Banks Dynasty – Day 61.4 (Part 1)

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It’s the last day of summer vacation. The weather is finally nice enough for Tami to meet a few friends at the water park near the lake, including Enzo and his sister, Kisha. She and Enzo have been flirting on Social Bunny for days. She likes him a lot, and he has a quirky way of making her laugh. But she still can’t get Kisha off her mind.

Prom is coming up, and it’s all anyone can talk about. Tami expects Enzo to ask her, but part of her is curious what it would be like to go with Kisha instead. It’s a confusing tangle of thoughts all jumbled in her head. She’s determined to sort it out today. But first, she has to get dressed or she’ll be late.

Tami slips into her swimsuit, relieved that her mom has already left to run the food stand and won’t see it. The suit she’s picked is sure to earn her a date…whether it’s with Enzo or Kisha.

She throws on an oversized t-shirt dress and walks into the living room, where her cat, Majesty, is clawing up the furniture.

Tambara: You’re going to get me into trouble. Please stop.

The cat freezes as if she understands every word.

Tambara: I have to go now, so be good!

Tami arrives at the park as her friends gather. She’s happy to see Desi. They’ve known each other since they were babies, thanks to their fathers’ longtime friendship, although they haven’t seen each other since they were little girls. It’s a relief to find that Desi is still cool enough to hang out with—even if she’s wearing a swimsuit Tami’s mom would totally approve of. Along with Desi, Enzo, and Kisha are Freya and Gabe from school.

The group spreads out to enjoy the water emitters on this overly warm day. Tami heads toward Kisha, and they greet each other with a high five. Kisha isn’t in a swimsuit, just shorts and a tank top. She looks cute though, and seeing her sparks a warm feeling inside. Tami’s still not used to it, and she doesn’t fully understand it. Could Kisha feel the same way? Tami doesn’t know for sure, and Kisha’s behavior gives little away. Still, there might be a way to test the waters.

Tambara: So, prom is coming up.

Kisha rolls her eyes.

Kisha: Not you, too. That’s all anyone talks about these days.

Tambara: I know. But are you going? I was thinking maybe we could go together, if—

Kisha: You mean like a solo squad? No way. I’m sure we both have better options. There’s this guy I’m pretty sure is going to ask me. And you have options too.

Kisha glances at her brother with a smirk. Going solo as friends is not what Tami meant, but if Kisha is already interested in someone else, it’s better to stay quiet. Tami averts her eyes, trying to tame the minor ache in her chest. Kisha is right, she has options. Maybe it’s best to focus on that.

Right on cue, Enzo walks over, and Kisha immediately starts hinting that he and Tami should go to prom together. He pulls out his phone and ignores his sister as Tami scans for an escape. She spots Desi and heads over, relieved that there’s nothing complicated about their friendship.

Tambara: Thanks for coming. It’s super hot out here.

Desiree: Right? But the water actually feels good.

Tambara: So, what’s new with you?

Desi bites her lip, thinking for a moment.

Desiree: I have a new baby brother now.

Tambara: Really? What’s that like? Does he get all your parents’ attention?

Desiree: He gets everyone’s attention because he’s sooo cute and cuddly—and blue. Oh, he’s part alien.

Tami pauses, waiting for the punch line because she’s sure Desi is joking. But there’s no hint of humor on Desi’s face. A blue baby? That’s something Tami needs to see for herself.

Tambara: Cool! How can I get one of those?

Desi’s face fills with confusion as she searches for a way to respond. Freya gives her an out by suggesting they all go to the rec center. Everyone else heads that way immediately, but Tami takes a beat and settles into one of the lounge chairs. She still doesn’t have a solution to her dilemma.

Kisha spots her sitting there and walks over.

Kisha: Are you coming?

Tambara: In a minute. I’m going to sit and dry off a little first.

Kisha: Uh, okay.

Kisha turns and follows the rest of the group. That’s when Tami makes up her mind. Why keep wondering how Kisha feels when she has a sure bet? Enzo is cute and clearly interested. Tami will shift her focus and secure her date for the prom. But first, she needs to get super cute.

Enzo is in the lobby when Tami arrives at the rec center. Is he waiting for her? Tami is sure Kisha has set this up.

Enzo looks up at her hair, flowing down to her shoulders. Tami is glad she took the time to take it down.

Enzo: I like your hair like that.

Tami smiles, happy that he noticed.

Tambara: Thanks!

Tami looks around the room.

Tambara: I haven’t been here since I was little.

Enzo: We come all the time. The arcade room is the best.

Tambara: That must be where everyone disappeared to. It’s strange how prom crazy they’ve been online these days.

Enzo: Right? Are you planning to go?

Tambara: I shouldn’t, because it feels so silly to get all worked up about it. Everyone is scrambling for a date. It makes me not even want to deal with it. Maybe we should just go together so we don’t have to think about it anymore.

Enzo: I was thinking the same thing.

Tami catches herself before a grin gives her away. She keeps her tone casual.

Tambara: Cool! So, are we going together?

Enzo: Sure. I guess I’ll go to prom with you.

Both of them are trying to play it cool. But neither of them can hide the huge smiles on their faces. It’s finally settled. Tami has a date for the prom!

Today is the grand opening of Wade’s Man Cave. I linger in my apartment for a moment, trying to calm my nerves. I’ve never run a business before. There’s so much that could go wrong, but I shift my focus to what might go right.

I hired one employee, Khalid Nassar, and it seems I made an excellent decision. He’s already outside working by the time I make it down the stairs.

My phone buzzes with a text. I glance down and see it’s from Luca.

Luca’s text: I saw your video! Congrats on your grand opening today.

Wade’s reply: Thanks, Luc! You should come by if you can get away.

Luca’s text: Actually, I can. I’m on my way.

The nerves bubble up again as I step into the empty building. What if it stays this way? Did I jump the gun by opening the place and hiring someone?

Dad breaks the chain of negative thoughts when he walks over with a big smile on his face.

Kai: You’re going to make so much money with this place, son. It’s perfect.

Wade: You think so?

I need him to believe it—so maybe I can.

Kai: For sure. It’s a need that had to be filled. Besides a bar, where else can men go to hang out and make friends?

I can’t think of a single place. I mean, I met Luca at the park by chance, but that was a fluke. Maybe this is the start of something good.

Dad walks away, and the next familiar face I see is Luca’s. I’m glad to see it’s the old Luca I know and love, not the miserable one with the bloated belly.

Wade: Luc, you made it!

Luca looks around, taking in the vibe of the Man Cave.

Luca: The place looks great, man.

Wade: Thanks. I appreciate you being one of my first customers, but I refuse to take your money.

My guy just had an entire alien baby, and somehow still has the energy to show up and care about me. That’s true friendship.

Luca: I saw your video, Dub. Sorry about the divorce.

Wade: Yeah, I wanted to tell you directly, but I know you’ve got your own ish going on. How’s that been?

Luca: Taking it day by day.

Wade: What’s his name again?

Luca: Logan. Did you see the pics I sent?

Wade: Yeah—wild stuff. But he looks like you… besides the blue, of course.

Luca: Think so?

Wade: For sure.

Luca: But how about you? How are you doing?

Wade: Better now. Pops showed up right on time. He’s been a big help—he’s kind of going through the same thing.

A flicker of loss crosses Luca’s face, probably from missing his father. I’m sure he could’ve used that support with everything he’s been dealing with.

Luca: Tough stuff. Is your dad here?

Wade: Yeah, he’s around here somewhere. You’ll finally get to meet him.

Luca: I look forward to it.