pleasure doing business with you, ma’am.

Vita: Likewise, and Xander, I’m sure it goes without saying that this will stay between us. I’d hate for your parents to miss out on the joy of grandchildren.

Xander: *gulp* You’re right, Mrs. A., it goes without saying.

Me: Xander, Xander, Xander.

Xander: Please don’t say anything else.

Me: I won’t. I need to be moving on to Agnes Crumplebottom anyway. I’ll see you next round…I hope.

Other SP Updates:

I don’t get why Judy and Tori are always hatin’ on Pauline. She hasn’t gone anywhere near either of their men.

I think Iqbal and Erin are going to settle down. I approve of this match.

I really approve of this match. I know he’s supposed to be the bad boy and she’s the bad girl, but I think they are both just misunderstood.

My other teens aren’t matching up as I would have hoped.

If I had it my way, River would be with Michael Bachelor, and Bebe would be with Ethan. I guess that would leave Holly with either Parker or Lawrence, but I don’t see her with either one of those guys. If only Malcolm Landgraab were a few years older. Imagine Nancy and Vita planning a wedding together!