Banks Dynasty – Day 63.4

The first thing I do after showering and getting dressed for the day is check for any Cupid’s Corner matches. Oddly enough, the first person I see is Annie, who counseled Maia and me during our marriage. There’s something really unsettling about that. Aren’t relationship counselors supposed to be in relationships themselves?

I keep swiping and come across a few interesting women. The problem is, the ones around my age all seem to have something a little off, and the younger ones are way too young. A couple of them aren’t much older than Tami. I’m not trying to be that creepy guy on a dating app.

So far, finding a date isn’t going well. But my SimTube audience is always there, ready and waiting for something new, so I decide to give them just that. I set up my camera and get in position for another video. This one’s called “Fashion Tips for Reentering the Dating Scene.” Hopefully, I’ll be following my advice soon.

I’ve got about an hour before it’s time to open the Man Cave, so I sit down with some leftover waffles. Dating’s been sitting heavy on my mind, and now I’ve got something else to think about. Tonight, Tami’s prom date is coming over for dinner. I’m looking forward to it, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little uneasy.

I keep wondering what kind of guy she picked. What does he look like? My daughter is top tier, no doubt about it. So I figure he’s got to be good-looking, probably popular too. I can’t see her settling for anything less. But then I think about whether he’s anything like me. I’m not a bad guy, and I’ve tried to be a decent father. Still, I messed up my marriage, so maybe she needs someone who’s got his life together more than I ever did.

Overall, I just want him to respect her. Treat her right. I’m not trying to end up in jail for knocking somebody’s son out, but I will if he hurts my daughter. That’s not a threat. That’s just the facts.

I glance at my phone and see it’s almost noon. Time to put the thoughts away and get to work. I head down to the Man Cave and find Khalid already manning the bar. It’s time to reward him with the raise I keep mentioning.

Wade: So, Khalid, how much am I paying you?

Khalid: I make about 20 simoleons an hour.

Wade: I think I can do better than that. How does 32 simoleons sound to you?

Khalid: Sounds like I can finally buy that car I’ve been trying to save up for.

I’m glad to hear that. Khalid’s a hard worker. He deserves whatever his heart’s set on.

Khalid: Oh, by the way, a guy was asking for you. Says he knows you. I think he went into the workout room.

Wade: Alright, thanks.

I leave Khalid to his duties and head into the workout room, only to be greeted by my cousin Leslie. He’s the son of my mother’s only brother, and I haven’t seen him in years.

Wade: Leslie! How’s it going? It’s so good to see you.

We hug.

Leslie: You too. I heard you opened this place and had to come check it out.

Wade: Thanks for the support.

We catch up for a moment. I tell him about my motivation for starting the business, and he fills me in on how his mother’s been doing.

Wade: Did Khalid tell you about the other services we offer?

Leslie: No, but I saw the sign in the lobby. It says you offer hand massages? I do a lot of typing for work. I could actually use one.

Wade: Say less. Follow me.

I usually leave the hand massages to Khalid, but since Leslie’s family, I decide to take care of him myself. Besides, it gives us more time to catch up on what’s been going on in each other’s lives.

We close up the cave at seven on the dot. I want to be on time when Tami and her date arrive for dinner. The day ends with good business news. I’ve moved up in the ranks, which should lead to great things for the cave.

I wish I had time to celebrate, but I’m more focused on the fact that it’s still raining. I wanted to host this dinner outside, keep it casual with barbecue, and grill this so-called date to make sure he’s on the up and up. But the rain changed those plans. I head upstairs to get ready.

I can play this two different ways, and I decide I want to be as intimidating as possible when Tami and the guy show up. I do my best to channel Clyde, the most intimidating man I’ve ever met. I put on my sunglasses so Tami’s date won’t be able to see my eyes. If he can’t see my eyes, he won’t know what I’m thinking, which should keep him on his toes. I also decide to get myself a cane.

I’m standing at the door when Tami and the guy arrive.

Tambara: Hey Daddy! This is Enzo.

What did Clyde do when I first arrived at his house? He ignored me and walked over to greet Maia. I step forward to do the same, but Tami stops me in my tracks.

Tambara: Why are you carrying a cane? And what’s up with the sunglasses? You look blind.

So much for being intimidating. Tami’s tone turns me into a joke. Who am I fooling? I’m no Clyde, and honestly, I’d never want to be. I rethink my strategy, give Tami a big hug, then take off my sunglasses and put the cane away. I’ll play this cool. That I can do effectively.

I finally turn my attention to this Enzo and lay on the charm.

Wade: Nice to meet you. Thanks for coming. Please make yourself at home while I get dinner started.

Enzo: Nice to meet you too, Mr. Banks.

I give Enzo a subtle once-over. He’s fresh, clean, dressed well. Not gonna lie, I’d love to borrow that shirt and steal those perfect white sneakers. And he’s polite. But is it a front?

He and Tami settle on the couch. Tami turns on my gaming console, and the two of them start playing a video game while I head over to the kitchen. I take out my ingredients, deciding to make cheeseburger sliders, and put on a little show with the knives. Just in case I need to remind this kid that I’m not one to play with.

We sit down to eat, and I start in.

Wade: So, Enzo, what are your plans after high school?

I expect something silly, like becoming a content creator… wait, I’m a content creator and I’ve made a lot of money. I can’t knock that. He’s probably one of those guys who just plan to float through life. My mouth curls into a smirk as I wait for his answer.

Enzo: Well, I’m the team captain of the football team at Westside. I’m currently being recruited by Foxbury Institute and a few professional teams. I’m still trying to decide whether to go to college or go pro out of high school.

Hmm, that’s actually impressive. I can add talented and athletic to his list of attributes. I can see why Tami likes him. I look over and see that she’s practically squirming in her seat. I don’t like it. I’m going to have to knock this kid down a notch or two.

I look over once again, searching for something to break down his too-cool façade—if it is a façade.

Wade: Are you going to wear your hair like that for prom? You know, I do makeovers downstairs.

It’s a little rude, and I’m not one to judge his hair, especially since it’s basically how I wore mine when I took Perla to prom. But let’s see how he handles it.

Enzo: Don’t worry, Mr. Banks. I’ve got it covered.

The kid is confident. A little too smooth. My daughter’s grin is getting bigger and bigger. I’m going to have to sneak in that woohoo talk tomorrow before she walks out the door with Mr. Slick for prom.

We talk more, and I find out that not only is he an athlete, but also a pretty talented dancer. He has good grades and is well liked by his teachers. There really isn’t much for me to complain about. I get up to clean the dishes, giving him and Tami time to chat amongst themselves. I can learn a lot by overhearing what they say to each other.

By the end of dinner, the only thing I can conclude is that the kid is alright. He listens to Tami when she speaks, makes eye contact, and doesn’t interrupt. Tami chose well for herself.

He finishes his food and politely excuses himself, saying he needs to head home. Tami lingers just a moment longer—just enough time for me to tell her I’m okay with her going to prom with Enzo.

Tambara: Thanks, Daddy!

Wade: We’ll be having a little talk before the two of you leave tomorrow, though.

Either Tami didn’t hear that last part, or she’s too deep in puppy-love land to care. She gets up to leave with a huge grin on her face.

(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)

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