Banks Dynasty – Day 60.4

There’s a rare summer thunderstorm outside. After hearing about my boy Luca being struck by lightning twice, there’s no way I’m going out in it. I’m staying in and getting some work done. First up, I head straight to my laptop to contact a designer about the build-out of my man cave downstairs. Thankfully, most of the major work on the barbershop section is already done. Now I just need someone to design the rest. I’d like it to include a bar and a large-screen TV for watching sports and playing video games.

With the task complete, I head into the kitchen to make breakfast for Dad and me. He’s already standing there, ready to keep me company, so I decide to bring up something that’s been on my mind.

Wade: Do you think you could ever see yourself dating again?

Kai: At my age?

Wade: Why not? You’re a great-looking guy for your age.

Kai: Thanks, I think. But I already know no one could replace your ma.

Wade: What if it’s not about replacing Ma? What if it’s just for woohoo?

Kai: Why do I have a feeling this is really about you?

Wade: Because it is. I won’t lie, Dad. I miss it. It’s been way too long.

Kai: My advice is to give yourself time to grieve. If you don’t, you’ll end up dragging the past into something new, and that’s never good.

Wade: Even if it’s just for woohoo?

Kai: Especially if it’s just for woohoo. That can be a slippery slope, too.

I pause and focus on plating the apple bacon waffles, letting Dad’s words sink in.

We sit at the table.

Wade: How do I know when I’m done grieving?

Kai: When you can say or hear Maia’s name without your eyes filling up with tears.

I look down at my plate, realizing Dad just read me like a book—again. I guess I’m not ready yet.

We keep talking until our plates are empty. Just as we finish clearing the table, my phone rings. It’s Tami.

Tambara: *on the phone* I’m on my way over.

Wade: In this weath—

She hangs up before I can finish the word…probably because she knew I’d try to talk her out of traveling in this storm.

Tami shows up moments later, which tells me she was already nearby when she called. I can only guess how she got here, because the way her eyes light up when she sees Dad lets me know it’s pointless trying to get answers out of her. Hopefully, she at least used a rideshare service.

She places her hands on her cheeks in surprise.

Tambara: Pop-pop! You’re here!

Kai: I sure am, and I’m pleased to see you, sweetheart.

She’s headed straight for him, but I stop her in her tracks.

Wade: No love for your own Dad?

Tambara: Sorry, Daddy.

She pauses and gives me the hug I’ve been needing. Her clothes are soaked, and her hair is damp from the rain. I squeeze her a little tighter, hoping to warm her, but she pulls back quickly.

All eyes are on Pop-pop, and I watch with a twinge of jealousy as she gives him a much tighter, longer hug. After they pull apart, Dad launches into the usual questions about school and everything else before Tami finally turns her attention back to me.

Tambara: So, can I look around?

I tell her there’s not much to see, but I show her my bedroom and bathroom anyway. We end the brief tour in my office.

Tami’s face melts in disappointment.

Tambara: Is this it? Where am I supposed to sleep?

She looks around the room in disbelief.

Wade: You have a beautiful bedroom at home with your mother.

Tambara: But I told you—I want to live with you.

Wade: I don’t think that’s a good idea…

Her face falls even more, and her posture slumps. I continue.

Wade: And if you’re willing to listen, I’ll explain why.

Tambara: What can you possibly say? Mom kicked you out in the middle of the night and didn’t even give you time to say goodbye. And you moved into a place that doesn’t have room for me.

Wade: First, she didn’t kick me out. I left. And I’m really sorry I didn’t say goodbye first.

Tambara: She still asked you to move out of our house.

Wade: True. But I can’t say I didn’t deserve it. Tami, you can’t keep taking this out on your mother. I understand you need someone to blame, but that person needs to be me.

Tambara: Believe me, I’m pissed at you too.

Wade: Good. Now, could you sit down for a moment, please?

I can see all the attitude in Tami’s movements as she drops into the chair next to me. She’s like a time bomb, and if I don’t say the right things in the next few minutes, I already know she’ll explode.

Wade: I love that you want to live with me, Tami. But you belong with your mother. There are things she can teach you and talk to you about that I have no clue how to handle. You’ll be happier with her in the long run. But even if you don’t live here, you’re welcome to visit anytime. I love you, princess, and no amount of distance between us will change that. What do you think?

Tambara: Well, I’m definitely not staying in this dump with you. Why is the building so big, but your house is so small? What’s downstairs anyway?

Wade: That’s a surprise. It’s a new business I’m opening. I’ll show you once it’s ready, okay?

Tambara: Yeah, okay.

With the difficult conversation behind us, Tami and I rejoin Pop-pop in the living room. We decide to watch a movie and settle on a cheesy one about zombie sims. In the middle of joking about the stupid choices the characters are making, I receive a text and announce it out loud.

Wade: They finished the build-out downstairs. Let’s go see it.

We grab our umbrellas and head out into the storm after all. Luckily, it’s calmed down some. I lead the way and unlock the door to the Man Cave, with Tami and Dad close behind. We step inside together and take it all in.

Tambara: Whoa! Now this is how to live. Can this be my bedroom?

Wade: We already talked about that.

Tambara: Kidding!

Wade: What do you think, Dad?

Kai: I think you’re on to something with this place.

Wade: Yeah, me too.

I step in further.

Dad and I head over to the game table as Tami wisely decides it’s time to go. We remind her to be careful on the way home, then ease into the chairs around the table.

Wade: So what’s the game? Your choice…

Kai: How about Simbles?

I pull out the box and set it up. We play a quick round, which I win.

My business is finally ready for its grand opening. We head back upstairs. It’s late, so Dad turns in for the night. But I head into my office and set up my camera to announce the big event tomorrow evening.

Before I hit record, I pause. So much has happened these past few weeks, and somehow, it’s all led to this.

Is this spark of excitement what Maia felt that first day running her food stand?

The divorce won’t be easy for any of us. Especially Tami. But if each of us can make it on the other side after building something we’re proud of… maybe it won’t feel quite so devastating after all. I exhale and press record.

(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)

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