My social media work is done, so now it’s time to head to my other job: opening the Man Cave. I meet Khalid there at noon and get to work cleaning and prepping for today’s clients. Once the space is ready, I head outside to draw in new customers. A few consider it but walk away, while several eventually come in. Khalid doesn’t waste a moment—he jumps right into offering hand and foot massages. This guy definitely deserves a raise!
I can’t let Khalid outwork me, so I do my part by making sure drinks and snacks are stocked. I also make my rounds, introducing myself to each customer and trying to win them over so they’ll let me give them makeovers.
The first customer I successfully convince to sit in my barber chair is a frumpy-looking dude named Philip. This guy has “disruptive” written all over him. I can tell because all he does at first is complain. His only goal seems to be making the other customers uncomfortable. But I’ve got the cure for that. Once I get him seated and set him up with a new look, he walks away feeling much more satisfied. Heck, I made him look so good that it wouldn’t surprise me if his dating potential has increased tenfold.
After seeing what I did for the first guy, I expected the others to line up, but my chair stays empty for a while. Time to make the rounds and try to convince more customers. One guy turns down my offer for a haircut, but after recognizing me from SimTube, he asks for an autograph. I’m still not used to people asking, but I happily oblige.
Next, I approach an older gentleman who came in wearing a watering can as a hat, with long hair and a beard that would make Father Winter jealous. There’s no way I’m letting him leave without a makeover. But I have to play it cool and be careful not to offend him. I start a conversation, telling him all about the services we offer at the cave. Then I go in with the compliments.
Wade: I grew up on a farm in Henford, so I admire your botanical look. But I think I can take your style further by tuning it down a bit.
Glen: But this is the only version of me that I know.
Wade: It’s not too late to introduce you to a new, improved Glen. What do you say?
Hook, line, and sinker… Glen follows me to the barber chair, and I get to work. I dust him off and convince him to part with his watering can, and once I do, Pops ends up looking good enough to give the young guys a run for their simoleons. Glen walks away smiling, with a little more swag in his step, proving he likes the new version of himself.
Khalid and I wrap up our workday at 7 p.m. I wouldn’t say the work involved in running the cave is physically tough, but trying to keep so many people happy all the time is emotionally draining. Although I could use a nap, the night is still young and I’ve got plenty to do, so I head to my office and take care of some SimTube maintenance by answering comments and promoting my upcoming videos.
It’s crazy that even after being around people all day, I still feel lonely in the evening. Without someone else here, the house feels empty and devoid of sim energy. Things are way too quiet as I prepare a salad and sit down to eat it alone. After dinner and cleanup, I decide to give Tami a video call. Hearing from her should be enough to liven up my evening.
It’s nice to see and hear from my princess. Tami’s eyes are lit up and twinkling like my ma’s used to be when she was happy. It’s good to see, but I’m not sure I like the reason behind it.
Tambara: *on video* I have a date to the prom!
I shouldn’t be surprised. Tami is a beautiful girl, and I’m sure the guys are swarming, but I’m not quite ready for the dating to begin. I recall going to prom with Perla. It wasn’t very eventful—other than a good night kiss, nothing really happened afterward. I want to make sure that Tami and this guy, whoever he is, have a similarly innocent experience.
Wade: Wait, what? I need to meet this guy. Invite him over for dinner tomorrow.
If Tami’s face were a balloon, it would be deflating right now.
Tambara: *whining* But why?
Wade: Because if I don’t meet him, you don’t go. I need to see what kind of person he is.
Tambara: *grumbling* But Mom already said I can go. We went shopping for my prom dress and everything.
Wade: Yeah, but you have two parents. So tomorrow night, 7:30 p.m. I’ll barbecue.
Tami goes silent on the other end. Her gray eyes have darkened to storm clouds… once again, like my ma’s.
Wade: Tami? Can you still hear me?
Tami’s face is stiff, and the joy she had earlier is gone. I hate to be the cause of it, but I’m okay being the bad guy for once. At least she’ll be upset with me instead of Maia.
Tambara: Yeah.
Wade: So? See you tomorrow?
Tambara: I guess so. I’ll text him and see if he can come.
Wade: He’ll come if he wants to take you to prom. Just tell him what I said: if I don’t meet him, you don’t go.
Tambara: *huffs* Okay, whatever
I carry the phone toward the bathroom, not ready to end our conversation. But Tami’s entire demeanor has changed.
Wade: So, how was school today?
Tambara: Okay. But I better go. I have homework.
Wade: Okay, see you tomorrow. Love you.
Tami doesn’t hear me. She taps her screen, and her face disappears from my phone. For the second time today, a female Sim ends the call without a proper goodbye. I’m on a roll.
I go into the bathroom and start getting ready for bed. Tami’s news has added yet another emotional weight to carry. Where has the time gone? My little baby princess has grown into a big princess and is going on her first date. Now I have to deal with that—and everything that comes with it. We haven’t even had the woohoo talk yet. I feel like she’s heading to prom without being properly prepared. At least I’ll get the chance to meet the guy.
How should I play this? I could just be nice and try to get a read on him… or I could go out and buy myself a cane like Clyde had. If I swing it in this guy’s face a few times, maybe I can make sure he doesn’t try anything with my daughter.
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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