AllFreeNovel
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I show her around, loving the way she oohs and ahhs over every little thing.
Inside the stateroom, she snatches a picture frame off the dresser. “Oh, my God. Is this you?”
Peering down at the picture, I smile. “In all my toothy glory.”
“You were adorable. Are these your parents?”
I nod. “I was eight or nine when this was taken. They took me fishing for the first time, and I caught this giant fish. But when I reeled it in, I didn’t realize it was still alive. I freaked out when it flapped around, and I let go of the pole.”
Charly’s hand clamps over her mouth as she stifles a laugh. “What happened?”
“I lost the fish and the pole.”
She tosses her head back and lets out her laugh. “You poor thing.”
“My dad didn’t get mad though. I don’t think I ever saw him get mad about anything.” My voice lowers. “He was so calm and collected.”
Charly’s hand clasps mine. “You look a lot like him.”
“I wish you could’ve met him.” I trace her jaw with my fingertips. “And my mom would’ve loved you.”
“What was she like?”
“She was always happy. Always smiling. Always had music playing, and she’d hum her own tune if the music wasn’t on.” A faint smile pulls on the corner of my mouth. “They were true soulmates. They were good people on their own, but together, they were a force. They loved each other so much. I’m actually glad they died together. I wouldn’t have been able to bear to see one without the other.”
Charly tilts her head and rests it against my shoulder. “I’m sorry you lost them.”
“Me too.” I set the frame back on top of the dresser. “Do you remember what your parents were like together, before your dad left?”
“Not really. I remember clips of them, laughing during a movie, or opening presents on Christmas morning. Looking back, I wonder how much of that time was tainted by my father’s addiction, or if my mom’s smiles were genuine.” She shrugs. “I can’t remember much of him, and I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”
“You remember the important things, and that’s what matters. Think of it like this: He was there while he was able to be, during all your big first moments, and he left before he could hurt you with his addiction. Your life could’ve been a lot different had he stayed.”
She blinks up at me. “That’s a really good point. I never looked at it that way before.”
I press my lips to her forehead. “You feel like he didn’t love you enough to stay, but maybe he loved you too much to stay. Maybe him leaving was the best way he knew how to protect you, and spare you from his problems.”
She buries her face in my chest. “I just wish I knew where he was right now, if he’s okay—if he’s even alive. I lost my mother, but maybe there’s a chance I could get my father back.”
My palm slides up to the back of her neck, my thumb stroking her soft skin. “You can try to find him, you know.”
She nods, sniffling against my shirt. “Maybe one day.”
We hold each other in the quiet of the room, the slight rock of the boat making us sway, until Charly pulls back, and wipes the moisture under her eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin our night by crying like this.”
“Don’t ever be sorry for sharing your emotions. Not with me, and not with anyone.” I clasp her hand. “Come on, let’s go eat. I have a surprise for you in the galley that’ll cheer you up.”
Her eyebrows lift. “You cooked?”
“I didn’t cook this meal. I ordered it.” I tug her hand, and lead her down to the kitchen.
Charly gasps when she spots the white box sitting on top of the counter. “Pizza?”
“Not just any pizza.” I tap the red block letters on the lid. “I found this place in town that has their water shipped in from Brooklyn, so it’s technically New York pizza.”
“I have been dying for a slice of real pizza.” She squeals, and tears open the box, inhaling the cheesy scent.
I chuckle. “New Yorkers are such pizza snobs.”
