After leaving the set of Blow Out the Candle, or Find Love, which was filmed early this morning and is scheduled to air tonight, my match and I decide to go out and spend some time getting to know each other better. Since Kalani is from the DSV, she knows exactly where to go, so I let her take the lead. She seems happy to do so.
She brings us to a local lounge called Orchid À Go Go. I’ve heard of it in passing, but I’m not very familiar with it.
Kalani: Have you been here before? It’s a local celebrity hotspot.
Wade: No, you’re definitely showing me something new.
Kalani: Good! Let’s see who’s inside.
We step in, and despite the small crowd gathered at the door, the place is fairly empty. That’s a good thing—it gives us a chance to talk without too much noise.
Kalani and I make our way to the bar and take a seat.
Wade: So, what are we drinking today?
Kalani: It’s still a little early. How about a Virgin Caipirinha?
It’s an unexpected choice, but I respect it. I turn to the bartender, who’s already starting on the first drink.
Wade: We’ll take two.
Once the drinks are placed in front of us, Kalani jumps right into the questions.
Kalani: So, what’s one thing you didn’t share on the show that you think I should know?
I grab my drink and take a long sip, buying myself a moment to think.
Wade: Hmm, let’s see. I have five million subscribers on SimTube.
Kalani: Five million? No wonder the other ladies in the lineup were going crazy. That’s a big deal. How long have you been building the channel?
Wade: Since I was a teenager.
Kalani: I started a channel once, but I didn’t stick with it for long. Maybe you can give me some tips on how to grow?
Wade: Sure. You’re an interior designer, right? A channel showcasing your work would be perfect.
Wade: So, you don’t mind that I have a daughter?
Kalani: How old is she?
Wade: Nineteen, but she ages up tomorrow. I probably should’ve mentioned that on the show. It might have made a difference.
Kalani: Maybe. Would you have blown out my candle if the others hadn’t blown out theirs?
Wade: Like I said, I had my eye on you from the beginning. So no.
Kalani smiles at that.
Kalani: Well, I’m glad I held on.
Wade: Me too.
Just then, my phone buzzes with a text. Normally I’d ignore it, but I take a quick peek and see Tami’s picture.
Wade: That’s my daughter now.
I take a moment to read the message and send a reply before holding up my phone for Kalani.
Wade: See what I have to deal with? She wants to know what I’m getting her for her birthday.
Kalani: And ruin the surprise?
Wade: Like I said on the show—she’s spoiled.
Kalani: I can relate. My daddy loved to spoil me, too. What’s her name?
That’s a relief to hear. I wasn’t planning to ask about her background just yet, but it doesn’t sound like she grew up struggling.
Wade: It’s Tambara.
Kalani: That’s beautiful.
Wade: Thanks. My w—my ex came up with it.
Kalani doesn’t react to my little slip-up, and I quickly continue the conversation so it doesn’t hang in the silence.
Wade: Since we’re on the subject, can I tell you what I have in mind for my daughter’s birthday? I just want to run it by you and see if it sounds like a good idea.
Kalani: Sure, let’s hear it.
Wade: I’ve got a trip planned. She’s been through a lot since the divorce, and now that she doesn’t live with me anymore, I figured it’d be a good way to spend some time together—in Tomarang.
Kalani: That’s sweet. I’m sure she’ll love that. I would have at her age.
Wade: You don’t think she’ll mind hanging out with her dad for four days?
Kalani: Absolutely not.
The music changes, and Kalani and I both start bobbing our heads to the beat.
Kalani: You said you dance, right?
Wade: Yeah, but I didn’t say I was very good.
Kalani: It’s your chance to get better. Time to hit the dance floor.
It’s not a question, and I love the take-charge tone. I have no choice but to follow her out to the floor.
Kalani moves to the beat with ease. I didn’t get a chance to ask, but I’m sure dancing is high on her list of things she enjoys. I watch her sway her hips and try to match her rhythm, feeling myself loosen up a bit.
Wade: You sure you’re not a part-time dancer?
I cringe at myself, realizing how easily the words could’ve been misread—but Kalani doesn’t seem to take it that way.
Kalani: Only around my office at work.
After a few songs, we make our way to the nearest table and sit down. It’s my turn to ask a few questions.
Wade: So, you already know I’m recently divorced. What about you? Have you ever been married, or are you looking to get married?
Kalani: Never married, and I’m not in a rush. But I’m definitely looking for something real—something that could lead there. Would you ever consider marriage again?
I didn’t expect her to pivot back to me so quickly, and it catches me off guard.
Wade: Not anytime soon. But if the right lady comes along… who knows?
Kalani: So how’d you end up on the show?
Wade: I spent some time on Cupid’s Corner and quickly realized dating apps suck.
Kalani: They do. I agree. What made you decide to get back out there?
Wade: Being single again after so long is incredibly lonely. I need companionship—and woohoo!
I want to kick myself as the word slips out, wishing I could take it back the moment it lands. Kalani raises an eyebrow, and the corner of her mouth curves into a smile. The last thing I want to do is give her the wrong impression.
Wade: I’m sorry. I don’t know why I said that. That’s not what I’m looking for from you. I mean—ugh, can you just forget I said it?
I feel bad for cheapening the moment. It’s probably time to pivot, maybe even end the date before I dig myself into a deeper hole.
Wade: I’d better head back home. But I have a little something for you before I go.
She stands as soon as I do. I hand her a small box.
Wade: I didn’t want to come empty-handed. It’s a bottle of Strawberry Nectar. I hope you like it.
Kalani: Thanks, that’s sweet of you!
I’m not sure how she feels about what I said, so I decide to test the waters.
Wade: So—I hope we can do this again soon.
Kalani: You gave me a lot to think about. I’ll add you on Social Bunny so we can keep in touch.
Just as I feared. I said the wrong thing at the wrong time.
It’s probably best to wrap things up, but I’m unsure how to end it. Do I reach out for a hug? I decide against it—her shift in demeanor feels a little closed off. Or maybe I’m reading it all wrong.
Either way, it’s better to leave while I can. We say our goodbyes, and I head out the door.
My thoughts are my enemy the entire ride home. I replay every moment with Kalani, examining, turning, and twisting everything I said—looking at it from the front, back, and sideways. Will I ever hear from her again?
She’s beautiful, funny, and take-charge. I love all of that about her. I just wish I’d kept my mouth shut.
Back home, I head to the bedroom to change and settle in for a movie, trying to quiet the noise in my head. I want to stop focusing on everything that went wrong—but it’s no use. I think I messed up, and it’s back to the drawing board for me.
But then I remember the raised eyebrow and the smile. Maybe I overreacted. There’s a chance I didn’t blow it completely.
Can I hang my hopes on a half smile?
(Generation 4 Chapter Summaries)
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