Chapter 11 #2
“Oh my, yes! Sometimes we understand the next step we need to take, but we hold ourselves back out of fear or self-doubt, and that’s where this little wonder comes in.”
“I’m not sure I follow.” Athena looked down at the cute label featuring a cartoon version of Dot’s beaming face.
“It’s simple, really. When you’re feeling stuck or unsure, just rub a bit of this on your temples or your wrists. As you do, repeat the following, ‘The only things I can control are my own thoughts and actions,’ and watch what happens.”
“Seriously?”
“Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.” Dot winked. “By saying those words, you’re reminding yourself that you have all the power you need. There’s no reason to procrastinate any longer.”
“I’m not sure mantras and salves will solve my problems.”
“Maybe not, but they might just give you the push to solve them yourself. Remember, this is your one wild and precious life. If you want to succeed, take responsibility.”
What? No one had ever criticized Athena’s ability to achieve her goal; achievement was Athena’s middle name (not literally, of course, but close enough), and the woman’s words gave her pause. What did Dot see in her that others did not?
Athena glanced down at the tin and then back at Dot. “I . . . Thank you. I’ll try it.”
“Who knows? You might just surprise yourself with what you can accomplish when you believe.”
With that, Dot patted Athena’s arm once more and melted back into the crowd, leaving Athena alone with her thoughts and a tin of lavender-orange Self-Empowerment Salve.
She opened the tin, the soothing scent of lavender and citrus wafted out, and she dabbed a bit on her wrist. “The only things I can control are my thoughts and actions, not anyone else’s.”
Feeling like a giant dork, she capped the tin and stuck it in her purse.
“Athena?”
She turned to see Luna.
“There’s a call for you. It’s your father. He said it was urgent, so I had him call my satellite cell. He’s on hold.” She held the phone out to Athena.
Athena’s stomach dropped like a broken elevator. She reached for the phone, fingers trembling. “Th-thank you, Luna.”
Moving to the shadows of the chapel for a quieter place to take the call, she steeled herself and unmuted the phone. “Hello, Daddy.”
“Where have you been?” His commanding voice jumped through the airwaves. No “hello,” not “how are you?” Just straight to the interrogation. Classic Benjamin Dempsey.
“I’m sorry. I told you the island was remote—”
“Never mind the excuses; listen, catch the next flight home and bring Calista with you.”
Athena’s free hand clenched into a fist, nails digging into her palm. “But we just got here. We’re here to honor—”
“Your mother is gone, Athena,” Benjamin said, his tone cold enough to frost a cake. “What matters now is the living. Family reputation. Your career.”
Athena’s stomach churned. Of course. It always came back to the Dempsey brand, the family legacy. “I don’t think—”
“Leave the thinking to me. It’s never been your strong suit. Why do you think I still take care of your finances? You have no head for math. You never did. Now, you’ve got to do what’s best for the family. For your future. You’ve always understood that.”
Had she? Or had she just been too afraid to question it?
Athena’s mind raced, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The little girl who craved her father’s approval warred with the woman who came to this island seeking . . . what? Closure? Connection? A chance to rewrite the ending of a story that went so terribly off-script?
“I’ll . . . I’ll talk to Calista,” Athena said, the words ash in her mouth. “But you’ve got to give me time.”
“Tick tock. In case you’ve forgotten, your next tournament is this coming weekend in Scotland. You need to get home and rest up.”
“Dad, I have to go.” Defiance flared in her chest. “I will call you when I’ve made progress with Calista.”
“Athena, listen up—”
“Goodbye, Daddy. Luna needs her phone back.” Before Benjamin could get in another word, Athena ended the call, her heart pounding.
She stood panting as if she had just run a three-mile race, sprinting dead out, the phone heavy in her hand. Had she really just hung up on the great and powerful Benjamin Dempsey, the man who had micromanaged every aspect of her life since she was old enough to hold a putter?
“Athena?” Luna’s voice pulled her from her jumbled thoughts. “Are you okay?”
She nodded, forcing a smile that felt as brittle as spun sugar. “I’m fine. Thank you for bringing me the phone.”
Luna didn’t look convinced, but she took the phone back with a gentle smile. “If you need anything, a listening ear, a cup of tea, or maybe just a quiet place to hide for a while, my door’s always open. Well, not literally, but you know.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your kindness.”
“Anything for Demetra’s daughters.” Luna gave a wave and melted back into the crowd.
Athena took a deep breath, trying to center herself. The festive atmosphere felt at odds with the turmoil churning inside her. She glanced around, feeling exposed, as if everyone could see the truth about her.
She was nothing but her father’s puppet.