Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
A lex
When I saw that beautiful woman standing in front of the empty shop that was once a florist, I couldn’t help myself. Perhaps it was how her black maxi dress hugged her five-foot-eight petite stature or how her long, wavy brown hair flowed down her back. But what got me the most was when she turned around, and her blue eyes met mine, captivating me in a way I hadn’t been in a long time.
I heard the sliding door open. Lucy threw her towel on the lounger beside me and jumped into the pool. Staring at her reminded me of the times Athena and I played in the pool together. I missed her and haven’t stopped since that day. Being back in Harbor Falls stirred up everything I buried years ago.
“Dad?”
Lucy’s voice jolted me out of my thoughts.
“Yeah, Lucy?”
“I’m hungry.”
A small smile crossed my lips. “How about I grill us a couple of steaks?”
“Okay.”
I went inside the house, pulled the steaks from the refrigerator, and seasoned them. When I stepped onto the patio to start the grill, I saw Lucy down at the shoreline, walking into the water.
“Lucy!” I shouted as I set the plate down and ran down the steps to the beach.
She turned and looked at me. When I reached her, I scooped her up and set her on the sand away from the water. Kneeling in front of her, I gripped her shoulders.
“You are to stay away from the water!” I spoke sternly. “Do you understand me!” I shook her shoulders.
Tears filled her eyes as she slowly nodded her head. I’d frightened her and could see the fear all over her face. Pulling her into an embrace, I held her tight. She pushed me away and ran up to the house and through the sliding door. I stood there, sighing, running my hand through my hair.
Stepping inside the house, I went up to her room. Opening the door, I saw her curled up on her bed, crying.
“Lucy, I’m?—”
“Go away. I don’t want to talk to you.”
“You are never to go near that water without an adult,” I said.
“I wasn’t going in all the way. All I wanted was to feel how warm the water was,” she cried.
“It doesn’t—” I raised my voice and stopped. Walking over to her bed, I sat on the edge and softly rubbed her back. “I’m sorry.”
“Why do you hate me so much? You’re my father, and fathers aren’t supposed to hate their children.”
Her words sliced through me like a knife.
“Lucy, I don’t hate you. Don’t ever say that again.”
“Yes, you do! I know you don’t want me living with you. You’ve made that clear since Mom died.”
“No, I haven’t. Why are you saying all of this?”
“Because it’s the truth!” she shouted. “You never wanted me. Do you know how that feels knowing your parent hates that you exist?”
I gasped as my heart raced. Her words, her feelings. I knew them all too well. The pain was still real inside, and now my daughter felt it, too.
“Lucy, I’m sorry. You’re my daughter, and I love you.” I grabbed her and pulled her into me. I broke our embrace. “Look at me.” I held her face in my hands. “My sister drowned in the ocean when she was thirteen. When I saw you walking into the water, I freaked out. I’m sorry. This place holds a lot of bad memories for me.”
“How did she drown?” she asked.
“I don’t know. I turned around, and she was gone. She vanished. I love you, and you need to believe that. I’m so sorry if I made you feel like I didn’t.” I hugged her. “I don’t know what I’d do if anything ever happened to you.”
“I’m sorry, Dad.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for, Lucy. Just do me a favor, and don’t go near the ocean without an adult.”
“I won’t. You really need to work on your fathering skills,” she said.
“I do, don’t I?” I breathed out a laugh.
“Yeah.”
“Okay. Let’s start by getting those steaks on the grill. Can you make the salad?” I smiled.
“I can make the salad.” She grinned.
After we ate, Lucy went to take a bath, and I poured myself a scotch. Walking up to her room, I lightly tapped on the door.
“Come in.”
“You better get some sleep. Your grandmother’s funeral is tomorrow.”
“I know. I suppose we’re going back to Chicago after the funeral?”
“I figured we’d stay a little while longer. Why get back when you’re still suspended from school?”
A smile crossed her lips. “I’d like to stay a while longer.”
“Get some sleep.” I walked over and kissed her forehead. “I love you.”
As I walked to the door, her words stopped me in my tracks.
“I love you too, Dad.”
With a slight turn of my head, I smiled at her, walked out of the room, and pulled the door shut behind me. My phone rang as I walked down the stairs. Pulling it from my pocket, I saw Owen was calling.
“I was just about to call you,” I said, answering the phone.
“Hello, my friend. How are you?”
“Doing the best I can.” I stepped onto the patio. “Everything good over there?”
“Yes. Everything is good. How’s Lucy?”
“She’s doing good, Owen. She’s a totally different kid here.”
“I’m not surprised. You know she hates Chicago.”
“I know.”
“When are you coming back?”
“I don’t know yet. I told Lucy we’d stay a while longer after the funeral. She likes Harbor Falls so far.”
“And you?” he asked.
“It’s been a little difficult, but seeing old friends has been nice.”
“Try to relax while you’re there. Lord knows you need it.”
“I will, my friend. I’ll talk to you soon. Don’t run my company into the ground while I’m gone.”
“I’ll do my best, Alex.” He chuckled.