Banks Dynasty – Day 1.5 (Part 2)

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Daddy is standing outside his business when I arrive. We hug. It’s always nice to see him. He’s grinning from ear to ear as he steps back to get a good look at me. I twist from side to side so he can see my dress from multiple angles.

Wade: I can’t believe you’re officially a grown woman. You look good—pretty dress. How’s your birthday so far?

Hmm, let’s see. I almost died in a cave, then found out my horse abandoned me. I got lost for a few hours and practically starved to death. Not exactly the best day, but I keep it to myself. I don’t want to spend all day explaining. I want my gift.

Tambara: It was good. But I hope you’re about to make it better.

Wade: We’ll see. Let’s go inside.

Rather than climbing the stairs to his apartment, Daddy leads us into the Man Cave. I prefer that anyway. The furniture and decor are better here.

I sit on the sofa, and Daddy walks over to join me.

Once Daddy’s seated, he dives in like he’s one of my girlfriends.

Wade: So, what’s been going on—how was prom? A little bird told me you gave Mr. InZoi the business.

Tambara: It’s Enzo, Daddy. I don’t know how you found out, but yeah—I had to let him know. Can you believe he thought we were gonna do it in a photo booth? Like I’d be impressed by his ‘future net worth.’ So I told him what I’m worth right now.

Daddy’s eyes light up, grinning like the Cheshire cat. I hope that same joy shows up in my gift.

Wade: That’s my girl.

Tambara: But enough about that. Did you buy me a ranch?

Daddy’s mouth opens and closes, then he gets up and grabs a medium-sized box.

Wade: Not unless it can fit in here.

I stare at the box, heart thumping.

Tambara: Yeah, but the keys can.

Wade: No ranch. You want a ranch, you can buy it yourself. This is something different.

I lift the lid and see a stack of paper. Brochures. Plane tickets.

Tambara: You bought me a trip?!

My mind races—who’s coming with me? Kisha? Maybe Enzo, if he behaves. I’m already picturing myself grown and sexy in a hotel suite.

But Daddy pops that fantasy like a balloon.

Wade: Yeah, just you and me—four days in Tomarang.

Me and him? Not me and Enzo. Not me and Kisha.

Tambara: Oh.

His face dims, like I just turned off the lights.

Wade: Unless you’d rather go with someone else… I just thought it’d be nice to spend time together. You know—since we’ve had to live apart for so long.

Oh, so it’s a guilt trip. Not a sexy one.

My vision of silk lingerie and mood lighting fades fast.

It’s not what I had in mind, but it’s something. I miss waking up with Daddy in the house. When he first moved, I really thought I’d be living with him. But he said staying with Mom was better.

He wasn’t wrong.

Sexy trips can wait.

Tambara: There’s no one I’d rather travel with.

Daddy smiles, eyes lighting up like he just got the response he hoped for.

Wade: Good. It should be a lot of fun. We leave tomorrow morning.

Tambara: Cool. Uh, can I use your bathroom? It’s been a long day, and I had a few drinks earlier.

Wade: Of course. This is your home too. But use the one in the apartment. I just closed up down here, and I can’t vouch for the state of that one.

Tambara: Okay, thanks.

I turn and head out.

A trip with my dad. Aren’t trips supposed to be about letting your hair down and doing things you’d never do at home? How am I supposed to do that with Daddy hovering the whole time?

I’d love for my first woohoo to be on foreign soil, but that’s not happening if he’s tagging along. He knows I’m grown, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be watching me like a hawk every chance he gets.

Oh well. At least I’ll get to see something new. Maybe this trip can be about soaking up the culture instead. I’ll save the sexy solo trips for later—no moms or dads allowed.

I step into Daddy’s apartment, still low-key annoyed at how small it is – like he never really planned for me to stay here. But whatever. The house I live in with Mom is bigger, and better.

Still, I keep thinking about selling it and finding my dream ranch.

But that’s a decision for another day.

After using the bathroom, Daddy and I say our goodbyes until tomorrow, and I head home.

Back at the house, I find Mom in the garage doing laundry. Seeing her there makes me feel a little bad about lying to her about my plans today. I know she would’ve loved to spend my birthday with me.

Tambara: Hey Mommy!

Ma turns and walks over.

Maia: Hey Tadpole! How was your birthday?

It’s about time she stops using that nickname, but I’m already feeling bad, so I let it slide.

Tambara: It was what it was. We hung out, ate, and drank. Nothing too special.

Ma pulls out a box that’s identical to the one Dad gave me, which makes me think they actually talked and coordinated the gift.

Maia: This is for you!

I open the box and see an expensive bag inside.

Maia: There’s a set of luggage that goes with it too. It’s up in your room. Your dad obviously told me about the trip.

Tambara: Thanks, Mom. It’s beautiful.

And it is. Mom is finally learning that when you have money—which I’m sure she’s getting plenty of from Daddy’s alimony—you don’t always have to be frugal. I’m proud of her.

Maia: Listen, Tami. I know you weren’t with your friends today.

Damn, is this woman psychic? She always knows everything. I tense up.

Tambara: How did you—

Maia: Mr. Xavier called because he was worried. He said you were missing. You could have told me the truth. I would have understood. You can spend your birthday however you want.

Tambara: I know. I just didn’t feel like explaining anything.

Maia: That’s fair. But next time, tell someone where you’re going. If you were truly missing, we wouldn’t even know where to look.

Tambara: Okay. Sorry, Mom.

I can see why my dad and mom split up. My mom is like the epitome of a good person. She’s so perfect sometimes that it’s exhausting. I can only take being around her in small doses. There’s no way I’d ever take a trip with her.

I’m grateful that this trip will be with Daddy instead. At least he knows how to let a few things slide.

I find my cat Majesty at the top of the stairs and suddenly remember when things took a turn for the worse. It was right after Luna died. I was in my room, still grieving, when I heard my parents shouting—loud, sharp voices cutting through the walls.

Then Daddy walked in holding a kitten.

Why does it seem like every big thing he ever gave me turned into an argument between them?

I rub Majesty between the ears.

Tambara: Maybe I can sneak you in my bag and take you with me on the trip. Would you like to come to Tomarang?

I leave Maj to her toys and finally make my way to my bedroom, knowing I should start packing for my trip. But that’s a job for another time. I’ve got something else in mind for tonight.

I change into something that gets me in the right mood, then check myself out in the mirror. Finally, I sit at my desk and log into the chat on my computer.

PrtyEyz: *typing* knew you’d be lurking

Enz23: been waiting. what you wearing tonight?

PrtyEyz: nosy 😒still mad at you btw

Enz23: so why you here then 👀

Yeah, I’m chatting with my prom date, Enzo. He pissed me off during prom, but I never said I was completely done with him. He still might be useful—in ways that don’t involve photo booths.

PrtyEyz: idk. just know I can do better 💅🏾