Banks Dynasty – Day 65.4

Before I left the house, I asked Maia to text me when Tami got home from prom. It’s after 2 a.m., and I still haven’t received that text. It’s taking everything in me not to grab my cane and go looking for that boy. My imagination is heading places I don’t want it to, and I’m getting more and more pissed off by the minute.

Just when I’ve almost made up my mind to hit the streets and search for my daughter, the text finally comes. Only, it’s not from Maia. It’s directly from Tami.

Tambara’s Text: I did as I promised, Daddy! Good night!

The message is short, sweet, and exactly what I needed to hear. It sounds like Tami started the night like a princess and ended it the same way. Now I can finally get some rest, feeling incredibly proud of the daughter Maia and I raised.

A few hours later, I’m back in my office working, feeling a little discouraged. I check Cupid’s Corner, like I always do first thing in the morning, and I’m starting to realize it just might not work out for me. The selection of women who are my age continues to disappoint. I also haven’t heard from the Blow Out the Candle show. I know these things take time, but I’m growing impatient to get something started in my love life.

This house gets lonelier by the day, so I make a drastic decision. I pull out my phone and click the link I’ve been avoiding since I signed up for Cupid’s Corner. It’s labeled “Go on Blind Date,” and my finger shakes dramatically when I finally tap it. It’s risky, and I don’t know who might show up. Still, I go through with it, knowing I’ll be meeting a complete stranger in just a few hours.

Once again, my imagination runs wild. There are so many things that could go wrong. She could be unstable, dressed horribly, have terrible traits, or just be plain unattractive. But there’s also a chance she could be incredible… right?

Either way, it’s done. I’m scheduled to meet this woman, whoever she is, for lunch in Oasis Springs.

Right around noon, I arrive in Oasis Springs and spot a brunette woman standing outside the chosen location, a comedy club and restaurant. I don’t know if she’s my date or not. We weren’t given a name or a description. I approach her, and she speaks first.

Martine: Are you here for the date set up by Cupid’s Corner?

Wade: I am. I’m Wade, by the way.

She lets out a sigh of relief, and I do the same. At first impression, she’s not exactly my type, meaning I probably wouldn’t have approached her under normal circumstances. But she’s definitely attractive. She’s wearing a cropped jacket and a pair of short shorts. It’s casual, which fits the situation, like my outfit, and I can see she’s in great shape. Her abs and toned thighs rival mine.

Martine: Good! Whew! You’re actually good-looking. Beautiful eyes, too. I’m Martine.

From her words, I realize she had the same fears I did. I could have been crazy or bottom of the barrel too.

Wade: It’s nice to meet you, Martine. Have you ever done anything like this before?

Martine: Never, and I was so scared of who might show up that I don’t think I’ll ever do it again.

Wade: Me neither. But if this goes well, maybe we won’t have to.

Martine: That’s the goal.

Wade: Ready to go inside?

We enter the building, and I approach the host to get us a table. The place must be an Oasis Springs hot spot because it’s pretty crowded. There’s someone off to the side playing guitar, and Martine immediately walks over and gives them a tip. That tells me she’s a generous Sim. I like that.

We’re led to our table with seats facing the main stage. Martine jumps right in with a few questions.

Martine: So, how long did you stare at that dreaded “Go on blind date” link before finally giving in?

I chuckle to myself, realizing how scary that choice could be for anyone.

Wade: Several days.

Martine: It’s been weeks for me. I went on a few dates with some of my Cupid’s Corner matches before finally realizing that maybe my guy meter is off. I ran into a few frogs… and dogs before I decided to let fate decide.

Wade: You’re my first Cupid’s Corner date. Actually, you’re my first date in years.

Martine: Years? I can’t believe that—not a good-looking guy like you. Don’t tell me you’re a frog too!

I laugh out loud. I like the fairy tale references. Maybe she’s into fantasy stories too. It’ll give us something to talk about if the conversation gets stale. But I suspect that with Martine, there’s no such thing.

Wade: I hope not. But no, I’m recently divorced.

I didn’t intend to start the conversation with that, but at least she knows right off the bat.

I brace myself for her reaction, but she brushes it aside like it’s no big deal.

Martine: Well, we all have a past. I was dangerously close to being married, but I found out a few unsavory things about my ex right at the nick of time. And now I’m glad I didn’t jump off that cliff!

Martine has a lot of energy. It fills the room and surrounds me like a weighted blanket. She’s bold and seems to speak in all exclamation points. Her tone is so lively and upbeat that it’s almost exhausting.

Wade: And you’re ready to try it again?

Martine: I still have a lot of life to live, right? There’s no sense in being by myself forever. There has to be a winner out there somewhere!

Wade: I agree. Life is better with someone to love.

Martine: Exactly my point!

The waiter walks over to take our orders. I had a decent breakfast this morning, so I’m not very hungry. I order an appetizer and a drink, hoping it doesn’t make Martine think I’m a cheapskate. She orders a lobster roll and one of those fancy drinks with an umbrella. She even places her order with extra excitement.

