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Crossing his arms over his chest, he studied their gloomy faces and decided not to give an inch. He’d been more than generous over the years. It was time for tough love. If they wanted to succeed in life, they would have to rely on themselves and start right away.
“At your age, Matt, I was married with two kids. I worked my ass off and lived in a three-bedroom house that I’d bought. Your mother worked weekends and nightshifts to help make ends meet without neglecting you children. You and Cybil can do the same.”
“I plan to work, Dad,” Matt interjected. “In fact, tomorrow, I’ll go talk to Dr. Randall to start. It’s just that… Huh… We thought we could come back and live here. We never expected... It’s short notice... Where will we find a place to stay?”
“I’ll call my real estate agent. You can discuss your options with him.” Steve turned to Royce. “You too, Royce. Talk to Carl about renting a studio. I’ll pay for it as part of your college expenses.”
“Dad, you’ve never been so…so hard on us,” Royce protested.
“Right, and see where it’s led? A son who dropped out of college and ran around the world, doing nothing, and the other hopping from job to job at the whims of his wife.”
Collective gasps burst from those in the room, but he was too incensed to care.
“Were my sons ever grateful? No. They didn’t have time to visit, not even at Christmas.”
“So this is your revenge, Dr. Winston?” Cybil spat.
“Enough is enough. Call it what you want to, Cybil, and deal with your own problems. I’ve offered all the help I’m going to.”
Stephanie rubbed his arm. “Dad, we love you. You were our rock. I’m sorry. You’re correct, and we’ve been selfish. You have the right to handle your life the way you want to.” She paused, obviously searching for the right words to say. “Just be careful, will you? You’ve put a lot of responsibilities onto your shoulders instead of retiring as I’d expected. I know you can accomplish your new goals, but remember to take it easy.”
Her honest concern touched him. “Thank you for your vote of confidence.”
Anxiety simmered in her eyes.
Steve frowned. What else was she getting at?
“I’m worried about you, Daddy. Once the novelty of the Caribbean experience wears off, you may be lonely and depressed again. What if all you needed was companionship instead of completely overhauling your life?”
Understanding dawned. “You’re absolutely right. Loneliness is truly depressing.” The image of his lovely nurse popped into his mind, and he smiled. “I’d reached the same conclusion on my own.”
“You did… You mean…”
Time to spell it out for them. “I have a lovely companion who’s agreed to join me on St. John and share my life on the boat.”
“A girlfriend?” Stephanie’s radiant smile reassured him.
“She did?” Royce blurted.
“You, Dad, have a girlfriend?” The serious Matt arched his eyebrows in disbelief.
“A girlfriend? No wonder you’re ignoring your own children,” Cybil grumbled.
“Can we meet her?” Stephanie asked, all excited.
“I’ll invite her here for dinner tomorrow night, or better yet, I’ll take you all out.” He didn’t want his kids to meet his loving companion in the house where she’d worked as their babysitter and later on as house and pet sitter.
Matt scratched his chin. “She doesn’t mind living on a boat?”
Last night scenes played in his mind. He grinned, visualizing Lillian’s beaming smile. “She’s ready to live wherever I live.” And sleep on a boat, in his house, her bedroom, or on the carpet.
“Darn, look at his face,” Royce scoffed. “The dazed expression of a teenager in love.”
Matt clapped him on the shoulder. “Lucky bast… Sorry Dad.”
“I think I know who she is.” Royce’s eyes narrowed.
“You do, Royce?” Stephanie spun him toward her.
