"BRUCE DOOLEY" from Gossamer
Bio provided by author:
Bruce Dooley began as a very minor player in Gossamer Falls. He was a bartender with a bike for many months, but now he has become much more. Befriending Kris Hollingsworth turned into a budding romance, Bruce became enemy number one for her husband, Edward, and the big man was a shoulder to lean on for many other cast members. He was involved in a headline making criminal trial and settled the resulting civil suit. Though his past remains a mystery, Bruce has helped many Gossamer Falls citizens through tough times. With a kind heart, he has opened the eyes of Kris, and allowed her to see that other paths exist besides the one she travels.
In the latest episodes, the intensity of his relationship with Kris has increased. An unspoken bond exists between them as they teeter on the edge of friendship and love. An honorable man, Bruce knows better to step over that line, no matter how much he would like too. And something else stops him from embracing the next step, a secret only he knows that will shatter the fragile world he has built in Gossamer Falls.
SCENE #1:
Yawning, Bruce Dooley stumbled from his bed, trying valiantly not to fall on his face. The doorbell, its buzz louder than it had a right to be, had shocked him out of pleasant sleep. If he opened the door to that reporter again, she was going to get a big piece of his mind.
Pulling the heavy metal door, the big man's mouth dropped when his eyes focused on Kris Hollingsworth. Realizing he was wearing only pajama bottoms, Bruce pulled the door partially closed and hid his chest. Kris simply smiled.
"Hi, Kris," he croaked.
After a small giggle, the woman said, "Good morning, Bruce. I didn't mean to get you out of bed."
"No problem," he smiled, embarrassed. "I sleep late since I have such long nights," he offered.
Kris rocked on her heels, her hands behind her back. "You don't have to explain to me."
"I know," he said, debating on whether to ask her inside. What the hell? he thought. She appeared to want to visit. "Would you like to come in?"
"Yes, I would," she said confidently.
Swallowing hard, Bruce escorted her toward his recliner. He felt awkward about the lack of luxury he could offer her, but he was even more nervous about the strange look on his friend's face. Far be it for him to complain about having the pleasure of her company, however.
"How did you find me?" he asked.
"I remembered your address from court," she said, examining the meager apartment.
The bartender pointed to his lone chair. "I don't have much furniture, but you're certainly welcome to the fluffy chair." As her eyes strayed to his chest, Bruce rubbed a hand through the hair there.
Kris wore a casual pair of slacks and a sweater that revealed little, but she looked great just the same. Her short blonde hair was combed back as she usually wore it. She looked ready for a casual Saturday outing. Bruce thought if he was included in her plans, he might keel over on the spot.
Settling in the blue recliner, Kris pushed into the surface, testing its softness. "Nice chair. Where are you going to sit?"
Shifting on his feet, Bruce looked around, realizing he'd never had anyone in the apartment on a social call. "Uh, the floor?" he asked, smiling sheepishly.
Shaking her head, Kris said, "It's okay. We don't need to get too comfortable in here anyway." Her beautiful eyes strayed to the bedroom.
Bruce felt a little lightheaded. "We don't?"
"No," she said with a coy smile. "How have you been, Bruce?"
Licking his lips, Bruce tried to shift his thoughts into a purer area so he could intelligently participate in their conversation. "I've been okay," he said. He was actually much better than he had been a few days ago. Settling the lawsuit with Kirk Griffith had taken a huge burden off his shoulders.
"That's great. I've been kind of out of touch lately. I missed talking with you, though."
Brown eyes looked away, then back to Kris. "I missed you too," he said quietly. "How was New York?"
"There was one enlightening moment. The rest was unremarkable. Did you ever buy a car?"
Bruce wanted to talk more about her trip to the Big Apple, but felt obligated to go with Kris' flow. "No. I've been occupied lately and haven't gotten around to it. Why?"
Kris nodded and smiled brightly. "Good. Get some clothes on."
Feeling suddenly naked, Bruce glanced down at himself. The only response he could muster was a weak, "Okay."
He could hear Kris laughing as he scurried back to his bedroom for a decent set of clothes. Personally, he didn't care what she did, as long as she didn't leave. When he returned in a pair of jeans and a plain T-shirt, Kris stood to greet him.
"Come with me?" she asked, holding her hand out to him.
Without hesitation, he took it, following eagerly behind the spunky young woman as they left the apartment.