Page 69 of Secrets at Seaside
“Perhaps we should discuss our options.”
An hour later Amy was back in her car. She drove to the end of the Wellfleet Pier and parked by the boathouse. With her cell phone in hand, she walked down to the docks, where her father used to take her to watch the fishermen take their boats out in the mornings. She sat with her back against one of the wooden pilings and called her father.
“Princess.”
She heard the smile in his voice and her determination faltered. “Hi, Dad.”
“How are you, sweetie? Are you ready to discuss the business plan for next year? I’ve been thinking—”
“Dad!” She cut him off before she lost her courage.
“What’s wrong, honey? Do you need a few minutes to get your files in order before we go over them?”
“No, Dad. I need to get my life in order. By myself.”
“I…I’m sorry, princess. I’m not sure I understand.” His voice grew serious.
“I know you don’t, and neither did I until recently. Dad, I appreciate all of the guidance and support you’ve given me.”
“I know you do. That’s what your old man is for. To make sure you don’t go down the wrong path.”
Amy closed her eyes and breathed deeply. She drew her shoulders back and stared out over the boats. “Dad, remember when you used to take me to the marina?”
“Sure. Those were good times.”
“Yeah, they were.” She smiled with the warm memories; then her smile faded as she finished her thought. “Remember when you told me that story about you and Uncle Sal when you went on that fishing trip? The one about Grandpa not letting Uncle Sal reel in the fish because he thought he’d lose it, and how you felt bad for Uncle Sal because you knew he could do it himself?”
Her father laughed. “I can’t believeyouremembered that.”
Amy wasn’t laughing. She was holding her breath because what she had to say next was second only to talking about the past with Tony when it came to things that were hard to do. She swallowed her fear and blurted it out.
“I need to reel in my own fish, Dad. You taught me well, and I can manage my business and create my marketing plans on my own.” She closed her eyes tightly, hoping he wouldn’t get mad.
“Why, I know you can, princess. Why are you telling me this?”
How could he not understand? Did she really need to spell it out for him? His silence told her she did. She pushed to her feet and paced the dock. “I’m telling you because, you know, Dad, you kind of hover over everything I do. You asked about every test I ever took, talked to me about studying on a weekly basis, and when I started my business, you were there with me when I met with my attorney. I appreciate it all, but now it’s time to cut the line. I can swim on my own, and if I sink, I sink. But I need to do it on my own, Dad.”
“But you are doing it on your own, Amy. You built your business, not me. You do the work, not me. I’m only here to guide you.”
Amy let out a frustrated sigh. “I’m glad you recognize that I am doing the work, but I really don’t need your guidance with my business plan, Dad. Or with my contracts. I can do this.”
She listened to his breathing, wishing he’d say something.
Anything.
“Dad?”
“I’m here. I’m sorry.”
Guilt threatened to strangle her. “Dad…”
“No. You’re right, Amy. One reason your mother left was because I was too overbearing.In her face, she used to say.” His voice was full of regret.
“Dad, you’re not in my face. I know you mean well, but—”
“But I put too much pressure on you, and I don’t let you make your own decisions. I know this, Amy, and it’s not because I don’t trust your decisions or your abilities. You’re brilliant and capable, like your mother.”
“Then why do you do it?” This was news to her. Her mother had never told her that she felt her father was overbearing. Then again, Amy had always been careful not to complain to her mother about her father’s being so overprotective. She’d always skated a fine line between the two of them. Now she wished she hadn’t waited so long to talk to him.
