Banks Dynasty – Day 35

Michelle has left to work on her newest commercial, so I use the time alone to start working on my next freelance job. I chat with my client who has a bad habit of responding to my questions with snide, snarky comments. I have to remind myself not to curse them out because I need the money…and this job could lead to a big payday.

The client needs me to build some webpages for them…but after chatting with them – I’m feeling a little uninspired to get started on their job right away. I decide to get started on my own little side project. I finally start building my fake charity website. It’ll be called Bright Futures.

I spend all morning working on webpages for myself and eventually get started on my client’s. It’s late in the afternoon when Michelle finally arrives home with a new purchase that she bought using the pay from her commercial – a styling chair. This is perfect because I need her to help me get ready for my date with Q. She’s happy to help. After about an hour’s work, she has finished my make-up, my hair, and has chosen the perfect outfit for me to wear.

I meet Q at Yuma Heights Winery and Inn for our date. It’s a beautiful location and I’m excited to see what he has planned for us. I check out the events board on the way to the restaurant.

Alida: So they actually have tours that show you the process of making and storing wine.

Quincy: Yeah…we can do one if you’d like.

I still haven’t fully mastered the art of walking in heels, so I’m not really up for walking around for a tour right now.

Alida: Maybe next time.

Q checks in with the hostess, who leads us to our table.

Quincy: You look as gorgeous as ever tonight.

Alida: Thank you…you look good too.

We look at the menu and I discover that I can’t pronounce half the things on it and I damn sure can’t afford anything. Q can probably sense my discomfort, so he makes a few suggestions. When the waitress comes…he gives her our order, which takes a whole lot of pressure off of me.

After Q places our order…there’s nothing to do, but wait and talk – which makes me nervous. He starts in with the questions immediately…I suddenly wish I had my bottle of bubbles.

Quincy: So…where are you from ma?

Alida: You know where I’m from.  We met in Del Sol Valley…remember?

Quincy: Yeah…we met there, but I’m not from there – so that doesn’t mean that you’re from there.

Alida: Well I am. Born and raised.

I can already tell that Q is on a ‘getting to know you’ mission. I’m definitely not on board with that.

Quincy: What about your parents? Where are they from?

Alida: *evasive* You never told me where your parents are from. Why don’t you go first?

I can see the frustration in his eyes, but he plays along knowing that I’m just avoiding the question…

Quincy: My dad is from Twinbrook. He came here to help with a secret mission involving some plant that was possessing people in town – but I already told you about that. My mom is from Strangerville. They met there. She’s from a well-to-do family and the only reason they really accepted her marriage to my father is because he’s been hailed a town hero. They married…and had a fairly humble beginning. My mom inherited our house after her parents died but other than that…they have worked hard and built themselves up to where they are now. Your turn…

There’s no more ducking and dodging…I have to say something.

Alida: I – I don’t know much about my dad. He died when I was a baby. I barely even know his name. My mom is from Del Sol Valley…same as me.

The waitress brings our food…which gives me an out.

Alida: Can we continue this conversation later? I have to be honest – talking about my parents isn’t very pleasant…and I really want to have a good time with you.

Quincy: Yeah…okay. Sorry to make you uncomfortable…

We eat and keep the conversation about food and wine.

(Note: We’ll pretend that they actually got their food and that the wait staff wasn’t too preoccupied with watching the New Year’s channel to actually serve them…*sigh*)

After dinner…we decide to make a toast.

Quincy: Let’s toast to getting to know each other better…

Alida: Nice try…I have a better one. Let’s toast to taking it one day at a time and enjoying the new year.

Quincy: Okay…I can drink to that.

We sip our drinks until we realize that it’s almost midnight and we’re about to miss the countdown. Q informs me that he reserved a room for us…if I’m down to stay the night.  Of course I am, so I head upstairs while he checks us in.

We manage to get upstairs with only minutes to spare. We turn on the TV and begin the countdown…

Quincy & Alida: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 –

Q has me in his arms and is kissing me before we can finish the countdown. After the kiss…

Quincy: *whispers* Happy New Year ma!

Of course, the kiss doesn’t end there. Once we have our hands on each other…there’s no stopping us.

After woohoo, Q’s mood turns serious. We hold each other, there on the bed…

Quincy: Why don’t you trust me, ma?

Alida: I do trust you…

Quincy: Why aren’t you trusting me with the truth…of who you are and where you’re from?

Alida: I – uh…just need time.

We slowly begin to fall asleep in each other’s arms, but Q has one more thing to say…

Quincy: It’s hard, ma. It’s hard to be in love with someone…when you don’t really know who they are.

His words shock me. Now I’m wide awake. Love? Did he just tell me that he loves me? Maybe it’s just the wine and fatigue talking. I look at him for clarification, but he’s already asleep. I slowly slide out from his arms to avoid waking him. I think I love him too, only I’m satisfied with the relationship the way it is. I changed my name for a reason…to reinvent myself. But I know that won’t be enough for him. If I don’t tell him the truth about my past…I know that I’ll eventually lose him.

(Generation 1a Chapter Summaries)