Page 22 of Only You
“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.”