Martine: Why do you seem so familiar to me? I’ve seen those eyes before. They’re the kind I could get lost in.

I’m not sure if Martine meant that flirtatiously or if it was just a matter of fact. Her tone doesn’t quite match the words.

Martine: Don’t tell me! Do you live in San Sequoia?

Wade: I do.

Martine: Have you ever been to the Happy Hog BBQ & Grill?

Wade: I have. It’s one of my favorite restaurants.

Martine: I knew it! I’m a waitress there. I waited on you before.

Now that she mentions it, she does seem vaguely familiar. Maybe she was my waitress the last time I visited, right after I moved out of the house and into the rental.

Wade: Then I hope I left a good tip.

Martine laughs way too much at that.

Martine: I’m sure you did!

Our conversation pauses momentarily when we hear a loud voice speaking into a mic on the main stage.

Marissa: Welcome, welcome! I’m Marissa, and I hope to entertain you with my comedy expertise today. And even if I’m not funny to you, laugh anyway!

A few people chuckle at Marissa’s last line, including Martine.

Marissa hits us with a few more only slightly funny one-liners, but Martine is laughing so hard she’s practically falling out of her seat. This woman would laugh at a duck swimming. I watch her lean back, holding her belly. She’s not unattractive, but she’s definitely not for me. She’s fun to be around. I’d never have a boring day with her, but she’s a bit much. I can’t see myself being in a relationship with her.

She probably laughs during woohoo… or she’d be overly enthusiastic in the most jarring way possible. I can imagine myself being completely turned off while trying to perform in bed.

The waiter arrives with our food. I’m glad, because maybe Martine will settle down a bit so we can get to know each other more. I’d like to know if she has a more serious side.

Wade: So, what are you looking for in a guy?

Martine: Do we have time for the entire list?

Wade: It’s that long?

Martine: I wouldn’t say it’s long, but to sum it up, I guess I’m looking for someone I can have fun with.

Wade: And your idea of fun?

I’m almost afraid to ask.

We each take a few sips of our drinks. Mine is a big one as I gear up for whatever’s coming.

Martine: I want to run off a cliff and see how long I can stay in the air, like in the cartoons.

Wade: What?

Maybe she is a little crazy.

Martine: Not a literal cliff. I’m just saying I want to travel, see things, and enjoy life to the fullest. I don’t want to be held back by anything, and I’m looking for a partner who can match my vibe.

I’m definitely not that partner. I feel like I’m a little too old to be running off cliffs—literal or figurative. But Martine is a lot of fun, and I’m glad I’m sharing part of my day with her.

Martine’s phone suddenly alerts her to a text, and she pulls it out to check.

Martine: Sorry about this. I’m not trying to be rude. It’s my BFF. I told her to text me and check up on me… maybe give me a good excuse to leave in case you were a dud.

Wade: So I take it I’m not a dud.

Martine: Nope, and you’re definitely not hard on the eyes. I’m giving her the all clear.

Martine finishes her text and puts away her phone. I’m glad I’m not a disappointment.

Marissa tells another joke that doesn’t quite land with me, but Martine laughs and rewards her with enthusiastic applause. I’m beginning to wonder if she’s really enjoying the set, or if she’s just a genuinely kind Sim with good energy who likes to make others feel good around her. Everyone could use a little of that in their life.

Lunch is over, and it’s time to end the date. It was an okay time—nothing to write home about, but Martine is pleasant, and I can see us hanging out again, though only as friends. We share a hug, and she reveals more of her kooky side.

Martine: That was fun! And according to my future cube…

Martine pulls out a cube I’ve always thought of as just a child’s toy and gives it a big shake before continuing.

Martine: Our future is smiling upon us… for now.

I hope she doesn’t actually rely on a toy to predict her future. I take it as another part of her sense of humor and leave it at that. We say our goodbyes, and I head out the door.

I’m not sure if I’ll ever see Martine again. Maybe just at the Happy Hog. But it wasn’t the worst date.

I head home, reflecting on my date with Martine. Her energy is a lot. It’s almost hard to believe we’re in the same age group. But I admit, it’s also contagious. I find myself with a little extra pep, so I head down into the Man Cave for a quick workout. Even after having a decent day out, I’m still feeling a bit unsure about my romantic future.

Dating is hard, and more than just a little exhausting. That’s why finding that one person to grow old with feels like finally landing somewhere solid. No more chasing, no more wondering. Just peace. It’s the kind of connection that keeps you from being middle-aged and still trying to find someone to spend time with. I had my person and failed. Was that my only chance? Could there be someone else out there for me?

I complete a few miles on the treadmill, then head upstairs to check my email one final time before bed. There’s a message from the Blow Out the Candle show. I passed the audition. The show is scheduled to be filmed tomorrow morning in Del Sol Valley. That doesn’t leave me much time to prepare, but it’s an opportunity I don’t want to pass up.

Looks like I’ll be heading to DSV tomorrow. I send a reply confirming that I’ll be there.

(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)

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