Marvel and I arrive at Daddy’s place in San Sequoia a few minutes before 5. Daddy answers the door, looking very different than the last time I saw him. Like Mom, he’s aged up to an elder, but that’s not what it is. It takes me a minute or two to figure it out while he greets me with a tight hug.
Tambara: What did you do to your hair? And are you wearing concealer?
Wade: I’m just trying something new. That’s all. And no, I’m not wearing concealer.
Daddy has had brown hair and blemishes on his skin all my life. But his obviously dyed hair, eyebrows, and impossibly smooth skin make me want to giggle. I hope it’s not something his girlfriend has put him up to. I like his shirt, though. But I can easily change my mind about it if I find out she bought it.
Tambara: I hope it’s not permanent.
Daddy ignores me and nods to Marvel before stepping back to let us in. I finally get a good look at Daddy’s new girlfriend in person. She’s pretty and much younger than he is. I’ve seen pictures of her on his Social Bunny and in some of his SimTube videos, but they don’t do her justice.
Kalani: Hi, Tami. It’s nice to finally meet you. You are absolutely gorgeous.
Tambara: It’s Tambara, and I know.
I turn to study the picture of the two of them on the wall. I’m so focused on it that I forget we’re here because Daddy insisted on meeting Marvel.
Wade: So, you must be Marvel. I’m glad you took the time to come here and meet me before rushing off to marry my daughter.
I turn to find Marvel completely relaxed near the door.
Marvel: I’m glad to be here. I would have never done that without getting to know you first.
Wade: I’m glad to hear that. Maybe you’ll survive the evening.
Kalani turns to Daddy and shoots him a glance when she hears his tone. I see her mouthing the words, be nice. It’s a small thing, but I appreciate it.
Daddy invites us to sit down and chat for a moment. While everyone else heads toward the couches, I take a good look around, noting the decorative pillows, light rugs, flowers, and other feminine touches. The place looks nice, too nice.
I hurry over and sit next to Daddy.
Tambara: *angry whisper* Does she live here now?
Wade: Yes, we decided to move in together a little while ago.
Tambara: And you didn’t tell me? You didn’t even let me move in with you.
Wade: That was different, and you know it. I already explained that.
Tambara: Why didn’t you tell me?
Wade: Why didn’t you tell me that you were dating?
Tambara: We haven’t been dating that long. If you’ve been keeping up with my Social Bunny page, you would’ve known.
He ignores the second part.
Wade: You’ve been dating long enough to get engaged. I bet your mother knew. Has he moved in yet?
I stammer slightly.
Tambara: H-he moves in tomorrow.
I guess Daddy has made his point.
Wade: See? End of discussion.
Daddy puts a period on the discussion by getting up from his seat and announcing that dinner will be outside. We get up to follow him as he leads us down the back stairs. He and Marvel chat the entire way. I walk just fast enough to avoid talking to Kalani while still giving myself a chance to hear Daddy and Marvel’s conversation.
Marvel: Tami told me about your SimTube channel. I check it out whenever I get the chance.
Wade: And what do you do?
Marvel: I’m a professional gamer. I livestream all of my content.
Wade: I dabbled in that once. Shoot me your channel, and I’ll check you out.
Marvel: Sure.
Marvel and I take seats on Daddy’s patio while he and Kalani prepare drinks and food. I guess Kalani isn’t much of a cook, but even if she is, nobody could compare to Mom. After doing her part with the drinks, she takes the seat next to me. I take a cue from Daddy’s and Marvel’s conversation.
Tambara: What type of work do you do?
Kalani smiles and turns to me.
Kalani: I’m an interior decorator.
I guess that makes sense based on what she’s done to Daddy’s place. But I’m not about to let her off with just that.
Tambara: And where did you live before you took over my dad’s place?
Kalani’s smile falters a little, but she makes the wise choice to simply answer the question.
Kalani: Del Sol Valley, born and raised.
Del Sol Valley? Hmmm. So I’m guessing she’s not broke.
Daddy interrupts my opportunity to pry further by pulling the ribs off the grill.
Wade: Food’s ready.
We gather around the table with Marvel sitting next to Daddy and Kalani and me sitting at opposite ends.
Marvel: This smells amazing.
Wade: Thanks.
Daddy’s ribs don’t just smell good. They’re absolutely delicious. When did he become such a good cook? He had to have learned some tips from Mom.
We spend a few minutes focused on our food before the conversation picks back up.
Kalani: So, Marvel, did I hear correctly that you’re a professional gamer?
Marvel: Yes, although I haven’t been doing it for long. I started out pursuing a career as a stand-up comic out in Del Sol Valley.
Daddy turns to Marvel with interest.
Wade: You must be funny.
Marvel: I can be, but please don’t ask me to tell you a joke.
Daddy chuckles as if he’d considered it.
Marvel: I quickly learned that being funny during a livestream versus being in front of a large crowd are two different things.
Wade: I bet. But maintaining an online presence is tough too. It’s been my biggest challenge over the years. I’m still learning.
Kalani: Don’t be modest, babe. You’ve been doing something right to maintain almost 2 million followers.
