;; I'M THE FOUNTAIN OF AFFECTION

[Filter: Lenore]

The hell is <>with your sister, anyways? She seems especially sour, lately. This boy of hers giving her trouble?

All right, Lenore, let's go. I'll be by in a few minutes to pick you up, hope you got everything ready. Probably won't be able to stay out as long as I thought, neither.

[Filter: Private]

A load of shit, is what it is.

I'm out. And the smug fuck won't give me more, not even a fucking loan. Come on, asshole, I'll end up paying you double. Don't you look down and shake your head at me, don't you fucking get it? I need that shit. Come on, you know I'm fucking good for it. When have I ever been late before? Never, that's when. I don't care how many other customers you got, you owe me this shit.

You owe me.

[Filter: Lenore]

Lenore, I just plain don't think I'm having any luck down here but if you're insisting we can fucking arrange something. How's next Wednesday sound? We'll make a whole day of it. Go wherever you want, I don't care, just tell me what you want to do.

[Filter: Private]

Are you kidding me?

I don't have any more cash, you sack of shit. Don't you see me take my pay, every fucking week, and hand it straight to you? This is all I fucking make. You can't hold out on me. That ain't part of the deal. Oh, I know you heard the stories of what I do on offtime, but that's so I can eat. And even that's been running dry lately, nobody wants to play someone they know they're gonna lose to. I got to get new blood, but that ain't exactly easy. How the hell can I do that, just some scruffy, dirty dock worker like every other guy in this part of town?

You can't fucking hold out on me. I'll have more cash next time I get paid. And that's going to have to be enough, you sack of shit, and don't you even think of giving me that look. I'll work overtime, is that what you want?

[Filter: Public]

Oy, Lenore, sweetheart. Think we're gonna have to put off our picnic for a few weeks. Things at the docks are getting hairy, few guys up and quit without a word to boss, so now we all got to pick up their slack cause he's too lazy to hire somebody else.

Sorry about this, sweetheart. You know I'd get out of it if I could for you.

[Filter: Lenore]

So, are you actually sorry, or you just saying that to try and get back in my good graces? I'm a busy man, you know. Lots of other things I could be doing.

[Filter: Lenore]

So, you still wanting to see my place for whatever reason? It ain't pretty, I'm gonna warn you ahead of time so you don't get your hopes up. And you're gonna have to wait a bit. I got to clean the place up before it'd be anything close to presentable for a lady like you.

[Filter: Lenore]

Aw, now, sweetheart, I can tell your mind ain't on our night out. What's got you so upset? You can tell me about it, you know that, don't you? Maybe I can help. I hate seeing you all mad like this, after all.

[Filter: Eri]

Hey.

Lenore said you guys might need some help around the shop, and I figured I'd offer. You don't even got to pay me if you don't want to. I just figure I'm good at heavy lifting, and you ain't got a lot of people around who can do it for you, you know? Figure I might as well lend a hand, when it's for my girl's family, and all.

Now, it don't have to be right this minute. You can just give me a heads-up sometime you're gonna need me, and if I ain't working at the docks, I'll be there. You don't even have to say nothing here, just consider it a blank check. How's that sound?

All right, Lenore, I thought I'd let you know I made some arrangements. And I kept in mind that you didn't want nothing too fancy, so you don't have to even worry about getting all dolled up if you don't want to.

But no questions about what it is, all right? A man got to keep a little mystery about him. I just think you're gonna like it, that's all. I want to give you the best Rose Day you ever had.

Sure a sight, let me tell you, seeing all the flowers out in the shops. Don't know anyone what'd buy 'em this early, but sure gets a fellow thinking, that's all. First Rose Day I've really had to make plans, that's all.

Now, Lenore, I'd ask what you want to do for the day, but I figure that'd ruin the surprise, ain't that right? Gotta keep it quiet, once I figure it out. Just the figuring part that's giving me the trouble, right now. If you wanna give some suggestions I sure wouldn't mind.