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“Oh, right. You did mention that.” I knelt down beside her. “I can take over if you want.”
“Really? You’re an angel.” She gave my shoulder a squeeze and pushed the bucket of raw fix parts my way.
“Gee thanks,” I called after her, dipping my hand in the bucket and tossing a few fish into the water. Flipper, Dipper, and Ripper, three beautiful dolphins, broke the surface and gobbled up the fish. They seemed to be smiling at me.
“It’s just me and you guys this evening, huh? Well, don’t take it against Stacey. She loves you guys. She just… has her own life to live, too.”
They looked at me as if they could understand me.
“So, how were you guys today? Did you put on a good show?”
They seemed to nod.
“Then you certainly deserve a reward.”
One by one, I took the fish out of the bucket and tossed it to the dolphins, who caught them all and devoured them happily.
“You guys sure have a large appetite,” I said, setting down the empty bucket. “I can’t blame you. Swimming is hard work. Actually, I’m starting to feel hungry, too.”
“Why don’t you go to dinner?” a voice joined in.
I looked around and saw my Dad standing a few feet away. He was almost in his fifties now, but he still looked like he was in his thirties.
He was tall and fit and I didn’t mind saying he was good-looking. In fact, I was sure many women thought so, which was why I often wondered why he never married again. Then again, I knew the answer.
“What do you why don’t I go to dinner?” I asked. “Aren’t you coming home with me?”
“I still have stuff to do,” he said, stepping closer. “Gonna be here awhile. Sorry.”
I shook my head. “I understand. You have a great job. Of course, I’d want you to keep it even if it means spending less time with me.”
He pinched my cheek lightly. “You’re the best daughter in the world, you know.”
I smiled. “I know.”
“And here, I thought you’d start rebelling now that you’re in college.”
“If I was going to rebel, I would have done it already,” I told him. “And I would have chosen to attend a university across the country, not the one closest to you.”
“So it’s not the dolphins you wanted to stay close to but me? Wow.” He placed his hand on his chest and poked out his bottom lip in jest. “That’s a revelation.”
“Stop it, Dad.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t get all mushy.” He dried a fake tear.
“Dad…”
“Seriously, your Mom would be proud of you. I know I am.”
I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Now, you’re making me feel mushy.”
“The best part?” he went on, ignoring me. “You’re not even trying to make me or anyone proud. You’re just chasing after your dreams. That’s why no matter what, I’ll be proud of you and I’ll support you.”
I looked at him. “Thanks, Dad.”
Just then, my stomach started to growl.
“Now, that’s one way to ruin a perfect moment,” he teased.