Kalani looks back at Marvel.
Kalani: Wade convinced me to start my own SimTube channel, and it’s growing pretty quickly thanks to his influence.
Marvel: I’m sure it’s a big help. I can only dream of having that type of influence.
Wade: Keep doing what you’re doing, and you’ll get there.
While everyone else is talking, I sit back and take in the conversation, stewing over Kalani’s use of the word babe. Daddy’s two million followers isn’t just an accomplishment. It’s practically an ecosystem that pays him well. Is that what Kalani is after? His money and influence?
I decide to find out.
I get the perfect opportunity moments later when Daddy and Marvel slip into their own side conversation. I get up from my seat to be closer to Kalani. This isn’t something I want them to overhear.
Tambara: So, Kalani, woman to woman… are you with my father because he can help you advance your career?
Kalani blinks, and the smile she’s been maintaining the entire time fades away.
Kalani: What? Not at all. You know how we met.
They met on a SimTube dating show, and that’s part of the problem.
Tambara: I do. And I know the type of woman who would go on a dating show like that. It’s more about increasing their online presence than it is about finding true love. Dating my father is like a one-way ticket to becoming a successful influencer.
Kalani: I never thought about having a SimTube channel until your father convinced me to do it. And that may be true about some of the people who go on the show, but not me. My career was well established before I met your father.
She says it like it’s true. I wait for her to continue.
Kalani: But honestly, Tami, I can understand your concern. The age difference, his success and popularity, the way we met. If it were my father, I’d probably be asking the same thing.
Now I’m thrown off. I scramble for a response.
Kalani gets up from the table and begins collecting the dirty dishes before I get a chance to say anything else. Her confidence is back, and her smile returns, although it’s slightly stiff.
Kalani: Can you help me bring the leftovers inside?
I’m a little ticked off that she sailed through my probing like an expert. But helping her with the food is the perfect chance to get some alone time with her without Daddy or Marvel listening in.
I quickly grab the leftover ribs and follow her up the stairs into the kitchen. I place the ribs in the refrigerator and turn back to her.
Tambara: You handled that like a pro.
Kalani: Thank you.
Tambara: It wasn’t a compliment, and I’m not convinced that you’re not here for my father’s money. You know that all gets passed down to me, right?
This time, her face doesn’t change.
Kalani: As it should. Tambara, you only know your father as a father and provider. But I know him as a man. I love your father, not because of his success, but because he’s funny, affectionate, and generous with more than just money.
How dare she?
Tambara: Are you saying that you know him better than I do?
Kalani: Not at all. I just know him in a different way. And I’m telling you I’m not here to take him from you. You’ll always be first in his life. And I’d like to be a part of your life as well, not as a replacement for your mother, but maybe as a friend.
Her words don’t sound like just words. She sounds confident and sure of herself. The more I hear her speak, the more I can see why Daddy likes her.
I walk around the counter and take a seat on one of the stools.
Tambara: I saw the look you gave him when he was talking to Marvel earlier. Thanks.
Kalani laughs softly.
Kalani: No problem. I know what it’s like to introduce a father to someone you’re dating.
I can finally feel myself relax.
Tambara: I wish you were here when he insisted on meeting my prom date. He actually pulled out a cane and everything.
Kalani nods and laughs knowingly.
Kalani: He told me all about it. Don’t worry, the cane was stored in his closet, but I hid it before you got here.
I smile in relief and appreciation.
Tambara: Thank you!
Kalani: I wouldn’t worry too much, though. I can tell that he really likes Marvel. You found a good one. You ready to head down and see what those two are up to?
Kalani and I leave through the front door and begin to descend the stairs.
Kalani: You just don’t know how much I was looking forward to finally meeting you, Tambara. I can see why Wade talks about you so much. You are truly his pride and joy.
Tambara: Thank you. You can call me Tami.
We find Daddy and Marvel downstairs in the Man Cave playing a spirited game of foosball. Daddy perks up when he sees us enter the room with smiles on our faces.
Wade: Right on time to witness this butt-kicking.
Marvel: Don’t worry, I won’t beat you too bad.
Wade: I was talking about you.
Kalani and I giggle at the trash-talking. Daddy and Marvel already sound like old friends.
Kalani: As with everything, this game could use a feminine touch. Right, Tami?
I nod in agreement as we take our places beside them at the foosball table.
As the evening winds down, Kalani approaches me with a big box.
Kalani: Before I forget, this is for you and Marvel, a gift to help you celebrate your engagement.
I happily take the box and put it away to open when we get home.
Tambara: Thank you!
Meanwhile…
Wade: Thanks for coming at the last minute. I know it’s old-fashioned to ask for a father’s blessing, but I want you to know that you have mine. I just have two things to ask of you.
Marvel: Thanks. What’s that?
Wade: Promise to take care of my daughter’s heart. She can be tough and honestly hard to deal with. But I want you to love her for who she is as much as I do.
Marvel: I promise to do that and more.
Note: Kalani was created by ladybugsimblr (on Tumblr)
(Generation 5 Chapter Summaries)
