I take Udom to the Oak Barrel Restaurant, which, as a new resident, is the only one I know of in Chestnut Ridge. The host seats us at an isolated table, giving us a little privacy.
Udom: This place is really nice. I got dinner.
Tambara: That’s sweet of you, but no need.
Udom: You’ve done your part. I got the rest.
Tambara: If you say so.
I think it’s cute that he wants to pay for dinner. Of course, I’m more than willing to pay, but if it’s some sort of man code for him to pay, then I won’t take that from him.
The hostess brings us a menu. Udom opens it and glances at the pictures.
Udom: Oh, they have Malaysian Satay. My favorite.
His eyes move down the page and land on a particular spot. He leans closer, and I can see the blood slowly drain from his face. I know exactly what he’s looking at before he says anything.
Udom: I almost forgot how much food costs here in Simerica.
It’s true. Back in Tomarang, I bought entire meals for a fraction of the simoleons.
Tambara: It’s definitely different from how it is in Tomarang. Are you sure you got it?
The waiter approaches the table before Udom can answer, but I know he’s adding up the potential costs of this dinner in his head.
Waiter: Hello. I’ll be your server this evening. Can I start you out with any drinks and your order if you’re ready?
Tambara: Sure, I’ll have a Sour Punch, please.
I glance at Udom, who looks like someone who just took a blow to the stomach.
Udom: I’ll just have a fruit punch and a BLT.
Tambara: That’s it? I thought you said the Malaysian Satay is your favorite.
Udom: I’ve had it a million times. There aren’t many places that sell BLTs in Tomarang.
I quickly realize he’s concerned about the cost. I want this dinner to be nice. Whatever budget he’s trying to maintain gets thrown out the window as I turn back to the waiter.
Tambara: No, he’ll have the Malaysian Satay, and I’ll have the grilled chicken.
Waiter: Okay, got it. I’ll bring that out as soon as it’s ready.
Tambara: Thanks.
Udom is looking uneasy as the waiter leaves.
Udom: I was fine with just the BLT.
Tambara: Don’t worry, I’ve got this. You can pay for lunch tomorrow.
Udom: I’m sorry. This is so embarrassing.
Tambara: I invited you here, remember? You’re my guest. I can pay for one dinner. I’m not expecting to be wined and dined.
Udom: Yeah, but I didn’t realize you’re on a whole different level. I bet my salary couldn’t even cover the cost of your nails.
I glance down at them, proud of how great they look.
Tambara: Aww, well. Maybe not. But if I can pay for it myself, why would I need you to?
Udom: It’s my job to provide as a man.
Oh, he’s one of those guys. I chuckle and pull out my phone after receiving a notification. My eyes light up immediately.
Udom: Message from one of your boyfriends?
It’s nothing like that, but I play along.
Tambara: Jealous much?
Udom: Should I be?
I turn my phone toward him so he can see the screen.
Tambara: Maybe, but not for reasons you think. I just made 500 simoleons in my investment account.
Udom: You invested an entire 35,000 simoleons?
Tambara: Yeah, just enough to not hurt if I lose it.
Udom lets out a deep breath and leans back in his chair.
Udom: I’ve never seen that much money in my life.
That’s sad, but I’m done with all the poor talk. It reminds me of my mother talking about her childhood, missing meals and wearing used clothing. Nothing kills the mood faster than poverty. I obviously didn’t invite him here for his money.
The waiter arrives right on time to help me change the subject.
Tambara: Oh, the food is here. This place has yet to disappoint. And it’ll be even better since I’m here with you.
The defeated look leaves Udom’s eyes, and his face suddenly lights up as if he’s never heard a woman say anything like that before.
Udom: I’m glad to be here too.
Now that we got all the “who’ll pay for what” talk out of the way, it’s time to move into what I invited him here for: romance.
Tambara: So, you asked me about boyfriends. What about you? Are you seeing anyone in Tomarang?
Udom: No one as special as you.
Udom takes a bite of his meal as my heart grows double its normal size.
Tambara: Really? You barely know me.
Udom: Yeah, but there’s something special about you. I felt drawn to you from the start. When I left that night, I spent the rest of the evening kicking myself.
Tambara: But why didn’t you just come back?
Udom: I had already made a fool of myself. I couldn’t face you again. I figured it was over and that I’d never see you again. But now, here we are.
I repeat his last line in my head, “Here we are.” That statement comes with a world of possibilities, and I’d like to explore all of them. I take a sip of my drink to steady myself.
We finish up our dinner with some light flirtation, and I keep replaying his words in my head. As promised, I pay the bill and leave a tip.
We move closer once we’re outside.
Udom: So, why did you invite me here?
Okay, straight to the point.
Tambara: I won’t lie, I was really upset when you left like that. But I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you, or what the rest of that night could’ve been.
Udom: But now I’m here. We no longer have to wonder.
I take a step back, which is difficult. My body feels hot and is almost trembling with desire, despite the sudden drop in temperature outside. I’ve almost forgotten that I’m supposed to be in control. His words can’t dictate the rest of the evening.
Tambara: I’ll call a rideshare.
We bundle up against the cold as we wait for our ride. I chuckle at how adorable he looks in the fluffy animal beanie he says he picked up at the airport when he realized how cold it is here in Chestnut Ridge. Once it arrives, we climb in, holding hands and cuddling in the backseat like an actual couple as we make the brief trip back to the ranch.
As I lead him back home, I repeat to myself that I’m in control.
We’re back in my kitchen, and I remind myself that the rest of the evening can go several ways, but only if I want it to. He stares at me expectantly. I know he still wants to see my bedroom, but my house, my rules, my domain. I pull him into a hug and whisper goodnight into his ear.
Tambara: See you in the morning.
He sighs into my cheek and holds me tighter. He doesn’t want the night to end here, and honestly, neither do I.
I hesitate briefly, lingering in his arms. Then, without another word, I pull away, turn, and start toward my bedroom. I know it’s not what he’s expecting, and I surprise myself by pulling it off with a straight face. I don’t look back, because I’m in control, and even though I invited him here with woohoo in mind, I realize I don’t owe him a damn thing.
(Generation 5 Chapter Summaries)
