Page 19 of Last Date
“Sorry, Mother, I didn’t mean to upset you or imply anything.” Merrick’s voice was pleasant, and he kept his gaze firmly on his scorecards.
June studied her son. “The reason your father still works hard is because he’s trying to keep his contacts at the city so that he can continue to help you with your career.”
Merrick’s fingers tensed on the cards he held. “He should relax and enjoy his retirement. My career is my problem.”
“He likes helping. You know that.” June sounded exasperated.
I didn’t know the intricacies of Merrick’s family life, but he’d hinted several times that his family had a lot of expectations of him. June was warm, but Merrick’s father Reginald had a cool, intimidating presence. Sometimes I wondered if Merrick was living out his dreams or the dreams his father had for him.
One of the women on the stage, I wasn’t sure if it was Mrs. McGillivray or Mrs. Stanley, announced that bingo would begin in a moment. Thankfully, the conversation about Merrick’s father ended. But there was now an underlying tension in Merrick that hadn’t been there when he’d first arrived. He couldn’t seem to sit still, and his leg bounced agitatedly beneath the table.
While I’d known Merrick a long time, I hadn’t really been curious about his upbringing or his relationship with his dad. For whatever reason, I was now. Thomas would be a great source of information, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to open that can of worms. I didn’t want anyone to misunderstand my natural curiosity or think it was more than it was.
Thankfully, as the evening progressed, Merrick relaxed and began to joke around. Even I started to have fun and found myself laughing at Merrick’s sardonic wit more than I usually would. Perhaps I could appreciate his humor because it wasn’t directed at me for once.
The game paused for refreshments at one point, and the four of us wandered over to the tables that had cookies and punch. Merrick handed me a paper cup of sweet red punch, and I helped myself to one of the big chocolate chip cookies. June and my mom mingled with a group of women they knew from church, but Merrick and I drifted away from the main group. We stood near the open door, and I watched moths bounce off the yellow bug light over the entrance.
I was surprised Merrick was keeping me company. “I’d have thought you’d be schmoozing the crowd more than you’re doing,” I said, nibbling on the edges of my cookie.
“Meh, I’m not in the mood. I’m tired tonight.”
I studied him, noticing there were indeed lines beneath his eyes. “Everything okay at work?”
“Oh, yeah. My plan to take over the world is on track.” He smirked.
“Is that your plan? To rule the world?”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Pearl Cove, at the very least.”
“Not content with just being police chief?”
He shrugged. “I’m figuring in about two years I’ll run for mayor. Gotta make the old man proud, right?”
“I wouldn’t know. My old man died, remember?”
He winced. “Sorry. That was insensitive of me.”
“It’s fine. At least no one expects anything of me.” I laughed gruffly.
He frowned. “You’ve done well. No need to play that down.”
“I’m not purposely playing it down. I just know my idea of success isn’t everyone’s.”
“What’syouridea of success?”
“Promise you won’t mock me?”
“I promise.”
“Well, to me it’s being content with what you have. To me, that’s true success.” I sipped my punch and added, “A lot of people think that’s a cop-out.”
“You’re only too right.” He pinched the skin between his eyes, letting out a tired breath.
“What’s success to you?” I asked.
“I don’t know.”
“Sure you do.”
