Luca: I didn’t exactly have my share. And I’m married now. That was ages ago. How am I supposed to know where to meet women?
He shoots me a warning look.
Luca: Don’t even think about calling Chi Chi. She’s happily married now.
I hadn’t even considered it, but now that he’s brought her up… Chi Chi wouldn’t have been a bad idea, if she were still single.
I lean in, smirking.
Wade: Well, what about one of the other so-called friends? Didn’t you have them lined up and waiting?
Luca: Dub, no. Find your own women. It’s not like you don’t have options. I’ve seen your comments section.
I laugh.
Wade: Just jokes, Luc. Just jokes…
But not really—especially if he’s down to hook me up with one of his fine exes.
Dad walks over just in time to spare me from showing how desperate I actually am.
Kai: Is this the famous Luca I’ve heard so much about?
Wade: Hey, Dad, yeah. This is my best friend, Luca. Luca, this is my dad, Kai.
Luca: It’s so nice to meet you.
Kai: Nice to meet you, too.
Luca: This dude has seen me through some rough times.
Wade: Not more than what you’ve done for me.
Kai: I’m glad you’ve had each other’s friendship. Friends are hard to come by.
He gives Luca a subtle once-over.
Kai: You remind me of my son Mase, hair and all—before he cut his off.
Wade: Told you, you gotta let go of the Tarzan look eventually.
Luca rolls his eyes.
Luca: Jealous of the natural curls?
Wade: Nah, I’m serious. You’ve been holding on to that hair for as long as I’ve known you.
I nod toward the styling chair.
Wade: I’ve got my clippers ready to go. I could hook you up with something fresh.
Luca: Wait, you don’t have a barber?
Wade: Just me—and Khalid to back me up.
Luca: Is Khalid a barber?
Wade: Not exactly, but I’m no stranger to clippers. Who do you think keeps me lined up and neat?
Luca: I have no idea.
Wade: Me, that’s who. Trust me. I got you. Been lining up my hair forever. That’s how I keep it tight.
Luca starts toward the chair.
Luca: Alright, alright. You mess me up, though, and I’m sending the aliens after you. That’ll solve your woohoo problem.
I laugh, relieved to hear Luca’s sense of humor kicking in.
Wade: Deal. But once I’m done, your comments section will go crazy.
I sense Luca’s reluctance as he settles into the styling chair.
Luca: You sure you got this, man?
Wade: Yes, I’m sure. Now sit back and chill. Wade’s Man Cave is about relaxation, not stress.
Luca: Then you should’ve hired a barber. Then I wouldn’t be stressed.
I grab my scissors.
Wade: What’s a barber got that I don’t have?
Luca: Training.
Wade: I told you, I’ve trained on my own hair.
Luca: But have you ever cut anyone else’s?
I feel him leaning forward a little, so I gently pull him back into the seat.
Wade: No, but how hard could it be?
I start by cutting off Luca’s ponytail and brushing back the hair in the front.
Wade: Now you’re ready to become the next Del Sol Valley movie star.
I hand him a mirror to check himself out.
Luca: It’s not bad… but I don’t know. Maybe you should just shave it all off?
Wade: Are you sure?
Luca: I’m letting go of the Tarzan look, right? Just hurry up and do it before I change my mind.
Now I’m the one hesitating. I can’t imagine Luca with a buzz cut—but he’s the customer, so I have to do what he asks.
Wade: Okay.
I trust his judgment, pull out my clippers, and get to work.
A few minutes later, Luca checks himself out in the mirror. He looks good. I like it a lot, but I get nervous when he just stands there, staring.
Wade: You okay? I didn’t mess it up, did I?
Luca: No, it’s fine. I’m just not used to seeing myself without hair.
Wade: New adventures, new you, right?
Luca: Yeah. Let’s hope Sophia doesn’t miss having something to run her fingers through.
Wade: Just make sure her fingers are otherwise occupied and it won’t matter.
Luca chuckles.
I’ve been so focused on Luca and his hair, I didn’t realize how full the place has gotten. Dad was right—Wade’s Man Cave could be a gold mine.
Luca still has time to spare, so I challenge him to a game of foosball. It’s the only spot in the whole place that’s still empty.
I notice Khalid working the room like a pro, talking customers into getting manicures along with hand and foot massages. Somehow, he’s also keeping an eye on the bar and making sure drinks are flowing. As soon as we’re making enough money, I’ll have to give the guy a raise.
Luca and I play a round or two, barely keeping track of who’s winning, just enjoying the camaraderie, before it’s time for him to go. Dad walks over shortly after Luca heads out the door.
Wade: You were right, Dad. I think I’m going to be okay here.
Kai: You’ll do better than okay. Once word gets out, you’ll need a waiting list to manage the crowd.
I look around once more. This time, I feel just as confident as he does.
The evening winds down. A few guys are still trying to come in, but I have to draw the line somewhere and close the place up. Khalid has been working long enough, so I dismiss him and walk over to the bar to pour myself a celebratory drink.
The first day at Wade’s Man Cave went incredibly well. I couldn’t have asked for a better start.
I pull out my drone and start a stream, making sure people know how strong the grand opening was. I gain a few more followers, pushing my total to over four million.
Dad shares a drink with me before announcing that it’s time for him to leave. I hate to see him go, but he said he was heading to visit Drake in CE next. I’d love to have Dad all to myself, but my brother might need him just as much as I do.
After Dad leaves, I lock the place up. I should be smiling from ear to ear as I make my way up to my apartment, but I’m feeling kind of low. All the success in the world doesn’t mean much without someone to share it with. It sounds cliché, but it’s true—and that reality settles heavy on my shoulders.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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