Page 25 of Book and Ladder
“Dad, how about you keep your eyes on the prize while you’re here. You don’t need to rehab Waterford.”
This town doesn’t need rehabilitation. It’s perfectly imperfect as it is.
“Right,” he agrees. “Eye on the prize. So, what do you say? Are you in this time?”
I’m guessing Dad thinks I’m actually off duty and available on my days off. He doesn’t realize I moonlight as a well-loved podcaster. In his mind, the only books worth reading are ones that hone your professional skills and personal habits. Novels are fluff.A man lives in the real world, not one dreamed up in another person’s imagination, he said. That was his response when I brought up my plans to attend Vanderbilt for a degree in English.
“I don’t have a lot of spare time,” I tell him.
“You’re off every other day.”
“True, but I still have responsibilities.”
“What about your responsibility to our family? To your future? To the legacy I’m building. You want to be a public servant. What better way is there than helping to provide the people of Waterford with more resources? This town is stuck in the 1950s. Nothing ever changes here. Do you know how many small towns are dying across America?”
“I don’t.”
“Many smaller communities struggle with population loss and economic challenges. Bringing in larger businesses helps create jobs and fuels the economy. Townspeople keep their tax dollars local rather than spending their money elsewhere—in bigger cities like Nashville.”
I consider his words.
“I’ll come to the town meeting,” I concede.
“Attaboy. I knew you’d come around.”
It shouldn’t matter. I’m in my late twenties—I don’t need my father’s pride or approval.
But that one word,attaboy, hits deep. I even crack a smile.
“I’m glad we met for coffee,” Dad says with a mirroring smile. “Not so glad for the coffee, but glad for time with you.”
So this is what it feels like to bask in his rare praise.
“Oh!” He says, standing to leave. “Your mother wants to see you at the house.”
“Today?”
“Now, if you’ve got a minute.”
“You know it’s my day off, right?”
“Yes, son. I’m aware.”
“I might have plans.”
“I’m guessing they can wait. Your mom has something important to discuss with you.”
I sigh. There’s a price for admission into Dad’s good graces. I get the feeling I’m about to pay it.
Chapter 8
Daisy
If we'd never met, I think
I would have known my life wasn't complete.
And I would have wandered the world
