I wake up feeling like I’m walking on air. Today is the day that Udom arrives. I check and double‑check his flight information on my phone to confirm his arrival time before heading out to take care of a few things before he gets here.
My destination is the Glitter and Glamour Salon that Mom and I visited on one of my childhood birthdays. It’s located in Del Sol Valley and is the closest place I can find to get everything done that I need to prepare for Udom’s visit.
I enter the building, which could honestly use an update, and approach the receptionist.
Tambara: Hello. I’m here for a mani‑pedi and a new hairstyle, if someone adequate is available.
Receptionist: I’m sure we can find someone suitable for you. Make your way into the salon, just through that door.
She nods toward the door on her left, the same one I remember walking through all those years ago.
The receptionist keeps her promise, and before I know it, I’m soaking my feet to prepare for my pedicure with Mina, who will also take care of my nails and hair. I close my eyes and relax into the warmth of the water. I let my thoughts drift to Udom. Will he still look as good as I remember? Will I still melt into his almond‑shaped eyes and that sensual little smile? Is this when we take things a little farther, to a more intimate level? I can imagine him arriving and taking me into his arms immediately. We skip all the polite greetings and go straight…
Mina pulls my feet out of the water, interrupting my daydream. But in a few hours, I will no longer have to imagine Udom’s arrival. He will actually be here.
I watch closely as Mina works and decide she is indeed suitable, someone I can see myself coming to for future treatments.
My hands and feet are relaxed, well‑massaged, and look just as amazing as what I had done back in Tomarang. Mina is a keeper. After she finishes beautifying my hands and feet, she leads me over to a stylist’s chair to work on my hair.
Mina: You have beautiful hair. What would you like to have done today?
Tambara: Thanks. I’m thinking braids, something low‑maintenance. And don’t add any of that synthetic stuff.
Mina: No problem. You definitely don’t need it. I think I know just what to do.
It takes several hours, but when Mina is done, I stare into the mirror admiring my hair. Mina is a master at everything she does. Udom’s jaw is going to be on the floor when he sees me. I just know it.
Suddenly aware of the time, I pull myself away from the mirror. I need to hurry home if I want to be there for his arrival. I leave the salon, rehearsing everything I’ll say when I see his handsome face again.
The ride from Del Sol Valley to Chestnut Ridge isn’t long, but it feels like hours as I sit in anticipation of seeing Udom. Soon after I finally get home, I receive his DM letting me know his plane has landed, and he’s on his way in an S‑Uber. I know it makes me look anxious and desperate, but I stand outside the gate of the ranch, watching the road for the kicked‑up dust from the car.
Suddenly, a car pulls up, and I’m finding it hard to contain myself. I want to run to him and jump into his arms, but I keep my cool and greet him as casually as I can, as if I’m used to having gorgeous Sims fly across the Sim world to visit.
He’s playing it cool, too, as he grabs his suitcase from the trunk and follows me toward the gate with a simple hello and good to see you again.
I slow my steps and fall behind, allowing him to enter the ranch first because I want to see his reaction. I grin, satisfied, as his head swivels back and forth, taking in my new home.
Udom: This is all you? I’ve never been to a ranch before. This is amazing.
I hope this is just the beginning of many amazing things I’ll get to show him.
As we approach the house, he finally stops and gives me the greeting I’ve been waiting for. He pulls me close, and I take in the scent of a berry‑scented oil or aftershave from his hair and neck. I reluctantly step back from his embrace.
Udom: It’s so good to see you again.
Tambara: You too. I’m glad you came.
As we stand there, Maj walks up, waiting for her introduction. With our eyes never leaving each other, I give it.
Tambara: That’s my cat, Majesty. I call her Maj.
Udom: Hi, Maj.
Udom: You’ve been on my mind a lot. And I feel bad about the way we left things.
Tambara: You’ve been on mine, too. Maybe we can make up for it.
Udom holds out his hands and places them in mine. The warmth of his touch sends me back to Tomarang and the brief moments we shared: the pool, the dance floor, the hot tub, and our kiss.
Udom: I hope so.
It’s only a few words, but they mean a lot to me.
I’m glad he’s sorry, but I don’t want to put myself in that situation again. Back then, he was in complete control of my emotions. I won’t let that happen this time. I squeeze his hands before releasing them. We’re no longer in Tomarang. We’re here at my home, in my domain. I can take control of this situation. But I can’t deny that it will be tough, because I want him so badly.
I turn and start walking toward the front door.
Tambara: Let me show you to your room.
Udom follows me to the guest room, looking a little surprised. It’s not that I’m trying to play games. We both know what he came here for, but I want to be the one to decide when, where, and how.
Udom puts down his suitcase and looks around.
Udom: Cozy.
Tambara: I’m glad you like it. Do you want to see the rest of the place?
He looks around for a moment longer before responding.
Udom: Sure.
I take him toward the kitchen next, but he stops and asks a question that makes my whole body tingle.
Udom: So, where’s your bedroom?
I pause, take a breath, and work hard to regain control. I want to show him my bedroom and never leave it again. He knows that, and I know that, but that’s not part of my immediate plan. I avoid the question.
Tambara: Come and meet my horse.
I guide Udom out to the back porch through the outdoor kitchen.
Udom: It’s so big. You live here alone?
Something about the word alone hits me in a way I don’t expect. Yes, I’m alone here, but I don’t want to be. Udom could change that. I hope he’s willing. But I don’t say any of that.
Tambara: I’m not alone. You already met Maj, and now you can meet Finesse.
Udom: Who’s Finesse?
Tambara: My horse. I’ve posted pictures on my Social Bunny—you’ve seen her.
Udom: Oh, that’s right…the horse.
Something in his tone makes me feel pathetic. Ranches aren’t made for one person. Even though I don’t turn back to look at him, I can still feel the pity on his face.
We continue walking to the barn. Finesse is up, waiting. I hug her as if she’s my best friend in the world, which she basically is. Udom is visibly uncomfortable and stays outside her stall. Maybe he’s intimidated by such a big animal, or maybe it’s the smell. Finesse’s stall is a mess, and the heavy odor hits me immediately. It all needs to be cleaned, but there’s no way I’m doing that now. Today is about Udom and me.
I check on Finesse, but I can tell right away she’s not okay. I haven’t given her any attention, so she’s probably lonely. She deserves more from me, but today my heart is somewhere else.
Embarrassed by the state of her stall, I give us both the mercy of fresh air and lead Udom away.
Tambara: So, are you hungry?
Udom’s eyes narrow, as if he’s trying to decide what I’m really asking.
(Generation 5 Chapter Summaries)
