Page 34 of The Beach Shack Summer
“Is it?” Tyler genuinely couldn’t tell anymore. “Because from where I’m sitting, my daughter acts like I’m just some guy who shows up twice a year with presents.”
“Aren’t you? I mean, from her perspective?” Luke’s voice was gentle but honest. “You’ve been Fun Vacation Dad. Now suddenly you’re trying to be Real Daily Dad. That’s a huge shift.”
“We used to be close. When she was little, she’dcount down days until my visits. Now she barely looks at me.”
“She’s sixteen. Sixteen-year-olds barely look at anyone except through their phones.” Luke leaned forward. “But she’s here, Tyler. She could have fought harder to stay in Sydney, but she’s here.”
“Sixteen-year-olds are basically adults with worse decision-making skills and better metabolism.” Luke stood, moved to stare out at the boats. “Give her time to stop attacking the situation and start working with it.”
“How long?”
“As long as it takes.”
“That’s not helpful.”
“You want helpful? Here’s helpful.” Luke turned back. “Stop panicking every time she looks unhappy. Stop trying to fix sixteen years of absence with grocery runs and room conversions. Stop treating her like she might break.”
“But what if?—”
“And stop with the what-ifs. What if she hates you? She already kind of does, so that’s covered. What if she leaves? She’s sixteen, where’s she gonna go? What if you screw this up? You will, multiple times. Welcome to parenting.”
Tyler stared at him. “When did you become an expert on teenagers?”
“Twenty years of surf lessons. You learn things.” Luke returned to his desk. “Also, I watch you panic and do the opposite. Usually works.”
“Funny.” Tyler checked his phone. Another photo from Meg: Stella holding up two different types of cereal, looking genuinely offended by his healthy options. “She looks happy.”
“She looks like a teenager who’s won the Pop-Tart war. Same thing.” Luke leaned back. “So, you good? Or do we need to break out the emergency rum?”
“I’m... processing.” Tyler set down his phone. “Can I ask you something? About Meg?”
“Sure,” Luke said slowly.
Tyler paused. “Just... be good to her, okay? She’s had enough people let her down.”
“I know.” Luke’s expression was serious. “Trust me, I’m not going anywhere. Not after waiting this long.”
“I know you won’t.” Tyler stood, suddenly exhausted. “I should probably go.”
“That’s the spirit. Embrace the unknown.”
They walked out together, the marina quiet around them. At Tyler’s truck, Luke stopped him.
“Hey. One more thing about Stella.”
“Yeah?”
“She’s got your eyes, but she’s got her own mind. Stop looking for yourself in her and start seeing who she actually is.”
“Which is?”
“Scared. Brave. Funny when she forgets to be defensive. Probably going to organize your spice rack with Meg.” Luke grinned. “And definitely going to complicate your life in ways you can’t imagine.”
“Comforting.”
“You didn’t come here for comfort. You came here for truth.”
Tyler climbed into his truck. “Thanks. For the coffee. And the wisdom. And not letting me spiral.”
