Page 117 of Lake
“I forgive you for going behind my back like you did. I forgive you for leaving me way too fucking soon.”
She sniffed and I gave her hand a little squeeze.
“I’m moving on. This town isn’t my home anymore. But don’t worry. I’m taking you with me. I know that you’re not here, you’re in here.” Her hand went to her heart. “And I will keep you alive with me every day. I won’t ever forget you and I hope that I have made you proud.”
With a tiny tug, I pulled her into my side and wrapped my arm around her shoulders.
“I get now that you wanted something different for me. That you felt like you were forced to carry on the business even though it wasn’t something you dreamed about. Thank you, for being the best dad ever and looking after me even though you’re gone. I love you.”
She kissed her fingertips and I released her as she knelt down and touched the top of his headstone.
We walked back in silence. At her car, I paused and made her look at me.
“You sure about this?” I asked one more time because I didn’t want her to feel forced into anything.
“Yes,” she said with a soft smile. “Don’t ask me that again or I will go find a Tampa biker to keep me here.”
“Oh, you think you’re funny.”
“Yep,” she said popping theP.
“Tampa bikers aren’t as cool as we are.”
“You sure about that?” She eyed me playfully.
“Ehhh…” I said taking a page of out her book and giving her a one-shoulder shrug.
“I don’t sound like that!” she screeched. “And I don’t look that stupid either.”
And as we laughed like crazy people at the edge of that cemetery, I knew she’d be alright.
