Chapter 1: Sight Unseen

As promised, Leeland called Stella as the plane was taxiing to the terminal, to let her know that he had arrived safe and sound in Del Sol Valley.  Just as he was hanging up, his phone beeped, alerting him that he had a new email waiting in his Inbox.  Clicking over to his SMail account he opened a message from Make A Dish that said they had an opening as a full time Assistant Dishwasher (9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday) if he was interested.  So glad he had put in an application last week, he immediately called the number listed next to the Make A Dish logo, and accepted the position.

Picking up his luggage from the Baggage Claim area and heading out the front double doors of the airport, he hailed a cab and got in.  The taxi driver was so friendly, pointing out some local hot spots to check out in Starlight Boulevard, and showing Leeland where all the top celebrities live.  Leeland's excitement grew when the driver pulled into Mirage Park, knowing that this was where his new home was located!  The driver pulled up to the curb just outside 15 Inner Circle, helped unload the bags from the trunk, handed Leeland his business card, and then drove away.

The house really was "starter" material, but with its stucco walls and terracotta orange floor tiles, it did have a bit of  a Monta Vista-ish feel to it, reminding Leeland of back home.  It was however, nothing like The Burgess Estate Winery, but it was his!  The previous owners had left the house move-in ready, complete with a television in the living room and a funky little dresser in the bedroom.  SimsMax Realty had stocked the fridge and made sure all the utilities had been turned on and paid up for the week, as a first time buyers housewarming gift!  He took a selfie in front of his new place, sent a text to the family and posted the news on his social media accounts.

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Leeland had just finished unpacking his bags into the dresser in the bedroom and had sat down to check what was on television, when he heard a strong knock on the front door.  The person waiting on the step had "city girl" written all over her, wearing a little black mini skirt, trendy top and vibrant teal and yellow hair cut in a dramatic a-line bob.  Leeland was instantly attracted.
"Hi, Venessa Jeong.  I live just across the street." she said pointing behind her.  "I just thought I'd come by and welcome you to the neighborhood!"
"Oh yeah, of course.  I'm Leeland, come on in!"

The pair enjoyed chatting to each other with hardly ever a pause in conversation.  They talked about the neighborhood, work, the celebrity lifestyle and anything else that seemed to pop up.  He learned that Venessa also just recently moved in to her place as well and is attempting to climb the celebrity ladder and make it big as an actress, but is currently working as a Commercial Spokesperson at Plumbob Pictures Crew.  Leeland was definitely feeling the friend vibe with Venessa, and after the basketball game they had been watching was over, Leeland handed her a key to the house.
"You're the only person here in Del Sol Valley I know, and since you're right across the street and can easily keep an eye on my place when I'm not around, would you like a key to my place?"
"Yeah!  Totally!" said Venessa with a happy grin.  "Anyway, I really should be heading back, I have some lines I need to edit for a commercial we hope to shoot later.  I had a really nice time Leeland, we'll have to do something together really soon, and welcome again!"
"Later Venessa!  Thanks for stopping by!"

Shutting the door behind her, Leeland did a silent fist pump into the air...